125 YEARS AGO: MAY 19, 1900
Fire Appliances Effective: Since the purchase of the fire fighting appliances and the formation of a fire company we have experienced three small fires, any one of which, but for the prompt work of the company and the efficiency of the water system, would have caused loss not easily estimated. The last blaze, that of a frame building in Chinatown, about six o’clock last Monday morning, was, in point of value, the greatest loss, and proved as clearly as the other two fires the absolute necessity for never-ceasing diligence in keeping the appliances and the company in the best possible shape. When it is remembered that none of the fire company were present at the late fire, it is a matter that requires the consideration of the citizens. Of course it is well-known that the want of a proper alarm was the reason for the non-appearance of the members. Not one of them knew anything about the fire until it had been put out by some citizens who happened to be about. It is necessary that a bell be procured at once, and presumably it is the duty of the fire company to make some arrangements for its purchase.
Unfortunate Incident: Joseph Jackman, a teamster, had the misfortune to fall from his wagon and dislocate his hip while driving from Hat Creek to Ashcroft last Wednesday. He is now at the Ashcroft Hotel, and it will be some time before he will be about again. The accident happened about a mile this side of Cole McDonald’s [12 Mile House]. He was assisted into the wagon and reached Ashcroft in an unconscious condition. Dave Wiggins of Dog Creek was in his company, and was arrested Wednesday night and charged with stealing eighty or ninety dollars from Jackman. He claimed he found the money in the wagon and intended to give it to Jackman, but got drunk and spent all but $13. He was committed for trial.
Horse Racing: Ashcroft celebrates the 24th with horse racing. J. Wyness is secretary of a committee who will conduct a series of races. The principal attraction will be a match race between “Crawford” and a Nicola horse for $200 a side. Dancing will begin at 8 o’clock in the Town Hall, to which everybody is welcome.
Dangerous Practise: The custom of placing wagons on the streets is a dangerous one, and those who are responsible for it should consider their responsibility before any damage is done.
100 YEARS AGO: MAY 16, 1925
Hat Creek Coal Big Deposit; Dawson Geological Survey Of 1877 Holds Good Today: The Coal and Fuel Record, Vancouver, in its March issue has an exhaustive article on the Hat Creek coal field. A recent opinion of Major Angus W. Davis, resident engineer, is quoted as follows: “The Hat Creek coal is 15 miles from the P.G.E. railway at Pavilion. The deposit is enormous and is exposed for 2,000 feet up and down the creek. This coal is the best prospect the P.G.E. railway has for development of tonnage, and there should be no time lost in its development.”
Walhachin News: New arrivals in Walhachin are Mr. and Mrs. Jack McAbee, Mr. and Mrs. Albiston, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, and Mrs. Devine, back in her summer cottage with her peppy daughter-in-law. The latter lady has livened up the dull town considerably. There have been several dances given in honour of Mrs. Devine, junior, also a number of whist drives.
American Films: The introduction of American films into Canada is not without its dangers. The class of movies that reach this country are filmed according to American ideals; they are coloured to appeal to the American taste and not to the Canadian; they are pictures of things in this world as they are seen through American eyes. There is no blame coming to the Yankees for boosting their own country; we all do that, and it would be a poor citizen who would not; but when films that are so nationally coloured are for foreign circulation as well as home consumption they might have a heart. In the filming of Old Country stories there is nearly always an American hero who puts it all over everybody and who always comes out on top, to the dishonour or humiliation of his rivals or competitors. Now, this is all very well before a United States audience; but the Americans are not ALWAYS the smartest people in the world, and when showing off before foreign patrons the perpetual self-praise becomes somewhat disgusting. This “We won the war” spirit on the part of the producers is a setback to the movie picture theatre industry in Canada, because the big-hearted, patriotic Britisher refuses to patronize a show where he is more than likely to see himself or people of his own country held up to ridicule.
75 YEARS AGO: MAY 18, 1950
Flooding: Clinton Creek went on the rampage for several days last week, overflowing the road by Robertson’s store over a width of 50 feet. The water was diverted through Mr. Smith’s garden to prevent it flooding the house. The water subsided over the weekend.
Board Of Trade: At the regular meeting of Ashcroft and District Board of Trade held on May 4, the question of finishing up the swimming pool came up for discussion. It was felt by the meeting that something must be done to complete the pool this year, because Ashcroft is in desperate need of a park and attraction for tourists. . . A letter was read from Hon. E.C. Carson, stating that a survey will be made of the Ashcroft Manor-Ashcroft-Savona route to determine cost in comparison with present road to reconstruct.
All’s Ready For 24th Of May Picnic: Plans are complete for the annual 24th of May Picnic for Ashcroft and District at the Semlin Ranch grounds. Arrangements this year have been made by the P.T.A. Trucks will leave the post office at 11 a.m. to carry the children and parents to the ranch. The sports competition for the Legion Shield will be run off starting in the morning. Crowning of Queen-elect Alice will be held at 1:30. Bring a lunch, coffee will be supplied and the usual ice cream treat donated by the local Brother Bills and Canadian Legion. So come one, come all and make this the biggest day ever. In the evening there will be a dance put on by the High School Orchestra.
Around Your Hi-School (By L. Louie): The science V class has been having quite an interesting time tinkering with telegraph and telephone circuits. Stew and Lennox rigged up a telephone circuit between their desks. We all tried our hand tapping out the code on the telegraph system. The boys are trying to set up a radio.
50 YEARS AGO: MAY 14, 1975
Construction Starts On New Ashcroft Library Building: Construction began last week on the building to house the new Ashcroft Library. The site is at the corner of Brink Street and Second Avenue. The new library, when completed, should be an asset to the community.
Ashcroft Water Usage: The usage of water in an arid climate like the Ashcroft area is essential to grow the gardens and lawns around your homes. During the past two years the Village upgraded water lines to increase gallon usage available and the potential available for expected growth. During the past couple of weeks, especially on warmer days, an alarming piece of information related to total gallons pumped by the Village has reared its head. The total gallons pumped by the Village on these warm days is equal to the total gallons used during the extreme hot days of summer in 1974. At this rate, definite sprinkling regulations and general water usage may have to be implemented. The public are encouraged to beautify and irrigate their lawns and gardens; however, as you drive down the streets you can see the water running down the road. The public are asked to use the water with more restraint as, if the gallons pumped per day cannot be lowered by considerate usage, the Village will be required to implement and enforce definite sprinkling regulations.
Ashcroft Dog Problem: The Village of Ashcroft is receiving an ever increasing amount of complaints about dogs running at large. In a few instances a few of the smaller children have been bitten. All dog owners are reminded that any person who owns or harbours a dog over four months of age is required to obtain a dog licence. No animal is to run at large; if your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash. The S.P.C.A. have recently advised the Village that in 1974, 25 per cent of the animals impounded within the Village were destroyed because they did not have a licence and could not be associated to any owners. To protect your dog, buy a licence; keep the animal in your own yard to protect it; but also remember, many of your neighbours have just planted their gardens and would not like to see it messed up by your dog.
Lane Closed: This is to advise that persons using MacLean Lane (Government Lane) will find the road blocked off at the far end. The lane is not and never has been a through road. The reasons for the blockade are that citizens are driving through private property, and at speeds which are dangerous to the children living on MacLean Lane, also the land is not paved, creating unnecessary dust problems.
