Clark County Historical Museum

06/18/2026

Just one day left for voting! Please cast your vote (you don't have to live in Vancouver) to share your support for the Clark County Historical Museum for in the best Museum/Cultural Center under Arts and Entertainment!Thanks!

VOTE HERE: https://www.columbian.com/cont.../best-of-clark-county-2026/?

06/18/2026

# HighlightingHistory: Did you know that in late March of 1928, Battle Ground played host when the Clark County Fair returned?

That year, Clark County’s first fair in years opened in Battle Ground, and people sure showed up in a hurry! Opening day alone brought an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 visitors, with the barns and exhibit halls filled with cattle, swine, poultry, farm produce, and 4-H displays.

One detail especially seems to have caught reporters’ attention: the complete absence of horses. In a county fair setting, that might seem surprising, but it also reflected a changing Clark County, where dairying was becoming an increasingly important part of local agriculture.

The fairground crowds only grew from there. On the second day, Thursday, March 29th, attendance was so heavy that The Columbian reported ticket takers could not even keep up with the guest count. Visitors packed the grounds for cattle judging, Boy Scout drills, and music provided by the SP&S Railway band.

By the final day, the papers declared that “all roads led to the county fair” as cars lined the highway into Battle Ground. A Vancouver male chorus closed out the festivities with song and dance, and the 1928 county fair was hailed as “one of the most successful events in years.”

This week, we’re proud to partner with one of our small business members, Rose Smith, Realtor of Wild Rose Realty. A Clark County native and multiple-time Best of Clark County winner, Rose can be found at Kelly Right Real Estate in Vancouver for your real estate needs!

And as a little extra something this week, all Wild Rose clients and colleagues will receive FREE admission to the museum from June 16–20. How? Just mention "Wild Rose Realty" at the front desk when you check in. See you soon!

Photo Description: From the museum's collection, this image shows a man and child standing at a booth that is selling grab bags, which is located right next to the Octopus ride at the Clark County Fair in Battle Ground. Black and white; Undated.

06/17/2026

Well, it's that time of year again! Our "Wander Clark County" summer walking tours kicked off for the season this past Saturday at Old City Cemetery, and we had full groups for both the 9am AND 11am tours. It's great to be back on the route with you!

Coming up this Saturday, June 20th, we return to Wander through Historic Downtown Camas at 9:00am and 11:00am. While the tickets are going fast, we still have a few available! These slots won't stay open for long, as they historically are grabbed right out of the gate, and all tours are capped at 25 participants. Reserve yours today!

This weekend's walking tour dates and tickets can be found here:
https://tinyurl.com/WanderCamas-9amTour
https://tinyurl.com/WanderCamas-11amTour

Explore Clark County on foot with CCHM!

06/17/2026

: There is something very satisfying about a senior class photo with a pennant, wouldn't you agree?

From the museum’s collection, this photograph shows the Battle Ground High School senior class of 1924 gathered on the school steps, "'24 SENIORS" pennant in front, and 22 graduates very much ready to be remembered. There is something especially fun about class photos like this one. They are formal, yes, but never entirely stiff. The pennant, the sweater with the big B, the mix of poses, and the expressions that range from serious to just-barely-smiling.

This week, we’re also proud to partner with our small business member Rose Smith, of Wild Rose Realty. A Clark County native and multiple-time Best of Clark County winner, Rose can be found at Kelly Right Real Estate in Vancouver.

And as a little extra this week, all Wild Rose clients and colleagues will receive FREE admission this week from June 16–20. How? Just by mentioning "Wild Rose Realty" at the front desk when you check in. See you soon!

Photo Description: A black-and-white group photograph shows the 1924 Battle Ground High School senior class posed on the front steps of a school building. One student at the front holds a pennant reading “’24 Seniors,” while the group behind him is arranged in several rows, dressed in a mix of sweaters, dresses, collared shirts, and one bow tie.

06/16/2026

Only 4 Days Left to Vote!

There are less than four days remaining to vote in The Columbian's 2026 Best of Clark County competition, and we'd be honored to have your support.

This year, we're especially excited that Museum/Cultural Center has been added as a category under Arts & Entertainment, creating a new opportunity to recognize organizations that enrich our community through history, culture, and education.

At the Clark County Historical Museum, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of all the communities that make Clark County unique. Through interactive exhibits, walking tours, History on Tap, our monthly Speaker Series, and other community programs, we strive to connect people with the stories that have shaped our region.

If you've visited the museum, attended an event, participated in a tour, volunteered, become a member, or simply believe that local history matters, we hope you'll consider voting for us.

Your vote is more than a show of support - it helps raise awareness of our mission and the importance of preserving and sharing Clark County's history for future generations.
Please click the link below and vote for the Clark County Historical Museum as the Best Museum/Cultural Center in Clark County.

Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting local history.

Voting closes in less than four days!

https://www.columbian.com/contests/best-of-clark-county-2026/?

This year, nominations begin April 24th and conclude May 8th. The top 8 businesses/organizations will advance to the voting round June 1-19. On August 15, 2026, we will announce the top 5, naming winner, runner up and finalists in our special section which will be inserted in our paper and available...

06/16/2026

: Every town has an early chapter. Here’s one of Battle Ground’s.

From the museum’s collection, this photograph captures an early view of Battle Ground on April 11, 1903. On the left is Peter Ornsdoff’s store; to the right sits a cheese factory; and toward the back is the Ward Hotel.

There is something especially good about an early town view like this. You can see the bones of the place: a store, a hotel, a local industry, rough fencing, a muddy crossing, and plenty of open ground still edged by trees. Battle Ground is here, but it is still very much in the process of becoming "Battle Ground" as we know it.

This week, we’re also proud to partner with our small business member Rose Smith of Wild Rose Realty. A Clark County native and multiple-time Best of Clark County winner, Rose can be found at Kelly Right Real Estate in Vancouver. And as a little extra this week, all Wild Rose Realty clients and colleagues will receive FREE admission to the museum from June 16–20. How? Just mention "Rose Smith / Wild Rose Realty" at the front desk when you check in. See you soon!

Photo Description: A sepia-toned landscape photograph shows an early view of Battle Ground in 1903. A muddy creek or drainage ditch runs across the foreground with rough wooden fencing and a small bridge crossing it. In the distance stand several early buildings, including Peter Ornsdoff’s store at left, a cheese factory to the right, and the Ward Hotel farther back, all surrounded by open ground and tall trees. (cchm02883)

06/15/2026

in Clark County History: June 15, 1935 — The new telephone exchange at 11th and Washington streets in Vancouver was put into operation at midnight. The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. underwent its most significant change since 1907 with the transfer of all facilities to the new building from their previous location at 112 W 6th. According to The Columbian archives, the transfer was completed "without interruption of service and without any evident change in the method of operation so far as the subscriber is concerned."

Double shifts of operators known as "Hello" girls were stationed at both locations, allowing the switchboards to continue operations uninterrupted during the transfer. The operators reported to be at the switchboards at the former location were: Mary Burling (née McCoy, 1910-1992), Louise Reed (1915-1998), and Eva G. Freeburg (1904-1980), chief night operator. At the new exchange, callers were in the hands of Georgeann Borgan (née Wornom, 1900-1991), Margaret Abernathy (née Horner, 1907-1966), Adelia S. Elkins (née Kamp, 1910-1995), and Miss C. Ann Ducich (1895-1988), chief operator.

An Open House was held from July 18-20, 1935, allowing the residents of Clark County to come and see the new telephone building.

Photo Description: From the museum's collection, this photo shows the Vancouver office of the Pacific Telephone Company, located on 11th and Washington Street in Vancouver. Black and white, ca.1935.

06/13/2026

Another week of is almost here, with more local stories and a birthday-timed stop in Battle Ground’s past.

This coming week, we’re excited to spotlight our Small Business member, Rose Smith, and Wild Rose Realty. A Clark County native and multiple-time Best of Clark County winner, Rose can be found at Kelly Right Real Estate in Vancouver.

We’ll also be sharing Battle Ground Stories just in time for Battle Ground’s birthday!
And of course, there’s a little birthday bonus for Wild Rose clients and staff from us, too: free admission days are June 16–20. Just mention this week’s featured business at the front desk when you check in! Consider this your invitation to settle in for the week ahead. 🎊