150 years ago
1874
Hoskins fire: On Wednesday night of last week, the saw mill of Harris and Stone, near old Fort Hoskins, in Benton county was burned to the ground. Loss, about $1,000; no insurance. (Published July 31, 1874, in the Albany Democrat).
Quality lumber: The sawmill on the Upper Alsea is turning out a very superior quality of lumber and the road is daily crowded with teams hauling the same. (Published Aug. 1, 1874, in the Morning Oregonian, Portland).
125 years ago
1899
Chenoweth ill: Hon. F.A. Chenoweth, a resident of Kings Valley, Benton county, is seriously ill. He is well known in Oregon, and at one time was quite prominent in politics. (Published July 30, 1899, in the Oregon Statesman, Salem).
Fruit prospects: There is no change in the fruit prospects. Reports received from Benton county state that there will be plenty of apples and pears for local use but none for shipment; the estimate is placed at about 20 per cent of a full crop. (Published Aug. 2, 1899, in the Oregonian, Portland).
100 years ago
1924
Grass fire: A fire alarm was turned in about 1 o’clock Monday afternoon for a grass fire near the Fehler place on B and South street. Although the flames spread in all directions they were almost out before the fire fighters from the main part of town arrived on the scene. Another small fire was put out at W. Vining’s shortly after 9 o’clock Monday evening. (Published July 31, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Jet flyover: The world’s fastest “Acrojets,” those F-80 jet planes we have read so much about, will maneuver over Mary’s Peak mountain Sunday, August 7. The jet plane pilots who appear here Sunday have won national renown for acrobatic maneuvers. It is said by the trek committee who arranged to get the Acrojets here, that this part of the program for Sunday’s trek will give a thrill one will long remember. (Published Aug. 4, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Full reservoir: Philomath’s reservoir is full again and residents can return to their normal summertime water usage, the city administrator said. A burned-out motor pump was repaired last week, said Administrator Lyman Houk. Houk had asked residents to curtail their use of water when the pump motor burned out earlier this month. Water still was being used from one well, but residents were using it faster than the reservoir was being replenished. (Published July 31, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem)