An early April 1975 snow called for a snow-carving contest at Idyllwild School. Winning the Most Humorous category was this mock casket created by Jamie Cockrell, Joyce Gallagher, Stacey Smith, Gretchen Olson, Ron Arnaiz, Jeff Friemoth and Dana Wilke. File Photo
An early April 1975 snow called for a snow-carving contest at Idyllwild School. Winning the Most Humorous category was this mock casket created by Jamie Cockrell, Joyce Gallagher, Stacey Smith, Gretchen Olson, Ron Arnaiz, Jeff Friemoth and Dana Wilke. File Photo

65 years ago – 1950

The U.S. Forest Service was finishing plans for the Lake Fulmor dedication ceremony.

60 years ago – 1955

First- and second-graders from Idyllwild School were taken by bus to Hemet for polio vaccine shots.

55 years ago – 1960

“Biggest thing since the Inn burned down!” commented Jim Johnson as a 40-foot tree was being transplanted from Pine Cove. Placed in the center of town, the new town Christmas tree, unfortunately, died two years later.

50 years ago – 1965

By a wide margin, voters approved the unification of the Idyllwild, Hemet and Anza area schools.

45 years ago – 1970

The possibility that Garner Valley would be added to the national forest was boosted by the introduction of bills in the House of Representatives authorizing the appropriation of funds for the purchase of the valley.

40 years ago – 1975

Funeral services were held in Los Angeles for film star and part-time Idyllwild resident Marjorie Main. A veteran of 80 movies, Main was best known for her role as the eccentric farm wife in the “Ma and Pa Kettle” movies.

35 years ago – 1980

Due to sudden Santa Ana winds, a U.S. Forest Service controlled burn escaped on the San Bernardino National Forest. The resulting Chimney Fire burned for two days.

30 years ago – 1985

Plans for a helipad at the new Idyllwild Fire Station were put on hold until an official from the state’s Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, reviewed and made recommendations on the proposed site.

25 years ago – 1990

The Idyllwild Water District board voted unanimously to amend a water conservation ordinance to prohibit new or additional water service connections during a severe water-shortage emergency.

20 years ago – 1995

Despite nearly a foot of snow falling on parts of the Hill Easter Sunday, Idyllwild’s Easter Egg Hunt went on as planned.

15 years ago – 2000

The state Department of Education honored Idyllwild School with recognition as a California Distinguished School.

10 years ago – 2005 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved individual assistance for the Idyllwild area for damage incurred during the February windstorms.

5 years ago – 2010

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter Carroll approved Valley Health System’s plan of adjustment — its map to emerge from bankruptcy.

1 year ago – 2014

Five earthquakes occurred on the Hill and in nearby areas in recent days.  All were less than 3.0-magnitude.

Similar Posts

  • Past Tense: Nov. 10, 2011

    65 years ago – 1946 The E.H. Kincaides bought the Cole house nearing completion on the corner of River Drive. 60 years ago – 1951 Building started on the new Idyllwild Motel, a 10-unit structure on Pine Crest behind La Cantina. 55 years ago – 1956 An Arabian horse show climaxed Palm Springs’ Western Week….

  • |

    Past Tense: March 14, 2019

    70 years ago – 1949 Caretakers of the Bunker Ranch found themselves snowbound for seven weeks with dwindling provisions. 65 years ago – 1954 The Isaac Walton League built and installed 14 signs to warn motorists about deer on local highways. 60 years ago – 1959 More than 60 mountaineers attended a workshop, sponsored by…

  • |

    Past Tense: September 5, 2019

    70 years ago – 1949 Forced to retire because of ill health, Postmaster Harry Wendelken announced that Rita Patton had been named acting postmaster for Idyllwild. 65 years ago – 1954 A dinner and campfire program was shaping up to celebrate the Burn the Mortgage party for Town Hall. 60 years ago – 1959 Delegates…

  • |

    Past Tense: June 20, 2019

    70 years ago – 1949 Chuck Holmes was the local boy selected for Boys State by the American Legion Post 800. 65 years ago – 1954 The Chamber of Com- merce was planning to host a chuckwagon dinner for the annual Fourth of July celebration. 60 years ago – 1959 Camp Maranatha’s new assembly hall,…

  • Past Tense: Sept. 22, 2011

    60 years ago – 1951 The crew drilling well no. 2 for the Fern Valley Mutual Water Co. were experiencing their toughest assignment in years. The drill had to pass through 70 feet of solid granite down to 130 feet. 55 years ago – 1956 Nearly 400 county educators, administrators and groups concerned with education…