The Columbian

Everybody Has a Story: Tale of dirty job and salmon tails

June 13, 2021, 6:05am Clark County Life

There used to be a TV program called “Dirty Jobs.” I never saw it because I didn’t have cable, so I don’t know how the job I had for a few days, 45 years ago, compares with those. See what you think. Read story

Check It Out: Travel back in time with week’s titles

June 13, 2021, 6:05am Clark County Life

This week’s column has a decidedly prehistoric theme but not because I’m feeling old (ha-ha). Read story

This example of an early 19th century Japanese junk looks much like the one a Japanese typhoon severely damaged in 1832 and blew away from the island and into the Pacific Ocean. There it drifted for months following Pacific currents as its crew slowly died from starvation or scurvy. Only three young sailors made it to the Washington coast. They were quickly enslaved by the first Indigenous tribe they met but later freed by the Hudson's Bay Company with the efforts of chief factor, John McLoughlin.

Clark County History: Japanese Castaways

June 13, 2021, 6:04am Clark County Life

Evidence shows Asian ships touched the West Coast, either by plan or fate, before Columbus. In October 1832, the Hojun-maru left Nagoya Japan loaded with porcelain, rice and a full crew. Read story

A couple finds some space to themselves while slow dancing during the Fort Vancouver High School prom on May 22. Due to COVID-19, participants had to wear masks and have their temperature checked upon arrival as well as fill out a health screening form.

Masked gala: Pandemic proms mark milestone for Class of ’21

June 13, 2021, 6:02am Clark County Life

Prom has been a high school tradition for decades, a rite of passage as seniors prepare to graduate and enter adulthood. Girls purchase fancy dresses and have their hair done. Boys rent tuxedos. Couples try to match dresses to ties. This year, however, some of the couples stayed in sync… Read story