The wreck of the Catholic church in February 1944. archive photo

60 years ago – 1957

Police called off the search for Stephen D. Gallagher, who was reported missing while hiking in Tahquitz Canyon. All that was found of him were his clothes and shoes, which he removed before his disappearance.

55 years ago – 1962

Three women joined the Pine Cove fire department’s rescue squad — the first ever. They worked driving the rescue vehicle, caring for the injured and running the communication lines.

50 years ago – 1967

Dr. Spark Schnitzer gave an illustrated lecture about his expedition to Africa in search of documents relating to the 19th century explorer Dr. Emin Pasha, governor of Equatoria during the Mahdi revolt.

45 years ago – 1972

A Hawthorne man triggered an avalanche near San Jacinto Peak, and was carried down the mountain 5,000 feet before landing at the base of Snow Creek Canyon above Palm Springs.

40 years ago – 1977

A 36-year-old transient was arrested in Pine Cove on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and burglary.

35 years ago – 1982

George Kretsinger was honored at a surprise dinner party. He was recognized for outstanding service to the Idyllwild Water District by district officials. He served 10 years on the board and resigned for personal and business reasons.

25 years ago – 1992

Two Idyllwild Elementary School students were injured in a five-car collision on the way back from a school field trip. Luckily, they were OK after the weekend.

20 years ago – 1997

Raymond Lopez, the owner of the Idyll-Awhile Arcade, passed away at age 46.

15 years ago – 2002

“Labor of Love” fed more than 200 locals.

10 years ago – 2007

A couple from Parker, Arizona, were fortunate enough in receiving only minor injuries after their truck overturned and descended 50 feet off of Highway 74 west of Carrizo Road in Pinyon.

5 years ago – 2012

County Service Area 38 Advisory Committee members learned that the county didn’t appear to know the CSA’s boundaries. The county map omits about 40 properties in the Foster Lake area from the CSA, as voted for in 1965.

1 year ago – 2016

President Barack Obama designated three new national monuments in Southern California deserts. The new monuments are Mojave Trails National Monument, Castle Mountains National Monument and the Sand to Snow National Monument, which is in Riverside County.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Past Tense: June 19, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 Chuck Holmes was the local boy selected for Boys State by the American Legion Post 800.   60 years ago – 1954 The Chamber of Com- merce was planning to host a chuckwagon dinner for the annual Fourth of July celebration.   55 years ago – 1959 Camp Maranatha’s new…

  • |

    Past Tense: June 9, 2016

    65 years ago – 1951 The first services were held in the new Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church. 60 years ago – 1956 The Idyllwild County Water District took over the Idyllwild Water Company. Meanwhile, the election of the proposed Pine Cove County Water District was set by county supervisors.  50 years ago – 1966 A…

  • Past Tense: October 23, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 Idyllwild had 7 inches of snow and a low of 18 degrees.   60 years ago – 1954 With every $10 in purchases made at Dutton’s Corner Store, a five-piece place setting of oven-proof dishes could be purchased for $1.19.   55 years ago – 1959 Young artists of the…

  • Past Tense: Jan. 9, 2014

    65 years ago – 1949 A cold snap brought a high of 30 degrees and a low of 7 degrees one day, freezing pipes and Mrs. Eric Holm’s breath on her coat. Emax reported that even the squirrels were shivering 60 years ago – 1954 The California Public Utilities Commission approved Idyllwild Water Company’s request…

  • Past Tense: Feb. 14, 2013

    65 years ago – 1948 Saturday was designated Idyllwild Day at the County Fair and Date Festival. Idyllwild had a booth containing a chukker partridge and a ring-necked pheasant, plus samples of Pinecraft furniture. 60 years ago – 1953 Emsy Dunn’s class, studying California history, went panning for gold in Strawberry Creek. All the students…