Good old days - Sept. 23, 2010

125 years ago, September 25, 1885

The long delayed wire arrived Sunday and the Moscow branch of the Gazette’s system of telephone lines was completed Tuesday evening. The construction force was immediately transferred to the Palouse-Garfield-Farmington line, which will be complete by Monday morning.

Wheat is rolling into this city at the rate of 300 tons a day. An average of not less than 200 teams arrive daily.

Rather a small house greeted the Gray Comedy Co. in their presentation of “The Rough Diamond” last Saturday at the Opera Hall. Considering the many disadvantages under which the company labored, the play was fairly well rendered. They were well received in their various specialties, the audience retiring in good humor.

C. Cole has made a race for five hundred dollars between his horse, Bill, and Presto, who is owned by James Hampton of Farmington. The distance is one quarter of a mile, to be run on the Messinger track in two weeks.

100 years ago, September 23, 1910

City authorities and officials of the Spokane & Inland Empire system have at last reached an agreement in regard to the river channel. The railroad agrees to give the city a triangular plat of land along the east side of their terminal grounds for a river channel and will build a retaining wall along the west side of the new channel. The court house bridge will be extended to cover this new channel.

People will hardly be able to recognize the Orpheum Theatre when it re-opens for business tomorrow evening, so greatly has it been re-modeled and improved. A new and handsome front has been put in, comfortable chairs have been installed and the whole interior has been beautified.

John P. Lich has taken possession of the South End grocery which he purchased from A.R. Brashear and announces his intention of increasing the stock and running a strictly modern store in every particular.

The Great Wilbur, ventriloquist, and Myrtle, the human doll and only live dummy dancing on heels, is the attraction booked for the Luna Theatre this week.

75 years ago, September 27, 1935

Miss Margaret Mulkey of St. John was chosen queen of the Colfax Roundup from among 17 community candidates at the opening of the rodeo Friday afternoon.

A safety drive on all motor vehicle equipment was started this week in Whitman County by state highway patrolmen, who asked the cooperation of civic organizations. The plan was to stop and check every car and to examine operators’ licenses and certificates of registration. The check-up was to continue day and night. Arrests will be made, with very few warning slips issued.

Viola Decker, nationally recognized Hotpoint home economist, will be featured at a free Washington Water Power electric cooking school in the first floor dining room of the K. of P.-I.O.O.F. temple.

In a return match here next Sunday, Colfax horseshoe tossers will meet LaCrosse on the Schmuck park courts at 2 p.m. Colfax won seven games and LaCrosse nine Tuesday at LaCrosse.

50 years ago, September 22, 1960

Construction of a big new 36-inch natural gas pipeline across Whitman County from Rosalia the Riparia will get underway within the next few weeks, Roger Thompson of Pacific Gas Transmission, San Francisco, told the Gazette today.

Investigation continues on the case of the roaming D6 crawler tractor which traveled without a driver for an estimated five hours near Garfield last Saturday, destroying fences and a power pole. Sheriff Mike Humphreys said there are no solid leads.

First mass in the new St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Sunday at 8 a.m., the Rev. William Hanly said today.

County agent Felix Entenmann today reassured farmers who are disappointed in this year’s Omar wheat yield that the variety is still the best available. Omar is highly smut resistant, has excellent milling quality and brings a high yield with favorable growing conditions, he said.

25 years ago, September 26, 1985

Whitman County Sheriff Steve Tomson was attempting to iron out the reports, including accounts of time and expense, which went into the eviction of Raymond Smith from his La Crosse-area ranch Friday and the subsequent removal of livestock and personal property.

Twenty-nine officers from four agencies moved in to evict Smith. The eviction was ordered by the court as part of the foreclosure action by the Farmers Home Administration.

Location for the combined Palouse and Garfield High school and Middle school and approval of a model curriculum for the cooperative programs will be on the agenda for a public meeting of the Palouse and Garfield school boards.

A majority of Colfax high school students gave their school a “B” grade, felt the school should put more emphasis on job and college preparation and listed “a good family” as their major goal in life.

Michael P. McPherson, proprietor of Wheatland Lanes in Colfax, has applied to the state liquor control board for a license to operate the “The Sandbagger, ” formerly Joes Tavern.

10 years ago, September 21, 2000

Colfax resident Tom Byrne has been informed that driving his team of horses and wagon in Colfax is illegal and he will face a citation if he brings the horses within city limits. Byrne, who resides on Cherry Street on the west hill, has over the past 15 years often driven the team and its rubber-tired wagon into town. City Attorney Gary Libey sent him a letter saying the city had received numerous complaints about the team dropping manure on city streets. City ordinance prohibit horses in the city limits. The city has a limit of one hooved animal per acre.

Several Codgers approached the city council about better upkeep for the city’s Codger Pole and its park in response to a letter to the editor written by John Crawford of Newbury Park Calif., originator of the 1988 Codger Bowl. Crawford suggested the pole could be moved to St. John if Colfax neglected to take care of it. Colfax officials said St. John officials gave the idea a “rousing no thank you.”

Rosalia Gifted Grannys has expanded their facilities. Extensive cleaning and renovation has given needed space. The shop has a new front door given in memory of Lori Estes, a dedicated grandmother. The door was given and installed by Jeff Peterson.