First baby born in Idaho Falls in 1952 arrives and preacher sent to insane asylum
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IDAHO FALLS — EastIdahoNews.com is looking back at what life was like during the week of Dec. 30 to Jan. 5 in east Idaho history.
1900-1925
BINGHAM COUNTY — A Presbyterian preacher in Bingham County was committed to the insane asylum, The Blackfoot Optimist reported on Jan. 1, 1914.
Charles Swartz was “charged with insanity” by Rev. J.H. Barton. Swartz had a hearing before Judge Jensen where it was decided he would be taken to the insane asylum.
“The unfortunate man, who is 33 years of age, has been exhibiting signs of a deranged mind for the past two weeks,” the article states. “There is nothing offensive or dangerous about him, and it is thought his imbecility is but temporary.”
1926-1950
IDAHO FALLS — A child was burned by hot coffee and rushed to the hospital after suffering severe burns, the Idaho Falls Post Register reported on Jan. 2, 1934.
LeJean Watkins caught her arm in a cord attached to an electric percolator and accidentally poured the hot liquid on her, scalding her shoulder and left side of her body.
She was at home when the incident happened and was rushed to the LDS Hospital. The Post Register reported the day after her accident that she was improving.
1951-1975
IDAHO FALLS — The first baby born in Idaho Falls in 1952 was born shortly after the new year began, the Idaho Falls Post Register reported on Jan. 1, 1952.
The baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Andrus at the LDS Hospital at 12:42 a.m.
“With this honor the young gentleman will receive many valuable gifts offered by Idaho Falls merchants to the first baby of the new year,” the paper reads. “Of the 22 prizes offered to the lucky baby, three will go to the mother and one to the father.”
1976-2000
POCATELLO — Two men failed to pay after loading two shopping carts full of merchandise and walking out the businesses front doors, the Idaho State Journal reported on Jan. 2, 1976.
Osmyn K. Anderson, 22, and Douglas Charles Carlson, 26, were arrested shortly after the merchandise had been reported stolen. More than $450 worth of items were taken from Grand Central and $250 worth of items were stolen from Osco Drug.
“Both thefts were accomplished by loading shopping carts full of goods and walking past the cash registers,” the article reads.
The men were arraigned before Judge Dell Smith and bond was set at $1,000 each.