<p>"Locals marvel at one of the county's first tractors" was the message, in pencil, on the back of this old photo, which we would guess dates back close to the beginning of the last century.</p>

100 YEARS AGO

Feb. 20, 1914

A hospital will be built in Enterprise at once, according to the announcement of Dr. C.T. Hockett and Dr. S.D. Taylor, who have joined forces and will have offices together. There has been discussion of a hospital in this part of the county for a long time. The only hospital now in the county is that of Dr. Verdo B. and Dr. John B. Gregory in Wallowa.

Probably a third of the 100 children who had the measles earlier in the winter are now suffering from some of the many ailments that follow in the wake of this disease. Lung, eye, ear and throat troubles are most common.

Prices of mules are about $50 a span lower than last year, Aaron Wade found when he sold out a carload of his stock in Pendleton during the last 10 days. The decline in values Mr. Wade found to be due chiefly to the more extensive use of traction engines in the Umatilla county wheat fields.

Petitions asking the creation of a new elk pasture at the head of Wallowa Lake for the big deer now in the Billy Meadows pasture in the Chesnimnus have been circulated this week in the towns of the county, particularly Joseph and Enterprise. If a state pasture could be provided on the lake, the elk would be placed where hundreds could see them.

70 YEARS AGO

Feb. 24, 1944

The final decision to launch the proposed farmers cooperative grain-warehouse business with the purchase of the facilities of the Woolgrowers Warehouse company was reached at a meeting of farmers held Monday afternoon in the courthouse. The option calls for a payment of $47,000 for the complete facilities of the Woolgrowers at Joseph, Enterprise and Lostine.

A new and simplified plan for two major food rationing programs will be put into operation next week. Effective Sunday, Feb. 27, all Blue and Red stamps in Ration Book Four will have a flat value of 10 points each, regardless of the numbers 8, 5, 2 and 1 now printed hereon. Blue stamps are for processed food; red stamps for meats, fats and oils, cheese and canned, evaporated of condensed meat.

Dr. Thomas M. Gilmore, 72, beloved doctor of north end country of Wallowa County for many years, died suddenly at his home in Union Saturday night following a heart attack.

DAY RIDGE The canyon sides are snowless for the most part except the shady north slopes. High winds have put what little snow there was into fantastic shapes and cozy drifts. The wonderful chinook that came two weeks ago filled wells and springs, some to overflowing.

50 YEARS AGO

Feb. 27, 1964

Although some delays have been encountered in getting final plans and specifications for the proposed nursing home addition to the Wallowa Memorial Hospital by the Public Health Service, it is still hoped that these plans may be approved and ready for bids by the end of March or the first of April. The county has an $80,000 federal grant of Hill-Burton money, and $131,000 in the treasury from the proceeds of a two-year serial tax levy to build the nursing home.

IMNAHA The ranch house being built on Big Sheep Creek for Howard Borgerding is nearly completed. Mr. Borgerding acquired the ranch from Gilbert Conrad last year. Mr. Borgerding, who is retiring from the naval air force and is expected to arrive with his family about March 1 to make their home here.

Pvt. Jerrold M. Weaver, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 1st Bde., Platoon No. 5, Fort Ord, Calif., will complete basic training some time next month.

EDITORIAL An article by the County School Superintendent in this issue of the Chieftain makes the point that if smoking by teachers has any effect on the smoking habits of their students, this is a reflection on the students parents. He contends that children will tend to imitate the persons they admire most, and this should be the parents.

25 YEARS AGO

Feb. 23, 1989

The Joseph City Council found out at a special meeting Tuesday night the city is eligible for an FHA grant and loan to fund a $1.9 million water system improvement project, but the loan amount would be higher and the grant amount lower than originally anticipated.

Cory Boswell, Joseph, and Kirsten Hough, Enterprise, are top winners in this years Elks Most Valuable Student competition. Both received a $450 scholarship from the Enterprise Elks. Additional MVS winners were Kelly Huntington, Enterprise, and Terri Wheeler and Selena Schaeffer, Wallowa.

Photo caption In a Presidents Day educational exercise, all 41 presidents were accounted for in teacher Joe Neveaus Enterprise fifth grade last week. Among the visiting dignitaries were George Washington (Jason Parks), James Madison (Rob Anderson), Abraham Lincoln (Courtney Roberts), James Garfield (Gabe Wishart) and George Bush (Angie Pearson).

Young people will have a chance to show their stuff when Missoula Childrens Theatre makes its annual visit to Wallowa County the week of March 5-11. The Fisherman and his Wife will star approximately 50 local youth, along with two professional MCT actors/directors.