Good old days

125 years ago

April 13, 1888

A man who has been unusually fortunate trapping coyotes tells The Commoner agriculture editor the secret of his good luck which is published for the benefit of the many farm lads who are eager to earn a dollar every now and then, the bounty paid by the county commissioners for coyote hides.

“I use,” he said, “a No. 2 steel trap with double springs.

Before I set the traps, I rub them with a lump of dampened asafoedida.

Then I dig a hole as near the shape of the trap as possible, and just deep enough to bring the jaws on level with the ground.

Having made the chain fast to a sapling or stake, I scatter leaves and grass and a little dry earth over the trap, taking care to remove all the freshly disturbed earth about.

For bait, I use small pieces of scorched meat, each piece no larger than my thumb.

These I scatter around the trap and never place any over it.

Of course, I set my traps in places where the animals are likely to come.

They smell the asafoedida, and it invariably attracts them and removes their suspicions.

It makes the coyote move about while licking them up.

A fox or coyote almost always gets his fore feet into the trap and is more surely held in that way.

It is not a good idea to hang meat over a trap.

That makes the animals suspicious and in order to attract his attention, it must be a large quantity.

But with small fragments scattered about, a capture is assured if a coyote comes that way.”

100 years ago

April 11, 1913

Consideration of the Tekoa-Oakesdale road matter this week by the county commissioners brought before the board a large delegation of people interested who urged that the road be established. The commissioners, who have looked over the ground and examined the survey of the proposed road, favor the project, but owing to the fact that excessive damages are asked by parties who would be benefitted by the road, together with lack of funds available for that purpose, are unable to put it through.

Whereas The Great Spirit has called from our Hunting Grounds our beloved brother, J.H. St. Lawrence, and whereas by his death Kamiac Tribe No. 18, Improved Order of Redmen, mourns the loss of a charter member and one who, by his faithfulness and constant cheerfulness was an inspiration and pleasure to all; therefore be it resolved that the members of Kamiac Tribe No. 18, Improved Order of Redmen, extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolence to his sorrowing family; and be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be delivered to his family and copies be published in the Colfax papers, and in The Sagamore, and be made part of the records of the Tribe.

O.L. Crawford, E.C. Murray and John Hedberg, committee.

75 years ago

April 8, 1938

Wrestling of a mixed variety was exhibited at the Golden Slipper hall here last Friday evening in a card in which Gale Caddock, Paul Banaski and Carl Lonn took the worst of it in the arena and Cliff Lloyd an even break at the box office. Lloyd has since announced that the Spokane booker had promised him the appearance of Cowboy Dude Chick, champion junior heavyweight of the world on the night of April 18. Fans are hoping Chick’s opponent will be Banaski.

Announcement was made at the chamber of commerce luncheon Wednesday noon that a meeting of businessmen and others interested would be held at the city hall this Friday at 8 p.m. for the purpose of reaching a final decision on the question of a roundup this fall and if favorable, to form the organization to sponsor the show and appoint committees.

50 years ago

April 11, 1963

Baby pictures by Colfax photographer Bill Walter again took several of the top prizes and many other awards in the Spokane Chronicle’s annual Inland Empire baby contest which ended last week. Walter’s photos won “Baby Spokane” and “Best Inland Empire Girl.” In addition, pictures were submitted by Walter of the first prize winner, two third prize winners and three who earned honorable mentions.

The Colfax Rotary Club took first place in an attendance contest with four perfect nights, President Sam Randall said recently. The Colfax club turned out 100 percent to take the honor from a field of 24 district clubs. As a prize, the Hillyard Rotary Club will treat the Colfax club to dinner and entertainment, Randall said.

Richard Felber, Colfax High School vice principal and head of the physical education department, outlined plans for future development of the play area in Schmuck Park before Kiwanians at the Plymouth Congregational Church. Introduced by Principal William Heath, Felber told how the playfield had been improved during the last 15 years and said that the carrying out of plans made several years ago would provide the school and community with well-integrated track, baseball and football facilities.

25 years ago

April 14, 1988

Rhonda Sanders, daughter of Greg and Nancy Sanders of Colfax, was named 1988 Junior Miss Saturday in the 29th annual competition at Colfax High School. Jennifer Johnson was named first runner-up, and Jill Morasch was named second runner-up. Sanders also won the talent competition, and Johnson won the scholastic achievement award. Morasch was named for the “Spirit of Junior Miss” honor.

Doris Divine shows the new Ford Econoline ambulance which has been purchased by Whitman County Hospital District 2 for Garfield, Farmington, Belmont and Elberton. The new unit replaces a used ambulance which had been in action since 1979. It features more space and equipment to treat patients while underway.

10 years ago

April 10, 2003

Thursday marks the end of the first 100 days in office for Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers. At 32, Myers is the youngest elected sheriff in the state. Myers soundly defeated former Sheriff Steve Tomson with a 64 percent vote in the primary election.

Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad sustained another setback last Thursday morning when two cars toppled off the tracks about 1.5 miles east of Colfax. One of the cars spilled its load of urea, but the spill did not go into the South Fork of the Palouse River and was not considered a pollution hazard.

The framing crew at the Ackerman motel project on North Main in Colfax was working at full steam this week to get the building up. Crews were working at the residential end of the motel and moving to the front. Scott Ackerman reported to the city council Monday night that the project is back on schedule after weather problems.