PIONEER PORTRAITS

Fifteen Years Ago

September 15, 2011

Waitsburg resident Jane Butler, age 90, has deep roots in the Touchet Valley through her husband Bob. Butler has lived in town about 50 years, non-consecutively, and is being honored for her family history with the Pioneer of the Year award from the Waitsburg Historical Society. "I feel honored," Butler said of the award. She learned she was to be the honoree at the upcoming Pioneer Fall Festival on Sept. 18 through a letter from Bettie Chase, a member of the historical society. The historical society in 1986 began giving awards annually to locals whose ancestors helped the region grow, Chase said. In 2001, Chase herself was an award winner because her grandparents settled in the area in 1865.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

September 13, 2001

[Photo Caption] Three thousand miles from New York City and Washington D.C., people in Waitsburg joined the rest of the nation in praying for the dead and injured from the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil in this country's history Tuesday. Some 30 people gathered for an informal prayer service at the First Christian Church of Waitsburg, led by Rev. Michael Ferrians.

Fifty Years Ago

September 9, 1976

Waitsburg has several changes on the business scene, all coming within a short period of time. As previously announced, Harold and Ben Bloor have sold Bloor's Market to Jim and Joan Helm. Jim is no stranger to these parts, having owned the Prescott Grocery before its sale to Guy Mahoney. Jim was born and raised in Brillon, Wisconsin. He graduated from high school and went into the Air Force. His training was in Texas, schooling in Illinois and he served at the SAC base in Great Falls, Montana as an automotive mechanic. After service, Jim worked in the grocery business in the Tri-cities, then went to Prescott where he owned the store there. He moved to Lamont and worked on a family-related farm before buying the Bloor business in Waitsburg. Jim's wife, Joan, teaches remedial reading in the Title I program in Dayton. The couple have two children, Judy 7 and Jackie 6.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

September 14, 1951

The Talbott family enjoyed a clam bake Wednesday evening at the Clifford Leid home with 32 guests attending.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hanson are the parents of a daughter, Jeanette Susan, born Sept. 6.

Mrs. L. A. Dyar, who is a delegate from Chapter BE, P.E.O. at the National Convention in in Philadelphia next month, was honored at a dinner party at the home of Mrs. J. E. Butler.

One Hundred Years Ago

September 17, 1926

By reason of consistent judging, the Waitsburg Smith-Hughes stock judging team took first place at the Walla Walla County Fair. Hays McCoy, Robert Todd and Ned Wise won the 1914 points.

Clarence Eaton is gaining an enviable reputation as breeder of a fine strain of Polard China hogs. He carried off 13 cash prizes and ribbons at the Walla Walla Fair.

Miss Mildred Woods, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Woods, who completed her high school course this spring, has entered the Behnke-Walker Business College in Portland.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

September 20, 1901

This city was greatly shocked Saturday morning upon learning of the death of President McKinley, and she immediately put on an appearance of mourning for the loss was felt by every man, woman, and child.

Mr. Clyde Mason and Miss Sadie Moore were married at Dayton on Wednesday morning of this week.

J. H. James, the nurseryman, wants to purchase several hundred pounds of peach pits. Ladies, when you are canning peaches, save the seeds. Mr. James will pay you a good price for them. Instead of throwing them away, make a little "pit money".