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 June 28, 1923, prune growers throughout Clark County raised the alarm over a proposed project to drain Vancouver Lake. County commissioners originally presented the idea in 1919 as part of a large-scale plan to drain 9,000 acres under a state drainage law. In response to the idea, local orchardist Fred Brooker opined, “The prune growers throughout this district have everything to lose and nothing to gain through this drainage.” Sawmill owner and operator N.J. Blagen informed officials he would continue with plans to build a “big mill” on Vancouver Lake if they abandoned the drainage project. By 1926, Blagen rescinded his industrial site proposal and advocates of the drainage plan swept into office, cinching victory for the drainage projects.
75 years ago
On June 29, 1948, nine Clark County dairy producers and distributors presented a petition to county commissioners asking for another public hearing on a proposed milk ordinance suggested by the health department. The petitioners wanted to voice their views on the matter since “they would be affected.” The law in question sought to require permits for the sale of milk and milk products, regulate the inspection of dairy farms and milk products, and prohibit the sale of “adulterated and misbranded” products. The county commissioners took no action on the petition.
50 years ago
A robbery at the Peoples National Bank ended in a shootout between “a man from Texas” and the Vancouver police on the afternoon of June 26, 1973. James Burton Campbell triggered the bank’s alarm around 2 p.m. after allegedly stealing $17,000 from the local lender (which would be worth about $116,000 in today). Responding quickly, police exchanged gunfire with Campbell, ultimately capturing the wounded suspect and recovering the pilfered cash. One onlooker commented that the robber was obviously from out of town “or he never would have used Main Street to make a fast getaway.”
