From this Chair...

FIFTY YEARS AGO-Reuby Anderson (left) and Judy Wilfong modeling matching outfits for which Reuby won the Clearwater County 4-H Style Revue.

By Cloann McNall

It’s Fair time in Clearwater County and this is my favorite event of the year. I like the crowds of people, the smell of food, the carnival music and lights, exhibits, shows and parades.

Let’s go back in time…imagine Fair time around 1959-1960 when teenager Reuby (Anderson) Curfman won the Clearwater County 4-H Style Revue. Her 4-H leader was possibly the late Mary Peterson, Reuby said. “It’s been a long time ago so it’s hard to remember the details.”

Her parents were the late Reuben and Rose Anderson.

Reuby, who is married to Pete Curfman, former county commissioner, said Monday she had an old Clearwater Tribune photo of her modeling the  award winning princess style dress of white flocking with blue dots.

The child, wearing a matching dress, in the picture with Reuby is Judy Wilfong, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Wilfong.

The dress was made for Lynette Gentry, who was unable to attend the style revue that night.

Reuby said she took eight years of sewing in 4-H and remembers modeling a black velvet dress and a plaid dress. She said, “I loved the black dress and still have it.”

And, yes, she does remember the name of her 4-H Club, the Banner Beavers.

Back then the Style Revue was held at the junior high school. All the 4-H open class exhibits and animals were in the same building with the animals at the end of the building where the flower and hobby exhibits are now.

A 1961 graduate of Orofino High School, Reuby said “back then I thought, if I ever have a daughter I’m gonna sew. I don’t sew much anymore.”

Well, she and husband Pete had that daughter, Cindy, who now lives in Ahsahka and is married and has a family of her own.

The Curfmans also have a son, Ben, who lives at Cavendish with his wife and family.

In the meantime, back at the Curfman homestead on Curfman Road, Pete is retired and takes care of the farm and Reuby continues to work as a substitute mail carrier, and both enjoy their three grandchildren.