100 years ago – November 6, 1924
‘Crowd At Plaza Hears Vote News’
The Kiwanis Club met in regular session at the Hotel Plaza Tuesday evening, the regular noon session having been put back because of the occasion. The Kiwanians, together with many Healdsburg citizens who gathered in the hotel lobby, heard the returns from local, state and national voting in the general election, and the news that President Coolidge had carried the country overwhelmingly was greeted by loud cheering.
Indications of a victory for the Klamath conservation bill also were applauded by the Kiwanians. Returns from Healdsburg and vicinity and from Mendocino and Sonoma county were gathered for the club and the public by the Tribune while radio reports were received from other parts of the state and nation. Quite a crowd also gathered at the Tribune office, where radio and telephone reports of election progress were received.
75 years ago – November 4, 1949
‘Moir Holds Water as Key to City’s Growth’
Robert Moir, North Coast Chamber of Commerce official, had nothing but encouragement to offer when outlining the future of Healdsburg following the completion of the Coyote Valley dam near Ukiah when he spoke to the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce Monday. He told members of that group that water, California’s major problem today, would be available at Healdsburg in quantities and at a low enough price to attract firms of noteworthy size.
He said even today he has “five firms” who are seeking areas in which to expand their plants where water can be had in sufficient quantities and at a price that will make economic operation feasible. He estimated Healdsburg will be in that position in three years. He also mentioned that this area, land adjoining the Russian River, will be unique in that it will be the only place in California where water will be available in the quantities and at the low price predicted by engineers.
The Coyote Valley dam is one of two dams proposed by Army Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation of the Federal Government for the control of water in the Russian River. Another dam is proposed for Dry Creek. Both “would store water in the winter and release it in the summer in quantities to meet the demands of any expansion in the foreseeable future,” Moir said. The water level and water flow of the river would be adequate to supply the needs of agriculture, industry and recreation, he said.
50 years ago – November 14, 1974
‘A First Class Marching Band’
“Last year Healdsburg High School had a band. This year Healdsburg High School has a marching band.” Is there a difference? Many HHS band members seem to think so. Last year, they spent their time playing in the classroom, then went to the football games and really “Messed up.” This year they have spent almost every morning and two nights a week down at the ball park, playing and marching.
The marching band is made up of the members of Lewis Sbrana’s advanced band class, and interested members of his intermediate class. So far, the band has played at every home game, and they plan to keep up the record.
Their first half-time show, during the Cardinal Newman game, was reminiscent of the twenties, thirties, and forties. The formations and script were bought for that program, but since then, all formations, scripts, and choice of music has been made by band members and Director Sbrana.
The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, at 221 Matheson St.
