75 years ago
March 23, 1944
Grays Harbor today mourned the death of Cora Alice McDermoth, one of Aberdeen’s most gracious and kindly citizens. The widow of the late Rev. Charles McDermoth, she died suddenly last night at her home on West First.
She was active until her death in the Ladies Aid of the Congregational Church of which her husband was pastor for 26 years. She was a member of Rhododendron chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
In 1929 she published a book of poems, “Almost Sleepy Time” which she had written for her grandchildren. A series of articles from her book “Early Days Recalled,” published in 1930, appeared earlier in the Aberdeen World.
March 24, 1944
Fire of undetermined origin virtually destroyed a shingle mill operated by Rollin Gordon just west of Elma on the Vance creek road early this morning, causing an estimated $10,000 damage.
The sawmill saws, machinery and equipment were burned, with only a portion of the shingles on hand saved. Gordon recently had installed $1.500 worth of new equipment, had expanded the plant and built a millpond.
50 years ago
March 23, 1969
• Donald Nilsson, a 16-year-old Moclips High School student, has been named an Eagle Scout, the highest honor conferred by the Boy Scouts of the world.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Verner Nilsson of Pacific Beach, whose eldest son, Verne was named an Eagle Scout in 1963. Verne, now serving as a military policeman with the U.S. Army in Korea, sent congratulations to his younger brother.
• The Longview Hotel was its name when Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sargeant built and operated the hotel and restaurant in Pacific Beach shortly after World War I.
First patrons of the 18-room inn were principally employes of the M.R. Smith Shingle Mill in Moclips and the Aloha Lumber Corp. Monthly cost to single men for room and board was said to be about $35.
Nameless in recent years, the structure is being demolished by the present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Merle C. Fox, who purchased the property a month ago.
March 24, 1969
• Two players from runner-up Hoquiam were named to the Class AAA high School basketball tournament All-Star team Monday by participating sports writers.
Both Hoquiam selections, center John Quigg and guard Doug Bitar, were unanimous picks. Quigg is a senior and Bitar, a junior.
• Airman Georgette Beerbower, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Beerbower of Rt. 2, Elma, has been graduated from a U.S. Air Force technical school at Lowry AFB, Col. She was trained as a supply inventory specialist.
The airman is a graduate of Elma High School.
25 years ago
March 23, 1994
Grays Harbor County unemployment rate inched up to 12.8 percent in February but that pales in comparison to the 17.3 high-water mark of January, 1993.
Despite a year-to-year loss of 13,400 jobs in the aerospace industry, Washington’s non-farm employment was up 43,200 workers over the same month a year ago. Principal gains were in wholesale and retail trade, local government and construction.
March 24, 1994
With the Montesano Bulldogs firmly in control, it took a bulldog attitude to turn the momentum the Hoquiam Grizzlies’ way.
Relief pitcher David Hinchen quieted the noisy Montesano bats through the final four innings, while Tyler Drake delivered the game winning homer — his second four-bagger of the day — as the Grizzlies rallied for a 12-10 victory in a non-league boys’ basketball game Wednesday afternoon at Vessey Park.
Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom
