125 YEARS AGO: JUNE 9, 1900
Post Office Items: On Jan. 1, 1899, the letter rate within Canada was reduced from three to two cents per ounce. This change has been accompanied by such a marked and continuous increase in the number of domestic letters being transmitted through the mails as to warrant the conclusion that the loss of revenue consequent on such reduction will soon be overcome. There have been opened during the fiscal year 138 new post offices, making a total for the Dominion of 9,420 offices.
Quick Trip: W. Hawthorne, who is at home for a few days this week, made a remarkable good trip from the Gang Ranch on his bicycle. The distance is over 100 miles and he made it in about 12 hours.
Baseball: The baseball team are having splendid practises. The members are to be congratulated on the business-like way in which they work. The Ashcroft team have accepted a challenge to play the Kamloops team at Kamloops on the 1st of July. They will give a good account of themselves.
100 YEARS AGO: JUNE 6, 1925
Wild Animal Kills Cherry Creek Boy: Vernon: On Tuesday evening Freeman Hine of Cherry Creek district, aged 15, went out on horseback to bring in the cows, but failed to return. When his horse came in without him a search party went out and searched for him most of the night and early in the morning. He was found about noon, unconscious, with all his clothes ripped off except the boots and part of the trousers, and with his body badly bruised and lacerated. He was brought into Vernon hospital but died shortly after without regaining consciousness. It is thought that either a cougar or a bear may have caused his injuries, and that shock and exposure with being out all night in the cold wet weather caused his death. No attempt was made by the animal to devour or otherwise mutilate the body.
Strawberries At The Court House: Why is it that an al fresco lunch has so many attractions over a lunch served within doors? One reason is that the good housewife is freed from a task that tends to become monotonous. Another reason is that when the Ladies of Zion Guild are behind the open-air event everybody that is anybody wants to be there. When individual tables are set in shady bowers of green, with snowy draperies, dainty wares, and daintier delicacies, served by a bevy of charming ladies, the temptation to join the merry groups becomes irresistible. By the good will of Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, the old Court House (handy in case of showers), with its fine spreading trees and inviting lawn, has witnessed many delectable arrays in the past, but if report be true this year’s display will outdistance all previous records. Some of the good things named are strawberries and cream, strawberry short cake, tempting sandwiches, tea and coffee, iced soft drinks, and of course the indispensable ice cream. All you need on a summer’s eve, the gentlemen being judges. Friday, June 12 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Clinton Clippings: It is rumoured that the Rod and Gun Club of Clinton are putting a number of boats on Kelly Lake this season. So join and become a member. . . A number of the Clintonites motored to Green Lake on the 29th inst. to attend the Basket Social, which proved quite a success, one basket bringing as high as $9. All reported having a good time.
House To Rent: Four room cottage, hot water, bath. $12.50 per month. Apply Journal.
River: The Thompson River, which had reached high water mark during the recent hot spell, is gradually coming back to normal.
75 YEARS AGO: JUNE 8, 1950
Board Of Trade Meeting: The committee on the Ashcroft Park across the river reported on their progress and said that a meeting is being called for all presidents and secretaries of organizations in Ashcroft, to discuss ways and means of finishing up the pool and park, as Ashcroft is in need of this park immediately for tourists. The question of a line on the highway at the entrances to Ashcroft roads at the Manor and Boston Flat was discussed, and a letter will be sent to the Public Works Department asking if lines could be put in to mark the cutoffs, which are dangerous in present condition.
Spences Bridge: Traffic on the No. 1 Highway is far below par this year, and is felt by all the business places along the line, who rely on the traffic for their income. We hope that when they finish road repairs down the canyon that it will help make up for the loss.
Publicity For Cariboo: Mr. Wilkinson of the Flying U at Green Lake was in town Wednesday, and he is working on a huge publicity campaign for the Cariboo and will seek the assistance of everyone who directly or indirectly benefits from the tourist business. The Cariboo, and all roads leading into it from Hope up to Yale, Boston Bar, Lytton, Spences Bridge, Ashcroft, and Clinton on up the road has more to offer in attractions and historic wonders than any other place, and as Mr. Wilkinson says, we should let the world know about it. The only way it can be advertised is by everyone getting behind the publicity, financially and otherwise.
Please Return: Will the party who borrowed the Tennis Club hose last fall please return same to the new tennis court at the Masonic hall.
Letters To The Editor: 8625 Laurel Street, Vancouver, B.C., May 31, 1950: Dear Sir—We would appreciate very much if you could find room in your paper for this letter from four grateful people. We had an accident on Sunday, May 28 about 2:30 p.m. at Semlin Corner. We were amazed by the thoughtfulness and kindness of everyone we came in contact with. You will be glad to hear there were no serious injuries (lots of bruises, abrasions, and aches and pains), for which we are very thankful. We especially thank the lady from Kelowna who witnessed the accident and was so kind, also Dr. Mills, Nurse Sutherland, and all of the staff at the hospital, the jeweller who repaired the glasses, hotel proprietor, etc. Previous to Sunday, Ashcroft was synonymous with good potatoes, but now the name will always bring to us a very warm feeling of friendliness and good neighbourliness which we will try to pass on in our turn. Wishing you all, and your community, the best of luck and prosperity, We are, very sincerely yours, Mr. and Mrs. David Hall, Ron Hall, and Archie MacLeod.
50 YEARS AGO: JUNE 4, 1975
Plans For New Arena Already In Progress: The arena committee met with the mayor and clerk of Ashcroft on Sunday evening to discuss the cleanup and rebuilding of the Drylands Arena. Discussion centred on probable new developments in the rebuilding of the structure. An engineering team will be consulted regarding the condition of the floor at the arena. Should it be found damaged beyond repair for rebuilding on the site, consideration is being given to expanding to a larger site area where future long-range planning for recreational facilities would be possible. The cleanup of the debris at the arena following the fire will be up for grabs. A volunteer group of willing townspeople could do the job and be paid by the insurance company and the money go into the arena fund. The committee is already at work covering any possibility with regard to making the most feasible plans for our new arena. Last night a committee visited the fire site to take inventory of facilities at the rink.
Bill Hartley [MLA] Comments On Ashcroft Fire: “I commend the Volunteer Fire Department for their efforts to contain this tragic fire, and I applaud their success in saving the ice plant, the adjoining curling rink, and the Human Resources Building [now the Village Office]. The arena was an outstanding example of community cooperation on the parts of private citizens, business, and government. The success of the arena in bringing together people of all ages and from all walks of life was truly remarkable. I am quite certain the people of Ashcroft will not be deterred by this tragic setback, and that a new arena will arise from the ashes.”
Ashcroft Depicted In Oil Paintings: Several familiar scenes of old houses and streets of Ashcroft, including the former home of Constable Burr on Railway Avenue, the “Nabob Tea” building built by Ling Kee before the First World War, and two views of Brink Street looking north and south, and the former Boyle House built by Ashcroft’s first medical doctor, Dr. Sanson, about 1880 will be exhibited in the Annual Arts and Crafts Display, June 13 in the United Church Hall. The paintings, executed by Esther Bastow [now Darlington], are the first the artist has put on public display here. Mrs. Bastow has been teaching art courses for the Cariboo College Adult Extension in Ashcroft and she has taught in Clinton. She also instructed a very successful course this past year sponsored by the local Art Club. Esther’s paintings and graphic work and water colours have appeared in numerous civic and private galleries in B.C. and in the state of Washington. Her work has hung in the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Burnaby Art Gallery, the Vancouver Arts Club, U.B.C., and the University of Western Washington. She has also exhibited in Williams Lake, Kamloops, and Terrace. In 1972, the Kamloops Arts Council invited her to have a one man show in the Library Building in Kamloops. [The paintings hung in the Ashcroft Library until 2022; they are now on display in the Ashcroft Village Office.]
Walhachin News: The Water Works chairman Wm. Mairs and his volunteers were busy again this weekend repairing the main line. The water pressure has been at its best lately. The old wood main line has worn out in a number of places, making the repairing very difficult for the men involved in fixing it. Your patience and cooperation would be greatly appreciated by the Water Works.
