150 years ago
1874
Religious services: The United Brethren have been holding religious services at Philomath for some three weeks past which have been attended with encouraging results. (Published Feb. 2, 1874, in the Morning Oregonian, Portland).
125 years ago
1899
Hard to swallow: The old adage that truth is stranger than fiction was exemplified last week when Mr. Lacrum shot a duck on the pond at Henkle’s mill (near Philomath, Benton County). The duck, which was a wood duck, with a top-knot, was found to have a fish tail sticking out of its mouth. The fish was with some difficulty withdrawn from the duck’s stomach and proved to be a large trout eleven inches in length. (Published Feb. 10, 1899, in the Oregon Statesman, Salem).
100 years ago
1924
Pool hall: The matter of rebuilding the pool hall at Philomath, which was destroyed by fire recently, is said to have created a little affray on the streets of that city a few days ago. It is understood from the report that some of the church people had decided not to have another pool established, and in some manner undertook to prevent construction of the building intended for that purpose. But from late reports, the building progresses. (Published Feb. 12, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Liquor store: The state liquor commission has authorized the establishment of a liquor store in Philomath, it was learned in Corvallis Wednesday. This action was taken at a recent meeting of the commission. It is generally known in Benton County that Philomath “wets” had wished the establishment of a state liquor store in that city for some time. (Published Feb. 10, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
School matters: Philomath school administrators will receive a 2.5% salary increase for the 1984-85 school year. The school board decided that and other personnel matters at their meeting Thursday evening. The board voted to hire Connie Onstad as the high school drama coach and renewed superintendent Lee Edwards’ contract for another year. Chairman of the Philomath School District board, John Wooley, appointed board members Gary Hansen and Tom Petty to negotiate a new one-year contract with all personnel. (Published Feb. 15, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).