Is there a Divorce Index online for Oregon for the years 1945-1973? I'm looking for the divorce of Alfred J. Prevost during that timeframe. Cecilia

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 6 WE FEAR YET ANOTHER FLOOD THE RIVER - The Columbia is acting badly this year, and is now not more than ten feet above low water, when it ought to be twenty or thirty. Should the cold weather continue two or three weeks longer, and then change to very warm and continue for three or four weeks, we should not be surprised to see the river over the entire city of The Dalles up to the bluff. However we don't fear such a catastrophe, but, nevertheless, it would suit the citizens of this city just as well if the weather would turn warmer and run off the larger portion of the water before the June freshet sets in. Our city has been visited in the last three or four years with about as many calamities as she is able to stand. April 22, 1880. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 6 HOW DOG RIVER GOT ITS NAME MR. EDITOR: - It may be of some interest to you, and the readers of the MOUNTAINEER to know of a little incident whereby Dog River received its name. Having been fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of a gentleman by the name of James Johnson, a wealthy farmer now living in Yamhill county, Oregon, but formerly from Indiana, and by the by a very pleasing and agreeable gentleman, from him I learn the following facts: Mr. Johnson and family were part of a train of emigrants who came across the plains in 1844. On reaching the Dalles they divided up, a gentleman by the name of Garrish and others made a raft on which they put their wagons and etc., to go on down the Columbia river. Another gentleman by the name of McCallister had a favorite and valuable dog, which he sent on the raft in care of his neighbor Garrish, for safe keeping; himself remaining at the Dalles; the raft reaching about 25 miles down the Columbia and finding a nice stream coming from the direction of Mount Hood the party camped and at this very place they killed and eat McCallister's dog. After this when ever referring to this place it was spoken of as Dog River and it is so called at the present time, but by others it is called Hood River. Doubtless there are many now living who came out in the same train, that may remember the circumstance and read this with a kind of sad pleasure. It may bring back to their minds many amusing incidents, also many trials and hardships common to the early emigrants and settlers of Oregon. I am sorry I could not learn all the names of the party; I am told the Rowland brothers, who are well known in Wasco county, were in the same train, also an old man they called old Grandpa Perkins. Hoping this may be of interest to many, who like myself have often wondered how it received the name of Dog river, I remain, W. May 28, 1874. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE’S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 6 MOONLIGHT ADVENTURE DRAWS BOLD CELEBRANTS THE EXCURSION – The moonlight excursion that comes off this Saturday evening under the auspices of the Dalles Brass Band is going to be the grandest affair that ever came off on this side of the mountains. Already over one hundred and fifty tickets have sold and it is expected that at least fifty more will be disposed of before evening. The gentlemen of the Band have made every arrangement possible for the enjoyment for all those who are going. The large and beautiful steamboat, the DAISY AINSWORTH, has been chartered for the occasion, and will be in command of Captain McNulty, who is well known as the ablest and safest pilot on the river. The boat will be brilliantly illuminated for the occasion. The refreshments will consist of soda water, ice cream and cake, all furnished “free gratis and all for nothing.” No liquors will be sold or allowed to be brought on board the boat. The members of the Band hold themselves responsible for the good behavior of all those who accompany the party – and will do all within their power to make it pleasant and agreeable to all. The good people of Hood River have kindly agreed to meet the excursion party on the bank of the river, where, we are told, they will have prepared a feast of fruit and other good things to treat our people with. It is expected that on the arrival of the boat at Hood River, the entire party will go on shore and after a few remarks from various persons, not yet designated, the refreshments will be served. After spending an hour or more with the Hood River citizens, the party will start for home, where they may expect to arrive at about twelve o’clock. Persons who live along the river wishing to join the party, by making a signal at any suitable landing, will be taken on board. The time of leaving The Dalles has been changed to 7 ½ o’clock, the first whistle will sound at 7 o’clock. As this is the first steamboat excursion ever gotten up for the benefit of the citizens of The Dalles, we hope it will be a success and a treat to all who participate. August 21, 1873. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

More excerpts from the Senior News column of The Dalles Chronicle, April 24, 2007 “As a little girl we had cherries. We had trees in the yard that were remarkable. They had two kinds of cherries on each tree. The small orchard that was on the other end of the block had different kinds of trees in the orchard. ¶ I finally learned that the limb of Black Republicans that was grafted into a Royal tree was a necessary addition to provide cross-pollination to make the fruit set. The trees in the yard were there long before our house was built and were planted before they realized cherries needed two varieties to produce successful crops. ¶ I am talking early 1930s. Picked cherries were weighed and the pickers were paid by the pound. The lowest price I recall was ¾ of a cent per pound. The trees were huge and extension ladders were used to get the fruit in the top. There was no OSHA to limit the height of the ladder we could use, or how many rungs of the ladder were not to be used at the top. When pickers pay increased to 1-3/4 cents a pound, it was great! ¶ Orchard culture was simple. Orchards were dry land, so there was no irrigating. (This area is semi-arid although the Columbia River flows north of us) The trees grew without being pruned to reduce the size. After harvest, the crew went through to cut out dead wood and any broken limbs, and the orchard was left alone till next season. ¶ The pickers were all local; we used high school boys. Some growers arranged with Indians to come from the reservation to camp and help during the harvest. ¶ Spraying was only used for specific problems and was not a regularly scheduled event. ¶ There was no fruit fly in the area until around 1950. We always thought the start of that infestation came from the cannery lug boxes that were shipped in from other areas. What a plague that was. This was before aerial spraying.. ¶ The earliest method was to have spray in a tank pulled by a tractor. Workers walked along beside with nozzles on the end of long hoses directing the mist at the trees. ¶ The spray was potent, so most of us had an antidote hidden from curious children, but it was essential if a hose broke or something spilled. ¶ Of course, all this took place when there was absolutely no wind. When a breeze came up, the apparatus was put away till the next day.” Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

The following is taken from the "Senior News" article that is published every Tuesday in The Dalles Chronicle. It mainly tells of activities occurring at the Senior Center. Occasionally the writer will wax nostalgic and include items she can recall from her past. I thought you might find this interesting. "Still on recycling - When we visited Klindts [Book Sellers - this store has sold books for over a hundred years under different owners] this week it was recalled that there were no paper sacks at that time. And no "self-help" with merchandise. The Weigelts would gather the list of school supplies that we bought, stack them on the counter, reached for the end of the huge roll of paper at the end of the counter and they would tear off exactly the right length. They put the items on the paper pulled it up from both sides and before you realized it, they had made a "drug-store" fold of the paper, and tied it neatly with string from a huge cone by the paper roll. When we got home, we untied the knot in the string, removed it and wound it on our own ball of string. We folded the paper and put it in a drawer because if we mailed a package it had to be wrapped in sturdy paper and tied securely with string before we wrote the address on the paper. No sealing tape. No sticky labels. No package of wrapping paper from the store and no ball of strong string to buy. Recycling was a survival technique." Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

If someone has access to Vol. IV of the Centennial History of Oregon, would you please copy the C. J. Dodd biography and send it to me? I understand it is on page 931 of Vol. IV. Thanks in advance. Gary garymorrison1@msn.com

Looking Back: A Glimpse Through The Chronicle's Files page A9 December 10, 2006 Edited and compiled by Elroy King 20 Years Ago, December10, 1986 On Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The Dalles Ministerial Association will sponsor a candlelight prayer service in front of the Downtown Payless store on Federal Street between Second and Third streets. The purpose of this 30-minute event is to pray for individuals and families who are being affected by the economic conditions in the area, for an outpouring of generosity and hospitality by the community toward those in need and for the success of Northwest Aluminum and for the reopening of Commonwealth Aluminum and for leadership in our community in search for new industry and buyers. The Sherman County Husky girls basketball team jumped out to a 29-10 half-time lead and then never looked back as it topped the Condon Blue Devils 59-17 in a non-league contest Tuesday evening at Condon. Liz Bozwell led the way for Sherman, sending home 11 points with seven of them coming from the free throw line. 40 Years Ago, December 10, 1966 Only minor mishaps in the City of The Dalles marked the first snowfall of the current winter season late Friday afternoon and during the evening. No major accidents were reported on the region's highways by Oregon State police. The Evangelical United Brethren Church, 12th and G streets, this Sunday will dedicate a new piano purchased recently. A customary dedication is the presentation of a concert and the choir has chosen the Christmas cantata, "Night of Miracles" by John W. Peterson. Dr. John Gilhousen is cantata director and Mrs. Don Carpenter is accompanist. Doug Tienhaara and Steve Hertel both scored in double figures to pace Dufur's Rangers to a season opening victory of Wishram's Indians at Wishram Friday night. Tienhaara led all scorers in the game with 25 and Hertel added 18. Monte Colver had 19 for the losers. 60 Years Ago, December 10, 1946 Five Dalles high school seniors were honored by their class members when they were elected the representatives from the class to enter the four year college scholarship contest sponsored annually by the Pepsi Cola company. They are Estella Dee Cutler, Lois Doughty, William Hastings, Margaret McVicker and Gretchen Steifel. Four new private pilot certificates were issued at The Dalles Airport this week by Flight Examiner Larry Moore. The students were Dellis V. Sutherland, Marion H. Morrow, Thomas Gillespie and John A. Macnab, all of this city. They completed their training and passed their flights tests Saturday. Kenneth LeMoyne DeHaven, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther DeHaven, of The Dalles will be graduated from the University of Michigan school of medicine at commencement exercises to be held there Dec. 14 according to word received by friends and family. He is a graduate of The Dalles High School. 80 Years Ago, December 10, 1926 In the wilderness of the Mosier hills, on an isolated homestead which has been her home for 22 years, Polly, veteran horse belonging to P.J. Frederickson, pioneer recluse who was buried at Mosier yesterday, was humanely dispatched today at the ante-mortem request of her owner. Before Frederickson died he extracted a solemn promise from four of his neighbors that in case Polly, his sole "companion" on his lonely ranch, should be living at his death, these neighbors would kill the animal rather than her to fall into hands which might abuse her. Frederickson and his horse were said to have been inseparable. Miss Ellen McCurdy who was assistant to Miss Dangler when the latter had charges of THE CHRONICLE electric cooking school last spring arrived in The Dalles yesterday from Dayton, Ore. to help out at the local Pacific Power & Light company during the holiday season. 100 Years Ago, December 10, 1906 As announced in the CHRONICLE Saturday, the Umatilla House has changed hands. Reports that the hotel would be sold have been current for some time and on Saturday afternoon the transfer was made and for the first time in forty four years the famous old hostelry passes out of the hands of the Sinnott family. A deed recorded this morning transfers from the Umatilla House Company to Thomas N. Crofton of Centerville, Wash. the entire property for $1 and other valuable considerations. The majority of the businessmen, at least those who got their mail, had a block's more exercise this morning than they have had for some years past, and many of a complaint was heard by those who failed to realize just how much benefit they were receiving thereby. Judicious management on the part of Postmaster Hostetler together with hard work by the entire force, enabled the office to be moved Saturday night and yesterday morning and all in shape for the usual delivery of the mail at 10 o'clock. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 'FALLS AT THE CASCADES MUST BE OVER COME' CANAL AT THE CASCADES - One of the most important things to be accomplished for the good of the Pacific Northwest, is the construction of a canal and locks around the two great obstructions to the navigation of the Columbia. First, the falls at the Cascades must be overcome, and next, the Dalles, and the whole upper country looks with the greatest interest for the time to come when these obstructions shall be removed and their river be navigable and free for the cheap transit of their products and their supplies. We are informed that this matter is being favorably considered at Washington, and as some action was urged in connection with the passage of the river and harbor bill at the present session, Gen. Michler was lately telegraphed to for an approximate estimate as to the cost of improving the Cascades by the construction of a canal and locks at that point. We are informed that his answer was that $700,000 would be required to perform the work. This estimate looks rather high, in consideration that Capt. Smith, who conducted the work of the locks and canal at the Falls of the Willamette, has made a rough estimate that $240,000 would put good and substantial improvements there of that description, while W.S. Gore, civil engineer, acting for Capt. U.B. Scott and his associates, who have the enterprise in view, estimates that works of perhaps less durability can be placed there for $175,000. We really hope that a matter of such great importance will not be passed over hastily, but be made the subject of thorough and careful investigation. The friends of the enterprise have great confidence that it can be completed at a reasonable price, and we hope to see the subject receive the fairest treatment, at the hands of the Government. -FARMER. March 13, 1875. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 NEWSPAPER FLOODED OUT THE FLOOD - As we stated last week, the water commenced receding on Thursday afternoon. The entire raise was about sixty feet above low water mark, and two feet nine inches above the highest water of 1862. The water has been about five feet in our office, and as we left nearly all of our material, only taking sufficient to get out our paper with, our loss must be considerable. On Wednesday afternoon we visited the office and found about one foot of water still on the floor, and cases were lying around upon the floor and floating in the water, and our Gordon job press looked like it had been through the wars. Our loss, no doubt, will amount to several hundred dollars, which, however, when compared to that of some of our neighbors, is trifle. We feel somewhat discouraged at our bad luck, but don't intend to cry over it. Had we known that the water was going to come up so high, we should undoubtedly have removed all of our material; but as we didn't, we must suffer the consequences; and as the old song says: What can't be cured.Must be endured. July 1, 1876 Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 DANGEROUS CHASMS ON MOUNT HOOD TURN LOCAL CLIMBERS BACK RETURNED FROM THE MOUNTAINS - The party who we mentioned two weeks ago as having started out on a trip to the mountains, composed of Messrs. E.B. McFarland, Rev. W.R. Butcher, J.P. Booth and son, Frank McFarland and two reverend gentlemen from Portland, returned during the week, well pleased with their mountain experience. Their course was around the north side of Mount Hood and for the first eight days out it rained on them almost constantly, but by perseverance they managed to circumnavigate the great snow-capped mount. When they arrived on the south-east side, they made an attempt to reach the top, but after a number of slight accidents - one of which came very near letting one of the reverend gentlemen slide into a chasm several hundred feet deep, the party concluded they had gone up far enough, which their instrument designated as eleven thousand five hundred feet. Mr. E.B. McFarland, who was one of a party that successfully made the ascent last summer, acted as guide to the party, and was willing to continue on up, but as the rest of the company had lost their tum-tums and a cloud of fog was gathering under them, they thought it best to retire. Mr. McFarland thinks they were within about one thousand feet of the top. At this point they found the flag and ictas left by the last Portland party who it seems told the Portland newspaper men that they were on top. Our party returned much improved in health and experience. August 22, 1874. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 SHOTGUN RESTORES PEACE IN CHURCH When a crowd of jayhawkers started a disturbance in a Texas church the other day, the preacher raised up a shotgun and said, "William Dello, sit down, or I'll make it painful for you." William sat down, and was as quiet as a lamb. August 30, 1873. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 FRIED OYSTERS - Make a batter like muffins, only hardly so thick, and stir the oysters in it, and fry as usual. For a small family one egg suffices with the milk and flour; add salt and pepper of course, and some also add a little soda. This is cheap and good, and will not destroy the stomach with its richness. January 21, 1874. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 4 WIT AND HUMOR "I WONDER what makes my eyes so weak," said a fop to a gentleman. "They are in a weak place," responded the latter. AN OLD lady hearing some one say that the mails were irregular, remarked "It was just so in my young days - no trusting any of 'em." "OH" said a poor sufferer to a dentist, "that's the second wrong tooth you've pulled out!" "Very sorry, sir," said the blundering operator; "but there were only three when I began; I am sure to be right the next time." May 29, 1875 Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 4 TIMELINE 1877 Umatilla House [hotel] burns March 4, 1877 Emile Berliner invents the microphone. March 4, 1877 Rutherford B. Hayes becomes president of the United States. May 6, 1877 Chief Crazy Horse surrenders to United States troupes [sic] in Kansas. July 17, 1877 The Nez Perce defeat the US Calvary at White Bird Canyon in the Idaho Territory July 9, 1877 The first lawn tennis tournament at Wimbledon was held by the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. July 16, 1877 The Great Railroad strike of 1877 begins. President Hayes calls in armed forces to end the riots. August 9, 1877 A band of Nez Perce Indians refuse orders to move to a reservation battle United States Army near Big Hole River in Montana. August 17, 1877 In Arizona, F.P. Cahill becomes Billy the Kid's first victim. November 21, 1877 Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph. January 28, 1878 Yale publishes the first daily, college newspaper in the United States. February 11, 1878 The first United States bicycle club is formed in Boston February 18, 1878 The Lincoln County War begins in Lincoln County, New Mexico. February 20, 1878 Pope Leo XIII succeeds Pope Pius IX as the 256th pope. July 26, 1878 Black Bart, poet and outlaw, makes off with a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. This was his last successful robbery. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

Looking Back: A Glimpse Through The Chronicle's Files page A9 December 31, 2006 Edited and compiled by Elroy King 20 Years Ago, December 31, 1986 The Fourth Street elm tree passed a physical exam of sorts and results of two core drillings has also given a more accurate guess of its age. Glenn Summers, who works at the J.H. Baxter Plant in The Dalles and has a degree in forestry, took two core drillings from the tree on Tuesday afternoon. Based on the drillings Summers estimated the tree is at least 100 years old. Neither drilling showed any sign of rotting, he said. Summers said he had anticipated finding some rotten wood and said there still might be some (located) further in the tree. Six Wasco County officials will be sworn into office by Circuit Court Judge John Jelderks on Monday morning. Of these, only Scott McKay, who was elected as a county commissioner in the November election will be new in office. He was elected for a four-year term. The others who will be sworn into office were all re-elected. They are County Clerk Sue Proffitt, County Assessor Herb Crook, County Judge Bill Hulse, County Treasurer Linda May and County Surveyor Dennis Kramer. 40 Years Ago, December 31, 1966 Trouble has been plaguing the city bus lines again and there were new rumblings this week of possible abandonment of service because of low revenue. On the basis of a request from operator Ervin Schmidt and a financial report filed at city hall, the city council at its last meeting voted to waive the usual license fee. The fee previously levied was two percent of gross revenue. For the 37th time, Frank Brumbaugh was installed as secretary-treasurer of The Dalles Kiwanis at its Thursday noon luncheon meeting at the Recreation [restaurant]. Ralph Stearns of Equitable Savings and Loan Association was installed as club president by Jack Barnes of Kennewick, Wash., recently elected as lieutenant governor in Kiwanis. Other new officers installed were Ed Urness, first vice-president; Lewis Nichols, second vice president; directors Roger Wahlgren, Pat McLoughlin, William Hawksley and Duane Peterson. 60 Years Ago, December 31, 1946 H.G. Miller resigned from the local port commission at a meeting held last night and Walter Kortge was appointed to take his place. Miller's resignation was due to a desire to retire from public activities, he said. Work on laying the new sanitary sewer line along the Brewery Grade and East Ninth Street will be resumed by the Empire Construction Co. January 2 and it should be possible to open the grade, at least to one way traffic within a week after that date it was reported today by Herman Wall, city engineer. New Year's Eve will be observed traditionally with open house and a dancing party at the Elks Club, also with an informal gathering at The Dalles Country Club. A number of groups are having small cocktail parties before attending these and other large gatherings. Many clubs are having small watch parties and groups of friends are gathering at various homes for oyster suppers and such customary observances. 80 Years Ago, December 31, 1926 Hearty congratulations from citizens of Dufur to The Dalles for its good fortune in being named as the site for the new eastern Oregon tuberculosis hospital were contained in a telegram received by President L. Barnum of the local Chamber yesterday. The telegram was signed by F.B. Engles, president of the Dufur Chamber. E.M. Ross, assistant cashier at the bank of Wasco, is in the custody of Sherman County officers today pending the answer to charges of embezzlement of a sum of money from the bank, it was reported here tonight. Ross was sought in The Dalles Tuesday evening by members of the local sheriff's force on receipt of the word from Sheriff Hugh Chrisman that the bank employee was wanted at Moro. He was last seen here about 6:30 last evening. He was apprehended sometime yesterday morning at Boardman and offered no objection to returning to Moro. 100 Years Ago, December 31, 1906 This morning Sheriff Levi Chrisman sold the property in Wasco County on which taxes for 1905 were delinquent. Buyers were not falling over each other to secure the property, but a number of pieces of land were disposed of, the highest price being $150.50 and the lowest 60 cents. The fourteen new rooms of the Schanno building which have been connected with the Hotel Albert are now ready for guests, and, with the exception of three, upon which finishing touches will be put, are being let today. Mr. Logus says he expects to have them filled in a day or so. Arthur Moses, who was arrested on the Washington side of the river for destroying property belonging to P.H. White, was brought over to the Wasco County jail by Justice Rorick last night for safekeeping and returned to the north side this afternoon for trial. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 4 PASSENGERS HELD AGAINST WILL MORE SPITE WORK-The passengers that arrived at Celilo on Wednesday evening on the steamer TENINO were compelled to remain in that dismal place all that night. Mr. F.M. Ewing, from Umatilla County, informs us that the passengers were anything but pleased with this treatment and expressed themselves to that effect in plain language. Many of them rather than pay the "Monopoly" one dollar for a bunk on the boat, slept in the warehouse and others in the passenger cars. The only object we can see in thus treating the passengers, is to keep them from spending a few bits in The Dalles. If this kind of spite work in indulged in much longer, the "Monopoly" will not have a friend in the country. However, the "Monopoly" is rich and don't want any friends. All right; time will tell. July 25, 1884 Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

The same can be said for Josephine county libraries ,in July Josephine county libraries will shut down for lack of funding. If i need to go to the library after July ,I will be forced to go the Douglas county. Its a shame that a stable funding base cannot be found. Sally in southern oregon Dick Eastman wrote on EOGN blog: All 15 Jackson County (Oregon) Library branches closed down on Saturday, April 7, due to a lack of funding. This is exactly the opposite of the trend in the U.S.: most communities are investing to improve and expand libraries. The 15 libraries serving this rural area of Oregon lost $7 million in federal funding this year, nearly 80 percent of the system's budget. Library experts are calling the action the largest library shutdown ever in the United States. Last fall, Congress failed to reauthorize a $400 million annual subsidy to 41 states to help rural counties prop up their local economies. Oregon took the biggest hit -- $150 million. Jackson County lost $23 million and had to slash everywhere, from reducing jail beds to cutting search and rescue teams. That meant some hard choices, said Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan. He says that Congress broke a promise when it cut off the funds -- the money was supposed to be in exchange for land taken away from Oregon by President Theodore Roosevelt. In the early 1900s, Roosevelt took 2.4 million acres away from the Oregon-California Railroad, which was accused of swindling land deals in exchange for building the railroad. When the federal government reclaimed the land, Oregon lost half its property tax base. To make up for it, the federal government agreed to split timber revenues on the acreage with Oregon. Over the next 50 years it was a lucrative arrangement, and timber money was used to build courthouses and jails, pave roads, and free Oregonians from having to pay sales taxes. The good times petered out in the early 1990s, when the northern spotted owl was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This turn of events all but shut down large-scale logging. Today, just one large sawmill remains in Jackson County, compared with 91 in 1954. While promising to come up with rules for a more ecologically friendly logging method, Congress agreed in 2000 to continue "safety net" payments to rural counties for six more years. But the checks stopped in December 2006. In November, Jackson County residents voted down a property tax levy that would have generated $9 million a year to keep the libraries open. It was the third time since 1984 that voters were asked to bolster the library budget, but this was the first time they said no. "Back in November, the feds had not cut us off yet, and the possibility they'd continue to fund us was still there, so people didn't think the libraries were really going to close," said Margaret Jakubcin, a regional manager for the Jackson County Libraries. You can read more about this sad story at http://www.jcls.org/infoblog. My thanks to Kathryn Bassett for telling me about this story.

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 4 ST PATRICK'S BALL A SUCCESS The St. Patrick's ball given at the Empire Hotel by the proprietor, Mr. Thomas Smith, on the evening of th 17th instant, was a very pleasant and successful affair indeed. The supper was excellent and the music, by Messrs. Ross and Pyle, was calculated to inspire anyone with a desire to trip the light fantastic toe. The dance was kept up until the whistle of the Idaho notified the participants that it was time to disperse and prepare for the duties of another day. March 22, 1873 Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program

150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 4 LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO THE EDITOR OF THE MOUNTAINEER: Upper Fifteen Mile Creek is looking very bright and pretty just now. The grass, while it has not come as early as some seasons, is abundant, and of good quality. The crops are looking well. If not assessed too heavily by the crickets there is every reason to believe the yield of grain will be heavier than last year. It is feared the grasshopper will be a burden this season, and some of the farmers have already commenced "ditching" against them. School closed Wednesday May 19th. The house was crowded the last day, with friends, and patrons of the school. The Tenth District is doing very well in educational matters, a six months school has been well attended, and the roll shows a good average attendance. The lumber for the new school house is about ready, and the district will soon have a house that will be more creditable, and suitable. It will not cost as much as the MINT, but it will be of more account. On the last day of school just before the teacher stepped down and out, he was presented with a handsome writing case from the scholars of his school. It is valued far more than it cost as an evidence of the good feeling existing between master and pupil. The following scholars are on "The roll of Honor," Nelly Wiley, Lia Malone, John McCorkle, Lue Ella Malone and Alice Wiley. May 29, 1875. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program