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 April 10, 1924, the Battle Ground Cannery Company welcomed a “mighty big compliment” when it received a second order for a “large shipment of canned string beans” from Boston. Company manager R. S. Durkee remarked, “certainly Boston knows good beans … and the fact that our product made such a hit in the Boston market makes us feel pretty good.” Beyond beans, the company anticipated an upcoming season processing huge crops of strawberries, blackcap raspberries and prunes.
- 75 years ago
Initial steps to expand Lake Merwin Dam began on April 7, 1949, by Pacific Power & Light Company. The major construction project would double the peak power capacity of the hydroelectric dam with the installation of a 45,000-kilowatt generator, which was “approximately the same size as those at Bonneville Dam.” The total cost of the project was estimated to be about $4 million.
- 50 years ago
At an April 8, 1974, meeting, the Camas school board announced budgetary issues due to a school levy failure would result in Camas “not participating in sports during the 1974-75 school year.” With part of cuts made to meet previously approved reductions amounting to $625,000, there was still an opportunity for a community fund drive to salvage the sports program. The district set aside $7,000 for an intramural activities program for students in fourth through 12th grades, which would provide music and sports.
