150 years ago
1874
Yaquina Railroad: The incalculable importance of this project, not only to Benton and adjoining counties, but to the entire State, is our only apology for keeping it before the minds of our readers, and urging upon our citizens its immediate construction. There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, if taken at the “flood leads on to fortune.” This is that “tide” for Benton County. If the necessary steps for the early completion of this road are not taken now, other enterprises will be inaugurated — other roads to the sea coast will be built — and our County will let slip an opportunity for prosperity and progress which many not occur again for many years. With this road, Benton will become one of the most wealthy and populous counties in the State, and within her borders will spring up, like magic, one of the principal commercial marts of the Pacific coast. (Published Oct. 16, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Salmon hungry: Frank Williams and Fred Ingle of Philomath arrived Saturday evening for a visit with their brother-in-law, Prof. Holm. The gentlemen are friends of William Buoy, local agent of the C&E., who buys and sells salmon on the side. (We charge him two bits for this ad). The gentlemen from salmonless Philomath were fish hungry Monday morning and called upon Mr. Buoy. The latter pointed to a handsome, fresh little Alaska salmon and suggested that it was just what they wanted. “Not much!” replied Mr. Williams, “You don’t work off any of your old dog salmon onto me!” “All right,” smilingly returned Mr. Buoy; “take that young chinook,” indicating a nice-looking fish of the desired size. The second proposition struck Mr. Williams favorably, and he walked off with as fine a little dog salmon as ever struck the bay. (Published Oct. 20, 1899, in the Lincoln County Leader, Toledo).
100 years ago
1924
Rally Day: Rally Day will be observed at the College church on Sunday, October 19th, a program beginning at 10:45 a.m. Those having vegetables, fruit or canned goods to donate for the Children’s Farm Home will leave the same at the church on Saturday, if possible. (Published Oct. 16, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
Get acquainted: About 40 guests were present at a “get acquainted meeting” given at the girls’ dormitory at the college on Friday evening. The color scheme for the decoration was pink and green. Readings by Mrs. Edna Culber, interesting stunts by students, and music by a ukulele orchestra were features of the evening’s entertainment. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served by the hostesses. (Published Oct. 16, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Wren PTA: Wednesday, October 18, being the regular meeting night for the Wren Parent Teacher association, a meeting was held at the school house. During the business meeting Mrs. John Summers tendered her resignation as president, on account of an anticipated move. Since the attendance was light, it was decided to appoint a nominating committee to report at the next meeting. Mrs. S.W. Priest and Mrs. Marshall Webster were appointed on the committee. Mrs. Priest, Mrs. Webster and the teacher, Mrs. Miller, were appointed to plan a halloween party for Friday, October 28, as the tentative date. All parents interested in keeping a PTA alive in the district are urged to attend this party and discuss the project over refreshments. (Published Oct. 20, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Local death: Olive E. Stueve, 65, 146 S. 20th, Philomath, died Sunday. She was born in Byers, Okla., and was raised in Kansas. She lived there until 1947, when she moved to Philomath. She was employed by the Philomath School District from 1960-82 as a kitchen assistant. (Published Oct. 15, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).
Football loss: Central 14, Philomath 12. Corey Amos gained 92 yards, including a 43-yard third-quarter TD run for the Panthers. Central had 229 total yards to Philomath’s 206, but the Warriors committed six turnovers. Heath Marshall had 75 yards and a TD for Philomath, which missed a two-point conversion attempt in the third quarter. Central, the defending state AA champs, remained in first place at 4-0. Philomath is 2-3 in league. (Published Oct. 20, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).