125 YEARS AGO: DEC. 10, 1898
Scarlet Fever Cases: “Editor, Mining Journal: A case of scarlet fever has been imported from Kamloops, and as this may not be the only case brought into the town, I shall be much obliged if you will, in your next issue, notify the public that anyone who has, or suspects he has, a case of scarlet fever in his house, must at once give notice to me as health officer. The penalty for neglecting to give such notice immediately is a fine of one hundred dollars or six months’ imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment. Jno. R. Williams, Health Officer.”
Physician Subsidy: There is much dissatisfaction in Ashcroft over the taking off abruptly, at the first of the new year, of the annual subsidy granted heretofore to the resident physician. At Clinton, Quesnelle, and the 150 Mile House, this is also the case. The action would seem to have been very hastily taken, and would have been better understood if left as it was. This winter the legislature could have discussed the matter and, we believe, in the interest of the people located in isolated districts, the grant in some cases would have been left undisturbed.
Skating Rink: The skating rink committee, having at last received consent for the use of water from the C.P.R. tank, are now making ice, having started flooding yesterday. A rink in a small town like Ashcroft is a popular place of resort for young and old. Good order should be preserved and above all no such repetition of an affair as occurred last winter should be allowed to develop, or if it does severe punishment should be meted out. We refer to a drunken man getting on the rink using foul and obscene language, etc. Such a thing will not occur again and be dropped, by the fellow pleading he did it while drunk and meant no harm.
New Homes: Several railroad men are building or arranging to build houses in Ashcroft. Its healthy, clear atmosphere and its central location makes it a favourite place for a home for some of the railway men and others. They are a good class of men and will help materially to bring prosperity to the town.
Ice House: F.W. Foster’s new ice house is nearly completed and will soon be filled with ice for general use next season. Wait until July and we will need it badly.
Santa Coming: From the preparations being made it looks as though Santa Claus will spend some time among the children in Ashcroft.
100 YEARS AGO: DEC. 8, 1923
74-Mile House Burned Down: Another old landmark in the shape of the 74-Mile House, on the Cariboo Road, was totally destroyed by fire on Monday night last, being a total loss to the owner, Mrs. J. Cunningham, who has resided there for a number of years. The fire started during the night from some unknown origin and the occupants were forced to flee in their night attire. They had time, however, to save the piano before the fire reached that part of the house. Part of the building destroyed was built during the early days of freighting on the Cariboo Road, while other parts were added later.
Both Hold-Up Men Are Found Guilty: Charged with holding up H. Dixon and A.D. Wright, whom they imprisoned in a disused lockup at Spences Bridge and who were under the impression that their captors were police officers, Harvey Sullivan and W. O’Brien were found guilty on counts of robbery with violence and posing as police officers. In their defence they tried to prove that they had been in Vancouver the day after the holdup.
Sixty Per Cent Favour Fraser Canyon Route; Would Cost More, But Maintenance Would Be Less: Engineers’ estimates of the costs of the proposed transprovincial highway are available today. The Hope-Princeton route would mean an expenditure of a million dollars. The Fraser Canyon route will take a million and a quarter, but would be open during a longer period in each year. Information which reaches your correspondent from very reliable sources is that the betting is at least sixty to forty that the Fraser Canyon route has virtually been selected. Engineers’ reports find that while the first cost would be slightly higher, the cost of maintenance in the Fraser Canyon will be less, and the fact that it would be open during almost all the year weighs strongly in its favour.
Ashcroft Spuds: The general manager of the C.P.R. hotel and dining car system at Montreal, in response to a letter from the local board of trade, states that he will feature Ashcroft potatoes on the bills-of-fare in all hotels and dining cars. The board of trade is justifying its existence.
Skating Rink: A skating rink near the C.P.R. water tank is being prepared for the use of the children. This is one of those rinks that will be open at all hours. Freddy Burr has taken over the rink for the season, and will begin ice-making as soon as weather permits.
Buy Local: When you go into a store to make a purchase, ask for B.C. or Canadian manufactured goods. There is a great deal of imagination in the idea that foreign-made goods are better. They are not.
75 YEARS AGO: DEC. 9, 1948
Clinton: On Saturday, Dec. 4, Mr. and Mrs. “Parkie” celebrated the third anniversary of the opening of their store in Clinton. They report that during this time the business has prospered in a very satisfactory manner, necessitating the addition of another member to the staff during the last six months.
Board Of Trade Meeting: The regular monthly meeting of the Ashcroft and District Board of Trade was held last Thursday evening in the dining room at the T.U. Auto Camp. The meeting discussed road conditions in the district, to the effect that the Department of Public Works be asked to consider widening and straightening the Boston Flat to Ashcroft road to their present highway building plans.
Elks Xmas Tree: “Santa Claus is coming to town” on Wednesday evening, Dec. 22 at the Ashcroft Theatre. Santa Claus has notified the Elks that he will be on hand and has gifts for all the children. There will also be candies, nuts, and oranges for every child. Everyone welcome, but seating priority will be given children and their parents — as this is the kiddies’ night.
Christmas Spirit: It’s a real Christmas spirit that exists in Ashcroft stores. They are brilliantly lighted for the festive season, windows expertly decorated with the many suggestive gifts, and right now Ashcroft stores are offering many items that have been off the market for some time.
50 YEARS AGO: DEC. 6, 1973
Santa Claus Coming To Ashcroft: We have heard from Santa that he will be in Ashcroft on Friday, Dec. 21 in the afternoon. He will visit the sick at the hospital first and then he will come over to town. He wasn’t sure just how he will get here; maybe by snow sled. Over 200 children visited MacLeod’s store on Saturday, Dec. 1, when Santa Claus made his first appearance in town this season.
Telephone Roulette: I dialed Williams Lake [from Walhachin] the other night and talked with the nicest lady in Victoria. She told me it was raining there. Has anyone else noticed it is almost impossible to dial Ashcroft without talking with several people you don’t even know?
Movement Of Expert Criminals: In view of the forthcoming festive season, the criminal element take full advantage of the large influx of people intent on purchasing goods from various stores in our communities with resultant large amounts of funds collected by our merchants. This, of course, is a special invitation to those those people bent on hold-ups, and therefore, the police urge all merchants to make frequent deposits. The police would also like to remind you (general public) that it is your responsibility to protect your own interests.
Minimum Wage Upped To $2.25: The minimum hourly wage in B.C. rose Monday to $2.25 from $2 for employees 18 years of age and over and to $1.85 from $1.60 for those 17 and under. The minimum wage increased to $2 an hour from $1.50 Dec. 3, 1972 as the first in a three-stage hike by the NDP government. The next increase will be June 3, 1974, when the wage paid to those 18 or over will go to $2.50 an hour, and for those 17 and under to $2.10.
