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. 24, 1924, a two-point buck was leisurely strolling along Main Street in Vancouver before its horns became entangled in a wire fence, and it was captured alive. First sighted near the corner of Third and Main, Bud Smith and “several others” followed the animal through the town, before it leapt over a fence and headed for the river. After a chase, the buck was “securely bound, hog-tied, and otherwise entangled and in the arms of four soldiers” before being transported to the woods at Vancouver Barracks.
- 75 years ago
On Oct. 20, 1949, it was announced that Vancouver would have a civic theater. After months of efforts, the nonprofit organization would provide free performances for attendees put on by local talent. Twenty-five people had already signed up for the project, and a building with a capacity of 250 people had been secured for rehearsals and productions. The first show was scheduled for Nov. 1, 1949.
- 50 years ago
It was announced on Oct. 20, 1974, that security at the Bonneville Power Administration’s Ross Complex was tightened after an attempt to extort $1 million. The shakedown attempt came in the form of a letter demanding the money and threatening a blackout in Portland if the funds were not paid. BPA Administrator Donald Hodel said the threat came from the same person or persons responsible for “the dynamiting of 11 BPA power transmissions line towers in recent days.” In response, the Ross Complex received constant surveillance to ensure it was safe, and that the Portland-Vancouver area was not blacked out.
