125 years ago
Aug. 10, 1894
NORTH RIVER — An insect apparently identical with the apple tree green aphis is destroying the oat crop on this river. It fastens itself to the head of the grain at base of kernel and saps the juice that would otherwise form the kernel. Many pieces are now entirely ruined for grain but will be cut for fodder. The pest is also working on wheat and rye. It does not seem to effect these grains so badly as oats. When the kernel of wheat passes into the heavy dough state, the insect seems to leave the stool and attacks stalks with greener heads. Nothing like it has ever been known here before. A specimen of this aphis has been sent to C.A. Tonneson of Tacoma, secretary of the state board of horticulture, for identification.
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The populist party held its nominating convention yesterday. The convention assembled in the rink at 11 o’clock a.m., and elected M.L. Carroll of Aberdeen chairman and W.F. Wagner of Satsop secretary. The reports of the various committees were received. The committee on order of business recommended that none but “tried and true populists” be nominated for office. This was a bomb cast among the recent converts who were candidates for positions and there was a vigorous protest but the resolution carried and none but those who had “fought, bled and died” for their convictions were nominated.
The platform was the usual “tale of woe” with one exception. It denounced anarchy.
100 years ago
Aug. 8, 1919
The West Coast Chautauquas has signed with Montesano business and professional men to bring some of the best lecturers and entertainers of the country for six days of entertainment next season.
The contract calls for a tent that will seat 1,200 people and for the very best in the line of lecturers and entertainments that are on the Chautauqua circuits for next season. The agency signing with the business men is one of the best anywhere in the West — the same people who are putting on the Chautauquas in Seattle, Aberdeen, Centralia, Olympia and like cities.
To bring this class of entertainments to Montesano, it was necessary to have a guarantee that at least in the neighborhood of 500 people would patronize them to the extent of buying season tickets.
***
Nothing but rain can prevent Grays Harbor county welcome home day from being the biggest celebration ever held in the county. It is believed more than 5,000 soldiers, mothers, fathers, sweethearts and friends will be at Pacific Beach Sunday.
So great is the interest, so universal is the community spirit in making this a success that the United States Welfare Association is sending Dr. J.T. Hart to observe how we do it. The Universal Film Company is sending a moving picture outfit to the beach to show how we do it.
There will be a band of 100 pieces; there will be a victory chorus of girls of 100 voices; there will be religious services in the morning for those who will attend, on the beach; there will be sports all day long (and by the way, Montesano athletes plan to take some prizes); there will be adequate transportation facilities and there will be committees of soldier boys — our own soldier boys — to see that the big crowds are handled safely. Right in the middle, and most important of all to youngsters, will be the big feed. Coffee and lemonade will be free. Every family is asked to take a basket with food for one or two extra.
***
The travel tuberculosis clinic and exhibit will be at the Red Cross rooms in Montesano Monday and all men, women and children, with emphasis on the children, are invited to come and see the exhibit and hear the lectures. It is free to everyone.
In the evening, though the exhibit will be open also, motion picture exhibits will be given at the Gem theater along with the regular performance.
The exhibit includes 160 posters, mostly hand painted, showing the work of the national and state society in combating the dread disease, tuberculosis — very attractive posters and of wonderful interest to all.
75 years ago
Aug. 10, 1944
If you have sufficient moisture or can irrigate, here’s a few vegetables that can be planted for late fall use: lettuce, radishes, green sprouting broccoli, carrots, beets, spinach, Swiss chard and Chinese lettuce.
Perennial vegetables: Taking good care of perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb during this summer and fall, will pay off in heavy spring production early next year.
Both asparagus and rhubarb are dependent upon food stored up in their roots and crowns to make the early spring crop. If they don’t get the water and plant food they need to build up reserves this summer, the crop will be short next spring.
Asparagus and rhubarb beds should be kept well irrigated and free from weeds throughout the summer.
