100 years ago

Feb. 8, 1917 — Stupendous as has been every crisis which has developed since the European war began, in no month have there been occurrences of such magnitude or so threatening to the peace of those nations of the world not directly involved in the conflagration as during January. The climax to this 31-day period of crisis on the last day of the month. On January 30 the United States believed that peace, if not imminent, was within view. On January 31 it was awakened by Germany’s declaration to neutrals that, from then forward, unrestricted submarine warfare would be pursued by the central powers, regardless of Germany’s promise to the United States after the Sussex affair, and regardless of any and all conventions and provisions of international law.

The channel packet Sussex was sunk in the English channel, without warning, March 5, 1916. The German government admitted that she was destroyed by a Teutonic submarine. There were 273 Americans aboard the Sussex at the moment, but no Americans lives were lost. Upon Germany’s admission President Wilson gave notice to the central powers that in the future should ships without first having the benefit of the international rule to visit and search, the American government forthwith would break off diplomatic relations with the offending powers. The German government agreed to comply with President Wilson’s demand.

This declaration of Germany’s left it up to the United States to either make good or break down. President Wilson made good his promise and on Friday issued a recall for Ambassador Gerrad and at the same time caused a passport to be handed to Germany’s representatives in the United states. This means severance of all diplomatic relations with the German empire.

75 years ago

Feb. 5, 1917 — With heavy machinery humming and trucks rolling in a continuous chain 16 hours out of 24, Babler Bros. are cushioning Runway “A” at Roberts Field with a covering of cinders which everyday extends in length like a magic carpet.

Bablers are now employing 100 men, including as many local workers as can be used, said Llyod Babler, who is now in town. Last week Bablers’ payroll was $3,000 and this week approximately $5,000 will be paid to the crew of men.

Thirty-five trucks are being used, 15 additional trucks and a yard and a half shovel having been put into operation Tuesday. Both the big shovel and a three-quarter yard shovel are at work at the cinder pit. One onlooker suggested today that when the excavation is finished the cinder pit would make a good baseball diamond.

50 years ago

Feb. 9, 1942 — Smith Rock State Park will be enlarged by 103 acres at a cost of $100,000, for the development of overnight camping facilities and river-side viewpoints.

The 103 acres will be purchased with matching funds of $50,000 each from the State Highway Department and the Federal Land and Water Conservation fund, it was announced by Fred J. Overly of Seattle, regional director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. L.V. Koons of Salem, deputy State Park superintendent, said that so far 43 acres of the addition have been purchased from R.L. Day. The addition will run along the county road adjacent to Crooked River and the existing park to the south of the park. No time limit was placed on the acquisition of the land.

The overnight camping area, to be developed later, will be equipped with “the state’s standard facilities, including provisions for sewage disposal, electrical outlets for trailers, a water supply and a tent site,” said Koons. “It will be much like the cove and Tumalo park facilities.”

25 years ago

Feb. 5, 1992 — Last year was a record-setting year for building activity in Redmond, but future building will cost more, according to reports presented by the staff at Monday’s Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission meeting.

The value of commercial projects constructed in Redmond in 1991 surpassed $7 million, and residential construction neared the $22 million mark, according to the city’s building permits. “That’s almost twice as much residential as we did the previous year and three times what we did the year before that,” said Community Development director Bob Quitmeier. And, Quitmeier added, Redmond’s industrial prospects continue to look good.

“Having the first interchange on Highway 97 has to be an incredible commercial draw,” he said. “I think you’ll see a slight shift away from residential, but I’ve been involved in REDAP since its inception and never have we seen more industrial prospects that we have now.”