70 years ago – 1948

The dump, the Town Crier learned, was a popular after-dark rendezvous during the summer. Residents were taking guests there to watch the deer feeding.

65 years ago – 1953

A sudden cold snap hit the mountain; the thermometer dropped to 18 degrees at Kenworthy Station in Garner Valley.

60 years ago – 1958

The Pine Cove Water District moved into its new building on Marion Ridge Road.

55 years ago – 1963

The county Board of Supervisors accepted a deed from the Idyllwild Mountain Park Co. for a 19-acre site in the Pine Cove area to be used for a public park known as Pine Cove Park.

50 years ago – 1968

Petitions for a leash law in the Idyllwild area were being circulated by the Property Owners Association.

45 years ago – 1973

Sheriff’s deputies arrested 30 young people from out of town, mostly juveniles involved in using narcotics at a local lodge. The youths were released to their parents’ custody.

40 years ago – 1978

The Idyllwild Bluegrass Invitational, featuring mandolin, banjo, and fiddle performances, was held at Idyllwild County Park.

35 years ago – 1983

A new operational agreement between the Idyllwild Fire Department and the Hemet Valley Ambulance Service that redefined service area boundaries was signed by the two agencies.

30 years ago – 1988

Local water officials began the process of seeking forgiveness of the $500,000 state loan made six years previously for the ill-fated Idyllwild-area sewer expansion project.

25 years ago – 1993

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted to spend $2.2 million for a state-of-the-art computer system to improve law enforcement in the county, including its unincorporated areas.

20 years ago – 1998

The second-annual Idyllwild International Film Festival planned to show 15 shorts, selected by the Idyllwild Film Institute.

15 years ago – 2003

The Rotary Club initiated the refurbishment of Town Hall’s kitchen, with costs estimated at $10,000. Rotarians and other service club members would donate the labor.

10 years ago – 2008

Plans were being finalized for “Obamarama,” a fund-raiser for the Obama/Biden campaign being held at Café Aroma.

5 years ago – 2013

Dozens of people came out to view the painted deer at Forest Lumber, the only time all 22 deer sculptures were to be together.

1 year ago – 2017

A recent spate of business breakins, such as at Fairway Market and the American Legion, raised concerns among local residents. Locals began seeking a private security alternative to fewer sheriff patrols.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Past tense: May 15, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 Gala event of the week was the reopening of the Rustic Theatre. The feature was “El Paso,” starring John Wayne and Gail Russell.   60 years ago – 1954 State Park Supervisor Frank Davies announced construction of five new campsites.   55 years ago – 1959 American Legion Post 800…

  • Past Tense: July 16, 2015

    65 years ago – 1950 Realtors were advertising cabins with fireplaces for $3,750 and acre-sized lots for $1,250. 60 years ago – 1955 C.L. Emerson died in Hemet at the age of 82. He had been associated with the early development of Idyllwild and purchased the Idyllwild Inn in 1917. 55 years ago – 1960…

  • Past Tense

    75 years ago – 1948 Sen. William Knowland, an overnight guest at the Idyllwild Inn, met formally with Hill residents to discuss local affairs. 70 years ago – 1953 Ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary met to sew gift projects for the Veterans Hospital. 65 years ago – 1958 The Rotary Club announced a Halloween…

  • Past Tense: July 26, 2012

    60 years ago – 1952 Capt. Carmen Durrance, international president of NIP, was on the Hill. NIP stands for Not Important People. The organization was founded on April Fool’s Day.   55 years ago – 1957 Work started on Bluebird Hill Lodge, which was planned to be Idyllwild’s most elaborate motel. A children’s playground, a…

  • Past Tense: October 20, 2016

    60 years ago – 1956 Hill Republicans and Independent voters turned out 134 strong to the Dwight Eisenhower birthday party at the Hillbilly Lodge. Featured speaker was Loyd Wright Sr., president of the American Bar Association. 55 years ago – 1961 The Tahquitz Lake Golf Club opened to capacity business. 50 years ago – 1966…