Good old days

125 years ago

The Commoner

Aug. 2, 1889

George Ruedy, the nurseryman and orchardist, brought a fine sample of peaches to the Commoner office this week, grown in his orchard above this city. They are larger and of finer flavor than any we have seen this season, and at once dispel the idea that peaches can't be grown in the Palouse country. They can be, and fine ones too.

The Coeur d'Alene extension of the O.R.&N. railroad will be completed to the lake about the fifteenth of next month, and the Farmington Register suggests a grand excursion and gala day when the road strikes the lake. We are in for it.

Many people are still crossing the plains in wagons. The Boise Statesman says that during the past two months no less than 100 families, traveling with their own teams, have passed through that place, bound for Oregon or Washington.

100 years ago

The Colfax Commoner

July 31, 1914

The matter of caring for the "jungles" in the north end of town where a large number of men are sleeping while out of work, was brought up by Mayor Neil, who reported that indecencies had been practiced in that part of town. The mayor declared he was willing to join a "drive" of the place to clear out the men who are staying there.

The large barn on the Buck place in Buck's canyon close to Colfax was totally destroyed by fire Wednesday night, and a yearling colt, two calves and several head of hogs were burned to death. It is not known definitely how the fire started but it is thought it resulted from spontaneous combustion. The 15 tons of hay which was in the barn was destroyed.

75 years ago

Colfax Gazette Commoner

July 28, 1939

Farmers and homemakers should begin now to prepare their exhibits for the Whitman County Fair which will be held here September 21, 22, and 23rd, says A.F. Harms, fair manager. One of the important phases of the fair will be the exhibit of sheaf grains and grasses. It is necessary that sheaf material be collected before harvest but it can then be worked into sheaves later in the season. Women should also take special care in the preservation of some of their favorite garden and orchard products.

"Reaching for the Stars" by Nora Wahn, described as a best seller on German life, is one of the 16 books of non-fiction purchased recently by the book committee of the public and school library.

50 years ago

Colfax Gazette

July 30, 1964

Floyd Hickman, Colfax, received Monday what may be the first wheat certificate issued in the state under the 1964 farm program, office manager H.E. "Tony" Smick of the county ASC office said.

Sherman McGregor is spending several days in San Francisco and Pebble Beach to attend the National Board of Directors meeting of the AAI.

25 years ago

Colfax Gazette

Aug. 3, 1989

"It's going to be different," Don Aeschliman commented on his return to the Onecho area where he was raised. Aeschliman, who has landed a job as a truck driver for the harvest season, has concluded a 35-year career as a missionary in Africa. He returns to the tranquillity of Onecho after heading a school in Cape Town for close to 20 years.

10 years ago

Whitman County Gazette

July 29, 2004

Crews are busy at Colfax high and elementary schools to finish the first few phases of the $5.7 million upgrade before school starts Sept. 13. The crews are counting down to seven weeks before the scheduled opening date. By the time school starts in the high school, the locker rooms, the weight training rooms, downstairs hallways, school district offices, main floor restrooms, gym, kitchen, cafeteria and commons area will have been completed. Also at the high school will be some new sidewalks and ramps at the entrance.