Prominent local and county figures at the dedication of the  new scenic highway (Highway 243) on March 27,1972. From left, Dick Barclay, Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor Ed Andros, Banning Chamber of Commerce Manager J.R. Finney, Ralph Roblee, Jim Snell, County Supervisor Norman Davis, Caltrans District Engineer R.E. Deffebach and Earl Cannon. File photo
Prominent local and county figures at the dedication of the new scenic highway (Highway 243) on March 27,1972. From left, Dick Barclay, Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor Ed Andros, Banning Chamber of Commerce Manager J.R. Finney, Ralph Roblee, Jim Snell, County Supervisor Norman Davis, Caltrans District Engineer R.E. Deffebach and Earl Cannon.
File photo

65 years ago - 1949

Forced to retire because of ill health, Postmaster Harry Wendelken announced that Rita Patton had been named acting postmaster for Idyllwild.

 

60 years ago - 1954

A dinner and campfire program was shaping up to celebrate the Burn the Mortgage party for Town Hall.

 

55 years ago - 1959

Delegates from the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce met with members of the Hemet Valley Chamber to push improvements for Highway 74 from Mountain Center to Hemet.

 

50 years ago - 1964

Eleanor Park, in the center of Idyllwild’s business district, underwent beautification.

 

45 years ago - 1969

In the classifieds: a four-bedroom-plus guest house for $18,750 and a two-bedroom cabin for $18,900.

 

 

40 years ago - 1974

It was estimated that the Soboba Fire had burned 17,683 acres, and cost $10 million to fight. It was also reported that many very old trees were lost.

 

35 years ago - 1979

Jana and Kent Steele were welcomed to Idyllwild. The Steeles moved from the city where Kent was associated with a Beverly Hills law firm. He opened a law office in Idyllwild.

 

 

30 years ago - 1984

A transfer station to replace the cut-and-fill dump was recommended by Riverside County Refuse Disposal officials.

 

25 years ago - 1989

The Lions Club’s deep-pit barbecue had the biggest turnout in the event’s history. More than 1,400 dinners were served.

 

20 years ago - 1994

More than 1,000 people attended the first, all-day jazz festival held at Idyllwild Arts.

 

 

15 years ago - 1999

Two fires on the Hill —  the Mixing Fire and the Pine Fire — both apparently set by arsonists, were nearly contained. Jazz in the Pines went ahead as planned.

 

10 years ago - 2004

In a special election, Pine Cove voters approved a $50 parcel fee to pay for an ambulance service contract with Idyllwild Fire Protection District.

 

5 years ago - 2009

The Cottonwood Fire began about 5:15 on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 27, and threatened to cancel Idyllwild’s biggest weekend, Jazz in the Pines.

 

1 year ago - 2013

A summer storm pummeled Idyllwild with pea-sized hail causing flash flood warnings throughout central Riverside County.