70 years ago – 1948

A Christmas fire at the dump caught many firemen in their Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. Swede Pitt tramped among the the burning debris in a starched white shirt and his best pants rolled to the knees.

65 years ago – 1953

Hope Bell, librarian, reported that circulation in the local library doubled in 1952 over the previous year.

60 years ago – 1958

California Water and Telephone scheduled visits by representatives to instruct adults and children on how to use the new dial telephones.

55 years ago – 1963

Idyllwild firemen tallied 1962 calls — first-aid services was first (392), followed by 80 ambulance runs. There were 39 fire runs and nine wind patrols.

50 years ago – 1968

Joe Fichera, previously associated with Johnson’s Realty, purchased the Harold Taylor Realty Office in Fern Valley.

45 years ago – 1973

Despite freezing weather and a sprinkling of snow, 30 bird counters sighted more than 50 species in the end-of-year bird count. Two unusual varieties were spotted: the varied thrush and Clark’s nutcracker.

40 years ago – 1978

Lake Fulmor overflowed during heavy rain storms. Lake waters spilled into Hall Canyon.

35 years ago – 1983

A cross-country skier died and two hikers were rescued in the San Jacinto Mountains the previous week in three seperate incidents.

30 years ago – 1988

Doris Lombard’s third-grade class collected the most cans during the Canned Tree Drive and were treated to a party by the Idyllwild Board of Realtors.

25 years ago – 1993

Nearly 150 attended IFD’s New Year’s Eve dance. It raised $800 for the station.

20 years ago – 1998

Town Hall was transformed into a mythical undersea world, thanks to the music and dance of “O Lungo Drom” and friends. David Reid-Marr and Mark Taylor, with “O Lungo Drom,” joined with Jennifer, Jovielle and Vesper McEwen.

15 years ago – 2003

Dr. Candide Petrol and Dr. Ray Webb found an abandoned home on a hike, and turned it into the vacation home of their dreams. The Fern Valley home was featured on “Homes Across America” on the Home and Garden Television Network.

10 years ago – 2008

The Astronomical Society of the Desert held its  monthly meeting and star party at sundown at the Sawmill Trailhead parking lot in Pinyon.

5 years ago – 2013

Vandals struck La Bella Montagna Italian Restaurant in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, breaking glass in a large bay window.

1 year ago – 2017

Mary Aebischer, department head of the Modern Language Department at Idyllwild Arts Academy, opened Spotlight on Leadership, a new IAA speaker series.