Looking back: Man struck by train, businessman enlists in Navy Seabees and divorces announced
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Every week, EastIdahoNews.com is looking back at what life was like during this week in history.
This week is Aug. 16 to Aug. 22.
1900-1925
BLACKFOOT — A well-known Blackfoot citizen known as E.E. Chalmers died Aug. 17, 1904, according to The Idaho Republican. At 11:40 p.m. that night, Chalmers — who was an attorney — was crossing a railroad track when he was struck by a train that was backing up. The paper reported that his body was “badly mangled” and “severed at the abdomen.”
Some citizens went to the scene, but others “avoided the locality till the evidences of death” were removed.
Chalmers was originally from Newbury, Vermont, and was 45 years old at the time of his death. He left behind his wife and three children.
1926-1950
REXBURG — Jesse Walters, the former manager of a Rexburg cafe known as Walters’ Cafe, enlisted in the Navy Seabees and was expected to leave for training on Aug. 22, 1943, according to The Rexburg Standard. The paper said he became the first Rexburg businessman to enlist in the armed service since the start of the war.
He managed the cafe for eight years but planned to close it while he was away. Not only did he leave his business, but Walters left his wife and three children to go serve.
1951-1975
RIGBY — Rigby locals Sandra Lee, Debra, Douglas and Barbara Scholes found a “large asparagus plant” growing on their farm. After the first crop, The Rigby Star said they watched it grow to a height of over eight feet tall and it’s width at the bottom was about 2.5 inches.
In its Aug. 20, 1964, issue, the paper said, “The youngsters brought the very bushy plant to the Star Office where it is now on display. They hope to show it at the Ririe Fair.”
1976-2000
IDAHO FALLS — The Post Register ran a section called “Eastern Idaho News of Record” on Aug. 18, 1976. The section included police reports, non-injury accidents, birth announcements, names of people who received marriage licenses and names of people who were granted divorces.
There were five divorces granted at the time, according to the paper. Along with the people’s names, dates of when the couples were married and which parent(s) was awarded the children, if any were involved, was also announced to the public.
