This Week in Odessa History

100 years ago

From the Odessa Record

August 13, 1914

Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, wife of the president of the United States, died at the White House in Washington, Thursday, August 6.

The bad check artist arrested here last week was turned over to Spokane for similar charges there. There he also passed himself off as the man who had the tobacco, candy and news concession at the new Milwaukee depot, and tried to sell this concession to “Dutch Jake” Goetz of the Coeur d’Alene hotel.

The government thermometer reached 103 Sunday afternoon, and records show there has only been one time hotter in seven years. Monday was a welcome 82.

The Ford motor company has announced a $60 reduction in its car. The touring car now sells for $565, the runabout $515, Odessa prices.

Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria has served an ultimatum to Serbia and has severed diplomatic relations.

The Record was carrying a day by day account of the European war, starting with Saturday when Germany made formal declaration of war on Russia, Sunday when German troops invaded France without a declaration of war, Monday the mobilization of English troops, Tuesday when England declared war on Germany and the United States issued a neutrality proclamation, and the battle progress of each day.

The George Melcher house on the Finney ranch 18 miles southwest of town was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon, with a loss on the building of about $700. The fire was thought to have been caused by mice eating matches in the pantry.

The harvest is half completed and there has been an exodus of harvest hands from town this week.

The personal property tax roll shows that there are at least 500 autos in the county at present. There were 177 listed on the tax roll last year.

Mrs. Ida Conroy has taken possession of the old candy store at Lamona.

On next Sunday, Irby will hold its second weekly aquatic circus at Crab Creek. Last Sunday, the human fish, high divers and speed artists won the hearts of about 35 fellows. This Sunday more events will be added. Irby has several natural bathing resorts.

75 years ago

From The Odessa Record August 10, 1939

Encephalomyelitis, known as horse brain fever or sleeping sickness, invaded Grant and Lincoln counties, spreading from the Yakima Area in an infection that seems to be sweeping eastern Washington.

The malady is reported from Marlin and Harrington. At the G.J. Egbert ranch, five of his 50 head of horses died. His others were innoculated along with horses of other owners of the area.

Appearance of the disease in this area started a program of prevention and farmers are starting to give immunization serums generally throughout their herds.

Mr. and Mrs. Sol Reiman finished moving into their new home during the week end. They have constructed one of the show homes of the community, with modern air conditioning and other recent home improvements.

Work is progressing on the W.C. Raugust home adjoining, and it will be ready for occupancy during the current month.

The commercial club, after contacting various rodeo promoters throughout the area, decided that Odessa will renew its successful rodeos of the past and stage this year’s show on September 8 and 9, with two full days of rodeo, carnival attractions, dances, and other celebration events.

50 years ago

From the Odessa Record

August 13, 1964

Alfred W. “Bill” Jessett, local representative in Odessa for the Washington Water Power Company, was named “Civic Citizen” for June, according to George M. Brunzell, WWP president. The monthly award is given to the employee who does the most outstanding job of serving his community.

Among credits due him is obtaining the new post office facility. He also helped build boat-launching and dock facilities at the community area at Allington Bay on Pacific Lake.

New teachers for the coming year are Mrs. Aileen Swenson, for the second grade position vacated by Mrs. Leroy Ramm, and Donald Andrews, for junior high school science and high school biology, the position vacated by John Doncaster.

Mrs. Ruth Suchland is chairing the Friday night talent show, which will be preceded by the country fair show. Suchland has developed several ideas which can be handled by individuals or groups and can offer these to interested people. It is hoped to make the show an outstanding success, like in the past.

25 years ago

From The Odessa Record

August 10, 1989

The new Lincoln County extension agent Sue Duncan was to hold a class in food preservation at the grade school cafeteria. Her specialty was microwave cooking, so there would be part of her class devoted to using the microwave for food preservation.

The town council considered the possiblities for solid waste management. They reviewed a plan put forth by Lincoln County’s director of environmental health, Marlene Guhlke.

In a new memo from Guhlke, the communities throughout the county were advised that “each county within the state, in cooperation with the various cities located within such county, shall prepare a coordinated, comprehensive solid waste management plan.”

10 years ago

From The Odessa Record August 12, 2004

Fest fever was in the air this week. The cabbage roll crew from the Heritage church spent a day in Das Kraut House preparing their specialty.

The Chamber of Commerce discussed why the Kwansan cherry trees that lined First Avenue were dying and what would be a good tree to replace them. They also discussed five groups who were scheduled to appear on the outdoor stage, plans for the carnival, a model airplane show, the return of Biergarten tables to the Community Center, the schedule for the Oom Pas and Mas, a meeting which was schuduled for the Deutsches Fest food booth supervisors and the pickle committee meeting.

Tracy Kissler, a 1971 Odessa high school graduate was working in Baghdad, Iraq in the International Zone or Green Zone. Kissler was employed by the Air Force as a civilian employee for the previous 18 years.