100 years ago, in 1916 (From the Oak Harbor News)
n The Oak Harbor News congratulated Island County Public School Journal for its Christmas issue’s quality of publication, especially praising its ability “to boost and help in the conduct of our common educational system.”
n Issues regarding public school sanitation were raised, separating the issues into two categories — the bodily hygiene of each student, and the cleanliness of the public facilities the students used. As examples, “absolute cleanliness” was encouraged, and children were to be urged to stay away from flies on the playground.
n An editorial argued that students at the high school level ought to be prepared for the possible eventuality of war, stating that “there is no rational pacifist objection to training on the military model in public schools.”
n Bachelder &Corneil, “better clothes for men and boys,” advertised Christmas pajamas at prices ranging from $1.25 to $5, encouraging buyers to “be sure his Christmas gift is right.”
75 years ago, in 1941 (From the Island County Farm Bureau News)
n Despite “America-at-war,” Santa still chose to visit Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas program, which featured the Campfire Girls, church choirs and a band. As a special announcement associated with the event, it was made clear that “there would be no more blackouts needed except on special 20-minute notice when the siren would blow.”
n Those interested in taking the volunteer Red Cross first aid class were asked to call “222,” in order to preregister. The amount of phone calls would determine if there would be additional training classes in days to come.
n Dr. George R. Heap was recognized as having the “window of the week,” which sported an idyllic snow cottage amid a copse of icy evergreens — a beatific snow arrangement.
n Jeanette’s advertised “Xmas gifts she’ll love,” including “better dresses” that ranged from $3.98 to $20.95 and cotton dresses priced at $1.25, $2, and $2.98.
50 years ago, in 1966 (From the Whidbey News-Times)
n Former Coupeville schools janitor Tom Riley was named deputy sheriff of the south end, leaving the schools up the hallway without a mop.
n Mayor Ralph Ward vowed the Coupeville “city” council would continue to study the region’s water problem, after the Captain Whidbey Inn appeared in violation of the water-right laws — having three units that used water, in spite of only one allotted water right. Captain Whidbey representative Steve Stone argued that the additional units were extensions of the inn’s main business so it not in violation, because the rule was one water right per business, not per unit.
n The Sheriff’s department believed that a stolen telephone from a telephone booth near Northern Sale Co. was taken for the money inside.
n Payless Foods advertised fruit pies, including apple, cherry, peach, mince, pumpkin and boysenberry for 25 cents a piece.
25 years ago, in 1991 (From the Whidbey News-Times)
n For years, Island County Commissioners Dick Caldwell, Gordon Koetje and Dwain Colby took turns as chairman of the board. However, allegedly caustic Caldwell was passed over for the position in favor of the reelection of Koetje — a serious political snub, in a board of commissioners that had developed what some officials considered “an untenable atmosphere of tension and unprofessional conduct.”
n A power surge that hit Dugualla Bay, a region used to such phenomena, was so powerful that it blew plug covers from walls and fried appliances. In spite of a surge protector, one resident’s television set couldn’t escape unscathed.
n The Coupeville School District appealed to voters, requesting for them to approve a $700,000 maintenance and operations levy for two upcoming years. The taxpayers would have to pay $1.50 per every $1,000 of assessed property value in 1993 and 1994.
Compiled by Dan Warn
