Taking part in Boys State in 1973 was Kevin Spier, 17, of Mountain Center. Kevin joined about 800 other youth from all over the U.S. for a week’s orientation and observation of how the state government works. Idyllwild’s American Legion Post 800 sponsored one or two boys to attend the week’s training. Kevin’s father, Oren Spier, was a Boys State delegate in 1957. File Photo
Taking part in Boys State in 1973 was Kevin Spier, 17, of Mountain Center. Kevin joined about 800 other youth from all over the U.S. for a week’s orientation and observation of how the state government works. Idyllwild’s American Legion Post 800 sponsored one or two boys to attend the week’s training. Kevin’s father, Oren Spier, was a Boys State delegate in 1957.
File Photo

65 years ago – 1950
The town was filled with movie stars as Audie Murphy and Marguerite Chapman headed up the cast for “Kansas Raider,” which was filmed on Garner Ranch.

60 years ago – 1955
Representing a dozen different countries, students from Pasadena City College spent a weekend on the Hill.

55 years ago – 1960
Pinecraft Furniture, established in Idyllwild in 1939, making it one of the oldest businesses in town, was sold. Taking over were Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Prall of Vista.

50 years ago – 1965
The site of the old Sportland Park was under extensive renovations. The swimming pool was to be removed and a restaurant and cocktail lounge were planned to be built.

45 years ago – 1970
The University of Southern California-Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts (now Idyllwild Arts Academy), celebrated its 20th year of offering summer sessions.

40 years ago – 1975
The first hearing on the county’s new subdivision ordinance was held June 18. The ordinance was designed to update the existing county land division statutes and make them conform with the new legislation.

35 years ago – 1980
Moses Eason, 2-1/2, was saved by his dog, Terry. A rattlesnake was going after Moses when Terry jumped in and bit the snake on the head. Terry was badly injured by the snake, but soon recovered.

30 years ago – 1985
Idyllwild Fire Department received its first caller I.D. equipment. The equipment showed the location of the 911 caller.

25 years ago – 1990
The fifth-annual Special Needs Camp took place, with 111 disabled youths and almost the same number of volunteers. The days were filled with tears of joy and memories that would last a lifetime.

20 years ago – 1995
Trinity Pines, The Children’s Place, after five years of providing daycare, closed due to financial difficulties. The closure affected many families on the Hill who were hoping to send their children to the daycare center.

15 years ago – 2000
Several rattlesnake sightings were reported in and around homes due to the warm weather on the Hill.

10 years ago – 2005
Hoping to build a 1,078-square-foot extension, the Friends of the Idyllwild Library were trying to raise $47,000 for the project since Riverside County would not give any additional funding.

5 years ago – 2010
Judge W. Charles Morgan affirmed the jury’s death penalty for Raymond Lee Oyler, 39, whom the jury found guilty of starting the October 2006 Esperanza Fire that killed five U.S. Forest Service firefighters.

1 year ago – 2014
Speaking at last week’s Idyllwild Conversations meeting, Dr. Richard Minnich made it clear that he believes the Hill is still very vulnerable to another large and devastating wildfire because the forest is too dense and the town has too much vegetation.

Similar Posts

  • Past Tense: Aug. 4, 2011

    60 years ago – 1951 At a joint Chamber and Lions Club committee meeting, members announced plans for a community recreation program, which the Lions would fund. Plans included hiring a paid recreation director and installing playground equipment. 55 years ago – 1956 A grand opening celebration was held for the new Richfield service station…

  • |

    Past Tense: June 16, 2022

    70 years ago – 1952MGM was filming “Desperate Search” around Lake Hemet, starring Jane Greer, Howard Keel and Keenan Wynn. The company headquartered at the Idyllwild Inn. 65 years ago – 1957Camping limits were put on state and county campgrounds in Idyllwild due to the increasing number of visitors. 60 years ago – 1962Idyllwild voted…

  • |

    Past Tense: June 16, 2016

    65 years ago – 1951 Gary Cooper was vacationing at the Idyllwild Inn. 60 years ago – 1956 “George the barber” at the Idyllwild Inn was advertising his services with the slogan, “All the latest krazy kuts, also something subdued for pops.” 55 years ago – 1961 Jon Gnagy, an artist known for giving televised…

  • |

    Past tense: August 14, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 Jim Wellman displayed a 140-pound mountain lion, the 30th one he had killed in the mountain region since he began trapping as a boy.   60 years ago – 1954 The Idyllwild School of Conservation and Natural Science had 130 students enrolled for the summer session. The students were constructing…