FROM THE FILES

125 Years Ago

Adams County News

December 28, 1898

Local and Personal

W. F. Beal has just purchased the Lawrence C. Lee land, a half section on Rattlesnake flat.

George Washington Bassett, the founder and father of Washtucna in this county, was with us a couple of days last week. Mr. Bassett is a pioneer in every sense of the term, having lived on the site where Washtucna now stands for 20 years, coming here in the year 1878 when this section of the country was practically a wilderness and Steptoe Butte a hole in the ground. No Adams County then, no railroads, and no town of any importance within a hundred miles. But times and conditions have changed some since then and civilization as marched into the country and performed her wonders.

Ritzville for the past few days has resembled the famous City of Venice where they have canals in place of streets. Order the conductor of the gondola to "let you off at Snyder's store."

100 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

December 27, 1923

Local Brevities

S. L. Gregg had a bad accident Friday night. He was cutting off the head of a goose. The bird made a jerk just as his axe fell and the forefinger of his right hand was caught by the blade and severed.

Legion wants new clubhouse

The Newland Post of the American Legion is planning acquiring a club house of some kind for their needs during 1924. They may acquire the old property formerly occupied by the Christian church, which if remodeled would be well adapted for their uses. The service men want a meeting place, also a gymnasium. This building has a level floor and is of good capacity for a gymnasium. If necessary, the boys may put up a clubhouse.

75 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

December 23, 1948

Students make grade as heifer fund swells to $175

The Ritzville High School student council mailed a $175 check today to United Church Overseas Relief in Seattle to ship a first-class heifer to some needy farmer in war-torn Europe.

Sewer work is estimated at $102,000

A $102,000 project which would completely renovate Ritzville's sewer system was approved by resolution at the city council meeting Tuesday night. Briefly, the project prepared by Walter L. Woodward of Spokane, city engineer, calls for spending an estimated $70,150 for a completely-modern sewage disposal plant to be located near the present septic tanks; $18,600 to construct two main trunk lines down College hill, across the railroad tracks and through the lower part of town; $13,600 to cover miscellaneous expenses. Councilmen have been agreed for some time that the two present septic tanks west of the city are outmoded and must be replaced in the interests of public health and sanitation.

At the Ritz:

"Hold That Ghost" starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, with music by The Andrews Sisters.

50 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

December 27, 1973

Two collide on icy road

Friends collided on an icy road seven-tenths of a mile south of Ritzville but received no personal injury, early Christmas morning. Gregory David Oestreich, 19, was driving north on the Washtucna-Ritzville Road and Mark Emil Wellsandt, 20, was driving south. As they passed, they recognized each other. Each stopped his car, performed a U-turn on the road and started back to visit with the other. While the Oestreich vehicle was still performing its U-turn, the Wellsandt vehicle came over the hillcrest and collided broadside with the Oestreich car. Damage to the Oestreich car was estimated at $450, and to the Wellsandt car $400.

25 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

December 24, 1998

Ritzville First Graders write letters to Santa

Dear Santa, please bring me:

A Play Station with six games. I have been good this year. Your friend, Jacob Schofstoll

A TV. I have been very good. Love, your friend, Renae Michele Harder

A Pot-bellied Pig. Your friend, Dylan Bartz

-The Journal