125 years ago
April 14, 1893
Chehalis county has a Fair Association. Every year an attempt is made to hold a county fair, with only indifferent results, and for the last two years the showing made was not creditable to this county.
This should not be. Either the people of the county should manifest sufficient interest to make the fair a success or it should be discontinued altogether.
We can see nothing whatever to justify the latter course. Were this county destitute of resources, instead of abounding in natural wealth; were its people veritable old fogies with antiquated ideas, instead of wide-awake, progressive citizens; were it impossible to make a satisfactory display or even a creditable showing — then there would be some reason why a county fair should not be a success.
We believe that what is necessary to obtain the most satisfactory result is hearty co-operation on the part of all our people. Every one should feel a personal interest in the matter — contribute something toward a display or at least influence some one else to do it.
100 years ago
April 12, 1918
William Morris was arrested at the C.C.L.& T. camp north of Montesano Tuesday, on a charge of sedition. He had a hearing before Commissioner Bignold yesterday and will probably be sent to Tacoma to await trial. The complaint was made by soldiers in the camp who allege Morris not only abused the government in his talk but that he was trying to build up prejudice against the Loyal Legion. He is 52 years of age.
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Schafer Bros. Logging Co. will have 200 more soldier loggers at work in the woods near Montesano within a short time. This will make close to 500 men, soldiers and civilians working in the various camps of this company,
The new camp for the soldiers is being built near the Cris Miller place in the Satsop Valley.
75 years ago
April 15, 1943
Every boy and girl up to 10 years of age is going to have a real time Easter Sunday, April 25th, at 1:45 in the afternoon when the grocery stores of Montesano start a real old-fashioned Easter egg hunt out at the ball park. Special hunting grounds are to be arranged for the tiny tots who will be able to get about without competition of the older kids.
The eggs will all be hard boiled and colored — and there will be a lot of them, according to Bob Watson, manager of Safeway store, who is chairman of the committee of grocers sponsoring the event. In addition, Mrs. Clara L. Pickering, Mrs. Beryl Greene and Harry Pickering are serving to make the youngsters have as happy an Easter as possible this war year.
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During the past week the work of serving many people in the Montesano rationing board has increased by leaps and bounds due to the sudden termination of many ration allowances since the early months of the year. Each case requires considerable clerical work before presentation to ration board members.
Mrs. Harold Dobson, assisted by Mrs. Neil Kemp, and others on a volunteer basis, has accomplished wonders. But she needs help, intelligent, conscientious volunteer workers who have had clerical experience which will qualify them to handle definite assignments.
This is definitely a call for volunteers among women who can give at least four hours one day each week on a regular schedule. At least five of these women are wanted immediately, one for each day of the week. They should expect to take some instruction and then to be dependable in attendance on the day assigned.
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Farmers in Washington were told today that unless they repair their trucks now, it may be too late to put their equipment in order for use in this year’s harvests.
In a letter to farm transportation committees, C.R. Nickerson, district manager, ODT, urged these committees to secure farmer cooperation in making necessary repairs now.
“Many farmers customarily postpone major repairs of their trucks until just prior to the harvest season,” he said. “Because of the long delays in obtaining parts, and the severe shortage in truck mechanics, it is suggested that farmers be advised immediately to have all necessary repairs made as soon as possible.”
50 years ago
April 11, 1968
Three instructors on the Montesano faculty will have to attend college this summer in order to teach this fall. That was the decision of the Montesano School Board at its regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The teachers mentioned are employed on temporary certificates and according to Superintendent Carl Snyder, “The State Board of Higher Education takes a very dim view in the re-hiring of a teacher on such a temporary certificate unless he or she indicates an intention of furthering their studies.”
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A delegation from the local Lion’s Club was on hand Monday evening when the City Council had its first April meeting. However, the Club representative did not have a reason to voice their wants in regard to the already requested permission by that organization to sell fireworks within the city limits during the Fourth of July celebrations. According Councilman Willis, “We have received a letter that points out it might be possible that our existing fireworks ordinance is actually outdated. The letter, written by the Attorney General’s office to a State Senator in Bellevue in 1963, states that a city may not limit or restrict the issuance of a permit to sell fireworks by a charitable organization. Each request must be studied by the governing body and then it must use its discretion in the denial or granting of the permit.” The Lion’s request was tabled until the legislative committee of the Council has had time to thoroughly study the letter and make its recommendations.
25 years ago
April 15, 1993
Julie Watters has been selected as Volunteer of the Month for March by the Montesano Community School Advisory Council. Julie has applied her many creative talents to a variety of Community School projects and activities.
She was co-chairperson of the Arts and Crafts portion of the Festival of People, 1992, and along with her husband, Rocky, has agreed to assume that role again this year. Julie was also instrumental in designing and constructing the MCS float for the Christmas Festival of Lights parade. She especially shines when it comes to children’s activities. Julie has taught special occasion kid’s crafts classes throughout the year and served as Costume and Make-up Director for the recent Youth Theatre production of “VAUDEVILLE REVISITED.”
10 years ago
April 10, 2008
Following a lay-off of over two-and-a-half weeks, Montesano hit the diamond for just their fourth game of the 2008 campaign and the Bulldogs rode an early offensive burst and solid pitching to a 4-1, five-inning, non-league baseball victory over Hoquiam on Tuesday, April 8, at Vessey Field.
“We are still basically starting our season,” Monte head coach Mike Bruener said. “But we look good for where we are in the season, and how many games we have under our belts.
