Good old days

125 years ago

The Commoner

Dec. 21, 1888

Phil. Wilman, who for a number of years conducted an extensive harness and saddlery business in this city but who retired from business some years ago, has decided to again open out a full line of these goods, and left the city on Thursday’s train to San Francisco to purchase his stock, which he says will be complete in every particular. He will open up at his old business stand on Main Street about the middle of January.

Washington Territory in general, and Whitman County in particular, are receiving large and constant addition to their populations but it is not often that a community is often blessed with such an addition that came into Colfax. On that day Mr. George Gresham and family, comprising of himself, wife and ten children, ranging in age from two to 15 years, arrived from western Texas to make a permanent home in this favored Palouse country.

100 years ago

The Colfax Commoner

Dec. 19, 1913

The Allan fruit dryer at Elberton shipped two full carloads of dried prunes from the Elberton district to London, England, last week. The prunes are said to be of excellent quality this year, and there is a big demand for them at prices that leave good profits for the drier and for the producer.

Colfax bowlers can continue to bowl, at least until the courts decide they must stop. The city council will not close the bowling alley and refuses to declare it a public nuisance. Dr. Titus lost his fight against the bowling alley Monday night when the council dismissed the matter and announced that if Dr. Titus closes the alley he will have to do it through another channel than the council.

75 years ago

Colfax Gazette Commoner

Dec. 16, 1938

Electric current flowed into the homes of farmers on two Union Flat extensions of the REA when turned on Wednesday by S.J. Adams, service man for the project. Mr. Adams estimated that on approximately 225 miles of line in the area south and southwest of Colfax to Hooper there are 345 farm homes served and when the sign-up is completed the number will reach 400.

Apparently entering through the transom above the front door, burglars took between $100 and $150 from the safe at the Hamilton Drug store some time Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, B.D. Baber, proprietor, reported to the sheriff’s office.

A small amount of merchandise, an old stop watch and 212 grains of heroin were also missing.

The man under suspicion is a narcotic fiend and was a former track man, Baber said.

The store’s main supply of narcotics was not found by the invaders.

The catch on the transom was broken, but the outside combination of the safe was apparently worked correctly since it was unharmed.

The inside door was opened evidently with a screw driver and hammer.

The screw driver was taken also.

50 years ago

Colfax Gazette

Dec. 19, 1963

More than 1,000 attended the annual Colfax School’s Christmas program staged this year by the elementary school with a theme, “Why the Chimes Rang.” The cast included Doug Doty, Christie Hallett, Steve Chestnut, Dale Forrey, Butch Sitton, Teri Heilsberg, Betty Branch, Scott Pittman, Bill Miller, Larry Montgomery, Jimmy Gants, David Fulfs, Tobby Hatley, Ricky VanTine, Joan Morasch, Craig Culbertson, Monte Wegner and Del Mandarino.

The Colfax City Council on Monday night authorized the city hall committee to negotiate with John Aylor, Spokane architect, for preliminary plans for the rebuilding of the south half of the old high school.

25 years ago

Colfax Gazette

Dec. 22, 1988

County courthouse employees have formed their own bargaining unit, a local union that became “official” Dec. 15, according to Alva DuBois, president.

Looking back over 14 years as a county commissioner, Jim Henning said, “the best part was the people.” Henning will step down from his District One county commission seat next month.

A Chevrolet van was found hanging on the edge of the road bank above the South Fork of the Palouse River. Colfax officer Dave Szambelan said the driver of the van had yet to claim it, and police were unable to locate its registered owner in Idaho. The van was spotted by residents across the river.

Colfax Women and Junior Bowlers collected food, toys and money to donate to FISH and to the firemen’s toy box to help the needy in the Christmas season.

10 years ago

Whitman County Gazette

Dec. 18, 2003

No voices, no footsteps, just quiet exists inside the old Grange hall on Wilcox Road west of Colfax.

Except for the wind or rain pounding on the metal roof, silence surrounds the metal sided building.

Year after year, the building has stood with memories of the past when it was filled with laughter and people.

Many Grange halls in the county have vanished as membership declined.

Unlike some of those that have since disappeared, the Wilcox Grange Hall still stands and comes to life each year during the Christmas season.

The Dusty Busy Bees Club is a rural women’s club established in 1927.

Twice a year they hold special events at the Wilcox Grange Hall.

Both their annual Christmas party and the spring luncheon now bring the Wilcox hall back to life.

Sheriff Brett Myers announced that Reserve Deputy Ron McMurray has been awarded the purple heart by the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the department recognized McMurray for his sacrifice and services to the citizens of Whitman County. McMurray, who also serves as the department’s chaplain, was injured in an accident Sept. 20 on Highway 195 when officers stopped a car after a high speed chase. Sheriff Myers said McMurray’s actions on that day can only be characterized as valiant, heroic and selfless. They noted he placed his own life in jeopardy to ensure the safety of others.