Val Hansen and Milovan Rade “Zubi” Zarubica, two local colorful characters, in the 1950s. During the summer when there was a water shortage, Hansen started growing a beard. It was to be shaved off when there was “enough water.” It was never shaved off. Zarubica, born in Yugoslavia, fought in both World War I and World War II. When he died in 1980, Bill Chase’s sculpture of him was donated to the Idyllwild County Park Visitor Center. File photo

65 years ago - 1953

Woodland Park Manor held an open house inviting the community to inspect its completely furnished units. Accommodation rates were $10 to $15 per couple.

60 years ago - 1958

Ernie Maxwell’s mother, Maude Maxwell, was a guest in town.

55 years ago - 1963

For riding their motorcycles up Devil’s Slide Trail, three men from out of town were cited by Sheriff’s Deputy Hollis Hollis.

50 years ago - 1968

The Idyllwild Property Owners Association pressed county supervisors to enact a leash law.

45 years ago - 1973

In a notice mailed to property owners, the Idyllwild Fire Board of Commissioners reminded residents that property abatement inspections would soon begin.

40 years ago - 1978

Eddie Rankin was the featured speaker at the Idyllwild Historical Society’s annual picnic held at Town Hall.

35 years ago - 1983

Bidding was opened for passing-lanes construction on Highway 74 about 6 miles east of Valle Vista to 5 miles west of Mountain Center.

30 years ago - 1988

The U.S. Forest Service targeted more than 200 acres of chaparral southwest of the Strawberry Creek Fuelbreak below Inspiration Point for prescribed burns. Local firefighters were on hand to make sure the fires did not burn out of control.

25 years ago - 1993

Preparations were being made for the Idyllwild 5K and 10K Run and Fitness Walk. A pancake breakfast was a scheduled part of the event.

20 years ago - 1998

The American Legion Post 800 held its Memorial Day ceremony and luncheon. Col. Lewis Millett, a medal of honor recipient and Idyllwild resident, was the guest speaker.

15 years ago - 2003

Idyllwild Earth Fair opened with a drumming circle where attendees were invited to drum along.

10 years ago - 2008

After a year in the making, a lot-line adjustment  finally cleared the county.The adjustment was part of the  transfer from land donors to the Idyllwild Community Recreation Council of the land on which the Idyllwild Community Center would be built.

5 years ago - 2013

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. At 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, American Legion Post 800 held its annual honor guard ceremony, the emotional centerpiece of the Memorial Day weekend.

1 year ago - 2017

Notices of Violation and Order to Abate overgrown weeds, dry grasses and other flammable vegetation were mailed to property owners of unimproved parcels within the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.