Wilson Creek area history

The Rev. David H. Crawford compiled and published a history of families in and surrounding Wilson Creek titled, "Family Memories of Wilson Creek Area." The book was printed in 1978, which was the 75th anniversary of the town. David's son, John Crawford, has given permission for those memories to be a part of this column.

Today we begin the story of the Ralph Osborne family:

On May 22, 1886 Ralph Osborne and his twin brother, Randolph, were born in a dug-out along the Arkansas River near Raymond, Kansas. Harriet and Stephen Osborne had a family of six who survived infancy: Elmer, Bill, Elcie (Saunders) , Ralph, Jessie (Smith), and Sam.

Ralph Osborne came to the Big Bend in the early 1900s. His father brought about 500 head of horses over from Cow Creek, south of Ritzville. Bunch grass was plentiful and in the coulee where Ralph camped and herded the horses, there was a lake and quite a lot of salt grass. Located one and a half miles east of what is now the home ranch, it was dubbed the Horse Ranch.

In 1908 Ralph homesteaded nine miles southwest of Wilson Creek, as the crow flies, on the land where he now resides.

E-mail from Cheryl

Facts from the past gleaned from the Moses Lake Herald, Columbia Basin Herald and The Neppel Record by Cheryl (Driggs) Elkins:

From the Columbia Basin Herald on Sept. 28, 1950:

PTA to sponsor parties, dances for teen-agers

First fall meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association was called to order by the new present, Mrs. Henry Naatus, at the grade school cafeteria Thursday night.

O.T. Darling and Edward Hull, high school and grade school principals, introduced the new teachers and Superintendent C.B. McFadden gave a short talk about the financial situation and the need of funds and chance of receiving such aid. Hull explained the air base school and how it was working.

Members voted to sponsor teenage school parties and dances. The financial report of the past year was read. Total income was $1,602.03. Major expenditures were $300 for the Lions Club tennis court; $411 toward basketball tournament expenses, $250 for hot lunches and $268 for skates and the skating circle.

After the business meeting refreshments were served by the committee. Next regular meeting will be held Oct. 19.