When it comes to history, we have a great deal of here in Folsom. While the history books have documented the significant moments in time, there is a there is a hoopla of unique “happenings” that took place throughout the decades that you may not find in those ordinary text books but rather in local periodicals, journals and more.
If you look back through the years, you may be amazed of what was considered “headline news” back in the day. Folsom Times continues to partner with the staff of Folsom History to bring our community a backwards glance of yesteryear here in the community thanks to the work of Shelby Sorensen and Jovia Low.
These two local history talents have spent time digging into the past to bring you History Headlines, an ongoing collection of some of the memorable moments that were the “talk of the town,” back in the day and found in news articles, journals and more. Here’s a look back at some unique moments that took place in the month of June through the years.
June 4, 1920: A “medical man” (likely doctor) cured a patient’s insomnia without prescribing the expected drug. Instead, he encouraged sleeping on one’s right side, elevating the feet, and not using a head pillow.
June 5, 1875: We are pleased to announce that the New Hotel recently built by Mr. W.C. Crossette of this place is now completed. This fine and commodious building known as the American Exchange hotel, is very conveniently located for the accommodation of the traveling public, being on Sutter Street directly opposite the passenger depot on the site formerly occupied by the Post Office building.
June 5, 1936: A car with four Folsom High School students was hit by a Southern Pacific motor car, killing everyone inside the vehicle.
June 7, 1972: Members of the Folsom City Council threaten legal action against the construction of a power line meant to cross Folsom at a point near the Folsom Dam. The Council argues that the line should cross an area without much potential for residential development or even underground.
June 8, 1923: The highest electrical switching station in North America was being built in the Sierra Nevadas, allowing electricity to flow into Nevada and California.
June 11, 1904: The old brick church, which is one of the landmarks of the town, is to be torn down by Whitney & Bean, who have purchased the bricks from Mrs. Louisa Klumpp, who owned the building.
June 12, 1880: A new sidewalk in front of Messrs. Burnham and Meredith’s Drug stores is one of the late improvements noticeable on Sutter street.
June 12, 1931: California hit an all time record of deaths caused by motor accidents, rising 16.84% since the previous year.
June 15, 1994: “Buffalo Soldiers” will share their stories and their significant role in the history of America’s military in a historic march organized by the Folsom History Museum.
June 16, 1955: Vandals at Folsom Lake tipped over two restrooms constructed by the US Army Engineers into the Lake. The engineers were only able to save one.
June 18, 1975: Folsom prepares a proposal to build an airport and is soon meeting with the FAA(Federal Aviation Administration) to determine whether an airport might hinder the Mather military and other aircrafts.
June 18, 1975: The city approves the construction of 62 apartment projects bordered by Wales Dr, Natoma St, and Fargo Way.
June 20, 1885: Notice is hereby given to all persons having hogs or goats running at large that we intend to prosecute for all damages done to our property on and after May 20, 1885. NATOMA WATER & MINING Co.
June 20, 1941: Folsom has been asked to donate to the United Service Organization to support men in military service.
June 22, 1983: It is likely that SMUD and PG&E will need to go to court to resolve their disagreement over the purchase of Folsom power facilities.
June 22, 1983: State-wide Correctional Officer protests reach the Folsom Prison regarding the brutal murders of 4 Chino residents by an escaped mental patient. Correctional officers are angered by the governments’ negligence in the overcrowding and understaffing of these institutions.
June 23, 1966: The Southern California Water Company has filed a petition against the California Utilities Commission to bring down water rates in both Folsom and Rancho Cordova by about 5%.
June 24, 1899: Puttnam, the convict murderer, had the time of his sentence postponed from last Saturday until today. He is trying to get a new trial.
June 27, 1963: The California Fish and Game Commission encourages water companies, utility districts, and other relevant agencies to stock public urban lakes with trout, and to finance such programs with daily fees. This is meant to prevent the trespassing of anglers on private properties.
June 28, 1890: On Wednesday evening the second moonlight dance given by the young men of Folsom will be held at Natoma Grove. Good music will be furnished for dancing, and a general good time will be had.
June 30, 1911: R. Derby, who has been superintendent of dredges for the Natomas Consolidated for the last two years, will leave next week for Oregon, where he will open up a dredging field for the Hammond interests.
June 30, 1950: There will be construction of 750 homes in Mather Field.
To learn more about Folsom’s rich history, take some time to visit www.folsomhistory.org or visit the Folsom History Museum at 823 Sutter Street in Folsom. They can be reached for more information at 9160985-2707.
