75 years ago, February 9, 1937
• David W. “Daddy” Fleet sat in a great c hair at his home today and let his memory run back and forth over more than 70 of his 86 years.
His years of remembrance cover half of the nation’s life, most of the west’s history, and all the history of Aberdeen. He platted this city for Samuel Benn in 1883. He is the only survivor of the five-man crew that designed the core of this city from which it radiated in all directions with its later growth. The other four were Samuel Benn, George C. Benn, his eldest son, James Stout and Ed. Tyler.
• The Twentieth Century Fund Inc., today reported that each man, woman and child in the United States pays an average of $100 a year in taxes — the highest levies in the nation’s history. Greatest part of the taxes goes to the federal government which received $44 per year for each person in the nation. Local governments get an average of $36 per year and state governments get the remaining $20.
50 years ago, February 9, 1962
• Downtown Aberdeen is celebrating “Door Buster Days” with special sales at participating merchants — Sears, Roebuck and Co. is offering a 20-gallon galvanized garbage can for $2.88; Weisfield’s is advertising twin bed electric blankets for $11.62; Crescent Superette at Market and G will be selling a 10-pound bag of Occident flour for 87¢; Waugh’s Men’s Store has sweaters on sale for $5.98
25 years ago, February 9, 1987
• David Bielski has a grave problem and that’s not entirely a pun. Sacred ground is being desecrated by vandals.
The manager of Fern Hill Cemetery returned to his home at the cemetery grounds Friday night and discovered that 21 grave markers — some granite, some marble and weighing more than 500 pounds — had been dumped over.
The damage appeared indiscriminate.
“There’s no rhyme or reason to it,” Bielski said.
Near one of the toppled markers were several empty beer bottles and cans, he said.
At Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam, vandalism has occurred in the past, said Jack Miller, manager. “It’s done at night, and when you come to work the next day you find the damage,” he said.
Bielski said he’s really going after the vandals this time. “We’re going to put up $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever did this,” he said.
• Monday evening TV shows include, “My Sister Sam,” “Kate & Allie,” “Alf,” “MacGyver,” “Newheart,” “Cavanaughs,” and “Cagney & Lacey.”
Compiled by Karen Barkstrom from the archives of The Daily World.
