Looking Back on May 1

Fire destroyed one home and damaged another Tuesday evening, as firefighters struggled against difficult terrain, downed power lines and whipping winds, The fire was reported at 6:21 p.m. at 512 Federal. The first fire engine was hooked to a hydrant and on the scene at 6:25 p.m. Although the case of the fire has not been determined, Wasco Rural Fire Chief Joe Richardson said it appeared to have started in a building attached to the home.

Five subjects, including two juveniles, were arrested and more than $6,000 in property was recovered after local law enforcement agencies searched four area homes on Tuesday. The five subjects arrested are believed to be involved in a countywide theft and burglary ring.

Wahtonka all be sealed up a league title Tuesday as it clobbered Culver, 10-2 at home. The Eagles improved their league record to 7-0 with the win over its closest competitor.

40 Years Ago – 1976

Organizational meetings to mount a public fund drive to complete the restoration of the Original Wasco County Courthouse began Friday. The meetings, headed by Don Williams, will continue each Monday morning at 8 a.m. in the Tapadera Inn, and anyone interested in helping with the project may attend.

Mosier – An early morning fire destroyed a two-story house south of here and sent the Dennis Bailey family fleeing into the night with only the nightclothes they were wearing when they were awakened by the sounds of an explosion. An appeal has gone out to secure clothing and foodstuffs for the family, which was unable to save anything from the house. The fire was discovered at 3:40 a.m. when the Baileys were awakened by the sound of something, possibly a paint can, exploding in the garage which is attached to the house. After the explosion the fire spread so rapidly that Bailey did not even have time to retrieve his billfold Manvil Troxel told the Chronicle.

60 Years Ago – 1956

Bonneville Power Administration has confirmed a 90-day extension to an Aug. 1, 1956, on start of construction for the Harvey Machine Company's aluminum plant and associated transmission facilities at The Dalles.

Moro – by a vote of 436 to 272, Sherman county yesterday established a county high school district and elected five members of the newly constituted district board.

Indians at the Celilo Salmon Feast celebration now in its third day will compete tonight for the Northwest championship in various types of dances. Johnny Whiz said during the dancing program in the long house last night. Whiz, managing the fete for Chief Tommy Thompson, asked all Indians participating in the festival to turn out for the competition “in full Indian regalia.”

Washington (UPI) – Gen Earle E. Partridge, air defense commander, has warned senate investigators that a new Russian jet bomber may be able to fly higher than any U.S. interceptor now in use, it was learned today.

80 Years Ago – 1936

Registration of approximately 400 members of the Old Wasco County Pioneer's Associations opening at 10 a.m. tomorrow will serve top mark the start of the associations 15 annual reunion here. One of the largest crowds ever to participate in reunion festivities is anticipated for this year's event.

Portland – The state relief committee today had mailed out $106,507.15 to 5,052 individuals approved for the state government old age assistance payments. The payments were sent to aged indigents in 23 counties.

Representatives from Condon, Grass Valley, Maupin, Rufus, Arlington, Stavenson, Moro, Goldendale and Dufur will meet here tomorrow as guests of The Dalles high school to celebrate the combined events of the May fete, band festival and the observance of Founder's day.

Commercial fishermen with few exceptions were shunning the upper Columbia river today when the season for the spring run of Chinook salmon opened at noon.

Safeway ad – Candy bars, 3 for 10 cents; flour, Pride of the West, 49 pounds for $1.29. Tomatoes, Wasco solid pack local canned 12 cents a can, $2.69 a case. Pork steak, 23 cents a pound.

100 Years Ago – 1919

The best local “gags” ever “pulled” in The Dalles will be heard at the Vogt theatre next Friday evening next Friday evening when “Dad” Epping will present a lively minstrel show under the auspices of The Dalles Baseball club. The show will be something besides fun, too. It will be decidedly clever, as well as highly entertaining from a musical standpoint. Anyone whom laughing hurts is advised to stay away, for the mirth will be side-splitting.

The road to Dufur will be a popular one for local autoists tomorrow. Beautiful spring weather and a baseball game between Dufur and The Dalles are the inducements for the trip. The local team will play its first game of the season against the hard hitting Dufurites at the neighboring city tomorrow afternoon, and many autoists of this city are planning to motor to the scene of the contest.

London – Twenty-eight persons were killed and 40 were injured by Zeppelins in a raid on England last night, the admiralty today announced. Two Zeppelin squadrons raided eastern counties and a lone Zeppelin visited the northwestern region.

The craft is said to be one of the latest models. A dozen searchlights illuminated the hovering craft, which maneuvered desperately, trying to escape the dazzling glare. While shrapnel burst about, people in the streets shouted with glee.

Apparently badly damaged, the Zeppelin finally moved to the eastward and disappeared in the darkness. At dawn it was found riding the waves.