FROM THE FILES

125 Years Ago

Adams County News

June 15, 1898

Fourth of July at Ritzville

The day's amusements will begin with a grand street parade, composed of the different secret societies, old soldiers, citizens, etc., led by the Ritzville and Rocky Coulee bands. Following is a partial program of the sports of the day: Horse races. Slow bike race. Men's foot race. Fat man's foot race (must weigh 200 lbs.); three-legged race, potato race, wheelbarrow race and bun eating match; greased pig race-winner to be presented with the pig.

Local and Personal

The Russians that have lately located in this county are already purchasing farming outfits. Bauer-Bier sold them ten Newton wagons Monday.

If it means a sacrifice of business and popularity to seriously oppose the liquor traffic, it is small wonder that so few have the backbone to do so.

A number of the farmers living south of town have, since the fencing of the Ritz land, been practically without a road to town. Last week they banded together and worked out the new road to the town limits, and on Monday of this week they came again and worked that portion of the road inside the corporation.

A member of the news force is learning the German language, and has reached the point where he can hardly talk at all.

100 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

June 14, 1923

Severe storm at Hatton

HATTON, Wash., June 13. A genuine old Nebraska rain fell here Saturday night soaking the ground to the extent that the best crop in sixteen years is almost a certainty. But with the rain came a hail storm on the east side that did considerable damage to growing grain, the worst of the storm striking the Charles Herron place one- and one-half miles east of town, when pigs and chickens were killed, window lights broken out and whole fields of beautiful grain beaten into the ground. Hal Crampton out four miles was another heavy loser, having a quarter section of promising wheat destroyed. William Tolle on the Bert Hiller place, and George Myers and H. Volger were each in the path of the storm, losing many acres of promising wheat.

75 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

June 10, 1948

Lind hits water

Water has been reached by drillers in the new city well. The water has been said to be soft water and workers report they are pumping 300 gallons a minute.

Accountant has Ritzville office

Morris Cooper, Spokane attorney and certified public accountant, has opened an accounting office on the mezzanine in Rummer's Style Center in Ritzville. Cooper said this week that Lee Burroughs of Spokane, who is associated with Cooper, would be in charge of the Ritzville office. Burroughs is married to the former Ruby Ahern of this area.

At the Ritz

"The Voice of the Turtle" starring Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Parker, Eve Arden and Wayne Morris.

50 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

June 14, 1973

Holliday Herefords

flown to Japan

H.J. "Bud" Holliday and son Mike shipped 15 yearling Herefords to Japan by air Sunday night. It was the first time a Washington breeder of Herefords had sold stock overseas, said the Benge breeder. Bud told the Journal-Times he got a very good price indeed.

Bank quarters

refurbishing is underway

Remodeling of the Old National Bank office and work areas began over the weekend. Manager Phil Langford said the job will require the better part of a month, since workmen will not be able to work too much during banking hours. New paneling will be installed throughout the interior. The area in which officers have had their desks is being expanded to include a private office area. A new private office will be enclosed in an area to the right of the entrance to the vault.

25 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

June 11, 1998

Airtour to stop here

More than 40 airplanes participating in the Ninth Annual Airtour of the Montana Antique Airplane Association will be landing at Ritzville's Pru Field on Saturday morning, June 20. The Montana pilots and crew are on a three-day tour of Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington. They will be stopping overnight at Sandpoint, ID, Leavenworth and Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Queen's Choice for city's float

The Ritzville Festivals Association float "Hawaiian Sunset" won the Queen's Choice Award at the Reardan parade on Saturday, June 6. Representing Ritzville on the float were Ritzville Junior Miss Jessica Marshall and finalists Karin Klettke and Kamie Parrish. Escorting were Jim and Karrie Parrish, John Marshall and Lea Klettke. The Ritzville banner was carried by Kali Parrish and Jan Marshall.