100 years ago
Around 1,000 spectators gathered to see the opening match of the Southwest Washington Track and Field Championship at Vancouver High School on May 10, 1924. Clark County athletes reportedly “lived up to expectations” by placing in every event. Star sprinter Louis Fitzgerald “surprised the gallery” by winning the 50-yard dash.
75 years ago
On May 6, 1949, Clark College received a “rare music library” from Arthur S. Haynes, former Army band leader and composer. Haynes, an instructor at the college, spent 40 years collecting musical manuscripts from around the world. He also donated his own compositions and arrangements.
50 years ago
On May 5, 1974, girls 8 to high school age got their first opportunity to join Little League. Southwest Washington District Administrator for Little League Ken Withers announced that three local leagues would organize separate girls’ divisions: North Clark, Camas-Washougal and Lewis River. The other leagues, 13 in all, opted to take a “wait-and-see” approach for the season. Withers noted the “decision to offer girls’ softball teams came as a result of national pressure from women’s groups.”
25 years ago
On May 5, 1999, Clark County welcomed five Blockbuster video stores “almost overnight.” Blockbuster’s purchase of local video store chain Moyers 1st Stop Video made it the area’s biggest video chain. Two of Moyers’ shops had already changed names but were awaiting a “new look … to conform with the Blockbuster image.” A pending deal to buy Videoland’s 50 area stores was still in the works. At that time, the prominent rental shop accounted for about a third of the total market.
