This Week in Odessa History

100 years ago

From The Odessa Record

April 10, 1914

Mme. Rosa D’Erina and G.R. Vontom were scheduled to appear at the Opera House the following Tuesday. The entertainers were secured for Odessa through the efforts of Rev. Fr. J.B. Herman of the local Catholic church. D’Erina was the Irish prima donna soprano and world-renowned lady organist. She was to be assisted by Mr. G. R. Vontom, the tenor and humorist, and both had appeared before the president of the United States and Queen Alexander, of England, and in hundreds of the important cities of Europe and America. The event promised to excel anything that had ever been heard in Odessa. The attraction came here under the auspices of the ladies of the local Catholic church, and the proceeds of the entertainment were to go to that church. The prices of admission were 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children.

75 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 30, 1939

The start of a building boom for Odessa was realized this week, when construction started on a new $18,000 grain elevator and other buildings, including several homes. Contractor Eckhardt was building the grain elevator, along with a sacked wheat warehouse. A proposed elevator for the Seattle Grain company was awaiting further plans before a contract was let. John Hemmerling had leased land from the Great Northern to construct a private grain storage plant.

Nine new homes were projected during the coming months. Other building activities then in progress included a storage warehouse planned by Nat Maier, remodeling the interior of the Brooks’ cafe, and a paint job by Morris Bass at the shoe shop. The front of the Model Beauty Shoppe was redecorated that week. Work on redecorating the interior of the Odessa State bank was completed that week.

The Hein brothers were making progress on a new unit of their service station, to include a grease room and car washing room.

50 years ago

From The Odessa Record

April 2, 1964

The Alaskan earthquake caused a tidal wave at Keller Ferry, it was revealed by H.C. Groth, district maintenance engineer in a visit here Monday. This occured about 7:50 p.m., approximately the same time as the major earthquake in Alaska.

The sudden rise in the water level broke several mooring line cables to the slips, but left little other noticeable damage.

25 years ago

From The Odessa Record

April 6, 1989

The county environmental health director ordered the old town dump to be closed immediately due to violations of the permit requirements so extensive that the permit to operate this site was immediately revoked.

Track coach Sam Read reported that the Tigers had another fine performance from David Nixon who was a double winner in the shot at 51”5” and in the disc at 130’4”.

10 years ago

From The Odessa Record

April 8, 2004

Odessa Pride Day, a tradition going back to the early 1900s saw a garage set afire in a controlled burn for training new fireman, Carlin Nelson. The garage of Dennis and Deanna Nelson was lit on fire by Dennis after he poured diesel inside the structure.

Fire Chief Brad Frederick showed the new volunteer how to keep a fire under control.