Prosser Our Town In Retrospect
July 17th, 2019 • A Special Supplement to the Prosser Record-Bulletin
“Yet never a doubt, nay, never a fear, Of old, or now, knew the pioneer.” In the name of friendship, this story is affectionately dedicated to those courageous men and women, The Prosser Pioneers, Their families and friends – those who have gone And those who remain.
Pearl M. Mahoney 1950 Prosser Home Town is a series of excerpts taken from the work of Pearl M. Mahoney in 1950. Cover Illustration by Carmac Thompson
Peaceful Valley
There’s a peaceful valley in every human heart A rendezvous from things which disturb the soul; A nook where the beauty of life dominates all; Where calm and peace are abundant And all is well
Roy A Moulton
INDEX Prosser’s First Citizen ....... Page The Three R’s of Emma Warneke.. Page Prosser Mustang’s New Home..... Page The Saga of Hay Creek Jack .... Page Irrigation Experiment Station.. Page The Press...................... Page The Pioneers .................. Page Have You Heard................. Page Day Wages Set ................. Page How Horse Heaven Happened...... Page Benton County Courthouse........Page City Administration ........... Page Benton County...................Page City Government Today.......... Page 6th Street Bridge.............. Page Grant Ave Bridge .............. Page The Eternal Feminine............Page An Appreciation.................Page
Page 2
3 4 4 5 5 7 8 9 10 10 11 13 13 13 14 14 15 15
prosser our town
Prosser’s First Citizens
Col. William Farrand Prosser staked a homestead claim on the banks of the Yakima River in 1882 and for whom the City of Prosser was named, and was a native of Pennsylvania. He was born March 16, 1834, near Williamsport, Pa. Politically, Col. Prosser was a Republican and was the first Republican candidate to file in Trinity County for a seat in the California Legislature in 1860. He received a commission of Major of the Second Tennessee Cavalry Regiment in March 1863; Lieutenant Colonel in the same regiment in 1864 and was made a Colonel in June 1865. He was mustered out on July 6. 1865. On April 6, 1880, he married Miss Flora Thornton and in 1882 Col. Prosser exercised his right of homestead, filing on a claim in the eastern part of Yakima County. In 1886 he was elected Auditor of Yakima County for a term of two years. In 1889, Col. Prosser had the single honor or being one of 75 delegates named to the Constitutional Convention which convened in Olympia July 4 to frame the Constitution for the new state of Washington. He passed away in Seattle on September 23, 1911, at the age of 77 years.
Lewis A. Heinzerling Was a native of Pennsylvania, having been thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Horace Greeley’s quotation, “Go West, Young Man, Go West!” He had already migrated to Missouri and then in 1886, Mr. Heinzerling left his home and his travels brought him eventually to Prosser. Mr. Heinzerling visualized a flour mill at a certain spot on the riverbank below the falls and conferred with Colonel Prosser regarding the matter. This first citizen in turn negotiated with the Chief of the Indian tribe, then camped along the river, and got permission for Mr. Heinzerling to build his “dream mill” at this point. He returned to Missouri to make ready to bring his family to Prosser. Many Indians were camped on both sides of the river near the falls at that season, awaiting the salmon run. Mrs. Nellie Knapp, a daughter of Mr. Heinzerling, in relating the incident, said: “The Lord was more than good to both Indians and whites that year for we had the largest run of
salmon I have ever known.” Mr. Heinzerling was also a bridge builder. The lower bridge over the Yakima River leading to the Rattlesnake was his handiwork and later in 1906, Mr. Heinzerling also built the original Sixth Street bridge across the Yakima River. The brave pioneer and capable and faithful builder of early Prosser, Lewis A. Heinzerling, he passed away 1923 at the age of 80 old.
Nelson Rich Was a pioneer whose name in Prosser and all Benton County is synonymous with honor, honesty, integrity, justice and virtue. Whether he weighed a pound of sugar, platted a piece of land or paid a laborer his day’s wage; his relations with all individuals were based on the principles of the square, the compass, the level and the plumb line. He was given a contract to build the Northern Pacific from Roza to the tunnel. The first store operated by Mr. Rich was located on the southeast corner of what is now the Benton County Courthouse square. Living quarters were maintained in the rear of the building. Later the Rich home, which was a mansion in its day, was erected on the site of the courthouse. Mr. Rich passed away in April 1932 at the age of 88 years old.
prosser our town
Page 3
Prosser Mustang’s New Home
First Teacher, Emma Warneke and First Schoolhouse
The Three R’s of Emma Warneke In another chapter the story of Prosser, is the first schoolhouse, built in 1883, is related in the language of the first teacher, Mrs. Emma Cobb Warneke. As soon as the schoolhouse was completed, the people wanted school to begin. On the south side of the landing was an old cottonwood tree which gave it the name of Lone Tree Landing, the school was called Lone Tree School, and commenced the 20th of June,1884. The furniture was very crude but no complaints were made. Mrs. Rich donated a chair for the teacher. There was a blackboard but no crayon. They sent to Yakima for it; word came back that they did not handle it, so they had to send to Portland - it took two weeks to get it. A carpenter sent us a piece of carpenter
chalk to use until the crayon arrived. There were 21 students enrolled, 16 local and five came with the railroad workers. Women were allowed to vote that year in Washington, the law being repealed soon after. The polling place was in the new schoolhouse. Grover Cleveland was elected president. Warneke received $45 per month. Miss Clara Ward was the next teacher. The Prosser school home was torn down and part of the homestead is now Prosser park. NO MATTER how primitive the settlement the people begin to build a community, always knew of the three R’s: readin’ and ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic. Whether they are “taught to the tune of the hickory stick” depends upon the teacher and his method of persuasion.
The final concept for Prosser’s new high school should fulfill the educational needs of the city for years to come. Architects West (AW), the primary architectural firm responsible for Prosser’s new high school design, shows us the proposed view of Prosser’s new facility. AW had initially considered three building location placements for comments and questions from a series of public meetings. The design team, taking the shape, elevations and existing facilities of the site into
consideration, identified the three site options as Hillside, Central and Hilltop in their preliminary drawings, each of which further considered public usability, parking, cost and efficiency among other important use concepts. The site analysis also considered flexibility, accessibility, efficiencies and visual elements for each of the building placement considerations. Each design has its pluses and minuses, according to the design team, as building foundations, excavating and existing facilities cost factors were taken into account. Future expansions of the school’s facilities were also considered. Ground breaking for the new high school starts in early 2019 and to be completed in 2020. The public meetings were well attended by interested citizens and many questions addressed by the design team to come up with this final concept.
58 Great Years Serving The Prosser Community
Experience Our No-Pressure Sales
Service Hours:
Let Our Professional Sales Team Find You the Right Vehicle!
Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mon. - Fri. 9-7 • Sat. 9-6 • Sun 10-5
314 6th Street • Prosser hallchevbuick.com • 509-786-2666
Call for an Appointment Today!
We Service All Makes and Models!
Page 4
prosser our town
The Saga of Hay Creek Jack In every new settlement there usually appears sooner or later, an individual who suddenly comes from nowhere, and after the excitement and first rush is over that same individual, just as suddenly, disappears from sight and no one knows when, where, or why he left. Such is the story of one Bert Richie, better known in the early days as “Hay Creek Jack,” whose ingenuity not only put dollars into his own pockets but also rendered valuable services to the pioneer community of Prosser. It was characteristic of our subject to cruise over the hills, around the country side and along the river banks. To the onlooker, he was going no place, but was on his way. It was on one of these exploratory trips up the river that “Hay Creek Jack” located a sand bank some two miles west of Prosser. This rugged individual realized that he had made “a good find” and it remained for his ingenious mind to contrive ways and means of bringing his find to market. So it was, according to oldtimers, that “Hay Creek Jack” first built a sand barge on which to load sand and float it downstream to the unloading dump. But how to get the empty barge back up stream for reloading was something else again. This puzzler might have baffled some men but not our “Hay Creek Jack.” He erected a dead man at the up-river point and the empty barge was drawn back to the loading spot by a handoperated windlass. Thus the much-needed commodity was soon on the market and contractors and builders alike were jubilant at being able to supply their building needs with this very fine quality of white sand at a home market. “Hay Creek Jack” was a man of very definite likes and dislikes. If he disliked a person he refused to have anything to do with him - he would not even sell him sand. So it happened that a contractor for one of the early school buildings needed sand to complete his job. At this point there was a clash of personalities, and the sand man would sell no sand to this particular individual. No sand, no work meant no school building. So it became necessary for the school board (supervisors) to intercede in the deal and buy the sand directly. Soon thereafter the brick masons were back at their work. After several months of real labor operating the hand
prosser our town
windlass, “Hay Creek Jack” conceived the idea of installing a gasoline motor on the barge. He also discovered that near the sand bank the river bed was covered to a considerable depth with an even finer quality of sand, which was later placed on the market. So, interested did he become in his work he built living quarters on the sand boat and practically lived on the river. There may still be several people living in Prosser, who recall the putt-putt of the motor as “Hay Creek Jack” rode up and down the river, plying his trade. Later, Ritchie disposed of his barge and sand business to Jean Leauthier of Prosser and took off for newer, and perhaps
Sand barge on the River Tweed to be made into lime plaster after being riddled and graded.
greener, pastures. An oldtimer surmised that “Hay Creek Jack,” tiring of his earthly
possessions, had exchanged the sand bank for a “gold mine in the sky.”
Irrigation Experiment Station Created in 1917 as a unit of the Washington Agriculture Experiment Station, it was not until 1919 that funds were appropriated for its development and operation. The station, which was located about five miles northeast of Prosser, at that time consisting
of about 200 acres of Sagemoor fine sandy loam soil and was virgin sagebrush land. The staff at the station included 21 men. Of this number seven were employed by the State College of Washington, seven by the United States Department of
Agriculture, three jointly by the State College of Washington and the U. S. Department of Agriculture, two by the State Department of Agriculture, and two jointly by the State College of Washington and the State Department of Agriculture.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!
250 Gap Road · Prosser 509.786.1841 · BentonPUD.org
For any size job... please call 48 hours before you start a digging project to protect you and prevent damage to utility services. Page 5
Our Mission & Programs Our mission: To inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our Programs: The Arts, Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health and Life Skills , and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. • We serve an average of 100 kids and teens daily • We have a designated offsite Teen Center with Career and College Prep help
https://www.facebook.com/prosserclubs/ or https://greatclubs.org/prosser-clubs/
PROSSER BRANCH
The Press
No story about the early history of any community is complete without due consideration of the press. Following closely on the heels of the schools, the churches and the fraternal orders comes the newspaper man. Of all the forces which figure in the building of a new community none are more potential than the weekly newspaper. The people look to the press, and rightly, to keep them informed upon the possibilities and probabilities of their home town community. At one time, to the writer's own knowledge, Prosser had three newspapers. They were The Prosser Record, with admitted socialistic tendencies; The Republican Bulletin, a Republican press, and The Benton Independent, so-called because of its non-partisan claims. The first known newspaper in Prosser, The American; was established in 1893, but ceased publication in 1896. The first owner of The Record, established on December 2.9, 1893, was A. W. Maxwell, who sold out after a year to August & Brownlow. The next owner of The Record was George E. Boomer, who took over about 1900. On June 26, 1902, The Prosser Falls Bulletin made its bow to the public with H. G. Guild, a newcomer from Salem, Oregon as editor. It is presumed that this paper became The Republican Bulletin about 1903, when E. L. Boardman was publisher. Other editors passing in
review were Allison, Brownlow & Guiles, Halsey R. Watson, and in 1910 this paper was leased and later purchased by W. R. Sproull, a newcomer from Kansas. The Benton Independent was organized in November, 1909, by H. A. Wells and L. L. Lynn. This venture was not too successful. The Record venture too failed in 1915, and in 1916 the plant was purchased by W. R. Sproull, then publishing The Republican Bulletin. Soon after that date the Republican Bulletin shop was oper ated by W. E. Tyler and L. A. Ryno for several months until Mr. Ryno went into service in World War I. Shortly after his return from service The Republican Bulletin consolidated with the Independent-Record. This consolidation gave the people of Prosser the Record-Bulletin under the publishers' names of Sproull, Tyler and Ryno. In 1920 Sproull became the sole owner and publisher until 1928, when Robert E. Gay purchased the plant. Mr. Gay was editor of the RecordBulletin for 21 years until his demise on December 9, 1949. Mrs. Olga Todd Gay, the former associate editor, was then the sole owner and publisher of the paper and with her son, Richard W. Gay, as editor and manager. The Prosser Record-Bulletin continues to be one of the best weekly newspapers in the state. The paper has a wide circulation, a fine coverage of valley news, and enjoys an enviable patronage.
SUN TERRACE PROSSER ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE A Regency Pacific Community
Full-time RN • 24/7 Care Staff • Certified Nursing Assistants Homecooked Meals • Full-time Activity Director Transportation and Local Outings • Beauty Salon by Appointment Beautifully Landscaped Courtyards • Full-time Maintenance Supervisor
2131 Wine Country Road • Prosser • 786-3300 www.regency-pacific.com prosser our town
Bonnie’s Vine and Gift A fine assortment of Unique Gifts & Collectibles Gourmet Cheese & Food
Gluten Free Foods Specialty Wines of Washington State and the Yakima Valley 329 Wine Country Road Prosser • 509-786-7000 Open 7 Days a Week
Page 7
The Pioneers
Emery William Russell Taylor, was born to George S. and Nancy McLaughlin Taylor in Lucas Co., Iowa on May 12, 1859. He came to Washington State with his parents in 1866. He moved to Prosser in 1888 where he bought a F l o u r
Someone has said that next to Honor, Courage is the greatest quality of the mind. What finer tribute could be paid to our pioneers?
(L) Laura came to Prosser with her husband C.L. Royer in 1904. The family settled in the Rattlesnake Hills. In 1953 she was named “Queen Mother” of the Prosser States Day Celebration.
We are Open when the Bridge is Closed... Just Drive by the Barricades
Mill on the Yakima River. The mill produced 200 barrels of flour per day. He and his wife Annie Sutton had six children: Pearl, Arthur, Roy, Claude, Edna and George. After Annie died, he married Miss Mae Widby who owned a candy store. He also owned a General Store in Prosser from 1890 to 1910. He was a member of The Commercial Club and IOOF. He died in 1949.
Safe Travels Asada Fries Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday Full or Half Orders
Fresh hot deli food Inside Seating or Take-Out Online Ordering available at smokengas.com or with our new app, Wheeler’s Deli
Emery William Russell Taylor, First Mayor of Proser with his family.
Street Tacos
is HERE!!
BBQ Ribs
Espresso Drinks
Quesadillas
Passion Tea Redbull Drinks Italian Sodas
Weekly Specials Drive-Up Window
Yakima Nation Reservation Hunting & Fishing Permit
River View School, Prosser WA 1902 - Photos Courtesy of WA Rural Heritage
Asian Cuisine
Ceviche
Every Weekend
Menudo
All Day Sundays
PROPANE TANKS
7453 Sunnyside-Mabton Hwy 509-894-4080 · Hours: 5am - 9pm Daily
Keene Riverview School today.
Elementary
Page 8 prosser our town
Have You Heard?
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
That the first election in Prosser was held on February 11,1899? That E. W. R. Taylor was the city’s first Mayor? That the members of the first City Council included James Whiting, G. W. Anderson, Joseph Ponti, Fred Berndt, C. H. Denley,and Carl Jensen? That A. G. McNeill was the first City Marshal? That Mrs. W. F. Prosser was the first acting postmaster in Prosser? That John Chisholm came to Prosser in 1891: that he was superintendent of the Prosser Falls Land and Irrigation; that he organized the first telephone company in Prosser? That the first entertainment given in Prosser was a benefit dance to raise funds for furnishing the new schoolhouse; and that Mrs. W. F. Prosser and Mrs. Nelson Rich were hostesses? That H. W. Creason erected the first blacksmith shop in Prosser in 1884? That Albert Smith was called from Bozeman, Mont.,in 1898 to become miller for the Taylor Milling Company;and that in 1899 Ezra Kemp bought an interest in the Prosser Flour Mills and the firm became known as Taylor & Kemp? That Cassius Creason was the first white child born in Prosser; that he was born in November, 1884, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Washington Creason? That Joseph Smart moved to Prosser in 1892;that he built the Lape Hotel (old Prosser Hotel) and the Catholic Church? That Willis Mercer came to the territory of Washington in 1886 and that he was raising wheat and for several years was in the sheep business; that he also served on the City Council? That Charles A. Warner, known as Prosser’s “Strawberry King,” came to Prosser in 1899? That the “Prosser Queen” was the one and only steamboat which operated on the Yakima River in the early 1890’s? That “Pilot” was the name of the winning horse in the early horse-racing days in Prosser? That he was owned by Thorp Roberts? That Prosser’s early racetrack included the acreage now occupied by the high school, the city park, and “Henacres,” the poultry farm of E. R. Wells & son?
Open House Saturday July 20th
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alpaca breeders John and Jennifer Ely specialize in new farm start-ups, mentoring customers to succeed in the growing U.S. alpaca fiber and livestock industries.
Alpacas . . . the perfect livestock for small acreage . . . gentle, intelligent, eco-friendly, fun and profitable. Breeding Stock • Fiber Herds • Pets/4-H Learn more about owning alpacas for fun and profit. Farm tours daily by appointment. Call today to schedule yours!
Prosser, WA • (509) 786-4507 • www.sagebluffalpacas.com
“Let Our Family Help Your Family”
Manley Crop Insurance
Our local team of agriculture insurance specialists has the knowledge and experience to help agricultural enterprises of all sizes get the coverage they need to protect against disaster. manleycropinsurance@gmail.com Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer
DREAMING UP THE IDEAL
RETIREMENT
IS YOUR JOB. HELPING YOU GET THERE IS OURS.
Whether retirement is down the road or just around the corner, if you’re working toward your goals now, the better off you’ll be. At Edward Jones, we take a long-term perspoective. So, we recommend our clients buy high-quality investments and hold onto them. To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call today.
Evan Tidball
509-786-7730 • TOLL FREE 1-888-786-7730 • FAX 1-509-786-4554
424 Wine Country Rd • Ste 2 • Prosser
Financial Advisor 1119 Meade Avenue Prosser, WA 99350
509-786-7787
Have You Heard ? With Your Subscription You Get Free Access to the Website and Our App
www.thenewsatvalleypublishing.com & News at Val Pub app prosser our town
Page 9
www.edwardjones.com member SIPC
Day Wages Set
The matter of wages paid for help on the county road also received a good airing at the July meeting of the County Commissioners. The schedule finally adopted was $3.00 per day for road supervisor; $2.50 for road foreman, $1.75 for laborer; a two-horse team for county road work was allowed $1.50 per day.
CARING
for Your Pets Like Family
How Horse Heaven Happened James Kinney of Prosser, who enjoyed the distinction of being one of the pioneers of the Yakima Valley, said he named Horse Heaven in 1881. Formerly it was called the Bedrock Springs Country. Mr. Kinney was going down the valley one day and camped overnight below Prosser. Upon awakening the next morning, he found his horses had strayed and the tracks led up the mountain side and over into an upland plain beautiful to behold. There he found the runaway horses, cropping the succulent bunch grass with apparent great relish. ‘Surely this is a Horse Heaven,’said Kinney to himself. Others tried to call the district Columbia Plains but Mr. Kinney’s name stuck and it has been known as such ever since - and that is how the Horse Heaven happened.
The Quilted Country Inn
We are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive veterinary care to each and every pet who comes through our door. From routine checkups to advanced surgery, we are equiped to handle all of your pet’s healthcare needs.
A beautiful six bedroom four bathroom Inn with a large deck and gazebo overlooking the Yakima River
The Sewing Basket 460 Wine Country Rd · Prosser
509-786-1393
Monday - Friday 7:45 - 5:30 Saturday 9 - 3:30
Located next door has over 12,000 bolts of high quality fabric, notions, readymade quilting kits and smaller projects in a bag.
Open 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
1108 Wine Country Road, Prosser. You can also see fabric and order online.
email prossersewingbasket@earthlink.net Reservations 509-786-7367 www.prossersewingbasket.com
Matt Manley Insurance Agency
NEW Optometrist In Town!
Prosser Eye Care Dr. Cameron Seidel 24 Years of Experience
Call for Appt. 509-781-6565 Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays by Appointment
Closed for Lunch 12:30 - 1:30
714 6th Street • Prosser www.prossereyecare.com
Matt Manley, Agent
"Let
Our Family Help Your Family "
PHONE 509-781-6300 · CELL 509-830-2866
AUTO · HOME · LIFE · BUSINESS Let me assist you in identifying the insurance coverage to best fit your needs! I have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options.
364 Chardonnay Ave · Ste 5 · Prosser mmanley@farmersagent.com
Benton County Courthouse
burned in 1913 and was later re-built by Mary Long as her home. In 1950 it was used as the VFW Club. It is located on 6th Street on the south side of the bridge. This postcard (above) was mailed September 22, 1919.
County Courthouse was erected in the square which is skirted on the east and west by Main and
Market Streets and on the north by Dudley Avenue and Prosser Avenue on the south.
Courthouse
The Prosser Falls Irrigation Company built the Riverside Hotel (above) in 1889 and had a dedication on April 16, 1894. The building later housed the Benton County Courthouse and then a sanitorium. The building
The county seat of government was later moved to the Central Hotel building on Sixth Street and then several months later the county business was transacted in the Viles Block on Seventh Street. In 1926 the new $60,000
The historic Benton County Courthouse was originally constructed in 1926. In 2015 upgrades were completed on the county courthouse. Since 1905 the County Seat has been in Prosser where the majority of the population was. Although that population has shifted, the seat still remains in Prosser.
WE WORK FOR YOU
It’s not something you expect to hear from an electric company. But, we’re not your typical utility. We’re a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative. We want to help you save energy so you can save your hard earned money.
YOUR SOURCE OF POWER AND INFORMATION Visit BentonREA.org to discover the power of your co-op membership. prosser our town
Page 11
BECKY’S COFFEE CORNER & VIDEO • 786-0747
Pictured l to r: Becky Jansen, Holly Rojas, Gillybean Rojas, Lilly Jansen, Patti Barrett and Katie Martin
Becky and Harmon Jansen are the owners of Becky’s Coffee Corner & Video. They started the business 16-1/2 years ago. Serving great coffee concoctions and other specialty drinks - along with making great sandwiches & soup! Stop by and try one of the lunch specials offered daily. We have Video Rental 786-0748 (Movie Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10-5:00, Fri.& Sat. 10-6:30), books on CD and Tape, along with book exchange. You can also visit us at the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Come sit and do a puzzle, play a board game, relax on our sofa while you read a magazine or sit around and chat and enjoy the best coffee in town.
Stop By & Go Old School
Hours: Monday - Friday 7-5
Saturday 8-6:30 • Closed Sundays
1120 Meade Avenue Play Some Vinyl & Cassettes Prosser •786-0747
Benton County As early as 1883, a part of the mother county of Yakima was subdivided and became Kittitas with Ellensburg as the county seat. After Washington territory became a state in 1889, people in the southeastern part of Yakima County began to fret and fume about the distance they must travel to Yakima City to transact business. So, it was that early in 1901 the political pot began to boil and there was talk of a new county being formed. It was generally conceded that Representative Nelson Rich expected to introduce a bill creating the county of Riverside with the dividing boundary running north and south through a point three miles west of Mabton. The Yakima Herald dated February 14, 1901, had the following to say about the issue: “It is quite probable that those agitating for a division of the county-namely, those inter ested in making Prosser a county seat-will meet with but poor success, for remonstrances are pouring in from all quarters and thus far Representative Rich has been persuaded not to introduce the bill. Klickitat County is fighting the scheme as the new county would embrace several precincts of the Horse Heaven country. The scheme is doomed to failure.” Nevertheless, the measure, known as House Bill No. 120, was introduced but was never voted upon. The county division question again came to the fore in 1902. A mass meeting attended by 100 people was held in Rich’s hall in Prosser. 30 Delegates were present from Mabton, Sunnyside, Kiona, Rattlesnake, and Prosser. Representative Rich presided. A committee consisting of one - from each precinct was appointed to define the boundary lines of the pioposed new county. Petitions were circulated, then in 1903 a bill was introduced by Representative Wells calling for the organization of a new county to be called McKinley County that did not meet the universal approval of the Sunnyside folk, so the dissension resulted in the defeat of the bill. However the next session of the state legislature convened in 1905, March 8 a measure was passed which created the new unit of government - Benton County, so named after U. S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri. By action taken by the board of commissioners in their first meeting in 1905, a contract was entered into with George J. Hessehnann, owner of the Hotel Riverside, for the use of the building as a courthouse at a rental of $60 per month.
KD’s Country Floral Full Service Floral Shoppe
Stop By and Enjoy Our Wonderful Appetizers and Entrees! El Caporal opened in 1998. They are a family owned business offering wonderful service in a great family atmosphere. Their family was honored to be voted Prosser Small Business of the Year in 2004. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. You can start out with one of the delicious appetizers and then order one of the many entrees available on the menu. Lunch specials are served daily and there are many combination plates to choose from. Enjoy a cocktail, or beer or one of the best margaritas around from our full service bar. We are one of eleven El Caporal Restaurants!
EL CAPORAL 624 6th Street Prosser · 786-4910 Bienvenidos Amigos
Karen Don - Owner and Floral Designer with over 30 years Experience
Fresh Flowers • Plush • Plants • Sweet Shop Truffles Balloon Bouquets • Candy Cakes • All Occassion Gifts Weddings • Funerals • Birthdays • Anniversaries
Open Monday-Friday 9-5:30 • Saturday 10-3
786-0048
409 WINE COUNTRY ROAD • PROSSER In Wine Country Villa Across From Prosser Airport
Page 12
prosser our town
City Administration In 1950 the City Administration of Prosser was headed by Mayor, D. E. Heald. Other elective and appointed officials included; C. M. Stoll, clerk; E. R. Eagleson, treasurer; Herbert H. Davis, attorney; Don Eniott, City Superintendent; and Clifford Rolph, Chief of Police. City Councilmen included: Murl Smith, Wallace Gardner, Paul Sampson, Jerry Johnson, Maynard Stradling, R. A. Nickolaus, and Gordon Beck.
BJ Paint & Carpet Inc.
City Government Today The Weather Is Just Right For Exterior Painting! The City operates under a Mayor-Council form of government with seven elected Council Members serving 4-year terms. Currently our Mayor is Randy Taylor with Council Members: (from L to R) Bob Elder, Morgan Everett, Mary Ruth Edwards, Don Aubrey, Steve Becken, Stephanie Groom and Rob Siemens. Citizens are always welcome to participate in City Council Meetings. Meetings are routinely held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month and begin promptly at 7 p.m. City Council also conducts a work session on the 1st Tuesday of each month beginning at 7 p.m.
Population Prosser 5,940 Benton County 190,500 Washington State 7,183,705
Police The Prosser Police Department is located at 1227 Bennett Avenue. The Department consists of Police Chief David Giles, a Police Records Clerk/ Administrative Assistant, Administrative Secretary, and 13 Commissioned Officers.
Schools Housel Middle School, 2001 Highland Drive
City Park EJ Miller Park Crawford Park Farrand Park Market St. Park Grant St. Park Rotary Park Whitehead Fountain Park Depot Square
prosser our town
Livestock-Friendly Fade-Resistant Barn & Fence Paint Red & White In Stock Flat, Satin and Semi-Gloss
• Durable, tough finish • Thick, full-bodied application • Provides mildew resistant coating • Can be applied down to 350 (20C) • Soap and water clean-up
1206 Stacy Ave. • Prosser • 786-4652 Hours: M-F 8-5:30 • Sat 9-3 • bjpaintandcarpet.com
Keene-Riverview, 832 Park Street Prosser Heights Elementary, 2008 Miller Ave. Prosser High School, 1203 Prosser Ave. Whitstran Elementary School, 10201W. Foisy Road.
Parks The City of Prosser owns and operates nine city parks totaling nearly 27 acres of recreational opportunities for public use. All of the parks are open every day and several of the parks are available to rent for a fee. Each park has a variety of amenities to offer for your birthday party, family, or class reunion. Our parks are:
Miller Acri-Lite™ Velvet Premium Exterior House Paint
Telephone: (509) 786-1711 E-mail: editor@recordbulletin.com
The Fournier Family Publisher Victoria Walker - General Manager / Managing Editor Annette Jones - Office Manager Rebecca Howell - Production Manager Trudy Hatch - Production / Print Dianne Buxton - Advertising Consultant Chuck Walker - Writer Member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
ELFERS-LYON PHARMACY Working Together To Keep Your Family Healthy!
Friendly Staff... Professional Service
WE IMMUNIZE...
Prevar 13 • Pneumovax 23 Tdap (Whopping Cough) • HepA & HepB Typhoid • Gardassil
We Can Fill Prescriptions From All Doctors We Bill Most Insurance Companies
Serving All Your Pharmacy Needs Since 1961 Hours: M-F 9-6 • Closed Sat. and Sun.
820 Memorial Street • Suite 2 Prosser • 786-3200
Located in the Valley Vista Medical Center Building Page 13
6th Street Bridge Built 1906 Grant Avenue Bridge Built 1911 The original Sixth Street Bridge, a seven span wooden truss structure, was built in 1906 by F.W. Berndt and L.A. Heinz for $10,500. McRae Brothers of Seattle began construction of the present Sixth Street bridge June 1930. This structure composed of five open spandrel concrete
arches. The approach spans is 677 feet in length and cost $85,153. 12 concrete lampposts topped by iconic capitals line its railings. Governor Roland Hartley addressed a crowd of 3,000, including town founder Colonel William Prosser’s widow and son, at the formal opening May 6, 1931.
A preliminary study begun in July of 1980 considered replacing the old Steel Bridge across the Yakima River at Grant Avenue, according to then Benton County Engineer, Dale Bean. School buses, all trucks and fire engines were prohibited from using it for several years. The Bridge was built in 1911 and was the main crossing for persons living in the northeast of Prosser. According to the Library of Congress, the Grant Avenue Bridge was significant as the oldest and least altered example of a two-span pin-connected Parker truss within the state. It was also the only existing highway bridge within the state that demonstrates the once common practice of erecting a short pony truss approach span in combination with longer through trusses, say the Library’s engineers.
Shy’s Pizza Connection 1306 Meade Ave · Prosser · 509-786-4095
A Place Where Friends & Family Connect Big Screen TV · Game Room · Large Parties Pizza · Famous Chicken & Jo’s · Sandwiches · Appetizers Fresh Salad Bar · Lunch Specials · Beer & Wine
Seen above is a shepherd herding lambs at the Yakima River for water under the Grant Avenue Bridge. The shown Bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1986.
A Special Thanks to Our Partners, Volunteers, and All the Participating Businesses!
Creating a Vibrant and Prosperous Downtown!
Sponsored Events •Monthly Cash Mob •Sip & Stroll •Seuss on the Loose •Kids' Activities at Farmers' Market • Streetscapes Car Show •Caren Mercer- Andreasen Street Painting Festival •Pumpkin Palooza •Downtown Trick-or-Treating • Shop Small Saturday 1230 Bennett Ave • historicdowntownprosser@gmail.com •12 Days of Christmas Find us on Facebook at Historic Downtown Prosser •Sing it Forward Page 14
prosser our town
The Eternal Feminine They talk about a woman’s sphere as though it had a limit, There’s not a place on earth or heaven, There’s not a task to mankind given There’s not a blessing or a woe, There’s not a whispered ‘yes’ or ‘no, There’s not a life, or death, or birth, That has a feather’s weight of worth Without a woman in it. -Anon.
AN APPRECIATION "Spring is Measured in beauty; Autumn with fullness of seeds; Time is measured in minutes, Life is a span of deeds."
Prosser Funeral Home & Crematory Professional and Compassionate Care - Cremation Services On Site Crematory - Burial Services - Urns & Jewelry - Headstones - Free Pre-Planning Consultation
Carlen Majnarich Owner Steve Bradley
Funeral Insurance
1220 Sheridan Avenue • Prosser • 786-3642 prosserchapel@embarqmail.com www.prosserfuneralhome.com
Sister to Sister 10 Merlot Drive Prosser (next to Starbucks)
(509) 786-7467 • Home Decor • Clothing • Jewelry • Accessories • Hobo Handbags • Kitchen Goods • Gourmet Foods • Lighting • European Soaps • Body Lotions • Candles & Diffusers • Baby • Artisan Gelato
Bakery
Complimentary Gift Wrapping • Mon. - Sat. 9-6 • Sunday Noon -5 • take Exit 80 off I-82 prosser our town
Page 15
