FROM THE FILES

125 Years Ago

Adams County News

September 28, 1898

Something ought to be done to better the condition of roads in and around Ritzville. Farmers say they would not come here if they could help it simply because of the condition of the roads from a mile to a mile and a half of the town. It seems to us that if there is no other way, the businessmen could make no better investment than to have the roads about the town put into better shape.

Local and personal

Wheat is selling as follows in Ritzville today (Wednesday): blue stem, 51c; winter, 48.

Wheat buying seems to be the order of the day in Ritzville. Strings of wheat wagons line the streets by the warehouses through the middle part of the day. Farmers evidently think that 50 cents is about right or they would not sell so fast.

Frank Smith, a character who has been around Ritzville for some time and who was arrested some time ago on a charge of drunk and disorderly, with the help of a little whiskey undertook to clean out the Olympia restaurant last Friday night. But before this performance was through, the night marshal happened around with the result that Mr. Smith was duly marched to the city bastille. The next morning he was brought before Police Judge Staser and he went back to the cooler to the tune of $50 and costs. Monday morning when Marshal Goodwin went to feed Mr. Smith, it was found he had made good his escape through the flue of the cooler.

100 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

September 27, 1923

Clara Hardt is killed when her grandfather's car strikes cart

Clara Hardt, age 9, was struck by the automobile driven by her grandfather, Jacob Hardt, and killed while on her way to school Monday morning. Her companion, Emma Gering, received a severe scalp wound, but is recovering. The accident occurred on the graveled highway about 25 miles west of Ritzville between the Menno school and the Waltner home.

Mr. Hardt was going to take his two grandchildren, Clara and her younger brother, to school. Clara's friend, Emma Gering, came along driving a horse hitched to a two-wheeled cart and invited Clara to ride with her, which she did.

Mr. Hardt followed later with the grandson. Just how the accident occurred is not entirely clear. Emma Gering, who is 15 years old, the daughter of Jake Gering, says that Clara looked behind and said her grandfather was coming. She then turned her horse and drove at the side of the road. The car coming up from behind caught the wheel of the cart, breaking off the shafts, overturning the cart, and throwing Clara under the automobile where her head was crushed.

The horse broke away from the wreckage though the fence. Mr. Hardt stopped his car at once only to find Clara's life extinct. Emma was brought to Ritzville and taken to the Adam Grenz home. Dr. Bloch had to take over twenty stiches to close the scalp wound. She is improving and will soon be recovered. She feels keenly the loss of her friend.

Local Brevities

Franz Koch returned last week from Soap Lake where he spent seven weeks taking baths and treatments there. He returned much improved in health.

One authority says petroleum comes from fish. Important if true, sure; just stick a carp in your gas tank.

75 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

September 23, 1948

Police to check door-to-door peddler permits

At the city council meeting Tuesday night, Chief of Police Harry Davenport was instructed to crack down on door-to-door salesmen operating without licenses. Some housewives have been interrupted four or five times daily by out-of-town salesmen lately, councilmen were told. Davenport was instructed to enforce rigidly an ordinance demanding a license of $25 per day for door-to-door sales of anything except farm produce.

At the Ritz

"The Street with No Name" starring Mark Stevens and Richard Widmark.

50 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

September 27, 1973

Ritzville float awarded 11 trophies in 13 parades

The Ritzville C of C float, "Heart of the Big Bend," appeared in 13 parades this year and won 11 trophies and a blue ribbon. There were two grand sweepstakes awards, and one divisional sweepstakes trophy, said Mrs. Marge Kemble, the float's designer.

Mrs. Kembel said total miles traveled exceeded 1,500. Mrs. Lynn Reeve, mother of Queen Linda Reeve, went to each of the parades, and said there had been no trouble or problem with the float. It was easy to assemble after towing.

Family night plan of church is told

WASHTUCNA-A color film, "The Return," adapted from the book "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey, will be shown at a family night to be held Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washtucna Community Church. Les Snyder and Wilmer Kiesz are in charge of arrangements.

25 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

September 24, 1998

Accident on Paha-Packard Road

A Ritzville man suffered an arm injury in a two-vehicle accident Sept. 15 at the intersection of the Paha-Packard and Arlt Road west of Ritzville. Joel Molander, 62, of Ritzville was westbound on Arlt Road approaching Paha-Packard at 5:10 p.m. driving a 1997 Mazda as Bernard Cain, 63, of Kennewick, was northbound on Paha-Packard driving a 1980 Chevy truck. According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Mark Shepherd's report, Molander failed to yield the right-of-way and his vehicle struck the right side of the truck. Both vehicles were totaled.

At the Ritz

"Saving Private Ryan" starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon.

-The Journal