LOOKING BACK From our archives; compiled by Howard Stitt

10 Years Ago May 17, 2012 Services were held for Helen Marie Hewitt, 92, the daughter of French parents living on a sheep ranch. A Loomis resident for 48 years, she spent most of her life as a homemaker involved in all activities that involved her family. Hewitt did her part during World War II by working at McClellan Air Force Base. Services were held at Newcastle Cemetery for Carol Inez Hunt. She worked as a hairstylist, a job she loved. Hunt was well-known for her elaborate quilts and pillows. Longtime Loomis resident Lillie Clover, 92, passed away. A graduate of Roseville High School, she was a member of the California Retired Teachers Association, Lincoln Highway Association and Finlandia Club. Artist Kat Oliver displayed her two metal bra sculptures to be auctioned off during the fourth annual Artful Bra Show. The bra-themed works of art created by local artists are being auctioned to raise money to fight cancer. The South Placer Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects historical sites, is hosting its 12th annual Blue Goose Food Extravaganza. The event raises funds for ongoing maintenance and renovation of the Blue Goose Fruit Shed. Firefighters Brett Palmer and Eric Yacyshyn helped prepare for a spaghetti dinner for the Penryn Firefighters Association to help raise money for needed equipment. The demand for more hay in China had helped lead to a skyrocketing price of hay here. Ted Greenfield, owner of Foothill Feed and Gifts in Loomis, said, "The price for a bale of hay has gone from $13 to $18.75." Karin Sinclair of Sinclair Farms in Newcastle feeds more than 350 animals a day. She said a drought in Australia caused a demand for more U.S. hay to be exported to China. Sonja Hamilton, a Placer School for Adults art teacher, created a demonstration painting for students. The event was held at the historical Williams Pond in Loomis. The student works will be displayed at Cafe Zorro, owned by Williams Pond resident Matt Williams. 25 Years Ago May 15, 1997 Services were held for Leland Francois Valdez, 80, a Sacramento native and a local area resident for 38 years. A World War II veteran, Valdez was a retired warehouse foreman at McClellan Air Force Base. The Placer County Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) will present "A New Beginning" membership drive. Looking forward to the event are Chelsea, Spenser and Jordi, children of Dave and Cindy Oseto. Gerald Brentnall resigned as president of the Loomis Basin Heritage Group, the position he held since the beginning of the organization. However, Brentnall will remain as a member of the board of directors. Bob Meyer was appointed as the new president. Loomis Boy Scout Troop 12 celebrated their 75th anniversary, beginning with a pancake breakfast for the community. Scouts serving the pancakes, prepared by Tom Ferrel and Ross Jackson, Sr., included Aaron Lui and Seth Peterson. Among those enjoying breakfast were Lorene Owen, Bob Hansen, Mary Ann Horton and Howard Mehl. Rae Corbett, representing the Loomis School District teachers, presented a gift to retiring Superintendent Chuck Emerson. Local students awarded degrees from Ricks College were Sheldon Astle, Kyle Jibson and Rebecca Jo Langford. At least 35 members of the Loomis area met at the Horseshoe Bar Grill to exchange ideas. Everyone present "Buried the Hatchet" as a symbolic gesture to start on an even playing field with no past or lingering grudges. Meetings are to be held every two weeks. David Rosenaur offered to host for the first month with businesses or individuals paying for refreshments at future meetings. 50 Years Ago May 25, 1972 Services were held for Ethel Gertrude Bachman, 89, a Kansas native and a Loomis Basin resident for the past 30 years. Services were conducted for Edward Marshall Duvall, a Parcham, Mississippi native and a Newcastle area resident for the past 17 years. He was a member of the Newcastle Methodist Church and owned and operated Duvall's Appliance Service. Marine Private Michael Dequine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Dequine of Loomis, is serving at Camp Pendleton, California. He is a 1971 Del Oro High School graduate. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmy Olkjer, son of Mrs. Hazel Olkjer of Rocklin, was assigned duty as a boiler technician on the attack aircraft carrier USS Midway deployed in Southeast Asia. Marine Private Randol Jones, son of Mrs. Barbara Jones of Loomis, graduated from basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He is a 1971 Del Oro High School graduate. Marine Private First Class Steven Donalson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Donalson and a 1971 Del Oro graduate, also graduated from basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Mike Lee is a candidate for the District Four seat on the Placer County Board of Supervisors. His campaign is based on four issues: water, roads, acquisition of DeWitt State Hospital and youth. The 28-year-old owner of a Loomis grocery store said, "I will insist on the separation of the board of supervisors from the water agency." Lee said it was a mistake not to sell the DeWitt property to help broaden the county's tax base. He added that Placer County "is loaded with notoriously poorly-kept roads." On the topic of youth, some charge that 28 is too young to be on the board. Lee pointed out that Thomas Jefferson was elected to the House of Burgesses at the age of 26 and helped prepare the Declaration of Independence. The total U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam is 95,000, with only 6,000 of those being combat troops. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) is attacking Quang Tri, South Vietnam's northernmost province. The bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong started for the first time since 1968. 75 Years Ago December 1946 Services were held for Mrs. Rachel H. Caldwell, 71, a nearby Clover Valley native. She was married to Elmer Caldwell in 1897 and the couple resided in Roseville, Rocklin and Loomis. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Layton, arrived by ox team in Loomis during the Gold Rush days and later settled in Clover Valley. Mrs. Caldwell was affiliated with the Native Daughters in Roseville, Loomis Woman's Club, Eastern Star and L.A. to B. of R.T. Services were conducted for Elmer Love, 68, a Fiddletown, California native. He operated a dairy near Loomis for a number of years before moving to Roseville with his wife, Catherine. A funeral service was planned for Leonard Francis, a former postmaster in Loomis. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Francis who were engaged in the local fruit business. Leonard passed away in Deming, New Mexico where he was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The 40 et 8 members of Roseville planned a New Year's Eve dinner and dance in the Eagles Hall. Marguerite Webb and Dorothy Day are interested in tiny gardens called "Button Gardens." They shared their knowledge with other members of the Garden Section of the Loomis Woman's Club. Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes and Trigger starred in "Under Nevada Skies," playing in Auburn at the State Theater. Four telephone poles near Micky's Grill in Loomis were torn down when a large freight truck caught a sagging wire. G.W. Webber was installed as the new chief of the Lincoln Fire Department. Miss Alice Law purchased the home of Mrs. Belle Balmer, now deceased. A November tradition is making fruit cake, signaling the beginning of Christmas preparations.