125 YEARS AGO: FEB. 24, 1900
Ashcroft Fire: But for the prompt and effective work of the fire company last week, the Grand Central hotel would probably have been destroyed by fire. When discovered, in a bedroom fronting on Railway Avenue, the fire had gained such headway as to make it impossible for a person to enter the room. Water was turned on through a window from the verandah, and in a short time the fire was out. It was found that the fire came from the bed, which had caught fire from a stove pipe running through the room. This is the second time our fire boys have shown their ability to turn out quickly and successfully put out a fire. In this instance both the fire hall and the hydrant were convenient, but it was a fair test of what our firemen are capable of.
C.P.R. Immigration Literature: The Canadian Pacific Railway Company has just issued two excellent immigration pamphlets for 1900 — “Western Canada” and “British Columbia” — which contain a great deal of useful and accurate information about the country west of Lake Superior, and are of special interest to those who contemplate settling either in the Canadian Northwest or British Columbia. Large editions of these pamphlets are distributed gratuitously in Great Britain and the United States, as well as throughout the Dominion, and are eagerly read by those who are seeking a new home and desire to know something of the best country in the world in which to find one.
Determination: Some chaps can’t be stopped when they make up their minds to be with the ladies, even if they are on the other side of the river. A chair, or any old thing, will serve the purpose of a boat. A number of our young folks took part in the old time dance at Savonas last night, and among them was a chap that tried to cross the river on a chair.
100 YEARS AGO: FEB. 21, 1925
Cannery: The Chinese growers of tomatoes in the vicinity are very optimistic with regard to the establishment of a cannery here. W.J. West, representative of the B.C. Express interests, is expected in Ashcroft in a few days in the interests of a cannery.
Annual Valentine Tea And Apron Sale; Zion Ladies’ Guild: There was a merry throng gathered in the Community Hall on Feb. 11, on the occasion of the sixth annual Valentine sale and tea promoted by members of Zion Ladies’ Guild. The supplies of home cooking, candies, and dainty articles were on a most liberal scale, and of such appetizing and tempting character that all was cleared with satisfaction to the buyers and sellers. The sum of about $80 was realized from the various stalls and from the services. The weather, although not of the best, was not very cold, and this aided the event in making it the success it proved to be.
Derailment: The C.N.R. eastbound freight train left the rails one mile east of Lytton on the 11th instant, two cars loaded with lumber rolling down the bank into the Thompson River. They floated downstream and anchored at the junction of the river. By a remarkable coincidence the lumber stayed intact; the trucking and tops of the cars were ripped off, the steel framing alone holding the lumber together. It was valued at approximately $3,800, being a shipment for the States. The C.N.R. wrecking crew have been busily engaged salvaging the lumber.
P.T. Masquerade Dance: The Parent-Teacher masquerade dance scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, is shaping up to be one of the most successful events of the season in Ashcroft. Any fund that may accrue is to be devoted for the purchase of prizes for the children and to assist in the furnishing of a teachers’ room in the school building.
Weather: After a long, frosty, but not very cold spell, the weather has moderated, and the voice of spring may soon be heard in the air.
75 YEARS AGO: FEB. 23, 1950
Incorporation: Another sign that we are growing up in Ashcroft is a desire for incorporation. We have long had this desire, but indifference on the part of the citizens has allowed the opportunity to pass. Other towns have become incorporated villages, and we hear no complaints from them. They seem to be solidly standing on their own feet. Lillooet and Lytton are two examples. Incorporation as a village may have some initial cost, but our increase in business and importance will more than make up for that. Incorporation means that our voice will be heard: when we ask we shall receive. Our taxes may or may not increase. The taxes will be our own. We would have charge of our own affairs, and taxes from Ashcroft that at present go to help others from the general fund would be ours for improvements for Ashcroft.
Walhachin: A number of men were busy digging up the water main, which has been frozen for several weeks. As a result, most of the residents have been carrying their water supply.
70 Mile: About 35 residents of the surrounding district gathered at the 70 Mile House last Saturday for a Stockmen’s meeting. The gathering also formed itself into a meeting to discuss school matters, particularly concerning the important matter of the location of the proposed new school to be built in that area. Various sites have been suggested. Should it be at the 70 Mile House, the Six Mile Flats, or near the Flying U? The various aspects of the matter were thoroughly discussed in preparation for the ratepayers meeting.
Around Your Hi-School (By L. Louie): The Inspector paid us a visit last week. There were many last minute rushes to get notebooks tidied up but as you would know, it was just a short visit which did not include notebook checking. Phew! What a relief!
Weather: Spring must be near. While riding on Sunday, mice were seen crossing the road, also a porcupine climbing a rock cliff near the Basque. The March winds haven’t arrived yet, but we are having a thaw that has taken off much of the snow, and spring is just around the bend.
50 YEARS AGO: FEB. 19, 1975
Car Club Formed: A car club has been formed in Ashcroft and Cache Creek with an initial membership of 20 members. The name of the club is the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Eliminators. Officers for 1975 include Pres. Bill Copping, Vice Pres. Glen Olfert, Sect’y Wayne Taggart, and Treas. Gordon Campbell. The club will meet on Wednesday evenings at the former shop building on Gateway Lumber property in Ashcroft. Repairs and renovations have already been carried out to the building by club members. The objective of the club is to encourage safe and sane driving habits, especially with young people. The members are searching for a suitable place to build a race track to get the program rolling.
A Waste Of Fish! B.C. Forest Service personnel are wondering about the ice fisherman who threw his catch of over 20 pan-sized trout into the garbage barrel at Barnes Lake last Sunday. Is this being conservation-minded?
