The first district meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion was held in Idyllwild Sunday, Sept. 14, 1975. Arvilla Grant (center) was the new district president and Lucille Nancarrow and Rae Baxter were also officers. Forty-two people from all of Riverside County enjoyed a buffet held in the Community Room of the Security-Pacific Bank (now BBVA Compass Bank).File photo
The first district meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion was held in Idyllwild Sunday, Sept. 14, 1975. Arvilla Grant (center) was the new district president and Lucille Nancarrow and Rae Baxter were also officers. Forty-two people from all of Riverside County enjoyed a buffet held in the Community Room of the Security-Pacific Bank (now BBVA Compass Bank). File photo

60 years ago - 1956

The Town Crier threw a 10th-anniversary potluck celebration at Town Hall. Everyone was invited to come and “talk over old times and swap yarns about our beginnings on the Hill.”

55 years ago - 1961

The Town Crier reported it had been, “the driest year on record” and as a result there was a serious outbreak of bark beetles on the Hill.

50 years ago - 1966

More than 130 people, including many off-Hill political leaders, gathered at Chef in the Forest to welcome and honor Congressman John Tunney.

45 years ago - 1971

The Banning-Idyllwild Highway became Highway 243, as the state assumed responsibility for the roadway from the county.

40 years ago -  1976 

In what would become an annual tradition, the Town Crier published its first calendar featuring seasonal photos of Idyllwild.

35 years ago - 1981

A Southern California Edison crew installed a bell tower and cross at St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, a 30-foot-tall structure made of cedar. A church member donated the funds and local residents designed and built the tower.

30 years ago - 1986

Joe McGaugh died at the age of 76. An Idyllwild founding father, he owned and operated the Idyllwild Dairy. His delivery truck read, “Joe McGaugh, the Udder Man.”

25 years ago - 1991

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement to build the Lake Hemet Sheriff’s Station.

20 years ago - 1996

History came alive in Idyllwild with the first area historical reenactment camp, which local resident Steve Woods organized.

15  years ago - 2001

Construction was underway on a sound stage for the new Idyllwild Arts Moving Pictures Department.

10 years ago - 2006

The community was deeply mourning the deaths of five firefighters, members of Alandale Guard Station Crew 57, whose lives were lost while fighting the Esperanza Fire.

5 years ago - 2011

On Tahquitz Peak, a 21-year-old climber had fallen 60 feet and suffered an ankle injury.

1 year ago - 2015

Jerry Holldber of Pine Cove was appointed to represent Riverside County Supervisorial District 3 on the county’s Emergency Medical Care Committee.

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