The incorporation of Clarkston has its first mention in the minutes of the county commissioners on January 7, 1901, when a petition from 71 citizens was received asking for such action. The proposition was lost by vote of 15 to 37 on August 5th. The petitioners returned to the charge on May 5, 1902, to incorporate Clarkston and Vineland as a city of the third class. This was defeated May 24th by 70 to 110. At the meeting of the commissioners on July 8, 1902, there came still another petition, asking that Clarkston be incorporated as a city of the fourth class. An election on that issue was held on August 2d, and this time incorporation won, 45 to 31. At the next meeting the commissioners rearranged the precinct, making the limits of Clarkston coterminous with the incorporation and from the remainder creating Vineland Precinct.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, CLARKSTON
Following this election Clarkston was duly incorporated, and the first city government had its meeting for formal organization on August 26th. Alexander Robinson was the first mayor. L. S. Lehm was the first treasurer. The council consisted of George S. Bailey, C. S. Whitford, A. S. Burnett, V. Anderson, and S. J. Roberts. Wm. Porter was appointed clerk, Robert F. Klein marshal, and E. E. Halsey city attorney. The first regular election occurred in December, 1902. The former officers were re-elected, with the exception of Burnett and Roberts, who were succeeded by S. T. Ramsey and Mr. Halligus. Mayor Robinson died in 1903. The election of December 8, 1903, resulted in the election of F. C. Brown as mayor. The councilmen consisted of S. T. Ramsey, C. S. Whitford, A. S. Burnett, V. Anderson, and A. J. Wood. Mr. Lehm was re-elected treasurer. The appointive officers were continued.
Mr. Frank N. Brown continued to be rechosen to the position of mayor from 1903 to 1907. The mayors following were these: R. M. Yount, 1907 to 1908; D. B. Parks, 1909 to 1910; R. M. Yount, 1910 to 1913; Dr. Paul W. Johnson, 1913 to 1914; E. J. Bailey, 1914 to 1916; J. E. Hoobler, 1916 to 1917. During the period from 1903 to 1917, we find the councilmen to have been: from 1903 to 1908, J. E. Hoobler, E. R. Stevens, S. T. Smiley, C. W. Hunton, and E. J. Bailey; 1909, F. M. Hartley, J. E. Heritage, S. L. Fowler, I. W. Rucker, H. S. Jones; 1910 and 1911, J. E. Hoobler, D. H. Stephens, S. L. Fowler, I. W. Rucker, D. H. Ransom; 1912, T. W. Hartley, J. E. Hoobler, I. W. Rucker, Herman Frank; 1913, J. E. Heritage, Mr. Daege, E. J. Dewar, J. P. Goetchius, H. G. Jones, F. M. Hartley, Herman Frank; 1914, Robert Meyer, J. H. Maynard, Herman Frank, H. S. Jones, F. M. Hartley, Mr. Bundy, J. E. Heritage; 1915, F. M. Hartley, W. E. Potter, John Whistler, P. T. Lomax, F. M. Talbot, L. M. Faulkenbury, P. F. Stillings; 1916, J. H. Maynard, E. J. Price, H. S. Jones, F. M. Hartley, Mr. Bundy, P. T. Lomax, Mr. Hill—by resignation of Mr. Hartley, Lee Morris was appointed; 1917, John Getty, J. H. Clear, L. E. Morrison, I. W. Knight, M. W. Isle, W. O. Bond, C. B. Thomson. For several years past G. L. Ackley has been clerk.
Both Asotin and Clarkston have maintained commercial clubs since their early days. In Asotin the officers of the present are Edward Baumeister, president; and Charles S. Florence, secretary-treasurer.
The club at Clarkston was organized on September 11, 1899, and was first known as the Business Men's Association. Its first special aim was the gravelling of the very dusty streets. The officers of the first organization were: H. C. Whetstone, president; C. M. Evans, vice president; T. W. Enos, secretary; Alexander Robinson, treasurer. In 1908 it was reorganized, named Commercial Club, and the officers chosen were: E. H. Libby, president; R. B. Hooper, vice president; J. E. Hoobler, secretary-treasurer.
An attractive, though not large building was erected, with the expectation of using it as a library, but when the Carnegie Library was built, the former building became the property of the city, and is now used as a council room, as well as a Commercial Club meeting place. The present officers of the club are: E. J. Bailey, president; Lee Morris, vice president; Lester Hoobler, secretary-treasurer. By reason of the departure of Mr. Hoobler to join the army, the duties of secretary are now in the hands of G. L. Ackley.
The educational system of Asotin County, like that of other units of old Walla Walla, has been typically American, one of the bed rock institutions in the upbuilding of the new land. From the first the people of the county have taken pride in their schools and while not absolutely true at all times and in all places to the highest interest of their children—as none are even in the State of Washington—they have results which make a demonstration of high ideals. There has been steady advancement from the log schoolhouse day to date.