20 is cover. member British B2 Limited, society of 1 back 35326, the Act. the their V9K Box Index. for Tax 1-800-387-2689 Members 3G9 P.O. B.C. 2CO inside Micromedia through Free V7M income VOR 2M0 3Y3 address iWO 2X1 from L Business Beach, $12.00; Toll 3Y3 the Culture, B.C. • VI VON B.C. contact. vox V9R addresses Federation, 5N2 4H6 3T6 correct V8L for and KO the under B.C. 1 B.C. B.C. B.C. microform the V9R SO V1C at 3X6 V5G Qualicum Canadian 1 lEO B.C. in 7M7 2K8 Koksilah, 4E5 362-6161 VOR that Historical 6N4 3Y2 Vancouver, B.C. V6B Societies: B.C. 2H0 LO B.C. Island, numbers MO VOS VOG Nelson, Editor RO Road, V9Y (non-members), 1 1 2S0 2JO V8V 1 V3R and the B.C. V9L Nanaimo, Recreation (416) recognized V8R Princeton, Sidney, B.C. VOR North and available seeing B.C. B.C. VOE VOR VOR B.C. VOG Highway, B.C. VOB Fax B.C. Pender Street, 4L7 for Columbia B.C. 687, following B.C. are Nanaimo, Index Bumaby, $5.00. Road, •

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Volume 26, No. 1 Journal of the B.C. Historical Federation Winter - 1992-93

EDiTORIAL CONTENTS We are beginning a new year with Features Page this issue. Your editorial staff wishes The Nelson Club — List of Members 2 each reader a Very Happy 1993, and, as long as manuscripts are being sub Gone But Not Forgotten: The Nelson Club 3 mitted, we promise to produce a by Ron Weiwood worthwhile quarterly journal into the A Kettle Valley Rail Ride 7 foreseeable future. by Ernest A. Harris We hope that potential writers with The Reverend Mr. Procunier 12 loosely assembled notes on a favorite by Naonu Miller event (or character) in local or provin cial history will take advantage of the Bailiff MacAulay 16 winter season to finish off their story, byC.J.P.Hanna then to send it in as their contribution Croatians Killed in Ladysmith Mine Blast 20 to our magazine. by Zelimir Bob Juricic What is considered historical? His Lillian Ailing 24 tory does not have to be long, long by Win Shilvock it is merely of ago; a recounting what Captain and has happened in the past. A few eye Batchelor the Crimps 26 by Suzanne Spohn brows were raised when (in 1989) I set “Memories of the 1930s” as a theme. The Aylmer Family of Queens Bay 29 Since then many histories of the 1940s byE.L.Affleck have appeared, so I am not alone in Nurse Brigid of East Vancouver 32 considering stories set in relatively re by Betty Vogel cent years as “history.” Competition Between the Princesses and the I quite enjoy being dubbed as “his torical” first as a volunteer, wearing Princes on the Pacific Coast 33 1898 garb, at Fort Steele Heritage by Norman Hacking Town; secondly for persisting to hang The Saga of Lieut-Coi. C.F. Houghton 35 laundry on a clothesline despite hav by Win Shilvock ing an electric clothes dryer indoors! A Thank You goes to all the writers NEWS & NOTES 36 who contributed work in 1992, to those who sold subscriptions, to Nancy BOOK SHELF 37 Peter for maintaining the subscription Valley of Dreams 37 list, the production staff at Kootenay Review by Derryl White Kwik Print, and the hard working One Hundred Years of Singing 38 proof readers. Nai Miller Review by Thelma Reid Lower COVER CRElT Boats, Bucksaws and Blisters 38 Review by Ian Kennedy The cover of each B.C. Historical News, as far as possible, is an illustration for one of the arti Land of Destiny 39 cles contained therein. Review by Jim Bowman This issue has references to a great many communities within British Columbia, There Now You’re Logging 40 are four Kootenay stories, two set on Vancou Review by Jim Bowman ver Island, one in Vancouver, and two on Coastal shipping. And there is the story of a Spilsbury’s Coast 40 remarkable person who walked through British Review by Jim Bowman Columbia to Alaska. We have chosen to flag a map of B.C. to indicate most of those places re A Fruitful Century 40 ferred to in this magazine. Review by George NeweU Manuscripts and correspondence for the editor are to be sent to P.O. Box 105, Wasa, B.C. VOB 2K0 Correspondence regarding subscriptions is to be directed to the subscription secretary (see inside back cover) Printed in Canada by Kootenay Kwik Print 1 Cranbrook, B.C. B.C. Historical News . Winter 1992 . 93 NI[ii Ihh List of Members--September, 1898.

A K Alexander, George Kaslo Keen. John Kaslo Applewhaite, a Nelson Kinghorn, R. S. Nelson Aithur, Dr. Nelson Kirk, G. A. Victoria Ashpitel, W. S. Nelson Kurtz, D. G. Koiranee Creek Asvhbold, T. R. Nelson Kydd, George Nelson B Barrow, A. R. M. Nelson I Barton, H. A. Nelson La Bau, Dr. Nelson Bodwell, E V. Victoria Lawlord, L C. Nelson Beasley, a Nelson Lendrum, T. J. Amsworth Bostock, H. Ducks Bowes,3.H. Nelson M Braden, W. Pilot Bay Macdonald, W. A. Nelson Brainerd, Dr. Montreal Macdonell, H. E. Nelson Brelich. H. Last Chance Mine MacLaren, 1. B. Vancouver Brougiam, W. F. Nelson Mara, 3. A. Kamloops Brown, C. M Nelson Martin, G. H. C. Nelson Brown, Geo. McL Victoria Mathews, E. 3. Pilot Bay Brown, G. Noel Three Forks Maunsell, H. E. a Nelson Buchanan, A. H. Nelson McArthur, 3. B. Rossland Busk, C. W. Kokanee Creek McCune, A. W. Salt Lake City Butcher, a T. H. Nelson McFarland, D. A. Nelson C McGregor, 3. H. Victoria Campbell, 3.3. Nelson McKillop, A. L Nelson Corbin, D. C. Spokane Macleod, N. T. Nelson Corbould, W. H. Rossland Milbourne, C. K. Nelson Criddle, P. Nelson Mountain. F. A. R. Nelson Croasdaile, a H. Nelson 0 D O’Reilly, F. 3. Nelson Davys, M. S. Toad Mountain Day, Robert Cork Day, H. W. Nelson Pearson, S. G. Nelson Dennis, 0. C. Nelson Peters, F. W. Nelson Dick, Mexander Rossland Procter, T. G. Nelson Drummond, C. S. London Duncan, Capt. Nelson Q E Quinlan, Dr. Nelson Elliot, John Nelson Evans, EL 3. Nelson R F Race, C. H. Rossland Farwell, A. S. Nelson Retallack, 3. L Kaslo Fell, H. N. Nelson Richardson, G. W. Rossland Finch, a Wynne London Robertson, 3. H. Nelson Finucane, F. J. New Denver Robson, G. R. Nelson Fletcher, Frank Nelson Rolfe, W. N. Nelson Fowlei, S. S. Nelson Rudd, a v. Nelson G Goepel, W. 3. Nelson S Gore, Capt. Nelson st. Barbe, C. Nelson Griffith, C. G. Spokane Selous, H. Nelson H Senkler, H. C. Nelson Hamilton, C. H. Rossland Sherwood, A. R. Nelson Harris, H. Nelson Sword, 3. D. Rossland Heathcote, C. W. B. Nelson Symonds, Dr. Nelson Hedley, H. R. Nelson Heglnbottotn. G. A. England T Herrick, R. D. Pilot Bay Taylor, W. 3. Victoria Hirsch, 3. Nelson Thomson, H. B. Nelson Hodgins, A. H. Nelson Thomson, J. A. Vancouver Holdich, A. H. Nelson Troup, Capt. Nelson Holt, G. V. Nelson mnch, Sir 3. London Hutchison, W. Nelson w I Ward, T. M. Nelson hines, F. C. Spokane Whalley, B. P. Nelson J Whealler, A. Kaslo Johnson, A. M Nelson Wilson, D. Nelson Johnston, H. C. Campbell Nelson Wilson. H. G. Nelson Johnstone, George Nelson Wilson, a J. Nelson Joweu, W. A. Nelson

Nelson Club. List ofMembers — 1898

B.C. Historical News Winter 1992 93 Gone, But Not Forgotten. The Nelson Club,

1869 - 1925

by Ron Weiwood

PREFACE vourite cigar or drink, playing cards or two Chinese workers (a houseboy and a While renovating an old Nelson billiards, or even lawn bowling during gardener). The club secretary, who was house, the new owner uncovered a sin the fine summer weather.’ Its early also a member, was paid a monthly gle sheet of paper in a partition: Nelson membership list reads like a who’s who stipend.

Club. List of Members — September, of the Kootenay business establishment. Income to run the club was generat 1898. He gave this list to David Scott, If a gentleman was Conservative in poli ed by an entrance fee ($30.00) and local historian (deceased) who, in turn, tics, Anglican in religion and connected quarterly membership dues. Charges presented a photocopy to his friend, the to the mining industry in one way or used to help defray costs included hot Hon. Judge Leo S. Gansner. At Judge another (engineer, banker, lawyer, sup water baths (254:) and payment for play Gansner’s suggestion a Nelson old- plier, etc.) then, in all likelihood, he was ing various games. At the February timer, Violet Greyson who remembered also a member of the Nelson Club. 1910 meeting, the secretary was in the Nelson Club building and some of There is no information available structed to post the following House its members, began to research and pre on the club’s early history, but the Nel rules: “Hereafter the charge for ‘Life pare short biographies on the members son Club was probably formed Pool’ will be at the rate of 104: a cue” listed. Mrs. Greyson died in October sometime in 1896.2 It quickly became a and “The minimum charge for the use 1983 and, shortly afterwards, her son re well-established organization with 112 of the card rooms shall be 104: per moved these files (including the ClubTs members in September 1898. Annual player — In addition the price for cards

Committee Minute-book and Sugges elections for President, Vice-President shall be — new 304: a pack and ‘old’ tion Book) to London, Ontario. The and five “Committeemen” were held to 104: a pack.” During its heyday the author began the long process of repatri oversee the affairs of the club. These Nelson Club’s revenues had to be rather ating this material for the Kootenaiana trustees were assigned to one of three substantial in order to maintain the collection at David Thompson Universi standing committees: Finance, House, building and to help defray average ty Centre in Nelson, but it was or Wine. The club had a paid staff monthly expenditures of just over discovered that Mrs. Greyson wished to which varied in size but, basically, con $940.00. have her files deposited at the Provincial sisted of a steward, two assistants and Prior to prohibition, the sale of liq Archives in Victoria. Fortunately, her son agreed that by letting the Archives microfilm her files and by depositing the originals in Nelson the spirit of his mother’s wishes would still be fulfilled. This process was completed by February 1986.

**************

At the turn of the century, social ac tivities often centred around the church or various community organizations. The Nelson Club, located on the north east corner of Silica and Kootenay Streets and a short walk from the city centre, was a rather exclusive gentle men’s club with a difference. This conveniently located establishment pro vided a refuge in which men could relax by reading contemporary newspapers and magazines while enjoying their fa Nelson Club Building, Nelson, B.C. c. 1896 Photo courtesy of B.C. Archives and Record Service EP13050

3 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 . 93 generated the largest source of reve Nelson Club did take action by unani members eating should not be nue as well as the greatest amount of mously passing the following motion: tolerated.” debate. In December 1903, Frank That in the opinion of the Committee 7 Nov. 1904: “Suggested that the Fletcher, a charter member of the Club, the conduct of Mr. Frank Fletcher has Writing Room be left for those mem suggested to the Wine Committee “. been injurious to the interests of the club bers wishing to use same and not used as . that the Committee consider the pro and should any ofthe offences complained an office. . portionate values of drinks & of be repeated a quorum ofthe committee 27 March 1905: “Almost every eve refreshments — viz; If Two (2) Oyster is hereby authorized to ask for his ning the Reading Room is used by Cocktails cost 25 cts — Why should a resxnation certain members as a dormitary [sic], glass of Beer cost 15 cts!” Three differ In most cases resignations, either vol and their sterterous [sic] snoring is an ent entries in 1904 (two signed by unteered or requested, were not intolerable nuisance and has not infre Fletcher) “Suggested that it is unreason accepted until such time as the individ quently driven myself and others from able to charge 65 cts for 5 drinks when ual’s “subscription” (outstanding club the Room. It is suggested that the one can get the same at any other decent debts or arrears) had been paid in fijI!. Committee take steps to prevent one or saloon for 50 cents.” The secretary’s re Over the years vast quantities of al two individuals from annoying and dis sponse to these suggestions was that the coholic beverages were consumed at the comforting a large number of Wine “Committee do not consider it Nelson Club. Recommendations for a members.” advisable to change present prices.” new set of dice and more poker chips to 28 March 1905 (Fletcher): “Suggested replace well-worn sets suggested fre that the Committee take steps to pre These “unreasonable” prices did not quent use and also implied that vent the Reading Room being turned inhibit the consumption of alcohol by gambling was a popular pastime among into a Night Restraunt [sic], as the dissa the members, in fact, a few outstanding club members. This is confirmed in the pointed [sic] Bridge Players invariably bar tabs were getting so high that the minutes of 16 February 1912 where it drink Beef Tea and ‘munch’ Krackers club discussed the possibility of placing was resolved to adopt a new house rule: [sic] which under ordinary ‘peaceful’ a limit on bar credits. This prompted “Any member incurring a debt of honor conditions would drive any person to Frank Fletcher to remark on 15 in the club premises and not paying sleep.” December 1903, same within thirty-six hours, the Com (undated): “Suggested that the Com that if a Member’s Credit is only mittee shall on the matter being mittee form a spelling class for ‘Silver- worth $5.00 what [is the] advantage of brought to their notice either directly or haired’ members.” being a member of the Club?” By April indirectly invoke the provision of sec All of these recorded events hap 1906, matters between the club and tion 3 of the rules.” In response to a pened during the Nelson Club’s very Fletcher were getting desperate and the letter received from F.L. Rhodes, the active and formative years preceding the club executive felt Committee decided that this new house outbreak of the Great War in 1914.

That no action be taken at present to rule “. . . was not retrospective and ap These halcyon years were not to be re wards asking Mr. Fletcher to resign but plies only to debts contracted after Feb. peated. The war and, subsequently, the that he be notfied that in the frture he 16th 1912. . . .“ It is interesting to note declaration of the British Columbia Pro will be given no more credit at the Bar — that Mr. Rhodes’ resignation from the hibition Act (1916) altered the club’s Also that he be not/led that should his ar club was accepted at the very next activities and membership forever. Al rears ofsubscrzption amounting to $30.00 meeting! though the Act came into force on 1 not be paid Jbrthwith his name will be The Nelson Club not only provid July 1917, it was just over two months posted4 ed a bar and gaming facilities but also, later on 18 September 1917 that the Frank Fletcher, a provincial land space for reading and writing. The club Wine Committee reported surveyor by profession,5 served two subscribed to a large number of maga wines and liquors on hand at terms as alderman on the Nelson City zines and newspapers for its members date are valued at $430.00, more or Council (1897, 1899) and two terms as and many suggestions were made for less, and recommending that a list mayor (1901, 1902). This distin specific, contemporary titles. Although of these goods be posted and bids guished-looking gentleman constructed these rooms were designated for quiet asked for same, no bids less than his own magnificent residence directly contemplation, some rather delightful cost to be considered. No bids to across the street from the Nelson Club. entries in the Suggestion Book give a be received after September 26th, In spite of this convenient location, different impression. and all stock remaining on hand af Fletcher was reprimanded for sleeping 8 Aug. 1902: “Suggested that some ter bids have been accepted to be in the club all night (August 1906). In measures be devised to stop the infernal sold by auction on September 27th, December 1908 it was recorded “That chatter that goes on in the reading room at 8 p.m. on account of the innumerous [sic] when certain members get together To add insult to injury, the committee complaints that have come to the Com there.” was renamed the Recreation mittee regarding the conduct and 4 Dec. 1903: “Suggested that the Committee. language of Mr. Frank Fletcher. . . that Committee pass a Rule that no refresh With vastly decreased revenues the should these complaints be continued ments in the way of tea or crackers be club had to resort to drastic cost-cutting the Committee will be compelled to allowed to be served in the Reading measures in order to continue opera . .“ take action . . By March 1909 the Room. The annoyance of hearing tions: stop work on the garden, cancel 4 B.C. 1litorjc,J News - Wint JQ2 - milk delivery, cancel newspaper and that on Sunday 5th of Sept. our Stew magazine subscriptions, and negotiate ard, who was also Secretary, took his with the city to reduce electric light, wa departure unannounced for parts un ter and scavenger rates. Staff hours were known. A hasty examination of the at first cut back and, eventually, only Club affairs proved matters to be in a the steward was retained. By Septem chaotic state. It was necessary to force ber 1917, he was asked to perform the various locks and employ a profes duties both inside and outside the build sional to open [the] safe. Up to present ing until the end of the year for $130.00 the books cannot be found and it is as per month. Matters may have slightly sumed they have been destroyed. Thru improved for the next twenty months, [sic] our Auditor and from other sources but by September 1919 it was agreed we have an indefinite list of members... that “. . . the new arrangement with the Club Steward made by the President of There are on the list at present about $100 per month, the services of the 140 active members. If all members will Chinaman to be dispensed with come Frank Fletcher come forward with dues for next quar into effect as from October 1st.” These Nelson Club members including Frank Fletcher ter, use the Club and take an active measures did not seem to help the once considered the,nselves part of “the better class”, interest we can survive, if allowed to go prestigious Nelson Club and interest whereasJohn Houston ofthe Nelson Tribune sar on as at present the Club is doomed. casticatty referred to them as “white-shirted Obviously William Matthews, who ap continued to decline. boboes” (Nelson City Hall) By 1920, the steward was also act parently lived in utmost rectitude, knew ing as secretary for the club. Ironically, eration, dealing with forty or fifty peo exactly what he was doing. His plan this expedient move created a golden ple, without tripping up, is one of the was too well executed to conclude other opportunity for unscrupulousness. In remarkable features of the case. wise. Why did he do it? Did he foresee June 1905, the Secretary of the Nelson It is altogether improbable that Mat that his increased duties and decreased Club had been given extraordinary pow thew’s cash assets when he boarded the salary indicated that there was no future ers “. . . to draw, sign, make, endorse, Crow boat Sunday morning were limit as an employee of the Nelson Club? negotiate and dispose of all or any ed to nearly the amount he had Was he a disgruntled employee tempted

Cheques. .. .“ This was precisely what obtained on his checks, as his position by his trusted position? Nobody will happened for some time prior to the La as club steward gave him an opportuni ever know because his disappearance bour Day weekend of 1920 except, in ty to indulge in other forms of was complete.6 By fleeing the country this case, the bank transactions were un liquidation. Various annual subscrip he not only escaped the law but he also authorized. Two cryptic entries about tions, at $30 each, obtained on Saturday deserted his wife and young children. this incident were entered into the daily or at the end of the week, are said to be Even this abandonment must have been police logbook by Constable T.D. unaccounted for. premeditated. DesBrisay: The Labour Day weekend gave the The members made a valiant effort to Sept. 7th Wm. Matthews Steward swindler plenty of time to escape before save the club but it was, indeed, of Nelson Club reported fled with his operation was discovered and by “doomed.” By March 1922 the Nelson Funds. then it was too late. The Nelson Club Club property was conveyed to its de Sept. 8th Went to S.S. Nasookin soon published notices in the local benture holders and the building was for Sergt Stewart and learned that Wm. newspaper announcing that vacated for premises leased “. . . at [a] Matthews Steward of the Nelson Club An extraordinary general meeting maximum of $65.00 per month includ had purchased [a] Ticket to Spokane in of this club is called for Sept. 24, at ing heating, — heat to be kept to [a] his getaway. 8 p.m. All members are urgently minimum temperature 60 to 70 degrees The 10 September issue of the Nel requested to attend. In conse Fahrenheit.” In April 1924, the club son Daily News reported this incident quence of the disappearance of the again applied for a liquor license but by in greater detail: late steward and the loss or destruc then it was too late; and by 1925 after a Matthew’s operation was one of the tion of the Club’s books all great deal of discussion and considera most completely organized coups ever members in arrears for subscrip tion of the membership list and heard of in this part of the country. tions and all persons having accounts7 it was decided “. . . to close Very few business houses in the city es accounts against the club are re the Club as from the last day of Octo caped his attentions, and many private quested to forward same to the ber, owing to the lack of support.” citizens also were among his victims. It undersigned. Ever since its formative years the Nel is estimated in banking circles that his J.S. Carter, son Club served as a popular refuge for worthless checks [sic] have a face value Hon. Sec. Kootenay entrepreneurs and many busi of around $2,000. .. . Matthews used At the meeting a brief summary of the ness deals were probably concluded checks of the Nelson club, as well as his clubTs financial position was circulated behind its walls. The club members of own checks, in his operation. How he to the 29 members in attendance: ten met within its comfortable and managed to put over his cash raising op Your committee regrets to report secure confines for a drink, for a friendly

5 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 game of poker or billiards, or just to re By-Law came into force” in 1897. ported “So far nothing has resulted from the tele graphic inquiries sent out by the police, and 3. Monthly expenditures between 1905 - 1913 varied lax with a good cigar and some reading from slow of $445.88 (March 1913) to a high of merchants and others sharing in the distribution of material. The club saw many Nelson $2,001.93 (Aug. 1910). But not all income was his checks, which ran close to $2000 in face value, used to help defray dub costs. For instance, on 5 are taking it out in making humorous application and Kootenay characters come and go. Nov. 1914, $85.00 was raised from a Smoker and of his souvenir scraps of paper. One of the checks To outsiders the Nelson Club had a Bihiard-Snooker tournament and donated to the for $25. is exhibited in a Baker Street window, with Canadian Patriotic Fund. the appropriate comment, ‘Gone, but not Forgotten’.” mystique about it.; and it was precisely 4. The club made every attempt to recover bad debts 7. According to the Cash Statement Nelson Club this mysteriousness that has enshrined before posting a member’s name. In Ihct, the secre tary sent a form letter to the member reminding Oct. 3, 1925 there was an overdrawn balance in the club in Nelson folklore. Those by him of his unpaid tickets and requested payment to the bank of $29.88. With cash in hand of $30.00 this left a cash balance of 12! The dub also had gone days will never be duplicated. clear this outstanding balance. Posting a member’s name fbr oustanding debts was executive’s outstanding accounts of $181.65. What an incred the club ible letdown from the extravagant and heady day, last resort to collect arrears. move Such a could dis of the early I 900s. honour a member’s good name (and credit rating?), so this matter was not taken lightly. On 21 May WORKS CITED Ron Welwood is a Librarian at Selkirk College 1906, it was resolved “That Mr. Franic Fletcher be posted for arrears of subscription.” and currently the chairman of Nelson e Heritage British Columbia Provincial Police. Nelson. Miss To solve this kind of problem a new ticket system Society. ute-book, 1920. (Nelson City Hall Archives) was implemented in November. Once the ticket Henderson’s British Columbia Gazetteer and system was in place several members “Suggested Directory 1895-1925. that the Club tickets be exchangeable with Revel ENDNOTES stoke, Rowland, Greenwood & Fernie Clubs.” “Matthews is not as yet located.” Nelson Daily News. 10 September 1920:8 1. Acaording to E.C. Wragge, the Nelson Club”... 5. Frank Fletcher compiled the Map of the East and Kootenay “Matthews left club safe empty.” Nelson Daily was very cornkrrable with [a] large billiard room, West District (January 1894) and, ac News. 15 September 1920: 8 bar, reading and writing rooms downstairs, card cording to the Nelson Tribune (22 May 1897) he rooms upstairs, and a nice garden with [a] bowling - has his new map of the Nelson and Salmon Nelson Club. Committee Minute-book. Nov. green at the side.” river district about ready for sale. The map takes in 1904- Oct. 1925. (Kootenaiana Archives) all the country between the Columbia river and the 2. The Nelson Club is first recorded in the 1897 vol [suggestion Book]. 1898 - 1906. (Koo heighth [sic] of land between Salmon river and tenaiana Archives) ume of Henderson’s British Columbia Gaxetteer Kootenay lake, as well as the adjacent tributaries of and Directory (it is not listed in the 1895 direcro Wragge. Edmund C. Memoirs. 1950-60, part 4. Kootenay river. . - The mineral claims are placed ry). Also, the Nelson Club plumbing application upon the map approximately. There are 1417 (Kootenaiana Archives) No. 42 of May 5, 1898, to install I wash bowl and claims shown. The map should be very useful to 2 urinals has a notation that “this plumbing is addi mining men.” tion to old plumbing put in before [the] Plumbing 6. The Nelson Daily News (15 September 1920) re

Bank ofMontreal - Baker Stree4 Nelson, B.C.

This building was designed by RM Rattenbury - and built 1899-1900.

Anglican Cathedral ofOur Saviour Nelson, B.C. 1898-1900

6 D.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 Kettle Valley Rail Ride

by E.A. Harris

The Keftle Valley Railway has a most interesting history. Reading recent books about it brought back memories of the trips I made over that line. That very special rail link left a proud heritage for us to enjoy.

KOOTE NAY AR EA A

“The Kettle Valley” was not a nick from the fact that for part of its route opment of rich mineral deposits — gold, name even though there might be a sug the line followed the Kettle River, a silver, lead, zinc, copper and coal — in gestion of Puffing Billy locomotives, not tributary of the Columbia. In B.C. the the Kootenay and Boundary areas of too far removed from James Watt’s Kettle begins as two southward flowing southern B.C. spurred railway construc steaming tea-kettle. The Kettle Valley streams in parallel valleys that merge to tion. Transportation was a vital line, a wholly owned subsidiary of the meander along the international boun necessity of the mining boom that be CPR, was a standard railway that tun dary in the Grand Forks area. The gan in the late 1880s. This was also the nelled and trestled, switch-backed and river then crosses into the United States great railway building period in North shunted over the rugged terrain of south to join the Columbia at Kettle Falls. America — no competition yet from ern British Columbia to cross the Over many centuries the falls created a motorized highways and air transport Rockies via Crow’s Nest Pass and re-join deep cauldron, or kettle, that gave the was only a dream. The railway builders the CPR’s mainline near Lethbridge, Al river its name. were eager to participate in the profits berta. The railway derived its name The discovery and subsequent devel all this development would produce. 7 B.C. Historical News Winter 1992 - 93 While there were a number of lesser secure the services of a very competent such optimistic determination were torn operators the main contenders for trans and dedicated engineer named Andrew up and the road-bed abandoned. portation control of the region were the McCulloch. It was in large measure due My first Kettle Valley rail ride oc Canadian Pacific Railway and James J. to his skill and determination that the curred in January 1927. Train travel Hill’s Great Northern Railroad that line was successfully completed. By the was not a new experience for me be crossed the northern tier of American end of 1912 the KVR had been pushed cause, with my family, I had previously states from St. Paul, Minn. to Seattle on as far west as Princeton but it was not crossed Canada twice by rail. However Puget Sound. The CPR, completed in until May 1915 that the first through my Kettle Valley journey was something 1885, used the Kicking Horse Pass train ran from Midway to Merritt. This of an adventure because, at age 18, I was through the Rockies, which was rather was still a round-about route to the setting out on my first teaching assign too far north for easy access to the Koo coast. The most direct was down the ment to a dot on the map called

tenays. It was much easier for the Great narrow valley of the Coquihalla river Boulder, in the West Kootenay area — a Northern to extend acquisitive fingers that made a steep descent to join the part of the province I had never visited up into Canada and pick the profits off Fraser at Hope. before. into the United States. The result was a Both GN and CPR fought for control The letter, dated January 5, 1927, bitter rail-running battle, that lasted for of the Coquihalla. J.J. Hill had consid from Registrar J. L. Watson of the Edu more than twenty years, with the Cana ered avoiding the most difficult sections cation Department in Victoria offering dian Pacific finally emerging as the by following the Tulameen river and me this small ungraded school stated: winner. building an eight-mile tunnel to the “Inspector P.R. Sheffield, Nelson, has In 1896 the CPR met Hill’s challenge lower reaches of the Coquihalla but the asked me to secure a young man for the by securing a charter from the Canadian high cost was a deterrent. By 1913 Boulder School, just recently re-opened. government to build a branch line from when Hill had resigned from direct This school is three miles from Salmo, Lethbridge through the Crow’s Nest management of the GN and with a which is on the Great Northern Railway Pass to Kootenay Lake. Stern-wheel change in economic conditions the two about 34 miles south of Nelson.” (This steamers would provide a connection rail-rivals agreed to bury the hatchet. was one of J. J. Hill’s extensions into with Nelson on the lake’s west arm. By Construction of the Coquihalla section Canada) “All the residents of Boulder 1900 the CPR, after buying out some was allotted to the CPR with the Great are Independent Doukhobors. There local railways and rights-of-way, had ex Northern being allowed running rights will be about nine pupils in atten

tended its southern branch lines as far — which soon lapsed. dance.” (Actually there were twelve — west as Midway, which as the name sug Building a railway through this rugged two who were not Doukhobors. Pupils gests is about half-way to the west coast. cleft demonstrated Andrew McCul ranged from ages 6 to 15 and in grades J.J. Hill continued his invasion of Ca loch’s supreme ability as an engineer. from One to Seven) “The annual salary nadian territory, which the CPR By constructing a series of tunnels, steel is $1020. It is just possible the snow regarded as its own special turE On one bridges, and rock cuts he brought the fall in that district is quite heavy.” (For occasion in 1908 at the so-called “Battle rails down a stiff but acceptable grade to tunately I was able to board with the of Midway” work-crews of the two rival Hope, where a bridge across the Fraser Chernenkoff family and did not have to companies actually engaged in violence provided a connection with the CPR’s make a daily 6-mile trek through deep

— that ended in a draw. The CPR had main-line into its terminus at Vancou snow — I just walked to Salmo on Satur plans to continue westward to Pentic ver. On July 31, 1916 the Kettle Valley days to get my mail). A job was a job so ton, Princeton, and Merritt and then via line was completed and regular direct I accepted the offer, packed my trunk, the Nicola valley re-join the main-line at train service from Vancouver to Nelson and bought a ticket to Nelson via the Spence’s Bridge. began. Kettle Valley to leave Vancouver on The ultimate objective of both rail Completion of the KVR did not mean January 10, 1927. ways was to attain west coast terminals that all problems were over. Maintain The Kettle Valley trains left Vancou at Vancouver but there were many ob ing a regular service through the ver at 7 pm from the CPR station, a stacles, political as well as physical, to Coquihalla was especially difficult in busy place at departure and arrival overcome before this could be achieved. winter because of heavy snowfall. Slides times. I checked my trunk through to The rivalry between the two companies and washouts sometimes blocked the Nelson and with suit-case in hand remained intense especially as James J. line for lengthy periods. With snow- found my seat in the sleeping car. The Hill added several new extensions to his sheds, snow-plows, and man-power the conductor called, “All aboard” and we GN railroad. company struggled against these natural were on our way. After leaving the In 1910 the CPR acquired control of hazards to keep the trains running. lights of Vancouver it wasn’t possible to the as yet unbuilt Kettle Valley Railway However in 1960 the CPR decided to see much in the dark world outside as which its promoters had planned to con abandon the Coquihalla Pass route. the train clicked over the rails along the struct from Midway to Merritt. It The Kettle Valley trains then travelled north bank of the Fraser. The porter would serve the fruit-growing centres of via Spence’s Bridge and Merritt for an soon made up the berths and by the Penticton and Summerland as well as other four years but traffic continued to time the train reached Hope I was in the coal-mining region near Princeton. decline and on January 12, 1964 ceased my upper bunk only vaguely aware of Also in 1910 the CPR was fortunate to entirely. Rails that had been laid with where we were. I remained in the dark, 8 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 punctuated by numerous jars and jolts, a brown stain on the spotless tablecloth. clock-tower. This was the City of until dawn at Penticton. When the waiter returned he comment Greenwood. On that first Kettle Valley ride I saw ed I must be a little nervous this As the train drew into the station I nothing of the Coquihalla and it was morning to which I replied, “Don’t saw that Greenwood was a city that had not until a later daylight journey that I blame me the engineer did that.” The seen better days. It had a generally could appreciate the achievement of train began moving again and chugged shabby appearance with a number of va building a railway through this scenic doggedly up the stiff grade. After sever cant buildings. I knew that Greenwood but rugged pass. A rail-line truly de al switch-backs it reached the summit at had once been a busy mining town and scribed as “McCulloch’s Wonder.” an elevation of more than 4000 feet. as the train moved on I heard the I knew from the time-table that sta The station there was appropriately Knowledgeable Passenger say that it was tions in the Coquihalla section were named McCulloch. once a city with a population of 7000 named after Shakespearian characters I overheard a Knowledgeable Passen (with 29 saloons) but both had declined but I was not aware that McCulloch was ger say that we were not very far from drastically when the mines closed down.

also a Shakespeare fan. These stations Kelowna — half-way up Okanagan Lake He pointed out some abandoned mine were not settlements but merely provid but over a vertical half-mile above it. At workings but didn’t indicate, and I

ed facilities for operating the railway - McCulloch the line turned south, grad didn’t see until a later trip, the tall brick sidings, water-tanks, etc. with accom ually working its way into the valley of chimney of the derelict smelter with its modation for employees. The only the Kettle River. The scenery had immense black slag-heap. exception was Brookmere, a divisional changed from the more open Okanagan In 1927 Greenwood’s chief claim to point just east of the Coquihalla sum vistas to a dense forest of spindly pine fame was that it rated as the province’s mit, and a junction with the line to trees on either side of the track. There smallest incorporated city. However in Merritt. were two settlements at Carmi and Bea 1942 it had an influx of Japanese resi On that January journey the train also verdell but most of the other stations dents, displaced from their homes on passed through Princeton during the seemed to be replicas of Arawana. At the coast because of the war. More re night. On a later trip in September Westbridge there was a general store but cently Greenwood has turned to its 1927 (when I went in the day-coach to not much else and at Rock Creek, history and the restoration of its heri save the price of a berth) I remember where the railway turned east, there tage buildings. Tourism and some local seeing the dark shapes of buildings in were no visible traces of the gold-rush industries have fortunately saved Green the old mining towns of Tulameen and camp of 1860. wood from becoming a ghost town. Coalmont. The 4-story Tulameen Ho The train now rolled along over an East of Greenwood the train halted tel, a square wooden structure, ghostly easier grade. The sky was overcast and briefly at a settlement with a large gen in the early morning darkness, had only there wasn’t much to see except snow eral store bearing the name Eholt. The a dim light in a ground floor window to and trees. I heard the porter tell a Knowledgeable Passenger explained that show it was still occupied. At Princeton young passenger there were bears out Eholt was a former junction with a another GN branch line ran south there but I imagined all sensible bruins branch line that twisted its way up a through Hedley and Keremeos into the were snoozing winter away in their steep mountainside to the rich copper United States. A Kettle Valley spur line warm dens rather than wandering about mines at Phoenix. Established in 1900 wriggled its way up to Copper Moun in the cold forest. this mountain-top community, with a tain, perched high on the summit of a By afternoon the train had reached population that peaked at 4000 (no pun perpendicular cliff. Midway, a divisional point and legal ter intended) also became an incorporated On January 11, 1927 it was daylight minus of the Kettle Valley railway. city, and at elevation of 4600 feet the when the train pulled out of Penticton, Midway had a station and other railway highest in Canada. It was a booming rounded the south end of Okanagan buildings set in a wide expanse of snow. town for nearly twenty years but in Lake past Naramata, to begin the long There must have been a townsite but I 1918 copper prices collapsed and mine tortuous climb up the steep hillside. didn’t see it. When the train resumed closures followed. The city of Phoenix About 9 am I went into the sparkling its journey over Canadian Pacific rather soon died and with no ore to process so dining-car for breakfast. The train had than Kettle Valley rails the only visible did the smelters at Grand Forks and stopped, probably to get up steam for difference was that the train crew now Greenwood. In 1927 the shell of the the ordeal ahead, and I could observe wore caps with the initials CPR instead abandoned city was still there but today the outside scene. A pale Okanagan sun of KVR. few traces remain. One exception is the shone on a snowy hillside that sloped The train rattled along during the af cenotaph erected in memory of Phoenix down to the lake below. The only sign ternoon with nothing to see except men killed in World War I — still a me of human habitation was a solitary sta snow and trees on one side of the track morial for them and for their city too. tion named Arawana. and trees and snow on the other when As the train moved on from Eholt The waiter brought me a pot of coffee suddenly, to my amazement, there on daylight was fading and it was dark by which I proceeded to pour into a cup. the floor of the valley was a city. A real the time it reached Grand Forks. I was Just then the locomotive gave a sudden city with a grid of streets, a compact enlightened to learn that Grand Forks

— — snort and the car with my coffee-cup business section of two and three-story had two stations — one called Columbia lurched forward, resulting in a spill and buildings, one of them boasting a brick was about a mile from the town station.

9 B.C. Historical News . Winter 1992 93 This was because of the rail rivalry dur hillside streets to the GN’s Mountain line in operation, its ore-buckets mov ing the construction period. Although station from which I would depart next ing up and down. the loss of its smelter was a serious eco morning. Five miles later the Goose, after emit nomic blow Grand Forks, located in an I had phoned Inspector Sheffield from ting one of its sustained honks, slowed open area of the Kettle valley, had exten the hotel and arranged to meet him at 9 to a stop at Boulder. It halted long sive farm-land that provided a solid a.m. in the post office, an ornate stone enough for me and another passenger (a agricultural base. Some of the farmers and brick building with a tower (it now log buyer) to get off and for my trunk settled there were Doukhobors living in serves as Nelson’s city hail) and which to be dumped on the snow beside the communal villages. However not until a was easy to locate. From there I accom track. The Goose galloped off to Sal later daylight trip did I see their square panied Mr. Sheffield to his office in the mo, three miles down the line, and then two-story brick houses with gardens that Court House building across the street. on to Northport, south of the border. usually included sun-flowers. This was another imposing stone struc The deserted sawmill stood beside the East of Grand Forks the railway and ture with a decorative turret having track but off to the right a group of the river parted company. The Kettle some resemblance to a medieval castle - men, with horses, were loading poles on turned south, crossing the border to join but built in 1909. to a freight-car parked on a siding. One the Columbia at Kettle Falls. The rail Inspector Sheffield, who was official of them called out to me to leave my way swung north-east to reach the trustee for Boulder School, gave me trunk and the boys would take it up to

Columbia at Castlegar and then along some basic supplies - a box of chalk, a the school. I waved in reply and pro the Kootenay river to Nelson. As the package of foolscap, drawing paper, ceeded up the snow-road to the train began this route the Knowledgea pen-nibs, and a bottle of powdered ink. settlement, a scattering of unpainted ble Passenger pointed a knowing finger He also gave me a letter of introduc buildings on either side of Boulder into the outer darkness and said Christi tions to a Boulder parent, Fred Creek. The mountain slopes in the na Lake was out there and the old boom Chernenkoff, and then, hospitably, an creek area, largely denuded of trees by town of Cascade City was over there. invitation to the Sheffield home on Sili logging and a forest fire, were covered Years later I visited Christina Lake but ca Street for supper that evening. by a deep white blanket of snow. The Cascade City had long since disap Next morning I was conveyed by the resident families had moved into three peared. Beyond Castlegar it was too hotel’s taxi to the GN’s mountain sta of the larger houses but most of the oth dark to see anything of other places tion. (When I knew Nelson better I er buildings, mainly shacks, were along the way, like South “silvery” Sb- took the street-car — the fare was 5 vacant. There was a large abandoned can or Doukhobor communities around cents). Departure time was 8 a.m. and mess-hall, two long low horse-barns Brilliant, but the power plant at Bon a fair-sized crowd was waiting on the built of logs, and a double row of a doz nington Falls was brilliantly lighted. A frosty station platform. en empty shacks — one of which had few more miles and the train reached The GN “train” was actually a single- been converted for use as the school. In journey’s end at Nelson, by the west car day-liner, which becuase of its roll his report Inspector Sheffield described arm of Kootenay Lake. ing gait and raucous hooter, was known it as “a rough but comfortable class Passengers continuing east could Locally as “The Galloping Goose.” room.” It was comfortable enough when spend the night aboard the stately stern- From Nelson it was an uphill climb to the wood-burning heater was radiating wheeler Nasookin (or Kuskanook) and Apex after which the Goose galloped some warmth but on many a below zero next morning be ferried across Kootenay over an easier grade beside the south morning it was cold enough to freeze Lake to continue their rail journey. ward flowing Salmon river. The first more than the ink-wells. However I was staying in Nelson and on settlement was called Porcupine where Entering the building I found there the advice of the porter I opted for the there was a small saw-mill and several was basic furniture in addition to the

Savoy Hotel, whose taxi took me there dwellings built of raw lumber. A sign- stove — two rows of desks, a teacher’s in a 3-minute uphill drive from the sta board proclaimed in large letters: desk, and a blackboard. There was also tion. The Savoy was a new 2-story brick CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF UN! a bell and a flag — the Union Jack — to building where I was alotted an excellent VERSAL BROTHERHOOD. This was raise on a short pole fastened to the out room, with a shower, for three dollars. a recently established Doukhobor colo side wall. During the day I met most of Conditions were much more conducive ny. The residents at Boulder were the residents, including pupils, and to sleep than on the previous night’s Independents, who had broken away made boarding arrangements with the upper berth. from communal living. Chernenkoff family. On the following Next morning I saw Nelson by day A short time later when the conductor day school assembled and for the next light — a small compact city in a snow- called out, “Wy-mer, Wy-mer next,” I year and a half Boulder was the centre covered world. Most of the buildings in new how to pronounce Ymir. I also of my educational endeavours and my the downtown area were brick and stone knew the stop after that would be Boul home away from home. structures with the decorative cornices, der. Ymir was an old mining town with From January 1927 until June 1928 I towers, and columns typical of late Vic a row of dilapidated wooden hotels made a half-a-dozen trips over the Ket torian architecture. I noticed one of along its main street. One mine, the tle Valley so that it became familiar Nelson’s (two) street-cars turn off Baker Yankee Girl, atop the mountain oppo territory. The terrain displayed a much Street to zig and zag its way up steep site, was still active with an aerial tram- friendlier face in the spring, summer

10 B.C. Historical News Winter 1992 - 93 and fall months than it did in bleak win rivers, with names that sound like rip explore sections of its abandoned right- try January. Even after sixty-five years pling streams. of-way the Kettle Valley is indeed a rail unbiurred memories still remain — such Above all is the memory of riding way to remember. as coming in from Boulder at dusk and over the Kettle Valley rails through the from Nelson’s mountain station looking Coquihalla in daylight and marvelling down on the bright lights of the mini- how this railway was built. As a sculp metropolis below, a sparkling jewel in a tor works with, not against, his material mountain setting. so Andrew McCulloch planned the Ernest Harris happily adapted his skill as an I can still see the meandering Kettle grades, built the bridges, bored the tun artist to illustrate his writing. This Vancouver river at Grand Forks, a beautifully clear nels by maintaining a kind of harmony octogenarian prepared this piece especiallyfor the gentle stream flowing across a wide fer with the rugged CoquihaLla. In spite of B.C Historical News. tile valley. However I know it is not winter avalanches and spring wash-outs always so quiet and through some rocky this rough rapport continued for over REFERENCES canyons the Kettle boils madly. I can’t 40 years — until 1962. Perhaps McCul Barrie Sanford, McCulloch’s Wonden The Story of the forget the visual impact of the old min loch’s entire Kettle Valley line may be Kettle Valley Railway (Whitecap Books) 1977 ing town of Greenwood with its dead regarded as an immense, extended Beth Hill, Exploring the Kettle Valley Railway (Polestar) 1989 smelter. The tall brick chimney and sculptural achievement — a work of art. F.W. Anderson, The Dewdney Trail huge black slag-heap are relics of past Andrew McCulloch was a practical (Frontier Books 19 and 20) 1969 production (and pollution) but also me hard-headed engineer but he had a ro Murphy Shewchuk. Coquihalla Country (Sonotek Publishing) 1990 morials to an era of pioneering mantic side too — he named his Garnet Basque, West Kootenay The Pioneer Years enterprise. Coquihalla stations after Shakespearean (Sunfire) 1990 In June I saw Arawana again, no characters with Juliet and 1927 Romeo at the Canadian West #21, Phoenix, T.W. Patterson longer snow-bound but sun-drenched, top of the list — and the whistles of his Canadian West #25, Pioneer Smelters. Jay Morrison with an orchard oasis around Okanagan steam locomotives were never discor Roland Morgan, B.C. Then & Now Lake from Naramata through Penticton dant. The Kettle Valley Railway is now Bodima Books, 1978 to Summerland. I can recall the glimpse history but for all those who worked to of an angler casting a fly on the glassy keep the trains running, for aLl of us waters of Osprey — or was it Otter Lake who were sometime passengers on those

— and the Tulameen and Similkameen trains, and for present-day hikers who

11 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 The ReverendMr. Procunier A Kootenay Pioneer

by Naomi Miller

Rev. Charles Ault Procunier served pi Governor-General, the Earl of Aberdeen oneer congregations for thirty years, and his wife visited Kaslo. twelve as a Methodist minister and Topics of sermons were printed in the eighteen as an Anglican. He was born weekly anouncements of services. Some in Ontario in 1863 and arrived in Brit— were a Bible text, others philosophical ish Columbia in 1893. His first posting such as “Dedication”, “Esteem”, “Rever as a Methodist probationer was in ence and Worship”, “Are Angels’ Visits Springford, Ontario in 1885. In 1886 Few & Far Between?”, “Prayer” or “The he was assigned to Oxford Centre, in Use of Speech.” One subject advertised 1887 to Townsend, and in 1888 he was for a sermon came in March 1898, in Cobourg as a student at Victoria Uni “Doubt In Relation to Religion.” A few versity. (This university had weeks later, Charles Ault Procunier sub amalgamated with the University of To mitted what he hoped would be his Ph ronto a year earlier, agreeing to become D thesis to Illinois Wesleyan University: exclusively a Theological College and its title, “Philosophy and Psychology of ceasing to award degrees in Arts, Medi Doubt.” At the May 3, 1898 meeting cine, Law and Science.) In 1889 he of Kootenay District of the Methodist served in Napinka, Manitoba then, Church, he resigned his position as a “with full connection” was in Edmon Rev. C. A. Procunier minister of the Methodist Church with ton, North West Territories, from 1890 Rector St. Peterc the intention of taking orders in the to 1892. Church of England. He requested let He married P.E.I. born Jessie Maxfield tween the Methodist and Presbyterian ters of standing. It was moved by Bro. in Edmonton. The newlyweds arrived churches at 7:30 pm. Other churches Morden, seconded by Bro. Calvert that in Revelstoke early in 1893. One of the would hold no evening service so that the communication be received and that highlights of his incumbency as Metho their choirs could unite and all citizens the District recommend to the ensuing dist minister was officiating at the could hear “the popularly known Rev. Annual Conference that Bro. Procuni wedding (on May 17, 1894) of his sis Mr. Procunier.” er’s resignation be accepted and that he ter-in-law, Margaret Maxfield to Rev. In 1895 the Procuniers moved to Kas be granted credentials of standing.This Ernest Hardwick of Salmon Arm, B.C. lo where the Reverend had charge of had fallen unexpectedly onto the agenda He was assisted by Revs. J.F. Betts and Ainsworth and Kaslo. Methodists had so the usual ‘accepted with regret’ was W.J. Hall. Mrs. Procunier enjoyed that built a parsonage and were building a omitted. Neither, however, was ‘accept wedding then delivered her firstborn, church. There was good rapport be ed in silence’ appended as was the Charles Adam, a few weeks later. Mr. tween all Protestant ministers at that custom if a scandal surrounded the de Procunier was awarded his Bachelor of time as news items reported participa parting member. Philosophy in 1894 then promptly en tion in concerts to raise money for the Mr. Procunier left the conference and rolled with Illinois Wesleyan University. school, or to share in the building of continued enroute to Chicago. He re This university offered degrees through one church hail or other. The Koote turned to B.C. expecting to be a program of directed reading and naian of July 30, 1897 told of “The welcomed into the Anglican Church on mailed examinations proctored by a rep steamer Kokanee returned last evening June 5 but the Bishop of New Westmin utable person near the student’s home. with a load of happy children. They ster (and all British Columbia) was After reading Kant, Bosanquet, Des were members of the Church of Eng detained in England. Alternate arrange cartes, Berkeley and others, he was land and Methodist Sunday Schools on ments were made for Wednesday, June awarded an M.A. in 1896. Mr. Procu their annual Outing.” In February 22, 1898 at 10 a.m., in St. George’s nier was evidently a good speaker 1898 Rev. Procunier assisted with the Church, Rossland where Bishop Lemurl because he was asked to host church pa induction of Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Wells of Spokane inducted C.A. Procu rades for various organizations such as A.D. Menzies. Vesta Elizabeth Irene nier as a Deacon. the Orange Lodge, Masons, Foresters Procunier was born in Kaslo in 1896. The Procuniers’ third child, lona Max- and others. In fact, it was arranged that The various ministers joined in the citi field, was born in Kaslo on July 5th. It he return from Kaslo in July 1897 to zen’s welcoming committee when the is not indicated whether the Procuniers preach at an open air service held be- travelled elsewhere to spend the inter- 12 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 vening weeks until Mr. Procunier re Store; the postmaster and his wife; the immediately to improve and enlarge the ceived his appointment to Fort Steele. druggist, A.W. Bleasdell and Mrs. Bleas rectory, not only for the comfort of the The Prospector newspaper noted on dell; the school teacher; Dr. Hugh Watt minister and his family, but because August 20 that “Rev. C.A. Procunier, M.D.; two real estate brokers; the lay travelling Anglican dignitaries chose Re M.A. has been appointed to the charge reader from the Presbyterian church; velstoke as a likely place to break a train of Fort Steele Missionary District. He and others. Rev. Procunier resumed his journey. was recently ordained, being previously studies but no degree was awarded ei Charles Ault Procunier became a one of the ablest ministers in the Metho ther because the thesis was not accepted member of the Masonic Lodge in Revel- dist Conference. He will assume charge or other requirements were not met. stoke in 1893. He transferred to Kaslo shortly, and hold services in Cranbrook Meanwhile he coached the pharmacist’s Lodge where he was JW and SW. Next and Moyie. His family will not move son, Willie Bleasdell, for entrance exam he became a charter member of North here until the Crow’s Nest Railway is inations to McGill University. Willie Star Lodge No. 30 at Fort Steele. He running.” passed with honors and the whole com commuted back to Fort Steele for Fort Steele was booming at the time munity rejoiced. In the fall of 1899 monthly meetings till his term of office the Anglicans received their minister. Mr. Procunier acted as teacher when was up. This meant leaving Revelstoke The Presbyterians had built their own needed in the school. He became a Monday morning by train to Arrow church, and the Catholics were con member of the new lodge of the Inde head, boat to Robson, train to Nelson, structing St. Anthony’s. Prior to this pendent Order of Foresters. He was boat to Kootenay Landing, train to Ea any services had been held in the one- raised to priesthood by Rt. Rev. Dr. ger near Cranbrook, and stage to Fort roomed schoolhouse. Catholic Mass in Perrin at St. Saviour’s Cathedral in Nel Steele late on Tuesday. He had to leave the morning, Anglican and Presbyterian son on September 30, 1899. During Fort Steele no later than Friday morning congregations, using Lay Readers, alter his tenure Sunday School flourished; for to be home late Saturday evening. He nated with afternoon and evening some reason Presbyterian youngsters reestablished himself with the AF & AM services. In January 1898 a new two- met at 2 pm. while the Anglican Sunday Kootenay Lodge No. 15 in 1902 and roomed school was opened. The Angli School was held at 2:30. He watched was elected Worshipful Master for cans inherited the one-roomed school, young neighbours sign up to fight in the 1903-04. He became active in coordi naming it St. John’s Church, and install Boer War. Early in 1900 this gentle nate bodies becoming First Principal of ing an organ earned from a ball held in man became Master of the Masonic the Royal Arch and a charter member of the new Opera House. Fort Steele had Lodge, and attended the provincial the Preceptory. He acted as secretary of a bank (with a burglar proof safe), a meeting in Vancouver in June. When the Masonic Lodge for several years, re Government Building, a Customs Of Mr. Procunier was giving services in signing when tragedy struck his family fice, a bridge replacing the original ferry Cranbrook or Moyie, Lay Readers in 1909. across the Kootenay River. It had nine would lead the worship at St. John’s in Rev. Procunier was officially instituted hotels, several stores and livery stables, Fort Steele. The accredited Lay Readers at St. Peter’s on Wednesday, November assay offices, a small hospital, a weekly were R.L.T. Galbraith, Indian Agent 21, 1900 by the Venerable Edwyn S.W. newspaper, three newly created lawyers, and wealthy landowner, and J.F. Arm Pentreath, D.D. Archdeacon of Colum weekly mail service and jitney connec strong, Government Agent and Gold bia. The following week the church tion with the railway. In short, it had Commissioner. A small number of pa committee rented Tappings Theatre for much to offer new citizens and old. rishioners were prepared for a fund raising evening of entertainment. Fort Steele Anglicans heard but two of confirmation in June 1900. (These in (Gross proceeds $180.) Church pro Mr. Procunier’s sermons before voting cluded his wife Jessie.) Fort Steele was grams continued for all age groups with to build a vicarage. Mrs. Procunier ar losing some of its citizens to Cranbrook little extras such as, “St. Peter’s Church rived in October. She soon established since the railway was routed through the Ladies Guild will hold sewing meetings herself as a good hostess, first in their in latter community, but it did remain vi during Lent every Monday afternoon at terim home, then in the neat little able until 1904 when the Government the Rectory. Any member not attend vicarage. Commencing November 3 a Office closed at “Steele”. ing will be find 10.” During the reading club to study Shakespearian lit Fate decreed, however, that the Procu Procunier incumbency the church walls erature was opened to all ladies and fliers were not to stay in Fort Steele were reinforced and a pipe organ in gentlemen every Thursday evening at until the demise of the town. St. Peter’s stalled (a cast off from a Calgary their home. A few weeks later a chapter Anglican Church, Revelstoke lost Rev. cathedral.) The popular preacher some of the Masonic Lodge was instituted, F.W. Ford in a fatal accident. Rev. times exchanged pulpits with other with the Anglican Reverend as Senior E.C. Paget was about to take over this ministers, and he was invited to take ser Warden. The couple’s name appeared church (in the hometown of his broth vices in other communities such as in guest lists published when reporting er) when he was elevated to Dean of Vernon, Nakusp, and Nelson. social events in their new hometown. Calgary. Parishioners eagerly adopted The Procuniers became involved in For example, they played progressive eu their former neighbour, C.A. Procunier. community life. Rev. Procunier was on chre weekly with citizens such as the The family moved to Revelstoke in Sep the school board for some years. He Government Agent, his wife and two tember so that young Charlie could joined the fledgling Alpine Club of Can clerks; the Duricks of the Mercantile start school there. Fund raising started ada-Revelstoke Branch, assisting them

13 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 with the construction of a small chalet pallbearers were young schoolmates rep or church affiliation, at the YMCA on atop Mt. Reveistoke. Both Mr. and resenting all denominations. Monday. Virtually every issue of the Mrs. accompanied groups of young peo Devastated by their loss, Mr. & Mrs. Mail-Herald noted a derailment, bridge pie on hikes to this summit. Four Procunier went away for a holiday, re washout, runaway train, workers or tres Reverend gentlemen registered as a rink turning to service early in October. passers killed or injured, or the building during the curling season. The rectory Meanwhile Revelstoke citizens of new spur lines; if there was nothing garden was kept bright with beautiful watched the unravelling of the two Pres on the CPR they found some railway flowers, and a vegetable garden was cul byterian churches. In July Rev. J.R. news from a foreign country! tivated at their ‘ranch’ just north of Robertson of Knox Church handed in At this time British Columbia was town. Honey from their hives won priz his resignation, even though he had no considering sites for the planned univer es regularly in the Fall Fair, as did some other call or opening in sight. In Octo sity. Rev. Procunier became the of their garden produce. On October 1, ber Rev. W.C. Calder preached his Kootenay delegate (in 1910) on the 1907, Rev. C.A. Procunier sustained a farewell sermon at St. Andrew’s, and committee preparing for a theological very serious injury while chopping wood moved across the river to expand his lit college. He served until 1916. at his ranch. The axe hit a knot, tle ranch into an experimental farm. Miss Hall, Revelstoke’s respected mu glanced off and cut deeply into his right Both wished to force amalgamation. sic teacher had her pupils give a recital ankle severing an artery and damaging Knox Church was renamed St. John’s. annually and participate wherever ap the joint. He very pluckily bound his Lay readers conducted services for a few propriate. Her last recital before she left wound himself (for he was alone), months, alternating between the two the city was in July 1910. Miss Hall limped home and was assisted from buildings. Later St. Andrew’s was eager noted to the audience that Irene Procu there to the hospital. A portion of the ly appropriated by the school board to flier, winner of a Gold Medal for bone had to be removed. He was hospi become an annex to an overflowing Pianoforte, was the youngest church or talized for 12 days, then made good school. Rev. Robertson attended the Al ganist in British Columbia. Mrs. progress in recouping his agility. They pine Club Camp as a staff member then Procunier presented Miss Hall with “a hosted Christmas parties and sleigh sat in Reveistoke considering alterna handsome fountain pen” as a farewell rides, organized family picnics, masque tives. Finally he transferred to St. gift. rade parties and stereoptican shows, and Andrew’s, Nanaimo. Rev. N.G. Mel Charlie Procunier finished high school assisted with a snowshoe club for teens. vin, BA., formerly of Arrowhead, and passed entrance examinations for The two Procunier daughters took pia returned from postgraduate studies in McGill University. He stayed home, no lessons and became medal winning Glasgow, accepted the call to St. John’s finding work locally until early in 1914 performers. There certainly seemed to Presbyterian. He took his place in the when he moved to Comaplix, on the be more to life than Sunday services, pulpit in January 1910, saying that the upper Arrow Lake, where he was placed weddings, baptisms and funerals. troubles of the Presbyterian church in in charge of the office of the Forest A Kootenay Oldtimers Reunion was Reveistoke should be buried, and he Mills Company. The news item con held in February 1909. Membership wished to hear nothing about the past. cluded, “Charlie will be missed among qualification — “males with residence in Concurrently the Baptists changed min the young people of our city.” the Kootenays prior to 1894, or their isters only to lose the newcomer fairly Everything appeared to be “business as male descendants over 21 years of age.” quickly when his wife became ill. The usual” at St. Peter’s Church except for The most senior of this group had ar Roman Catholics bade farewell to Fa correspondence noted in Vestry Minutes rived in 1866, and Procunier was among ther Pecoule and welcomed Rev. but no longer extant. Mr. Procunier re the juniors, but was appointed to ar Coccola to St. Francis; Fr. Coccola de signed in April 1914, but continued to range future annual gatherings. livered sermons first in English then in serve. In August 1915 parishioners Headlines a few weeks later told of Italian. asked the People’s Warden to write to flooding in the district, some of which Revelstoke was always a railway com the Bishop of Kootenay protesting his washed out road and railway bridges munity. Its life was touched by the letter requesting our Rector to resign. across the Illecillewaet River. School re successes, changes and accidents on the ‘When the war started Mr. Procunier sumed in mid August; Irene Procunier rail line. One conductor killed at Field, was on every local committee to recruit, commenced high school; lona “Max” B.C. came home to be buried with ser to encourage the troops, to meet every Procunier was rushed to hospital with vices by the four fraternal organizations troop train, and to arrange for an insu appendicitis and died early on the morn to which he belonged. On March 5, rance policy on the life of every ing of Sunday, August 22 at age 11 1910 a massive snowslide in Rogers Pass Revelstoke boy going into service. years, one month and 17 days. Her flu took the lives of 75 workers attempting Daughter Irene started as a substitute neral was arranged for Tuesday and the to clear an earlier avalanche. The dead teacher in the fall of 1914, and likely school dismissed for the afternoon. included many Hindoos and 37 Japa found other part time employment. Children filled most of the church. The nese. A public memorial service was Fire in October 1914 damaged some of hearse was covered with flowers. The held at the opera house on Sunday after the buildings at Comaplix, but 50 men school children walked in a body behind noon with choirs from several churches were retained to load lumber as orders the hearse to the cemetery. A long pro joining together. Mr. Procunier took a came in. Then the arsonist finished the cession of vehicles also followed. The funeral service, for those without lodges destruction in April 1915. Every build-

14 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 ing except the school was destroyed, 14 1922-23 academic year. He continued million cubic feet of lumber went up in to teach as long as his health permitted, smoke, the steamer Reveistoke was visiting hi children and grandchildren burned to the waterline because the in Ontario and Nova Scotia from time flume bringing water which could have to time. He passed away in Kamloops fought the blaze had been severed in on March 6, 1940. three places. Charlie Procunier was out of a job, except for appearing at repeated 90i police and insurance investigations. For her wartime preparedness Mrs. Procuni The writer spends many hours as a volunteer at er completed a St. John Ambulance Fort Steele Heritage Thwn. The extended ve search for this story did not answer the question, course. Rev. Procunier was master of “Why did ibis gentleman switch from the Metho ceremonies for a great patriotic meeting distto tbeAng&an church?” Uune 2, 1915) to aid recruiting for the 54th Kootenay and Boundary Battal SOURCES Anglican Archives — Provincial Synod. Vancouver lion. His son was one of 62 young men - Diocese of Kootenay. Kelowna

who signed up that day. A special train United Church of Canada — B.C. Archives took Reveistoke citizens to Vernon to Victoria University (United Church Archives), Toronto visit their boys at the completion of ba illinois Wesleyan University Archives sic training. Australian cadets were David Procunier — Grandson, at Celista. B.C. hosted by Revelstoke families for a few Ka,lo Claim— 1895.1898 days before continuing east. The big ad Revdstoke Mail-Herald 1900.1916 venture for recruits at the front was Reveistoke & District Museum ,taiE.

The Prospector (Fort Steele) — 1898-1900 gradually recognized as the horror it Day Dress 1890’s 5t. Peter’s Anglican Church 90th Ani.iversaiy Booklet — was. Casualties were reported frequent 1988. The leg-ofmutton sleeves, high waist, corsetted and torso and very fiJi skirt were frvored by Mrs. ly one of the earliest recruits was Special thanks to Derryl White of Fort Steele Archives. invalided home at the first of the new Procunier andberfriends at Fort Steele. year. Things became increasingly tense even in places like Revelstoke. Rural Dean (a promotion) Procunier submitted his resignation from St. Pe ter’s as of April 24, 1916 “PROVIDED that all his salary to date was paid.” A month later a meeting was held to au thorize the Wardens to borrow money from the bank “to pay off the indebted ness to the Rector.” Also tabled at that meeting was a letter from Irene Procuni er tendering her resignation as organist effective 24 April. Mr. Procunier went teaching at nearby Skeene to finish the school year. He then made the home on his ranch comfortable for all seasons, bade his wife “good bye,” and joined the army. He became Captain (chaplain) in the Engineers. Charlie Procunier was wounded in action and taken prisoner by the Germans. He returned in May 1919 as Sergeant Procunier. He was welcomed at the Revelstoke railway sta tion by his father, Captain Procunier Methodist Church and Parsonage in Kaslo, B.C. 1895. Photo courtesy of Elsie Turnbull. “who had come down from Roger Pass where he was teaching school.” Mr. Procunier taught school on letters of permission until his two children were married and away from home. Irene wed George Hardy at St. Peter’s in July 1922. At age 59 he went to Victor ia to attend Normal School for the

15 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 BailffMacau1ay

by C.JP. Hanna

Donald Macaulay was a servant of the Simpson.4 Writing to the PSAC management in Hudson’s Bay Company and its close af Shortly after his arrival at Fort Simp London, Douglas justified his appoint filiate the Puget’s Sound Agricultural son Macaulay married Margaret ment of Macaulay by describing him as Company for more than thirty years un Snaach, a native woman, probably from “honest, careful and industrious” til his death in 1868. Well-regarded by the Tlingit tribe on the Tongass river. though “not a very active person.” hi such prominent fur trade figures as Like most marriages in the fur trade ter view of the crippling shortage of non- Hudson’s Bay Company chief factors ritory, the marriage was done “in the native labour at Fort Victoria during John McLoughlin and James Douglas, fashion of the country” without clerical this period Macaulay was probably the Macaulay is best known for his service blessing. While at least six daughters best choice available for the position as during the 1850’s as bailiff of the Pu- were born to Macaulay and his wife, the he was semi-literate, had previously get’s Sound Agricultural Company’s lack of records renders it uncertain ex worked as a shepherd and was experi “Viewfield” farm near Fort Victoria. actly how many children they had.’ enced in dealing with natives. Macaulay was a Scot, born in 1805 on Macaulay remained at Fort Simpson Under the initial unwritten terms of the shores ofWest Loch Tarbert, Harris, until the late 1840’s. The few remain his appointment Macaulay received the on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebri ing portions of the Fort Simpson use of the lands, buildings and livestock des. Little is known of his early life. journal reveal very little about Macau- of Viewfield farm in return for provid Later described as having been a crofter, lay’s life there, save that on one ing the PSAC with half of any increase Macaulay reportedly worked as a shep occasion he chased and wounded a large in the farm’s livestock and half of the herd in Scotland before entering HBC shark seen offshore and shortly after farm’s profits.’ service. At some point in his life Ma Christmas 1842 was caught in the fort Viewfield farm was located at the caulay received a rudimentary education storeroom tapping rum from a cask he southern end of the Esquimalt peninsu as he could read and write, though his had bored with a gimlet. Since Christ la, at the mouth of Victoria harbour, grammar and spelling were often pecu mas day had been “gloomy and dismal and comprised about 600 acres of liar and sometimes a source of with heavy rain all day” and the men’s woods, rocks and grassland. While the amusement to others) “Christmas regale” consisted of molas PSAC later brought out bailiffs and set In his British Columbia Coast Names ses, rice, flour and grease, Macaulay’s tlers from Britain for their Craigflower, Captain John Walbran states that Ma theft of rum was perhaps understanda Esquimalt (or Coiwood), and Con caulay crossed the Rocky Mountains ble and apparently soon forgiven for no stance Cove farms, Viewfield farm about 1834 and then served aboard the record of any punishment appears in remained under Macaulay’s control HBC coastal trading brig Llama (or the Fort Simpson journal.6 throughout its existence and received Lama) under Captain William H. Despite the occasional transgression, virtually no settlers from Britain. McNeill.2 Macaulay’s reputation among his super Due to the great shortage of white la Donald Macaulay was probably the iors was such that HBC chief Factor bour at Fort Victoria, native labourers, “Macaulay, a Lewisman” with whom John McLoughlin described him in usually hired at the rate of 2 blankets Dr. William Fraser Tolmie went on a 1844 as one of the Hudson’s Bay Com per month, were essential to the devel hunting expedition in July 1834 near pany’s three “Best common men” opment of Viewfield. In addition to Clarence Straits during the removal of serving on the Pacific coast.7 supplying their labour, natives also the first Fort Simpson from the Nass By the summer of 1850 Macaulay had traded salmon, halibut, potatoes, shin river.3 moved to Fort Victoria where HBC gles and canoes to the farm in exchange By 1839 Donald Macaulay was em chief factor James Douglas, the Puget’s for clothes, blankets and firearms)° ployed as a labourer at the second Fort Sound Agricultural Company agent at In the early 1850’s James Douglas was Simpson (now Port Simpson) on the Fort Victoria, appointed him bailiff of too busy with his responsibilities as co northwest coast of British Columbia. the new PSAC “Viewfield” (or “View lonial governor, HBC chief Factor and The only surviving records of Macau- point”) farm. While the Puget’s Sound PSAC agent to devote much time to lay’s work at Fort Simpson mention him Agricultural Company (PSAC) was le the close supervision of Macaulay who, preparing bear skins for storage and at gally distinct from the Hudson’s Bay as a consequence, was rather left to run tending natives bringing seaweed to the Company, the two companies were very Viewfield as he saw fit. fort’s vegetable garden. By 1841 Ma closely linked and Macaulay transferred Sheep-rearing was the main activity of caulay was one of three assistants to from one to the other without Viewfield farm, but it also had about John Work, the officer in charge of Fort difficulty. two dozen cattle and a small herd of

16 B.C. Historical News . Winter 1992 . 93 horses by the mid-1850’s. Unfortunately Viewfield two more daughters, Marga Macaulay continued to visit her relatives many of the sheep at Viewfield in the ret and Mary Ann, were born. The on the Tongass river until the early early 1850’s died from lack of food, shel eldest, Mary, was married to William 1860’s and her brother Joe worked on ter and attention while scab often caused Henry McNeil!, Jnr. in June 1853 and Viewfield farm in exchange for clothes much of their wool to be lost.” Flora married James Ted in October, and blankets, her daughter Mary insist Instead of concentrating his efforts on 1857.17 ed upon a band and wedding procession providing food and shelter for the farm’s Macaulay’s family, like many other around the little settlement of Fort Vic large flock of sheep, Macaulay expended HBC families, straddled both white toria when she married McNeill in time, energy and resources breeding a and native societies. While Margaret 1853,18 herd of horses which were useless for the PSAC farms as they were too small to serve as draft animals.I2 Though Macaulay’s insufficient indus try and attention hampered the development of Viewfield, his superiors in the PSAC, particularly James Douglas, bore some responsibility for the sorry state of the farm. After choosing a farm site with little land suitable for crops, Douglas placed a large flock of sheep on Viewfield farm before adequate shelter, food and care could be provided. The choice of the Southdown breed of sheep which required particular attention to their feed and shelter only increased the difficulty of caring for the flock.’3 As bailiff of Viewfield Macaulay did not wine and dine his visitors as lavishly as did other bailiffs, such as Captain Ed ward Langford at Esquimalt farm, but his kindness and hospitality to visiting naval officers from H.M.S. Thetis in 1853 was such that they gave him a silver cup in appreciation. Since Viewfield farm had the only stable of horses on the PSAC farms at that time, the officers’ gratitude probably stemmed in large part from Macaulay providing them with mounts during their visits to Fort Victoria. ‘ As an individual Macaulay appears to have been rather a local character, in his Reminiscences Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken described Macaulay as “a most trustworthy man,” “long and spare” in build, who spoke “peculiar English.” Among the anecdotes Helmcken record ed about Macaulay were a court case in which Macaulay suddenly became more “deaf’ than usual when called upon to submit evidence, and an incident when he claimed to have cured Helmcken’s horse of the grip [sic] by placing a roast ed shoe over its muzzle. 16 After their arrival at Fort Victoria Ma caulay and his wife had been officially married and their daughters Margaret, Mary Ann, Catherine and Sara baptized by the HBC chaplain Robert John Staines. During Macaulay’s time at 17 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93

WInter 93 1992 B.C. News IIistorcaI

- - 18

Ann Macaulay. Mary cated as for of as Viewfield bailiff serving while 100 View- to send farm, failed Viewfield

lo been yet No have records Loring. amassed he the debts ently overcome on reports monthly provide refused to

Hankin/ and Margaret had Compton appar By Macaulay early 1860 his Macaulay off debts while to loan pay

Catherine Sarah Toil, Mordaunt, character. a with provide to Macaulay then refused

Mary Flora McNeil, daughters a a caulay’s of as bit reputation Macaulay’s again. McKenzie scab the got promptly

to born Ma were 48 children least to At cement helped can only have dent where H. McNeill Captain it William

also received. he criticisms merited inci The himself. than educated better farm of to the drove instead Macaulay it

the often- life outweigh his by during persons their composition in sisted farm Viewfield flock to back Viewfield

he received The accolades ny service. as was probably that Macaulay indicate the drive to Macaulay then permitted

Compa Bay in Hudson’s its responsibility and revocation challenge Macaulay’s McKenzie flock. When the Viewfield

of positions given of peatedly language the erudite but unclear, best from lambs taking the of McKenzie

re be to him caused reliability general is Cary’s supporters for horse” “stalking accused 1856 Macaulay when of fall

and his Bay a Company to as Hudson’s serving or affair in this ridiculous until the success a station sheep was new

loyalty Macaulay’s his failings, Despite alone was acting Macaulay Whether The flock. the scab among of cidence

societies. and native white tween for jail inciting toria the and violence.27 in reduce for animals the forage

be interlocutors as serving by Vic heels trade in cool his to sent was Cary better provide to an in attempt hill

fur of the and economy the society in man when honour” a of and gentleman at Lake- of Fort Victoria north located

role often overlooked and “a an as invaluable his position as unbefitting lenge sheep station new a at combined farms

played wives their native with men chal who his blustering abandoned quickly and Viewfield Craigflower flocks of the

of class the of example an is excellent Macaulay and the challenge ignored 1855 had McKenzie of the summer In

Macaulay Donald history, in ure British Ring prudently room. a in dark knives in farm on 1854.” Viewfield

fig a unimportant relatively yards Though Bowie to at from rifles 80 ranging 35 cattle and 675 horses 24 sheep, the

July 1869.° in and died of weapons, a months variety duel a him with to to support clearly inadequate was which

a only him few for survived challenged Margaret, publicly Macaulay Cary, 200 bushels less came to 1854 than

wife, Macaulay’s drowned. and board “stigmatised” Ring had that Claiming all in crops of production ricultural

pulled over was he skiff and his Ring. small Babington David politician, total ag and the cultivation under were

of line the in anchor entangled became and local lawyer another with dispute 35 acres 600 of farm’s the Only farm.

his hand when in harbour Esquimalt a in personal became Cary, embroiled Viewfield of portrait dismal a provides

fishing died while Macaulay raid scare, Hunter George Columbia, British 1855 Island Vancouver census of The

Fenian a during harbour

to Esquimalt of General Attorney the acquaintances, for sheep Viewfield food.22

moved was magazine the his after one months of when greatly offended to be to kill ceased 1855 Macaulay until

six 1868, In September magazine. 1859 professed Macaulay In October early in Victoria from Fort supplies lay’s

powder floating HBC the charge of of Victoria. 26 village cut Macau- 1854 and off in July farm

in placed and to was Victoria returned the in street on Humboldt residence from of Viewfield horses lic auction

he 1860’s when late until the up Simpson took and Fort Victoria at Trader” a held pub farm McKenzie of Viewfield

at Fort remained an apparently Macaulay “Indian as the HBC caulay rejoined

state rectifSr poor the to an In attempt

later.

six years death his bouts Ma until while farm Cove

Constance with saw. ever

“21

•

his of wherea the account known last then was combined farm Viewfield stock (he) looking deplorable most “the

is the to Colonist 1857. report Macaulay’s September in ended bailiff as flock sheep of and Macaulay’s farm” a

Victoria. 29 as until his contract farm Viewfield of charge have to adapted one all not at

in the Colonist newspaper to news of charge in remained Macaulay ment, and man ignorant “a stupid as very vate

the reported Macaulay 1862 manage August his about complaints Despite in pri him describing Macaulay, with

in Simpson reached

Fort river the Nass to cases.” 25 fault much found soon Mckenzie

on gold finds of news When all Simpson. in and advisor “friend was his

farms.20

at Fort serving HBC officer an ton, the Governor that state to was able who the PSAC of direction” and control the

Comp Pym Nevins married Catherine inferior social and subordinate lious exercise to selected been have not could

his daughter July 1862 In dent. rebel a discipline to having of position man unfit more “a that London

inci was without apparently the Simpson difficult in placed was McKenzie in management PASC to the port

Fort at service Macaulay’s schooner, antagonized. had McKenzie whom re to agent PSAC as record McKenzie’s

trading a coastal from traded liquor Douglas, James Governor as such by was moved Dallas, Grant exander

on drunk he had become journal that local HBC hierarchy, of the members Al HBC officer, a senior appointment

the fort’s in note a brief by Apart from Macaulay given support the was tant McKenzie’s after years Five ment.”

Simpson. of post his Fort old turned to Also impor employment. his of terms judge unsound and temper “hasty

re Macaulay of 1861 May end the At the regarding agreements written plicit a possess said to was also est,” McKenzie

House of ex of absence the by McKenzie with Assembly.28 hon. and “thoroughly meaning” “well

Island the Vancouver to his elections in disputes aided was Macaulay as farm. Described Craigflower PSAC’s

1860 the in March Cary for George McKenzie. 24 of the bailiff McKenzie, Kenneth

to him vote enabled of which Victoria to shipments his wool mislabelled by at Victoria agent as PSAC ceeded

district Bay the James in lot a he owned and farm, Cove to Constance ewes field was suc Douglas 1854 James April In Mary McNeil! and Flora Tod (later Simpson’ c. 1833. The other sources cited in this Columbia, (Victoriat Public History Group paper almost certainly refer to Donald Macaulay. (University of Victoria), 1991); Victoria Standard, 11 spelt Todd) bore at least ten and four 3. (William Fraser Tolmie), Physician and Fur Trader, August 1879, p. 3,24 January 1880, P.3. 30 January teen children, respectively, and lived out (Vancouver: Mitchell Press, 1963), PP. 286-287. 1882, P. 3; Colonist, 23 January 1880, P.3. 17 4. Hudson’s Bay Company, Columbia District, February 1886, p. 3,13 January 1912, p.6; Victoria their long lives on the large McNeill and Times, t3Januasy 1911, P.7,15 September 1911, P. “Establishment of Servants. Coasting Trade 20. Tod(d) farms near Victoria. Catherine Establishment, Outfit 1839,” BCARS, lists “Donald 32. Canada. 1891 Census, British Columbia, New Compton and her husband had three McAulay’ at Fort SImpson; E.E. Rich, ed. , The Letters ofJohn Mcloughlin from Fort Vancouver to Westminster District, Nominal Roll; BCARS, children, but she and her husband died the Governor and Committee, Second Series, “Vertical Files;’ Christ Church Cathedral, Baptismal and Marriage Registers; St. Luke’s Church, Baptismal, 1839-1844, (Hudson’s Bay Record Society, 1943), PP. within nine months of each other in Marriage and Burial Registers; Colonist, 5 July 1871, “Fort Simpson Journal,’ 1 March and 10 1879 and 1880 with the unfortunate re 372-374; p.3. l3Januasy 1991, p.6; Times, l3Janua,y 1911, April 1843, BCARS. p.7. sult that their children were left destitute 5. Christ Church Cathedral, Marriage and Baptismal and a least one was placed in the Protes Registers “Fort Simpson Journal,” 15 November 1842. (BCARS = British Columbia Archives and Records Services) tant Orphanage at Victoria. Sarah 6. “Fort Simpson Journal,” 24, 25,26 and 29 December 1842, 1 March and 10 April 1843, BCARS. Macaulay married one Alfred E. Mor 7. Rich. ed. The Letters of John .. McLouaJilin ., pp. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS daunt in 1869 and bore four children 372-374. 8. Coyle, 12. Thanks to Mrs. J. H. (Madge) Hamilton fbr the use of before she and her husband died in 1880 p. her notes on Donald Macaulay Dr. Allan O’Neil, and 1882, respectively.’ 9. Ibid. pp. 12-13. archivist of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Victoria 10. Coyle, P. 52, and various undated chits, Kenneth kr checking church registers; and the staff of the Margaret Macaulay married the pio McKenzie Collection,” BCARS. (Bishop) Cridge Centre, Victoria, fsir checking records of the Victoria Protestant Orphanage. neer Hazelton merchant Thomas 11. Coyle, pp. 51-53; Kenneth McKenzie to Andrew Hankin and bore seven children before Colvile, 23 December 1842, “Kenneth McKenzie Collection,” BCARS; “The Census ofVancouver his death in 1885. In 1889 she married Island, 1855.” British Columbia Historical Quarterly, Vol. W (January 1940), one Baron Alfred von Wilke — better pp. 5 1-58. 12. Coyle, pp. 51-53. known as Richard Ernest Loring — the Indian Agent at Hazelton, and three 13. Coyle, pp. 51-53; 14. Victoria Daily Colonist, 23 May 1861, children were born to them. Fluent in p. 3. 15. Helmcken, p. 153. the local native languages, Margaret Lor 16. Ibid. ing accompanied her husband on all his 17. Christ Church Cathedral, Baptismal and Marriage official trips in order to serve as his inter Registers. 18. “Fort Simpson Journal,” 8 January 1862; chit dated 30 preter. In the early twentieth century March 1855, “Kenneth McKenzie collection;’ her daughter Constance Cox, née Han- Helmcken, pp. 153-154. 19. A.G. Dallas to PSAC, May 1858, quoted in Coyle, kin, continued the family tradition as p.62. interlocutors between white and native 20. Ibid. societies through her recording of the 21. Kenneth McKenzie to Andrew Colvile, 23 December 1854, “Kenneth McKenzie collection;’ Kenneth history and traditions of natives in the McKenzie to Andrew Colvile, 31 March 1854, quoted Hazelton area.32 in Coyle, P. 138. Macaulay Point, Macaulay Plains, Ma 22. Coyle, pp. 51-53; W. K(aye). L(amb)., “Diary of Robert Melrose,” British Columbia Historical caulay Road and Macaulay School Quarterly, Vol. VII (January 1943), pp. 203. within the former boundaries of View- 23. W. K(aye). L(amb)., “The Census ofVancouver Island, 1855,” British Columbia Historical Quarterly, Vol. W field farm commemorate Donald (January 1940), pp. 51-58. Macaulay and his family. 24. Coyle, pp. 51-53. 25. Kenneth McKenzie to Donald Macaulay, 12 March 1856, “Kenneth McKenzie collection.” 26. Victoria Gazette, 15 October 1859, p. 2; Edward Christopher Hanna is a recent graduate of i&e Mallandaine, First Victoria Directory, (Victoria: University of Victoria with a special interest in Edward Maflandaine, 1860), p. 32; and Kenneth McKenzie to Donald Macaulay, 28 February 1857, British Columhia’c colonialperioeL “Kenneth McKenzie collection.” 27. Gazette, 15 October 1859, p.2; Colonist, 21 October FOOTNOTES 1859, p.2. 28. Vancouver Island, Sherriff Poll Books, Victoria Town, 1. Brian Charles Coyle, “Problems of the Puget’s Sound 22 March 1861. Agricultural Company on Vancouver Island: 1847 - 29. Colonist, 15 September 1868, “Fort Simpson 1857,” Simon Fraser University, M.A. Thesis, 1977, p. p. 3; 12; Doroth Blakey Smith, ed, The Reminiscences of Journal,’ 30 May 1861, and 16 November 1862; Doctor John Sebastian Helmdcen, (Vancouven Christ Church Cathedral, Marriage Register. University of British Columbia Press, 1975), p. 153; 30. Colonist, 21 September 1868, p. 3, and 31 July 1869, Christ Church Cathedral, Marriage Register; Saint p.3. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Victoria, Burial 31. BCARS, “Vertical Files;’ Christ Church Cathedral, Records, information from Dr. Allan O’Neil, archivist. Baptismal, Marriage and Burial Registers; St. Luke’s The spelling of Macaulay’s varies. Macaulay signed the Church. Victoria, Baptismal, Marriage and Burial marriage register as “McAulay,” but Macaulay is the Registers; Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. lorm adopted by geographers and used in this paper. Marriage and Burial Records; Cridge Centre, Victoria, 2. John Waibran, British Columbia Coast Names, “Register of Orphans at Protestant Orphanage;” Peter (Ottawa: Government Printing Bureau, 1909), Pp. Baskerville and others, 1881 Canadian Census: 309-310. “Log of the HBC brig Lama, 11 Dec. Vancouver Island, (Victoria: Public History Group 1832-02 Dec.1833,” BCARS, notes a “John McCaulay, (University ofVictona), 1990); Eric Sager and others. Haida Mortuary Pole in Thunderbird Parh Assist’t Steward” who was “Sent on shore at Fort The 1891 Canadian Census, Victoria, British Victoria B.C.

19 B.C. hIstorical News - Whiter 1992 - 93 Croatians Killed in Ladysmith Mine Blast

by Zelimir BobJuricic

Fxtension Miners. c. 1909. They were a cosmopolitan mix. Thirty—two ofthem lost their lives on October 5, 1909. Photo courtesy of B.C. Archives and Records Service. #HP80599

In the northwest corner of the Lady- “native of Croatia, Austria.” On an Ovdje pociva Geo Badovinac, smith cemetery, in the Roman Catholic other, a “native of Crotia,” a carver clan Dr. Orel, No. 109 SNPY, section, a cosmopolitan mix of people having misspelled the name of the coun Rojen u Zumberku, umro 5 Oct. are buried. They include Irish, Scottish, try of the deceased. Or “here lies 36 1909 u Explosinu. (Here lies Geo Belgian, Finns, French, Americans, na year old Native of Kroatia,” Croatia Badovinac, member of the SNPY, tive Indians, and a number of Croatians. having been spelled with a K. Many born in Zumberak, died 5 Octo The majority of plots of the latter are graves are of the young, 20 to 30-year- ber 1909 in the Explosion). well preserved. A few have been dese old Croatian miners who worked, and And, on another, also in Croatian: crated by vandals; pieces of broken died, in the Dunsmuir Wellington- Ovdje pociva Tade Ranilovic, clan crosses, marble tablets and columns lie Extension Collieries mines. Along the Dr. Orel, No. 109 SNPY rojen u scattered about. Many tombstones have main pathway, two unassuming graves Socica, Croatia, umro 5 Oct. 1909 u Slavic names inscribed on them: Kulaj, stand out. They are unlike any other in Explosinu. (Here lies Tade Raniov Hocevar, Popovic, Mrus, Badovinac, the cemetery. On truncated obelisks, Ic, a member of the SNPY, born in Keseric, Berdick, Bulic, Grubacevic, Bu the epitaphs are written in the Croatian Socica, Croatia, died 5 October car. One inscription reads: here lies a language. They read: 1909 in the Explosion).

20 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 Who were these two men and how did they come to be buried here, in Lady- smith, thousands of miles away from their native Zumberak, the picturesque area in northwestern Croatia? On Tuesday morning, October 5, 1909, at between 8:30 and 8:45, the mining community and coal-shipping port of Ladysmith was awakened with news that an explosion had occurred at levels two and three of No. 2 mine in the new Extension site where most of Ladysmith’s miners worked. A somber crowd assembled on the La dysmith railway station platform to find out details about the tragedy. Al Lund, the perturbed treasurer of the company, told the assembled wives, mothers, brothers, sisters, and anxious relatives, “All we know is that an explosion has Croatian miners on a picnic at Shell Beach, Ladysmith. c. 1905. Photo courtesy of Tom KIiIai, Nauaiuo. taken place and that the men working in No.2 mine have been entombed.” For the wives of Croatian miners, and timber broken in the level, see, mine. Among the victims were some of many of whom had only recently come in one place. It had to be repaired. Ladysmith’s most renowned citizens: from the old country, and could neither They had to put a new post there. Robert White, a 40-year-old father of speak nor understand English, finding It was just a low place, six feet high. six and a member of the local school out about their loved ones was an ago He told the young fella; go up the board, his brother-in-law Thomas nizing experience. slope and bring him that six foot O’Connell, the well-known fullback of In an interview that’s on tape in the post. Which is not heavy, you the Ladysmith football club, and his Provincial Archives the son of one of the could pack it under your arm. friend James Molyneaux, a popular miners says: Young fellow goes, and father says young tenor in the town’s Welsh Glee My mother was only here just a now wait a while. I’ll go and help Club and a presiding officer of the Li week when that happened. She you carry that in. He got his head dysmith Aerie of Eagles.4 The three

pretty near went nuts! Yes, she — in the slope, see. And comin’ were working partners. Rescuers ex come here, and, there’s this store back in, at the side they had trap pressed little hope that any of the 28 man come to the house, fella that doors. Dividin’ air. You heard of miners still trapped in the levels where

had a store, and he is tellin’ my trap doors? They’re not like this — explosion occurred, would be found mother’s brother-in-law he was they’re darn heavy doors, you alive.

stayin’ there, talking in English — know. And fella went to open the At 7:30 in the evening, the first train and she seen him turn pale. Right door, and whangst! Gee, it blew reached Ladysmith yard with the bod away she knew there was some- that door to smithereens. And ies, swathed in linen shroud and placed thin’ wrong, see. She kept knocked him and his helper down, on the floor of the caboose. There, as buggin’ him, he wouldn’t tell her. on track. They had open lights at each stretcher with a body was lifted off See. She kept buggin’ him, what that time, see a pitlamp. And my and name called, wives and mothers of was wrong. And he said well father got cut here (pointing to the victims, or some relation or repre there’s an accident in Extension, head) where he fell on the rail, you sentative of a society to which the dead

you know, but — my father was all know, and the blue mark from the man belonged claimed it and took it right. And that calmed her coal. And that’s how they got out. home. Orders were given by the train down.2 Everybody that was on the inside of men to have the stretchers returned so The force of air, caused by the explo the door got killed. If he and his that they could be taken back at once to sion, was so powerful it blew out some partner were on the other side of the mines. of the stoppings (airtight walls built the door, they’d got it too. That The rescue work continued late into across passageways and cross-cut tun was how close. the night. By midnight, five more bod nels), and unhinged doors, thus short- By mid afternoon, on Tuesday, the ies were found. These men had all circuiting the flow of air in the mine. first five bodies had been recovered. Jo strayed away from the others and went My father was lucky he got out. seph James Mullin, Extension’s 29- towards the explosion, instead of from Him and another young fellow, my year-old doctor, examined and identi it, until they were overcome by the father was timberin’ at the time, fied the bodies as they came out of the deadly afterdamp, a gaseous mixture re

21 B.C. Historical News Winter 1992 • 93 suiting from the explosion. They all fell conference that the delegates decided to that when he held the gun to his right together, clinging to each others’ coat dispense with the use of private newspa shoulder he sighted with his left eye. tails, their bodies found in a heap.’ pers for the publication of official He had just received a new gun and The bodies of the first group of Croa notices and for publishing the official only started work in the morning of the tian miners were brought out in the lodge directory, and open its own pub accident after a week’s hunting trip morning of the following day. Each lication facilities for the purposes of with Bill Keserich to Wolff mountain. one, as he was found, had the number publishing its own official organ the Both had intended to hunt another day corresponding with the order in which Zajednicar (Fraternalist) as a monthly but changed their minds at the last mo he was found, chalked on his clothing. newspaper. It continued as a monthly ment and went to work instead. Wargo He was then wrapped in sacking, placed until 1909 the year of Keseric’s tragic left a wife, nine children,” and a broth in the bottom of a coal truck and death — when it became a weekly of er at Extension.’5 shipped to the surface and on to a tem four pages. It has continued as a week The body of Alex Milos, Wargo’s car- porary morgue. A fearfully burned and ly to this date, although in an expanded pusher, was found further down the mutilated body of William (Croatian format averaging 20 pages with both level of stall No. 26, having been blown Vasilij) “Bill” Keserich (Keseric), a min Croatian and English pages. there by the full blast of the explosion. er, and his loader-partner Geo As a trade unionist, Keseric served on His head was badly smashed and his Badovinac, were found near foot of stall the executive of the first Miner’s Union face and hands so badly blackened and 27 off 21/2 west level. Two shovels, a on Vancouver Island, called Enterprise, scorched that for a long time he was drill, a hammer, an axe, and a safety branch #18 1, of the Western Federa taken for a colored man.’6 When lamp were uncovered under a pile of tion of Mines.9 found, his right boot was missing and it coal. On a half-loaded car, found The body of Bill’s brother James (Ju was found twenty eight metres away turned up on its edge near their stall, raj) Keserich, mistakenly reported in from the body. The sole had been torn was blown the front part of the mule. the local press as Alex,b0 was found near clean away from the uppers and there Keserich’s “was the only body, where the foot of the stall No. 25, pitched was not a sign of lace having been used the hair and mustache was singed, over, face downwards, with hands in it. ‘ Milos was single. which probably would indicate that clutching his face in a futile attempt to The greatly disfigured body of Tedd there was flame at his place ofwork.”6 protect himself from the afterdamp, (Tade) Ranilovich (Raniovic), was The 30-year-old Keserich was well- which chokes out life quickly. James found at the cross-cut to left stall 22. known in the district and highly respect was single. Bill left behind a wife and He had first degree burn on his face ed among his countrymen. Born in the three children. and upper body. village of Keserici, in the province of John (Janko) Bulich (Bulic), who It was a custom among the Croatian Zumberak, in Croatia, he came to Lady- worked close to James’ stall, died either miners’ families, when a man got killed, smith from the U.S. with his brother from afterdamp, or injuries received to “put him in a corner of the sitting J uraj. They’d worked for poor wages: from the force of the explosion. At his room for several days before he was 10 hours a day, 11 cents an hour in Chi stall there was no sign of real fire; the buried. Sometimes, maybe a week. In cago steel mills. ‘When they heard the timbers were only slightly scorched. their own house. And they used to Dunsmuirs were looking for miners for A reporter, who was present as the have a big black ribbon come down on his newly-opened mines in Extension, bodies of the two men were being laid the door, maybe four feet high. And they decided to try their luck in the on stretchers, wrote: “The faces were then they used to wear black bands. wilds of British Columbia. They arrived unrecognizable except to their nearest But he used to be in the corner in the in Oyster Harbor, as Ladysmith was friends.” sitting, or, the dining room, before he then called, in 1898. Bill became very By Thursday night, all the bodies had was buried. Not only that. They used active in social and trade union activi been recovered. Among the last to to embalm them on front room table. ties. He was founder and president of come out were those of John (Ivan) We, as kids, used to watch them the The Croatian Fraternal Union Wargo (Vargo), Alex Milos (Milos), through the window, takin’ the blood (Hrvatska Bratska Zajednica), lodge No. and Tedd (lade) Ranilovich out of them. They’ve done that right 268, named “St. Nicholas,” which was (Raniovic). in Ladysmith. At the day of the funer an affiliate of the Croatian Fraternal Un The body of John Wargo, 39, an ex al, the undertakers would come and put ion of Pittsburgh, Penn., the first perienced Croatian miner,’2 was lightly the coffin in the wagon and take ‘em to Croatian fraternal benefit society of mu burnt on face, and back of hands. The the cemetery.”8 tual aid on the American continent. coroner’s inquest decided he, too, died Toll of death was now complete: 32 Formed in 1903, with eighteen mem of afterdamp.’3 Known all over the dis men had lost their lives in the explo bers, the Ladysmith branch was the first trict as “the Prince of Sports,” Wargo sion. Fourteen of the men were said to Croatian Fraternal Union lodge in Can was an experienced marksman and an be married, but of that number two or ada. As a delegate from British enthusiastic hunter. As a result of an three had their wives in the old coun Columbia, Keseric attended the 1904 accident some years ago he lost his sight try. The number of children who were CFU national convention in St. Louis, in one eye. He therefore had a special orphaned by the event was estimated to Missouri.8 It was at that memorable gun made with a special front sight so be around 40.’ It was decided that the

22 B.C. Historical News . WInter 1992 - 93 widows would receive the sum of $300 from the miners’ sick and burial fund, and that under the Workmen’s Com pensation Act, each family was entitled to the sum of $1,500 from the compa ny.2° The beneficiaries of deceased Croatian miners, those who belonged to the Croatian Fraternal Union, received additional compensation. The maxi mum amount of insurance was $800, a sufficient sum to cover funeral expenses and provide for the victims’ families im mediate necessities. The cause of the explosion was never satisfactorily explained. Six young Croa tian miners lost their lives in the disaster. They are gone but not forgotten.

The writer is a profrssor and former chair of the Department of S4avonic Studies at the Uni versity of Victoria. The author offive books and The Roman Catholic Section ofthe Ladysmith Cemetery where most ofCroation miners are butietL many scholarly articles, he is presently involved in the preparation ofa book on the history of.Czjij tians in British Columbia. 7. Interview, ZelimirJuricic with Drago Balaban, Na 14. “Thirty killed in mine at Extension,” Victoria Daily naimo,June, 1991. Times (Victoria, October 6, 1909), 1. 8. “Local items,” Ladysmith Ledger FOOTNOTES (l.adysmith, 15. Nanaimo Free Press December 24, 1904), 4. (Nanaimo: October 7, 1909), 1. 1. “Terrible Disaster in Mine at Extension,” Victoria 9. The Minute Book of the Enterprise Union #181, 16. Nanaimo Free Press Daily Times, (Victoria, October 5, 1909), 1. March 15, 1903. Ladysmith Historical Society (Nanaimo, October 6, 1909), 5. 2. Interview, Myrtle Beien with George Badovinick, Archives. 17. Coroner’s Inquisition. Extension mine disaster, the February 9, 1979. B.C. Provincial Archives, Coal 10. “Thirty kiiled in mine at Extension,” Victoria Daily County of Nanaimo, Province of British Columbia, Tyee History Project #4051:14. Times (Victoria, October 6, 1909), 1. 20, October, 1909. B.C. Provincial Archives, #GR 3. Ibid. 11. “Bodies of five victims found today,” Victoria Daily 431,vol.8, 113. 4. “Extension mine explosion. 25 to 30 men are impris Times (Victoria, October 6, 1909), 12. 18. Interview, ZelinsirJuricic with Tom Kulaj, oned.’ The Nanaimo Free Press (Nanaimo, October 12. M. Wargo, a relative ofJohn, worked kr Canadian Nanaimo, August, 1991. 5, 1909), 1. Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd., from 1900-1918. See 19. “All bodies of mine victims recovered,” Victoria 5. “Bodies of five victims found today,” Victoria Daily Canadian Coffieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd. Record Book, Daily Times (Victoria, October 7,1909). 1. Times (Victoria, October 6, 1909), 12. in Ray Knight Private Collection. 20. Ibid.,1,11. 6. Coroner’s Inquisition. Extension mine disaster, the 13. Coroner’s Inquisition, Extension mine disaster, the County of Nanaimo, Province of British Columbia, The acronym SNPY stands for Slovenska Narodna Porporna County of Nanainso, Province of British Columbia, Yednora (The Slovenian National Benefit Society) which had October 20, 1909. B.C. Provincial Arcives, #GR October 20, 1909. B.C. Provincial Archives, 4’GR 431,vol. 8,18. its headquarters in the U.S. and a number of branches in Can 431, vol.8,114. ada. including one in Ladysmith. I NANMMO EREERY,

MILL STREET, - ADVERTISEMENTS ____=v_, - c_

- JOHN MAHRER, - PROPRIETOR FROM AN 1889 DIRECTORY.

BASTION STREET, Opposite the Literary Institute Hall, NANAIMO, B. C. J. E. JENKINS, Proprietor.

GOOD ACCOMMODATION FOR TRANSIENT AND PERMANENT BOARDERS AND LODGERS.

23 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 . 93 Lillian Ailing

by Win Shilvock

from travelling north to sure death so the iron bar provided a solution. He changed the charge to “carrying an of fensive weapon” and fined her $25 and costs. Since her cash was limited to $20 the fine couldn’t be paid so an alterna tive sentence of two months in Oakalla Prison in Vancouver was pronounced. Thus the headstrong Lillian was saved her $20 and assured free food and lodg ing until the weather got so bad that even she knew it would be impossible to travel in the north. From the middle of November when she was released until the end of May, Lillian Ailing with her dog Bruno at the 6000foot Summit Pass. 1928, Lillian worked in. a restaurant in Vancouver and saved enough money to The Far North in Canada holds many September 10, 1927, arrived at Number start out again. By now the story of this secrets of mysterious, unsolved happen Two lineshack on the Telegraph Trail, mysterious girl had spread throughout ings, but one of the strangest is the story about 50 miles north of Hazelton. the Provincial force and Sergeant A. of Lillian Ailing who walked, alone, The journey had taken its toll and a Fairbairn at Smithers was alerted when 6,000 miles from New York to the Ber startling sight greeted Blackstock, the Lillian left Vancouver. He was therefore ing Sea. astonished telegrapher at the line post. amazed at her speed when she arrived on She spoke little to people en route and Lillian’s neat skirt was in rags, her shirt July 19th. When asked if many people accounts vary concerning her. However, torn to shreds and the walking boots had given her a ride on the 750-mile it’s generally conceded she was Russian; had been replaced with running shoes jaunt she proudly replied, “I walked all was well educated and spoke English; through which her toes poked. A gaunt the way and I go to Siberia.” was 25 years old; 5’4” tall and had ar look portrayed her physical condition so The Telegraph Trail was a very tough rived in New York in 1925. Unable to the first thing the operator did was feed one to traverse. It wound up and down save enough money to return home, she her. valleys, crossed gigantic mountains and decided to walk back to Russia via Sibe When Blackstock asked where she was meandered through mud and swamp ria. To prepare for the trip she studied going Lillian replied, “Siberia.” Winter land. By the time Lillian reached Cabin maps and books in the New York Li was just starting to get a hold on the Number 8, some 160 miles along the brary, and for one untrained in north and he knew that any attempt to trail, on September 12, she was in a cartography, drew a remarkable map of travel in the condition she was in would frightful state. Her clothes were in her proposed journey across the North be suicide. But when Lillian remained shreds and her shoes were falling apart. American continent. adamant about going on he wired Con Her face was badly burned by sun and Lillian started her trek in the early stable J.A. Wyman of the Provincial wind and was swollen from continuous Spring of 1927, neatly dressed in a Police in Hazelton for help. After some bites by mosquitoes and black flies. Still brown skirt and shirt waist, jacket, head- persuasion Lillian agreed to return with she insisted on going ahead. scarf and stout walking boots. Marching Wyman and on September 21st she was For three days while she rested, Jim westward at a speed of 30 miles per day charged with vagrancy by Justice of the Christie and Charlie Janze who manned she passed Chicago, headed north to Peace, W.Grant. However, the legality the station, tried to arrange for clothing. Minneapolis, then west through North of the charge was doubtful for she had Janze was the smallest so a pair of his Dakota and into central Montana. $20 and was on a peaceful walk. work pants was remodeled and he also Turning north she entered Alberta and Among Lillian’s possessions was an gave two shirts and a felt hat. A pair of passed Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Jas 18” thin iron bar which she said she car his stout shoes were found to fit if two per. At Prince George in British ried as “protection against men.” The pairs of heavy socks were worn. Just be Columbia she veered north again and on humane Grant was trying to keep her fore hitting the trail again Lillian was given a dog named Bruno, her first and 24 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 93 only companion on her incredible Even Lillian realized it was now too almost at the narrowest point of Bering journey. late in the season to travel on for winter Strait and just ahead, across a narrow When Cabin 8 was left on September was rapidly closing in. During the next strip of water, was her goal. Then she 15, Jim Christie accompanied her to see several months she worked as a waitress vanished. that she got safely over the treacherous in Dawson and devoted her off time to It’s difficult to imagine that a very 6,000 foot Summit Pass on the way to repairing a small, old battered boat. small woman who had traversed 6,000 Telegraph Creek. At the summit he When Spring breakup arrived in miles and had overcome so many bi took the only known picture of Lillian, 1929, Lillian loaded her dinky little zarre hardships in a lemming attempt along with Bruno. Somewhere between craft with supplies and set off down the to reach home would not be capable of Telegraph Creek and Atlin Bruno fell mighty Yukon River. For 1,600 miles crossing a mere 75 miles of water. It’s into a river and was drowned. she bobbed along, carried by the cur nice to think she crossed the strait in a When Lillian reached Whitehorse the rent to the river mouth on the Bering kayak and made it safely home and that end of September she was extremely Sea. Here she abandoned the boat, and she didn’t, as some suppose, drown in a weary but nevertheless pushed on over tugging a small two-wheeled cart she river at Teller. But whatever happened the 300 mile stretch to Dawson, arriving had brought with her, headed north, to Lillian AIling we will never know for October 5. This leg of the journey took following the shoreline. sure. 39 days and it has remained a mystery She must have passed Nome for about how she survived without adequate food 75 miles north of there near Teller, an and clothing. As far as is known she had Eskimo later reported seeing her trudg This writer is a longtimefriend ofthis maga only a loaf of bread to sustain her. ing along with her cart. She was now zine He delights in researching and sharing interesting storiesfrom B.C. ‘cpast.

1’

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- Creek! • llaZeltofl orge Pri-iCe 1 jasper1’

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25 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 93 Captain Batchelor and the Crimps

by Suziznne Spohn

Marked from birth with a tempera crimps, the scourge of many a port and ment to match his fiery red hair, Bob the bane of many a captain’s life. Orga Batchelor was one of those courageous nized racketeers, crimps would often Scotsmen who helped knit together the entice the entire crew from a ship and vastness of the British Empire with the then charge the captain exorbitant skeins of commerce. Born with 6 broth amounts of money to replace them. ers and 6 sisters in the coastal town of The liquor offered freely by the crimps Montrose, he went to sea as a green was a bad brew indeed. hand in 1885 at the age of 15 aboard One day shortly after dropping an the barque Sidlaw, carrying gin and pia chor in New York harbour, the first nos to New Zealand. mate found a crimp on board the Ce Batchelor was able and ambitious. He darbank, urging seamen to join him in climbed the ladder of success quickly, a small boat moored alongside. The becoming a second mate at 19 and re mate informed the Captain. Batchelor ceiving his papers as first mate at 21. He lost no time in confronting the situa served as first mate on the clipper Glen tion directly. He picked up a departing farg and later on the ship Lord seaman by his trousers as he was going Kinnaird. over the rail and threw him across the In 1901 at the age of 31 he was given deck. Turning to the remaining crew he his first command, the barque Clyde- said, “Who’s going ashore?” The men bank. As captain of a sailing ship he made no reply but simply turned and exercised supreme power. He could re went back to the forecastle. Batchelor move his officers from their posts and Captain Batcbdor on his appointment as a pilot looked over the side to see a boat with c. 1910 Photo courtesy ot Vancouver City Archives assign them to do the duties of seamen. another of his men and two crimps in He kept himself in complete isolation it. He ordered the crew member to re tive. One can only imagine the anguish from his officers and crew and his only turn only to be met with a stream of of being alone at sea, permissible companionship would be responsible for a waterfront profanities from the two that of the passengers. ship and her crew during that most pri crimps in the boat. Batchelor held out vate of experiences, the death of a Of medium height and square build, the ship’s 150 pound anvil and threat spouse. He may have even Batchelor believed strongly in physical put himself ened to drop it into the boat. When the and his crew prowess. When he was at sea, he would through more rigorous crimps refused to let the seaman aboard paces than ever. Did he believe get his exercise each morning by climb that An Batchelor let the anvil fall. It tore out adne might have survived ing the ratlines of the mainmast. Then, childbirth if the stern of the row boat and stuck in she had been on land? 60 feet above the deck, he swung across If so, the combi the shattered wood. The crimps reluc nation of grief and guilt must have the ratlines on the down side and ran tantly helped the seaman to reboard the tormented even hand under hand down the ratlines to a man of Batchelor’s Cedarbank. stoic countenance. the deck. Attired in his shorts, he Politically powerful, the crimps had Young Ariadne did survive and was walked to his cabin for breakfast. charges of attempted murder and dam taken to an Captain Batchelor found time to take aunt in Ontario to be age to property laid against Captain raised. Perhaps a wife, Ariadne. She must have been because of the trauma Batchelor. Batchelor consulted a lawyer a associated with her birth, woman of considerable courage and Batchelor was in port who advised him to say the an never very close stamina, since she accompanied her hus to his daughter. Even vil slipped from his grasp. Batchelor when she married, had children and set band on sea voyages. It was on one of replied that, “My mate saw me throw tled in Vancouver where was these voyages that tragedy struck. Ariad he retired, it, two apprentice boys behind me they spent very ne gave birth to a daughter, also named little time together. heard me say I would, and saw me do Ariadne. It is sad, but not surprising, It was on board the Cedarbank, a it. What chance would such a defense that she died in childbirth. Conditions grand four-masted steel sailing barque have with them, pledged to tell the on board ships were extremely primi that Bob Batchelor first did battle with truth? Also, I intended to throw the an-

26 B.C. Historical News Winter 1992 - 93 vii and would do it again.” The lawyer threw him into the foul smelling hold. showed warrants for the arrest of two declined the case and Batchelor con The crew reluctantly followed, shovel crew members on charges of stealing ducted his own defense. He pointed out ling guano while the ship rolled in a greatcoats. Neither of the crew had gone that the seaman had signed on for a pe heavy sea. One by one they became un ashore. The wily Batchebor told the riod of two years, which he had not yet conscious from the gases, they were sheriff that he would look for the stolen completed. He asked the judge, “If a revived with fresh air and coffee and items and interrogate the crew when his man rode up to you, as you stood on then sent back into the hold. After 48 ship reached the bar. Once there, he im the curb, and took your watch, your hours, the ship was trimmed on an even mediately ordered all sails set and honour, wouldn’t you shove a cane or keel and enough canvas could be spread outran the angry brothers. an umbrella in his bicycle wheel to to get her under way. Upon reaching Batchelor later returned to his native make him stop?” Batchelor was acquit Plymouth the crimp laid charges of as Scotland where he was given command ted of all charges. He carried the anvil, sault against Batchelor. Batchelor was of the SS Imeric and continued for a which had been used as evidence, from acquitted, and the crimp only missed time in the Pacific trade. He was even the court room and went straight to the being charged with mutiny as a result of tually forced to resign from deep sea shipping exchange. He was greeted by Batchelor’s intercession on his behalf service due to ill health and chose North cheers when he announced the verdict Captain Batchelor’s final tangle with Vancouver as his home. Unwilling to and his peers asked him to leave the an the crimps occurred in the harbour at abandon the sea, his remaining years vil on the floor of the exchange as a Portland, Oregon. As soon as the Ce were spent on coastal steam ships. He reminder of his victory over the crimps. darbank had dropped anchor, the crimp joined the Union Steamship Company Batchelor refused, saying “I’m going to boats came alongside. A message was and served aboard the Capilano I. other ports where crimps are active, and passed up to the Captain demanding Then, having gained his coastal experi maybe I’ll need it again.” £60 for each seaman provided to the ence, he was assigned as captain of the His next encounter with the crimps short-handed ship. Batchelor’s response Camosun I with a complement of 38 occurred in Callao, Peru. The Cedar- was to drop his favoured anvil into the crew and 199 pasengers. It transported bank had sailed from India with a crew crimp boat, which this time sank imme hundreds of Chinese, Indian and Japa hastily assembled from the inhabitants diately. The occupants were picked up nese workers during the main fish of an Indian port. On arrival in Callao, by the other crimp boat. The Cedar- canning season (July to October) to the entire crew deserted — much to the bank raised anchor and proceeded to Prince Rupert, stopping at 25 fish relief of Batchelor and his mates, and he her moorings at the wharf. Immediately, plants. was forced to hire a crew from the local two of Batchelor’s crew were arrested on Batchelor became a prominent figure crimp king. On delivery, it was discov trumped up charges from a fictitious in his adopted community. He was a ered that the roll was short two men. earlier story in Portland and taken into member of the piotage service from The wily crimp king had filled in his custody. Batchelor immediately took 1910 onward and in 1923 he became own name and that of his cook. Batche matters into his own hands. He con president of the B.C. Piotage Associa br invited them to his cabin for a drink fronted the crimps on the wharf Two tion. By 1928 he had joined a masonic to celebrate the successful completion of hours later he was arrested on charges of order and moved to West Vancouver, the deal. ‘When they rose to leave, assault and attempted murder. In prep and in 1930 a local cove was named Batchelor called out to his waiting first aration for going ashore he gave his Batchelor Bay in his honour. He went mate, “Turner, iron these men, they are revolvers to his officers and left instruc on to become the first president of the attempting to desert.” It required the tions that no one was to go ashore Canadian Merchant Service Guild and threat of Batchelor’s favourite weapon, under any circumstances. died at West Vancouver on January 9, the ship’s anvil, to dissuade the crimp When his trial commenced he discov 1934. He was described in the Canadi king’s men from liberating him. The an ered that the crimp who had been an Merchant Service Guild Year Book chor was raised and sails set for a voyage assaulted and the sheriff who had arrest as “one of the most highly respected to England via Cape Horn. That voyage ed him were brothers. The charge of men in the marine circles on this coast.” the cry “all hands ahoy” included two murder was dismissed but Batchelor was Captain Batchelor was a man of strong very infuriated seamen. sentenced to one month in prison with character: fearless, decisive and quick It was also on this voyage that the Ce out the option of a fine for ill-treating witted. He was an able captain and a darbank ran into a storm off Cape the sheriff’s brother. After serving his formidable adversary. Horn. Her sails were tattered, upper sentence Batchelor returned to find his masts broken, and the cargo shifted. ship and crew loaded and ready to sail. Copyright C’ 1989 by Suz,nne Spohn The cargo was, unfortunately, bird gua The next morning when she was towing no used for fertilizer. Batchelor ordered to sea, the still angry sheriff and his his crew into the hold. The crew, led by brother followed the ship in a launch. the rebellious crimp king, refused and They ordered the ship to return to port Suzanne Spobn is a biologist living in Vancou ver, B.C She is the great-granddaughter of Bob proposed to abandon the ship. Batche on the grounds that she was too short Batchelor. br lifted the king over his head and handed to be seaworthy. They also

27 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 RFERENCES

Anonymous, 1934. Eight Bells Strike tsr Captain Batchelor. 10 Jan. The Daily Pmvince, Vancouver, B.C. Dana, RH. Jr., 1946. Two Years Before The Mast. A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea. World Publishing Company. Cleveland. Ohio. 415 pp. Green, R.. 1969. Personality Ships of British Colum bia. PubI. Marine Tapestry Publications Ltd.. West Vancouver, B.C. 341 pp. Kelly, LV., 1955. Captain and the Crimps. 12 Nov., 1955. The Vancouver Province, B.C. Magazine p. 8 and 13 taken from Beating the Crimps” in Canadian Merchant Service Guild 1933/34 Annual. Lloyd’s Rister of British and Foreign Shipping. I July 1892 to 30 June 1893.

Rushton, G.A., 1974. Whistle Up The Inlet — The Union Steamship Story. PubI. J.J. Douglas Ltd.. Van couver, B.C. 236 pp. West Vancouver News, 1926. Re-Naming Coves, In lets, Etc. June 18. West Vancouver News, 1929. The New Names on the Government Map. September 27. West Vancouver News, 1930. The New Names Given Coastline Points in West Vancouver. January 3. West Vancouver News, 1934. Capt. Batchelor Passes. January11.

The Cedarbank (1905) with her canvas spread befrre the wind. Photo courtesy 01 Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society

T4zoi& W c,4LWt cA#zzed The British Columbia Historical Association/Federation Mrs. Cree has given Honorary Life Membership to various individu Major J. S. Matthews als who have made rich contributions to the province 1938 Judge Howay 1944 and to our organization. Our archivist has provided the Feb. 1939 Dr. W. Kaye Lamb following list. There are some gaps in the records availa ble, so if a reader spots an omission please notify the Jan. 6, 1942 Mrs. G. Fay (nee Hutchison.) editor. Latterly the Federation limits itself to the nomi Jan. 17, 1947 Mrs. Curtis Sampson nation of one person, or one couple, per year. The date Jan. 15, 1954 Miss Madge Wolfenden of presentation is listed before each name, and the year of (Later Mrs. J. H. Hamilton) 1992 death, if known, follows. May 2, 1960 Alfred Carmichael Major H. Cuthbert Homes Oct. 1, 1923 (1stAGM) Mrs. McMicking, Lady Major F.V. Longstaff Douglas Chap. lODE. 1944 Major Harold T. Nation Dr. C.F. Newcombe Nov. 1923 May 11, 1963 Hon. Frank Mck. Ross Mar. 28, 1928 Mrs. Henry Spencer Palmer Jason Ovid Allard Jan. 1932 Minues 1963 to 1978 are not in the archives. Dr. Mark S. Wade 1929

Capt. Robt. Barkley — Grandson 1974 Donald New d. 1989 of C.W. Barkley, discoverer of 1976 Philip and Anne Yandle Straits of Juan de Fuca. 1977 Mrs. George W.S. Nicholson Oct. 11, 1929 A. Bruce McKelvie 1981 Ken Leeming C.C. Pemberton 1983 Ann Stevenson Oct. 1930 Beaumont Boggs 1985 Barbara Stannard 1990 July 14, 1933 A.H. Maynard 1992 Margaret Stoneberg 1936 James Buie Leighton

28 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 The Aylmer Family ofQueens Bay

by F. L. Affleck

The great orchard land development popular, he did not have the political Boer War. From 1904 until he retired boom which took place in the Kootenay acumen to stem the tide of rebellion en in 1907, General Lord Aylmer served as District between 1905 and 1912 caused gineered by Louis Joseph Papineau, so Inspector-General of the Canadian a major upheaval in the lives of many he was recalled to London. He died Forces. In 1875 he had married Amy families from Britain, Eastern Canada there in 1850 and was succeeeded by a Gertrude, daughter of the Hon. John and Manitoba who migrated to the Koo bachelor brother. Upon the death of Young, for many years Chairman of the tenay with high hopes of making a this brother, the title moved to a distant Montreal Harbour Board. Both Lord fortune in the west in the fruit growing Canadian branch of the family. and Lady Aylmer were decided “achiev industry. The water-shy benchiands at John Aylmer, a British Naval Officer ers.” In addition to his military interest, Queens Bay near the Kootenay Lake out descended from a younger son of the Lord Aylmer was an outstanding sports let, however, eroded the hopes and 2nd Baron of Balrath, had accompa man and played an active part in many vitality of more than one settler. We can nied his second cousin, Sir Matthew, public and political causes. Lady Aylm only conjecture on the extent to which Lord Aylmer, to Canada in 1830 when er was not only a competent concert the move from Ottawa to Queens Bay in the latter had taken up his gubernatori pianist, but also an outstanding garden 1909 altered the lives of the five children al duties, and had settled on land in the er, having at one time won first prize in of Sir Matthew, Lord Aylmer, 8th Baron Township of Richmond, Quebec. It the Ottawa Beautiful Garden Competi of Balrath and his wife Amy Gertrude, was John’s son, Udoiphus, who suc tion. Five children were born to Sir members of the “Canadian Establish ceeded as 7th Baron of Bairath in 1858. Matthew, Lord Aylmer and his wife: ment.” As this account will show, the Sir Udoiphus played an active part in Winnifred, John (b. 1880), Kenneth Aylmers were “movers and shakers” who the public life of Quebec, particularly (b. 1883), Basil (b. 1887) and Gwendo might well have taken a prominent part in furthering the cause of secondary lyn (b. 1891). These children spent in the political and economic life of the and post-secondary education. their earliest years in the rural sur Kootenay District. Instead, they lived in Four sons and two daughters were roundings of Melbourne, P.Q, but a state of semi-seclusion. born to Sir Udoiphus and his wife with a move to Ottawa they were ex The Aylmers were members of the An Mary-Eliza. The eldest son, Matthew, posed to all the advantages the capital glo-Irish gentry who had held land at born in Richmond on March 28, 1842, city had to offer. They were a striking Balrath in County Meath, Ireland since succeeded to the baronetcy and the title fivesome, possessed of dark flashing pre-Tudor times. The Stuart Restoration as 8th Baron of Bairath in 1901. The good looks, likely an inheritance from of 1660 spurred on the fortunes of the second son, Henry, after a career in the one of Lord Aylmer’s French Huguenot family. In 1662 a baronetcy was con Royal Marine Artillery, was called to ancestors. (There was later much con ferred on Christopher Aylmer of Balrath. the bar in Quebec and held the Federal jecture in the Kootenay District that Sir Christopher’s second son, Matthew, Seat of Richmond & Wolfe as a Liberal the inheritance also included a strain of became a distinguished naval officer dur from 1874 to 1878. The fourth son, Iroquois blood.) ing the reign of James II, but, emulating Frederick ‘Whitworth, after serving as At the time of his retirement, Lord the Churchills, later turned his support an engineer in the Canadian Militia, Aylmer was advised to seek out a new to the Whig party and held a seat in the came west in 1882 to work on the sur climate which might alleviate a chronic British House of Commons from 1695 vey of the Canadian Pacific Railway bronchial asthma condition. Some en to 1718. In 1718 he was elevated to the through the Rocky and Selkirk Moun thusiastic words from his brother Irish Peerage as 1st Baron of Balrath. As tains and later pre-empted land in the Frederick about the climate, the scenery the fortunes of the Whig party waxed Lake Windermere area of the East Koo and the hunting and fishing in the and waned in Britain during the 18th tenay District. Subsequently, Frederick Kootenay District prompted Lord century, so did those of the Aylmer fami was appointed first Chief Engineer in Aylmer to get in touch with an assidu ly. Sir Matthew, Lord Aylmer, who Kootenay District for the Federal De ous land agent in Nelson, B.C. In a succeeded in 1785 at the age of ten as partment of Public Works. trice, Lord Aylmer became the owner, 5th Baron of Balrath, pursued an active Sir Matthew, Lord Aylmer, 8th Baron sight unseen, of a property in the new army career and attained the rank of of Balrath, attended McGill and Dub Queens Bay orchard development. Ear General in 1825. From 1830 to 1835 he lin Universities before embarking on a ly in 1909 the contents of the Aylmers’ served as Governor of Lower Canada distinguished 35-year career with the commodious house in Ottawa were and gave his name to the settlement of Army in Canada, seeing service in the packed and shipped west. By the time Aylmer, Quebec. Although reasonably Fenian Raids of 1866—1870 and in the of this uprooting some of these Sons

29 B.C. Historical News • Winter 1992 • 93 and daughters had already lingered long Alex Carrie was hired to supervise con potatoes on the burned over soil now in the familial nest. None appeared to struction of a large residence which was denuded of stones and stumps. The dis have established ties in the east which erected and roughed in expeditiously. trict horticulturalist enlightened them could not readily be broken. The entire Until some foliage took root on the rav on the virtues of working humus into family entrained for the Kootenay Lake aged Queens Bay bench, this large the soil, so the following season they outlet port of Procter, B.C. Several days house stood out like a bastion. For the not only had a bumper crop of pota later, after a transfer to the C.P.R.’s next four years, the parents and the five toes, but grew prime crops of tomatoes Crows Nest branch at Medicine Hat, children all lived together in the well- and strawberries as well. These latter Alta. and a further transfer to a C.P.R. appointed dwelling, bending their ef were expressed to a fruit broker in Cal sternwheeler at Kootenay Landing, they forts towards orchard development and gary. In the years before the growers disembarked at the outlet point and put the creation of some really fine gardens. associations were established in the up at the Outlet Hotel. Were these eminently nubile prospects West Kootenay, it was a regular ploy of A primitive highway connection be destined to remain forever immured in certain prairie brokers to report the arri tween Queens Bay and the outlet was father’s castle? val of produce in poor condition and still a couple of years away. The day af. In a taped interview given in his old thus make no payment on it. Lord ter their arrival in Procter, the father age, Basil Aylmer conceded that his Aylmer was not a man to be treated in and his three sons set out by rowboat for family had “gone to seed” in Queens this fashion. He sued the broker and Queens Bay, three miles distant, avid to Bay. got a prompt settlement. Other strug set eyes upon the lush hillside which had In the same interview, Basil Aylmer gling settlers were not so fortunate in been described to them by the spellbind recalled that one morning while the this regard. ing Nelson land agent. As the ragged, house was still under construction, the In 1913, both Basil and Kenneth fire-blackened benchlands swung into C.P.R sternwheeler Moyle made an Aylmer embarked on developing their view, they were all dumbstruck. The unscheduled call at the Queens Bay own properties in Queens Bay. The young men then and there tried to per shoreline and idled there as a party dis first real break in the Aylmer house suade their father not even to bother embarked by footplank. It was none hold, however, came with the marriage setting foot on Queens Bay’s blasted other than Lord Aylmer’s old friend in June, 1914 of Gwendolyn to Arthur shore, but to turn back to Procter, order Earl Grey, Governor-General of Cana Scott-Lauder, a neighbouring rancher their household effects forwarded to da and his retinue, who had chartered who had come out from Edinburgh, Victoria, and to make their way without the Moyle to visit Lord Grey’s lakeside Scotland to Queens Bay with his broth delay to the Vancouver Island city. land holdings at Boswell and were call er in 1908. It took World War I, Aylmer, Sr. was made of sterner stuff. ing on the Aylmers en route. however, to shake the young Aylmer They landed and struggled up the un “My word, Aylmer, what in the world men out of the nest. Basil Aylmer went cleared slope to the rocky blackened are you doing in a place like this!” was overseas and married a nurse while on bench on which the Aylmer property Earl Grey’s greeting as he appeared at active service. Kenneth Aylmer later was situated. With his usual military de the top of the slope. married a friend of Basil’s wife. After spatch, Lord Aylmer soon had his sons “God only knows,” was Lord Aylm World War I Basil and his wife home “under canvas” engaged in a furious bat er’s reply. steaded in the Peace River area, but tle to clear their land of rocks and Basil Aylmer recalled that the Govern eventually returned to Queens Bay. burned over stumps. The young Aylmer or-General and his party sat down to an Winnifred, the shyest member of the men fortunately all had husky constitu impromptu luncheon in the barn, seclusive fivesome, married in 1918 tions. Jack and Basil had played football which proved acoustically kind to the Henry Perry-Leake, a civil engineer, for the Ottawa Rough Riders, and they strains of a Beethoven sonata played by and settled with him in nearby Balfour. were all skilled axemen, having worked Lady Aylmer on their concert piano. Jack Aylmer became 9th Baron of Bal on survey parties in the Rideau area. Lord Grey left the Aylmers a case of rye rath in 1923 on the death of his father. When a small amount of land had been whiskey, probably figuring that it In 1928, at the age of 48, he married cleared, their brawn and brain was put would come in very handy. the local school teacher, Gertrude to the task of erecting a barn which was Lord Aylmer’s bronchitic condition Black, and settled with her in obscurity to house the family and the carload of did improve markedly after the move to down the West Arm of Kootenay Lake furniture and household effects pending Kootenay Lake, and the fishing on the at Willow Point. The Dowager Lady the building of a house. Lake surpassed his fondest hopes. A Aylmer in Queens Bay maintained As soon as the barn was built, their good army pension enabled him and some remnants of her life style until her carload of furniture was unloaded at his wife to make frequent trips back to death in 1935, but her children faced a Procter, barged over to Queens Bay and the convivial city life in Ottawa while diminished existence as the fruit market dumped on the shoreline. As the lake the younger generation struggled man dissipated during the depression years. level was rising rapidly in the spring fully but in the long run unsuccesfiilly With others, the Aylmers worked off run-off, the furniture had to be hauled to make a paying fruit ranch out of the their taxes by joining road construction up the slope forthwith. A stoneboat and Queens Bay property. Basil Aylmer de and maintenance crews. Basil Aylmer a team of horses was employed for this scribed the first futile efforts to grow later became a purser on the Kootenay purpose. Nelson architect and builder Lake ferry. Kenneth Aylmer served as

30 D.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 93 postmaster in Queens Bay from 1928 until the office closed in 1964. No children were born to either Jack or Kenneth Aylmer. One son, Matthew, was born to Basil and Bessie Aylmer. This promising young man inherited all the quiet charm and good looks of his parents, but he was killed on Active Ser vice during World War II. In the post World War II period, Basil Aylmer’s life in Queens Bay became increasingly bleak as his wife’s health failed, and af ter her death in 1956 he seemed destined to become a morose recluse. A turn in the wheel of fortune, however, brought Helen, the widow of Fred Ri seborough and mother of muralist Douglas Riseborough into Basil’s life. They were married in 1960 and spent eighteen happy years together. The 1970 decade was to witness three nonagenarian Barons of Balrath. In 1971, Kenneth Aylmer succeeded as 10th Baron, and was in turn succeeded Two workers clearing treesfor afriure road norih ofQueens Bay — c. 1912. by Basil in 1974. With the death of Ba sil in 1978, the title passed, as it had in 1858, to a distant branch of the family, and it is now held by Sir Michael, Lord Aylmer of London, England. The conundrum of the Aylmer family remains unsolved. To what extent might the five children of Sir Matthew and Amy Gertrude Aylmer have flour ished had their roots been transplanted from Ottawa to some soil other than that of isolated Queens Bay? Had the Aylmers moved on in 1909 to Victoria, would they still have remained some what underachieving children of overachieving parents? Would one or more of them have responded to some call which did not sound in Queens Bay?

The author grew up in Nelson, attended URC, served in the army in WIVIL was teacher, librarian and accountant be ftre as1ring in Vancouver. He like your editor, knew members oftheAylmerfami4y in the Kootenays in the 1940s and

The Anglican Church at Queenc Bay. Courtesy of Bruce Paterson.

31 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 . 93

B.C.

Historical Winter 1992 News 93

- . 32

attainments, tellectual having amongst beautiful a to sanctify Calvary the spot.

cases. Though she in the of highest was “There Harold and George Buxton set

4•

based the on lowest

scale

for ielief city friends her aebeen have laid.” 7 .

passed on. Her food allowance tain Cemetery was View so of where many

unfurnished. Gifts to her were quickly wish the in pauper section the of Moun

room the was least desirable all and but quiem. She laid was to by rest her own

Her was life one Her of simplest. the morning the Burial Office and Re

done notable educational work. 9:30 came Vespers, and at on Thursday

of in Ireland, which country she had would in have the loved. L.ater evening

great a devotion to saint and the people just occasion as such Nurse Brigid —

to simple. the Haven; Though English, she had Little a and very simple moving

nature the her of was work made clear Service” with all nearly the old of folk

which could she easily

be and addressed, er

Prince of a George, held “Memorial 10. Ibid.

J.

9. from Fr. Letter Edward Hulford,Janua.ry she the 28. 1992. took

name Nurse of Brigid, Whitehead, by with the Fr. of help Polling

p. 8. Cooper, 18

to “Wishing hide herself in her on Wednesday the work,

Fr. evening. There 7. Ibid.

6. Occasional After 1935. paper. death her Michaelmas Fr.

Whitehead wrote: “Her body was brought

to Church the

p. 5. 18 Cooper.

disabled pensioners.” 1935. Sunday, Sept. 22,

4. 1935. Occasional

Michaelmas paper,

p. 3. ness manager Cooper, 18 many for of the poor and died she at the General Hospital

on

2. Jain’ St.

Occasional

Michaelmas paper. 1935.

of Little the

Haven, well as as busi the

unable was conquer. to

Two days later

p. a

Vancouver: I. (a. memoly

sketch.

s.d.) : 18.

Whitehead became the 1. Spiritual Wilbesforce Visitor Cooper. Father caught a of virulent Whitehead James’, St. infection which she

place The soon filled

Father

FOOTNOTES years

Five later, over-worked, she . . . .

ble: for clearly the was God. Divine it Will. Church on Cordova Street.

“6

volunteer librarian and archivist St. at So James the heroic accepted soul the inevita and day was night the in of presence

Canada nue

office

in

She Vancouver

ako is

But was old gentlemen

who it applied! life of prayer, for she

mystic a

was

who

a The is librarian working writer at Reve the

her door opened old lady for tenants. came all from a it hidden for inspiration

naming the “Little Haven”, then she it dren to or poor. the The strength and

the place and fumigated and, painted: bear any hardness discourtesy or to chil medium care facility.

paid month’s a each. rent had for She unafraid, courteous, was and to she unable now is site the of a Cooper Place,

for abode new one them, of every and “Bright, gentle, gracious, cultured, across Cordova Street from St. James,

but not notice, she had before a found never

replaced

sale the was used buy to the property

.“

Nurse voury. Brigid all men gave the not afford to possess the so bicycle was housing. alternative The of proceeds

tenants. The was grimy place and unsa self amenities no her that tenants could the residents were able obtain to suitable

ited by men: there two were old lady principle was that she would allow her Charles and Fr. ensured Hulford that

James’ parish. They were mostly inhab morning. ing by Her firm ascetic condemned sold and 1964. by Both

purpose on the east boundary St. of and almost Mass it) never missed At this years.”° the morn time building was

found a double row her cabins of to suit but she (till rode bicycle a someone stole there life two for possibly or three

was “It long not before she however, Brigid herself “Nurse 1960 rather lame: was in an heroically who “lived simple

head, Fr. Cooper says: of any people her not might have.” 4 was by over Charles taken Jr. Grinnell,

In his memoiy of Fr. and sketch declined White to anything have for which about twenty-five years.” Her work

the of Society the of Love Jesus. of the took hospitals, no for she holiday and did poverty of as life Nurse Brigid

operated convent the by Anglican East End Sisters except the at relief office and the Haven same selfless with devotion

head arranged for her live to at the “She was not outside far of known the care the for old who men lived at Little

a for convenient Fr. location, White- of company friends.” Hulford “Nurse Philips to continued

moved serve to them. While searching lets and generally served mixed very her guerite Philips. According to Fr.

the noticed plight of poor, the and felt nursed the sick, “She scrubbed the toi taken Haven by was Nurse Mar over

depths the of depression, she however, Fr. Cooper adds: After her death the work of Little

an anchoress. Arriving the

during

her sake.”2 grave.”8

she called felt when by God to the become those of needs served for she buried Christ’s and there, placed Calvary the on

school Ireland, in sold the school but lowest menial work which ministered to different now since Nurse Brigid was

England. She conducted had her own she undertook matter a as course of the part of cemetery: the but altogether it’s

St.

Church James’ Vancouver in

from school modern of at languages

Oxford, say heard to to be a “That dismal used

—

1930 In Violet Maria to Nairn came other distinctions in the passed honors later an Some undertaker years was

by Vogel Betty

Nurse rigid B ofEast Vancouver Competition Between Princesses and Princes on the B. C. Coast

by Norman Hacking

After the Canadian Pacific Railway ac flourishing service to Alaska with the 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, sail at 6 p.m. for quired control of the Canadian Pacific Princess May and Princess Beatrice, Victoria; arrive at Victoria at 10:30 Navigation Co. Ltd. in 1901 from the while in 1908 Captain Troup estab p.m. and sail at midnight for Seattle, ar Hudson’s Bay Co., there was rapid ex lished the ‘triangle’ service between riving at 6 a.m. Wednesday; sail at 9 pansion of what was to become the Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle, with a a.m. for Victoria, arriving at 1:30 p.m., British Columbia Coastwise Service of sailing daily each way with the speedy and leaving for Vancouver at 4 p.m.; ar the C.P.R. Under the dynamic leader three-funnelled steamers Princess Vic riving at 8:30 p.m. and sail for Prince ship of Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, toria and Princess Charlotte. The Rupert at midnight, making 17.5 president of the railway company, and Amur maintained a Queen Charlotte knots; arriving at Prince Rupert at 9 Capt. J.W. Troup, general manager of Islands service. a.m. Friday. the service, the fleet of Princesses they Charles M. Hays coveted these routes It was an exhausting schedule and had built were to dominate the coastwise for the Grand Trunk, and Grand a disadvantage on the triangle route, for scene for more than half a century. At Trunk Pacific Coast Steamship Ltd. while the C.P.R. could make two sail first, the only major opposition on these was incorporated on May 26, 1910, to ings daily, the Grand Trunk could routes came from the Union Steamship fight the C.P.R. on the coastwise runs. make only two sailings a week. The Co. of British Columbia Ltd., which spe His company received a government service was discontinued in 1923. Ser cialized in serving the minor outports, contract to provide steamship service vice to Skagway, Alaska, commenced in and the Puget Sound Navigation Co., between Prince Rupert and the Queen June, 1916, but was discontinued in which ran a mediocre service between Charlottes and the Steamer Prince Al 1918. Seattle and Victoria. bert was purchased for this route. The Charles M. Hays, the dynamic force competition Real only appeared in the new company thus deliberately copied behind the Grand Trunk system was offing when the Grand Trunk Pacific the C.P.R. with the prefix ‘Prince’, in lost in the Titanic disaster in 1912, and Railway was incorporated in 1903 to stead of ‘Princess’. the company went downhill thereafter. build a second transcontinental railway An order was placed with the Swan, The big shipping and real estate boom to rival the C.P.R.. Charles Hays, M. Hunter yard of Newcastle-on-Tyne for on the west coast ended in 1913 and general manager of the Grand Trunk, two three-funnelled flyers that were the outbreak of war in August, 1914, was man of vision, a and he dreamed of markedly superior to the C.P.R. ships was disastrous to business. The high a fleet of transpacific liners to rival the on the northern run. The Prince Ru- hopes for the new railway and the port famous C.P.R. Empresses, and a fleet of pert and Prince George arrived of Prince Rupert vanished in a deep de coastal passenger vessels to challenge the from England in pression. On March 7, 1916 the C.P.R. monopoly. The ocean liners 1910, to begin service be tween Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle Grand Trunk Pacific was forced into were never built, but with the choice in and Prince Rupert. New dock receivership and operations were taken 1906 of the new townsite of Prince Ru- facilities were constructed at each over by the Canadian government. On pert as the western terminus of the port that year, including the August 23, 1920, the G.T.P. was G.T.P., he set out to build a competitive extensive G.T.P. pier in Seattle and a new pier at turned over to the Canadian Northern shipping company to serve the new port. the foot of Main street in Vancouver. board for operation, and on January 30, Mackenzie Brothers Steamships Ltd. of These fine twin-screw steamers were 1923, both railways became part of the Vancouver, who had a small fleet of 307.6 feet long, tons gross, had Canadian National Railways. On Feb coasters, began to serve the new port of 3379 and a maxi mum speed of 181/2 knots. They were ruary 26, 1925 Grand Trunk Pacific Prince Rupert with the chartered passen Steamships became a part of the Cana the first merchant ships of any size to ger ship Powhatan, which they renamed dian National System. have cruiser sterns. Rupert City in 1908. Later that year the The Prince Rupert and Prince Grand Trunk bought the tug and barge Not only did the two new ships oper ate George were highly successful ships and operation of MacKenzie, which they a fast service between Vancouver Prince continued to provide keen competition used to transport men, machinery and and Rupert, they also competed with the C.P.R. ships on the triangle for the C.P.R. equipment from Vancouver to Prince In during run. Thus the Prince Rupert would 1929, an expansionist Rupert. boom, Sir Henry Thornton, president leave Prince Rupert at 9 a.m. on a Meanwhile the C.P.R. had developed a of the Canadian National, decided on Monday and arrive at Vancouver at 33 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 tougher competition on the Pacific coast. Like Captain Troup, Sir Thomas Shaughnessy and Charles M. Hays, he was American-born, and was a man of big ideas. He ordered the grand new Hotel Vancouver and three new super- ships, hoping to put the C.P.R. in the shade. But he failed to recognize the cloud of depression that was hanging over the land. First of the trio was the Prince Henry, which arrived in Vancou ver in 1930 from the Cammell Laird yard at Birkenhead, and was placed on the Alaska run. She was named, not af ter the royal prince of that name, but after Sir Henry himself. Her sister-ships, Prince David and Prince Robert were named after his vice-presidents. In 1931 the Canadian National opened a triangle service in opposition to the C.P.R with the Prince Henry and £S. Prince Rupert - 1910 -1955 Prince David. It proved a disaster. The two were fast and luxurious, but expen sive to operate. They were much less manoeuvreable than the Princesses and found it difficult to enter and leave Vic toria harbour without tugs. After only a year in service they were sent to the east coast to operate cruises. The Prince Robert was laid up for a time, and then entered summer cruise runs to Alaska until she was taken over by the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941. Meanwhile the veterans Prince Rupert and Prince George continued to operate very successftilly on the run to Prince Rupert. The Prince George was lost by fire at Ketchikan, Alaska in September, 1945, leaving her sister to carry on alone. She was replaced by a second Prince George, built at Esquimalt and placed in service in June 1948. By 1955, with the extension of the road system and en hanced travel by air, there was no room for competition on the northern route. offered for sale. Her subsequent career couver Harbour. His BA thesis at UB.C. in The venerable Prince Rupert was sold was full of vicissitudes, is still 1934 was on “Early Marine Histoiy of British for scrap in Japan, and the C.P.R. and and she afloat in poor condition. Thus ended Columbia.” From 1935 to 1977 be was on the C.N.R. made an arrangement for a joint staff of the Vancouver Province where many of the last of the magnificent Princes on service with the Princess Norah, under his columns “Sbsp to Shore” werefratured on the the Pacific coast. With the withdrawal co-authored Princess Sto the name Queen of the North. This ar business pages. He The of the second Princess Patricia from i with Dr. W Kaye Lamb in 1974. rangement lasted only until 1958 when the Alaska run in 1981 the famed Brit was BIBLIOGRAPHY the Queen of the North sold to ish Columbia passenger service of the Navigation Co. and renamed Kaye Lamb. Northland C.P.R also came to an end. Norman R. Hacking and W. Canadian Prince. The Princess Stosy. 1974 Norman Hacking. The Two Barneys. 1984 The new Prince George operated on Robert D. Turner. The Pacific Princesses. 1977. cruises to Alaska until the end of the Norman Hacking has lived in Vancouver all MS. Canadian National Railways’ History in B.C.” nd. 1974 season, when she was laid up and his life, always attentive to the shipping in Van-

34 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 The Saga ofLieut-Col. G.E. Houghton

by Win Shilvock

The weirdest federal constituency elec Douglas, found that the population was Retiring to Victoria, he lived only a tion ever held in Canada was conducted loath to venture out, preferring to stay short time after and died August 13, in the Yale-Kootenay riding in British at home or remain in one of the numer 1898, age 60. Columbia in December, 1871, five ous bars. Lieut-Col Charles Frederick Hough months after the province entered It was necessary to have someone to ton contributed much to the early Confederation. whom he could read the election writ development of Canada and British Co The new riding was geographically so Busby sent a constable to round up lumbia, but for some reason history has huge. It covered all of southern B.C. some bodies. The officer finally treated his efforts in a most casual man from the Cascade Mountains to the brought in two men and after the writ ner. Nowhere is his name honored or Rockies but encompassed a population was read a discussion ensued as to who remembered in a permanent way. of only about 400. It boggled the mind might be nominated to run in the elec One thing is certain, however. He set as to how an efficient election could be tion. Several names were considered, an election record in 1871 when he won conducted in so vast an area, so in the but when one of the men said, “I nomi a seat in Canada’s new parliament for interest of expediency the action was nate Captain Houghton. I think he’s a the constituency of YaLe-Kootenay with confined to Yale on the Fraser River rancher in the Okanagan,” the second the votes of only two electors. where potential voters were close at man, anxious to get the matter settled, hand. happily seconded the motion. There The key figure in the election was Cap were no further nominations and Cap tain Charles Frederick Houghton. He tain Houghton won the election by the The Kelowna author ofthis story has discovered was born in Ireland in 1838 and spent decision of two electors. many tidbits of history in our province. We are several years in the British army. In Sep Back in 1868, in the the Priest Valley, most gratefid that he has written this and other stories to share with our readers. tember, 1863, he arrived in Priest Valley Houghton had married an Indian prin (Vernon) along with his friends the cess, the granddaughter of the Great brothers Forbes George and Charles A. Chief N’Kwala. She gave birth to a Vernon and for a time the trio mined for daughter in December, 1870, but when gold at Cherry Creek. In 1865 Hough a son was born in 1872, she died soon ton explored and opened up a pass from after. Houghton, who adored her, was Cherry Creek to the Columbia River. devastated and soon after gave up his In 1866 the three men pre-empted seat in Parliament and returned to his land in Priest Valley in the area that later first love, the army. became known as The Coldstream, but A promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1869, Houghton sold out to the in 1873 saw him take over command of Vernons and the partnership was dis the British Columbia Military District solved. Extensive holdings held by No. 2 in Victoria. Here, in 1879, he Houghton on Okanagan Lake were later married Marion Dunsmuir of the fa sold to Cornelius O’Keefe. mous Vancouver Island coal-mining By 1871 Captain Houghton was unen family. Unfortunately, she too died at cumbered in the Okanagan Valley and an early age in 1882. free to go where he wished. It’s not clear An appointment as Deputy Adjutant- exactly how he became mixed up in poli General of Manitoba took him to Win tics and whether or not he sought the nipeg in 1884 and the following year he nomination for the Yale-Kootenay rid participated in the Northwest Rebellion ing. However, the late journalist, B.R. and won a decoration for bravery in Atkins, ferreted out a story that he action. claimed was true concerning events that His final posting was to Montreal in happened on election day in Yale. 1886 where he became Officer Com The December day was very cold and manding Military District No. 5, the the returning officer, Arthur T. Busby, largest military post in Canada. Ill whose claim to fame was that he was health caught up to him in 1897 and married to a daughter of Sir James he was obliged to resign from the army. Lieut-Col. C. F Houghton

35 B.C. Historical News . Winter 1992 - 93 NEWS & NOTES LOGO??? BCHF SCHOLARSHIP WINNER REMITTANCE MEN What do you think would be a suitable 1992 British Columbia history is full of logo and/or letterhead for the B.C. allusions to certain immigrants whose Historical Federation? We feel sure that successes, failures or eccentricities were some of our readers must be inspired to explained by offering the definition, “He create a logo. Even if art or lettering are not is/was a remittance man.” A lady on staff your forte, just sketch your idea and mail it of the History Department at the University to: of Aberdeen is researching the careers of Ron Welwood, British (especially Scottish) remittance men RR#1, S22, C 1, Nelson, B.C. Vi L 5P4 in B.C. If you would like to tell her the story Deadline for this competition Februaiy 15, of your corn munity’s favorite remittance 1993. Prizes to be announced later. man please send your papers to: Dr. Marjoiy Harper THE QUEEN CHARLOTTES AND Department of Histoiy BEYOND University ofAberdeen OLD ABERDEEN AB9 2UB Two long-time members of the Scotland Federation have added yet another book to Jeffery W. Locke their impressive list of publications. Watch ENCOURAGEMENT H.M.S. Virago in the for Pacific. 1851-1855: Jeffery W. Locke now lives in Victoria, “After discovering the Queen Charlottes and Beyond your publication in To by but his family lived in virtually every Victoria’s Museum and subsequently Philip and Helen Akrigg. Sono Nis Press. province while he was growing up. Jeffrey buying three issues on display, I simply The Akriggs discovered a log book written was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1967 an officer must subscribe to this fine publication. by of the Virago while they were where his father was serving in the Please Australia, then they found the find enclosed a cheque for $10.00. in “Private Canadian Armed Forces as an air traffic (What a bargain!)’ Remark Book” of navigating officer lnskip controller and his mother had recently left P.G.V. August 1, 1992 in England, and further records in Canada. the navy. Living on both coasts, the prairies and northern Ontario gave him a FAMILY HISTORY SERVICES NOTE: valuable appreciation and perspective for The cost for Individual Subscribers goes MOSCOW, RUSSIA the vastness and diversity of Canada. But up to $12.00 per year immediately. We search genealogical and historical attending eleven different schools in as Members of member societies continue many years left him struggling through his materials in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, with the bargain cost of $9.00 — through and all other parts of the former Soviet Un high school studies, followed by an aimless their society treasurer. ion. The genealogists and professional year in Red Deer College. He then worked historians on our staff can provide photo for a year to save money and set goals for copies of documents, answers to specific himself.ln 1987 he commenced a two year questions, or complete personal family his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, doing volunteer work in tories. No job is too difficult — we have btcvjfl? traced records for clients back to the six Oklahoma and Missouri. teenth century. We have obtained Shortly after returning from the U.S., he Send your chance 01 photocopies of the labor camp records of became engaged and soon married to the Jews persecuted under Stalin. ‘girl next door’ (actually she lived across address to: Our basic rate is $12 per hour plus $1 the Street.) He had had a crush on her per page of photocopies. There is a 50% since junior high but needed a few years to Nancy Peter, discount for professional genealogists. To muster up the courage to do anything Subscription Secretary place an order or inquire about specific about it. costs, please write to our United States He enrolled at the University of Calgary #7 5400 Patterson Avenue representative: in 1989, with the goal of law school in his Burnaby, B.C. V5H 2M5 Urbana Technologies, 2011 Silver Ct. E. mind, and enjoyed four semesters on the Urbana, IL 61801 U.S.A. Dean’s list, in 1991 he transferred to the II you have enjoyed this University of Victoria working towards Urbana Technologies exchanges electronic a magazine, why not lve a i1t mail messages with us daily. double major in history and political If you plan to be in Moscow, our English- science. One of his courses was “Fur subscription to a Iriend? speaking staff will be glad to talk to you in Trade History” given by the new PhD., $1.C() inside Canada, S11.C() person. Please call our office at 928-60-78 Richard Mackie. (Mackie was a winner of and ask for Marina or Yelena. If calling the 1985 BCHF Writing Competition.) Dr. to addresses outside from the United States, dial 011-7-095- Mackie inspired this year’s scholarship Canada. 928-6078. Because of the difference in winner to furtherinterest in research and time zones, you may find it more conven history. Send your cheque to ancy. Jeffrey Locke was presented with his ient to call at our home phones, (address above) (011-7-095) 962-3934 [Manna] or $500 BCHF Scholarship at a meeting of the (011-7-095) 336-8565 [Yelena]. Victoria Historical Society. 36 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 BOOKSHELF Books for review and book reviews should be sent directly to the book review editor: Anne Yandle. 3450 West 20th Ave.. Vancouver B.C. V6S 1 E4

Valley of Dreams: A Pictorial His sources open to the reader into one in back to p. 44 one can rediscover the tory of Vernon and District ternal reality, a total construct within fact that W.F. Cameron was Vernon’s Greater Vernon Museum and Ar the larger story of Vernon. We are first Mayor. The unspoken possibili given “interactive” ties here are quite wonderful. He took chives, 3009 32nd Avenue, Vernon, history, creative and informative. no heed of his wife! He was unable to B.C. VIT 6N7, 1992, 251 P. $29.95 Valley of Dreams uses archival ma command his Council! She was a ISBN 1-55056-148-0 terial to good advantage, and in doing strong-willed woman who would have This is a local history in a large picto so hints at a richness and diversity of her way! Of such unspoken possibili rial format. The photographs are source material. In reading through ties comes an unquenchable thirst for nicely reproduced, giving crisp and the volume I kept expecting the com more historical knowledge. clear images. For anyone in the busi pilers to burst forth in an in-depth There are many statements and im ness of history Valley of Dreams is exploration and analysis of these ages in Valley of Dreams which yield a particularly useful in presenting 18 or sources, but unfortunately this does strong sense of place. One of my fa so interior commercial views. The de not occur. Checking the bibliography vourites occurs in discussing Luc tail in these photos alone earns this reveals that archival sources are not as Girouard (p. 15), Vernon’s first volume a place on my bookshelf. The numerous as first impressions indi postmaster: wild linoleum patterns employed by cate. Skillful combining of extracts When the mail sack arrived he F.B. Jacques and W.C. Pound(pp. 70- with appropriate photographs gives invariably emptied it out in the 71) are enough to give any reader the reader a feeling of greater depth middle of the floor and then pro pause to consider a different time peri and diversity, a tribute to the skill em ceeded to sort the mail by tossing od, a different world. ployed in putting this book together. the letters and newspapers into The rich complexity of detail in the I expected to learn more about who piles with each man’s mail photographs is enhanced by the gener the people were that inhabited this thrown in the direction in which ous size of the reproductions. Things “Brand New Country.” In particular I his land lay. When the settlers such as cots, bicycles, baby buggies, anticipated discovering the links be became so numerous that his bathing suits, posters, parasols, ice tween the new settlers and the land floor was not large enough for tongs, tiaras and tin ceilings pop out they occupied, what brought them sorting, he resigned.” with excellent clarity, paying rich divi and why fruit became the crop of Such is the feeling of rootedness that dends to inquiring eyes. I only wish choice. I looked forward to learning each of us still longs for, that simplici the photographs were dated, an action about the new social order a Valley of ty of life which allowed intimate which would have elevated this work Dreams would bring forward. My knowledge of one’s neighbourhood. to prominence in the library of every thirst in this area was never really sat While evoking this sense of nostalgia museum and antique dealer in British isfied, but my interest was certainly the volume at the same time cleverly Columbia. whetted. capitalizes on some of the cliches of This volume works best as history Occasionally an image appears ap modern culture, targeting the antics of when the text both articulates and in parently unanchored. It does not tie in cartoon characters in passages such as forms the image. The picture of Price with the quotation, nor does it make the following from Dreamland on p. Ellison on p. 20, with his growing fam an immediate link with the photo 120: ily gathered around him, speaks graph on the adjoining page. The There is a large mirror at the directly to the extract printed on p. 21, reader is left to derive whatever intrin exit so that ladies can see to ad Under a large photo of a well- sic value exists in the image, but just their hats before leaving. It is developed farm is part of a letter from continually wondering what the con requested that ladies remove the brother of Price Ellison’s wife, textual relationship might be. This their hats when visiting this place three months before their marriage: could have been corrected with some of entertainment, and that men “(Mother) says you will not be brief editorial comment. refrain from spitting on the happy as a farmer’s wife, you are Sometimes there arises a situation floor.” fitted for better things than ‘cook where one questions why a particular The reader’s eye, bouncing from the

ing good suppers’. .. She says arrangement was decided on. Such a image of the theatre’s exterior, clut you must not marry that man.. case is the picture of the Vernon Jubi tered with period advertising posters, Supported by quotes from two pub lee Hospital and Mrs. W.F. Cameron across to the image of the large-hatted lished sources, the photographs play on p. 52. The fact that Mrs. Cameron ladies, rests for a moment on the text. to the letter fragment, proclaiming the was unable to get City Council in A bridge is built in the reader’s mind success of the union and the ability of volved in furthering the establishment and, hopefully, a chuckle or two is elic the bride to follow her own heart. The of the hospital may ring faint bells of ited. This is what I meant earlier by presentation works to combine the five memory in the reader. Scrambling “interactive” history. The volume so-

37 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 BOOK SHELF CONT’D licits you to combine and recombine and historian for more than 50 years. a lack of interest and an aging mem the facts presented, all the time involv A record almost as extensive as Kent’s bership. But it didn’t. Through the ing you more in the history of Vernon. is that of Kyrle W. Symons who took interest and initiative of key members Give Valley of Dreams a try, you over the role as historian in 1953 and of the organization and concentrated won’t be sorry. still maintains the choir’s records to recruitment drives to strengthen the Derryll White date. Appropriately this history One membership the organization grew Derryll White, historian at Fort Steele Hundred Years of Singing is dedicat and flourished. And it is still with us, Heritage Town, is the author of ed to Kyrle W. Symons “For his deep celebrating 100 years of singing. Fort Steele: Here Histo,v Lives. devotion and touching generosity to Thelma Reid Lower the choir”. Vancouver Historical Society In 1893 Herbert Kent began his “Roll Thelma Lower, a music historian, is author of One Hundred Years of Singing: of Members”. Their attendance sheets many articles on Opera and Choral Music. at rehearsals and Anon Male Voice Choir of Victoria concerts have been used to formulate an impressive name R. Dale McIntosh. Victoria, list of close to 600 members which Boats, Bucksaws and Blisters. Anon Choir, Beach Holme Publishers, reads like a “Who’s Who” of British 4252 Commerce Circle, Victoria, B.C. Columbia’s musical families. G.W. “Bill” Thompson, Powell River, V8Z 4M2. 1992. The first concert of the Arion Choir Powell River Heritage Research took place in May 1893 and it was Association, 1990. 78 p. $9.95 soon acclaimed as Victoria’s ceremoni ‘110 p., illustrated, maps. $34.95 To celebrate their 100th anniversary al choir participating in the frequent Imagine a gab fest round a fire listen the Anon Male Voice Choir of Victoria occasions of pomp and circumstance ing to all the old-timers of the Powell has published a meticulously defini required by a capital city. Since then River area telling of life in the early tive history of their numerous the choir has sung all over the Pacific days. Bill Thompson’s Boats, Buck- activities during a century of singing Northwest with many fraternal and saws and Blisters gives the impression 1892-1992. In accordance with its strict festival interchanges with choirs in of just such an occasion. Rather than tradition the title page is enhanced Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Eugene. interview, research and then re-write with the choir’s musical signature tune Abroad, the Anon Choir has sung in the recollections of the loggers, fisher which the men have sung in harmony England, Scotland and the Eistedd men, and settlers of Powell River, Bill at the beginning of every rehearsal, fodd in Wales. Thompson lets the pioneers speak for every performance, indoor and out It is said every choir has a personali themselves. Audio tapes, newspaper door, and every regular monthly ty of its own. Dr. McIntosh has chosen stories and interviews from various meeting since their inception in 1892. to avoid the standard chronological sources are quoted in whole or in part The musical motto is worth examining approach. Instead he has chosen a and these give the book the aura of because it gives the clue to the Arion topical examination of the choir’s ac fire-side conversations. The plethora Choir’s amazing success — it is the old tivities and in the course of this of photographs in the book adds to the est continuously singing choir in method he has uncovered the secrets atmosphere as though family photo al Canada: of the choir’s successful longevity. bums are being shared as the stories Ecce quam bonum The subject index lists some eighty unfold. Quamque jocundum topics by which one can see the con Divided into fifty-two chapters — Habitare fratres in unum necting links between the choir and its thirty-seven of which are interviews This portion of Psalm 133 translates surrounding community as it adapts with pioneers — and moving geograph as “Behold how good and pleasant it is to the changing times of one hundred ically northward up the north side of for brethren to dwell together in years. Malaspina Strait from Jervis Inlet to unity”. The story of the Anon Choir is a sto Lund the book describes the origins The Anon Choir’s history has been of adapting to change and a ry and major occurrences in each commu compiled by Dr. McIntosh from a triumph of discipline. Dr. McIntosh nity along the peninsula. Texada wealth of records kept by the Anon states: “What of the future? Members Island to the south is also included. Choir, some of which have found their of the choir wonder if there will be a Logging and saw-milling attracted way into the Provincial Archives and bi-centenary in 2092 unless more inter people to the area and the huge Brook, private collections, Herbert Kent, a est is taken in male choir singing. But Scanlon and O’Bnian railway-logging founding member of the late 19th cen here is the value of history. The same industry in the Gordon Pasha Lakes tury Arion Club can rightfully doubts and concerns were expressed be behind Powell River at one time em called British Columbia’s first music in 1914, again in 1939, and at many ployed over 1000 men at the turn of historian. He was president of the Ari times throughout the 1950s and 1960s. the century. Chapter 16, “Logging”, on Club for 4 years, conductor for 7 In the latter decades the club almost gives a particularly fine history of the years, assistant conductor for 12 years collapsed on several occasions due to logging industry in British Columbia

38 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 BOOK SHELF CONT D outlining the equipment used, the con already mentioned there is one on province will see a picture of a Gar ditions in the logging camps, the Logging. Others include Bears, Cars bage Gobbler, that ubiquitous bug- logger’s lifestyle, the contract system, and Roads, Steamers, Radio, Women, eyed guardian of roadside viewpoints; and finally the record trees found and The Native People, and the communi and Old Wooden Head, who cau cut in British Columbia. Fascinating ties of Stillwater and Lund. tioned drivers on the Big Bend tidbits gleaned from the chapter reveal While Thompson provides some Highway. For sports fans, there’s a that signs existed saying, No English very useful maps on the inside front picture of Nancy Greene and the pho men Wanted, simply because they and back covers, persons familiar with to-montage of the Trail Smoke Eaters. generally tended to be such green- the Powell River area would gain There’s even a picture of the waiters at horns that they were a danger to more from reading the book than an this reviewer’s favorite Chilliwack themselves and others; the wood pre outsider. Boats, Bucksaws and Blis pub, who dared to defy the stern LCB servative Creosote comes from ters is very much a local history. A inspector by wearing roller skates Creosote, Washington; that cedar trees very fine index facilitates readers and while serving beer in 1952. which weren’t in demand, other than the photographs illuminate and Generic west coast totem poles with for shinglebolts, were simply cut down fascinate. outstretched wings were used to pro and burned. A number of problems manifest mote nearly everything. The gnome A modern-day ecologist might view themselves when relying on inter like Century Sam was the mascot of Boats, Bucksaws and Blisters as the story views and pioneer reminiscences. four Centennials. Phil Gaglardi’s of an environmental nightmare. Firstly, annoying repetitions crop up “Road under construction, sorry for “When second growth fir began grow and secondly, while the stories can be any inconvenience” signs decorated ing up in our stump ranch. . we used fascinating one wonders how much every highway. to light fires in the fall, as early as we they have been embellished and en And the smiling face of W.A.C. Ben could, with the idea that the fire would hanced by the tellers over the years of nett seems to appear on nearly every run and kill these damn trees off.” (p. telling and how historically accurate other page of this book, radiating eter 156) One family, the Padgetts, hunted they really are. nal optimism for a province of wolves and cougars to extinction in Apart from these limitations, Boats, unlimited prosperity. the area and in his later years Roy Pad Bucksaws and Blisters is the kind of Indeed, it was a prosperous time. gett said, “We had this fond idea: kill book every B.C. community should We see a picture of the B.C. Electric the predators off, and there will be have to preserve the memories and Building under construction on Nelson more for the real predators — man.” stories of the past. Street, surrounded by Victorian room (p. 147) In fact he reveals; “looking Ian Kennedy ing houses. Advertising by Bloedel, back the deer did not increase when Ian Kennedy is the author of Sunny Sandy Stewart & Welch Ltd. promised “re the cougars decreased. Things tended SavaivandA Guide to Neighbourhood Pubs in generation of the forests” and to balance out.” (p. 146) Little atten Greater Vancouver “maximum utilization of waste prod tion to any kind of conservation killed- ucts of the industry.” Charles Lillard off creeks which once supported huge tells of his first trip by VW through runs of coho and other salmon. Land of Destiny: The Golden Age northern B.C. in the ‘60’s, being offered Boats, Bucksaws and Blisters con everywhere he of British Columbia. jobs stopped. tains tales of hardship, resolve, The weakness of this book is that it ingenuity, kindness, and tenacity. One Charles Lillard & Michael Gregson, doesn’t really contain enough informa particular story about Fred Fletcher re Vancouver Pulp Press, 1991. tion to be of value to the scholar. Nor lates how when he lost his boat 162 p., illustrated $32.95 are the illustrations sumptuous propeller fifty miles from home he enough to make it a compelling coffee spent a day whittling a new one out of “1945 to 1975. That’s when we had it table book. Still, it provides an enjoya all. That was red fir with his hatchet, attached it, the Golden Age of Brit ble evening’s reading, and it says ish Columbia,” says the and headed home. When the 100 introduction something about the culture of the of this unusual book. m.p.h. storm swept through Stiliwater province we have inherited. Land of The compilers have indeed captured and Lang Bay in 1921 wiping out the Destiny is recommended as a gift for the essence of those years, which now places, the Rev. George Pringle val nostalgia-lovers. seem so prosperous, yet innocent. To iantly attempted to conduct a service Jim Bowman document the era, they have assem of worship until forced to quit when Chilliwack Archives bled a his congregation became too “jumpy”. collection of archival Rachel Dickson thought nothing of photographs; reproductions of adver tisements, book jackets, walking the 22 mile round trip to Pow posters, and Now You’re Logging. other printed items; and short quotes ell River to shop. Bus Griffiths, Madeira Park, Thompson intersperses the personal from various textual sources. Harbour Publishing, 1990, recollections with chapters on impor This book is a feast for the nostalgic. Veterans of highway tant aspects of community life. As travel in the 119 p.’ illustrated $16.95

39 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 BOOK SHELF CONTD

Spilsbury’s Coast: Pioneer Years in A Fruitful Century was written to com as a collective voice for them”, and, es the Wet West. memorate the one hundredth sentially, those have been the primary Howard White and Jim Spilsbury, anniversary of the British Columbia functions throughout the “Fruitful Fruit Century.” Unfortunately, as Dendy Madeira Park, Growers’ Association, and was commissioned and financed by the As expresses it, those growers best served Harbour Publishing, 1991, sociation. Dendy, the principal by the Association were often “not 190 p., illustrated $14.95 author, notes that the Association “al men enlisted by the philosophical con These engrossing works by two of lowed me a free hand in its viction that cooperation was the the west coast’s Living National Treas preparation and did not assume the proper and inevitable form of organi ures have been re-released in role of censor.” While the book is a zation”, and the Association has seen paperback form by Harbour history of the Association it is, as continual struggling between those Publishing. Dendy writes in his “Author’s Note”, who felt that the federal and provincial governments ought control markets Now You’re Logging is a “comic “also a history of fruit growing and to for fruit, those who wanted the book novel” set on the remote B.C. marketing in British Columbia.” grow coast in the 1930’s. Its hero, a young The text of the book is divided into ers themselves to control their marketing, and who logger named Al, is a little larger than eight chapters, the first “Introduction: those wished to life. He’s courageous, handsome, re Preparing the Ground”, gives a useful act independently. The persistent problem of those growers who market sourceful, and a gentleman in spite of short account of the beginnings of outside the aegis of the Association the rough “brush-apes” he works fruit growing in British Columbia. ed with. After a series of hair-raising ad The following six chapters survey, and yet took the benefits of the Associ ation’s efforts is a prominent theme. It ventures, he gets promoted, and he chronologically, the activities of the required major international events, in gets the girl of his dreams, too. The Association, the first five being written Dendy, particular the great depression of the value of this book does not rest on the by the sixth, “Harvest, 1973- 1989”, 1930s and the Second World War, to intricacies of its plot, but on the visual by Kyle, and the final chapter, representations and footnotes which “Afterword: Next Year’s Crop — Look bring some order to the marketing of

fruit — the Second World War, Dendy explain the logging technology and jar ing on to the Second Hundred Years”, writes, “was a godsend to the cause of gon of the times, Griffiths has a being the musings of five recent presi central selling.” The overall impres justifiable pride in the skill and inge dents of the Association. Three sion, however, is of an industry nuity of the forest industry in those appendices list (1) the presidents of plagued overproduction and with days before it became controversial. the Association, with biographies of by little control over its markets. Spilsbury’s Coast is the autobiogra most of them; (2) the dates and venues The fruit growing industry is not one phy of one of B.C.’s most creative of the annual conventions; and (3) “The Industry with the glamour and mythology for entrepreneurs, who developed a boy Companies”, some de the general public of, say, the cattle or hood hobby into a successful radio tails about B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. and lumbering industries, and its histo repair business. He hit upon the idea Sun-Rype Products Ltd. the Although con ry has received meager acceptance in of visiting his remote customers by the authors attempt to centrate on popular writing. This book will not boat, then by float plane. This led to the history of the change the situation — it will appeal the formation of Queen Charlotte Air Association, this they cannot do in a primarily to those with some familiari lines, which is chronicled in his book vacuum and they are obliged to pro with the industry in central The Accidental Airline. His radiotele vide some general background ty southern British Columbia. There is a phone manufacturing business, material for the fruit growing indus try. In a number of “vignettes”, short lengthy bibliography which provides a Spilsbury & Tindall, meanwhile, be useful introduction to those wishing to came a world leader in the electronics articles set aside from the text in boxed read further about the industry, and field. Spilsbury is also an accom off areas, they deal with various com altogether it is a well made book with plished visual artist and photographer, ponents of the industry and, as far as it this is an effective solution. the photographs carefully reproduced, and the book’s illustrations add to its goes, the text clearly printed with few typo appeal. However, of necessity, there are many graphical errors, and a Jim Bowman elements which receive little or no solid binding. Newell. Chilliwack Archives consideration. Numerous photo George

graphs provide additional details — Victoria Historical Society but those not closely informed about fruit growing may well find the leg A Fruitful Century. The British ends for the photos somewhat cryptic. Columbia Fruit Growers’ There is one perfunctory map which Association 1889-1989. adds little. Kelowna, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Dendy writes that in the 1890s the Association, 1990. Association was “a forum to exchange 207 p., illustrated $35.95. information among horticulturists and

40 B.C. Historical News - Winter 1992 - 93 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL FEDERATION

Honorary Patron: His Honour, the Honourable David C. Lam, CM, LL.D., Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia

Honorary President: Keith Ralston

OFFICERS:

President: Myrtle Haslam, P.O. Box 10, Cowichan Bay, B.C. VOR1NO 748-8397

1st Vice President: AliceGlanville,P.O. Box746, Grand Forks, B.C. VOH1HO 442-3865

2nd Vice President: Ron Welwood,RR#i S 22 C 1, Nelson, B.C. Vi L5P4 825-4743 Secretary: T. Don Sale, 262 Juniper Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 1X4 753-2067 Recording Secretary: ArnoldRanneris, 1898 Quamichan Street, Victoria,B.C. V8S 2B9 598-3035 Treasurer: Francis Sleigh, Box29, Deroche, B.C. VOM1GO 826-0451 Members-at-large MaryRawson, 1406 Woodland Drive,Vancouver, B.C. V5L3S6 251-2908 Wayne Desrochers, 8811 152 Street Surrey, B.C. V3R 4E5 581-0286

Past President: John D. Spittle, 1241 MountCrown Road, NorthVancouver, B.C. V7R 1R9 988-4565

COMMITTEE OFFICERS:

Archivist Margaret Stoneberg, Box 687, Princeton, B.C. vox iWO 295-3362

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Vancouver, B.C. V6S 1E4 733-6484

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PublicationsAssistance Jill Rowland, #5-1450 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. V7M2N4 984-0602 (not involved with Contact Jill for advice and details to apply for a loan B.C. HistoricalNews) toward the cost of publishing.

Scholarship Committee Arthur Wirick,2301 -4353 HalifaxSt., Burnaby, B.C. V5C 5Z4 291-1346

WritingCompetition (Lieutenant - Governors Pamela Mar, P.O. Box 933, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 758-2828 Award) The British Columbia Historical News Publications Mail P. 0. Box 35326, Stn. E Registration No. 4447 Vancouver, B.C. V6M 4G5 , ADDRESS LABEL HERE

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British Columbia Historical Federation WRITING COMPETITION 1993 The British Columbia Historical Federation invites submissions ofbooks for the eleventh annual Competition for Writers of B.C. History. Any book presenting any facet ofB.C. history, published in 1993, is eligible. This maybe a community history, biography, record of a project or an organization, or personal recollections giving a glimpse ofthe past. Names, dates, and places with relevant maps or pictures turn a story into “history”. The judges are looking for quality presentations, especially if fresh material is included, with appropriate illustrations, careful proof reading, an adequate index, table of contents and bibliography from first-time writers as well as established authors. Note: Reprints or revisions of books are not eligible. The Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Historical Writing will be awarded to an individual writer whose book contributes significantly to the recorded history of British Columbia. Other awards will be made as recommended by the judges to valuable books prepared by groups or individuals. All entries receive considerable publicity. Winners will receive a Certificate of Merit, a monetary award and an invitation to the B.C.H.F. annual conference to be held in Parksville in May 1994. Submission Requirements: All books must have been published in 1993, and should be submitted as soon as possible after publication. Two copies of each book should be submitted. Please state name, address and telephone number ofsender, the selling price ofall editions ofthe book and the address from which it may be purchased if the reader has to shop by mail. Send to: B.C. Historical Writing Competition P.O. Box 933 Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 Deadline: December 31, 1993. LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH POST MARKUP TO JANUARY 31,1994, BUT MUST CONTAINTHREE COPIES OF EACH BOOK. * ********* There is also an award for the Best Article published each year in the B.C. Historical News magazine. This is directed to amateur historians or students. Articles should be no more than 2,500 words, typed double spaced, accompanied by photographs if available, and substantiated with footnotes where applicable. (Photos will be returned.) Please send articles directly to: The Editor, B.C. Historical News P.O. Box 105, Wasa, B.C. VOB2K0