75 years ago
October 27, 1943
Arthur D. Emard, navy machinist’s mate, second class, who was captured by the Japanese at the fall of Corregidor, is in a prison camp hospital at Mukden, Manchukuo, in Japanese held China, according to word received yesterday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Emard of Central Park.
His message, printed on a Japanese postal card, read in part: “Just a word to say that I am safe although a prisoner of war. We are all being treated well. At present I am in the hospital, but with nothing to worry about, but with a wow of an appetite. you should see me eat, and gaining weight too. I hope everyone at home is well and happy.”
Emard attended Hoquiam high school and enlisted in the navy in 1933. His last visit home was the night of the earthquake, Nov. 12, 1939.
October 28, 1943
Patients of the last surviving Japanese army doctor at Attu were ordered to commit hara-kiri, before the island was captured by the American forces, according to the doctor’s diary, now a souvenir of Corporal John P. Jelovich, who is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pasco Jelovich of Monroe Street in Hoquiam.
The Japanese doctor had been caring for the wounded men all alone, while wounded himself, according to the diary, which has been translated. His final words were that he was going to commit hari-kiri, a compact which he kept.
Jelovich graduated from Hoquiam high school in 1935 and entered the army in January, 1942.
50 years ago
October 27, 1968
Sunday, no newspaper published
October 28, 1968
Hans Bielski, 50-year-old president and manager of Fern Hill Cemetery, was appointed this morning to fill the unexpired term of John Yearout as Port of Grays Harbor commissioner, representing Aberdeen and Bench Drive.
Bielski, a native of Berlin, served on the Board of Freeholders that drew up the proposed city charter for Aberdeen, which has been his home for 43 years.
His other civic activities include being chairman of the United Good Neighbors drive, helping construct the YMCA’s Camp Bishop, and serving as president of the Aberdeen Rotary club. He returned to Europe during World War II with the 83rd Infantry Division, serving as an interpreter with Army Intelligence.
25 years ago
October 27, 1993
In the past five years in the Aberdeen area, the welfare caseload for two-parent families has increased 239 percent, says Jean Soliz, head of the state Department of Social and Health Services.
One of those parents usually has recent work experience, or may still be working but doesn’t make enough money to disqualify the family based on income guidelines.
“The old stereotypes are changing,” as jobs that pay enough to support a family are harder and harder to find, said Soliz.
Although the two-parent group is increasing at a faster rate, there still are a lot more — nine times more — one-parent cases than two-parent cases, said John Lein, who is in charge of the Aberdeen DSHS office.
In any case, the Grays Harbor area’s need for public assistance is increasing much faster than the state’s as a whole, according to Soliz, who spoke to the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce at the Nordic Inn in Aberdeen.
October 28, 1993
The Hoquiam Grizzlies gave it a good fight, but the Ehrhart Memorial Trophy nonetheless will remain in Aberdeen.
Bobcat freshman Ranae Dublanko rallied from one set down to defeat Grizzly sophomore Shannon Nix, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 Wednesday afternoon on the Hoquiam High School courts.
The victory by Dublanko in the No. 3 singles match broke a 2-2 tie in the Black Hills League girls’ tennis showdown that started last Thursday but was suspended due to darkness.
It also gave Aberdeen the trophy (actually more of a plaque) that represents Aberdeen-Hoquiam high school tennis supremacy.
Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom
