A weekly look back compiled by the Clark County Historical Museum from The Columbian archives available at columbian.newspapers.com or at the museum.
- 100 years ago
On July 14, 1923, The Columbian alerted readers of the potential for forest fires. “Hot winds are drying up the forest and, although there was considerable rain in June and early July, the foresters declare that there is at this time serious danger of fires.” The paper reminded individuals to be aware of the “carelessly tossed cigarette or the abandoned camp fire” to guard one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest industries: timber.
- 75 years ago
Clem Eischen of Vancouver qualified for the U.S. Olympic team on July 10, 1948. He placed second in a “photo finish” 1,500-meter race at the Olympic tryouts in Evanston, Ill. During his high school years, “he won the Pacific Northwest high school cross-country championship” representing Vancouver High in 1943 and ’44. Eischen continued to run during his time at Washington State College (now Washington State University). At the 1948 London Olympic Games, the first summer games since 1936, Eischen placed sixth in his race and received a participation medal.
- 50 years ago
Clark County commissioners began studying a “draft local gambling ordinance” on July 9, 1973. Commissioners indicated that their main objective was “to prohibit punchboards and pull tabs.” Not wanting to outlaw all the fun, “bingo games, raffles and amusement games conducted by bona fide charitable or non-profit organizations would be allowed.” The newly passed state gambling law, which went into effect later in the month, allowed “counties and charter and first class cities” to pass more restrictive laws on the local level.
