100 years ago – November 15 1917
Fish for Russian River
A shipment of nine cases of fish was received in Healdsburg Wednesday of last week, from the Chico fish hatchery. The fish were placed in the Russian River. The consignment contained 440 fish in all, ranging in size from four to six inches. Blue gill catfish, perch and black bass were the three kinds of fish received. They were put in the river at the pavilion. It is hoped that by the planting of these fish the fishing in the river will be made much better in the years to come.
50 years ago – November 23, 1967
Billboard ban
Most of the four hours spent by councilmen in their meeting Monday was devoted to matters dealing basically with beautification. Also, Lee Cannaday protested the use of his property near the Greyhound depot and the need of remodeling the depot to provide 24-hour restroom facilities, and the rundown look of the buildings and their garbage cans directly across the street from city hall. But billboards were the big topic of the evening. The hearing on billboards had been set up to resolve a proposed amendment by Nor-Cal outdoor advertising firm which would allow billboards to continue in existence. The council asked the chamber of commerce to conduct a survey among businessmen. Mr. Thrall reported that 102 businesses were in favor of upholding the planning commission and the zoning ordinance in phasing out billboards, while 28 businessmen were in favor of Nor-Cal’s amendment that would allow billboards to continue. Mr. Allen of Nor-Cal charged the newspaper with being biased since it is in competition with billboards and had editorialized against them. Dean Dunnicliff, Healdsburg Tribune, told Mr. Allen that he could hardly consider the newspaper was in competition since much of the billboard advertising dealt with Scotch and beer. “Beautification is one of the city’s greatest needs. That’s why trees are being planted and that’s why the beautification committee wants billboards removed.”
25 years ago – November 13, 1992
Kids describe the playground they want
Enchanted castles, fierce dragons and challenging bridges are just a few design ideas elementary school students gave to Healdsburg Family Playground planners Wednesday. Organizers, who hope to raise approximately $90,000 by next spring, want to build the 8,000 square foot playground structure next May in Giorgi Park. Kids in classes were told to “draw what you want the most to have in your playground.” The drawings will go to the architect who will be using them to design the playground. A big favorite was having a castle, complete with ladders and slides, bridges and dragons. “I like climbing up stuff,” said Sean Robert Pryden, so he wants a rope ladder. Brian Fenton designed a haunted house with ghosts, scary windows and tombstones to the side. Karli Czorny designed a challenging maze so the playground ”will be funner.” Sylvana Mueller wants to make a thatched roof house with slides and rope ladders. On November 20 an architect will meet with a children’s design committee made up of about 100 students to go over the plans.
