Feb. 17, 1966, Feb. 19, 1991 and Feb. 17, 2001 | HISTORY CORNER

The following are segments of stories taken from the front pages of the Whidbey Island Record 50, 25 and 15 years ago on Thursday, Feb. 17, 1966, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1991 and Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2001.

50 years ago

Editor: Lana Townsend

Parking space will be larger for next fair

“A larger parking area will be available for this year’s Island County Fair, which will be held Aug. 26, 27 and 28. Fair Board Manager George Stockholm reported at Monday night’s board meeting that work has been completed, making the parking space three times larger than before.

“‘This will make it possible for all vehicles to be parked outside the grounds, leaving more room for the program activities,’ said Stockholm.”

25 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Teachers’ vote not to strike is now official

“South Whidbey teachers decided Wednesday not to participate in a possible spring strike, upholding an earlier tie vote which goes against the proposal, according to Don Nelson, president of the South Whidbey Education Association.

“Nelson said the vote held almost two weeks ago by the teachers ended in a 32-32 tie, which failed to carry the motion. At a meeting on Wednesday to resolve the matter, teachers agreed not to challenge the original no-vote ruling, citing the Persian Gulf war and the recent community levy support. Thirteen teachers did not vote on the possible strike authorization.”

15 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Storm thrills kids, threatens drivers

“It was snoooow good to be a kid on Friday morning. While South Whidbey slept Thursday night, the first heavy snowfall in four years drifted onto the island and the entire Puget Sound area. Children awoke to the announcement that all South Whidbey schools had cancelled classes. Adults awoke to the prospect of driving to work through up to 6 inches of sloppy, wet snow.

“The kids got the better end of the deal. Those who drove to work had a hazardous time of it. Cars littered the ditches on Cultus Bay Road, Highway 525, and almost every other major arterial.”