Good old days - Oct. 7, 2010

125 years ago, October 9, 1885

A curious story comes from Colton regarding a shooting affray which occurred there on the evening of the 28th.

James Wiley, constable, started to walk from town to his threshing machine about a mile distant.

Halfway down his path, a man stepped from behind a straw stack and accosted Wiley with “Is that you, Wiley?” to which he replied “Yes.” He was then told that a sick man was lying on the other side of the stack whom he wished him to see.

Wiley’s suspicions were slightly aroused, but keeping his hand on the pistol in his overcoat pocket, he followed his unknown guide a few steps.

The stranger then turned suddenly, presented a pistol and ordered Wiley to throw up his hands.

He complied, still grasping his pistol which was discharged by the movement.

Seeing he was armed, the stranger pulled the trigger of his weapon, the ball from which struck Wiley in the left breast and passed out under his arm.

Wiley fell, dropping his pistol.

He soon recovered his arm, however, and commenced shooting at his assailant, who beat a hasty retreat.

Wiley then started for town to where he was assisted by a passing team.

Wiley’s wound is not dangerous and he is doing well.

Robbery is the only motive that can be assigned for deed.

The assailant has not yet been apprehended.

A squaw with a badly bruised neck reports she was assaulted here last Monday night by six men who attempted to outrage her. She said her wind was nearly shut off before she escaped their clutches.

A fleet-footed coyote, followed by a pack of six howling dogs, ran the length of Mill street on Thursday night of last week. Marshal Harris heard the outfit coming and thinking bedlam had turned loose, hid behind his revolver, but refrained from using the weapon when he discovered the cause of the commotion.

100 years ago, October 7, 1910

The big livery and feed barn of Johnson Bros. on Mill street was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The whole bock would have been consumed had it not been for the prompt and efficient work of the fire department and an abundance of water in the reservoir. The fire was supposed to have started from a defective chimney running through the hay loft from the office. Over 20 head of horses were rescued. The building and contents were insured for $6,300 and the loss is estimated at $7,500.

Lippitt Bros. store will be closed all day Thursday, Oct. 13, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

J.M. McCroskey, the popular young attorney of this city, and Miss Myrtle Storr, one of Spokane’s charming girls, were married last week and after a brief honeymoon have returned to Colfax, where they will probably make their home.

The drys of Colfax held a well attended and enthusiastic meeting at the M.E. church Wednesday. Purpose of the meeting was to organize for the coming campaign.

75 years ago, October 11, 1935

Little was left after the pool hall at Winona had been robbed Sunday night. The loss reported included two slot machines, 21 cartons of cigarettes, two hunting knives, three flashlights, nine pocket knives, three pocket watches, one pencil cigarette lighter, one wrist watch, two match cases, two boxes of cigars, five cartons of smoking tobacco, 50 cans of assorted smoking tobacco, one carton of cigarette papers, two boxes of candy bars, six decks of playing cards and $5.65 in coins.

This Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock a free matinee showing the “shorts” and comic, will be at the Rose Theatre for all children who have brought a sack of rubbish to the vacant lot back of the Colfax Hotel, where they will receive their tickets. After the show, the rubbish will be burned by firemen and the use of fire equipment explained.

The Rev. Mr. C.M. Hereford, Steptoe, is in receipt of a letter written on White House stationery and signed Franklin D. Roosevelt, in which the chief executive asks for information regarding conditions in the Steptoe community, as they may or may not fit into the proposed social security and public works programs.

50 years ago, October 6, 1960

Approximately 40 tons of wheat were recovered Wednesday morning by Whitman County sheriff’s officers from two semi-trailer trucks near Oakesdale which were carrying stolen wheat from an Oakesdale Grain Growers elevator. Four Spokane men are being held in the county jail pending further investigation.

Spectators at tomorrow’s game between the Bulldogs and the Waitsburg Cardinals will get the first look at the $1,500 electric scoreboard installed and purchased by the student body athletic fund. The Medart board is 11 by 18 feet and shows the score, quarters and downs and is controlled by buttons at the sideline center of the field.

Bob Luft, Colfax, earned a first place Palouse River Racing Association trophy he received Sunday for racing his self-built ’33 Plymouth. Luft came in second with an average speed of 60 miles an hour. His brother-in-law Eldon Schussman, Spokane, was first in the race, but was not eligible for the association trophy. Luft led 28 laps, but lost first when his car slipped out of gear.

25 years ago, October 10, 1985

Washington State’s Department of Agriculture is considering closure of the grain grading laboratory in Colfax when the head of the office, Karl Jansen, retires at the end of the year. Jon Whitman, Pullman area farmer, reported the closure proposal Monday night at the Whitman County Association of Wheat Growers meeting in Colfax.

A move to start a fund for the purchase of the Binnard building will be discussed at the next board meeting of the Whitman County Historical Society. President Walter Nelson of Colton has already issued a call for contributions to a “save the Binnard fund.”

Mick Serosky, a graduate of Lamont High School, is featured in the September issue of the “Columbia Basin Farmer.”

10 years ago, October 5, 2000

In front of Spokane television cameras, Tom Byrne and C.A. Lockhart pulled a team and small wagon onto Main Street Colfax and headed north. They were greeted by downtowners even though they were knowingly in violation of city law. Five days later, after receiving news coverage and a wave of negative comments, the City Council ordered up an ordinance that allows horse enthusiasts to ride, drive or lead their mounts on city streets.

Construction of a new NAPA store on the Walla Walla Highway is expected to get underway in about two weeks. The store will be built at the former site of the OK Tire Store which was razed last spring.