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From the Journal archives: news from the past

What was happening in and around Ashcroft, in July 1914 and July 1964
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Playing Cache Creek the first week of July

July 1914

Heir to Austrian Throne Assassinated

Serajevo [sic], Bosnia, June 29—Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne and the Duchess of Hohenberg, his morganatic wife were shot dead yesterday by a student on the main street of the Bosnia capital a short time after they had escaped death from a bomb hurled at the royal automobile. They were slain while passing through the city on their annual visit to the annexed provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The archduke was struck fully in the face and the duchess was shot through the abdomen and throat. They died a few minutes after reaching the palace to which they were hurried with all possible speed. [July 4, 1914]

Blair’s Auto Truck Has Narrow Escape

What might have been a very serious and expensive accident took place on Wednesday last when the large auto truck owned by H. Blair and driven by one Much, and loaded with merchandise, went over the embankment at the bluffs about two miles from Ashcroft on the Cariboo road. The general account of the accident is that Mr. Much was driving along and enjoying the scenery which begins to border on what might be called the “grand” just about that point. Suddenly the off front wheel struck a reef and jerked the “ribbons” from the hands of the driver. Before he could gain control of his leaders the front wheel had submerged itself in the soft ground over the edge, and the auto, load and driver and all would have described about a thousand somersaults down to the Bonaparte had it not been for the interference of the government protection fence which begins there, and which said “Thus far thou shalt go but no further.” The truck had to be unloaded to back out under her own gasoline.

Bonanza For Local Anglers

Kelly Lake has been dispensing its favours right royally in the trout line during the last few days. A large number of fine catches have been made, Messrs Bob Fraser, Eddie Bell and Harry Horan being the most favoured of the anglers. During one of their trips they pulled out in one day nearly two hundred trout, all ranging from one to three pounds. Kelly Lake has not done such a thing for many a year.

Well Known Clinton Figure No More To Be Seen

Dr. Henry Pierce, the locally noted Eye Specialist and Oculist, is at last seen no more on our city’s streets, having taken a little trip to New Westminster in the company of Constable Pittendrigh. Dr. Pierce has for some little time been a familiar figure in Clinton, but he gradually became somewhat of a nuisance and his figure became too familiar in doorways, and as he had no apparent means of livelihood except charity, it was thought best for all concerned that he should be removed to the Royal City, where he will be able to practice to his heart’s content.

July 1964

Couldn’t Wait

Three school teachers called in to Sand n’ Sage Hotel [Ashcroft] to stay Monday night about 8 o’clock p.m., could not wait to cool off in a bathing suit, or have their car washed the quick way, apparently, and drove head on into the pool. The driver misadjusted the car’s mechanism, we understand, and the result was a premature ducking for both them and the car. Damage to the pool is around $1000 and although receiving a drenching the car was ready to go the next morning. It was a 1964 Acadian, the front and side received damage. It was insured. The girls, none the worse for the unhappy experience, were on their way the next day.

Cache Creek Chamber Discusses Incorporation

A public meeting was held in the Cache Creek Elementary School Tuesday, June 16, 1964, at 8:00 p.m. sponsored by the Cache Creek and District Chamber of Commerce. The topic of the meeting was the pros and cons of Incorporation.

Mr. Tom Travers, chairman of Village Council and Mr. Wilson Miller, Village Clerk of Lytton; Mr. Rod Craggs, chairman of Village Council Ashcroft; Mr. Ken Beck, Council member; and Harold Harnet, Village Clerk of Clinton; and Mr. Paul Sharron of Cache Creek were guest speakers.

The meeting took place in the form of a panel discussion with Mr. Thor Anderson as moderator. The president of the Cache Creek and District Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bill Burr, introduced the guest speakers and welcomed their well versed information. The following [were some of the] questions asked and answered:

– What population is required to incorporate as a Village and does Cache Creek qualify? The requirement is based on the Village Assessment as well, and Cache Creek does qualify. Our population, however, is below requirement as of last census but a new census must be taken before incorporation and we would no doubt then meet the necessary requirements in this regard.

– Will the mill rate increase if we incorporate? No, not if we stay within our alloted money and don’t do everything all in one year.

– If we incorporate, how many people does the board require to operate the Village? Five members.

– What procedure is necessary to make the move from a District to a Village? A 65 per cent “yes” vote is necessary and has to be known before any future election, due to the last election failing.

– Will the mill rate increase if we incorporate? No, not if we stay within our allotted money and don’t do everything all in one year.

– What improvements are completed by the Provincial Government before incorporation takes place? Arrangements can be made, for all streets to be paved, maintained during winter months etc. up to three years if necessary. The government wants to help, not see us go broke.

After the panel discussion, the public had a question period.

There was much enthusiasm voiced during and after this meeting and they hope to have another meeting to learn more on the subject.