This Week in Clark County history, May 24

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

Superior Court Judge Homer Kirby released a memorandum declaring the closure of the Yacolt dance hall on May 19, 1924. The decision to close the dance hall “came after numerous arrests for illegal possession of liquor and other offenses were made in the vicinity of the hall.”

75 years ago

On May 24, 1949, sponsor Fort Vancouver VFW Post 731 announced the annual marble tournament was on. Students from Vancouver’s 12 elementary schools would participate in preliminary tournaments “with each first-place winner to compete in the city playoffs on May 28.” Prizes included a bicycle, pocket knives and dollar bills.

50 years ago

On May 24, 1974, NBA all-pro guard Lenny Wilkens joined the Portland Trail Blazers as head coach. During his first season with the Blazers, Wilkens acted as a player-coach for the team. He retired from playing at the end of the season and coached the team for one more year. In 1977, Wilkens returned to Seattle to coach the Seattle Supersonics. Two years later, he led the team to its first and only NBA title.

25 years ago

As fish protection became a top priority, Clark County residents faced increased recreation restrictions. A Columbian article from May 19, 1999, outlined new guidelines for water use at Lucia Falls Regional Park, which would be implemented by the summer. These included no swimming, wading or rock throwing at the park. Local species, such as steelhead, sea-run cutthroat trout and chinook salmon, listed as threatened or endangered, required county officials to focus on protecting habitat.