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Published on 03/16/1998 All articles from this issue

Pages of the Past

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25 years ago in the Town Crier

As reported in the March 28, 1973, issue of the Town Crier, David MacKenzie, co-founder of the Town Crier in 1947, was the subject of a California State Assembly resolution. The resolution, introduced by Assemblyman Richard Hayden, commended MacKenzie for his "many outstanding community contributions," and recognized him as "a fine newspaperman, a droll wit and a warmhearted human being."

Assemblymen gave MacKenzie just credit "for high standards of objectivity in news reporting, quality reproduction and photo coverage." They also lauded his column, "Under the Oak," which was widely printed by other papers in California.

A career as a chef was the goal of Awalt High School senior Ron Morrison he was selected by the Los Altos Jr. Women's Club for its March "Spotlight on Youth."

Morrison's early training in cooking began when he was a youngster in a 4-H Club class, and as a Boy Scout when he was usually the one selected as cook on camping outings. His enthusiasm led to high school courses in boy's foods, foreign foods and meal mastery. Ron planned to continue his study and training in San Francisco and then in Sweden and France.

50 years ago in the Los Altos News

As reported in the March 25, 1948, edition of the Los Altos News, March 1948 was the 17th anniversary of the formation of the Los Altos Fire Department. The firefighters looked forward to moving into a modern new firehouse upon completion of its construction.

In the early days of Los Altos prior to 1931, fire fighting was an overwhelming challenge. Other than a "bucket brigade," the village's only fire-fighting equipment was a chemical hose cart, staffed on a strictly voluntary basis by T. J. Woolworth and another volunteer or two. Sometimes they were paid something for their services and the chemicals used by the cart, and sometimes not, in which case they would take up a hasty collection.

Tentative arrangements were under way for the second Los Altos pet parade, scheduled for May 1, 1948. Invitations were extended to all local Cub packs, Boy and Girl Scout troops, as well as other units of school age children. It was hoped the event would continue as an annual Los Altos event.

A coast-to-coast broadcast over NBC of Easter morning services on March 28, 1948, originated from Stanford Memorial Church. It was the second Easter service from Stanford by the networks. The Stanford choir and chorus provided traditional Easter music.

- Ellen Shaw of the Los Altos History House Association