65 years ago – 1949
So much snow had fallen during January that plans were underway to organize a ski club on the Hill.

60 years ago – 1954
Newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe Di Maggio spent a honeymoon weekend at the Lloyd Wright cabin in Idyllwild.

55 years ago – 1959
Idyllwild old-timer Henry Arnaiz turned over the reins of the Idyllwild Stables to new owners. It was reported that the stables first came into use about 50 years previously when six-horse stages rumbled up the Old Control Road from Hemet.

50 years ago – 1964
Ground was broken for Idyllwild’s first bank, a branch of Security First National.

45 years ago – 1969
Al Kostuk, renowned cartoonist and Idyllwild resident, taught elementary school pupils all about the history and techniques of cartooning. Under his tutelage, seventh-graders created original cartoon strips and comical greeting cards.

40 years ago – 1974
“Battle for the Planet of the Apes” was showing at the Rustic Theatre. Admission was $2 for adults and $1 for kids under 18.

35 years ago – 1979
A petition protesting loud noise, littering and speeding near Inspiration Point was signed by residents of Double View Drive and sent to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials.

30 years ago – 1984
California Conservation Corps members and staff announced they were closing the Mt. San Jacinto Center at Hurkey Creek because of budget cuts.

25 years ago – 1989
Bill Duff stopped to rest in Mountain Center after a tough climb up Highway 74. He was on the first part of a 5,000-mile journey by wheelchair to raise funds for research of spinal cord injuries.

20 years ago – 1994
Two Hill residents were recognized by the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for reaching their 10-gallon donation milestone. John Kunkle had donated 10 gallons and Mollie Sanders had donated 11 gallons.

15 years ago – 1999
None of the approximately 40 Idyllwild School students riding the school bus was injured when a vehicle driven by Karl Malin of Idyllwild lost control in the snow and slid into the bus. Malin, however, suffered injuries and damage to his vehicle.

10 years ago – 2004
It was announced that, due to legislation signed into law by the president, millions of dollars would become available for the Forest Service to remove dead or dying trees in the San Bernardino National Forest.

5 years ago – 2009
The trial of accused arsonist Raymond Lee Oyler, 38, of Beaumont, began Jan. 22. Oyler was charged with starting 23 separate fires. The largest and most deadly was the Oct. 26, 2006, Esperanza Fire that claimed the lives of five U.S. Forest Service firefighters, including Capt. Mark Loutzenhiser of Idyllwild.

1 year ago – 2013
Jan. 31 was Laurie Rosenthal’s last day as the San Jacinto District ranger. Involving the public in the management of the district’s natural resources was her guiding principle since assuming the district ranger position 11 years prior.