Pomeroy Pioneer Portraits

Ten years ago

August 22, 2012

Sonny Talbot, following “a pulling on my heart,” went on a two-week mission to Swaziland in Africa to provide medical services to residents near the El Shaddai orphanage. He preached in the Sunday service and the following day, using equipment donated by Garfield County Memorial Hospital and medication donated by Pomeroy Pharmacy, Sonny opened the clinic.

The Friends of Denny Ashby Library and Humanities Washington will present Songs of the American West by Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue on Tuesday, Aug 29 at Memory Manor at Garfield County Memorial Hospital. Long-term care residents and members of the community will be entertained by the couple’s program of singing and story-telling about how the American West was tamed and settled. The program is made possible by Friends of the Library members Bruce and Susan Matley of Prescott.

Twenty-five years ago

August 27, 1997

Covenant, a Northwest Nazarene College singing group that includes 1994 Pomeroy High School graduate Debra Emerson, will perform at Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene. Debra’s parents, Vern and Kathy Emerson, said the group is on a 10-week tour that started in late June and it has provided music and counseling to six junior high and senior high camps, in addition to 34 concerts in churches. Covenant has performed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado.

Last week Friday was the final day of this summer’s season at Pomeroy Municipal Pool because most of the lifeguard staff were leaving for school. Public works director Tom Bemis said the date for the last day was set at the start of the season. Bemis said a parent asked him about the pool closing a week before the start of school and he responded that if adults supported the pool staying open longer by becoming certified and applying for positions, the season could possibly be extended in the future.

Fifty years ago

August 24, 1971

The timber-eating tussock moth is sweeping into the Blue Mountains in epidemic proportions, threatening to wipe out a large block of timber in this area. Estimates indicate some 250,000 acres worth possibly $50 million in timber might be involved if controls are not put into effect before next season. Two entomologists from Portland were touring the district Tuesday.

Garfield County Memorial Ambulance operations are being made more flexible and better equipped with the addition of three powerful walkie talkies. The radio units will allow ambulance drivers to be in constant touch even when they are not near a telephone and this should result in faster service. Funding was by donations from Jack Caldwell and the Memorial Fund.

Seventy-five years ago

August 29, 1947

Volunteer labor and contributions are needed to help build a hog barn at the fair grounds. A concrete foundation is being built for the hog exhibit housing and it is hoped a galvanized roof can go on this fall.

Lee LaHatt brought to the East Washingtonian office Tuesday a bouquet of roses that had 32 fully developed flowers on a single stem. The roses were in the height of their glory in full bloom, an oddity in so far as flower culture is concerned. The roses were grown in the LaHatt garden on Columbia street.

Plans are materializing to bring a fine group of race horses to Pomeroy for the Eastern Washington Livestock Show and Races, September 12, 13, and 14. Authentic harness races will be a special feature. The sulkeys, drivers and horses for these events are coming from Portland, Ore. Between-race periods will be filled with local races and contests, with Lee Gimlin’s karakul sheep on hand to furnish really bucky rides for boys 14 years old and under.

One hundred years ago

August 26, 1922

A shortage of 40 cars necessary for immediate removal of grain from Pomeroy was reported by buyers yesterday. This works a hardship on some warehousemen whose houses are full, and those who have bought and wish to move the grain to market. The situation also has a depressing effect on the prices. One man yesterday said he was unable to get a bid at any figure for grain stored on the river. While the farmers’ and buyers’ interests suffer here, scores of miles of sidetracks are said to be covered with cars in this state, awaiting repairs.

William Kuhnan, who broke jail the second time Thursday night, is still free, but the sheriff is confident that he will be located and returned again. Out of six or seven escapes from the jail, which have occurred during Sheriff Dixon’s official career, there is not one instance in which the escaped prisoner has not been brought back. Attention is called to the need of better jail conveniences. There is no water or toilet in the cage and the other part of the jail is insecure. It is necessary to leave the cage open most of the time as it is impracticable to try to put a guard constantly over the prisoners.