75 years ago
December 21, 1944
Private John P. Chemeres has been missing in action in Germany since November 29, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Peter Chemeres, 504 W. First street, were advised today.
Pvt. Chemeres is a 1939 graduate of Weatherwax high school. He enlisted in the service in 1940 and went overseas in June of this year. He was stationed in England before being sent to the western front.
December 22, 1944
It wasn’t a pleasant day.
A foggy mist swirled along the streets, not fiercely, but drenching everything.
A mailman, his gray uniform soaked and dripping, plodded along, perhaps on his second round of deliveries for the day. His shoulders sagged from the weight of the heavy mail bag he carried. Very obviously he was weary, equally obviously his feet hurt.
But as a woman (huddled under her umbrella) passed him by, she heard a soft whistling.
The postman was not unhappy, his heavy burden had not subdued his spirit.
For he was whistling “O Come All Ye Faithful,” with its message of Christmas and a faith of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
It caused the woman to call out a cheery “Good morning” and be warmed by the mailman’s equally cheery response.
Somehow the entire day seemed brighter.
50 years ago
December 21, 1969
Aberdeen’s superpowered Bobcats delivered greetings to the rest of the state from Sam Benn Gym last night.
Dick Dixon’s beautifully-tuned Aberdeen machine totally annihilated the defending state AA champion Central Kitsap Cougars. 109-52 as a crowd of close to 2,000 roared its appreciation.
Steve Soike, the “Cats” magnificent 6-4 forward, spearheaded a tremendous team performance by ramming in 29 points worth of hanging jumpers and twisting drives, picking both backboards clean and handing at least a half-dozen assists.
But the greatest roar of the night came with 2:24 remaining on the clock when a free throw by reserve guard John Loncar turned the scoreboard to the magic “100.”
In all, four Bobcats hit double figures, with center Kevin Ekar, forward, Robert Failor and substitute forward John Ketola tanking 18, 10 and 10 respectively.
December 22, 1969
A group of 4 and 5-year-olds returned from seeing Santa Claus and brought out some information about the jolly old man.
Jeff Keller, 5, has known Santa for a number of years and explained that Santa Claus gets his toys at the store because it is faster than making them, that Santa is older than his (Jeff’s) dad, and that he (Jeff) wants a walkie-talkie.
Adam Garner, 5 ½, says that Santa is much younger than he looks, and stays young because he plays with children so often.
Mark High said that Santa is too fat, but he still will have to eat all the food on his plate because it’s good for him.
Jimmy Sandstrom, 4, reported that Santa “met Mrs. Claus in a restaurant in Seattle, but he was born in St. Joseph Hospital.” Then he added “I want a bow and arrow and I think I’ll get it because I’ve been good.”
25 years ago
December 21, 1994
It was a doozy of a choice.
Holland America Cruise Lines wanted the Lady Washington to entertain thousands of cruise ship passengers on a remote island near Ketchikan.
A sport fishing company (Sport Fishing of Seattle) wanted to put the boat right in the heart of Seattle’s waterfront district.
Both groups guaranteed they’d pay the Lady at least $100,000, no matter how many tourists came. And both wanted her for the same period of time — all summer. Both groups wanted a decision and they wanted it fast — they had to get the tourist brochures printed.
In a special meeting Tuesday, the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Board unanimously voted in favor of big city life.
Now they have to sell the idea to the Aberdeen City Council which has the final say on whether the boat can leave.
December 22, 1994
The tall ship Lady Washington will spend the winter visiting towns on Puget Sound and spend next summer in Seattle under a nine-month sailing plan the Aberdeen City Council approved last night.
The Seaport was created by the city in 1987 and the charter requires that the board seek City Council approval before leaving Grays Harbor.
Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom
