This Week in Clark County History

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 Jan. 15, 1923, the Ridgefield Campfire Girls — “the only organization of its kind” in the county — met and laid out plans for the coming year, including a “musical and literary effort,” with proceeds going toward buying equipment for the local camp.

75 years ago

Hazel Dell Elementary’s nine student crossing guards received new equipment for the winter season. Spady’s Ambulance and Towing Service provided “bright yellow regulation raincoats and hats.” The Hazel Dell PTA had donated red jackets and caps to the squad for fair-weather days the previous spring.

50 years ago

The Portland Trail Blazers announced that the team was looking for ball boys, according to The Columbian on Jan. 17, 1973. The following month, nearly 800 kids ages 8 to 13 competed in a Run-Dribble-Shoot contest in the Hudson’s Bay High School gymnasium. Bob Dishaw, 10, of Vancouver became the Blazers’ first ball kid.

25 years ago

On Jan. 16, 1998, The Columbian highlighted the work of the School of Oregon Ballet and the numerous talented Clark County dancers learning and working with the institute. That year, two teens from Battle Ground were among the 250 enrolled. On top of their regular school days, the students spent more than 30 hours doing ballet. Later that year, both students performed in ballet’s annual show.

Katie Bush is the public historian at the Clark County Historical Museum