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 Oct. 2, 1924, The Columbian announced it would bring the World Series to local fans “as fast as the Associated Press direct wires … can bring the news.” From its office at Fourth and Washington streets, the newspaper used megaphone announcers to bring play-by-play action. The downtown corner became the “center of interest from 11 o’clock to the along about 1 o’clock” when the games were played. Along with the megaphone announcers, the Columbian also released extras “within a very few minutes after the close of a game.” (The Washington Senators beat the New York Giants in seven games.)
- 75 years ago
On Oct. 4, 1949, the Clark County Jail got its first lending library. Neal Jones, administrative assistant to Sheriff Earl N. Anderson, donated 95 volumes for the library along with a large bookcase to store the reading material. Kept in an office on the fifth floor of the courthouse, the library used a card system to check out materials to those who were incarcerated. The collection included poetry, fiction and nonfiction, and numerous other genres for readers to choose from.
- 50 years ago
On Sept. 19, 1974, Ridgefield banned sprinkling of lawns and gardens. Low water levels caused by dry weather led to the move by the town council, which would stay in effect until the next rain, according to Utilities Superintendent Howard Pearson. He noted two town pumps had been “sucking air occasionally” because dry weather decreased well water levels. While Ridgefield’s reservoir was full, unnecessary water use could have caused it to drop.
