100 years ago

Aug. 3, 1916 — July 28, two years ago, Austria, refusing to submit to the Hague her differences with Serbia, declared war on the smaller nation and plunged the whole of Europe into battle. The nations have been losing more than 21,000 men a day for two years (this is the estimate based on the official statements at the close of 18 months of war), and even with the huge total loss of 16,000,000 killed, wounded and missing, the end of the war is not in sight; still there are 28,000,000 on the battle fronts and in reserve. When Austria made war on Serbia, Russia, in compliance with her treaty with the little Balkan nation, began the mobilization of her army. Germany demanded an explanation and gave Russia until noon the next day to demobilize. August 1 came and Russian troops were still mobilizing; the czar had ignored the German demand. Kaiser Wilhelm declared war and German troops, already mobilized, invaded Luxemburg. France declared war and began to mobilize August 2. That day two German armies began the invasion of France, and England told Germany her fleet would protect French merchantmen. Two days later German troops started through Belgium to France and England declared war.

75 years ago

July 31, 1941 — Last of the farms wired and ready to receive electricity from the 282 miles of REA line were yesterday connected by the Central Electric Cooperative service men, and the entire system is now in operation, according to manager Marogan Sharp. Meanwhile word has been received from REA headquarters in Washington that $77,000 has been authorized for building 91 miles of new line in Jefferson county and lower bridge to serve a potential load of 129 consumers. Several months are expected to elapse however before construction of the Jefferson division of the Central Electric cooperative can be started, because all of all the engineering work has yet to be done. Walter W. Flora, of Cheyenne, who has engineered the rest of the project is expected to handle the new work but his field men have to yet arrived to make preliminary surveys.

50 years ago

Aug. 4, 1966 — The Deschutes County Fair is bringing fun and excitement to Central Oregon Aug. 2-7, for the 47th year, with the theme “The Western Way,” adding color to the event. Queen Vonna Rae Seal, Princess Myra Aldous and Princess Jeannie Rennolds will reign over the two-day event, riding in the parade and the grand entrance march of the rodeo and appearing at the rodeo dance Saturday night. More than 1,200 exhibits and displays, races, rodeos, a big street parade, carnival, Buckaroo Breakfast, auction sale, dance and enough hot dogs, hamburgers, pop, popcorn, peanuts, and cotton candy to satisfy everyone insure the success of this event. Fair Manager Lowell (Sarge) Hintzel and his crew have been working for several months brightening up the fairgrounds, planting new grass, filling up trenches, building new fences, apply fresh paint, and making everything trim for the big holiday.

25 years ago

July 31, 1991 — Remember those giant teddy bears or that Mexican pottery being sold around the city last year? Well, you won’t see them this year unless they are sold; by the City of Redmond or at a Redmond Chamber of Commerce event; at an event sponsored by a non-profit organization; or at an event on the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. So, the rock hounds and the hot dog sellers can breathe a sigh of relief. The Redmond City Council last week approved a new law prohibiting sales of goods by itinerant (traveling) merchants. The council had originally expressed concern over “the appearance of itinerant merchants’ operations in the city,” according to Bob Quitmeier, Community Development director.