125 YEARS AGO: JUNE 16, 1900
Villainous Scheme: It was a villainous scheme; at least, Jack Wyness says so, but then he sees the matter from one point only, the point of his toe. It seems that F.S. Reynolds, J.A. Bremner, and D.W. Rowlands were resting from the labours of the day just after supper, at the B.C. Express office, when they conceived the happy idea of enjoying a little amusement at somebody else’s expense. Jack Wyness coming up the street looked like an easy subject, and was invited to kick an innocent looking straw hat off the sidewalk. He accepted the invitation and kicked it, but now wishes he hadn’t. The stone that hat covered weighed about 10 pounds.
Placer Gold: In this division are quite long stretches of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers which are now receiving a good deal of attention as dredging propositions. Probably the most extensive preparations for this class of work have been made by the Cobeldick Dredging Co., of Lytton, which is to operate in the Fraser just below the junction of the Thompson as soon as the dredging plant now in course of construction is completed, as it is expected to be this coming spring. Quite a little placer work is carried on in the bed of the river, on the bars exposed by low water, but only when the water in the river is low can this work be prosecuted. Some idea of the importance of the division as a producer of placer gold may be gained from the amount of gold dust bought by the merchants of Lytton and Ashcroft, which is reported by the Mining Recorder as being $16,048 and $32,465, respectively, for the year 1899.
Copper And Criss Creek: Very few people are aware that just across the lake from Savonas are some splendid mining properties, and it will no doubt be a surprise to know that some of them have been actively developed. The value of copper ore in sight has been carefully estimated to be worth $75,000. The natural position of the mine, on the lake front, makes a desirable property.
Terrible Ordeal: To be lost in the woods nine days without food is not a pleasant experience. Word has been received that a Chinaman of Ah Mow’s pack train, supposed to be Ah Mow himself, was lost while hunting for strayed horses 19 miles from Quesnel and was only found nine days after by Indian packers of Jean Caux’s pack train, who were out hunting. They had fired several shots and afterwards heard someone call, which caused them to make a systematic search, with the result that the Chinaman was found alive, though very weak. His horse, which was found quite close to him, was dead.
100 YEARS AGO: JUNE 13, 1925
Ashcroft Government Office Restored; Taxes And Collections To Be Paid To Agent In Ashcroft: Acting under the assurance given by Dr. MacLean, Minister of Finance and member for this district, that the Ashcroft government agency would be restored to give local people the best service possible, all arrangements have now been completed, and in future all taxes and collections of revenue are to be paid to the provincial assessor and collector in Ashcroft. In fact all branches of the public service are to be handled at Ashcroft. A vote of thanks is due the minister of finance from the business interests and all concerned for giving Ashcroft and district an efficient government service.
Ashcroft To Join Highway Association: Following the resolution passed at the special meeting of the Ashcroft Board of Trade on Monday evening, Messrs. Marcus Bailey, T.J. Richards, A.W. Jervis, and Alec Ogston visited Merritt Wednesday afternoon to attend a meeting of the Nicola Similkameen Highway Association. The party motored over by way of Spences Bridge, arriving at Merritt in three-and-a-half hours.
Garden Fete: The garden fete which took place yesterday afternoon on the court house grounds under the auspices of the Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild was well attended, and the efforts of the workers seem to have been well rewarded. Ice cream, strawberries, soft drinks, and lunches were served at individual tables, and the social aspect of the affair, added to the good eats that were served, rendered the event a most enjoyable affair.
Clinton Clippings: With a steam shovel and two gravel trains working out of Clinton, the village population has increased considerably. . . The new school building is progressing rapidly. It is all enclosed and the outside work complete. The plastering is finished and inside finish work begun. This building certainly improves the appearance of the town.
Lytton News: Mr. L.L. George has purchased a new Star automobile. This makes five new cars brought to Lytton in the past three months. Out of a population of 150 people, Lytton has 22 automobiles and seven auto trucks.
Disturbing Incident: A strange man staggered in to the bunkhouse at Gladwin on Friday the 5th, covered with blood. Constable W. Greenwood of Lytton was notified, who investigated into the matter. The man gave his name as Sherman Fraser, and said the wounds were self-inflicted. He was taken to the Lytton Hospital to have his wounds attended to. He had cut his throat with a safety razor while temporarily insane, and was suffering from visual hallucinations. He was taken to the Mental Hospital at Essondale by Constable Greenwood.
75 YEARS AGO: JUNE 15, 1950
A.W.E.& I. Power Plant Burns Down: Last Tuesday an electrical storm centred around the Boston Flat. Lightning struck once in a lifetime and, we understand, got the power plant, which burned out completely. The fire started about 5 p.m., and by 6 was wiped out. Ashcroft Water, Electric and Improvement Co. are having one sweet time these past two years. Beginning in 1948 the weather elements poured extra gallons and gallons of water down the Bonaparte and succeeded in washing their hydroelectric dam out twice. Repair work had been going on steadily since. Last winter Jack Frost and all his little Jackies broke loose and edged their way down to their water mains and froze the mains and service pipes, which has disrupted water service, and today the waterworks men are still repairing the damage. The company is building a new dam and power plant about two hundred yards up the Bonaparte from the present site, and this was to ease the heavy demand for power and electricity which has been piling up. We understand the one destroyed by fire Tuesday will be rebuilt.
Clinton Rodeo: At the Game Guide dance, an impromptu meeting was held to form the Clinton Rodeo and Gymkhana Association. This association is sponsoring a dance in Clinton community hall on June 16 with Scheepbouer’s orchestra in attendance. There are rumours of a stampede to be held at Clinton early in September.
Baseball: Lillooet Boys and Girls Softball teams are coming over to Ashcroft on Sunday to initiate our new ball diamond across the river. It is expected a senior hardball team from Lillooet will also come and play in the evening. The ball grounds across the river on the Peters property have been put in shape by a grader and the dragging of an iron rail around. The backstop is also going up in readiness for the games on Sunday.
Gone Fishing: Ashcroftites are spending Sundays at Marble Canyon, some reporting good catches of trout. . . Trig. and Gerry Ellingsen, Bill Shaw, Lloyd Gallagher, and Bob Chadwick motored to Loon Lake on Saturday evening. They returned Sunday night with a nice catch and report fishing very good.
Weather: Summer has hit us with a bang. Old Sol is making up for lost time these days.
50 YEARS AGO: JUNE 11, 1975
Rec. Building Answers Wanted: The Recreation Commission of the Ashcroft is looking for public input, suggestions, and expressed interest concerning what YOU feel is a prime need in the matter of a new Recreation Facility, to be planned to serve the Ashcroft district. YOU are invited to write in with your suggestions, listing what interests you and/or your family. Tell us for what type of sport activity you would like to have provision made, in the planning of a new overall facility to replace the Drylands Arena, recently destroyed by fire. If you are interested in ping pong and feel that provision should be made, let us know! If you are interested in bull fighting and feel that provision should be made, let us know! We want your suggestions so that a complex can be intelligently planned to serve, as far as funds available will allow, every sector of the community to best advantage, 365 days per year.
Arson Quote Not True: The editor was given to understand that a report regarding arson suspected in the recent fire at the Drylands Arena was a figment of the writer’s mind and not to be attributed to the person from whom the report had allegedly been obtained.
Soap Boxers Going To Calgary: Our soap box racers are off to Calgary on Friday, June 13 for Derby races. We understand that regulations and inspection of vehicles is very strict, so therefore by trying Calgary one may learn something to our advantage. Wish us luck.
Notice: In the event of a power failure or fire the public is requested, for safety’s sake, to turn off all water outlets, i.e. water sprinklers, faucets, etc.
