50 years ago (1956)

Planning the final stages of the country-wide Voice of Democracy contest of Everett Junior Chamber of Commerce were Bill Saunders, publicity chairman; Neal Wimmer, judging chairman; Guy Hupe, trophy chairman; and General Chairman Bob Hardy. Preliminary stages of the contest were being conducted in each of the county’s high schools.

Janie Gall of Everett received special recognition for her work in behalf of United Good Neighbors. Nearly every day since Sept. 1, she had reported to the UGN office and volunteered her services.

25 years ago (1981)

Erik Gren, also sometimes known as “The Mad Swede,” was working overtime on the Everett waterfront. His company, Divesco International, was converting a grain barge from top loading to side loading. It was his job to assure the job’s completion by next week, so the barge could be moved to the Columbia River.

The wind huffed and puffed, and torrents of rain gave the Puget Sound area a good shaking as a series of strong storms blew across Western Washington. Everett took a bath in 1.25 inches of rain, and slick roads contributed to accidents.

By Jack O’Donnell from Herald archives at the Everett Public Library