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Past Tense: January 5, 2017
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75 years ago – 1947Fifty people gathered at Dutch Flat to witness the christening of a well for the Idyllwild Water Company. At the first gush, cameras clicked and everyone clapped.• • •Eleanor Johnson had a project underway — to turn the circle in the center of town into a village park. 70 years ago…
70 years ago – 1950 In order to share responsibility for Town Hall, various organizations were planning to put on benefits for upkeep of the community building. 65 years ago – 1955 Fire Chief Bill Price reported that 13 fire alarms, of which six required no action, had been answered in the previous year. 60…
65 years ago – 1951 Idyllwild Fire Chief Bill Price had his truck equipped with a radio so he could keep in touch with the California Department of Forestry Fire Station in Perris. 60 years ago – 1956 Glenn Froehlich, chair of the Chamber Membership Committee, reported that the Hill canvass of local residents netted…
70 years ago – 1950 The local square dance class completed nine lessons, which was the complete course, in one week. Then it announced it was opening to the public. 65 years ago – 1955 Hidden Lodge swimming pool opened daily. The cost was 60 cents for adults, and 40 cents for children. 60 years…
65 years ago – 1947 There were 300 families living year-round in the area. 60 years ago – 1952 Movie shows at Hillbilly Lodge ended as the Froelichs worked to complete their new Rustic Theatre. 55 years ago – 1957 Hill folk living beside Strawberry Creek reported hearing a strange noise following the heavy rain….
75 years ago – 1947A snowfall of 12 to 24 inches was believed attributable to dry ice dropped from a plane sent by Hemet Valley Flying Service and Cal Tech observers. 70 years ago – 1952C. Selden Belden, pioneer resident and furniture maker, died in Hemet. 65 years ago – 1957Fern Valley Mutual Water District…