November 1, 2013

Oroville Mercury Register
September 3, 1953 (60 years ago)
David E. McKim, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. McKim, of Quincy road, Oroville, was enlisted in the U. S. Army for a three year tour August 27th, it was announced today by T-Sgt. Jack Horn, local recruiter, McKim was a member of the California National Guard unit located at Oroville for four years and had been serving as platoon leader prior to his discharge from the unit. David has two brothers, now serving with the Air Force, who were also enlisted through the Chico station.

Alvin L. Wiegand, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Wiegand Woodleaf Star Route, Oroville, was enlisted in the U.S. Army for a three year hitch. Wiegand is expected to take his basic training at Ft. Ord near Monterey, Calif.

Clifford R. Wilson, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Wilson, General Delivery, Palermo, was enlisted in the U. S. Army for a three year tour. Wilson is expected to take his basic training at Ft. Ord.

Oroville Mercury Register
May 29, 1941
Looking Backward 25 years ago (1916 ‘97 years ago’ )
Jewett Moncure of Palermo, who has received an appointment as naval cadet at the United States naval academy at Annapolis, was given a surprise party at his home last night when members of the senior class of Oroville high school and the school faculty called upon him. The evening was passed with dancing and refreshments were served later. Moncure will leave for the east next week.
(Stu- What an adventure for young Jewett, I wish I knew the rest of his story. )

Oroville Mercury Register
July 20, 1946
Looking Back 10 years ago (1936) …..Spanish War Veterans inaugurated a “Buy America” campaign at their meeting in Memorial Hall last night…Sheriff Alvin Kister was elected vice president of the Northern California Peace Officers Assn. at the annual election in Marysville yesterday… Preparing to redecorate the Ophir Meat Market, painters scraped the walls and uncovered names of local people written on the original plaster 50 years ago.

Stu’s Notes:
I recently was invited to attend the annual Boys and Girls State dinner at the American Legion. I am always impressed by the Students that were chosen to attend Boys and Girls State. Each of them gave a report to the people who attended the dinner. The event was emceed by Ron Scharbor, American Legion Post 95. The young girls attended Oroville and Las Plumas High School.
Here is what two of the girls had to say:
“Hello, my name is Brittany Saephan, I would like to say thank you to Bernice Hughes, my Girls State Advisor and the women of the American Legion Auxiliary who gave me the amazing opportunity to attend Girls State. It was truly an unforgettable experience that taught me a lot about my self. I met a couple hundred of California’s most outstanding, outgoing and open minded young women. There were so many things going on in our small government we called Girls State. I remember on the first day when I arrived at Claremont College, I was so nervous. All I could see were girls carrying bags, bags, and more bags. On day one, they were all strangers but somehow during those five days, we became sisters. Everyone was really kind and supportive of one another. There were never any negative moments at Girl State. I remember listening to the other girl’s voice out their opinions and think to myself “How did I ever get here”, because all of these young women were so intellectual and full of spirit when speaking about our government. Being apart of Girls State is something a girl should be proud of. And I am definitely proud to call myself a Girl Stater. Thank you, America Legion Auxiliary for this amazing, once in a life time experience.”
(Stu- I bet the other girls thought the same of Brittany.)

“Good Evening, thank you all for coming. I am Tatum Duckett and my Girls State experience is one I’ll never forget. Never have I been in the presence of so many extraordinary young women. At Girls State I took part in many activities. City Hat Committee, sanitation committee, city Board of Education, Presentation Commissioner and ran for State Superintendent of Education. I met friends that I know I will keep through out my life. I gained a level of self-esteem and confidence that I had never had before. Words cannot do justice to what I experienced at Girls State and I’d like to take this time to sincerely thank everyone that worked to put on Girls and Boys State. I am honored and privileged to be a California Girls Stater, thank you.

If those Spanish War Veterans were here today I bet they would be shocked by the thousands of things that are not made in the USA now. There will be a Veteran’s Day Celebration at First United Methodist Church of Oroville, 45 Acacia Ave. Oroville. Pastor and Retired Navy Chaplain, Dave Rieck, is planning a special celebration for our Veterans on November 10, 2013, at 10:30a.m. In addition to recognition of Veterans and their service, there will be a Chaplain’s display complete with a WWII Chaplain’s Jeep, tent and chaplain’s office setup. We would like to invite all veterans to come and enjoy the display and become a part of our recognition of their heroic and patriotic service to our country. The next day is the Veteran’s Day Parade! Hope to see a big turnout.