FILE PHOTO The Firehole River in Yellowstone is known for its tremendous fishing and gorgeous scenery. Editor’s note: This is the third installment of a three-part series on visits to small-town Montana. In the last writing, your mind’s eye saw a historical vision of the Japanese military signing the surrender[Read More…]
Author: Don Williams for The Chronicle
Force of nature: Gust had bird’s-eye view of historic event
PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLINGS GAZETTE Virgil Gust, now 99, in his clothing store in 2008. He founded the store in 1947 after returning from the Navy at the end of World War II. Editor’s note: This is Part II of a three-part series on visits to small-town Montana. A bit[Read More…]
Soda Fountain lunch counters pour out great memories
ARCHIVE PHOTO A common scene for people of a certain generation, “light lunch counters” at diners were a popular destination. My first memory of a soda fountain light lunch counter is from 1939. We lived a few blocks from downtown Marysville, Wash., and my folks and I would walk down[Read More…]
Recalling the joys of Tonka trucks, cranes and model railroad trains
PHOTO PROVIDED Whether the cargo is a Teddy Bear or set up for a crane, Tonka trucks were a hallmark of childhood, and always a good Christmas gift. The coronavirus has certainly changed the habits of many of us. Personally, I have always been an avid reader, but that pastime[Read More…]
Delivery mistake creates wrinkle for surprise clothes-drying gift
Going to share a Christmas story from 1964. I need to premise this story with the following: As a boy growing up in the 1940s and ’50s in the great Northwest, clothes drying was a major task in the household. I grew up with a Maytag ringer washing machine. It filled[Read More…]
Volunteers are valued – and always needed
PHOTO PROVIDED Susan Williams, left, enjoying time at camp dressed up as a clown. Volunteers were instrumental in helping her enjoy social activites. In the past I have written about many local events that require volunteer help, if not totally operated by volunteers. A few weeks ago I shared with you[Read More…]
Nostalgia Corner: Recalling the joy of a special-needs daughter
Monica Venice, left, and Susan Marie Williams meet to renew acquaintances at the Opal Theatre Presentation of Creative Chaos earlier this year. My wife, Mary Jean, and I, were blessed with the birth of a fine healthy son. Three years later, we were blessed with a healthy baby girl,[Read More…]
Practical advice for fire safety; Mt. Firestone was epic blaze
Williams There has been a great deal written and spoken about what an enemy fire can be. It can be our best friend or worst enemy. Coming into the fall season, we should think about our appliances, smoke alarms, extension cords, and electrical appliances. Evenings will start to chill and[Read More…]
Painful September: Recent roadtrips brushed against disaster areas
JANICE SEXTON/PHOTO Early reports last week stated that the Goodpasture Covered Bridge had been destroyed by the fires. In fact, it still stands thanks to citizen volunteers who protected it. It is sad to look at the news today. The beautiful little town of Detroit is no more. You may[Read More…]
Seafood and coastal views highlight conclusion of epic, two-day road trip
Part III The old North Bend proper, along 101, there are many antique and boutique shops. Liberty Theater is now closed, due to the virus. It is a beautiful preserved motion picture theater from the silent era. I attended stage shows there for many years. David Walker, news anchor on[Read More…]