Out of the Past 07/15/26

100 Years Ago—

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. A fire between Roger Mountain and Onion Creek is occupying the chief attention of the fire-fighting forces.

According to the Columbia Carrier, Kettle Falls apparently went in the hole with its Fourth of July celebration. Entertainment features were costly, particularly the fireworks, and the excessively hot weather cut down the crowds. The maximum heat was 104 degrees on Saturday, 108 degrees on Sunday, and 111 degrees on Monday.

Marcus Columbia Courier – Engineers for the Hedlund Lumber Company have begun making arrangements with landowners for right of way for the pro- posed logging railroad down the Columbia on the Ferry County side.

 75 Years Ago—

The story of how Colville got its name was told to county pioneers Sunday by Thomas Oakshott, local attorney and trustee of the Washington State Historical Society. Oakshott spoke at the annual pioneer picnic in the city park. An estimated 300 persons attended the affair.

One of the largest contracts ever awarded in this area was announced this week by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada for the construction of a dam at Waneta, B.C.

The 9:30 p.m. curfew resumed this week. The decision to resume the nightly bell was made at a meeting of county law enforcement officers last week. An in- crease in juvenile cases was a major reason for establishing the curfew.

50 Years Ago—

Stevens County women are lagging behind the national average in the number of jobs they hold in comparison to men. In Stevens County’s regional area, a recent study revealed approximately 37.9% of all jobs are now held by women. Elsewhere throughout the United States, 40% of the job holders are women.

At the Stevens County Historical Society’s special public meeting held on Wednesday, the membership had an opportunity to see plans for the future expansion of the museum.

Mayor Lee Cagle, on behalf of the city of Colville, was presented with a plaque signed by President Gerald Ford at Tuesday evening’s city council session. The Bicentennial message, presented to the mayor by local Bicentennial chairman Marian Garvey, came from the National Director of the Bicentennial effort.

25 Years Ago—

The Colville City Council approved on July 10 the appointment of a Design Review Advisory Committee for the new Colville Wastewater Facility.

Colville Rendezvous Days 2001 will experience the past with a living History Encampment on Aug. 3-5. A group from the Washington Civil War Association will set up their camp in Colville City Park. Dressed in period clothing, they hope to share a bit of history with anyone who is interested.

10 Years Ago—

Colville High School grad Rita Birch, class of 2016, is looking forward to participating in the National American Miss Pageant State Finals in Tacoma next month and getting her college experience started at Washington State University. She is the daughter of Mike and Annette Birch of Colville.

NESPELEM – The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation said last week that newly elected Tribal Council members Sheila Cleveland, Larry Allen, Georgia Simpson, and William Womer were officially sworn in. Re-elected council members include Dr. Michael Marchand, Edward Marchand and Joseph Somday. They are working along with seated members Ricky Gabriel, Jack Ferguson, Susie Allen, Bessie Simpson, Mel Tonasket, Andy Joseph Jr., and Richard Tonasket.