The following snippets of history are drawn from the pages of the Healdsburg Tribune, the Healdsburg Enterprise and the Sotoyome Scimitar, and are prepared by the volunteers at the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society. Admission is always free at the museum, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
100 years ago – July 4, 1918
Dam now finished
The dam across the Russian River, below the wagon bridge, has been completed, and the water is now backing up around the mountain. The dam was made possible through the efforts of the chamber of commerce and as a result hundreds of summer visitors are able to go boating around the mountain and thoroughly enjoy the pleasures of a summer outing. It is said that the water is backed up better than it ever has been before.
50 years ago – July 4, 1968
Urgency for new hospital comes as shock to committee
Members of a general committee for the construction of a new northern Sonoma County hospital, meeting for the first time Wednesday night, expressed serious concern when they revealed they did not realize the urgency for a new facility. Owners of the present Healdsburg hospital want to convert it to a convalescent type operation only. Twenty-four persons from the Healdsburg, Windsor and rural areas heard Dr. Edward Neal give a rundown on the medical needs of the communities. Urgency of a new facility became evident two years ago because of general growth and the advent of Medicare. The existing hospital has served well for many years, but growth and changes in medical techniques and services have created need for a new facility. The existing plant, despite efforts to upgrade, doesn’t lend itself to modernization or expansion. Ownership of the existing hospital has given notice that it will do everything to keep operating until a new one is built.
25 years ago – July 7, 1993
Budget cuts could handcuff police
If you thought this year’s city budget cuts were bad, just wait until next year when projected cuts in public safety could place the local police at a distinct disadvantage. Next year the police department is slated to lose a full time dispatcher and two police officers. With a workload and crime rate that is increasing, these sorts of cuts will only make things worse. “I’m not suggesting the city is being malicious (in making) the cuts,” said Police Chief Joe Palla. “The dilemma I face is we are morally obligated to provide sound law enforcement to this community. The sad part is economically we’re not going to be able to do that if the budget cuts go through.” Palla encourages residents to help the council come up with suggestions to solve the budget mess.
