From the Oak Harbor News 100 years ago, in 1917:
n Oak Harbor News declared that the United States was virtually in a state of war with Germany, after three unarmed American merchant ships were destroyed by submarines.
n A soldier, named Linnenkuhl, allegedly attacked Mrs. Clark and a boy on their way back from a basketball game, which was at Fort Casey. The boy yelled “murder” and fended off the assailant with a lantern, causing the man to flee. The boy later identified Linnenkuhl, who had blood on his shirt and was the only soldier missing from Fort Casey that night.
n Commissioner Showalter scratched up Main Street, preparing the road for new gravel and a raising of its grade.
n The Cash Store advertised 16 pounds of sugar for $1.
From the Island County Farm Bureau News 75 years ago, in 1942:
n Congressmen Jackson and Wallgren confirmed that Whidbey Island would be designated as a defense area and was thus “eligible for priorities on materials for defense housing.”
n The funds raised in a series of dances across Whidbey Island — for the purpose of purchasing air raid sirens — reached $309 by the fourth dance. It appeared that “each community (was) desperately trying to outdo the others in selling tickets.”
n John Roodzant, chief observer for a North Whidbey observation post, asked for women “who were not busy” and other men to help staff the post, keeping Whidbey Island vigilant in such a time of war.
n Sears, Roebuck and Co., of Mount Vernon, advertised a special deal of one pound of blue grass seed for 35 cents.
From the Whidbey News-Times 50 years ago, in 1967:
n The local fire warden, Erling Frostad, said he would be available to the public from 1-3:30 p.m. at Pastime on Pioneer Way, so the citizens could obtain burning permits.
n Langley Town Hall was set to meet to “discuss the possibility of making a regional comprehensive plan that would include the entire county.”
n County officials planned a sewer and water study that would pave the way for the construction of facilities to that end. The proposed actions would be made possible with a the recently-awarded grant of $19,500 from Farmer’s Home Administration.
n Blue Fox Drive-In advertised its reopening for its ninth season, showing, “Boy, Did I Get the Wrong Number,” and, “Billie.” General admission was $1 and children under 12 got in for free. The gates opened at 6:30 p.m., with the first showing at 7:30 p.m.
From the Whidbey News-Times 25 years ago, in 1992:
n An EA-6B Prowler crashed on the Olympic Peninsula, but not before its four passengers ejected to safety, suffering only minor injuries.
n Oak Harbor Mayor Al Koetje announced at his “state of the city” address that the “City of Oak Harbor ended 1991 in the black.” He said that the city was “lean,” but “ready for future growth.”
n Rep. Mary Margaret Haugen set her sights on the 10th District’s only Senate seat, having decided to relinquish her seat in the state House.
n O.C. Stereo, Video &Car Audio advertised a Mitsubishi VCR for “just $499.95.”
