Comedian Keene here as Richard III

May 31, 2006

By KATIE WATTS
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

Yesteryears is an often amusing look back at local history, as viewed through the pages of the Argus-Courier.

125 years ago

The farmers of Two Rock and Big Valley are rushing in their potato crops. (May 20, 1881)

Next Sunday the Rev. G.B. Allen will speak on the new revision of the Bible. (May 20, 1881)

The lecture of Col. J.R. Kelso at the theatre last Sunday was listened to by a respectable audience. His subject, "Creation," was a large one and could hardly be done justice, however, he did the best he could in a limited time. (May 20, 1881)

As the water may be shut off during repairs, consumers are requested to draw sufficient to last them over one day. (May 27,1881)

Most of our readers will remember with pleasure the season T.W. Keene, the celebrated comedian, was with us, and will be glad to know that we are to have the opportunity of seeing the same gentleman in tragedy. He is pronounced by the critics to be one of the tragedians of the day. On Monday evening, "Richard III," with the 20-member company, will be produced here. Mr. Keene will appear in the title role, said to be one of his most powerful impersonations. (May 27, 1881)

100 years ago

In time of peace, prepare for war. Save money by buying furniture, stoves, ranges, lace curtains and other house furnishings at Petaluma Furniture Co. (June 1, 1906)

The contract for the repainting of the Pepper Kindergarten was on Friday awarded to Benjamin & Potter. The building will be painted white and the work will be commenced at once. (June 1, 1906)

Lake Tahoe: a delightful place for rest and recreation among the health-giving pine forests of the Sierras. Leave San Francisco daily at 7 p.m., arrive at Tahoe Tavern for a trout breakfast the next morning. Fishing, hunting, boating, tennis, mountain scenery, etc. Stopovers permitted to visit this scenic marvel. (June 1, 1906)

Chinese residents who were burned out in San Francisco will be required to sustain a further loss that may reach as high as $50,000 or $60,000. They must obtain from the Government at Washington duplicate certificates of legal residence. (June 1, 1906)

There is a large assortment of photos at Towne's Drug Store that will be valuable as keepsakes in a few years. Fix up your scrapbook or album while you have a chance. (June 1, 1906)

Civilization is an evolution. The good things, like Old Gilt Edge Whiskey, mark the highest point it its progression. (June 1, 1906)

75 years ago

Wm. H. Summ of Kentucky Street, war veteran and legionnaire, has been appointed a special police officer by Police Chief Robert Peters, to serve during the vacation period of the police department. Mr. Summ begins his new duties tonight and will take the place of Officer Richard Thompson who is now on his annual vacation. (June 1, 1931)

Ed Reese, rural mail carrier of Route 1, RFD of Petaluma, who has served that route continuously since his appointment eight years ago, now has a 100 percent perfect route as seen by the postal department experts, and the official bulletins of the department will tell the world of his model route and of his work, so that this city will receive much excellent advertising as a result. On his route of 44 miles, traversed by him daily except Sundays and an occasional holiday, he serves 552 families who are provided with 527 regulation rural mail boxes. Every box is properly numbered and painted with the name of the owner thereon and every box measures up to the department requirements and regulations, 100 percent. It is doubtful if there is another such model rural mail route in the United States. (June 1, 1931)

50 years ago

Adlai Stevenson brought his razor-sharp wit with him to Petaluma yesterday afternoon and if the former Illinois governor wins as many votes as he did guffaws, Estes Kefauver will have rough sledding in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Stevenson leveled some serious criticism at the Republican party and administration, saying it has no program for positive progress within the country, and its dealing with the world. "The Republican 'peace, prosperity, progress' slogan is not a program," he told his audience. He gibed, "There may be some good Republicans and perhaps there are even some here today. But I believe in forgiveness and if any Republicans want to step forward and repent, they'll be forgiven. I'd trust a Republican anywhere -- except in public office." I.J. Barlas gave him two dozen eggs and Stevenson remarked, "I want you to know they're for eating, not throwing." (May 31, 1956)

25 years ago

When Alexandra Haslam, Cindy Broadbent and Mary Grace Maloney receive their diplomas next Sunday, the entire North Central League will breath a collective sigh of relief. The trio has not only dominated small-school middle distance and distance racing over the past four years, they have also elevated its quality. During their four years of NCL competition, the Mustang trio has won 14 of 16 loop titles in track races covering 440 yards to two miles. They have also accounted for three of four cross country championships, turning that sport into a virtual intramural event. At the divisional level, they have taken eight of 12 possible titles, 880 through two miles. Prior to their matriculation, no SV runner had ever won a divisional title. (May 29, 1981)