In October 1973, the Parents Club of Idyllwild School held the annual Halloween carnival outdoors on the school grounds. There was plenty of run-and-play space, plenty of space for game booths, and noise didn’t matter. When receipts were counted, it was found that 500 youngsters had giggled and screamed their way through the Haunted House. File photo
In October 1973, the Parents Club of Idyllwild School held the annual Halloween carnival outdoors on the school grounds. There was plenty of run-and-play space, plenty of space for game booths, and noise didn’t matter. When receipts were counted, it was found that 500 youngsters had giggled and screamed their way through the Haunted House. File photo

65 years ago – 1950

The Idyllwild Lions Club pledged to buy an extra U.S. Defense Bond in tribute to the 40th Infantry Division.

60 years ago – 1955

About 85 people comprising the cast and crew of a Western production being filmed by Universal-International made headquarters at the “Inn” after shooting scenes in the May Valley area.

55 years ago – 1960

From results of bird-banding operations, local man Arthur Felt learned that Audubon warblers, blue birds and Stellar’s jays were plentiful, but chickadees, juncos and pigmy nuthatches were less numerous than usual.

50 years ago – 1965

An alleged plot to rob the Tirol Restaurant failed because a law enforcement officer “stake out” was spotted by one of the three gunmen at the scene. The trio was later captured in a road block.

45 years ago – 1970

Widening Palms to Pines Highway from the Anza Junction to Palm Desert to four lanes was among the recommendations made that week to the California Highway Commission.

40 years ago – 1975

The Idyllwild Property Owners Association was circulating a petition requesting that county, state and federal authorities appropriate new funds for fire-prevention work in the San Jacinto Mountains.

35 years ago – 1980

The Idyllwild County Water District board voted to lease two portions of the Dutch Flats property to the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce to construct, maintain and operate athletic fields for playing softball.

30 years ago – 1985

It was announced at a Chamber of Commerce meeting that start-up costs for the arts-oriented high school scheduled to open September 1986 at the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts would be $600,000.

25 years ago – 1990

The Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors adopted increases that would double water rates for users and would discontinue basic water service in the monthly service fee.

20 years ago – 1995

A group of community members was looking to propose a local bond issue for a new gymnasium and theater complex at Idyllwild School.

15 years ago – 2000

During a meeting of the Idyllwild Water District, General Manager Tom Lovejoy proposed purchasing an iron manganese removal system for well maintenance. The board also passed a motion to obtain an appraisal for the Idyllwild-Pine Cove Community Center on Franklin Drive.

10 years ago – 2005

  Art therapist and Idyllwild resident Karla Leopold was asked by her Rosie O’Donnell contact to put together a team of six therapists to go to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina to work with traumatized children.

5 years ago – 2010

Ask most any youngster on the Hill what their favorite community holiday event is and you’re sure to be told of Halloween with the Great Pumpkin Parade and Carnival and the Idyllwild Ghost Town. And no wonder, with so many townsfolk working together to provide a fun and safe Halloween experience.

1 year ago – 2014

Lawrence Allen Edwards, 45, of Idyllwild, was charged with embezzlement from the Mountain Quilters of Idyllwild, in a felony complaint filed by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Past Tense: August 1, 2019

    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,…

  • |

    Past Tense: April 30, 2020

    70 years ago – 1950 Ernie Maxwell was completing the 1950 U.S. Census report for this area.   65 years ago – 1955 Although disappointed by the actions of both the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the state Legislature who supported building the Palm Springs Tramway, the Citizens Group announced it would continue its…

  • |

    Past Tense: April 14, 2016

    65 years ago – 1951 The Department of Fish and Game released a flock of 28 Mexican Bronze wild turkeys. The intent was to establish a plentiful enough  population to permit hunting in local forests. 60 years ago – 1956 A group of green thumbers met at Hazel Wright’s home to form the Idyllwild Garden…

  • 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…

  • |

    Past Tense: May 26, 2016

    65 years ago – 1951 Sportland, in the village center, put up umbrella tables outside by the pool. 60 years ago – 1956 Seven students graduated from Idyllwild Elementary School: Gary Bischof, Janet Froehlich, Dianne Granger, Diane Hunt, Marianne McConnell, Linda Michelsen and Carolyn Waltrip. 55 years ago – 1961 A new state park trail…