150 years ago
1874
Grange news: N.P. Newton, Master of Philomath Grange, called on yesterday morning, on his return from a visit to Tangent Grange, Linn county. The Grangers are sweeping Old Linn. There were twenty-seven (seventeen males and ten females) who received the fourth degree that day. They now number sixty eight members. The bad weather gives a fine opportunity for visiting. Visitors were present from Harrisburg, Albany and other places. (Published March 7, 1874, in the Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Monroe Colony: Dr. McInturff, of Spokane, and Rev. Wallace, of Junction, at the head of the big colony being established at Monroe, Benton county, are in the city in the interest of the colony or federation of Christian Scientists. They have already made such a start that it may be known that business is meant, having purchased 8,000 acres of land, including most of Monroe with its business houses, and intend to add several more thousand acres in the vicinity. The colony will be built up from all over the United States and is expected to have a population there of several thousand. To belong one must pass the required examination physically and mentally and must be right morally through no religious test is exacted. The sale of liquor will not be allowed, nor the use of tobacco, though those already addicted to the habit may use it in private. Enough have already gone into the matter to indicate the success of the enterprise. This afternoon articles were being drawn in this city for the incorporation of the colony under the name of the Federation No. 1 of the People’s United church. Under it the company will be authorized among other things to build a railroad between Corvallis and Eugene. Anong those interested are C.C. Hogue of this city, Wallis Nash of Benton county and James Steel of Portland. (Published March 10, 1899, in the Albany Democrat).
100 years ago
1924
Star cars: Star cars are beginning to be quite popular in Philomath. Among the recent owners are A.K. Crawford, touring; Mrs. Mary Lane and Roy E. Scott, sedans. (Published March 6, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
Town hoops: One of the most interesting and unusual double header basketball games of the season was staged at the College Gym Monday evening, when the M&B garage boys and the Barber Shop boys tried their talent at basketball tossing. The contest ended with a score of 26-19 in favor of the Garage. The second game was played between teams known as the “Telephone Girls” and the “Barber Shop Girls.” This game ended with a score of 30-30. A number of players in both games had not played for several years, some had never played, while still others had never witnessed a game. (Published March 6, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
School play: The junior and senior classes of Philomath high school will present a three-act comedy, “Just Ducky,” at 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Philomath high school gymnasium. Students who will appear in the production include Larry Burnsworth, Myrtle Mulkey, Pat Robson, Bethel Webb, Mike Stefanek, Carrolene Smith, Melvin Clair, Jeri Gray, Jo Ann Fedje, Yvonne Estey, Wayne Shuman, and Joe Morang. (Published March 10, 1949, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times)
New bridge: Work has begun on the long expected new bridge over Mary’s river near Wren on the Kings Valley road. This is one of the old covered bridges and has long been a danger spot, with a too narrow roadway and sharp curves on the approach. The new bridge will be wider and the curves will be eliminated. (Published March 10, 1949 in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
First Citizen: Ed Fincham is Philomath’s 1984 First Citizen. Fincham and 28 other Community Service Awards nominees were honored at Philomath High School, last Thursday. Receiving awards in the other categories were Melissa Crabtree, Junior First Citizen; Linvia Kaumanns, Distinguished Service; and Nancy Flegal, Senior First Citizen. After accepting the First Citizen Award, Fincham pulled out his harmonica and led more than 200 citizens attending the event in singing, “America.” In his acceptance speech, Fincham said he was “shocked” being named First Citizen since, “there are so many deserving of this award.” (Published March 7, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).