Coyotes have been known to roam the area. Heck, there’s even Coyote Hill Road in the Wren vicinity. In February 1923, the Philomath Review published a story (re-published by the Corvallis Gazette-Times) about a coyote incident that occurred in that same area.
The headline: “Bold and Bad Coyote Out Philomath Way Comes to Finality.” Here’s the story:
“Quite an exciting coyote hunt and capture occurred in the hills just north of Philomath yesterday. The coyote was started from his lair in the Wren neighborhood and was chased by the dogs of that vicinity round and round in the Cardwell and Wyatt hill vicinity and was finally brought to bay under a house on Oak creek, where it was killed and brought to town.
“About the size of a half grown shepherd dog, it had all the appearance of being able to put up a savage fight, and capable of killing any number of sheep and goats. One front foot showed that it had been caught in a trap long ago; the foot having been chewed off and healed over.
“The story of the chase is a long one, somewhat like the distance these little animals are able to lead the best of dogs before being run down, for they must be exhausted before being captured. Some of them will run steadily for two or three days and relays of dogs must be used; even the best of coyote dogs cannot stand the pace.
“Henry Plunkett of Kings Valley brought his dogs over and put them on the track just outside the limits of Philomath and they ran and ran over the hills until Mr. Coyote gave up. The local boys who helped in the chase were Deb Follett, Frank Williams, Clay Tatom, Fred Gee, and perhaps others.”
150 years ago
1873
Almanac advertisement: Benton County Illustrated Almanac for 1873. For sale at the Gazette office, Allen & Woodward’s, Graham & Bailey’s, and J.W. Williams & Co., Corvallis, Shipley & Henkle’s Philomath, Fred. H. Sawtell’s Newport, and —, Monroe. Price one bit. Call, or send, at once, if you want one — the edition is nearly exhausted, and it is too late to duplicate it. Wm. B. Carter, Publisher. Corvallis, Feb. 1, 1873. (Published Feb. 22, 1873, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1898
Philomath news: The Woodmen supper that was to be held on the 22nd, was postponed on account of the revival. … Miss Luella Dixon, who has been teaching in the public schools at Newport during the winter, has returned home. … Great interest is still manifested in the revival and a number are saved each evening. Rev. Neff was called home to Irving Monday to attend a funeral. … Prof. Emerick received nine persons into the church Sunday. (Published Feb. 25, 1898, in the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1923
Stalled Studebaker: A.T. Cockerline’s Studebaker special automobile, stolen Thursday night, was located early today stalled near Philomath, according to a telephone message received by Sheriff Fred Stickels from Sheriff Warfield of Benton county. Sheriff Steckels had broadcasted the country with the car description. The thief was evidently trying to avoid the main highways and stalled the car on the side road near Philomath. (Published Feb. 24, 1923, in the Eugene Daily Guard).
75 years ago
1948
Knitting club: Seven girls in the Philomath community have organized a knitting club under the leadership of Mrs. R.A. Strawn. Officers elected are Shirley Smith, president; Anna Mae McGregor, vice president; and Marjorie Hamm, secretary. Other members of the club are Irene Anderson, Anna Belle Clair, Viola Kisor and Mary Ann Leach. (Published Feb. 27, 1948, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
50 years ago
1973
Citizens Bank: Plans to establish a branch office of Citizens Bank of Corvallis in Philomath have been reported to President Alden L. Toevs. Toevs said an application has been filed with the state superintendent of banks for permission to establish the branch bank. Submission of an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. will be completed in the near future, Toevs added. With approval of the application, the bank plans to construct a new building in Philomath, where options have been obtained for property for the future site. (Published Feb. 21, 1973, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).