Out of the Past

The forest fire situation in Stevens County has somewhat improved, but no great relief can be expected until there is a heavy rain. The worst fires, not yet under control, are those at Black Lake and on Roger Mountain.

Almost two-and-a-half million acres of national forest land in Oregon and Washington have been closed this summer as an emergency forest fire measure, according to a Forest Service statement just issued.

Members of the local chamber of commerce joined delegations from the chambers of Kettle Falls, Chewelah, and Addy in a drive to advertise the salmon jump at Kettle Falls Saturday.

100 Years Ago—
The colorful and helpful life of Mrs. R.E. Lee, who passed away July 19, is disclosed in a study of her many activities.

Coping with the worst forest fire situation in the history of the county, a force of over 300 men is combating at least 100 fires, stated John T. Raftis, secretary of the Stevens County Timber Protective Association.

An ordinance providing for a new ornamental and overhead lighting system, to take the place of the present system in Colville, was passed Tuesday night. The estimated cost is $7,085.45, and the system will consist of ornamental lighting standards on the business portions of Main Street, Aster Avenue, and 1st Avenue.

Gathered at Arden dam, on the historic site of the old Arden mill and shad- ed by apple trees over 60 years old, over 200 pioneers of Stevens County met Wednesday, opening their merry-making by the singing of “America,” led by H.J. Plumb. A.H. Raynor of Chewelah, who conducts a poultry farm, reports a three legged chicken a week old.

W.L. Biggar, county treasurer, gives the following figures regarding the collection of the current year’s taxes ending May 31

Courtesy Stevens County Historical Museum
700 North Wynne in Colville

Step back in time with this week’s “Out of the Past,” featuring snapshots from Stevens County history across five eras. Read about the Colville Oil Company’s early drilling efforts, an Inchelium Indian celebration expected to draw record crowds, and dividend news from a local mining company. From the opening of a new children’s shop to political speeches and civic reminders, these clippings capture everyday life and big moments alike. We wrap up with a look at Colville 2000 construction plans and a Relay for Life trail ride fundraiser.

The 40-horsepower electric motor at the city well burned out last week, and, while waiting for another motor, the water in the reservoirs became lowered to the extent that the mayor asked Colville users to temporarily refrain from lawn sprinkling.

100 Years Ago— The sawmill of Diehl & Co. near the dolomite quarry east of Colville was destroyed by fire May 28 at noon.

Courtesy Stevens County Historical Museum
700 North Wynne in Colville

100 Years Ago—
The 20th graduating class of the Colville accredited high school, numbering 57 pupils, will receive diplomas next Friday night at the Colville Theater.
This class has set a record for scholastic activities that will make it remembered
throughout the history of the school.

Take a trip through the archives of the Statesman-Examiner. This week’s look back covers a century of local history, from the 1926 stagecoach petitions and the 1951 real estate tax protests to the 1976 Lilac Parade sweepstakes win and the 2016 rebuilding of the city street shop.

100 Years Ago—
A request has been that all people owning lots in the Colville cemeteries make a special effort to clean them up before Memorial Day. It will be impossible this year for the Post to attend to it, and we should like to have our memorial grounds look as beautiful as possible.

100 Years Ago—
For many years Thomas Aspend (well-known barber) has been trying to teach people how to fish. Last Tuesday, he found a pupil he does not know how to grade, and he is still undecided whether to give her a fishing medal of the first class.

100 Years Ago—
The people of the Fruitland Irrigation District and Kettle Falls are planning to hold the Apple Blossom Festival on April 25. They will have a big day out among the fruit blossoms and up at the falls.

100 Years Ago—
Next week has been designated as Clean Up Week in the city of Colville. Between Monday and Saturday, it is hoped that every resident will take pleasure in helping to clean up streets, alleys, and yards.

100 Years Ago—
Colville’s March weather came close to breaking the record, both for temperature and precipitation. Maximum temperature was 73 degrees on April 6 with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. The average for the month was 44 degrees, which was only exceeded in the last 26 years by March 1910 when the average was 44.5 degrees.

100 Years Ago—
Dr. and Mrs. W.F. Diffenbacher left for their new home in Spokane on Monday. Their son, William, home from the state university on a week’s vacation, assisted in moving. Part of their household goods were sold at auction Saturday, and some were taken by moving van to Spokane.

100 Years Ago—
A barium prospect has been opened across the river west of Northport by Fred Martin, Howard Featherkile, and Arthur W. Featherkile.

100 Years Ago—
The state highway committee will open bids April 13 on construction of 12.3 miles of the Inland Empire Highway south from Barstow to the Kettle Falls of the Columbia River, in Ferry County.

100 Years Ago—
Manager I. M. Hunley of the Colville-Spokane Stage Line has entered an order for another white stage to add to the recent equipment of three large white stages, a smaller stage and two autos. The new stage is to be equipped with a lavatory, toilet, drinking fountain, and a two-seat nook with writing desk for use of travelers and businessmen.