150 years ago
1874
Ocean outlet: Last week, we mentioned the fact that two gentlemen, of railroad experience and representatives of capital, came up from San Francisco, procured a private conveyance, and visited Yaquina Bay. These gentlemen, one a competent engineer, pronounce the route from Corvallis to Yaquina Bay entirely practicable for a narrow gauge road, and in another column make a proposition to the citizens of Benton, Marion, Polk, Linn and Lane counties. Dr. J.B. Lee, our State Senator elect, is taking an active part in this matter, and will take the proper steps to bring it before the people of the above counties immediately. If the subject receives the encouragement its importance demands inside of thirty days men will be put to work and active operations commenced. (Published June 20, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
School attendance: In the contest of attendance for the county banner of attendance between the schools of Benton county, school districts No. 85 and 5 tied, each had a perfect attendance. District No. 5, of which Miss Rosa Ingram is teacher, has now had perfect attendance for six successive months. There are thirteen children enrolled and no one has been absent a day or tardy a single time. It is doubtful if there is another district in Oregon that can show such an attendance. (Published June 23, 1899, in the Corvallis Union-Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
Soused again: A case in county court yesterday, which occupied Deputy Sheriff Frank Plunkett’s attention until late in the afternoon, is perhaps all that saved Tom D. Hofft from another fine and a term in the county jail. Hofft, according to J.M. Curry, manager of the Philomath telephone exchange, was seen drunk again yesterday morning sleeping in his car a short distance east of Harris station. The case was reported to the deputy sheriff, but owing to the fact that he was detained in county court as a witness in a case of importance, it was late in the afternoon when Mr. Plunkett went out west of Philomath to investigate. When he arrived at the scene of the inebriate’s repose, the man had aroused from his slumber and departed. Hofft was released from the county jail in Corvallis Wednesday evening after he had paid a fine of $250 imposed by Judge Penson when he plead guilty to the first charge. Instead of going directly to his home near Eugene, it is believed that Hofft drove out to the source of his refreshments late that night after his release from jail and took on another load. Hofft appeared at the court house this morning to claim his traveling bag which he left in the sheriff’s office Wednesday night when he hurried away. (Published June 20, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Regional clubs: Nine boys and girls in the Kings Valley community have organized a 4-H canning club under the leadership of Mrs. Carl Moser. Officers elected by the group include Lorraine Pape, president; Marie Moser, vice president; and Barbara Pape, secretary. Other members of the club are Don, Linda and Shirley Moser, Dorwin Pape, Lola Radford and Caryl Zetterberg. … An enrollment for a 4-H Garden club, led by Mrs. G. Ellen Jimmerson of Hoskins has been received in the 4-H office. Six members are enrolled in the club. They elected Orval Dickason president; Marvin Jimmerson, vice president; and Gene Jimmerson, secretary. Other members of the club are Gary Py and Bob and Norman Jimmerson. (Published June 23, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Mill reopening: A Philomath firm that had planned to reopen a defunct local hardwood mill on the strength of a state loan has been beaten to the punch by a Portland firm relying on private financing. Spokesmen for the Portland firm said the mill, to operate under the Pacific Hardwoods Co. name, would reopen this week and reach full production by the end of the month. The mill, located northeast of the city on Clemens Mill Road, was formerly operated by Nizich Forest Products, headed by Jerry Nizich. In April, Aldis Inc., a newly formed local firm also led by Nizich, secured a $250,000 loan through the state Economic Development Department’s revenue bond program to buy the mill. Aldis was attempting to raise another $950,000 from private lenders when owner Paul Barber of McMinnville decided to sell instead to AT Industries of Portland. Aldis had planned to employ about 40 workers in the production of maple and alder furniture stock. AT plans to employ 25 to 30 workers in the same capacity. AT Industries is a subsidiary of WTD Industries, also based in Portland. In addition to mills in Silverton and Glide, WTD owns Philomath Forest Products, operator of another Philomath mill. AT official Bruce Engel will head the local operation, which includes a hardwood mill, planer and drying kilns on 28 acres. (Published June 17, 1984, in the Statesman Journal, Salem).