150 years ago
1874
Willamette Grange: Willamette Grange No. 52, of this county, held a grand picnic yesterday, and gave a social hop, at their new hall near John Harris’, on Muddy. The festivities were intended as dedicatory of the building, which has just been completed. A.J. Dufur, State Agent for the Order, delivered an able oration. Daniel Clark, Esq., Master of the State Grange, was also present, and addressed the Patrons. A class from Philomath Grange joined one of the Willamette in taking the fourth degree. A large number of guests were in attendance, many from Linn county and this city, and all enjoyed the affair in a high degree. (Published July 17, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Wagon fall: James Davidson, residing in Benton county, across the Willamette yesterday fell off a load of hay, striking on his head and receiving some bad strains and bruises. Dr. Davis was sent for and attended him. (Published July 21, 1899, in the State Rights Democrat, Albany).
Did not survive: One by one the pioneers are passing from us and soon the country whose foundation they helped to lay, will know them no more. Down at Parker Station on last Sunday afternoon occurred the death of James O. Davidson, an Oregon Pioneer of ’47. … The interment took place in the Odd Fellows’ cemetery at Buena Vista, the funeral ceremony being conducted by Rev. Allyn Eason of the Christian church of Monmouth. (Published July 21, 1899, i the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
Plymouth community: Plymouth celebrated the Fourth at the Bert Taylor ford, on Mary’s river. The Tennis club put up a stand and wonderful success was had. They sold completely out. A large crowd gathered around the dinner table and did ample justice to it. The afternoon was spent swimming and a most enjoyable and sane Fourth was had. A large crowd from Corvallis and Philomath also gathered at this place. (Published July 17, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Kings Valley robbery: The general merchandise store owned by Jack Price at Kings Valley was broken into early Sunday morning and $2,800 in cash taken, according to Sheriff C.N. Lilly, who was accompanied by Deputy Aaron Dearing, spent most of Sunday investigating the scene of the burglary. According to Sheriff Lilly, the party who stole the money made his entry to the store by first breaking a window in the front door and then crawling through. So far as known, nothing else at the Price store was taken or disturbed. (Published July 21, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Water shortage: No measurable rainfall in nearly three weeks and a string of sweltering days have at least a few area officials sweating over the possibility of water shortages. The Philomath city administrator ordered the city water board Tuesday to ask residents cut back on use of water for watering lawns and washing cars. … Arid weather combined with mechanical problems in one of Philomath’s three water pumps has substantially reduced the water level in the city’s storage tank and reservoir, said Lyman Houk, city administrator. “There’s not enough ‘oomph’ in the system (to fill the water tank),” Houk said. “The only choice we have is to request voluntary reduction in use.” (Published July 18, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).