Evening of games, ‘pathetic music’ enjoyed by guests of the Izetts | Looking Back

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, September 21, 2016

100 years ago (1916 — Oak Harbor News)

A page-one headline read: “The time was splendid and the music pathetic.” The one-paragraph article detailed the happenings of a party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Izett. “The evening was spent in playing games and singing and listening to some very pathetic musical numbers. All report a very enjoyable time.”

Another case of drowning was narrowly averted. Miss Vera Hancock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Hancock, and her cousin Miss Madeline Hancock, of Seattle, were bathing in a pool at Still’s Park. Miss Madeline, age 12, did not know how to swim, though Vera Hancock was a strong swimmer. Madeline waded too near the floodgate, where the tide came in rather strong. She was carried off her feet and went under. Vera also went under when trying to rescue her cousin, but regained her feet and successfully carried Madeline to shore.

75 years ago (1941 — Farm Bureau News)

The three Island County newspapers hosted a subscription drive in which 16 boys and girls campaigned to attract new readers. The top five campaigners would win a new bicycle, while others would be awarded in cash.

Schools in Oak Harbor prepared for the first day of the school year Sept. 2. There were two changes in the teaching staff for the new year, as well as two new construction improvements. Over the summer, the schools were connected with the city sewer system. A new walk was also constructed for the back door of the high school.

50 years ago (1966 — Whidbey News-Times)

Mrs. Elspeth S. (Polly) Dyer, Oak Harbor city treasurer since 1959, was set free on bail following charges of grand larceny involving municipal funds believed to exceed $12,000. The alleged shortages came to light during a routine annual examination of city books carried out under the direction of Chester J. Morgan, state examiner, division of Municipal Correction, Olympia.

Girls’ “go-go boots” were advertised at $3.99 a pair at Northern Sales. Girls’ “granny boots” were advertised at $4.99 to $7.99. T-shirts cost 77 cents, or three for $1.45.

25 years ago (1991 — Whidbey News-Times)

Officials at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island insisted it was business as usual despite the coup by hard-line Communists in the Soviet Union and the ousting of President Mikhail Gorbachev. Although it was possible Cold War tensions could be reignited between the U.S. and Soviety Union, officials said it was unlikely.