Past Tense: May 2, 2013
65 years ago – 1948
A handful of energetic men, women and children scrambled up and down Strawberry Creek, building little dams. The purpose was to deepen the pools and provide quieter living conditions for fish.
60 years ago – 1953
The Chamber of Commerce published a 32-page pictorial magazine called “We Live in Idyllwild” that featured photographs of the mountain, its hillfolk and town activities.
55 years ago – 1958
Rotarians were trying to form a club on the Hill.
50 years ago – 1963
The Rev. Eugenia Horowitz opened Chapel in the Pines on Tollgate Road for metaphysical services.
45 years ago – 1968
Only a slight indication of smog damage to ponderosa pines in the San Jacinto Mountains was reported by the U.S. Forest Service. In the Lake Arrowhead area, however, the forest was said to be dying.
40 years ago – 1973
Results of an opinion survey conducted by a University of California, Riverside, team showed that mountain residents thought their communities were good places to live. The biggest advantage cited was the “natural environment.”
35 years ago – 1978
An intensive pesticide program was started to rid Dark Canyon Campground of traces of bubonic plague. The opening of the camping site would be delayed at least two weeks until U.S. Forest Service officials determined there was not more than one flea on every rodent they examined.
20 years ago – 1993
Idyllwild Library had a new reading room thanks to the space being donated by Maureen Jones and funds for refurbishment by Elva Bess Cook.
15 years ago – 1998
Idyllwilders would have a say on a controversial Hemet Unified School District policy barring donations that “created undue controversy.” The policy was made after a resident offered to donate gay-oriented library materials.
10 years ago – 2003
Idyllwild parents and local artists, in response to the elimination of art in the school curriculum, helped the Idyllwild PTA form the smARTS committee, which would provide supplies, artists and parent volunteers to set up art classes.
5 years ago – 2008
An under-age drunk driver hit a power pole on South Circle Drive near Wildwood Drive, knocking out power for 1,642 Southern California Edison customers. No injuries were reported from the collision.
1 year ago – 2012
Pine Cove resident Ronald Kimmerle was arrested at his residence on Laurel Drive on suspicion of receiving stolen goods. A day later, he was released after posting bail.
