From the Dayton Chronicle archives

Ten Years Ago

March 14, 2012

The third annual “Ham-Bingo night” is on for March 17 in the Dayton Elementary School multipurpose room. American Legion Post 42, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5549 and the Blue Mountain Heritage Society of Columbia County are the sponsors and volunteers providing this event, with the Smith Hollow School project on Front Street will benefit from the proceeds.

The Rev. Wayne Perryman captured the attention of Columbia County Republicans, citing examples of the little-known history regarding blacks, whites and Republicans during the era of President Lincoln, at the Lincoln Day Dinner.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 19, 1997

One-hundred and six, fourth-through eighth graders from twelve small neighboring schools convened at Dayton for the Bi-State Written spelling Contest. Winners from each grade competed against 16 to 23 other students. Dayton winner were: Lindsay McGhan-4th grade, Brunn Slater and Jamie Johnson-5th grade, Brook McLeod and Amber Steinhoff-6th grade, Lacey Underwood-7th grade, Crystal Bruce-8th grade. The contest was sponsored by the Dayton school district’s EXPRO (the gifted children’s program). Seven dedicated pronouncers, Sue Dickinson, Anna Thomas, Norma Evers, Charlotte Hutchens, Dotty Mead, Laura Thorn, Mary Juris and over-all chairman, Faith Thorn from Dayton prepared the students for the contest.

BMR’s first constitution and by-laws ratified and officers elected. Members of the Blue Mountain Rocketeers have created a working Constitution and By-laws, by unanimous vote of the membership present, the third draft of this document was accepted and ratified at the February 1 club meeting, adult Adviser Tim Quigg.

Fifty Years Ago

March 16, 1992

Gift Shot Artists-Four Dayton Junior High students were winners in the Bi-State League Free Throw Contest held in Dayton, Joe Harris, 2nd. Boys’ division, with 21of 25 shots, Bob Trudgeon, 1st. boys’ division 22 of 25 shots, Xochilt Benavides, 1st. girls’ division 19 of 25 shots, Karla Boggs tied for 3rd. girls’ division 8 of 25 shots.

Two Dayton students at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Stephen Agenbroad, son of Owen and Jan Agenbroad, and Sherri L. Grubb, daughter of Walter H. and Mrs. Grubb, both member of the 80-voice Eastern Symphonic Choir, will start a four-day, 10-concert tour in western Washington.

An enthusiastic audience gave approval and appreciation to student musicians and directors for the Three-County Music Festival held March 9, at the Dayton High School gymnasium. The combined bands numbered about 150 musicians with the combined choir numbered about 130 vocalists. Sharing directing duties were Glen Mitchell, Dayton; Darold L. Kludt, Waitsburg; John Hafner, Prescott was unable to attend due to illness.

Earl “Bud” Groom Jr. was winner of the first $20 prize check in the Bazaar of Values promotion, receiving his check from Wally Ferguson of Wally’s Texaco Service on behalf of fellow Bazaar merchants and the Dayton Chronicle.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

March 3, 1947

North Touchet Road Contract Let; Construction Will Start Soon, low bid $86,176.80----$31,000 “aid” from Bureau of Public Roads. C. A. Winnett, county road engineer, had word from Olympia, Touchet Road bid was accepted and work will start within a week to ten days.

Ten Candidates For the Dayton Day Queen Honor are selected, Frances Roe, Sherril Morris, Laura Fletcher, Dorothy DeRuwe, Doris Poulson, Claudene Black, Kay Turner, Bette Jo Hanger, Joanne Criss, and Beverly Kenney. The candidates will start selling dance tickets and Dayton Days buttons, the candidate with highest point count will be queen and the next four members of her court.

One Hundred Years Ago

Jasper Fite, 67 years old, died quite suddenly at his home on Eckler Mountain. He had been ill for a time but was well enough to do evening chores. He was born in Illinois August 19, 1854, and came to this country at an early age and lived just below the Granger place and is survived by his wife and ten of his twelve children.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 13, 1897

According to the schedule of prices agreed upon by the Bar Association it now costs $2.50 to consult a lawyer.