Recalling a seminal moment in American history, 246 years after it happened

April 19, 1775. The gathering storm of growing tensions between colonial residents and the colonial government which represented the British Crown had come to a head. The reasons were taxation without representation and increasingly brutal oppression. Through the night of April 18, 700 British soldiers marched toward Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. Their purpose was to seize the purported cache of arms and gunpowder belonging to the colonists. The colonists, also referred to as minutemen, being the well-armed militia, responded to the call for assistance in defense from the Brits. They refused the British command to “throw down your arms! Ye villains, ye rebels.” And then the resounding “shot heard around the world” officially started the struggle for our freedom and independence that we continue to this day.

April 19,1775, stands as a statement of how far a citizen, a well-armed military, if you will, is willing to go to preserve our liberty. George Washington stated this: “A free people ought not only be armed and disciplined but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them which would include their own government.”

May God continue to bless America.

Bill Hanley

Baker City

Local historian seeks memories about Royal Cafe

I’m writing about the Chinese who operated the Royal Cafe in Baker City for many years. Many will remember Jack Eng, who worked in the patron area. Co-owners of Jack, who worked in the kitchen and were seldom seen out front, were Allan Eng, Harry Eng, Gan Ong, and Jimmy Eng. Later owners were Henry Wong and Annie Wong. I’d like persons with memories about the cafe to contact me. Especially I would like to hear from persons who had contact with personnel who worked in the kitchen, plus memories of serving staff. I may be contacted via email (tubingen@eoni.com) and via phone (541-523-6760).

Gary Dielman

Baker City