125 years ago
March 24, 1893
The lumbering business in this state was never in so prosperous a condition, nor the outlook brighter for the trade than at the present time. The demand for our product in the east and the reduction in freight rates, has made it possible for lumbermen to ship to the eastern market their entire output at a good profit.
Indeed, the demand is even greater than the supply and orders are being received by various mills which cannot be filled.
This leads us to remark that a better time could not be found in which to secure lumber and shingle mills. No arguments are necessary to convince mill men that such industries will pay here, and with the introduction of Washington lumber and shingles into the east, what is to prevent the demand from increasing constantly, for where they are once used they will always be in demand.
Montesano needs manufacturing industries. They are essential to her prosperity. Everyone concedes this. Never was a time more propitious than the present for securing them. Neither do we believe that it is necessary to give away the town to get a factory. A good site and a reasonable amount of city property should be all that any enterprise should demand: and we believe industries can be located here on such inducements.
100 years ago
March 22, 1918
Last night in the high school auditorium the unveiling ceremonies of the new Washington statue were held. The auditorium was well filled by a crowd who thoroughly enjoyed and profited by the program. The exercises were in charge of Superintendent Wheeler’s American history class.
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Among the names listed as dead in the reports from the American forces on the other side, last week, was Loren H. Mitchell, believed by many to be identical with a man who formerly was well known in Montesano, although his friends here did not know he was in France.
A man named Loren H. Mitchell was Y.M.C.A. instructor in Montesano about 12 years ago and had many friends among the boys of the day, many of whom are business men in Montesano now. None here have heard from him for some time, but his old boys say it is undoubtedly the same Mitchell, as it would have been him over again, to have been in the front ranks.
75 years ago
March 25, 1943
Yep, it has happened! Women are becoming firemen and the pay-off comes next Sunday, at Central Park, when five members of the gentle (?) sex are to take their first instruction in the operation of pressure pumps, 2-inch fire hose, and the whole paraphernalia that goes with a bona fide fire engine.
It all started recently when Defense Chairman Earl Symons and Mrs. Oscar Wall, first aid chairman of the Central Park defense unit, decided that at least during the day time when most of the men of Central Park were at work some one ought to know how to operate the big 500 gallon fire fighting truck which ha been donated to the use of the community by the Clemons Tree Farm and the Weyerhaeuser Timber company.
According to Bruce Hood, county defense chairmen, this is the first all-woman fire fighting organization to get set for the coming fire season.
Those taking the fire-fighting instruction will include: Mrs. John Glasgo, Mrs. Harold Johnson, Mrs. William Kruger, Mrs. Kenneth Shook and Mrs. Oscar Wall.
50 years ago
March 21, 1968
A Montesano landmark was burned to the ground Monday evening in a ‘spectacular’ fire when the old Phillips residence was put to the torch by the Montesano Volunteer Fire Dept.
The stately 10-room mansion was built in the summer of 1897 and was the first house to be constructed in the Renton Addition. The home had four rooms and two baths of the second floor and six rooms and two baths on the lower. There was a total of 1789 square feel of living space in the structure.
•••
Don Parks was the recipient of the Lion Inspirational award at the annual Awards Banquet Monday evening, which was attended by more than 200 persons. Others honored were Terry Burke, who received the C0-Captain Award; Bill Sizemore, Best Defensive Player Award; and Rick Burke, who was voted the most improved player.
Guest speaker for the event was Art Acuff, athletic director at St. Martin’s College in Lacey. Acuff was head basketball coach at Montesano High from 1947 to 1955.
25 years ago
March 25, 1993
It took another hour and a half Tuesday evening for Montesano’s city council to re-discuss the pros and cons of the proposed public rest stop on S. Main Street, after having covered the subject thoroughly before a packed house Monday evening at the Silvia Center, to decide to go ahead with their plans and sit down with the State Department of Transportation and discuss the project. The council put their stamp of approval on having Council Members Dick Stone and Bob Woodcock negotiate for the city.
However, Stone noted, “If we can’t come up with a plan to meet the city’s needs, or if DOT can’t come up with a plan to meet their traveling public requirements, then we won’t arrive at an agreement. On the other hand,” he continued, “if we are able to see eye to eye and agree on everything, then we’ll go ahead as planned.” Councilwoman Anna Harbell, an outspoken critic of the rest stop proposal, was asked by Acting Mayor Doug George if she would like to join Stone and Woodcock on the negotiating team. But, before she could offer an answer the subject was changed and it was apparent that Stone and Woodcock would be the prime negotiators.
10 years ago
March 20, 2008
Officials from Anchor Bank broke ground on the site of their new Montesano branch at the corner of South Sylvia and Pioneer Avenue, former site of the historic auto dealership, Brumfield Twidwell, Inc., on Tuesday, March 18. The 3,370 square-foot, split-level building is set to open on Sept. 2. The new facility is aiming to garner a “silver LEED” certification under the trademark Green Building Rating System, according to Anchor’s President and CEO Jerry Shaw. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designs.
“Anchor Bank is committed to the community of Montesano,” Shaw said. “We are going to build a ‘green’ building on a site once contaminated. We want to be a responsible member of the community.”
Architects from Street Lundgren & Foster of Montesano designed the new branch, which will be managed by Stephanie Dick. Former property owner and retired businessman Emery Brumfield, 90, also attended.
•••
Open wide and a “Ahhhhh.”
Or, perhaps, “Yayyyy!”
It’s official — the new Montesano Clinic at 319 E. Pioneer Ave. will open its doors Monday, March 24. An open house is being planned later “for the community to come and see, says its manager, Rae Rose. Date and time for the open house will be announced.
