Yesteryears
1923 — 100 years ago
The Rialto Theater was the center of the universe yesterday for not only the children but also the grownups of the valley. The attendance proved very conclusively that while there may be lots and lots of movie shows there is only one “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” It was a great show and its reception proved that it has lost none of its pathos and humor in spite of the thousands of times it has been repeated and told around the world.
— Hood River News
Chemical analysis of the water in the new city well will be made in Portland tomorrow. A test tube filled with the water was sent there this morning, following a full day’s pumping into the sewer mains. The official quantity test has not as yet been made. City water commissioners feel assured that the well will produce plenty of water for emergency use.
— The Dalles Chronicle
The basket ball (sic) season opens tonight with a game between the White Salmon boys who are home from college and the town team. The college boys have been practicing at various schools and promise to give the town team a real game. Local fans are excited over the game and from all indications there will be a big crowd at the high school gymnasium tonight.
—White Salmon Enterprise
1943 — 80 years ago
Monday of this week, when, owning to influenza, the News’ office had lost about fifty per cent of its staff, Herb. Jonas arrived with a rush printing job, “wanted immediately.” “The only possible way you can get that job done immediately is to do it yourself,” said Si Sonnichsen. “Is that so?” said Jonas, who peeled off his coat and rolled up his shirt sleeves. An hour later he had completed the printing job — and it was fully up to News’ standards. The only catch is that Jonas was raised in a print shop and knows how.
— Hood River News
Stanley Priddy made an abrupt entrance into the Washburn cigar store over the week-end, and as a result was booked at the city jail on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. Priddy fell through the large plate-glass door, according to Chief of Police Frank Heater. He escaped serious injury, but put up $50 bail for his release with the understanding that he also would repair the damage to the door, Heater said.
The salvage committee announces tomorrow, Tuesday, as the day for the collection of paper salvage for those living on the west side of Union street. The day for the east side will be announced later. People having paper for the salvage are requested to have it tied securely in bundles or packed firmly in cartons or boxes, and standing in plain sight on their front porches.
— The Dalles Chronicle
The county commissioners will hold a hearing on January 3 at 2 p.m. on the proposal of a 10:30 p.m. curfew for all children in the county under 18 years of age … Commissioner John Robinson, while in town Wednesday, stated that the mayors of the three incorporated towns of White Salmon, Bingen and Goldendale had been invited to attend the session, and that members of Parent-Teacher associations, parents or anyone interested in a uniform curfew law all over the county are invited to attend and give their views on this subject.
—White Salmon Enterprise
1963 — 60 years ago
There was a smile — a tired smile — on the face of Hood River business as the Christmas shopping season ended. For most merchants, it was a better year than last year. One grocer gave a key to the shopper feeling when he said his store had sold three times as many turkeys as last year, and business was up a third.
— Hood River News
The North Pacific Division of the Corps of Army Engineers has been alloted $185 million for Pacific Northwest and Alaskan projects for the 1964 fiscal year, it was announced today.
The funds include both civil works and military activities of the corps.
Largest single item is $53,600,000 for construction of the John Day Dam on the Columbia River near Arlington.
— The Dalles Chronicle
Skyline hospital was in a festive and gay decorative mood this past week, having received many Christmas decorations and favors from patrons and friends of the hospital. Favors for trays came from the Trout Lake 4-H cooking group under the direction of Mrs. Todd. Christmas trees for the rooms were furnished by Vern Cochenour, Emil Burris and RT Anderson. More tray decorations from Girl Scout Troup 283 were under the direction of Pat Weatherly, June Guy and Pricilla Stevenson.
—White Salmon Enterprise
1983 — 40 years ago
That white Christmas, of song and legend, painted greeting card views framed by Hood River County windows this past week, but many local residents would have happily traded it all for a few days in the sun. Frigid temperatures pushed the mercury below the zero mark and froze pipes that had gone unfrozen for 40 years. When they did thaw, water flooding from broken pipes made the no-water situation seem like a minor inconvenience.
— Hood River News
A residential fire and two fires at The Dalles Martin Marietta plant plus answering alarms triggered by broken water pipes, kept firemen on the alert during Christmas weekend.
Both of the aluminum plant fires were on Tuesday, the first at 3:30 a.m. at the dry cell control office. The second was after 9 a.m. and involved a fork lift unit that had just backed out of the welding shop.
— The Dalles Chronicle
Telephone customers will see an increase in their long distance bills next month, as recent action by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission takes effect. On Dec. 20, the WUTC granted a maximum increase of $2 per line per month for access charges within the state for a temporary period lasting until April. The access charge is paid by a consumer to gain entry into the telephone system and is one step in a lengthy rate restructuring plan schedule over the next six years.
—White Salmon Enterprise
2003 — 20 years ago
The shelves at Franz Hardware become uncharacteristically empty as the projected Dec. 31 closing looms larger all the time. For owner Pete Jubitz, this is the hardest part. “I wish a genie could wave a magic wand and make it all go away,” he said. “But as that’s not possible, we’ll just get through it.” Once the space closes, a few alterations and upgrades will begin to ready the space for its new occupant, Discover Bicycles.
— Hood River News
Preliminary work that will lead to a major renovation on Hood River Interstate Bridge begins the first week of January, creating some daytime traffic delays.
A crew from Westlake Consultants, Inc., will be on the Port of Hood River-owned bridge for about two weeks beginning Monday, January 5. They will be surveying the structure in preparation for a $6.7 million redecking project schedules to commence in February. Work is scheduled from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day, and traffic may be delayed up to 30 minutes while surveying occurs.
— The Dalles Chronicle
After months of review and controversy, the U.S. Forest Service has reached a final decision regarding the proposed Klickitat Rail-Trail. On Dec. 19, Dan Harkenrider, area manager for the Forest Service / Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, said the option he selected would lead to development of the segment of the former railroad corridor between Lyle and Klickitat into a public trail. The segment totals 13.5 miles and would be designed for hikers, bikers and riders on horses.
—White Salmon Enterprise
Global Headlines
1923
Coolidge Refuses To See Klansmen: Effort To Involve President In Factional Strife Is Failure
Attempt To Kill Japanese Prince Made By Fanatic
Sahara Believed To Have Claimed Airship Dixmude
Three Killed By Hypnotized Man
Obregon Believed To Be Victorious
1943
Marines Make Two More Landings on New Britain
Big Battleship Scharnhorst Sunk By Allied Shells
Big German Force Said Trapped by Soviet Offensive
Eisenhower Predicts European War Will be Won by Allies in 1944
1963
Death On Wall Brings Protest To Russians
Britains Demand Disaster Enquiry
Bulgarians Stone U. S. Legation
Lindy’s Daughter Wed In France
1983
Pope visits assassin attempt inmate
Andropov misses major conference
Afghans holding out against Reds
Nakasone pledges strong ties to U.S. in pro-West policies
2003
Iran appeals for world’s aid
Still no sign of Mars craft
Nuclear experts travel to Libya
Iraqi insurgents strike Karbala
Hamas says it will stop attacks
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