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
A fire broke out at Ridgefield’s Bratlie Bros. Mill during the evening hours of July 26, 1923, destroying Plant No. 2 and causing about $100,000 in damage ($1.77 million in today’s dollars). The fire was believed to have originated from a defective motor. Ridgefield residents sprang to the aid of the mill employees and volunteer firemen, who formed “impromptu bucket lines” and “lines of garden hoses” to help put out the blaze.
75 years ago
A Vancouver resident reported seeing a flying disk “with no wings and flashing like a beacon” while on a flight from Hermiston, Ore., to Camas on July 25, 1948. After initially seeing the object near Pendleton, Ore., the sharp-eyed pilot followed it clear to Troutdale, Ore., “where it picked up speed and disappeared.” The keen observer noted, “It looked just like a big balloon.”
50 years ago
Vancouver grocery shoppers experienced rising prices in the meat and dairy aisles, according to The Columbian on July 24, 1973. With prices on pork, poultry and eggs increasing, Doug Rae of Keil’s Food Store noted, “It’s hard to say where they’re going, except up.” Local supermarket operators anticipated more price hikes but didn’t anticipate any shortages of these items.
