150 years ago
1874
Philomath College: The Commencement exercises of Philomath College closed with an appropriate entertainment, consisting of Music, (vocal and instrumental,) orations, essays and declamations on last Thursday evening, at which we had the pleasure of being present. The exercises were very interesting indeed and exhibited great proficiency on the part of the pupils. The patrons of this institution feel a just pride in its success, under the able management of President Williams, and an efficient and competent faculty. We regretted, exceedingly, that we could not have been present at the exhibition given by the Primary Department, in the afternoon. It is spoken of in the highest terms by those witnessing the same — as reflecting great credit upon Miss Lawrence, the teacher. This institution is in a flourishing condition and is a credit to our county. Due notice will be given of the opening of the school after summer vacation. (Published July 4, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Bicycle ride: Several Corvallis people rode out on their wheels to Philomath, Sunday, to witness the closing exercises of the camp-meeting held in the grove near that place. (Published July 7, 1899, in the Corvallis Gazette).
Minister change: At the annual conference of the United Brethren church held in Philomath the past two weeks, Rev. P.O. Bonebrake, who has been pastor of the Eugene church the past two years, was elected president of Philomath college. Rev. Bonebrake had previously served as president of the college, and is an able instructor. Rev. J.T. Merrill was appointed pastor of the U.B. church in this city to success Rev. Bonebrake. (Published July 6, 1899, in the Daily Eugene Guard).
100 years ago
1924
Moonshine charge: A pint bottle half filled with moonshine whiskey brought a $50 fine to J.M. Murphy, farmer of Wren, in Judge Penson’s court this morning. Murphy, according to Floyd Browne, deputy sheriff who made the arrest, was caught in the act of issuing drinks to his friends on the Wren bridge last night. Leaping over a nearby fence, Browne joined the party, just as one of the men was about to take a drink. Murphy hurled the bottle against the bridge but it failed to break. He was brought to Corvallis, and entered a plea of guilty of possession of intoxicating liquors this morning. “This is the first and only time I ever bought a bottle of moonshine in my life,” Murphy told the officers. “And it’s going to be the last time, too. I’m off the stuff for life.” Murphy is a respected and hardworking farmer in the Wren section, Sheriff Warfield told the court, but the officer issued a warning to the prisoner. “We could confiscate your auto on this charge,” said Warfield,” but because up to the present time you’ve been a good citizen we’ll let it go. The man we’re after is sthe man who makes and sells this liquid poison.” (Published July 2, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
Philomath baseball: The Philomath baseball team played the Waldport team at that place Sunday. The game resulted in a score of 14-2 in favor of the Philomath boys. The Philomath boys will play the Newport team at Newport the 4th of July. (Published July 2, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Highway crash: A skidding truck that went out of control and then went into the ditch about two miles west of Corvallis on the Corvallis-Philomath road last Saturday put S.J. Myers, 66, of Blodgett in the local Good Samaritan hospital and crippled up his truck. When the truck hit the ditch it turned over. The skidding was caused by loose gravel along the side of the road on the shoulder. The accident happened about 10 a.m. Myers is an employee of the Hotel Benton. A check at the hospital revealed that Myers was treated for cuts and bruises but was released after he had been treated. A report made on the accident revealed that Myers with his truck was passing an oncoming logging truck loaded with logs and that in turning out on the loose gravel, Myers truck skidded and crashed into the log truck and then continued on and turned over in the ditch. John Risley, Alsea, was driver of the logging truck but did not get hurt in the accident. His log truck also did not receive any damage other than a broke airline between the cab and the rear wheels of the trailer part of the truck. (Published July 7, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
College reunion: Philomath College’s annual reunion for former students and friends will be Sunday at the College United Methodist Church. Sunday school will be at 9:30 a.m., church service at 11 and potluck dinner at noon (beverages furnished), followed by a business meeting, sing-along and visiting in Moreland Auditorium. (Published July 6, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).
Photo exhibition: The Benton County Historical Museum and the Corvallis Arts Center will present the world premiere of the Meniscus Portfolio Exhibition, consisting of 85 photographs by 15 photographers from the San Francisco Bay area. The exhibit will be shared by the museum and the arts center, with approximately two-thirds of the prints at the museum and one-third at the arts center. (Published July 6, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).