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. 14, 1924, The Columbian improved its setup by adding a Fine Type Casting Machine to its printing process. This enabled the newspaper to print a wider array of font sizes. Since its inception, the local newspaper has “always been quick to realize the importance of keeping pace with the rapid strides made in improving the efficiency of newspaper production,” it stated.
- 75 years ago
With wintery weather making roads too dangerous to traverse, Clark County closed most schools and gave an “estimated 8,000 children” an “enforced” vacation on Jan. 18, 1949. The unexpected action had been taken the day prior by the board of county commissioners “after reports assertedly came in from various points that the roads were thawing out rapidly and becoming dangerously soft.” Road closures would last for at least three days.
- 50 years ago
On Jan. 15, 1974, Clark County officials and the city of Vancouver assessed road damage caused by recent freezing weather. County Road Maintenance Engineer Bud Pasmore and Vancouver City Engineer Eric Oien said street problems would be worse than what was experienced the previous year. Freezing weather had caused “major breakups of county roads,” far worse than years prior before because “frost is still coming out of the pavement.”
