This Week in Clark County History, Feb. 21

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

Nearly 400 people crowded into the Grand Rapids Furniture Store the evening of Feb. 17, 1925, for the store’s grand opening. Complete with a musical recital, many in the crowd were unable to find room inside the store to enjoy the performance.

75 years ago

A group gathered on Feb. 16, 1950, to begin planning for Vancouver’s 125th anniversary. Adopting the name “The Stockaders,” the newly formed association chose dates in early August for the commemoration. Proposed events included a history pageant and a parade.

50 years ago

One of the first big events for the 150th anniversary of the founding of Fort Vancouver would be an auction. Announced on Feb. 16, 1975, the event would be held at the Inn at the Quay. Proceeds from the auction would fund future anniversary programs. Some of the auctions items included a live pig, private tennis lessons, and U.S. Rep. Don Bonker’s bookends.

25 years ago

Rising transportation costs, including gas prices, and strong growth in the Vancouver-Portland area caused higher-than-average inflation rates as the region closed out the year. The area’s inflation rate rose 3.7 percent, the “biggest year-over-year increase in the consumer price index in the area since 1996.” The nationwide inflation rate at the end of 1999 was 2.2 percent.