Past Tense: Oct. 4, 2012

65 years ago – 1947
Postmaster Harry Wendelken lamented, “There’s Idyllwilds all over the country, and all the mail for the other Idyllwilds comes to this station.”

60 years ago – 1952
Wilma Chapman was conscientious about the change to standard time. She set her clock resolutely, and hopped into bed. In the darkness of dawn, she mustered out Ken to report to his Forest Service duties. He staggered forth surprised to find nobody around. It was two hours later when he discovered that Wilma had set the clock ahead and he had risen at 4 a.m.

55 years ago – 1957
A county survey crew completed routing of a possible hiking and riding trail around Idyllwild. The survey was requested by the Izaak Walton League as a solution to the trail problems caused by loss of rights-of-way and increased paving. Howard Loy, club member, was in charge of aiding secure rights-of-way for the trail. (The trail is now the Scenic Trail.)

50 years ago – 1962
Thundershowers ended a three-month drought in the area. Rain measuring .88 inches fell on Idyllwild, bringing smiles to residents.

45 years ago – 1967
Public Health notified the Idyllwild County Service Area that a rabies vaccination clinic was being held at Town Hall.

40 years ago – 1972
Polly’s Honey Bear Restaurant on North Circle Drive received a liquor license from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

35 years ago – 1977
More than 80 children participated in pie eating, biggest gum bubble, cracker-whistling and other contests at the first Community Kids Day. Co-sponsored by Town Hall and the Lions Club, the event was held at the Idyllwild County Park.

30 years ago – 1982
After voting the previous week to direct the project engineers to stop work on the Idyllwild-area sewer project, members of the San Jacinto Mountain Area Water Study Agency rescinded the motion. They had been advised by an attorney that the work stoppage might jeopardize the entire federal grant funding.

25 years ago – 1987
No problems were reported on the Hill following an earthquake that measured 6.1 and shook the entire southland.

20 years ago – 1992
Lake Fulmor was emptied completely for maintenance and restoration projects. The lake was to remain without water for about six weeks.

15 years ago – 1997
Richard Greenwood of Community Lumber of Idyllwild announced a clearinghouse/bulletin board service. The project put contractors and builders who generate scrap wood together with people who want free firewood. The bulletin board was located on the front desk of Community Lumber. The service was part of the Idyllwild company’s ongoing efforts for community recycling.

10 years ago – 2002
Because of the looming threat of wildfires, the U.S. Forest Service closed most of the forest’s public lands.

5 years ago – 2007
Not just some cash, but the entire register was taken from The Bread Basket Restaurant overnight. The register was more valuable than the $100 left inside.

1 year ago – 2011
Dr. Raul Ruiz announced his intention to challenge Representative Mary Bono Mack for her seat in the newly redrawn Congressional District 36.