Out of the Past: 04/01/2026

80 Years Ago

“Fairyland” is to be the theme of the annual Junior prom to be held Friday evening, April 12, at the high school gymnasium. Decorations for the event will bear out that motif. Dancing is to be from 9 p.m. to midnight, Norm Thue’s orchestra furnishing the music. Coronation ceremonies for prom king and queen will take place at 10:30 p.m.

The Deer Park Commercial Club will sponsor a contest to encourage local property owners to improve the appearance of yards and vacant lots in the town of Deer Park. The purpose of the contest is to beautify the town by planting lawns and flowers and generally making the place more attractive. 

Nearly 125 friends and relatives gathered at the Chattaroy Congregational church Sunday afternoon to pay their last respects to George H. Owen. Rev. Van Winkle officiated, with burial in the Chattaroy cemetery. George Owen was a pioneer of this district, coming here in 1886, and residing in the area ever since. He received his early education in the Chattaroy and Bear Creek schools and later attended business college in Spokane. He worked with his father in a general merchandise store at Camden, and later served as postmaster there. 

40 Years Ago

Don Veillette, who has quietly bolstered Deer Park’s quality of life through his numerous activities, was presented the Citizen of the Year Award at the Deer Park Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet March 24 at Shagnasty’s. Chuck Standen, who presented the award, praised Veillette’s selfless community efforts during the eight years Veillette has lived in the area. 

“I didn’t work for 20 years without a vacation just to lose it all,” Tom Saltz, Deer Park, says. “But that’s how it’s turning out, and all for a lousy mobile home.” Saltz, who bought the mobile home six years ago when it was billed as a luxury model for $57,000, estimates he lost well over $500,000 in attempts to have the mobile home brought up to state and federal standards. He said he’s also lost some of his hard-earned reputation for integrity and honesty, and almost lost his 120-acre farm. 

The Riverside Future Business Leaders of America found the regional conference last month at Eastern Washington University very profitable. The Ram contingent took home 20 individual awards, including five top prizes.

20 Years Ago

Shannon Miller was ready for a career change, albeit, a small one. Miller, who has been a teacher for the past 25 years, recently purchased Classic Cafe and Coffeehouse in Deer Park. Miller, who has worked in the hospitality industry (including waitressing), purchased the Deer Park coffee house / old-fashioned soda fountain from Janine Spangle, who bought the business back from Tyson Blake in 2002.

The Deer Park School District board of directors is reviewing a possible restructuring of the school board director districts. Currently, the school district is divided into five geographic territories, with one school board member elected from each. In an effort to help encourage more participation at the school board level, the board has proposed the formation of an “at-large” director position. 

Longtime community volunteers Bill and Flo Moore were chosen as this year’s Tri-County Settlers Association Honored Couple. The Moores will be honored at this year’s July celebration.