Out of the Past: 04/08/2026

80 Years Ago

Vaccinations for smallpox were administered by Spokane County Health nurses at the Deer Park schools, Monday, April 8, to hundreds of children and adults of Deer Park and the surrounding community. The inoculations were part of the statewide program to prevent the spread of the Asiatic smallpox infection which has claimed several lives in Seattle and other coast points. 

Robert Gibson will be the delegate representing Deer Park High School chapter, Future Farmers of America, at the Washington state convention to be held at Pullman April 17-20. The boys will be divided into three groups and as groups will judge poultry, and study horticultural advances and plant pathology during the sessions. 

Family Theatre in Deer Park presents a double feature on April 12-14 of “Snafu” with Nanette Parks and Robert Benchly, plus “The Great Mike” with Stewart Erwin, Robbery “Buzzy” Henry, and Carl “Alfalfa” Swizer. 

40 Years Ago

Richard William Harris, 19, Deer Park, was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary early last week in connection with the break-in and burglary of the Buckhorn Tavern, Deer Park. Sheriff’s Detective Cliff Berry said a witness saw a man running from the tavern around 1 a.m., April 1, and identified him as Harris, who was arrested at his home at approximately 6 p.m. on the same day. Harris is charged with stealing money from video games and pool tables. He was released on his own recognizance. 

It has taken a while, but the Deer Park City Council has finally instituted a timetable to begin collecting a fuel-flow (gas) tax at the airport it approved in 1979. The council agreed last Wednesday to implement the 4-cent tax – the 1979 surcharge first step will be 2 cents starting on May 1 to be increased to 3.5 cents on Jan. 1, 1987, and to 4 cents on June 1, 1987.

It was no pie-in-the-sky business venture. Bev and Ray Kampstra of Chattaroy knew they’d have to make a few changes. And they knew there would be long hours. But it’s been worth it. Less than a year after embarking on entrepreneurship, they’re up to their rolling pins in pies. And the sky is the limit for the future of Pietime, their Spokane-based bakery. 

20 Years Ago

The Deer Park Arts Commission, celebrating its 10^th birthday, is looking for a larger permanent home. The commission, which is currently housed in the Crawford Gallery in the lower level of city hall, is looking at the possibility of taking over the nearby Civic Center. 

Deer Park’s Phil Bray has been recognized nationally by the American Angus Association for having one registered Angus cow included in the association’s 2006 Pathfinder Report. Only 2,187 of the more than 34,000 American Angus Association members are represented in this year’s report, according to John Crouch, executive vice president of the association. 

Internet voting will begin on Saturday for Debbie Hughbanks’ entry in the Trail of Painted Ponies competition. The Deer Park artist is among 20 finalists for the prestigious competition where entrants must hand-paint a Native American theme on a 2-foot tall marble cast sculpture of a horse. Hughbanks’ wildlife-themed entry includes an eagle, bear, wolf, salmon, mouse, and five buffalo on the 35-pound sculpture.