Bud Hunt and Richard Montano debate the issues on Election Day, 1992, in front of the Red Kettle. File photo

65 years ago – 1947
The possibility of establishing a branch of the Riverside County Library in Idyllwild was being discussed. County funds were not adequate to hire a paid librarian, however, so volunteers were solicited.

 

60 years ago – 1952
Dick Elliott was named to head the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce.

50 years ago – 1962
A proposal was made to rename Town Hall to Johnson Memorial Hall in honor of Jerry Johnson, recently deceased community leader.

45 years ago – 1967
A 40,000-acre fire charred the northern and western low slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains, taking two lives and causing $100,000 in damages.

40 years ago – 1972
A total of 2.54 inches of rain for October reduced the fire danger and improved the water situation.

35 years ago – 1977
Strawberry Creek Inn offered a Sunday Champagne Brunch for $3.95 and a Top Sirloin Dinner for $4.95, with a complimentary glass of champagne on weeknights.

30 years ago – 1982
The first measurable rainfall of the season fell in Idyllwild on Nov. 9.

25 years ago – 1987
The latest in fall fashions from the Grey Squirrel were displayed at the Mt. San Jacinto Senior Center during the Friends of St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church Annual Fall Fashion Show and Tea.

20 years ago – 1992
Hill residents turned out in big numbers to cast their votes in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, elections. There was a 64 percent turnout in Idyllwild and a majority of those people voted for the Democratic candidate, Bill Clinton.

15 years ago – 1997
Lisa Rosada, an Anza resident, found a stranded biker off Highway 371 trapped in a ravine. Rosada was driving to work when she noticed what appeared to be two discarded backpacks lying atop the edge where he plunged over. She found the man injured in the bush and called for medical help.

10 years ago – 2002
Looking good as new, Richard Lengyel shared his friendly smile upon his return to work at the Idyllwild Post Office after four months of being off the job while recovering from triple bypass heart surgery.

1 year ago – 2011
A Southern California Edison truck rolled on its side on Highway 74 near mile marker 57, between Mountain Center and Hemet, blocking the eastbound lane.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Past Tense: October 29, 2020

    70 years ago – 1950The Idyllwild Lions Club pledged to buy an extra U.S. Defense Bond in tribute to the 40th Infantry Division. 65 years ago – 1955About 85 people comprising the cast and crew of a western production being filmed by Universal-International made headquarters at the “Inn” after shooting scenes in the May Valley…

  • |

    Past Tense: February 11, 2021

    70 years ago – 1951Town Crier founder and publisher Ernie Maxwell was the moderator of the Chamber’s Community Night for “the Hillfolk’s get-together to exchange ideas of what they want to see accomplished on the Hill.” 65 years ago – 1956A group of locals set up an Idyllwild booth at the Indio Fair. It featured…

  • Past Tense: Jan. 2, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 The Women’s Association of the Idyllwild Community Church was considering setting up a “bank” of food and clothing for needy families on the Hill. 60 years ago – 1954 Snow finally arrived — 9 to 11 inches of it. It was welcome, for Idyllwild had been through a very dry…

  • Past Tense: Feb. 6, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 The “Year of the Big Snow” continued; the chapel at Idyllwild Pines collapsed under the load and icicles hung from roofs in solid sheets. 60 years ago – 1954 Several huge crates arrived at the County Park. They contained the prefab makings of a 30-foot observation tower. 55 years ago…

  • |

    Past Tense: February 28, 2019

    70 years ago – 1949 There were heated arguments at the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding whether the Chamber acted properly in endorsing plans for a cocktail bar at the Idyllwild Inn. 65 years ago – 1954 During the opening weekend of Idyllwild Market, owner Joe Darnell rigged up an alarm set to go…