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
In the days leading up to the 1923 Fourth of July holiday, the Vancouver City Council lifted the ban on fireworks “to help the American Legion clear its debt,” but did not lift “the ban on rowdyism or carelessness.” The Columbian encouraged Vancouver’s youth, “who (were) permitted, this once, to enjoy an old fashioned Fourth of July and imperil their eyes and fingers,” to heed a few pieces of sage advice: “Don’t throw firecrackers at children. Don’t throw firecrackers passing automobiles. Don’t frighten horses with fireworks.” Youths who dared run afoul of these norms were likely to have their fireworks taken away by the chief of police and never given back.
75 years ago
On July 2, 1948, it was announced that “nearly all stores and offices in Vancouver will close their doors both Sunday and Monday” for July Fourth. Public offices and banks would also be shuttered for the holiday. No city celebrations were planned, and “veterans’ organizations said there will be no parade of any sorts.” July 4, 1948, would likely result in “relatively quiet” streets in Vancouver.
50 years ago
The weather forecast for the July 4, 1973, holiday was expected to be warm and dry, which accommodated a full docket of activities scheduled in Vancouver, including public tours of the USS Lind, a 375-foot Navy destroyer, events at Fort Vancouver and the Clark County Historical Museum, and an evening full of jazz and fireworks.
