Here’s what was happening in the news this week:
100 years ago
A dairy farmer in Oregon advised that cows must be fed beet pulp in order to produce the best milk. Dried beet pulp, he said, furnished certain constituents that are lacking in grass and alfalfa and would help to increase the cow’s milk production from one to five pounds per day. In California, farmers were also using beet pulp to feed hogs and sheep.
Preparations continued for the July 5 celebration in Oak Harbor. Features were to include a performance by the Heller Cornet Band and the singing of the National Anthem, as well as a parade, music by Herbert St. Ives and Ruth Sheldon St. Ives, an oration by G.M. Le Cocq and an address by the mayor.
75 years ago
A beach fire threatened structures near the Chris Weidenbach farm. No damage was done, and a group of 10 fire fighters was able to confine the blaze. It was thought that the fire was started by a carelessly tossed cigarette.
Plans were underway for a physical recreation program for boys and girls from Deception Pass State Park to San de Fuca. The first of the summer programs was to be held at Morans West Beach. Other events scheduled throughout the summer included the formation of a girls charm school, recreational gatherings at the municipal playfield, a children’s hour at the library and a social club meeting at the Ladies Improvement Club.
50 years ago
Preparations were underway for the Coupeville Festival. Island craftspeople were encouraged to enter their works while children were also welcome to exhibit their art at the Coupeville Library. The Front Street Development Committee planned to serve clam chowder. Lindsay’s Marina prepared space for Virginia Moore’s display of “beach bounty.”
Whidbey held its first flea market across the road from Tom’s Greenbank Store. Residents were encouraged to bring items for sale and set their own price or trade with other sellers.
25 years ago
Bargain hunters raced for the best buys at the Coupeville Lions 10th annual garage sale, held at Coupeville Elementary. The event raised $11,000 for the organization, $2,000 more than was raised the year prior.
The Roller Barn in Oak Harbor closed after more than 40 years. Owners Bill and JoAnn Sample cited the need for extensive repairs and a lack of revenue as their primary reasons for shutting the doors. The barn was designed and built by Jim Neil in 1912 by Otto Van Dyke. It later became known as the biggest barn on the Pacific coast, according to historian Dorothy Neil.
