This week in Clark County history, April 19

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 April 19, 1924, the Vancouver Police Department announced it would begin “strict enforcement of the parking ordinance.” The new law limited parking on Main Street between 11th Street and the railroad tracks to 30 minutes. It also prohibited parking on the east side of the street “where the streetcars have their terminals.” A motorcycle police officer was on duty enforcing the new ordinance, as well as other traffic laws.

75 years ago

A naming contest for the war memorial swimming pool at the Vancouver Barracks was underway on April 15, 1949. Competitors had until April 23 to submit an entry to the committee. Entries required names to be historical and related to the area, “which may become a memorial park.” Details on prizes had yet to be determined, “although recognition of some sort will be accorded the winner.” (Memory Pool was eventually selected.)

50 years ago

On April 29, 1974, more than 200 people gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The event started at 11 a.m., with Oregon Gov. Tom McCall and U.S. Rep. Julia Butler Hansen, D-Cathlamet, making speeches. Hansen received a plaque from the Fort Vancouver Historical Society marking her public service and “effective efforts” to preserve the historic site.

25 years ago

Three Washington State University Vancouver students attended the World Model United Nations conference held in England at the end of March. Sarah Heldman, Rico Selga, and Ryan Hunt were the only students from a Pacific Northwest college or university, and first from WSUV, to attend. The local team earned an invitation after participating in regional and national Model U.N. events. The “modern event junkies” had dialogues with other participants on and away from the event floor. Director of Student Services Nancy Youlden accompanied the students and remarked it “clearly is a learning experience that can’t be replicated on campus.”