75 years ago – 1947
Idyllwild’s first switch-board was installed at the home of Jess Brown. When prodded for comment, Jess said, “Just don’t have anybody phone anybody before 9:30 Sunday morning.”

65 years ago – 1957
May was headed for the wettest on record, with 4.54 inches of rain and snow recorded for the month. Season’s total stood at 20.33 inches and there was snow in the high country.

55 years ago – 1967
Fire commissioners voted to purchase a portion of the Idyllwild Inn property as a site for the new fire station.

45 years ago – 1977
Baker in the Forest was preparing to blow out two candles on a specially baked birthday cake. Owners Allen Goodman and Hilary Phelps invited the general public to join the celebration.

40 years ago – 1982
A discussion of the Idyllwild dump was on the agenda of a Town Hall meeting County Supervisor Kay Ceniceros was leading.

35 years ago – 1987
An on-site wastewater disposal zone was formed in the Idyllwild Water District, but wasn’t expected to begin operation until July.

30 years ago – 1992
The Rotary Club, realizing its yearlong dream, installed the north and south poles and raised the very first display banner over North Circle Drive for the Rotary’s pancake breakfast at Town Hall.

20 years ago – 2002
The local Meals on Wheels program was in jeopardy because of budget cuts.

15 years ago – 2007
A reportedly vicious pit bull, tied up and left by its owner at an Idyllwild County Park campsite, had gotten loose and was shot by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies.

10 years ago – 2012
Idyllwild Water District directors were reviewing a draft ordinance for mandatory use of recycled water.

5 years ago – 2017
Idyllwild Fire Protection District commissioners voted 4-0 to establish a Joint Powers Authority to provide fire and emergency service to the city of San Jacinto. Commissioner Larry Donahoo was absent.

1 year ago – 2021
A GoFundMe had been set up for Idyllwild Shuttle and was helping pay for fuel, maintenance, insurance and drivers for the passenger van that was desperately in need of being replaced.