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 Dec. 31, 1924, Clark County was deluged with “shrieking whistles, wailing sirens, pealing bells, clanging anvils and every other know device for making noise” as locals brought in the new year. The following day, most businesses were closed and the streets of Vancouver were deserted as residents “followed customary holiday pursuits in celebration of New Years.”
75 years ago
On Dec. 31, 1949, Vancouver became the fifth-largest city in Washington. The “spectacular fact” was accomplished by the annexation of McLoughlin Heights. The addition added 1,046 acres to the city, as well as nearly 14,100 people to Vancouver’s estimated 29,500. (The April 2024 population estimate was 202,600.)
50 years ago
On Dec. 31, 1974, members of the Cascade Park Civic Association told developers that they feared “giant residential development” in their area. Residents of the neighborhood said they intended to preserve their property values “by ensuring that less expensive, tract housing does not come into the area.”