Our Yesterdays

Several events took place in the area over 1981.

In January, Bob and Leona Clark became the new owners of the Standard Station in Richland. They purchased the station from Leo and Sara Forinash.

Patty Stacy of Brighton was honored in January by being selected as the 1981 Jefferson County Pork Queen. Patty is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Stachy of rural Brighton.

February brought a new librarian to the Packwood Library, Ethel Bright of Rubio.

Another event in the area that month was the selection of John Adam of Richland to receive the Outstanding Young Farmer in America award given to a select few each year. The award is sponsored by the John Deere company and the U.S. Jaycees.

During February, it was decided to close the Pleasant Plain school, making 1981 the last year the Pleasant Plain school would hold classes.

Dan and Kate Freiberg purchases Jefco, a liquid fertilizer business in Richland and Fairfield during the month of March. They gave the business the new name of Canaan Fluids.

Ray Brown was hired by Union Bank and Trust Co. in April to take the position of Richland office manager. The position was vacant due to the resignation of Ron Greeson, who accepted a position with Hayesville Savings Bank.

Two new businesses opened their doors in Richland during April, Reynolds Wraps and The Green Thumb.

Brighton purchased a $41,991 firetruck to add to their fire department while everyone in the area was watching the new underground telephone cable being installed in May.

Pastor Don Harbour announced his retirement as pastor of the Packwood United Methodist and First Christian Churches while Dr. T.R. Wolf was busy running in the Boston Marathon.

Richland received a new slogan in May, as a result of a contest sponsored by the Richland Lions Club. The winning slogan was “Rich in Heritage — Rich in Friendliness” submitted by George Hendrickson.

June was the month for the Packwood White Elephant sale to raise funds for the Pekin Wrestling Room.

It was also the month for activities in Brighton and Richland. Brighton had their annual Whoopee Days celebration with lots of activities while Richland tried something new (and old) — the Richland Old and New Model Day,

The Pleasant Plain residents helped the Friends Church in their town celebrate 140 years. And George Porter purchased the Feed Store from Lee and Lou Hanson in Brighton.