LOOKING BACK From our archives; compiled by Howard Stitt

LOOKING BACK From our archives; compiled by Howard Stitt 10 Years Ago April 7, 2011 A Celebration of Life was planned for Sally Ann Delaney, 76, a South Dakota native. She worked many years in the cafeteria at Sierra College where her co-workers were an extension of her family. Services were planned for Byron Elliott Cook, 79. He retired as the Loomis School District superintendent. The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist welcomed more than 100 people to the site of their proposed Regina Caeli Priory, a mission-style convent. Sister Mary Samuel Handwerker said 77 sisters will live at the convent. They wear traditional habits and became known as the "Oprah sisters" after appearances on the popular TV show. Some residents rely on the Loomis Basin Food Pantry to help feed their families. However, the food bank is seeking help. "We need donations," said Betty Doupnik, who is co-director of the food pantry with Roy Draper. "Families each receive four bags full of food staples," explained Draper, who has been working with the pantry for more than 11 years. The Food Pantry is located at the Methodist Church on Brace Road in Loomis. (and still functioning today). Scott Paris was recognized by the Placer County Economic Development board for his contributions to the Loomis community and his success in making High-Hand Nursery and Cafe a popular visitor destination. Del Oro High School students rehearsing for a play, "Steel Magnolias," include Abigail Kelly, Cierra Baccarella, Ashleigh Heer, Aimee Scott, Makenzie Massagli, Andria Cassanova and Judith Morgan. The comedy drama is about strong Southern women who meet regularly at the local beauty salon. Stage manager Kaley Lucas said the audience will react by laughing through their tears. The completion of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges in 1937 and 1938 spelled the doom of the California river boat. When World War II broke out, the Delta Queen and King were drafted into the U.S. Navy to serve on San Francisco Bay as net tenders, floating barracks, troop transports and hospital ships. In 2011, the Delta Queen was in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a land side hotel. The Delta King was bought by the Coyne family in 1984 and towed to Old Sacramento. After five years of complete historical renovation, the boat opened as the heralded monarch of the Sacramento River. 25 Years Ago April 4, 1996 Services were held for R. Albert Schweigert, the first Placer Elementary School principal. A Fruitland, Idaho native, he was a World War II Air Force veteran serving three years in Europe earning the European Medal with five battle stars and the Legion of Merit. Schweigert was active in the community, including serving with the Loomis Fire Department and Deputy Sheriff's Communication Reserve. He was past president of the Loomis Lions Club, Past Master of Penrhyn Gold Hill Lodge No. 32 and a member of the Ben Ali Temple and for many years played in the Potentate's Band. Schweigert was also a member of the Historical Society of Germans from Russia. WestAmerica Bank in Roseville made a $2,000 corporate donation to Sierra College. Teachers being honored for their work with special education students include Jane Dutra, Jennifer Hirsch and Betty Frederiksen of the Loomis School District, along with Pamela Rivera of Penryn School. Lions Clubs of the Maidu Regional hosted the third round of the annual Speakers Contest held in Roseville. Del Oro High School freshman Sarah Sneed earned high scores on the topic, "Affirmative Action." She took the position that affirmative action should be discontinued. The Maidu Indian tribe, based in Auburn, was permitted under the 1994 Congressional Restoration Act to purchase land in Placer County for the purpose of developing a reservation and casino. A proposed casino in Penryn was greeted with what was teemed a very hostile meeting as opponents voiced their opinions. Scott Rae, a Franklin School eighth-grader in Loomis, is the Placer County Spelling Bee champion. Scott, along with second-place finisher Chris Inouye of Cavitt School, will represent the county at the Junior High School Spelling Bee Championship held in San Rafael. The third-place winner is Erich Breidenbach, a fifth-grade student at Kaseburg School in Roseville. 50 Years Ago April 8, 1971 Services were held for Mrs. Augusta "Gussie" Barnes, 73, a Sulphur Springs, Arkansas native. She resided in Loomis for the past 55 years. Barnes was an active member of the Roseville Grange. A Requiem Mass was celebrated for Daniel Torre, 41, a Mexico native and a Penryn resident for the past 20 years. He was employed at Auburn Mill Works, formerly Cal Ida Lumber Company. "Pink Garter," the annual gay-'90s fundraiser event for St. Albans Country Day School in Roseville, returned to the historic Finn Hall, a community gathering place for Rocklin residents since 1905. The theme, "Pink Garter Goes to the Theater," will feature buggy and old car tours of Rocklin places of interest. Wendell Robie was named the Grand Marshall for the Auburn District Fair Parade. Local Boy Scouts can earn the photography merit badge by completing lessons available through a TV program, "Photo Fun Club." The program was developed by Eastman Kodak. The Penryn 4-H horse project plans a horse show at the Loomis Rodeo Grounds. Gay Shepard is the contact person. George Makimoto made a large-scale change in his farming operations by converting from fruit ranching to cattle raising. He removed his peach, plum and pear trees from the family ranch located two miles east of Loomis. Makimoto replaced the orchards with strawberry clover, akaroa orchard grass and ryegrass for irrigated pasture. He has been a cooperator with the Placer County Soil Conservation District since 1950 and received their assistance with his conversion. Makimoto also operates a service station on Sierra College Boulevard just west of I-80. 75 Years Ago January 1946 Services were held for William E. Tuttle, 86, a Morrisburgh, Canada native and a Rocklin resident for 61 years. He was a retired Southern Pacific engineer and rancher. Corporal Paul Bunicelli, son of Mrs. Manuel Brinzo of Loomis, was released from Camp Beale to become a civilian after 27 months of service in Europe. There were 14 present at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Larkins to give thanks for the safe return of their son, Malcolm. He served with the 358th Engineer Corps in Europe and had not been home for 3 years. Veterans are able to homestead in the rich Tulelake area of Northern California where 7,500 acres of public land are being developed. Applicants are rated on character (15%), industry (20%), capital of $10,000 (30%), and farming experience (35%). Loomis night watchman Pat O'Brien spotted a prowler trying to get into the Blue Fryer Cafe. Pat fired a shot into the air and the guy made fast tracks out of town. It seemed Walter Yowell had one too many when his car got stalled on the Southern Pacific tracks just to the rear of the Wayside Inn in Loomis. Fortunately, someone helped him get out of the vehicle just before the vehicle was struck by a train. Justice of the Peace, G.G. Doty, fined Mr. Yowell $100. The population of Placer County as of January 1, 1946 is 31,700. For Sale: Wiener pigs. C.J. Woodward, 1 mile south of Loomis, across the R.R. track, 2nd house on the left. Have your tractor repaired. Roseville Tractor, 652 Atlantic. Phone 410-J. (Standing Guard-oral histories) Masao "Mas" Sugiyama and his family spent the last few years interred at Tule Lake Relocation Center. After hearing stories that the atmosphere in Auburn and Placer County wasn't very friendly, his parents and sister decided to stay with relatives in Ogden, Utah. Mas went to Buffalo, New York to work at Continental Bakery. He was happy to work in a bakery where it was warm. Buffalo was real cold in the winter.