This Week in Odessa History

100 years ago

From The Odessa Record

December 3, 1915

The state Board of Health wrote to a mother in this state, calling her attention to the fact that the birth of her baby had not been reported. She replied, “I have had seven babies and this is the first time I have had to go through with all this foolishness.”

Failure to register births often caused problems later in life. A Miss Brunner, born in Bellingham, went abroad to study in 1914. She was in Switzerland visiting her grandparents when the war broke out. She has been threatened with arrest as a spy unless her American birth can be proven, but her birth was never recorded. The physician who attended her birth is dead. The young lady’s father filed for her birth certificate but it was not known whether it would be accepted.

Every mother and father should recognize the possibility of their children being confronted with such problems and see to it that birth certificates are immediately recorded after the birth.

75 years ago

From The Odessa Record

December 5, 1940

The free Christmas trees given each year by the Odessa Union Warehouse and the G.W. Finney Lumber company, arrived Wednesday and may be had by residents any time.

The public pinochle party sponsored by the Catholic ladies at the parish hall Wednesday night drew a good turnout with 16 tables in play. High prizes went to Mrs. H.C. Phillips and Al Wagner, low to Mrs. George Zicha and W.P. Smith, with traveling prize to H.C. Phillips.

The electric timer installed at the high school for basketball play adds to the interest of the game, it was revealed Friday at the Wilbur game.

50 years ago

From The Odessa Record

December 2, 1965

Eventual irrigation of two million acres in eastern Washington in addition to the presently authorized Columbia Basin Project of one million acres should be explored by the federal government, the state Columbia Basin Commission recommended.

The Odessa Tigers open the 1965-66 basketball season with a home contest against Royal City. Coach Phil Roth reports 25 young hopefuls have been turning out steadily and working hard in preparation for the season.

Missing from last year’s squad via graduation are Tom Wolsborn, Ron Haase and Paul Horak. Also absent will be sophomore Brad Lewis, who has moved to Spokane and is playing with the top ten at Central Valley. Two lettermen have returned, guard Wes Witt and forward Jon Heimbigner. Witt stands 5’8” and Heimbigner 6’1”. Both are seniors. Other seniors who saw limited action last year are Rick Walter 5’10” and Tom Arlt 5’9”. The remaining players are juniors

Barry Heimbigner 6’0”, Bob Zeiler 6’4”, Gary Smith 5’10” and Steve Lightbody 5’7”. Two sophomores round off the lineup, Tom Schafer 5’9” and Jim Evavold 5’8”.

25 years ago

From The Odessa Record

December 6, 1990

Odessa physician’s assistant Larry Sayrs agreed to a leadership liaison role in coordinating efforts of the hospital district, the fire district’s ambulance service and the volunteer EMS personnel. Sayrs will work with registered nurse Kristi Finck to establlish medical emergency services protocols, procedures and equipment/facility needs at the hospital.

10 years ago

From The Odessa Record

December 1, 2005

Christmas Fest 2005 will ring in the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting, Christmas carols, crafts and one-of-a-kind gift items. The 24th annual celebration, to be held at the Odessa Community Center and Old Town Hall, is the traditional kickoff of Odessa’s holiday shopping season.