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 Groundhog Day in 1923, the North American rodent “ambled out of his hibernating quarters … blinked his sleepy eyes in the glaring sunlight, yawned humorously” and went back into his den, declaring six more weeks of winter.
- 75 years ago
Despite the sun shining bright “to usher in the day of groundhogs” on Feb. 2, 1948, the venerable woodchuck saw its shadow. Vancouver was scheduled for “much more winter” that year.
- 50 years ago
The Columbian sent out a photographer to “find a groundhog for a traditional Groundhog Day interview” on Feb. 2, 1973.
The photographer returned with an image of a snake from the Portland Zoo. It was unclear what prognostications the Nebraska hognose made regarding the coming of the spring.
- 25 years ago
Despite changing weather patterns and an approaching El Niño, Punxsutawney Phil declared six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2, 1998.
