Our Yesterdays

2015

Whitney Horras, a 2015 Pekin graduate was named queen at the Jefferson County Fair last Wednesday. She was also named Miss Congeniality, Miss Leadership, and she won the “Think on Your Feet” award. Taylor Lock, also from Pekin, was named first runner-up. Following all of her responsibilities at the Jefferson County Fair, Horras will compete in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest in August held at the beginning of the State Fair.

Jaydin Dixon Wade was born Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 12:46 p.m. He weighed four pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 18-1/2 inches long. His parents are Samantha Roach of Brighton and Adam Wade of Mount Pleasant. His brothers are four-year-old Kaydin Wade and one-year-old Avin Wade. Grandparents are Laura Roach of Brighton and Bry-an Roach of Houston, Texas. Great-grandparents in Iowa are Patty Bass and Denny Wade. Great-grandparents in Illinois are Debra and Robert Carter.

Jaydin was born at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. He was born early, but is growing at the University of Iowa Hospital.

The following area Central College students are abroad with Central summer programs: Torie Hollingsworth of Hedrick, business management major, is studying and completing a summer internship in London, England. The summer program provides opportunities across disciplines, including art, business, politics, marketing, theater, social services and more. Todd Clubb of Richland, physics major, is studying in Merida, Yuca-tan. The language and culture program helps students learn and improve written and oral Spanish skills, and they develop an understanding of Merida’s history, culture and cus-toms. To reinforce the practical use of Spanish, instruction takes place in local cafes, markets and grocery stores as well as in classrooms.

The Brighton Bear Reunion was held on the Saturday of Whoopee Days. Approximately 75 people were in attendance. Introductions were made and class members and friends had fun sharing stories of their school days and time in Brighton. The class of 1955 was honored for their 60 year reunion and rode in the parade earlier in the day. Marjorie (Hesseltine) Polton from the class of 1942 was the oldest graduate in attendance. Lee Schafer spoke about Lake Darling, the progress on the all-season cabins, and the many happenings and accomplishments. Several books about Ding Darling, his editorial cartoons, and pictures of the lake today were on display.

Charles Phillip Wikoff (1961) of Oakwood Hills, Delaware presented one of his paintings to Chuck Emry, a city council member, for the city. This beautiful picture will be displayed in the community center. Mr. Wiloff is an accomplished artist in Delaware, where he was chosen New Castle County (Delaware) Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 1986, 1987, and 1988. He was also commissioned to do a poster for the LPGA McDonald’s Golf Classis, as well as many other awards. The class of 1961, of which Wikoff was a mem-ber also rode in the parade. Fred Robinson (1961) and Wanda Lowe (1961) organized and hosted an open house at Lake Darling Lodge on Friday for former Brighton classmates, teachers, and residents.

Kathryn Pacha (1954) and Shirley Schooley (1954) took care of the registration table. Phyllis Scheeler (1960), Wanda Lowe (1961), Rosemary Pacha (1961), and Mary Mitch-ell (1962) served at the reception table. Rosemary Pacha served as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon. She read an article about Brighton in 1917 which focused on the many businesses and activities taking place at the time. Those in attendance were from all over Iowa, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, and Arkansas. Everyone who attended the different festivities during Whoopee Days enjoyed renewing acquaintances and visiting. They were especially pleased with Lake Darling. Some even camped there for the weekend. The Brighton Bear Reunion will plan to meet again next year during Whoopee Days, the third weekend in June.

1990

Four people were injured and two people charged with willful injury following what authorities called a “riot” on Main Street in Hedrick. James Peden and Jeffrey Peden, both of Hedrick, were charged with willful injury.

Richland and Ollie are having a “Welcome Back Graduation” party for Jane Jordan who finished her Seminary Schooling at the Richland United Methodist Church.

Jo Carroll (Jody) Rich of Brighton appeared in court on a warrant charging her with first degree theft. Rich is charged with the theft of $10,000 from the Vittetoe Veterinary Clinic in Brighton, where she was employed for 10 years.

A family business and two pieces of history went up in flames when fire destroyed Miller Plumbing and Heating on Main Street in Wayland. The business was housed in two buildings that have been a part of Wayland Main Street since the late 1800s. The build-ing that housed the Miller office and metal working room, according to records, build in the late 1800s and known as the C.E. Bergh Variety Store. The building on the right of that building was a garage for many years.

Mike Hadley of Richland placed an overall second place in the 13th annual Pro Balloon Races in Ottumwa.

1960

A widow and her four children lost their home northwest of Ollie by fire. The fire apparently originated in an unattached garage. They escaped the burning house, but were unable to save any of their possessions.

An Open House was held at the Sasseen Hardware store. The business was recently moved from the Greeson building on the south side of the Richland square to the building on the north side formerly owned by J.H. Plitt, and operated as “The Drug Store.” Employees of the firm, Vic Oswalt, Wilford Elmore, Jack Hesseltine, and part-time helper Keith Sasseen were on hand to welcome all visitors.

Joe Gilbert, a former superintendent of Ollie Schools, died at his home in California.

Mrs. Howard Thomas is the new president of the Richland High School alumni association. She succeeds Bruce Robinson, who served the past year.

Dick Conklin has been elected as president of the Richland Lions Club for the coming year. Other officers are Dick Caughlan, first vice president; A. J. “Steamer” Steinbeck, second vice president, and Bruce Robinson, third vice president. John King will serve as secretary-treasurer. Lion Tamer will be Jerry Robinson, with Ben Rusk and Orin Davis serving as Tail Twisters.