150 years ago
1874
The chase: For some time past sheepraisers in Kings Valley and vicinity have been seriously troubled by the depredations of wild animals. Mr. Plunkett, alone, has lost about sixty lambs. Himself and Mr. Dillard Price, last Saturday, procured some dogs and set out for a “chase.” They succeeded in killing an old she-cayote and captured ten cubs. Pretty good for one day. But this is rather expensive “fun.” Would it not be well for stock-raisers, in exposed localities, to band together for mutual protection and offer a bounty for each scalp of these depredating wild animals which may be killed within certain limits? (Published May 9, 1874, in the Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
College graduation: The commencement of Philomath college will take place at the college chapel, June 7. The faculty have selected W.J. Hooker, of Airlie, for salutatorian, and for valedictorian, Miss Grace Huff, of Corvallis. Rev. Isaac Peart, pastor of the First M.E. Church of Corvallis, will deliver the commencement address. (Published May 12, 1899, in the Corvallis Union-Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
Wren turkeys: The biggest turkey industry in Benton county is the boast of the Wren district. The side hill region is said to be ideal for the propagation and raising of these huge roasts. On the Harkson farm, near Wren, Mr. Turner has more than 1,000 turkey eggs in various stages of incubation. Some of the young birds are already scouring the farmyard for growing food and others will release themselves at intervals during all this month. Southern Oregon, in the Grants Pass neighborhood, has found it profitable to raise turkeys commercially, having pooled last year’s crop and shipped it in carload lots to eastern markets. (Published May 9, 1924, in the Benton Independent).
75 years ago
1949
Lumber prices: Lumbermen of this area as well as throughout the state and nation anxiously await a stabilizing of prices. As one lumberman put it this week, “The lumber business is sick.” Number 1 common lumber one time sold for around $57 at the mill and now it is down to $42 a thousand. The larger and better established concerns, according to lumbermen, should even be able to take less than $42 and make a go of it. However, the majority of mills are right now finding it hard “sledding” with the market down and wages still at their all time high. (Published May 19, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Child rescue: Four-year-old Sethlany Henricksen was welcomed home last Wednesday at the Philomath Fire Station. Members of the Philomath Fire Department, who helped save Sethlany’s life after she had fallen into a spring April 8 and nearly drowned, presented her with a large teddy bear. “She is a very special little girl to us,” said fire chief Dave Harlacher. “We want her to keep (the bear) for the rest of her life, so when she grows older, she’ll have an idea of how important she is to us.” (Published May 9, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).
Frolic court: The 1984 Philomath Frolic and Rodeo high school court was announced last week. Named to the court were Tammi Barkdoll, Cristelle Deines and Rhonda Loftis. To qualify for the court, contestants were required to sell 200 fundraising buttons for $1 each, said Carol Prior, chairman of the high school court committee. (Published May 9, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin)