125 YEARS AGO: JAN. 7, 1899
Land Slide: An immense land slide occurred last Monday night a half-mile below Spences Bridge, on the Thompson, which completely blocked the river for several hours, and raised the water above the mark of the big slide of 1894. A small passage was finally opened, however, and the rushing water soon cut a way for itself through the mass of alluvium that filled the entire valley. The slide was far enough from the C.P.R. track not to cause any damage. A new channel has made its way along the old wagon road. About 50 acres of land was covered, some of it very deep, by the slide.
New Business: Messrs Smith and Bryson have bought the strip of ground opposite and below the Cargile House, on which the blacksmith shop formerly occupied by the Campbell Brothers is situated. They have bought the ground back as far as the C.P.R. property and will soon begin the erection of a building 26 x 44 feet which they have leased to M.P. Stewart, who will open a feed store, dealing largely in hay, grain, etc. Mr. Stewart is a well known old resident and should make an unqualified success of the business.
Clinton Ball: For weeks before the event the Clinton annual ball had been whispered far and wide. That it was a most successful affair is a question beyond doubt. Different sections of the country were well represented — Kamloops, Ashcroft, 150 Mile House, Forks, Lac La Hache, Aliceville (Canoe Creek mill camp). Much comment could be said of the pretty dresses worn by many of the ladies; and as for the belle of the ball, I shall not take or make offense, but adhere to my old pledge — not to name the belle, but that they were each and all belles of the dance. Suppers were served at both hotels, and I am sure no one went away with a hungry feeling. The music was all that could be desired. The Ashcroft and Kamloops contingent have nothing but praise for the management, and all vote it the best ball ever given in this section.
Physician Subsidies: A letter from the proper authority was received yesterday by Dr. J.R. Williams stating that the Government had reconsidered to a certain extent the question of subsidies to physicians located in certain sections of the Province, and that at Ashcroft an allowance of $300 a year would be made for the care of the many indigent sick that a physician here is obliged to attend upon. Undoubtedly arrangements have been or will be made for other sections so situated. We believe this to be but right, and that the people in general will so agree.
Holidays: There have been so many holidays for the past two weeks that the staff in the Journal office has become demoralized and got so we don’t know whether it is right to work at all or not this cold weather. Soon the days will lengthen and more daylight will be portioned out and we will all feel more like work.
100 YEARS AGO: JAN. 5, 1924
Skating Rink: The skating rink is being put in shape during the past few cold days. Fred Burr is manager, and he hopes to have the rink opened today.
Too Expensive: If the expenses attached to any business, enterprise, or adventure exceeds the earnings, that business, or enterprise, or adventure will die just as surely as a man will perish without food. And this seems to be the dry rot which is threatening to paralyze social entertainment in Ashcroft. They are too expensive to put on. There is little or nothing left for the charity, or the cause for which such events are organized. This could not be more clearly illustrated than in the masquerade dance which took place on Monday in support of the library for the Lady Byng school. Out of $132 realized, about $100 will be required to meet expenses attached to it; and it would have cost a great deal more had everyone charged for their services. Cakes and sandwiches were supplied free to boost the movement; time for decorating the hall was given for nothing by public spirited ones; ladies donated their time to serving the refreshments and preparing same. It is certain that dancing and kindred entertainments are dying out in Ashcroft. There’s nothing in them. Of course, we have the fun, but then the joy is all taken out of it for those who are the prime movers in the events. They will become discouraged in time and say “To heck with it,” then we’ll have neither the fun nor the money.
Manufacturers’ Tax: The six per cent manufacturers’ tax, which takes effect at the beginning of the year, will increase the price of living at a time when things are already too high. The tax must be passed on to the consumer through jobber and retailer.
Fire: The home of D. Loring, at the 15-Mile House, Cariboo road, was burned down on Thursday. No particulars except that it was a total loss.
75 YEARS AGO: JAN. 6, 1949
Clinton: Clinton bade farewell to the old and welcomed the New Year by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at the New Year’s Ball, which was attended by a very large crowd at Clinton Memorial Hall. The dancers really made whoopee with the noisemakers, whistles, paper hats, etc. A further air of festivity was added to the gaiety of the evening by the beautiful evening dresses worn by many of the ladies. Cars came from far and wide bringing merry-makers from Watch Lake, Lone Butte, Loon Lake, Ashcroft, Upper Hat Creek, and Jesmond. Dancers kept up into the wee sma’ hours of the New Year. It was music by the Clinton Music-Makers.
Spences Bridge: With the Xmas holidays over once more our community is settling back and gradually drifting into our old routine. Visitors have come and gone, children are back to school, satisfied that Santa has come and gone… The dance held in the Community Hall was rather disappointing, owing to a few outside boys, who over-indulged and spoiled the evening’s entertainment. However, the music was good and refreshments were served after greeting the New Year, with balloons, noisemakers, and the customary singing of “Auld Lang Syne”.
Boston Flat: It is certainly encouraging to see the house, outbuildings, and fences being repaired on the Boston Flat Ranch by the new owner, E. Campbell, after being idle a number of years.
Hockey Notes: Well, our Junior Hockey team didn’t do too badly for themselves on Sunday afternoon, winning the game 9-4. Perhaps not what you would call pro hockey, but a pretty clean game and plenty of thrills and spills, especially when Eleanor hit the ice, but she’s a good sport that girl! The youngsters are beginning to get into the spirit of the thing, and the members of the team who are making their debut in hockey are catching on quickly, thanks to Terry Johnson’s coaching. Weather has been ideal for ice in Ashcroft, and the youngsters are enjoying skating of the best.
Tingley Ranch: Machinery for the past week or so to drill for water supply at the Tingley Ranch [now part of North Ashcroft] adjacent to the CNR track, which has recently been surveyed into blocks, found water at 30 feet we understand. Several of these blocks have been spoken for by local residents.
50 YEARS AGO: JAN. 3, 1974
Merry Christmas Greetings to all from the Journal staff. Journal office will be closed from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7 — Staff holidays.
