August 29, 2014

Oroville Mercury Register
December 22, 1952
Private Chance Completes Motor Transport Training
Private Jessie Chance, sister of Edward Chance of Thermalito, has just completed seven weeks’ training in motor transport work at Camp LeJeune, N.C., and is here for a few days visit with her brother and his family before reporting to Treasure Island to await transportation to a Pearl Harbor Base where she expects to drive staff cars. Pfc. Chance enlisted in the Marine Corps following graduation from the Oroville Union High School in June. She was one of five girls selected to attend this particular school and in the first group of women to take this training since 1945. She was given instruction in operation, maintenance, and function of the three basic vehicles, the jeep, three quarter ton and to one and a half ton M-5, all new equipment. The course covered class room lectures, as well as practical work such as changing tires, the principle of lubrication, changing a battery or head light, motor marches and convoy work. Pfc. Chance said she enjoyed the work and was looking forward to her new assignment in Honolulu.
(Stu- We’ve had a few Oroville Girls join the Marines.)

Oroville Mercury Register
November 19, 1946
City Bids for Acquisition of Own Airport
360 Additional Acres Included In Offer
By passage of a resolution Monday night the Oroville city council formally recorded its bid to acquire its own airport from various army and government agencies. The resolution was in response to an advertisement Nov. 12 in which army engineers offered their lease with the city for the airport for sale to the highest bidder. Included in the offer is an additional 360 acres at the airport acquired during the war by the army. Oroville had leased 420 acres to the army. While the city is favored by a priority in the acquisition of the field, it was explained by City Engineer Norris that technically a private person could conceivable out bid the city for its own airport. This could be done, Norris said because the lease with the army cannot be cancelled until six months after the war is legally declared at an end or by 1957, whichever comes first. The city council in its bid offered to take over the airport, to pay costs of the transfer and to operate it according to rules and regulations promulgated by the Civilian Aeronautics Administration. No cash payment was offered. Apparently the only expense involved would be in connection with transfer of the deed. If successful, the city would re-acquire its own lease as well as the 360 acres of additional land acquired by the army. The bid also includes all structures and equipment at the field in themselves of considerable value.
(Stu- My Friend Chuck Bailey works out there. He loves Airplanes.)

Stu’s Notes:
We were very fortunate to have Sam Norris come to Oroville way back at the turn of the century. He worked on building the Western Pacific rail road back then. As City Engineer he looked over many projects in the building of our city. I’ve heard he kept some of those projects in his head. You can read about how the city council fired him, I think in the late 50’s. And think, without Sam we wouldn’t have our Annual Samuel Norris Award. You can read about Sam on a plaque down at city hall, I think it is by the Big Bell, maybe I’ll go down tomorrow and read it again. It has been a while and I need to freshen up as to what it does say.

POW/MIA Recognition Day, plans are being made and finalized. Our Next meeting on this is September 1st, chaired by Sherry Morehouse. Years ago Joan Lee Van Campen came to me about doing this Ceremony in honor of her Brother PFC Thomas Van Campen and many others that were POW’s and MIA’s. I organized a Committee and we have done this most fitting Ceremony on the steps of the Veterans Hall on Montgomery for over 10 years. They must not be Forgotten. The Ceremony will be September 19th, 7PM at the Veterans Memorial Hall on Montgomery Street.