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 Dec. 29, 1923, $1,000 on four legs were “running around loose” in Clark County after a silver fox escaped from the Mercer brothers’ farm on 39th and L streets. The wily animal had been “chased around from place to place for several days.” The brothers worked with the county game warden and his fox hounds to try to find the sly creature, but to no avail.
- 75 years ago
Vancouver Treasurer Jack Urquhart told residents on Dec. 23, 1948, that the city’s new parking meters were something of a “white elephant.” After numerous complaints, Urquhart and a repairman found 30 of the 90 meters were out of order. Additionally, 25 were jammed and five others were stuck with 120 minutes showing on the reader. Urquhart noted that some drivers received tickets “when they shouldn’t, and others are enjoying all-day free parking in meter zones.” The city was waiting on new springs to make necessary repairs.
- 50 years ago
Ralph W. Curry’s H & H Inn in Vancouver became the “first local business to receive a state license to operate pull-tab and punchcard gambling devices” on Dec. 26, 1973. Washington’s gambling law, passed earlier in the year, allowed local and county governments to tax or prohibit forms of gaming. After legalizing punchboards and pull-tabs in November, Vancouver anticipated adding $20,000 in new revenue.
