So 90 years ago, on May 11, 1928, the Simpson Avenue Bridge opened to great fanfare as state and local officials gathered for the ribbon cutting and resulting foofaraw. As important as that event was, there was other news happening on the Harbor that week. Here are two stories about the bridge and several more covering other news as reported in the pages of The Aberdeen World.

OLD SWING SPAN FORLORN AS NEW RIVAL IS OPENED: The old Eighth Street Bridge, formerly the sole traffic connection between the east and west portions of the city, stood desolate yesterday afternoon and last night while its rival, the new Simpson Avenue span, carried a double line of automobiles and trucks. Except for the regular crossing of streetcars and an occasional automobile bound for the north section of the west side, the once bustling structure was practically deserted.

It continued to swing its awkward single span as small river craft screeched demand for right-of-way, but instead of holding up long lines of automobiles, only an occasional car waited at either barrier gate.

Bridge tenders on the Simpson Avenue Bridge this morning refused to attempt to estimate the number of cars which passed over the new structure yesterday, but reported that sight-seers from all parts of the county continued to arrive until early this morning.

The first ship to tie up traffic on the new bridge was the steamer Orinoco, which passed through about 5:10 last night on its way from the Hoquiam Lumber & Shingle Mill to the Northwestern Lumber Company dock. — The Aberdeen World, May 12, 1928

PIE EATERS GET INTO BIG PICTURE: The Aberdeen chapter of Tim’s Pie Eaters club has its official photograph taken at 10 o’clock this morning in front of the A.W. Barkley company clothing store. More than 500 members of the organization, boys of all ages, turned out in showing their loyalty to their club. On next Thursday the photo will appear in The Aberdeen World.

The members are headed by J.W. Barkley who handles the official registration book and on the birthday anniversary of each boy gives a pie in recognition of the occasion. Each member also receives a monthly magazine. The present membership is about 1,200. — The Aberdeen World, May 5, 1928

SMASHING RECORDS WHILE SMASHED: Andrew James, Tokeland Indian, who is alleged to have smashed all records for reckless driving on Simpson Avenue and who ended his dash by smashing his car on Park Avenue, Aberdeen, drew a $100 levy and was sentenced to 15 days in jail yesterday when tried before Police Judge C.W. Smith. He was charged with driving while drunk, speeding, reckless driving, and a number of other offenses, including possession of liquor.

James stated that he had had a drink or two of “rubbing alcohol,” an admission which led Judge Smith to opine that had he finished the bottle he never would have appeared for trial in a mortal court. James, however, declared that he had consumed the beverage before without lethal effects. — The Aberdeen World, May 5, 1928

TALK LANDS TWO IN CITY LOCKUP: Two men attempted to play the role of Good Samaritan last night and landed in the city jail for their pains. They were booked on charges of drunkenness.

The men came to the city jail and asked to see one of the inmates. Officers noticed that they were rather effusive in their greetings, and noticed one of the men attempt to slip a bag between the jail bars.

The bag was searched and revealed nothing but oranges. Police explained the rules that nothing could be given to prisoners without being examined, however.

A. Isaacson and Charles Olson, the Samaritans, took exception to the ruling and argued with officers. Warned to “move on” several times, they continued to argue. Police finally booked them on charges of drunkenness. — The Aberdeen World, May 7, 1928

DOG CATCHER HAS BIG DAY: The east-side “dog pack,” which for several days has aroused ire of property owners near the Aberdeen-Hoquiam boundary line by gamboling on velvet lawns and tearing up carefully kept flower beds, is shy one of its most frolicsome members, according to Hoquiam police. The capricious canine, an affable Airedale with a penchant for exploring newly planted gardens, was taken into custody by police after he had been captured at 2801 Simpson Ave.

According to information gathered by police, the dog pack this morning included 14 canines of assorted extractions when census was taken by an outraged homeowner. Thirteen of the dogs still are reported to be at large. — The Aberdeen World, May 9, 1928

BOYS REPORTEDLY BEATEN IN WOODS: Two sons of Mrs. W.C. Powers, aged 15 and 18 years respectively, were kicked and beaten by two men who attacked them as they were peeling cascara bark near the end of the graveled stretch of the East Hoquiam Road, she reported yesterday to Hoquiam police. No motive for the attack was known, Mrs. Powers declared, although it was believed that the boys might have unintentionally gone near a still during their work.

When advised by police that they were powerless to act in the matter, Mrs. Powers indicated that she would appeal to county authorities for action. Although no complaint had been filed with the sheriff’s office this afternoon, deputies were investigating the alleged attack. — The Aberdeen World, May 9, 1928

DRIVER IS FINED ON BOOZE COUNT: Eleven dollars and fifty-five cents a foot together with the cancellation of his driving license for 90 days is what it cost D. Willette to drive his car 5 feet in Aberdeen while intoxicated. Willette was endeavoring to get his car off the street and himself out of the car when he was apprehended. The officers found four pints of moonshine concealed about Willette’s person and so when he was brought before Judge Arthur M. Furnia here yesterday he was fined $185.55 for possession and $58.65 for drunken driving. — The Aberdeen World, May 10, 1928

GOVERNOR RIDES IN CHEESE TRUCK: Gov. Roland H. Hartley was distinguished by another title today, as the result of the breakdown of the car in which the state highway commissioners were coming to Hoquiam to take part in the bridge celebration. As the group awaited another means of transportation, a cheese company truck approached and in it the Governor took passage to Montesano where he hired a car. “Well, the big cheese” was the prompt remark of a member of the party.

Such was the story told at the luncheon meeting of the Kiwanis Club in the Hotel Morck today by Arthur Cory, president of the Chehalis Rotary Club, who heard it from the remainder of the Hartley party whom he brought into Aberdeen in his car. S.J. Humes, state highway engineer, William G. Potts, state treasurer, and C.W. Clausen, state auditor, were his passengers. — The Aberdeen World, May 11, 1928

Roy Vataja is the son of Finnish immigrants and will be joining others in offering his final respects to Emily Airhart at the Aberdeen Museum today at 1 p.m. Emily was the heart of the museum since its inception and will be remembered as a very nice lady who championed the museum and local history for over 35 years. Emily, you are missed.