From the Files

125 Years Ago

Adams County News

November 30, 1898

We would suggest that everyone "keep their optics on Ritzville and Adams County" and note developments that occur. Glance back a year when the wheat yield was two million bushels, then along came '98 with another like cargo, and from present indications 1899 will be a repeater. Wheat at fifty cents per bushel, all indebtedness practically wiped out now and plenty of money for all legitimate purposes. The population of Ritzville nearly doubled in the last twelve months.

Local and Personal

Born-to the wife of R.C. Egbers on Tuesday Nov. 22, 1898, a 10-pound baby girl. Mother getting along nicely and the friends of Mr. Egbers have strong hopes of his recovery.

100 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

December 6, 1923

A case of commendable devotion to duty

Marshal E.L. Starring deserves particular commendation for his course in driving off a gang of safe-crackers here last week. Knowing there were at least two robbers, and both armed, Mr. Starring stood his ground and emptied his gun at them, then hastened for help. He showed courage and quick thinking. We have no patience for those contemptibles who in the broad daylight of the morning after, tell what "should have been done" or what "they would have done." Eleven out of ten of these curbstone Hawkshaws would have turned tail at the first spatter of lead.

75 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

November 25, 1948

Ritzville Eagles observe aerie's first anniversary

More than 200 persons-including visiting delegations from Colfax and Moses Lake-were present as Ritzville Eagles observed their first birthday party with a special party Saturday evening in the IOOF hall. The Ritzville aerie, organized just 12 months ago, now has a membership of 181.

At the Cozy Theater – Lind

"The Bride Goes Wild" starring Van Johnson and June Allyson

At the Ritz

Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall in "Key Largo"

50 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

November 29, 1973

Students tell why they're thankful

Ritzville High School students closed activities before the Thanksgiving holiday with a Thanksgiving assembly. An octet of vocalists made its debut with songs of traditional joy and solid beat rock. Dennis Koch, the director and an instrumentalist-vocalist in the group, said the melody lines as written were taken and then the three instrumentalists improvised the harmony, much as musicians did in the jazz era. Songs about railroads, the sea and patriotism were included in the short concert. They were "At the Hop," an early folk-rock song; "This Land is Your Land," John B. Sails," and "Nine Hundred Miles."

25 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

November 19, 1998

Bronco wresting has 21 grapplers

With the onset of winter sports, Ritzville Bronco Coaches Mike Lynch and Todd Bright have welcomed 21 grapplers to the wrestling fold. "This is more wrestlers than I can remember turning out since I have been here," said Lynch. "It's nice to have those kind of numbers as it will provide us with some depth and foster some competition in several weight classes."

Thanksgiving letters

Ritzville Fourth Grade

I love Thanksgiving. Usually we stay in Ritzville for it. Every relative that I have in Ritzville, and my mom, dad, and I get together for a great Thanksgiving. We have turkey (of course), mashed potatoes, yams, pickles, salad, and cornbread. I usually stuff myself that day. At least for dinner. - Kira Preston

Lind Fourth Grade

We celebrate Thanksgiving by setting the table with forks, spoons, plates and platters. We stay home all day and we see our grandparents come. We get presents and a hug. We all see what smells so good. My mom says it is turkey. - Sara Hunt

-The Journal