Pomeroy Pioneer Portraits

Ten years ago

May 23, 2012

Merina Gordon of Pomeroy will give her senior music recital on June 16 at the Lewiston United Methodist Church. Merina will perform works for solo voice, pipe organ, and piano. She will play musical works including classical, impressionistic, and modern. Composers will include Bach, Debussy, Diemer, and more. Merina will graduate from high school from the Academy of Notre Dame Home Study Program on June 9. She has studied music since she was three years old.

Karissa Egtvedt was named Student of the Month for April in the Chamber of Commerce’s recognition program. The sponsor for the April award is Pomeroy Pharmacy. She was nominated by Del McKinley, Tina Warren and Janie Field. The nominators noted that Karissa has been a part of the PHS pep club, cheerleading squad, sports teams and team manager since moving here in 2009 from Tri-Cities. Her pride in her school is shown with her participation in athletics and extra-curricular activities, and her pride in her work.

Twenty-five years ago

May 21, 1997

Garfield County will hold its first county-wide vote-by-mail election June 17 for Referendum Bill 48, the so-called new football stadium referendum. County Auditor Donna Deal said approximately 1,750 ballots will be delivered to local postal boxes on May 28. The Secretary of State’s Elections Divisions is funding the election throughout the state. Deal said Paul Allen, the Microsoft millionaire and potential owner of the Seattle Seahawks, will pay for the special election.

Pomeroy Pony Punchers will sponsor a playday on horseback for kids and adults on Wednesday, June 11 at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. Riders may enter some or all events that will include barrels, poles, keyhole and flag race.

Fifty years ago

May 18, 1972

Garfield County Fairgrounds will be the site of the first Boy Scout District Court of Honor in this area in many years, this Sunday, May 21. The Court of Honor, for Alpowa District scouts, include rank and award presentations for Boy Scouts who have recently completed requirements for those awards. Two Pomeroy youths-Delbert Groat and Chris Cardwell-have recently qualified for the highest rank in scouting-the Eagle.

Last Monday, May 15, friends and neighbors moved in at 8 a.m. and by noon had plowed about 125 acres for Mrs. Reinhard Waldher, whose husband had passed away last February. Furnishing tractors and working were, Lester, Cecil, Mike and Dave Geiger; Jim Wolf; Henry Hiller; Ed Francisco; Harvey Alspach; Felix, Ed and Lyle Landkammer; and Dick and Dorathea Waldher. Diesel was furnished by Dick Waldher, Standard Oil dealer. Field foremen were Herman Waldher and Buck Geiger. At noon dinner was prepared by Mrs. Ed Hiller, Mrs. Herman Waldher, Mrs. Leo Waldher, Mrs. Dick Waldher, Mrs. Lester Geiger, Mrs. Dave Geiger, and Mrs. Reinhard Waldher. Miss Louise Waldher was a guest.

Seventy-five years ago

May 22, 1947

Electric tower bells have been presented to the Christian church by Mr. and Mrs. Emory Dye as a memorial to their son, Kenneth Dye, who gave his life in the service of his country in World War II; and to all the boys of Garfield County who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. They will be dedicated Memorial Day, Friday, May 30. It is the purpose of those who are making the gift to leave a memorial which will be a continual reminder to the people of this community of the great sacrifice made by the boys to preserve the democratic way of life.

Plans for the two-day racing meet to be sponsored by the Garfield County Fair association, a member of the Blue Mountain Racing circuit, on Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15, at the association’s new race track east of Pomeroy, is now well under way. It is expected that no less than 100 head of thoroughbreds will participate in the two-day meet. In compliance with state laws pari-mutuel betting will be permitted. This will be the first race meet that has been held in Pomeroy in years, since the “good old days,” and the first time that betting on the outcome of a race is legal.

One hundred years ago

May 20, 1922

Walla Walla men poured in from east and west Wednesday noon until the town swarmed with visitors wearing the booster badge, “The valley they like so well they named it twice.” About 100 were served a good meal in Union Hall, prepared by the members of the Mehtodist aid. An event not called for by the regular program took place at the luncheon, when Deputy Sheriff Ellis Powell served a warrant on Mr. Keating of Walla Walla, charging him with bringing booze into Pomeroy. A general protest arose but the officer was firm. Finally Judge J.R. Stevenson said the exigency of the case demanded immediate trial and convened his court. Prosecuting Attorney Farley called Rev. F.N. Morton to the stand as an expert to determine what the bottle introduced as evidence contained. After sniffing and tasting the contents the minister pronounced it “cold tea”.

Commencement exercises will be held in the Seeley theatre, Thursday, May 18, at 8 o’clock. The address will be delivered by Prof. Maynard of the state college. Other numbers will be music by the glee club, singing by Mrs. Lyons and Vernon Robinson; valedictory by Elmer Shelton and salutatory by Maxine Strain.