The 1900's

 

1903
Court Number 1400, St. Boniface Court, of the Catholic Order of Foresters was chartered.

1906
The first roads were macadamized and by 1913, nine miles of road were completed, for a cost of $18,000.

1912
In October, after several large fires, the City of Sublimity formed the Sublimity Fire Department. The fire department acquired one A.G. Long #10 chemical fire engine that consisted of a 45-gallon cylinder tank, two wagon-style wheels, two kerosene lanterns, one axe and one crowbar. Information as to the leadership for the department is sketchy; however, G.H Bell was the president of the fire department at its formation. Many names that are still common today appeared on the early fire department rosters: Zuber, Ditter, Etzel, Ripp, Susbauer, Kintz, Riesterer, and Welter.

1912
The first public well was dug.

1914-15
The Stayton Light Company erected electric streetlights and a special city tax was levied to cover the costs.

1915
The fire department purchased a two-wheeled water barrel cart for $30.

1923
The Knights of Columbus organized St. Anthony’s Council #2439 in Sublimity.

1920s and 1930s
Many sawmills were established in the area. Those operating them had names that are still very familiar in Sublimity: Breitenbusch Brothers, Van Handel Brothers, John Frank & A. Minden, Stuckart & Minden, Frank Etzel, Ted Freres, Amandus Frank, J.B. Van Handel, Sim Etzel, Peter Gries, and Lulay Brothers.

The Sublimity Firefighters sponsored an annual talent show, which built individual interest in various arts and music. There were multiple sports and indoor games, baseball, basketball, and amateur plays. The basketball team was known as the “HAWKS” and frequently won trophies among the seven Santiam Valley teams. East of town on the Zimmerman Place, in 1932, William Lulay built a baseball field with bleachers. Mr. Lulay got a team together and managed its affairs during the season.

1933
The nearby Silver Creek Falls Park is dedicated with 1030 acres and nine waterfalls ranging from 25- to 198-feet tall.

1937
Eugene A. Ditter is appointed fire chief after Chief Tom Reuf died of pneumonia. Eugene “Gene” Ditter served until 1979.

1937
Sublimity Fire Department acquired a 1934 International Pumper. This pumper was the first motorized fire equipment in East Marion County.

1940s
There was a new water system, grade school, two general stores, the building supply and a tavern.

1941
The St. Boniface Hall and Gymnasium building was built for $7500.

1945
St. Boniface High School was constructed for $51,000, just west of the gym. It had tile with brick and the capacity for seven teachers and 100 students.

1948
The Marian Sisters (Catholic order of nuns) built a modern living quarters across the street from the new high school for $52,000.

1949
A new grade school was built on the William Bell Place for $55,000.

1949
The Rural Fire District is formed. One engine is purchased/equipped/ housed and manned at the Sublimity Station.

1979
Chief Ditter retires after 42 years of dedicated service. His successor is Kevin Hendricks.

1987
The Rural Fire District annexes the City Fire Department to become the current Sublimity Rural Fire Protection District.

1989
A new headquarters station is built at 115 NW Parker St.

1991
Chief Hendricks accepts a position at Woodburn Fire as their new fire chief. Jerry Heater becomes the new fire chief of Sublimity.

Additional pumpers, a rescue vehicle, brush rig, tender and command vehicle, along with a second station located on Drift Creek Road and a dedicated core of fire fighters, now complement the fire district’s arsenal.

1995
On November 15, Alan W. McMahen is hired as the district’s first career fire chief. Chief Heater is appointed to the position of assistant chief.

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