North Clark Historical Museum is located in upper Amboy in the 1910 United Brethren Church
AMBOY – At the Annual Membership meeting of the North Clark Historical Museum in February, Sam Arola and Gordon Brooks, Clark County Fire District 10, were named as the Museum’s 2022 Citizens of the Year for their commitment to the fire department and their commitment to the community.
North Clark Historical Museum is located in upper Amboy in the 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000.
Sam Arola grew up in the Dollars Corner area. He attended Clark College and earned a degree. He has been married to his best friend Karen for 50 years. They have two daughters and four granddaughters. Sam has worked at the IP Mill on Chelatchie Prairie, the city of Vancouver in road maintenance, and for the Washington State Department of Transportation. He retired after 38 years with the department. Sam’s interest in being a firefighter was sparked by the impressive Dollars Corner neighborhood volunteer fire department. When he worked in Amboy, several coworkers encouraged him to volunteer for District 10. Sam joined the team in January of 1976. He has served ever since and became fire chief after Sonny Wilson retired in 1998. He says it is an interesting job, and he’s seen just about everything.
Gordon Brooks lived in many places while growing up due to his father’s work. He graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1980. Gordon wanted his six children to be able to attend the same school throughout the years, so he planted roots in North Clark County. He worked in Vancouver for the Department of Transportation as an Engineering Technician. He looked into volunteering for the fire department in May of 1988, but still continued to work. He went to paramedic school and was hired to check the rules at the Fire Department. He became the first full time employee of Fire District 10 in September of 1998. Gordon likes being able to help the people he knows in the community.
Both Sam & Gordon are involved in going out on calls for accidents, medical issues, fires, and helping North Country EMS on medical calls and other projects. They are also involved in the blood drives, Santa Claus, Kokanee Derby on Lake Merwin, Sausage Booth at Territorial Days, and Lawn Mower Races at Territorial Days.
“Gordon and Sam like to help out community members on their own time and have been very supportive of the Museum,’’ read a news release from the North Clark Historical Museum. “The Board of Directors is very glad they are our neighbors! Congratulations, Gordon and Sam!’’
To reach North Clark Historical Museum phone (360) 247-5800 (leave message) or email museumnch88@gmail.com.
The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement: To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.
