People in Montesano celebrate end of World War I at 2 a.m., 100 years ago

If You Ask Me, question of the week 25 years go: “Who do you believe has been the most effective president this country has ever had?”

125 years ago

November 17, 1893

The Scarlet Fever still exists in Elma — another case having been reported a few days since.

***

According to the Puget Sound Lumberman, Alex Polson, of Hoquiam, estimates that there are 92 million feet of logs in the streams tributary to Grays Harbor awaiting a market.

***

The ladies whose husbands and — well, friends — belong to the lodge of Knights of Pythias in Montesano, surprised the members of that order last Friday evening, by coming into the lodge room with well-filled baskets, and spreading a delightful lunch. They gained admission without the regular password, and it is rumored they earned the sign of distress from the brothers who ate too much.

100 years ago

November 15, 1918

The story of the greatest day in the world’s history cannot have grown old since Monday, Nov. 11, 1918.

“It’s all over. The armistice is signed. Fighting stops at 11 o’clock, Paris time.”

These are the words in which Major Patton of the Daily Washingtonian, told the writer that the greatest war the world had even known was ending, and that victory was with America and the Allies.

It was 1:30 in the morning. Already fighting had stopped over there. A cold fog such as would have made the ordinary morning cheerless made the streets almost unnavigable, yet a sunlight still hours away warmed the air and lighted the night. The day would be grand, for the day was in our hearts.

It was the uncanny hour in the country town when all were asleep and hard to waken. Yet they did, and before the writer reached his office the bells of the city were peeling the news and crowds were coming on the run.

***

Earle Mitchell of Wynooche valley said Tuesday, “We got the news from Montesano at 2 o’clock in the morning. While we didn’t celebrate formally, you may believe we were all happy. Most of us have relatives or friends ‘over there.’ ”

75 years ago

November 18, 1943

After the regular feature show is over at 10 o’clock this coming Saturday night at the Monte theater, and the theater is completely cleared, a special midnight premiere showing of the U.S. Army’s technicolor picture, “This is the Army” will be offered which will give you a chance to support the Army Emergency Relief fund which is one of the most important and far-reaching efforts to relieve the suffering of the dependents of our fighters that has ever been provided.

The admission price for this premiere show goes entirely to the relief of the wives, mothers and children of soldiers who are injured, lost or killed in the service of our country.

It is a stirring and inspiring picture, It will make you want to fight, too. It will make you laugh, and cry. This show will survive this war as a masterpiece of the art of music, dramatic and comic acting. and sound and color photography.

You’ll never forget it!

50 years ago

November 14, 1968

Ballots which will determine whether or not toll-free Extended Area Service will be established between Elma and Montesano have been mailed to telephone customers in the two neighboring communities by the General Telephone Company.

If EAS is approved, it would eliminate long-distance charges for all calls between the two cities. The improved service, however, would mean an increase in the basic charge for local telephone service.

These increases would be 50-cents a month for one-party residence, 60-cents a month for two-party residence, and 30-cents a month for four party and suburban residence service.

***

In a muddy game of football the valiant Monte Bulldogs lost the Veteran’s Day classic to the Elma Eagles, 17 to 6.

The whole game was played in ankle deep mud, and by 5 minutes into the game, you couldn’t identify any of the players on either team. Marv Park and Bob Richards scored TDs for Elma and Ray McMaster kicked a field goal. Rick Burke scored Monte’s only TD.

25 years ago

November 18, 1993

If You Ask Me, question of the week: “Who do you believe has been the most effective president this country has ever had?”

Richard Sivonen, Montesano, retired: “That would be Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I remember him very well from my youth, and the big thing he accomplished was putting people back to work. That’s something we need today.”

Sue Beck, Montesano, substitute aide: “I think that Bill Clinton is well on his way to that title. I believe that he’s doing everything he can do to improve our economy in a very difficult time.”

Glenn Raney, Aberdeen, service station attendant: “Abraham Lincoln. He stood by his beliefs and ideals, freed the slaves, and I think he did the most good for the most people.”

***

The Nordic Inn, 1700 S. Boone in Aberdeen, is advertising its Thanksgiving Day Feast including roast turkey and dressing, Virginia ham, baron of beef, teriyaki chicken, sweet and sour pork, pork fried rice, mashed potatoes, and salad bar for $8.95.

10 years ago

November 13, 2008

“Nobody said I was smart. I just hit my head on the wall a lot,” Chuck Travelstead, the owner of Brown Minneapolis Tank-Northwest, said.

Travelstead, also chief executive officer of the company that manufactures large steel tanks, and about four dozen other people gathered last Thursday at the Satsop Development Park for the signing of the lease between BMT and the Grays Harbor Public Development Authority, which, oversees the development park.

The 15-year lease has seven five-year renewal options. So it’s a 50-year commitment to a company she “fully expects” to still be there a half-century from now, said Tami Garrow, president and CEO of the PDA.

***

Three students from Montesano Junior/Senior High School and six from Elma High School were among 80 in the region from seven high schools chosen to perform in the 2008 Chinook Music Educators Honor Choir on Nov. 9, in Olympia.

The honor choir is sponsored by the Chinook region of the Washington Music Educators Association, which includes most of Educational Service District 113.

The Montesano students are Emily Wright and Stephanie Hornback, both 10th-graders and Elisa Cook, a ninth-grader.

Elma students included Brittany McEwen, Ruth Parks, Megan Clarkston, Tyrel Rothell, Jared Baker and Jordan Baker.

About a month ago, the students were given a packet of “extremely challenging music to learn on their own,” Mary Fran Lewis, choir director at Montesano, explained. The music was difficult because several of the pieces were to be sung unaccompanied, one was in Latin, another in an African language, many of the pieces were for eight-part choirs, and there were changes of meter and tempo throughout.

Compiled from the archives of The Vidette by Karen Barkstrom. She can be reached at kbarkstrom@thedailyworld.com or 360-537-3925.