Past Tense: November 2, 2017
70 years ago – 1947
Bingo games and raffles were declared illegal and all the local slot machines were yanked out, creating an economic setback on the Hill.
65 years ago – 1952
“Bugs” Stephenson, forestry patrolman, caught a young hunter red-handed shooting a fawn. Bugs had become well known among wayward hunters, having just recently cited three burly hunters inside a fire closure area. One was a popular wrestling idol three times the size of Bugs.
60 years ago – 1957
Bob Muir and Bob Burchtold, up at 5 a.m., were the first Hill residents to spot the newly launched Russian “Sputnik.”
55 years ago – 1962
Idyllwild lost one of its leading citizens with the passing of Jerry Johnson. In addition to running his real estate and insurance business, he made many contributions to the community, including the sites for Town Hall and Village Park.
50 years ago – 1967
The Chef in the Forest was advertising for Chrismas already. Inducements included “Free Kisses for Mom; Free Handshake for Dad.”
45 years ago – 1972
A 2-inch rainfall, accompanied by hail, thunder and lightning, was welcomed in Idyllwild. Hikers reported 6 inches of snow at Round Valley.
40 years ago – 1977
Superior Court Judge Elwood Rich issued a temporary restraining order on construction of George and Margaret Montgomery’s residence in the Big Cedar Glen area of Idyllwild. The Montgomerys wanted to substitute cement-asbestos roofing shakes for wood roofing shakes. The Big Cedar Glen Architectural Control Committee contended the cement-asbestos roof would not be in harmony with the roof style of homes in the area.
35 years ago – 1982
“How Changes at the Federal and State Levels Are Changing the Lives of Idyllwild Residents” was the subject of an address by Supervisor Kay Ceniceros at the annual dinner meeting of the Idyllwild Property Owners Association.
30 years ago – 1987
Fern Valley sewer opponents were able to marshal only about 35-percent protest vote and thus were unable to stop the local water district from exercising its powers to provide sewer services.
25 years ago – 1992
With the help of more than 200 community volunteers, the Idyllwild Help Center opened its doors on Sunday, Nov. 1.
20 years ago – 1997
More than 125 people jammed the Idyllwild-Pine Cove Community Center and used up all the flu shot vaccine. Dr. Humenik and his staff donated their time and skill to give the shots.
15 years ago – 2002
As part of Red Ribbon Week, nine students helped make an American flag out of plastic cups on the fence in front of Idyllwild School.
10 years ago – 2007
The Idyllwild Fire Department got a brand new Type 2/3 dual-purpose fire engine. Another engine was due to arrive in December.
5 years ago – 2012
At the age of 97, Dot Lewis was recognized for her work as a pilot during World War II. Motivated to become a pilot after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Lewis became one of the few women pilots of her time.
1 year ago – 2016
Just in time for the flu season, the annual Idyllwild Health Fair made available free flu shots for Idyllwild residents.
