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
While excavating at Fourth and Burton streets in Camas, Frank Stewert discovered “a good sized gold nugget and several pieces of flake gold,” causing quite a bit of excitement on March 10, 1924. Stewart, the contractor in charge of the excavations for the new Johnson-Fain building, and the workers reported finding what they believed to be gold flake, but the nugget was the first big find. Early Camas residents recalled “stories of earlier discoveries” in the town’s initial days.
75 years ago
Deputies at the county jail discovered an attempted jailbreak on March 10, 1949. They found two bars cut through “in the big tank” and “a third partially severed in one of the cells.” While searching one of the jail cells, broken pieces of a hacksaw were uncovered. County law enforcement officials said a successful breakout would have required the removal of eight additional bars. It was the second attempted jailbreak within five months. Chief Deputy Tom McKeag “said he did not know which of the prisoners were responsible.”
50 years ago
As gas crises continued to frustrate Clark County drivers, more and more adults turned to bicycles to get around town. Bike shop owners across the county noted brisk business in January and February — normally slow months. Alton Anderson, owner of Anderson’s Bike Shop in Ridgefield, said, “Indications are this will be the biggest summer in the bicycle industry.” Many in the industry hoped Vancouverites would start pushing pedals.
