FROM THE FILES

100 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Dec. 30, 1920

CHRISTMAS IN CITY WAS A MERRY ONE

Christmas of 1920 has come and gone. Returning appetites attest to the fact that the annual celebration of the great world festival is over. No more are there secret whisperings among members of the family. Father no longer takes the side entrance laden with packages but comes boldly in at the front door, and mother’s bureau drawers are now unlocked with the key in its accustomed place on the nail. The more fragile toys have already been broken and those that have withstood the first week bid fair to become precious companions throughout the year.

75 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Dec. 27, 1945

Postmaster Says Christmas Mail Sets New Record

Ritzville’s postoffice is believed to have shattered all previous records with its 1945 holiday business, Postmaster Henry Thom said today, although figures will not be final until the end of the month. Cancellations of letters up to Wednesday morning totaled 57,485, since the first of the month, which is 4,000 more than the total for any previous December on record. This figure will be boosted even higher by mailings during the balance of this month. Highest previous cancellation on record was 53,500 for December, 1943, and 53,500 for December, 1944.

50 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Dec. 31, 1970

Fire Quickly Extinguished at Bob’s TV

Fire started by Christmas tree lights at Bob’s TV and Radio Hospital was put out Christmas night before it did much damage. Bud Kirkendall and Susan Becker, driving by, noted the smoke. They phoned the fire department at the Ritz Theatre. Bob Lawton, who was there, took fire extinguishers and dashed around the corner. Lawton broke the window in the front door to gain access, and by the time firemen arrived he had extinguished the blaze.

25 years ago

Ritzville Adams

County Journal

Dec. 28, 1995

WSP filmed by TV crew

Those who watch “Real Stories of the Highway Patrol” on the Fox Network may soon recognize some of the faces and places on the television series. A filming crew with the nationally-produced show were in Ritzville on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week riding with the Washington State Patrol Troopers to film activities which occurred each of the three days. Sgt. Kris Boness of the Ritzville detachment said the locally filmed portions may or may not be used.