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. 13, 1924, Lt. Oakley Kelly and 94-year-old pioneer Ezra Meeker returned from their flight to Washington, D.C. The duo left Clark County on Oct. 1, and “experienced many thrills during their journey,” but avoided any untoward incidents. Kelly reported the only trouble Meeker gave during the trip was “when we stopped. Meeker always wanted to go on.” His personal regret was missing the World Series.
- 75 years ago
On Oct. 14, 1949, Clark County sheriff’s deputies received new radios and other communication systems. All eight patrol cars got radio units. The county was waiting on the main transmitter to launch services, but preparations were already underway, including new forms to log communications and other necessary records. The county was forced to buy its own radio system after Portland police said its “radio facilities could no longer be offered” to law enforcement across the Columbia River.
- 50 years ago
The Ridgefield Town Council ordered that “graves can no longer be dug by town employees with town equipment” on Oct. 13, 1974. The order stopped the long-standing, informal practice used by Utilities Superintendent Howard Pearson to dig graves on his own time using the town’s backhoe. Pearson had collected money for his services, but didn’t account for it with the town. No permits had been issued for some graves, in violation of a local ordinance. This resulted in Ridgefield having inexact records of how many graves had been dug in the cemetery, which it had taken over from three private owners.
