150 years ago
1874
Seriously ill: We were pained to learn from Rev. E. Godfrey, yesterday, that the wife of Rev. Wm. Bennett, of Philomath, was lying at the point of death. (Published April 25, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
Wrong man: In the adjourned Democratic County Convention, in this place, last Saturday, the Soap Creek “orator” of the occasion nominated, for one of the offices, a gentleman who had been dead for a year or more. The chair, in a half waggish way, suggested that perhaps the gentleman from the classic shades of Soap Creek was thinking of General Jackson. It required several minutes to restore order. (Published April 25, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Standing-room only: The large and commodious Odd Fellows’ hall in Philomath, was filled to its utmost capacity Friday evening, Apr. 21, the opening program of the Eighth Local Teachers’ Institute of Benton county, there not being sufficient seats to accommodate all attending. On the following Saturday, the public school building was also inadequate to accommodate the large number desiring to attend, and as a consequence, many were compelled to stand during the morning and evening sessions. (Published April 28, 1899, in the Corvallis Union-Gazette).
Bicycle path: Mr. J.B. Irvine has been appointed supervisor of all bicycle paths to be built in Benton county. The one between here and Monroe is receiving his personal attention, when that is completed work will be begun on a path to Philomath. (Published April 28, 1899, in the Corvallis Union-Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
Arts and entertainment: The month of May will be full of good things for Philomath. The Philomath College chorus will present the operetta “Paul Revere” on Friday, May 2. The high school will give their second play this season, entitled “Stop Thief.” The Ladies Aid society of the college church will present “Clubbing a Husband” on May 15. This is a three-act comedy full of life, laughter and ludicrous situations. (Published April 25, 1924, in the Benton Independent).
Baseball fundraiser: The Corvallis high school band will give a concert in Philomath Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. The proceeds will be used to purchase baseball uniforms for the Philomath high school team. (Published April 25, 1924, in the Benton Independent).
75 years ago
1949
Philomath Elementary: Residents from in and around Philomath for miles plan to gather next Monday, May 9, for dedication ceremonies of the new $135,000 grade school. Present plans call for an all-day open house at the school which is located on the south part of the old Jerry Henkle estate about a block and a half south of the main highway that goes through Philomath. The old Henkle estate covers about six acres. Also included in the dedication program for the new 10-room school will be a potluck supper sponsored by the PTA, of the school at 6:30 p.m. Formal exercises will take place at 8 p.m., according to Mrs. Charline L. Edwards, principal of the school. (Published April 28, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Food Bank: Philomath Food Bank Committee members last week agreed to begin a search for a new food storage facility and agreed in principle to a new plan for distributing food boxes. The Food Bank, located in a small room at the Philomath City Shops, must be moved because the city needs the room for storage, said Ken York, public works foreman. “There is not a time limit on it, but we would like to see the bank moved as soon as possible,” York said. The Food Bank Committee at a meeting Monday, April 16 set a target date of June 15 for relocating the bank. (Published April 25, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).