150 years ago
1874
Philomath College: On Friday and Saturday, April 3d and 4th, at Philomath College, was held an examination of the several classes in the higher department of the College. It was the close of the second term of this school year. It was quite a treat to be present during the examinations and notice the improvement of the pupils each term of school; the classes all acquitted themselves well, and to the satisfaction of teachers and visitors. … We also visited the primary department, under the charge of Miss Lawrence. Was glad to see such good order. The little ones seem to vie with each other as to which could do the best and please their teacher most. (An excerpt from a story published April 18, 1874, in the Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Teachers institute: Next Saturday an institute of the teachers of the county will be held in Philomath. A picnic will be the main feature of the day in which much merriment will exist as is evinced from all past events of like nature which have been instituted by the birch wielders of Benton. (Published April 21, 1899, in the Corvallis Union-Gazette).
Coyote killing: Capturing coyotes in Benton county has become a profitable business where the hunter is fortunate enough. … The bounty on coyote scalps has been raised by private subscription and otherwise to $33 each. Chester Avery and Ed Davis captured one Friday on the Keyes place, owned by John Richard, west of Corvallis. (An excerpt from a story published April 21, 1899, in the State Rights Democrat, Albany).
100 years ago
1924
Teachers assigned: At the meeting of the school board Monday evening all the teachers for the grades were re-elected. They are: First and second grades, Miss Maude Sherman; 3rd and 4th, Miss Mabel Tatom; 5th and 6th, Prof. S.I. Pratt; 7th and 8th, Miss Retta Joseph. The high school teachers have not yet been selected. (Published April 17, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times)
Medical treatment: Mrs. Harry Leopold went to Corvallis Tuesday where she is taking regular treatments to reduce an injury to her right arm which has been in a crippled condition for some time, caused first by a sprain or misplacement of ligaments at the elbow and carrying the limb in a sling caused muscular adhesions that left her arm almost helpless. (Published April 18, 1924, in the Benton Independent).
75 years ago
1949
Blodgett death: John Harmsen, 84, a resident of Blodgett for 38 years, passed away Saturday, April 23, at a local hospital. He had been in ill health for the past six months. He was born in Germany and came to the United States when he was 19 years of age. He was married to Nora Howard November 8, 1893 at Eugene. (Published April 21, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
County DA: Robert Mix, city attorney for Corvallis for the past year and a half, became the new Benton county district attorney Monday. He was named to this position Saturday by Governor Douglas McKay following a recommendation that Mix be appointed to fill the position left vacant when Fred McHenry, former district attorney, became the new circuit judge for district 21. (Published April 21, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Council approval: After much talk and several delays, construction of a new “In & Out” drive-in was approved by Philomath’s city council Monday night. Currently located at 1820 Main Street, the old building will be torn down within 60 days of occupancy in the new one. The new restaurant will be built on a vacant portion of the property on the east half of South 18th Street. Owned by Roy Taylor, Corvallis, the property is zoned commercial and drive-in restaurants, along with gas stations, require a conditional use permit to be constructed in commercial zones. (Published April 18, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).