Keep Peerless exterior the same

Dear Gary,

‘What a thankful thing, to at last have an additional restaurant on Main Street again. I welcome this new business and wish the owners all the success possible.

As a resident of Oroville since 1935, the Peerless Hotel has been an icon and an historical building for close to a century. Granted, it was reduced from a three story hotel to a one story restaurant, but the main part of the building still stands as a reminder of the past. I remember, as a youngster, going to the Peerless for a milkshake or ice cream after a show and was always in awe of the spacious lobby of the hotel itself.

In the past, this building also housed an insurance agency, the Pacific Telephone Office, an attorney’s office as well as a doctor’s office, and if I’m not mistaken, it was also the beginning of George’s Variety store. There was a billiard room in the basement that I was never allowed to enter but many is the time that I have leaned on the railing on the entrance to the basement on the south side.

I feel that it would be a sad thing to see the external changed in any way to at least retain the outward look of this historical building. I would like to see the Okanogan Borderlands Historical Society Museum, the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oroville be the frontrunner to try to keep this grand image.

It has been a part of my life for the past 77 years.

Thank you,

Clayton Emry

former owner of the Gazette-Tribune

End of The Peerless?

Dear Gary,

Most everyone that reads this knows that it is very rare when I am at a loss for words, but the showing and sharing of concern for the future of The Peerless has put me in that position….(almost). The love, memories and feelings that many, many people of our Oroville Family have verbalized directly to me has bordered on unbelievable. The organization and physical help by so many of my friends has literally brought me to the point that, if I had never known it before (and I did)… I know that I have friends, real friends!

The hundreds of hours of donated labor to help us sell/remove the items not involved in the purchase of the building and property have created an experience that borders on spiritual. Every single day, I had friends that volunteered their efforts to remove the contents, with many of our local businesses acquiring some of the available equipment not required by the new owners.

Lila and I have donated anything and everything with historical significance to the OBHS, to be shared with the community in the years to come. Probably the only historical item left in the old building is the bullet from the famous shootout that is still embedded in the center post of the coffee shop, and of course….the building itself. The rest of The Peerless is now shared with many local businesses and individuals around the greater Oroville area, so when you see something that reminds you of the many years of The Peerless, you’re probably correct.

Thanks to everyone that came in for our “Piece of the Peerless Sale.” There were many wonderful conversations and memories shared among friends, so when it’s all said and done, “The Peerless may be gone, but she won’t be forgotten.”

And who knows? The Peerless could possibly rise once again from the ashes! After all, It’s happened before…twice!

I sincerely hope that the new owners find it within themselves to retain part of the historical significance of the structure. Time will tell on that, but regardless, “Best of Luck to the Rancho Chico Family!”

See ‘ya round town,

Ken Neal

Oroville

Question the thinking

Dear Editor,

After reading the letter attacking the Republican Presidential candidates from Ron Lowe of Nevada City, California and then a quote by H. L. Mencken, “As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts desire at last, and the White house will be occupied by a downright moron.” With Mencken being a “white guy” I’m guessing Ron is suspicious of a statement like this. But, living in a state that is as far under water financially as the country of Greece, he may see Utopia as just another billion or so away.

As a “zealot” who is no more or less a zealot than the current occupant of the Whitehouse, I question the thinking of the Ron Lowes of this nation. Are the principles of life, marriage instituted by God, legal immigration, the responsible use of taxes and constitutionally limited government offensive to you? Are your God-given rights something you wish to hand over to an all knowing government? When will we know we have arrived at the promised land of “Hope and Change; when unemployment is at 30%, 50% of the people work for the government and the other 50% live off the government, street signs and instructions are written in 20 different languages, or anyone can marry anyone or any thing, just as long as they love each other, and abortion is as inconsequential and guilt free as a tummy tuck? Is the soul of the nation supposed to rejoice because we have so bastardized the constitutional function of government?

Is it now our duty to bow to whatever solutions this great and powerful OZ proclaims? (Let’s force religious institutions to violate their beliefs by making them provide drugs that kill life, let’s marry the military to the civilian police force, third world dictators will be proud to see we have followed their fine example.)

Has a government of the people, by the people, and for the people perished from the earth? Me thinks it has with voters like Ron.

Steve Lorz

Tonasket

Appreciate the compassion

Dear Editor,

The Washington State Patrol would like to thank all the wonderful people of Washington who showed their compassion and care following the tragic death Trooper Tony Radulescu.

When we in law enforcement lose one of our own, the outpouring of support from Washingtonians is a big factor in easing a very difficult time, and helping with the healing process that follows. We find real comfort in a community that cares, and I can assure you, so do the family and friends of the fallen officer.

So on behalf of all of us who work to protect our citizens, I want to express our gratitude for all of the support we have received from the communities, citizens, agencies, media and others. Thank you for the funds, food, time and so much more. Your support helped all involved better grieve and honor Trooper Radulescu’s life.

Trooper Radulescu’s death is not only a loss to our agency and the state of Washington, but to law enforcement as a whole. We are always mindful of the price that is paid to safeguard our citizens. Trooper Radulescu will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your care and kindness,

Chief John R. Batiste

Washington State Patrol