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Published on 10/21/1996 All articles from this issue

Pages of the Past

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25 years ago in the Town Crier

The Oct. 27, 1971, issue of the Town Crier noted that the year 1971 marked the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Mayor Richard G. Hansen proclaimed Sunday Oct. 31, 1971, as "National UNICEF Day in Los Altos," and young trick-or-treaters were encouraged to forgo treats in favor of collecting small change in orange and black cartons for UNICEF.

Enrollment of 4,936 in the Los Altos School District was down 275 in October 1971 from the October total one year previous. The number of students was expected to continue decreasing during the following five years, according to Assistant Superintendent Ian Hutcheon.

Spooks, goblins, witches and even "Frankenstein's monster" were expected at the Foothill College Planetarium on the night of Oct. 29, 1971, conveying the spirit of the upcoming Halloween.

The October program at the planetarium was titled "Planetarium Exposé." Those in attendance were assured that, due to their ectoplasmic nature, the unusual visitors would not take up any of the 123 public seats.

50 years ago in the Los Altos News

As reported in the Sept. 17, 1946, edition of the Los Altos News, sales of residential property and orchards in the Los Altos area totaled $125,000 for the previous week. One transaction was the purchase of a residence and orchard on Fremont Avenue for $60,000. The property contained 12.89 acres.

The other sale included 10 acres and a residence located at Mount Hamilton Avenue and San Antonio Road. It sold for $65,000.

The exploits of three local fishermen were so extraordinary that the San Francisco Chronicle carried the story in its sporting green. The three spent a week fishing on the Klamath River. Arthur Fowler landed a 34-pound salmon, John Fowle's fly-casting brought him a 12 1/2-pound steelhead and Edward Landels caught the limit in steelhead.

"Dig out that old straw hat" was the advice of the Mothers' Club of Christ Episcopal Church in announcing a Halloween barn dance Oct. 24, 1946, at the church parish hall on Orange Avenue.

The hall was transformed into a rustic setting with a Halloween theme. There were games and dancing from 8 to 11 p.m.

Mountain View High School's varsity football team, the Eagles, coached by Stan Anderson, defeated Fremont High 27-6. It was a rough and tumble game played on the Eagles' home field.

- Researched by Ellen Shaw

of the Los Altos History House Association