Good old days - June 3, 2010

125 years ago, June 5, 1885

Only one Union soldier sleeps the sleep of the just ‘neath the sod of Colfax cemetery, but to him Nathaniel Lyon post No. 19, G.A.R., paid the deserved tribute of honor by decorating his grave with the choicest buds of spring on Saturday last.

On Monday last, an Indian named Sam stole a mare and colt from Gaston Wiley near Palouse City. A posse was immediately organized and pursuit instituted resulting in his capture a few hours later.

Citizens subscribed over fifty dollars toward buying new instruments for the band. The boys appreciate their liberality.

If the gentleman who was elected treasurer of the Colfax local branch organization of the Farmers’ Association will kindly report to this office, he will confer a favor. No one seems to know who was elected, hence this notice.

Only one member of the world renowned Colfax fire department showed up at the regular monthly meeting of that organization held Monday. Why is this thusly?

“Horse stealing” heads about every third item in the press of this region. Judge “Lynch” is becoming restive under this state of affairs.

100 years ago, June 3, 1910

One of the largest crowds in the history of Colfax united in observance of Decoration Day last Monday. All morning teams streamed up the road toward the cemetery and it is estimated that more than 500 people were congregated there when the G.A.R. and Sons of Veterans marched through the gates and took charge of the ceremonies.

The Ridgeway was packed to its utmost capacity last Friday evening, as Colfax residents witnessed the graduating exercises of the 1910 class of the Colfax high school. The valedictory address, given by Miss Bertha Nelson, was perhaps the best effort of the evening. Her subject was “Jean Valjean,” and the manner in which she treated this classic bespoke much application and excellent ability.

Clark Colvin, while walking up the railroad track in the south end of town last Friday, was overtaken by the Moscow train, and was forced to leap from the trestle, suffering a bad sprain. He was otherwise uninured.

Mr. Wm. Lippitt entertained about 40 friends at an elaborate party Wednesday. Guests were entertained with cards and other amusements, prizes being won by Mrs. M.P. McCroskey, Mrs. W.F. Libman and Mrs. J.M. East.

“The smile that won’t come off,” usually worn by Ed Flaherty, the popular clerk at the Hotel Colfax, is again seen on the streets of the city after an absence of a few weeks caused by his sickness.

75 years ago, June 7, 1935

The offer of T.C. Smith to lease the Colfax Airport to graze cattle for $100 a year was accepted Monday evening by the council. The opinion that it would be dangerous to land a plane with livestock on the field was answered by Walter S. Talbott who stated that while the airport was under construction, aviators were told they could land only at their own risk and that the same would hold true until the airport was officially dedicated.

The county agent’s office has received word that the annual meeting of the harvest wage-scale committee, which sets standards for the area’s going wages for haying and harvesting, is to be held at Waverly Saturday at the picnic grounds.

Beginning Saturday evening, June 8, Herbert Jenkins, editor of Washington State college publications, will present a program over radio KWSC featuring 15 minutes of news, articles and editorials from newspapers throughout the state. Fifty paper editors have granted permission to quote from their papers.

50 years ago, June 2, 1960

Washington State Patrol’s new Colfax office opened this week in new quarters in the Ackerman building on Mill Street. The new location provides the patrol with better offices and much additional parking space for use by patrons.

Washington’s only woman mayor, Mrs. Jim Likes, will officially take office next week at Rosalia. Mrs. Likes, wife of the postmaster, was elected mayor earlier this year to succeed Mayor Neil Wyer, who chose not to seek reelection.

The annual picnic of the Lamont school was at Williams Lake Thursday. In spite of chilly weather a large group attended and a good time was enjoyed by all.

A surprise birthday party was given last week for Mrs. W.S. Willson in honor of her 60th birthday. The party was given by her children, who presented Mrs. Willson with a new car for her birthday gift.

25 years ago, June 6, 1985

Mrs. Floyd Bailey of Ewan is recuperating after being bitten by a rattlesnake at Rock Lake May 26. She said the actual bite was not particularly painful. A tingling sensation started after about 15 minutes.

The county spill team and McGregor company employees worked approximately 10 hours Friday night to clean up 12-gallon spill of Premerge, a broadleaf herbicide, that fell from the back of a McGregor truck.

Bids open next week for approximately nine miles of asphalt paving of Highway 195 from the Idaho state line to the west Colton city limits. Estimated cost is between $1 million and $1.25 million.

10 years ago, June 1, 2000

Whitman County commissioners are taking steps to create a water conservancy board for the county. Having a board at the county level would speed up the department of ecology’s processing of water right transfers, which is often a lengthy process.

Commissioners approved a $200,000 increase in the county’s dedicated reserve fund after the move was suggested by Hollis Jamison last week and debated by the other two commissioners.

Tekoa/Oakesdale Senior Seth Perrins cleared the 15-4 mark in the state B pole vault event at EWU’s Woodward Stadium to set a new state record.