150 years ago
1874
Church conference: The U.B. Conference, Bishop Edwards presiding, closed its session, at Philomath, last Tuesday. We have not been furnished with proceedings or list of appointments. Presume it is an oversight on the part of our Philomath friends. (Published May 30, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Veterans reunion: The annual reunion of the Benton County Veterans’ Association will be held at Philomath grove on June 15th and 16th. On the 15th an address will be delivered by Hon. T.P. Hackleman and on the 16th the speaker of the day will be Congressman Toague. (Published June 2, 1899, in the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
School year: This week finishes the public and high school work for the year. Last Sunday the baccalaureate services were held at the First U.B. church. The pastor, Rev. E.W. Detweiler delivering the sermon and was assisted in the services by Rev. J.D. Nisewonder and Dr. J. Dixon Boughter of the College U.B. church. The commencement exercises will be held at the Oddfellows hall next Friday evening at 8:30. The young people who are finishing the high school work at Philomath this year are: Justina Newton, Carol Newton, George Wood, Gladys Wood, Carl Bails and Ray Lee. (Published May 30, 1924, in the Benton Independent).
75 years ago
1949
Wren school: On Friday, June 3, the last day of school for the Wren pupils, was celebrated by a picnic at Avery park for parents, teachers and pupils. Plans for next year include transportation to Philomath of the upper grades, and maintaining one room at Wren in the existing building, with not more than 25 pupils. (Published June 9, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Graduation prayer: Prayer during high school graduation ceremonies should be banned, a mother told the Philomath school board last Thursday night. Blodgett resident Gloria Wilson, objected to invocation and benediction prayer, a traditional part of Philomath graduation ceremonies because they violate U.S. constitution guarantees. “It is not appropriate … they offend me as a part of the ceremony,” she told the board. “I believe strongly in the separation of church and state. Any chipping away can erode the whole concept of the Bill of Rights. School board chairman John Wooley told Wilson the board would consider the issue at a later date. (Published May 30, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).