Past Tense: Feb. 20, 2014
File photo
65 years ago – 1949
The U.S. Forest Service reported that 90 inches of snow had fallen in Idyllwild since Oct. 1.
60 years ago – 1954
Local children, in the spirit of making this “America’s Cleanest Forest,” launched a cleanup campaign.
55 years ago – 1959
ISOMATA appointed a committee to develop plans for a 10th-anniversary celebration in the summer.
50 years ago – 1964
William Dickinson, pioneer Idyllwild developer who was president of the Idyllwild Mountain Park Company, passed away at his Fern Valley home.
45 years ago – 1969
Emsy Dunn, former Idyllwild School principal, was chosen to receive a Freedoms Foundation award.
40 years ago – 1974
In the midst of a severe gasoline shortage throughout the southland, Hill gas stations were able to provide gas to visitors until Monday of the three-day Washington’s Birthday holiday.
35 years ago – 1979
Opposing groups argued their viewpoints on the proposed Baldy Mountain recreational vehicle park at a public meeting at Town Hall.
30 years ago – 1984
Lake Hemet Municipal Water District officials announced plans to develop the southern shore of Lake Hemet into a 500- to 600-campsite individual ownership campground.
25 years ago – 1989
The project application and plot plans were submitted to the county for the Skyline Retreat Project. The controversial project proposed a complex on Strawberry Creek containing a conference center, a 120-room hotel, a 168-seat restaurant, a health center, a spa and about 10 retail shops.
20 years ago – 1994
Idyllwild Water District officials were considering increasing rates to remedy a budget shortfall that had existed for more than a decade. Sewer fund revenues were not covering the expenses of operating the sewer, creating a $36,000 annual shortfall.
15 years ago – 1999
Local teenagers put on a “For Teens by Teens Valentine’s Dance” at Town Hall. Mountain Community Patrol provided security for the event.
10 years ago – 2004
The newly paved Contreras Road leading to the Hamilton Museum in Anza was opened to traffic thanks to $130,000 in funds from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
5 years ago – 2009
Already a winter for the records, with the fourth-highest snowfall totals for February, Idyllwild received more rain and snow over Valentine’s Day weekend, with snowfall totals for Feb. 9 to 15 of 18.7 inches. The 16th brought another 1.75 inches. Higher elevations received more snow accumulation.
1 year ago – 2013
A major venue in town changed hands Friday, Feb. 15. Phil and Barbara Calderone bought the Rustic Theatre business from Shane Stewart, who had owned it since 2007.
