On the front page of July 31, 1948, Idyllwild Town Crier reported the opening celebration of Banning-Idyllwild Highway, now known as Highway 243. Idyllwild Town Crier archives

70 years ago - 1949
Reginald Pole, distinguished Shakespearean actor, was in Idyllwild for the summer. He was developing a cultural lecture series on the hill.

65 years ago - 1954
A burn-the-mortgage campaign was underway to wipe out the remaining $1,500 indebtedness on Town Hall.

60 years ago - 1959
Ansel Adams, renowned photographer, was back at ISOMATA to head the staff of the photography workshop.

50 years ago - 1969
Dr. Timothy Leary was free on bail in connection with a drowning on Fobes Ranch in Garner Valley. An autopsy had revealed LSD in the 17-year-old victim’s body, but Leary denied giving the drug to the girl.

40 years ago - 1979
Riverside County Road Department crews were doing extensive repair and maintenance work on Fern Valley and Idyllwild streets.

35 years ago - 1984
A meeting at Town Hall was called by Supervisor Kay Ceniceros to discuss the formation of a local advisory council and plans for the almost-full dump.

5 years ago - 2014
The new president of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, Pamela Jordan, was from Chicago. She came here familiar with the campus and town, prepared to lead the institution forward in the 21st century.

1 year ago - 2018
Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin announced that Brandon N. McGlover, 32, of Temecula, was charged with 15 felony counts related to nine separate fires. The largest was the Cranston Fire. The nine arson fires were all set the same day, July 25, and were in the Idyllwild, Anza and Sage areas