Philomath College had gone through a division in the church in the late 1880s and 125 years ago found itself in the early period of reorganization. The small-town institution apparently had a pretty good 1897-98 academic year, however, with positive press clippings around the state.
The following opinionated item appeared in the July 29, 1898 edition of the Hood River Glacier:
“Under the efficient management of Prof. J.M.C. Miller as president, Philomath college last month closed a most successful year’s work, its patrons speaking of it as the best in its history, and the prospects for the coming collegiate year are very promising.
“Philomath college offers exceptionally good business and normal courses, and now that the state university and agricultural college have cut off their preparatory departments, it is making a specialty of preparing students for these institutions.
“Philomath is an ideal little college town, situated just six miles west of Corvallis on the Oregon Central and Eastern railroad.”
150 years ago
1873
Married bishop: We understand that Rev. T.J. Conner, of Philomath, has been married since he left here. He has also been appointed bishop for this district. (Published July 26, 1873, in the Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1898
Philomath items: Abe Woods is clerking in the meat market of Osborne & Ferris. … William Gellatly began threshing Monday at John Rickard’s west of town. … E.A. Jackson is raising by subscription funds to permanently seat the camp ground. … Agent Parker is erecting a building for the preparatory department of Philomath College.. (Published Aug. 5, 1898, in the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1923
Street work: The city of Philomath is getting its streets graded and shaped up these days by the use of the county grading apparatus. Philomath is planning a thorough program of road improvement. The county bridge crew is now putting in a new bridge on the market road south of Alpine, according to County Commissioner von Lehe. (Published July 27, 1923, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1948
Baseball rally: A last-inning rally netted the Philomath Townies seven runs to give them a victory over Toledo in yesterday’s baseball game at Philomath. B. Farthing, Philomath pitcher, struck out 13 batters, while Toledo’s Pettyjohn whiffed six. One homer was scored in the second frame by Farthing, while Anderson of Toledo collected a three-bagger. (Published Aug. 2, 1948, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
50 years ago
1973
Frolic donation: Philomath Frolic Inc., has donated over $1,000 in playground equipment to Philomath City Park. One item is a large fiberglass slide with climbing tower and tunnel. Others were four hobbie horses and infants seats for the swings already in use there. There will be landscaping in the playground area, including a tree house. (Published Aug. 6, 1973, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).