A2 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM
THREE MINUTES WITH …
COMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022
HERMISTON HISTORY
Business saved by hardworking family
25 YEARS AGO
Feb. 4, 1997
ANI JEMMETT
Hermiston
How long have you lived in Hermiston?
I’m 32. That means I’ve lived here for 32 years.
You’ve lived here all your life?
Yup.
What keeps you here?
Honestly, Hermiston is kind of a black hole, so it’s
hard to leave. But I like it here.
What do you like about Hermiston?
Unfortunately, what I like about it is changing. I
liked how small it was, but it is expanding. This is
happening very fast.
What is your favorite restaurant?
I was recently introduced to Midway Bar & Grill in
Hermiston. The food is really good, and the atmo-
sphere is awesome. I don’t drink, so I couldn’t tell
you about that end. But it’s a really nice place with
friendly people.
What was the last good book you’ve read?
Probably the Mercy Thomson series. It’s urban fan-
tasy, but the fun part is that it is based in the Tri-Cit-
ies. I’ve met the author, Patricia Briggs. She shops
here (NW Farm Supply), and so does her husband.
She’s awesome.
Really? What does she buy when she visits?
Actually, in the last few books, her characters have
gotten into horses, so she dove into the horse world.
She’s also gotten into horses herself. She comes here
to get fencing and supplies for them. And her hus-
band, he’s just along for the ride, as far as those
things go.
Do you see yourself ever leaving Hermiston, if
it ever gets too big?
Honestly, probably not. Mostly because I don’t have
funds to uproot.
Have you traveled?
Sure, but probably the farthest I’ve gotten is Sacra-
mento (California).
What did you think?
Old Sac is fun, but way too big and busy.
Do you have any hobbies?
I do some photography. At my house, I raise goats.
I’ve started to get into spinning yarn.
What’s something about goats that would sur-
prise people?
How troublesome they can be. They’re like toddlers;
they get into everything. If it’s new, they get curious
and they have to taste it. They have to put it in their
mouth. It’s like children. I’m running a daycare.
Are you curious, too? Do you like to learn new
things?
Absolutely. Now, with my yarn, I’m working with
fl eece and spinning wheels. It’s a lot to learn. I’m
staying busy.
When Marie Rankin found out that
she could save her husband’s business,
pursue her own passion in business and
stay home with her children, she seized
the opportunity.
In 1983, Rick Rankin started a tro-
phy-making business, R and R Tro-
phies with his friend Ron Hosek. Three
years later, Hosek was transferred and
they learned that Rick, being an Ore-
gon State Police member, couldn’t
work in businesses outside the depart-
ment. So, Marie stepped in.
“R and R Trophies was doing well
enough that we decided I would keep it
as a family business,” Marie explained.
For over 10 years, Marie ran the
business out of a shop adjacent to their
garage. All three of the Rankin chil-
dren, Rob, 22, Kyle, 20, and Hay-
ley, 10, help out from time to time by
answering the phone, assembling tro-
phies, packing trophies into boxes and
other tasks.
They make trophies, plaques,
badges and more — and even use their
own digital designing equipment. Run-
ning a small business without hired
help has proved diffi cult at times.
“I’ve been known to work long
hours out in the shops doing an order,
sometimes until 12:30 p.m.,” said
Marie. But business has been going
well, with the Rankins serving numer-
ous dance teams, athletic competi-
tions and other businesses. For Marie
Rankin, it’s a dream come true.
50 YEARS AGO
Feb. 3, 1972
Hermiston Herald, File
Marie Rankin and her daughter, Hayley,10, put the fi nishing touches on their family
business’s trophies in 1997.
Hermiston Herald, File
Brave volunteers from the Hermiston and Umatilla fi re departments fi ght the fl ames
in the Wilcox Furniture & Appliances store in 1972.
The temperature was freezing in
Hermiston on the morning of Jan. 27,
except for inside the Wilcox Furniture &
Appliances store where a fi re was raging.
No one knows how it happened, but
a blaze of fl ames began around 1 a.m.
The owner, Lester Wilcox, believes
the fi re began near the center of the
12,600-square foot building but doesn’t
have a clue how.
As soon as the fi re was reported, vol-
unteers from the Hermiston and Uma-
tilla fi re departments set to work and
pumped 1,500 gallons of water per min-
ute into the blaze.
Despite their eff orts, the weather was
rather against them. Freezing water in
the drains while not caring to dampen the
power of the fl ames. Finally, well after
daybreak, the fi re was fully extinguished
— but not before much devastation. The
Wilcox building was completely ruined
while adjacent ones escaped without a
scratch. Lester plans to move his busi-
ness to the Umatilla Fairgrounds as a
temporary location until a new store can
be built.
75 YEARS AGO
Feb. 6, 1947
The time for scholarships has come,
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organi-
zation has announced the title for the 12th
Annual Nationwide Essay Contest, “The
Home — Cradle of Good Citizenship.”
This scholarship is open to any
junior or senior high school student in
the United States, including Alaska and
Hawaii. Ten thousand dollars in total will
be awarded to national winners, in addi-
tion to gold medals. The fi rst grand prize
will receive $1,000, the second $500,
third $250 and fourth $100. In addi-
tion, there will be 20 consolation prizes
of cash. While there isn’t a requirement
as for the usage of this money, the VFW
encourages winners to put it towards fur-
ther education.
The local ladies auxiliary decided
that they would award three cash prizes
to local essay entries as well, with a $25
bond for fi rst place, $10 for second and
$5 for third. Educators and editors all over
Hermiston Herald, File
Hermiston Herald, File
In 1972, Teresa Lynn Jones, a Pilot Rick
High School senior, signs up for the
Miss Umatilla County pageant while
chairman of the event Ron Stevenson
observes.
Joseph Whelan, Stanfi eld West Grade
School third-grader, “Jumps Rope for
Heart.” This program raises funds for
the American Heart Association, with
sponsors donating for every minute of
jumping rope.
the country have given this contest their
endorsement, and encourage students to
take advantage of the grand opportunity.
90 YEARS AGO
Feb. 4, 1932
Frank Kugel was rather lucky, hav-
ing survived a night unconscious in the
cold after being the victim of a hit-and-
run driver.
Kugel is a resident of Salem and son
of foster parents Mrs. and Mrs. Karl
Kugel. He had traveled across the state
to visit the home of Rev. F.R. Gibson of
Stanfi eld upon Gibson’s request.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting,
Kugel began the long trek back home
early the next morning. While walk-
ing along the highway on this side of
Boardman, he was knocked uncon-
scious by an unidentifi ed driver. He
laid along the highway from 9 p.m.
until 8 a.m., approximately 11 hours,
until he was discovered.
Rushed to the Hermiston Medi-
cal Hospital, Dr. A.W. Christopher-
son conducted a thorough examination
and revealed a severe cut on his fore-
head and slight fracture. Against all
odds, though still in the hospital, young
Kugel is improving.
———
McKenzie Rose, a sophomore at
Echo High School, searched Hermis-
ton Herald archives to compile these
article summaries.
BY THE WAY
‘The Vanishing Sky’ to be discussed at the Hermiston Public Library
Time is running out for you to read a book along with
a local book club. Bookminders, the Hermiston Pub-
lic Library‘s book club, will meet 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday,
Feb. 8 for their monthly meeting. Held downstairs in the
library meeting room, attendees will discuss ”The Vanish-
ing Sky” by Annette Binder. The library, 235 E Gladys
Ave., has copies of the book available for checkout at its
front desk.
If you miss this month, do not fret. Visit the library on the
following Wednesday to pick up March’s book selection.
• • •
If you like to read and walk, there is a good local oppor-
tunity for you to do both activities at the same time. Sto-
ryWalk is at Hash Park, 440 Pendleton Ave., Umatilla.
Every month, the Umatilla Public Library places pages
from a children’s book in frames that line a trail at the park.
By the time you reach the end of the trail, you will have
read the entire book.
February’s book is called “Crankenstein,” and it was
written by Samantha Berger.
Umatilla librarians said the book will be on the path by
Feb. 5, though it may be out earlier.
• • •
Attention: Crafters. Thursday Crafters meets at the
Hermiston Senior Center at 10 a.m. on Thursday morn-
ings. Crafters are welcome to coff ee, project sharing and
lively discussion. The meeting takes place in the center’s
meeting room. Visitors can bring their project and work on
it while enjoying the company of other crafty people.
• • •
At attention veterans — American Legion Post & Aux-
iliary Unit 37 is hosting Hearts for Veterans. The free din-
ner and social for all veterans and their guests is Saturday,
Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 775 W.
Highland Ave., Hermiston.
A lasagna dinner will be served and Dance Unlimited
will provide entertainment. Those attending are invited to
bring a dessert to share.
The event also features a silent auction featuring more
than a dozen themed baskets. Money raised will generate
funds to be used in projects to support veterans.
For more information, contact Cathy Stolz, auxiliary
president, at 541-571-5816 or cathystolz@gmail.com.
• • •
For fun with you sweetheart, head to the Umatilla Ice
Rink for Valentine’s Date Night. The city of Umatilla is
hosting the special event Monday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. at the
Rink.
Admission is $10 per couple and includes skating to
romantic music and a special date night basket. Space is
limited.
For more information and to register, visit www.umatil-
la-city.org. For questions, contact Hannah Keister, com-
munity development coordinator, at 541-922-3226 or han-
nah@umatilla-city.org.
• • •
The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center menu for
Thursday, Feb. 3, is meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green
beans and dessert. The menu for Tuesday, Feb. 8, is baked
fi sh, coleslaw, vegetables and dessert.
In-house meals will be served from noon to 12:30 p.m.
People planning to dine in are asked to call by 11 a.m.
For a Meals on Wheels delivery in Hermiston, call 541-
567-3582 before 10 a.m. to place an order. To pick up a meal
from the center at 255 N.E. Second St., call before 11 a.m.
Meals are $5 and can be picked up between 11:30 a.m. and
noon.
• • •
The Boardman Senior Center is open for dine-in
lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon at 100 Tatone
St. Meals are $4 for seniors and $5 for others. Take-out
lunches are available by calling 541-481-3257.