125 years ago
Nov. 4, 1892
Former Montesanoite jailed in New York
Charles A. Howes, aged 28, a civil engineer, who for eighteen months past has swindled banks and hotels all over the country by forged drafts, was arrested yesterday and locked up at police headquarters. He confessed his guilt to Inspector McLaughlin. Howes is also known as C. A. Field and John B. Hall. He graduated as a civil engineer at an institute at Seattle. Two years ago he married a girl graduate of the same institution. After his marriage he went into the real estate business at Grays Harbor, Wash., and made money. This money he gambled away. In Denver, Colo., and Kansas City, Mo., by representing himself as D. G. Wakefield, cashier of the bank of Elma, Chehalis county Wash., he got a number of drafts printed which he paid for with a bogus draft.
He swindled Senator Allen, of Washington, at Washington D. C., out of $700. The length of the list of his other victims is appalling.
Howes said that in 18 months he had secured something like $30,000 and was glad to get the burden of his crime off his mind.
It was about two years ago that Howes started on his criminal career. Leaving Seattle he went to Montesano, Chehalis country and engaged in the real estate and law business.
100 years ago
Nov. 2, 1917
Montesano and the adjacent country included in our district for the Liberty Loan bond drive that closed Saturday night made an enviable record, subscribing for a total of $108,000 worth of the bonds. The district’s quota was about $100,000.
Every team of the eleven named by Chairman W. H. France went into the work with a spirit that brooked no failure. Mayor Cheney’s team, with Schafer’s Camp and Brady as a district, turned in the largest subscription list, having a total of $12,650. Of this amount Schafer Bros. Subscribed about $10,000. E. H. Lester’s camps subscribed practically to a man and many thousand dollars were secured from the two works.
In the city the man who didn’t buy a bond is in the minority and practically every business man bought to the limit of his ability to pay. The country districts also “came through” in a highly commendable manner. The number of subscribers total almost 700, showing that it was in reality a popular loan.
75 years ago
Nov. 5, 1942
From up the Wynooche, from Melbourne and South Montesano, and from Brady east, from all directions, in fact, as well as from the people of Montesano itself, money to meet our War Chest quota has been pouring into the treasury every day, according to a brief report by Gaston Moch, treasurer, Wednesday.
“With a $5,000 goal to reach, nearly $2,000 has already been paid in or pledged, in spite of the wind and rain and hail of the past week,” Moch said. Most of the contributions come entirely paid up. Committee workers and their captains have been greeted courteously and have been tendered money generously. Most business houses have already paid in their whole assessment, said W. H. France, chairman of the War Chest drive.
But – there are still hundreds of men and women who have not yet been asked for their share because of lack of time and opportunity. Each War Chest drive team member is working hard in his or her own free time but often during the last week they have failed to find people at home.
50 years ago
Nov. 2, 1967
Great defensive playing paid off for Montesano last Friday night, even though the weather was miserable with the wind, rain and mud. A blocked St. Martin’s punt was quickly converted into a Bulldog TD as Bob Izzi’s determined bulldogs closed out conference play with a 7-0 victory over the Rangers.
The Montesanans were about two feet away from six more points when the final gun sounded, and the Rangers were never inside the MHS 20-yard line.
Izzi’s comment after the game, “I’m very pleased with our overall effort, but our defensive squad played a terrific game!” Monte compiled a 2-3 win-loss record in West Central League play. With two non-leaguers remaining, the Bulldogs are 3-5 overall.
The Rangers were forced into a punting situation early in the second quarter at their own 25-yard line. Junior linebacker Bob Leslie charged in to block the kick and the Bulldogs had a first and 10 at the Ranger 15. Two plays later, junior quarterback Bugs Davidson went out from the 12 and lofted a nice pass to halfback Dave Wrenn, who was hit hard at the five yard line but slipped and slid to the two. Halfback Randy Surtherby powered across for the TD on a fourth and one-foot play.
25 years ago
Oct. 29, 1992
A good many of those large chunks of concrete now on the ground at the 1912 vintage Montesano High School that is currently being demolished by Rognlin’s of Aberdeen may well find a new lease on “life” if they are utilized in a manner spelled out Tuesday evening for the city council by Bob Manley, director of public works.
“We have been talking to the contractor about what is planned for the concrete chunks,” he told the council. “In all probability they could be used on the banks of the Chehalis River south of town in an attempt to correct the ongoing erosion problem that we’re experiencing. The contractor at the school has even indicated that they will make a shovel available so that the larger chunks of concrete could be placed in the positions where they would do the most good.
The council indicated that such a plan appeared to have merit and that further investigation should be pursued. Manley also told the council, “The Roup Road water line has been installed, but it is not yet on line and supplying water to the area residents.”
10 years ago
Nov. 1, 2007
Folks who know Roger Lauckhart know he’s wiling to lend a hand wherever – and whenever – it’s needed. But the Montesano man is perhaps even better known for doing it with great enthusiasm.
For Lauckhart’s years of service to his community with his trademark zeal – and smile – the Friends of the W. H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library have named him this year’s recipient of the Margaret Downey Memorial Community Service Award.
Downy, who died in 1996, was the driving force behind the creation of Montesano’s Festival of Lights. She was also active in her church, at the library and with young people, says outgoing Friends president, Alice Hutchinson.
Thus, the annual award is presented to others in the community whose service mirrors Downey’s. Lauckhart obviously qualifies.
“I have never met a man who is as compassionate and kind, and with integrity,” says Hutchinson. “You know if Roger tells you, whatever it is, it’s going to be true.”
Moreover, Lauckhart is a man who likes to laugh. And “with that humor is love,” Hutchinson adds. “He’s just got so much love for life and learning and people.”
