Five Years Ago

August 18, 2004

More than 75 years after the dedication of the original Wilkeson Arch, the town will commemorate the rebuilding of the community landmark with a huge celebration Saturday. The last step in the rebuilding of the arch — the hanging of the sign — was completed Thursday, and all that remains is a formal rededication, heralding Wilkeson as the Gateway to the Carbon Glacier. The original arch was built in 1925 when members of the Wilkeson Booster club provided $2,000 for a pair of 25-foot high sandstone pillars with a cedar log spanning the width of state route 165 at the entrance to town.

Lisa Hansen and Jacob McCord never intended to become heroes the night of July 14. Hansen was overseeing a pregnant dog and a pack of children celebrating her son’s birthday when she heard the crash. Over the course of the next several hours, Hansen, and her son’s friend Jacob, would assist the dying victim of a brutal murder-suicide. For their courage, Fire District 12, District 20 and East Pierce Fire and Rescue presented Hansen and McCord with the Citizens Hero Award last week during a small ceremony.

Ten Years Ago

August 18, 1999

The Saturday parade was just one part of a Wilkeson weekend filled with fun to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mount Rainier National Park. A buffalo stew dinner kicked off the festivities Friday, followed by the parade Saturday and a picnic Sunday.

The annual World Police and Fire Games attracted 7,000 competitors from 60 countries to Stockhom, Sweden, last month and Enumclaw resident Don Gulla brought home the gold. Gulla, a SWAT team member with the King County Sheriff’s Office, was captain of a karate team that took the top prize.

Twenty-five Years Ago

August 16, 1984

“Soon-to-be-known” faces were on the Plateau last week for the filing of an NBC series episode at Enumclaw’s Rainier Stables, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dewaine Moore. Eric Pierpoint and Kerrie Keane will be on TV screens across America this fall as the series “Hot Pursuit” makes its debut. Cast and crew spent three days last week filming “Riding High” at the stables Pierpoint and Keane, playing Kate and Jim Wyler, take part in a picnic scene for the episode.

On the Corner: Louis Moeller, hale and hearty at 84, out for his morning walk… Charles and Edel Berg home from a three-month visit to Europe… Al Lanier enjoying the afternoon sun at Bethesda Manor… Tom Kranc looking over some new arrivals at Fugate Ford.

Fifty Years Ago

August 20, 1959

At the end of five days of intensive investigation into charges that Enumclaw Chief of Police Joe Pedrini does not posses the qualifications necessary for that office, Mayor John R. Selland announced late Tuesday evening that his chief of police will be retained in office.

Photo: The undefeated Enumclaw 16-and-under baseball team are shown after they completed their very successful season. They won every one of their league games and went through the Auburn Invitational tourney without a loss to cop the championship in their respective age group. Pictured in the front is the bat boy Paul Sherwood. Kneeling, from left: Jerome Duffney, Dale Ehler, Gary Strom, Frank Mihelich, Tim Strecker and Joe Leinonen. Standing: Coach Emmett Ehler, Mgr. Theron Morgan, Harry Shepard, Gary Houghton, Rick Chase, Larry Pete, Dick Kovacevich and Coach Mike Binetti. Players missing from the picture are Gordon Pogorelc, Mel Mitchell and Dennis Capponi.

Seventy-five Years Ago

August 24, 1934

A huge two-day celebration will be held this year at the Farmers’ Picnic Grounds over Labor Day, with a big kiddies parade on Sunday followed by a ball game, speeches by politicians, and a greased pig contest.

Young Harvey Pearson and Ernie Dzurick defeated Sonny Gatavara and Burnam Frederickson for the men’s doubles crown on the tennis court. Thus both the prize plums of Enumclaw’s first annual net meet went to the nearby town of Selleck. Similarly, in women’s play, Helen Masters emerged a tourney standout teaming with Alma Johnson to capture the doubles title. Singles honors went to Gattavara over Bob Abramson. Other participants were Stan Johnson, Dean Moran, George McGovern, Patricia Smith, Stan Nelson and Mary Wildes with Tom Morris.

The Co-Z-Nook confectionery at Griffin and Wells has been sold by E.D. Yerxa to Mrs. B. Ellingson and Mrs. D. Johnston of Sumner.