Looking Back From the files of The Loomis News

50 YEARS AGO (December 14, 1956 Issue)Chester Ellison, assistant Boy Scout executive, was a guest of Loomis Troop 12 at their regular meeting. The Loomis Boy Scouts sold Christmas trees over the weekend. Fifty members and guests of the Loomis Levis and Laces gathered at the Loomis Grammar School for their December party night. George Makabe arranged and announced the dance numbers, and the square dances were called by Stephen March, Jess Cooley, Eden Reaka and Dick Boundy. Refreshments were served by Melvin and Lillian Belyea and Peggy Sherman.Postmaster Ed Horton announced the local post office will be open all day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 15 and 22, to help shoppers with their Christmas mailing.25 YEARS AGO (December 17, 1981 Issue)Paul Yokote received a Very Important Person plaque from principal Bud Nobili at Del Oro High School's Band and Choir concert. Yokote photographed the high school athletic events and other school activities. Also receiving VIP awards were Kay Miyamura, John and Joyce DuPriest, Emily Russell, Roy and Diane Draper, Roy Hebard and Ron Jones.10 YEARS AGO (December 16, 1996 Issue) A rosary service was planned for Bob "Bo" Butler, 47, after a year-long battle with cancer. Bob graduated from Del Oro High School and Sierra College. He worked for PG&E, PCWA, and for his good friend George Makimoto. For 20 years he worked for Reynolds Metals. He was a founding member of Paul's Place Association.Austin Coyne and Holly Farinha met with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (John and Mabel Lee) at the Christmas in Loomis festival. Carolers entertaining the crowd were Julie Cook, Crystal Waldie, Jennifer Gurnia and Karly and Leanna Orman.Donald Crosby of Loomis reported for duty on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.Pizza Factory continued to be the place for local youth organizations to meet as the Five Cities Softball League met for a board meeting.Nikki Voyiatzes and Patty Mayhew of Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic displayed their winning Christmas tree in a local contest.Gary Gade was the new Mayor of Loomis while Helen Florance won a seat on the town council.Kriste Gragg, a Loomis School and Del Oro graduate, planned to run in the "Team in Training" 26-mile marathon as a fundraiser for the Leukemia Society. Kriste planned to run for Chris Wetzel, a Del Oro student who fought all 17 years of his life to beat this incurable disease. His battle ended tragically. Compiled by Howard Mehl and Howard Stitt