From the Dayton Chronicle archives

Ten Years Ago

April 11, 2012

Valley Girls Barrel Racing has completed a winter series of barrel races at Walla Walla Fairgrounds that went from October to March. Two of the four silver buckles were won by Dayton’s Tommie Hoyecki and Rosie Gallaher.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

April 9, 1997

On April 1, over 50 women took part in the Red and Purple celebration at Pearl’s place. There were so many red hats that it looked like a bright crimson sea (with an occasion purple top.) “When I am old I shall wear purple”….

The Department of Agriculture and Columbia County Health District are offering the WIC Program, a special supplemental food program, for women (pregnant, postpartum, and lactating) infants and children up to the age of 5 years in the Dayton, Waitsburg and Starbuck areas.

During the week of March 10, Columbia County Services sponsored a dental clinic for children and community members in Columbia County who do not currently have a dentist or frequent one on a regular basis. SmileSavers a portable clinic based out of Vancouver, Wash., provided dental screening for WIC children at the Public Health Department as well as the clinic.

Fifty Years Ago

April 9, 1972

For the 12th consecutive year and the 21st time in 22 contests, Dayton Future Farmers of America won the Dayton Crop Judging Contest held March 11 at the vo-ag building. Team members Lois Dickinson, alternate; Mary Lee Martin, eighth ranked judge; Mary Sue Evers, third ranked judge; Becky Hatfield, Alternate, Wes Harting, alternate; Jim Fletcher, first ranked judge; Thorn and Dan Magill alternate.

Miss Kris Juris and the team of Kay Preston and Cindy Rogg won purple ribbons in their division during the Food for All Occasions 4-H contest held during the week of March 27. Mrs. J. W. Saucier and Mrs. Art Sunderland serving as contest judges.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the City Park, sponsored by the Dayton Rainbow Girls. The youngsters who found the golden eggs to win the grand prizes are Norman Roff Jr. preschool; Daniel Gladden, kindergarten-first grade; Krisi Truesdale, second-third grade; and Katy Donohue was the Easter Bunny

Seventy-Five Years Ago

April 13, 1947

Ten Columbia County girls’ have been chosen for the queen contest. Those in the running are Doris Poulsen, Joanne Criss, Dorothy DeRuwe, Beverly Kenny, Laura Fletcher, Sherrill Morris, Peggy Rodrick, Betty Jo Hanger, Bobby Black, and Kae Turner. The girls will sell Dayton Days Buttons and Coronation Ball tickets.

Airport fans called on County Commissioners urging some steps be taken to sponsor a local airport. Commissioners’ action does not obligate the county but provides federal aid in some cases of need.

The Dayton Creamery & Ice Works has begun construction of its new system of lockers under a program of expansion and development planned but held up by war shortages.

Asparagus Pack to start by the end of the week with 951 acres in production. The Texas Mexicans have arrived, with more to come to help with the harvest.

The Dayton School Board is considering serving cafeteria lunches and giving a substantial salary increase for teachers next year, and found it necessary to buy two new buses this year, one as a replacement and one for a new run for the Tucanon district.

One Hundred Years Ago

April 10, 1922

Professional Safe-Crackers, Driven from East; It is recommended all banks put on armed night watchmen to guard their property against professional safe-crackers, who have invaded the northwest and Washington is the center of a crime wave.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

April 10, 1897

Wednesday, March 31, a number of ladies of the community gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Vannice to sew carpet rages. They did the usual amount of talking which is always a failing of women folks, although they did manage a good day’s work they sewed about 20 lbs. of quilt pieces. Later a supper was enjoyed by all.