Past Tense: Jan. 24, 2013
65 years ago – 1948
Idyllwild’s barber Bert Playle moved away, leaving local men mourning. There were still three beauty operators to take care of the ladies’ hair.
55 years ago – 1958
Despite property owner protests, county supervisors approved plans for a Girl Scout Camp near Saunders Meadow.
50 years ago – 1963
Lou Adams assumed presidency of the Chamber of Commerce and announced she intended to run the organization “like a business.”
45 years ago – 1968
The Riverside County Planning Commission placed Idyllwild’s population at 2,536. In 1950, the population of Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Mountain Center was less than 500.
40 years ago – 1973
The Idyllwild Property Owners Association asked the three local water districts to request a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) feasibility study regarding consolidation of the districts.
35 years ago – 1978
Trustees of the Hemet Unified School District refused to allow a smoking section for students at Hemet High School.
30 years ago – 1983
The Hemet Valley Ambulance Service Inc. established a satellite station at the Mt. San Jacinto Center of the California Conservation Corps in Garner Valley, serving residents of Garner Valley, Anza and Pinyon.
25 years ago – 1988
Visitors and residents took advantage of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by enjoying the winter wonderland created when 12 inches of snow fell in town.
15 years ago – 1998
Vandals tore down the letters above Fairway Market and knocked down the soda machine in front of Forest Lumber in an attempt to break it open.
10 years ago – 2003
Free English classes were started in Idyllwild. They continue to this day twice a week at Idyllwild School.
5 years ago – 2008
The U.S. Forest Service spearheaded an effort to help the Lake Hemet bald eagles in their annual nest construction. A platform, made from redwood pieces and available pine branches, was constructed for the eagle parents to use for a more durable nest.
1 year ago – 2012
The annual spelling bee at Idyllwild school saw fierce competition. The winners, Shelby Read, Maggie McKimson, Adrian Hernandez and Nick Anderson, were to represent Idyllwild in the Hemet School District Spelling Bee.
