Here’s what was happening in the news this week:
100 years ago
Oak Harbor had its first major fire, causing an estimated $5,000 loss. The fire began at the Holman Mill. All able-bodied citizens formed a bucket brigade to put the fire out. The Calista arrived and took up position on the east side of the wharf, pouring a stream of water onto the burning buildings.
Oak Harbor hosted a festival with a livestock parade, picnic luncheon and live music. All Island County ladies were invited to compete in a bread-baking contest using “Best Everett” flour. The first-place prize was a 42-piece dinner set given by Everett Milling Company.
A Baptist missionary boat, the “Robery G. Seymour,” was tied up at the Coupeville Wharf. It had just been dedicated in Seattle and was on a tour of Puget Sound in the interest of the missionary cause.
75 years ago
Preparations were underway for the Holland Days Festivities. There were 32 floats entered in the parade. More races had been added to the sports division, the highlight of which was anticipated to be the horseshoe pitching competition. The Ladies of the Improvement Club were calling for family heirlooms to display along with their fancywork.
Laurin Power of Oak Harbor discovered a new method of removing rocks from his farm. He got his foot tangled in the halter rope of one of his horses and was dragged across the field when the horse came into a gallop. He struck a large rock, but suffered no injuries other than a few bruises.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Oak Harbor received more rainfall in a 12-hour period than it had in 15 years. The weather observer reported that the glass he uses for measuring is 1.60 inches. When he woke in the morning it was overflowing.
50 years ago
Oak Harbor men were required to have a shaving permit to sport bare faces. The Jaycees, sponsors of the beard-growing contest, donned colorful costumes and policed the streets, locking up all violators in a homemade “jail.” It was all for fun, and no one was jailed or required to buy a permit against their will.
The Washington State legislature decided to decrease federal funding assistance for education, causing concern for Oak Harbor school officials. Superintendent Wilbur Gilbert said the district may need to ask voters to approve special levies in order to adequately fund operations.
Some well-known marathon racers indicated their intent to enter the Around the Island Boat Race, to be held during the old-fashioned Fourth of July festivities. About 20-30 boats were expected to compete.
25 years ago
A citizen sidelined an attempt by the Island County Commissioners’ to sign amendments to the county’s land use ordinance into law. Harriette Hayes said the county’s legal process was excluding citizens from the public process. Her claim was upheld by the county attorney.
Coupeville High School had a graduating class of 44 students. Instead of delivering traditional speeches, valedictorian Seung Hee Kang and salutatorian Cindy Engle did a skit to dramatize their message.
Nichols Brothers boatbuilders purchased Floating Marine Ways, a boatyard on the Willamette River about five miles from downtown Portland.
Looking Back is compiled from the Whidbey News-Times’ archives as the newspaper celebrates 125 years in business and the City of Oak Harbor its 100th anniversary of incorporation.
