125 YEARS AGO: SEPT. 23, 1899
Town Refuse: “EDITOR JOURNAL—Sir: The time has undoubtedly come when some definite steps should be taken to dispose of the town refuse. The owners of vacant lots object — and rightly so — to their premises being converted into receptacles for rubbish of all descriptions, and certainly the river bank is not materially rendered more picturesque by being brought under contribution for the same purpose. A suggestion has been lately made which seems worthy of some consideration, namely, that a suitable person might be found to carry the town rubbish to some available spot beyond the town limits, each householder paying a fair amount for the accommodation. Surely some arrangement will have to be made if the town is to assume anything like a decent and respectable appearance. I am, Sir, Yours Faithfully, A. Anstey Dorrell, St. Alban’s Vicarage.”
Curling And Skating: The curling and skating rink is now an assured fact. Messrs. J.H. Gillard and J.A. Bremner have most energetically planned and financed arrangements to a successful issue. The rink will be built on Bancroft Street next to the fair grounds and so arranged that part of it can be converted into a bath house in the summer. The rink will no doubt give satisfaction to young and old for the season. The committee will report at a meeting to be held in the town hall, at 8 o’clock this evening. All interested in curling are requested to be present, as the details of the curling club’s affairs will be considered and settled.
Potatoes: Ashcroft’s staple product — potatoes — are in demand at the coast at fair prices.
Clothing Shipments: F.W. Foster is opening this week in the dressmaking and millinery department, a shipment of dress goods, ribbons, hat trimmings and other goods, attractive to the ladies, that has just been received from England. . . T. McCosh, merchant, tailor, has just received a shipment of tweeds, vestings, and overcoatings direct from Scotland.
C.P.R. Addition: The completion of the addition to the C.P.R. freight shed gives 1,000 square feet more floor space for freight, making the entire building cover 2,300 square feet exclusive of ticket, express, and telegraph office. Mr. T. Crossen, who is in charge of the freight department, derives great satisfaction from this addition, as the crowded state of the warehouse will no longer be necessary.
100 YEARS AGO: SEPT. 20, 1924
Auto Club To Place Signs In Interior: Directors of the Automobile Club of British Columbia met at the club office in the Hotel Vancouver to transact their monthly business. Of special importance was the announcement that arrangements had been completed whereby the club will be able to undertake an extensive road signing campaign in the Interior of the province early next spring.
The Coming Race Meet; Some New Features Of Attraction To Be Added To The Season’s Final Sports: Posters and other advertising materials are out announcing the Ashcroft races for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16 and 17. Some new features are to be added which will be attractions new to the drybelt. A display of fireworks to be exhibited from the edge of the sand hill facing and above the town [the Mesa], will be something that a great many people have seldom seen. A balloon ascension will also take place in the evening. Coming as it will in the middle of October, it will serve as a grand finale to other meets that are taking place in the Interior this fall, and it is needless to repeat the worn-out slogan, “Better and Bigger than ever.”
Weather: There is not much space between the heat and the cold in the dry belt. Last week the thermometer was near 100 degrees, while this week there is fresh snow not far from the town. Perhaps it was the car load of coast ice that arrived for the Ashcroft Meat Market that changed the weather. Nevertheless, it is on record that the climate changed immediately.
75 YEARS AGO: SEPT. 22, 1949
Cold Weather: Snow for the first time this season appeared on Cornwall mountain last Monday morning, and there was a heavy frost Tuesday morning. . . Snow was reported from several places on Monday. Motorists passed through snow on the road at the 59-Mile and also on the road to Jesmond.
Cannery: The production at the local cannery will not be a record this year as reported last week. Tomatoes are still being brought in from the fields.
Road Winterized: The Cariboo road from Ashcroft Manor to Cache Creek has been reconditioned for winter use. That section of the historic road was improved and brought up-to-date about two years ago when it became one of the most modern sections in its entire length. The new coating is blacktop and crushed gravel that will give traction to the wheels and render driving much safer. The cut-off from the Manor to Ashcroft will be improved when a highway is built from here to Savona on the east side of the Thompson River as part of the proposed Trans-Canada highway scheme.
50 YEARS AGO: SEPT. 18, 1974
Library For Cache Creek: Cache Creek Library will open in Oasis Shopping Plaza in late October. The opening of this library signals the first step in the provision of permanent library service in Cache Creek by the Thompson-Nicola Library System, a service of the Regional District. This library will provide children’s and adult book lending service, and an information service. By early 1975 cassettes and art prints will be available. There is no charge to the individual to belong. The library will be open about 12 hours a week and will be staffed by local residents.
Village Acquires Cemetery Land: An Order-in-Council was passed on Sept. 12, 1974, authorizing a transfer of land to the Village of Ashcroft for the cemetery. Sufficient land for 50 plots has already been cleared and may be seen to the west of the village between the river and Highland Valley Road. The village has acquired 20 acres, the lower part of which will later be used for a new sewer plant.
Drylands Arena In Ashcroft Now Has Cement Laid For Ice: Progress is still being made on the completion of the arena. The concrete slab has now been poured and will require 28 days’ curing before ice can be made. Word is that the ice plant is in Calgary and delivery can be expected at any time. The grand opening is still scheduled for Oct. 5 whether ice is available or not. If no ice, it is planned to hold a social evening with dancing to the new sound system, etc., after the opening ceremonies.
Lions Club Shopping Spree Coming Up Soon: The Ashcroft and District Lions Club will be sponsoring a Shopping Spree at Ashcroft’s new Safety Mart store on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $1 each. First prize is a three-minute shopping spree in the Safety Mart store in Ashcroft. Second prize is dinner for four at Jimmy Restaurant in Cache Creek. Third prize is a $25 gift certificate from the Ashcroft Toggery. Fourth prize is a $25 gift certificate from Jay Ray’s Menswear in Ashcroft. Fifth prize is a room for two at the Desert Motel in Cache Creek anytime.
Loon Lake: Since the BC Hydro increased the voltage on our line, the radio reception has been atrocious. It is to be hoped this can be remedied in some manner.
