In 1994, 400 fans turn out for AHS basketball team home from state tourney

75 years ago

March 14, 1944

The Aberdeen World all-Southwest Washington northern division basketball teams have been named. On the first team: forwards Brainerd Fraser of Aberdeen and Francis Polsfoot of Montesano; guards Jay Rockey of Olympia and Paul Forsell of Hoquiam, and center Kenny Shelton of Elma. On the second team are forwards Chuck Anderson of Aberdeen and Eddie Gayda of Hoquiam; guards Dale Steadman of Olympia and Ralph Stark of Raymond, and center Leighton Rama of Montesano.

March 15, 1944

Operations at the Rayonier Pulp and Paper plant in Hoquiam and at least two neighboring plants (Posey Manufacturing company and Grays Harbor Chair & Manufacturing company’s plant 2) were halted shortly after noon today when a chlorine pipe at the pulp mill burst, spreading poisonous gas throughout the plant and the surrounding area.

Eight company employes were overcome by the gas and were removed to Aberdeen General hospital. Five victims, still in semi-conscious condition, are S.T. Bailie, Ed Carlson, Ted Bailey, Albert Wurst and Leo Kracinsky.

The accident occured when a railroad car bumped a tank car which was feeding chlorine into a company tank, cracking the connecting pipe and allowing the chlorine to flow out and vaporize. Officials, partially overcome by the poisonous fumes, were unable to give further details of the accident.

50 years ago

March 14, 1969

Now appearing at the 7th Street theatre in Hoquiam Yul Brynner and Robert Mitchum in “Villa Rides” and Jimmy Stewart in “Shenandoah.” At the Harbor Drive-in Dean Martin and Robert Mitchum are staring in “5 Card Stud” and the co-hit is “Anzio” starring Robert Mitchum. At the D and R “The Hellcats” (advertised as “leather on the outside, all woman on the inside) and “The Hostage” (advertised as the Thrill Shocker of the Decade!).

March 15, 1969

Saturday, no newspaper published

25 years ago

March 14, 1994

Team and fans formed a mutual admiration society Sunday at a rally to celebrate Aberdeen’s second place finish in the state AA boys’ basketball tournament.

A crowd estimated at 400 gathered at Sam Benn Gym barely 13 hours after the Bobcats’ 71-55 loss to Franklin of Seattle in the state title game at the Tacoma Dome.

“We have more people sitting here right now than about eight of those schools had at the state tournament,” Aberdeen’s assistant principal, Jeff Snell, told the Bobcat faithful.

Senior guard Jesse Smith was … emotional in paying tribute to coach Brad Fuhrer.

“He not only taught me a lot about basketball, but he taught me a lot about myself,” he related. “I speak for a lot of us when I say I really love coach Fuhrer.”

March 15, 1994

If a certain police radar clocks your car speeding through Aberdeen, you won’t be ticketed, but you will be sighted.

Motorists traveling anywhere in the city — from Myrtle to Wishkah to South Boone — may look up to find their speed flash for all to see on a digital radar display board alongside the road.

Police are hoping the display, which looks like a small scoreboard, will remind motorists to slow down.

“We’re looking for voluntary compliance,” says Police Chief Bill Ellis.

APD senior volunteers have been trained to operate the radar gun and display which will begin appearing regularly this week on streets around the city.

Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom