100 Years Ago

Dec. 28, 1922 — C.C. Irrigators making ready for fun

Invitations are out for a “Black & White” masquerade ball to occur on the evening of Dec. 30.

The affair is to be given by the Crook County Irrigators, which is sufficient guaranty of the class of the ball, as they are noted for “doing things up brown” when they get going.

If there is anyone in this community who is looking for an evening of fun, they should look around and see if they can spear an invitation.

75 Years Ago

Jan. 1, 1948 — Gigantic meteor lights up sky

Lighting the entire sky for a few seconds and exploding in the form of a blue ball of flame, a large meteor was seen here at 7:15 Wednesday evening.

John Berning, Ole Pearson and Norman Swanson, who were returning from Portland, saw the meteor as they were driving along the highway south of Madras.

It first appeared as an orange streak, Berning said, and when it exploded in the northeast portion of the sky, it seemed to be about the size of the moon.

Other Oregon towns, including LaGrande, reported spotting the large meteor.

50 Years Ago

Jan. 3, 1973 — Hanson retired from Ponderosa after 27 years in lumbering

John Hanson, who came to Redmond from Lakeview in 1955 to join Ponderosa Mouldings, Inc., has retired effective Dec. 31 from his position as vice president and sales manager. He had been associated with the lumbering business for over 27 years.

Named new sales manager at Ponderosa is Robert G. “Pinky” Bergstrom, who has 16 years experience in millwork and had been Hanson’s assistant for almost five years. Ed Sturza, with the firm nearly five years, becomes an assistant in sales besides continuing as corporate treasurer.

Ponderosa president Kieran Madden pointed out that Hanson had chosen an early retirement to enable himself and his wife, Mary, to complete their goals of travel and relaxation, particularly in view of his illness some years ago.

“Needless to say, we at Ponderosa Mouldings, Inc., being closely affiliated with John as business associates and personal friends, are regretful at his leaving, but grateful to know he can be counted on for advice and counsel when needed,” said Madden.

The Hansons plan to leave in mid January for Hawaii, but are maintaining their home in Redmond.

25 Years Ago

Dec. 31, 1997 — 197: A year of violence, progress and Hollywood

Crime and violence got more than its share of ink in Central Oregon during 1997, with arson and tragic death leading the headlines.

Redmond residents played the major roles in a tragic child abuse case, two hit-and-run deaths and a trial that sent convicted murderer Randy Guzek back to Death Row a third time.

But it was also a year of building: A Boys and Girls Club a Central Oregon Community College branch campus and the David M. Jaqua Sports Complex were among the accomplishments.

While the year started with people worried about the recent losses of major businesses such as Crown Pacific, Tektronix and the oh-so-close Lancair manufacturing facility, Redmond continued to be one of the fastest growing cities in Oregon.

Building will stay very much in Redmond’s picture in the coming year, with a new fairgrounds already under construction

And then there was Kevin Costner. Half of Central Oregon turned star-struck when the actor came to film “The Postman,” now showing in theaters. The other half gave a curious glance and went on about their lives.