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Alberni District Historical Society Box 284, Port Alberni, B.C.V9Y 7M7 Arrow Lakes Historical Society Box 584, Nakusp, B.C. VOB1RO Atlin Historical Society Box 111, Atlin,B.C. VOW1AO Boundary Historical Society Box 580, Grand Forks, B.C. VOH1HO Burnaby Historical Society 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3T6 Chemainus Valley Historical Society Box 172, Chemainus, B.C. VOR1KO Cowichan Historical Society P.O. Box 1014, Duncan, B.C. V9L3Y2 District 69 Historical Society Box 1452, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H4 East Kootenay Historical Association P.O. Box 74, Cranbrook, B.C. Vi C 4H6 Gulf Islands Branch, BCHF do F. Dodwell, RR #1 S25-C21, Galiano Island, B.C. VON1P0 Koksilah School Historical Society 5203 Trans Canada Highway, Koksilah, B.C. VOR2CO Kootenay Lake Historical Society Box 537, Kaslo, B.C. VOG1MO Kootenay Museum & Historical Society 402 Anderson Street, Nelson, B.C. Vi L3Y3 Lantzville Historical Society do Box 274, Lantzville, B.C. VOR2HO Nanaimo Historical Society P.O. Box 933, Station A, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 North Shore Historical Society do 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. V7M3G9 North Shuswap Historical Society Box 22, Celista, B.C. VOE1LO Princeton & District Museum &Archives Box 687, Princeton, B.C. VOXiWO Qualicum Beach Historical & Museum Society 444 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1B2 Salt Spring Island Historical Society Box 1264, Ganges, B.C. VOS lEO Sidney & North Saanich Historical Society RO. Box 2404, Sidney, B.C. V8L 3Y3

Silvery Slocan Historical Society Box 301, New Denver, B.C. VOG1SO Surrey Historical Society 8811 — 152nd Street, Surrey, B.C. V3R 4E5 Trail Historical Society P.O. Box 405, Trail, B.C. ViR 4L7 Vancouver Historical Society RO. Box 3071, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3X6 Victoria Historical Society P.O. Box 43035, Victoria North, Victoria,B.C. V8X 3G2

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Published winter, spring, summer and fall by British Columbia Historical Federation RO. Box 5254, Station B Victoria, B.C. V8R 6N4 A Charitable Society recognized under the Income TaxAct. Institutional subscriptions $16 per year Individual (non-members) $12 per year Members of Member Societies $9 per year For addresses outside Canada, add $5 per year Back issues of the British Columbia Historical News are available in microform from Micromedia Limited, 20 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2N8, phone (416) 362-5211, fax (416) 362-6161, toll free 1-800-387-2689. This publication is indexed in the Canadian Index published by Micromedia. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Publications Mail Registration Number 4447.

Financially assisted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture through the British Columbia Heritage Trust Fund and British Columbia Lotteries. Bdflh Cohmbia Historical News Journal of the B.C. Historical Federation Volume 27, No.4 Fall 1994 EDITORIAL CONTENTS

October was declared “Women’s History FEATURES Month” by the Federal Government in 1991. Piebiter Creek: A Personal Reminiscence of Delina C. Noel 2 The choices of topics for this issue acknowl by H. Barry Cotton edge the theme by telling of diverse contribu The War Work of Women in Rural B.C 5 tions of women to the life in our province. We by Gwen Szychter thank the current president of the B.C. Wom Sunday School Vans and Their Drivers 10 en’s Institute for a truly “thumbnail sketch” of by Naomi Miller that organization. Local Wis were helpful to The Marine Building Revisited 15 all women and young brides, especially those by Robin Ward The Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation freshly immigrated from other countries. My 15 byJack Meadows own mother was shown the art of canning Helen Gregory MacGill: First Woman judge in B.C 16 fruit in glass sealers with glass lids, rubber rings by Dolly Sinclair Kennedy and wire clamps. The Kaslo WI then requested Adelaide Bailey: Exemplary Teacher 1857—1949 19 that she share some of her skills with fellow by Carolyn Cross members; Mother taught glove making. We The Sutton Lumber & Trading Co. Token 22 thank those who contributed items about lo by D.M. Stewart cal branches; some of these detailed accounts The Stolen Church — Windermere 24 may be printed in future issues. by Naomi Miller NEW & NOTES A CWAC in Victoria: 1942-45 25 Was/is there an anniversary, official opening by Phylis Bowman or special hertitage event in your community? Pioneer Postmistress 28 by Kelsey McLeod We urge you to tell of this in a few words and send to the editor. If you are proud of a local B.C. Women’s Institute: A Brief History 31 by Estelle Lefurgy achievement, let us tell others about it. We Music of the Titanic may have room for a picture (as on page 35 32 by Thelma Reid Lower in this issue). Don’t be bashful. Either write David Douglas: Botanist and Explorer 34 an article on your community history ... or by Win Shilvock write a paragraph about a recent development, especially if it is now a tourist NEWS and NOTES 36 attraction. Naomi Miller BOOKSHELF Robin Ward’s Heritage West Coast 37 Review by Mary Rawson COVER CREDIT No Ordinaryjourney: John Rae, Arctic Explorer 1813-1893 37 Review by Maurice Hodgson The lady on our cover is taken from a collec Tangled Webs of History 38 tor’s item — an original sheet music cover sent Review by Duncan Stacey by Thelma Lower as an illustration for her Wilderness Wandering on Vancouver Island 39 article “Music of the Titanic.” The original, Review by Kelse’ McLeod carefully framed, hangs in the hall at the Lower Raincoast Chronicles 15 39 home. The hat on the lady would excite any Review by Kelsey McLeod fashion historian, and the words of Oh, You The Unknown Mountain / Behind the Unknown Mountain 40 Beautiful Doll will swim through the minds of Review by Elizabeth Walker many who danced to it, or heard their par A Century of Sailing 1892—1992 40 ents humming it. Review by Michael FH. Halleran Manuscripts and correspondence to the editor are to be sent to P0. Box 105, Wasa, B.C. V0B 21<0. Correspondence regarding subscriptions is to be directed to the Subscription Secretary (see inside back cover). Piebiter Creek: a personal reminiscene ofDelina C. Noel

by H. Barry Cotton

When I first carried a hand met Mrs. Noel, bag. However, she was acknowl when she edged as the walked down grand old lady of the street, it was the Bridge River obvious that this valley, a position was no ordinary she earned little old lady; through having she strode out prospected and like a Highland hunted through gillie. She told us out the area since a story about the year 1900, herself which when she first proved the point. came to the val Some years be ley with her hus fore (she said) band Arthur she had been re Noel. She would ferred to a doc certainly not have tor at the Mayo appreciated use Clinic. Having of the adjective been examined ‘old.” by this doctor, She was the she was then daughter of passed on to an French-Canadian Mrs. Noel kneels beside herfirst grizzly, 1906 Photos courtesy of Franc R. Joubin other, who then parents in referred her to Lillooet, who sent yet another doc her back to a Quebec convent for her which she was developing at Piebiter tor; at which time she asked the last schooling, and she never lost the slight Creek. doctor what was afoot. One examina accent she had by then acquired. She There is no doubt that she benefited tion should have been quite enough, in and her husband were the original substantially when Bralorne was fi her opinion. The doctor admitted that stakers of the Lorne Mine, later to be nanced (she would drive a pretty hard the second and third times had been come part of Bralorne, which at one time bargain, and I am sure she got a fair- unnecessary, but none of the doctors was the second largest producing gold sized “piece” of the action), yet she had seen such physical development in mine in the Commonwealth (including chose to continue living the hard life. a woman before, and they wanted their South Arica). In 1958 she was awarded She told my wife that she had had five colleagues to see it also. There could B.C.’s Centennial Medal for fifty-eight miscarriages, due to the strenuous life have been a lot of truth in this story. years of service to mining, a well-de she led. In summer she dressed in a pair One day in July 1951 we set out, a served honour. of breeches, a mackinaw jacket and an crew of three, to survey the first four Franc Joubin’s informative article old battered hat that had seen better mineral claims of the Chalco Group at about Mrs. Noel, “Bridge River Pioneer” days, and roved around her mineral Piebiter Creek. An intriguing name such in the Western Miner& OilReview,1 was claims (at this time the Chalco Group at as this begs for an explanation. I am also published in that Centennial year; Piebiter Creek), collecting samples and told on good authority2 that the creek and in 1960 this amazing woman — as prospecting. In the winter she retired to was called after one “Piebiter Smith,” an he rightly decribes her — passed away the West End of Vancouver, where she early prospector with protruding teeth after a lengthy illness. My own associa played bridge for relaxation and wore and a fondness for pies; and what could tion with her was in 1951 and 1952, the same clothes that most ladies of her be more logical? when she engaged our firm to survey vintage would wear — nylons, a dress I was fortunate in having, as my main some mineral claims in the property and a hat transfixed with hatpins — and assistant, a man whose hobby was

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 2 mountaineering. Rough, steep terrain, far Now this perfectly logical and innocu start of the operation to hand over the from slowing him down, actually stimu ous statement is fraught with hidden claims which he had staked, although lated him; as did the prospect of new complexity. For instance, where, at the only bound to do so by a gentleman’s vistas, as he was also a very competent time of staking a claim, part of the land agreement. Well, Mr. Rutledge turned out amateur photographer. I have to admit is already held by a prior claim in good to be no gentleman; because after Mrs. that, in 1983, when revisiting Piebiter standing, such ground must be excluded Noel had staked her claims and he had Creek, I found it hard to believe that staked his (they were merged with each anyone would willingly run lines in such other and considerably overlapped) and country; yet, in 1951 we did, and I do the claims had been recorded, Mr. not remember that we found the work Rutledge decided that he would rather unduly arduous. keep his claims than turn them over to To drive to the Bridge River valley in her. 1952 it was necessary to ship the car by In Mrs. Noel’s interesting career, sev rail from Lillooet to Shalalth, to which eral persons had tried unsuccessfully to end the PGE Railway Company provided get the better of her, and Rutledge must a flat-car service twice per week. So we have been naive indeed to suppose that drove to Lillooet, put our car on the flat- he could get away with this deal. She car to Shalalth, then drove over Mission could do nothing legally, of course — Mountain and on to Bralorne, where the claims he had staked were officially Mrs. Noel awaited us. This took a day. his. But next year she staked more min Next day we drove through Pioneer, up eral claims around his holdings on the to Piebiter Creek, a primitive road but outside. Then she waited him out; she drive-able by an Austin A40. From the would not buy him out, as he had end of the road it was a two-mile back hoped. She simply held on, keeping her pack to the claims, and we got there claims in good standing. Five years later with all our gear by the end of the sec Rutledge passed away and his claims ond day. “There” was a group of log lapsed. So Mrs. Noel restaked over his cabins and tent platforms. We stayed in ThL’ i7iijfle I.f?l(’fi?EDltI(C’. lapsed claims and again over her own the tents; Mrs. Noel was in the main witb Mrs. Noel seateL (some of which were in good standing, cabin, where she cooked our meals. I others never having been so). Then she got the impression during that two-week from the claim under consideration; decided that maybe she had better have sojourn that meat — to Mrs. Noel — meant even if the prior claim were to be aban a survey, to find out just what ground steak. No other meat was considered doned a month afterwards, the claim she really had covered; this was where edible. Not that we complained; we had under consideration would never be I came into the picture. There were at never eaten so well in our lives. When entitled to such ground, which (when least twenty-four claims to sort out. supplies became short, she took her later abandoned) becomes open ground, I could not ever have found a better ‘Trapper Nelson” packboarcl, walked out and must be restaked. Although all sur introduction into the practical workings to Bralorne, and came back with more veyors are well aware of this ramifica of the Mineral Act. It was the worst “meat.” tion in the otherwise straightforward “dog’s breakfast” that one could possi The claims were at an elevation of definition of a mineral claim, at the time bly foresee. Adding to the confusion was 5500 feet plus, that is to say, all the way of which I am writing there were even the fact that, since it was an area of many up to about 6500 feet, and they pro some Mining Recorders who were not snowslides, a good many of the staking vided my first introduction to “slide-al wise to it, and certainly a great number posts had disappeared, and I had to ob der.” This is descriptive of a small alder of free miners. tain affidavits to establish the positions tree, ten to fifteen feet high, which grows Mrs. Noel, when staking the Chalco of such missing posts. Fortunately, Mrs. at high elevations on steep slopes. The Group of mineral claims, started out in Noel had a good memory. After more stem, up to four inches in diameter, an area where there were no conflict than a week, we were able to define grows horizontally outwards for about ing claims. It was all “open” ground. She legally and properly the ground to which two feet, then straightens up and grows had an assistant, one W.E. Rutledge, she was entitled. Predictably, we found vertically. It is usually found on old rock whom she employed to help her stake. a large “hole” of open ground in the slides, and sometimes stretches for half She could stake eight claims only in her middle, and staked it on her behalf as a a mile. It makes for tough going. own name, but could acquire others by fraction. But the problems of contending with purchase, so she asked her assistant to The Sub-Mining Recorder in slide-alder were negligible compared stake eight more, which she could then Goldbridge at the time was Will with sorting out the mineral claims. In obtain by bill-of-sale for a nominal sum Haylmore, also a well-known personal those days, by definition, a mineral claim — one dollar. This was standard practice ity in the history of the Bridge River. At could not include land which was al amongst prospectors, and was a recog the time of recording this fraction, he ready lawfully held for mining purposes. nized method of acquiring mineral had long hair down to his shoulders like The precept still holds good obviously. claims. The assistant would agree at the Buffalo Bill; and we had a short discus-

3 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 sion on fractional mineral claims — which out machinery seemed to me at the least her,” he said. “I find that it pays. If she might have gone on longer as the whis impracticable. But this lady knew oth asked me to stand on my head here in key bottle on the table was still half full. erwise. She went in to Bralorne one day, the office, I’d do it. The fact is that if But regretfully we were on the way to and came back with Oscar. she wants something, you might as well Shalalth to catch the “flat-car” to Lillooet. Oscar was a Swede, and I believe he realize at the start that she will not rest There is a good picture of Haylmore in was approaching eighty years of age. until she gets it; so in order to avoid a the publication Bridge River Gold,3 now He was quite shaky, and when he lot of hassle, I make sure that she gets it unfortunately out of print. It shows part walked his knees had a way of knock right away!” of the circular rock wall outside his ing against each other. He slept in a tent Which statement does a lot to sum up cabin, with one of several wooden mod in Mrs. Noel’s camp; and while we were Mrs. Noel’s character. She was a lady of els of Lewis guns, which were painted in the hills surveying, Oscar started great charm, and strong willpower; but white and set in the wall facing out work. He used only handtools — crow whereas all the articles written about her wards. His grave is still on the property, bars, hand-drills and dynamite — and he emphasize the latter attribute, not too and is being tended, but the rest of the cut and squared his own timbers for the much was said about the former. In fact land, which was held as a placer mine, adit. she was a very charming and stalwart reverted to the Crown on his death, and Napoleon once said that while a diffi lady. Her log house in Bralorne was the cabin, with its pictures and regimen cult problem can be solved right away, quite unique. In it was a stone fireplace tal photographs of the British army of the impossible may take a little longer -- containing pieces of ore from all of the bygone days, was later pulled down. or words to that effect. In three days, currently producing mines in B.C., and There is another excellent photograph Oscar, working entirely on his own, had hanging on the walls were skins of sev in the same publication. It is of Mrs. D.C. a timbered portal ten feet long through eral of the grizzly bears which she had

Noel as a young girl with a trophy — the slide and was drilling into the rock- shot. one of the many grizzly bears that fell face. We, non-miners that we were, It would be most satisfying to be able to her gun. stood and marvelled at it. If Oscar could to report that such a house had been The following year, 1952, saw us back do this at seventy-nine years old, what preserved as a Heritage Site. But this again in Mrs. Noel’s country. sort of a man must he have been in his was not to be. The building was not Now that her Chalco Group claims had prime? protected and was later vandalized. I been sorted out, Mrs. Noel had decided But next day he was gone, which Mrs. was informed recently that in the early to stake and survey some more. This Noel had expected. She gave him an 1980s it had been sold, removed and time we had a different arrangement. other three days, then went to Bralorne re-erected as a dwelling on a site near My wife, who otherwise would have sat and brought him back, completely in Lillooet. in the office in North Vancouver, twid capable and incoherent, and when we dling her metaphorical thumbs, thought had helped her to put him to bed, she that she would like to be part of the left one-third of a bottle of rum under H. Barry Cotton is a retired surveyor crew. This was an excellent we his — idea, as pillow a very understanding lady. now living on Salt Spring IslarnL needed both a cook and (since later on Our work went well, and the only we were to do some work for the fed other incident that I remember of note, eral government) a bookkeeper; my wife apart from all of us being beaten by Mrs. REFERENCES was able to fulfill both functions. Noel at crib, was arriving on the line 1. ‘Bridge River Pioneer” by Franc Joubin. The Western We arrived at Piebiter Creek with all one morning to find that a porcupine Miner & Oil Review. August 1958. our baggage about a quarter of a mile had all but eaten one of the wooden 2. 1001 B.C. Place Names, G.P.V. and Helen Akrigg. from Mrs. Noel’s cabin beside the creek. transit legs. We improvised. Discovery Press, 1973. This time there were no problems of After Piebiter Creek, we proceeded to 3. BridRe River Gold, Emma de Hullu. Published by the title to worry about, our claims were sim Little Gun Lake, after having met with l3ridge River Valley Centennial Committee, 1967. ply projected up the valley, and we spent the Bralorne Mine manager, Don the next two weeks working steadily at Matheson. Our next job was to survey them. My wife had a cook stove set up some lots fronting on the lake, for the in the open air (covered with sheet metal company. We stayed in one of the cot strips, after we were rained on). We had tages close to the Little Gun Lake Lodge. two tents, and a good camp. Mrs. Noel After the heat and mosquitoes of would often drop by for a girl-to-girl Piebiter, this place was a paradise. We chat with my wife. swam every day and fished enthusiasti Close to the camp there was a big cally, if inexpertly. Mrs. Noel had ad rockslide. Mrs. Noel had on occasion vised us that Don Matheson was “a very remarked that this was where she nice man” and that “he would do any wanted to put in a tunnel. Although I thing for me.” While talking to Don, the thought I knew what miners could ac conversation inevitably got around to complish, I must say that the prospect her. of tunnelling through a rockslide with- “Well, of course I’d do anything for

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 4 ______

The War Work of Women in Rural British Columbia: 1914 —1919 by Gwen Szycbter

The popular image of “Rosie the Riv material in great numbers. The man Point Grey, Delta and Fraser Valley eter,” in factory dress, is a familiar one power committed to the Second World Weekly Gazette4, the image emerges of from the 1940s. But the First World War War was as large, but came significantly women doing much more than knitting conjures up no such image of mythic later in the war and the number of casu and sewing their way through the war proportions. Our mental picture of the alties was dramatically lower. During the years. Neither of the women’s organi women of World War I is one of sock course of World War 1, some wartime zations commonly associated with war knitters and bandage rollers. Many have industrial contracts were awarded to work in the Great War, that is, the Im perceived women in Western Canada, British Columbia, hut whatever factory perial Order of the Daughters of the and British Columbia in par Empire and the Women’s In ticular, as having contributed stitute, was present in only to this limited extent to Ladner. Instead, two entirely the winning of the war. In the .4’ new groups came into being, past, historians have dwelt on the Delta Women’s Patriotic the male adventure in Eu Society and the Comfort rope, cataloguing the physi Club, to coordinate women’s cal losses and extolling the unpaid volunteer labour. In political achievement of seri both of these organizations, ous nationhood. There has there is evident the maternal been little interest in the ac feminism prevalent at the tivities of women, except for time, so that the women’s examinations of their strug activities were focused delib gle for suffrage and prohibi erately on the goal of reliev tion. However, as in other ing suffering, rather than aspects of Canadian history helping to supply weapons where the participation of for warfare.5 The Comfort women is only recently be Rest and relaxationfor returned soldiers was thepurpose ofthis Soldiers’ Club never disclosed mem ing slowly unearthed, there Camp atBoundny Bay in South Delta It was supplied and sustained largely bership figures, but the an is more to the story. by the women ofDelta, who collectedfoodfor the soldiersfrom the local nual reports of the Delta Historians have described residents. Under the auspices ofthe Red Cross, it operatedfor the summers of1918 and 1919 on property belonging to Mrs. KirklanL Women’s Patriotic Society the enthusiasm with which Photograph courtesy of British Columbia Archives and Records Service, No. HP 73414 did: in 1917 there were 122 men responded to the call for members on the roll, but the volunteers. A sense of national urgency jobs might have become available to average attendance at meetings was only unified the people and elicited not only women accrued to urban women. In a fifteen.6 volunteers for the armed forces, but also small rural community where there was The Delta Women’s Patriotic Society voluntary contributions of time and no factory work for women, the empha (DWPS) was organized as the working money by the citizens at large. The First sis was on volunteer work.1 arm of the male-run Delta Patriotic Fund. World War was a conflict which required The municipality of Delta, located in This latter group was formed for the pur the mobilization, in one fashion or an the southwest corner of the lower main pose of raising money soon after war was other, of the entire civilian population. land of British Columbia, had a popula declared in 1914. The ambitious goal of Since Canada was unprepared for war tion of about 4,000 in 1918.2 Its the national organization was to make up and lacked the necessary infrastructure gravitational centre, the village of Ladner, for soldiers who had left behind depend- and institutions, ordinary citizens had serviced a farming population in the sur ants the difference between the income to fill the gap, thereby saving the Do rounding district. The ethnicity of the they would have received from paid la minion Government enormous amounts population is vitally important: in the bour and the allotment paid to soldiers.7 of money in the provision of services. 1911 census, people of British stock It must be remembered that in these years The wars themselves and Canada’s constituted the majority, namely sixty per there was no safety net in the form of commitment to each were substantially cent of the population.3 social welfare or family allowance. Fami different. World War I was a conflict that, From the pages of contemporary lies in need had only their relatives or from the beginning, consumed men and newspapers, in particular, the Richmond, church-run charities to rely on in the event

5 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 of illness or financial hardship. The wom Temperance Union (WCTU) branch in out on a substantial scale: in one month en’s branch was set up in September 1914 Ladner. One woman, Mrs. Leila alone, March 1917, the club shipped 110 for the purpose of aiding war relief. Wom Hutcherson, appears to have been the parcels to the men in the trenches. In the en’s work was considered to be not only driving force behind this organization, course of one year; that is, November 1916 sewing, knitting and cooking, which they making her home available for meetings to October 1917, the women of the Com would do in great measure, but also rais and fund-raising events, and sending re fort Club shipped to the front 1,018 par ing money to buy materials and to send ports on its cels, whose contents included 607 pairs to various agencies and funds associated activities to of hand-knitted socks, 1500 newspapers, with the war. the newspa and over a thousand magazines. In those The society’s agenda included bazaars, per. Mrs. twelve months, these women also raised whist drives, dances, socials and teas. The Hutcherson $1,275 through their various fund-raising women catered public dinners, for ex was elected efforts. One of its members, the secre ample, the Delta Board of Trade annual the first presi tary, maintained a correspondence with dinner, and received some of the pro dent of the these soldiers, and the letters received ceeds. Their dances were profitable ven DWPS, but from the men overseas were published tures, the one held on New Year’s Eve, she had spent regularly in the newspaper, for the ben 1915, taking in $195 at the door. Whist the winter of efit of the community. During this same drives brought in a lot of money; one in 1914—15 in one-year period, 300 letters from the front the spring of 1916 netted $104.95, while California were answered. another in January 1917 added about $90 with her A comfort shower seemed to be the to the treasury. Individual women held mother, as preferred method for acquiring dona teas in their homes, turning over the re was her cus tion of goods. As well as money, peo ceipts to the DWPS. Some also donated tom.8 In her ple brought socks, magazines, candy, items of handiwork to be raffled, such as absence, the chocolate and gum to he sent to the a teacloth or a set of lace collar and cuffs. vice-presi soldiers. Another favoured event of the Tag days were held to raise funds for This is Leila H.atcberso,,, u’ife of dent took Comfort Club for raising money was the Erwsi Hutcbersor who played a specific purposes. One was held in Au formaiite role both in the Delta over, and holding of a market day, at which the gust 1915 to raise money for surgical Wome,s Patriotic Society ,ot tL,e when a new members sold eggs, butter, bread, poul CoWart Chth. She was the dargbier equipment for the Fifth General Hospi afearlv settlers in Della. Letilia ut slate of offic try, bottled fruit, candies. fresh fruits and tal, Canadian Expeditionary Force. In John KfrklamL This portrait dates con from abowt thetime of World War . ers was vegetables, and roots and grains, all of junction with a dance held for the same Pratograpn courtesy of Mary SouSe elected in which they had donated. Often, a rum purpose, this tag day netted about $236. mid-1915, Mrs. Hutcherson was not re mage sale, where second-hand clothing Flag days were a variation on the theme, elected. Another woman, Mrs. Lilla was sold, was held in conjunction with one being held that same summer, in McKee, rose to prominence in the DWPS the market day. Individual women also which young women sold flags at a horse following this change, and eventually opened their homes to the public for racing meet, earning S 169.57. became the prime social “mover” in the teas, as was the case with the DWPS, in The organization also engaged in ap community for the duration of the war, addition to the larger teas held in pub peals requiring a contribution of labour, during the period of the Spanish influ lic places, in which the entire member such as the vegetable-growing cam enza epidemic, and far into the inter-war ship of the organization participated. A paign, which was first undertaken in years. It is apparent that some reading typical floral tea at which flowers, bulbs, 1917. The members of the committee between the lines is necessary to arrive roots and seeds were sold, along with set up for this purpose canvassed all the at a plausible scenario which may explain home cooking, could net the organiza households in each neighbourhood to this second group’s later appearance on tion about $45. set aside a plot of ground on which they the scene. The work of the Comfort Club might would grow vegetables to feed soldiers The Comfort Club concentrated on sup appear to overlap that of the DWPS, a in military hospitals. Sock campaigns plying what were referred to as “com criticism raised in a letter to the editor were frequent and were reported as re forts” to local men overseas. The group of The Weekly Gazette. In reality, the ceiving “a hearty response.” In this lat sent Out parcels, especially at Christmas work of the two groups had one funda ter venture, every person in the time, and the contents tended to be socks, mental difference. The Comfort Club municipality was requested to donate mitts, scarves, sweets and cakes, and let interacted directly with soldiers on an “one pair, either hand-knitted, machine- ters to these soldiers. This work was con individual basis, while the DWPS sup knitted or the price of one pair (fifty sidered no less important, for the pages plied their needs through intermediar cents) of good woollen socks.” Canvass of the newspaper sing the praises of the ies such as the Red Cross or the Patriotic ing was extremely thorough with every Comfort Club, which “ever since its inau Guild. In addition, the former group residence in the municipality receiving guration has done splendid work in keep dealt with men overseas, while the lat a visit from a volunteer. ing our lads in khaki supplied with ter concerned itself primarily with re A second women’s group, the Com reading matter, cheering magazines, socks turned veterans. Early in the war effort, fort Club, appeared in November 1915, and other things they love to get from the D’VPS had a comfort committee as an offshoot of the Women’s Christian home ... “ It was also a project carried which provided each departing soldier

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 6 100 mince pies, 9 quarts mince meat, 25 Christmas puddings, 100 tins canned milk, 1 large case of candy, nuts, etc., 1 large case of Children’s toys and games By the time the DWPS disbanded in October 1919, these numbers had in creased to 4,281 pairs of socks, 420 suits of pyjamas, and 250 day shirts, and the total amount of money collected had grown to $9,136.33. The above list of items draws atten ar tion to another interest of the DWPS: - supporting the wives and children of Margaret Tarnboline like some other women in the district, pitched in to dofarm work She is shown here cutting oats with a team of horses on thefarm of herparents, James men who had volunteered for service. and Rose Frew, on Westbarn Island in 191Z Margaret was the eldest of two girls in the The women in the society made new family and bad married William Tamboline in December 1915 clothes for these dependants, as well as Photograph courtesy ot Margaret Tambotine, niece of the subject collected used clothing for them. There with a comfort bag containing articles ments, is no indication that food was also dis such as pyjamas, socks, mitts, shoelaces, large consignment of surgical tributed to these families, but certainly toothbrush and toothpaste, tobacco, and supplies an extra effort was made at Christmas a prayer book or Bible. This, however, (including compresses, slings, time to have something special to give was a one-time connection with the in bed boots, etc.) the children, such as toys and games. dividual soldier, and there is no evidence 355 sacks of potatoes and When required, financial support for that this activity continued after the ap mixed vegetables, these women and children caine from pearance of the Comfort Club. In fact, 38 sacks apples, the Delta Patriotic Fund, one of the main the committee was disbanded at the 525 quarts preserved fruit, reasons for the latter’s establishment. 1917 annual meeting of the group. 88 dozen eggs, Both the Comfort Club and the DWPS A report published in June 1918 de 25 pounds butter, relied on the community at large for con tailed the number of different items that 1 dresser [sic] hog, tributions of both money and goods. Vari the Delta Women’s Patriotic Society had 6 roasts of beef. ous groups donated money raised shipped to the Central Red Cross De 40 Christmas cakes, through the efforts of their own mem pot, Vancouver; the Women’s Patriotic Guild, Vancouver; and to the Military Annex at the Vancouver General Hos pital, since the group’s inception in Sep tember 1914, a perod of less than four years. The amount of money raised is substantial, amounting to $7,141.79, but the list of items is fascinating: 3421 pairs hand-knitted socks, 392 suits of pyjamas, 200 day shirts, 200 night shirts, 75 French caps, 100 nightingales, 80 cholera belts, 25 pairs knee caps, 54 scarfs [sic], 100 pairs slippers, 75 comfort bags, 500 pillow cases, 12 large pillows, Hazelgrove, the borne of tbe Hutchersons, was the scene ofmany ofthe activities ofthe Comfort Club. Weekly meetings, as well as morepublicfunctions, 36 sheets, such as gardenparties and “comfort showers,” took place here. Located near Ladner east of the Cbiluktban 600 handkerchiefs, Slough, Hazelgrove was a convenient meeting placefor womenfrom either the village or 500 knitted wash clothes [sic], thefarms. 250 women and children’s gar Photograph courtesy of Mary Smillie

7 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 bers. For example, the Delta Patriotic behalf of their children, at least in the Camp for Returned Soldiers was oper Choir gave the net receipts from their areas of baking and costume-making. ated at Boundary Bay, a resort area south concerts to the DWPS. The dramatic club It is unlikely that any woman was able of Ladner, where many local families had turned over the proceeds from their the to avoid these public displays of patri summer cottages. This was initially a atrical productions to both groups on an otism, since the demand to be visibly project of the women of Delta, although alternating basis. Owners of businesses participating was unrelenting. Whether they do not seem to have come specifi pitched in. One year, women from the this took the form of donating fancy- cally from any one of the groups already Comfort Club sold subscriptions to The work or baked goods or other items, or in existence. The facility was located on Weekly Gazette, from which their organi working at a table, or attending and property offered for the purpose by a zation received a share of the money. In making some token purchase, if only Ladner family, but the actual operation 1915, when the DWPS had had the field an apron or a chance on a raffle, in was carried out by these women, ex all to itself, it had sold subscriptions, real volvement to some degree was ex cept for the provision of some supplies izing $93.25 for its efforts. The owners of pected. How much societal pressure was by the Red Cross, presumably medical the Ladner Hotel sponsored a dance in brought to bear on women to produce supplies. Each week a different district June 1915; the proceeds, amounting to homemade articles for the men over in the municipality was canvassed by a $68, went to the DWPS. seas and for sale to raise money is diffi resident for contributions to the food In addition to the activities of these cult to determine. Certainly women who supply for the soldiers. Even transpor two groups, there appeared to be an produced were publicly recognized. For tation from Vancouver to Boundary Bay unending parade of other community instance, one issue of The Weekly Ga was supplied by Delta citizens. Some events intended to raise funds, which zette in June 1918 listed the names of funding also came from the Delta Patri also required women’s participation, in ten women who had knitted one hun otic Fund, which collected money by varying degrees. Each church had a dred or more pairs of socks for the boys subscriptions from Delta residents. women’s organization which made de at the front since war broke out. Since However, volunteer work did not con mands on women to raise money or this was a relatively small community, stitute the whole of women’s war expe materials. When the Ladies’ Aid of the the lack of privacy meant that people, rience. Women have often been treated Methodist Church met for its annual especially women, could be prevailed as a “reserve army” of labour, called thanks-offering, each woman was asked upon fairly successfully to take part, by upon when shortages occur and then to bring “a ready packed box of sol giving of their time, their labour, and expected to return to their traditional dier’s comforts to be sent to some boy their money. sphere when the crisis has abated.9 In at the front for Christmas.” The Angli Furthermore, people were being this locale, single women, at least, took can minister and his wife opened the urged almost constantly to save items on paid employment of a sort tradition manse to an afternoon musicale, after for the community-wide collection of ally done by men. When her older which a collection was taken for the materials. In the summer of 1915, the brother enlisted in 1918, Ethel Barry took DWPS, raising over $30. Women’s com call went out for second-hand razors to over the driving of the delivery truck munity organizations such as the WCTU, he collected and sent to England, where for her father’s grocery business and did which was a strong presence in Delta, they were to be repaired and then sent “general man’s work” around the store. also organized activities relative to the to soldiers at the front. “A couple of Another young woman, Carrie Eyton, war effort. At WCTU meetings, regular dozen razors” were reported to have whose father was in the salmon can collections were taken “for the military been handed in at the collection depot, nery business, drove the horse-drawn ward supported by them in the New in response to this request. Residents milk wagon and delivered bottled milk Westminster Hospital.” Also, collections were requested to save paper for the for Mr. Robinson, a local dairyman. were taken among WCTU members for war effort, and the first attempt in 1917 Women stepped into other kinds of the Cocoa Fund for soldiers at the front, yielded two-and-one-half tons, for which men’s jobs as well, particularly in the an attempt to offer them a non-alcoholic $48 was received by the DWPS. Dona banks. In late 1917, Hazel Hutcherson alternative. In addition, the WCTU made tions of white cotton and old linen, from was being congratulated on her promo fortnightly donations of fruit, vegetables which to make surgical supplies, such tion to teller at the Ladner branch of the and clothing to the Relief and Employ as dressings, slings and mouth wipes, Royal Bank of Canada. This was con ment Bureau of Vancouver. were solicited from the public. Tea and sidered a landmark achievement, which Schools also held various events, the coffee tins were always in demand by the newspaper made a point of empha proceeds from which were channelled the Comfort Club, as they made the best sizing by noting that she had been pro to war relief. For instance, a Christmas containers in which to ship soldiers’ moted “entirely upon her own merit.” concert given by the students of comforts overseas. Later, the soldiers’ In this same category might be included Westham Island school in 1916 earned camp at Boundary Bay, when in need the women who served overseas as $76 for the Belgian Relief Fund. The of reading material for the convalescents, army nurses. One woman from this dis children at Gulfside school also held a sent out a plea for people to save maga trict, Leona Whitworth, was among concert and party in December of the zines and paperback novels. them. Following her departure in ,July same year and collected $17 for the same This camp was a community project 1915, her letters appeared periodically cause. Undoubtedly, such events neces of a different sort, set up late in the war. in the weekly newspaper, from a sitated the involvement of mothers on In the summer of 1918 and 1919, the number of locations, one being Egypt.

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 8 Women also pitched in when circum Society tended to re-surface in the and making decisions. They could, in stances demanded their participation in branch of the Imperial Order of the short, perform competently in public life. other areas. In the fall of 1917, a group Daughters of the Empire that was For a patriarchal rural society that pre of single women from Ladner, under the formed in Ladner in 1922. The women viously had perceived a woman as pos watchful eye of a chaperone, travelled of the Comfort Club appear to have re sessing an identity only in relation to a to Vernon to pick fruit at the Coldstream turned to active duty in the WCTU, man, and where birth announcements Ranch. They were part of a larger project where their energies were channelled had appeared naming only the father of organized by the B.C. Consumers League into combatting the prohibition ques the newborn, that was progress. to make up for the shortfall in available tion, and then the establishment of lo labour for the harvesting season in the cal liquor stores. Okanagan. For six weeks, these young Women were in the forefront of the Gwen Szycbter is a local historian in women endured extremes of tempera drive to erect memorials to the sacrifices Ladne, whose thesis on the work of ture, picked fruit, and carried heavy of the Great War. In Ladner this took the farm women was completed in 1992. She boxes and ladders, manual labour that form of membership in the Delta Memo is presently working on a history of was much harder than anything they had rial Park Association, whose goal was the Ladner and Delta in the early twentieth previously experienced. Young women creation of a park containing not only century, along with several projects in from the village of Ladner, as well as playground equipment for the health and local women’s history. from Vancouver, also helped out with enjoyment of children, but also a ceno FOOTNOTES the picking of small fruit, namely straw taph naming the war dead. This article appeared earlier as a paper presented by berries and raspberries, on the farms of More importantly, women began to the writer at the Qualicum History Conference, Delta, when labour was hard to find later appear in a small way in public offices January 1991. It also forms the basis of a lecture! during the war. traditionally occupied by men. In slide presentation given by the writer at the Delta 1920, Museum and Archives, October 1993. The shortage of labour on the farms, women directors were elected to the 1. There are exceptions. See Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, especially for the fall harvest, was an board of the Delta Agricultural Society for “Women during the Great War,” in Women at Work ongoing problem throughout the war the first time, and that innovation contin 185O-193 ed. Janice Acton, Penny Goldsmith years. A number of solutions were at ued into the future. In 1924, the name of and Bonnie Shepard (Toronto: Canadian Women’s Educational Press, 1974). Also Carol J. Dennison, tempted. Chinese workers were em a woman was put forward from several “They Also Served: The British Columbia Women’s ployed, but they were resented by many quarters to stand for a vacancy on the Institute in Two World Wars,” in NotJust Pin Money; Selected Essays on the History of Wo,nen residents. District school boys were re school board. Although Mrs. Handford Work in British Columbia, ed. Barbara K. Lalham cruited into an organization called Sol Lewis declined to allow her name to stand, and Roberta J. Pazdro (Victoria: Camosun College, diers of the Soil, but their youth and the suggestion would have been unthink 1984). inexperience limited their usefulness. able in the community prior to the war. 10 2. Henderson Greater Vancouver City Directoryfor 1913 Embracing the area of Greater Vancouvey Newspapers tell us nothing about The years of the Great War constituted covering the City Proper North Vancouvet Point whether farmers’ wives did their share a rare instance in the history of the Grey South Vancouver New Westminster and the of field work, but family photographs women of this rural region when con Fraser Valley District (Vancouver: Henderson Directory Co., 1913), pp. 1764, 1767, 1770—1773, and oral histories reveal that a few did siderable public attention was focused 1778. help out, with pitching hay into stacks on their activities. While it is true that 3. 1911 Census, or driving the horse that operated the women’s activities supported a male 4. Except where noted otherwise, the source for this hay fork into the mow. Milking was adventure overseas, their work was article has been The Weekly Gazette. This another kind of farm work that a few given an unusual prominence in news newspaper appeared under a number of heads during the war years: The Point Grey Gazette; women could and did perform when papers of the time, so that other con Richmond, Delta and Point Grey Weekly Gazette; hired labour was scarce. Elder daugh cerns, suffrage, for example, were also Richmond, Point Grey, Delta and Fraser Valley ters in some families also were con viewed Weekly Gazette and Home News; Weekly Gazette as legitimate. When scholars and Home News. After the local newspaper in scripted into farm work, for the duration. have studied the First World War in the Ladner ceased to publish in November 1914, The What, if any, were the long-term ef past, the tendency has been to explore Weekly Gazette filled the void until another local weekly appeared in March 1922. fects of women’s brief entry into public the activities of men. It is time that his life during this period? Changes did re torians took seriously into account the 5. Dennison, p. 212, sult, and while they may appear mini volunteer work of women during the 6, It is not known whether this number also included the Young Girls’ Auxiliary to the Delta Women’s mal to observers in the late twentieth war, not least of all for the vast sums of Patriotic Society, which appeared to have about century, in this rural community they money which the Dominion Govern twenty to twenty-four members. were meaningful nonetheless. Many of ment was able to save through the use 7. Robert Craig Brown and Ramsay Cook, Canada the women who had been active in the of this unpaid labour force. 1896—1921; A Nation Transformed (Toronto: McClelland and Stewart Limited, 1974), 222—3. war effort returned to traditional wom Women achieved more than just knit pp. en’s organizations with a lower public ting thousands of socks and rolling miles 8. The British Columbian, 21 November 1914. profile, although some joined the auxil of bandages, although they did those 9. Alison Prentice et al., Canadian Women; A History (Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Canada Inc., iary to the Great War Veterans’ Associa things as well. More importantly, they 1988), p.141. tion, which set up a short-lived local proved themselves capable of organiz 10. The Weekly Optimist, 14 February 1924. branch. Those who had been actively ing, planning, raising money, allocating involved in the Delta Women’s Patriotic it judiciously among a number of causes,

9 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 Sunday School Vans and Their Drivers by Naomi Miller

“I feel sorry for the many children who live on isolated farms never receiving any religious instruction. We should send teams of trained women out in gypsy caravans to begin-Sunday Schools, train teachers, and in winter provide Sunday School By Post. The vans could be parked on a farm, then moved by horses volunteered by the hosts.” The speaker was a Canadian lady, Miss Alymer Bosanquet of Kenaston, Sas katchewan. The listener was Miss Eva Hasell of Carlisle, England. The two had been classmates at St. Christopher’s Col lege, London, taking training in mod ern teaching techniques in programs of religious education in 1913—14. Eva Hasell rejected the use of horses as “too slow,” besides being difficult to Rev. Canon WF. Busbe, rector of SL Paul’s Church, Kamloops, chats with two vanners obtain during seeding or harvesting time. and aparisbioner This could be the commissioning ofthe vanfor work in the summer of She proposed a motor van similar to 1940. those she had known as a volunteer Photo courtesy the Archives of the Diocese of Cariboo ambulance driver during World War 1. She had also driven her family’s car, and Qu’Appelle Diocese to be used by an (She had more than one accident in her because the chauffeur had enlisted, had other team of workers during subse fifty-two years as a van volunteer.) She of necessity learned to make running quent summers. also learned where it was more suitable repairs. The first Sunday School van was The caravan idea created enthusiasm to park and walk to a destination. Each built in Winnipeg to her specifications among frontier Bishops eager to sup visit was recorded, with landmarks noted on a Ford Model T chassis, paid for out plement their meagre ministry to scat for future seekers of the welcoming fam of her own pocket. Miss Hasell and her tered English and Anglican settlers ily, names, ages of children, names of companion, Winnifred Ticehurst, “broke pouring into the West. It was hoped that teachers at local one-roomed schools, in” the vehicle on the 400-mile trip to eventually Miss Hasell would arrange for and general information such as “fierce Regina. What is now a six-hour drive at least one Sunday School van in every dog but friendly people.” Lonely farm on the paved Trans Canada Highway western diocese. Eva Hasell did not dis wives often poured their hearts out to took six days over rutted, pot-holed prai appoint them. A new van with a trained the vanners, who were the first women rie trails. On May 21, 1920, Eva Hasell team followed: to Calgary in 1922, Ed they had seen in many months. The and Winnifred Ticehurst left Regina on monton in 1923, Cariboo 1924, Brandon British settlers sometimes requested that a trip that took them 3,000 miles in three 1925, Kootenay 1926, Caledonia 1928, Miss Hasell convey a message back to months over unbelievable prairie roads Athabasca 1929, and an extra van for someone in England. The commission in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. They Qu’Appelle. was always done and a letter sent back started Sunday Schools, taught in day Miss Hasell insisted on pioneering to the settler. The Sunday School van schools and farmyards, visited pioneer with each new van in each locale. She meant a great deal more than a stodgy homes, and enrolled members in Sun and her sister Dorothy worked in the Bible lesson. day School By Post. They survived every Calgary Diocese in southern Alberta. She Each van was cleaned inside and out hazard that the prairies could create that tried the roads in the Kootenays and was about the- end of October; then it was summer: dust storms, cloudbursts, road known to ask her partner to walk when stored for the winter. The team of washouts, cyclones, mosquitoes ... and an especially tricky piece of road con vanners might stay in a community to amorous bachelors. The van, christened fronted them. “There’s no sense in two teach an active Sunday School group, Pioneer was presented to the people being killed,” she would remark. plus sending, receiving and marking

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 10 papers of the Sunday went to see the School By Post pu Dean and his pils. Miss Hasell went wife. (She had on a speaking tour of been a van eastern Canada and driver in parts of the U.S.A. Athabasca Dio and back to England cese.) We were for a brief Christmas very pleased to visit, followed by see them and fund-raising efforts. their children.” Always she was alert They arrived at for “well trained Whitehorse, Yukon, gentlewomen” (pref on June 15 and were erably with inde welcomed by pendent means of Bishop Greenwood support) who might and his wife. sign up as summer The Diocese workers on the vans. : of Yukon five • is

• This was a time when times the size of many British ladies England yet he were resigned to has only four spinsterhood because - clergy, one of World War I had deci Two Sunday School vanners in trouble near Clinton; RC The photo was taken by Rev. John A. Lloyd in the 1930s. whom is sta mated the population Photo courtesy the Archives, Diocese of Csriboo in Kamloops tioned at Old of eligible males. Miss Crow in the Arc- Hasell sought workers with a Canadian gious inclination and were almost alvv ays tic. connection first, but the majority were welcomed. The vanners watched the “We first went to the Dioc English. Following World War II, fewer development of the Alaska Highway. esan Synod at the old capital and fewer English women came over Miss Hasell and Miss Sayle took the Dawson City 300 miles from for an eighteen-month stint (two sum “eleventh visit to the Alaska Highway” Whitehorse, travelling with one mers on the road in a van with winter in 1959. There are many incidents in the of the Indian W.A. delegates in in an isolated mission outpost). Later report of that summer which are wor Miss Matthews’ car to avoid us vanners were either students or teach thy of sharing with our readers. ing the van. Miss Matthews was ers from Canada or the U.S., some of “Iris and I lectured all across trained at the Anglican Wom whom had been visited by a van when Canada appealing for workers, en’s College in Toronto and children. especially drivers. At last all currently works in Carcross. We Beginning in 1916, a teacher working thirty-one vans were in the went across three ferries on the in Vernon, Miss Iris Sayle, became part field. I inspected the caravans way, one beside a large, almost ner to Miss Hasell. The two were still a to see that all repairs had been finished bridge. The meetings team in 1972. Records of two of their done satisfactorily. I also vis were held in the old St. Paul’s summers highlight circumstances faced ited the Bishops and clergy Hostel that had served as an and problems solved. The new van or about itineraries. Anglican Hostel for Indian chil dered for the rugged Caledonia Diocese The sects seem to be grow dren so that they could go to did not arrive when promised so Miss ing and new training colleges Public and High School. The Hasell and Miss Sayle walked the sixty- are being built by them to train meals were served there and mile pack trail into the Peace River their missionaries who go out many of us were billeted there. block. For two months, carrying knap in large numbers all across the This Hostel has been replaced sacks, accepting rides and borrowing west. Why the Anglican Church by St. Agnes in Whitehorse. Of horses, they penetrated an area of 10,000 cannot start a Training College particular interest was one old square miles where there was one An for women in the west I cannot chief who had travelled by ca glican church and no clergyman. They understand. In despair a few noe then by plane to attend. His managed to cover fifteen to twenty miles Anglicans are training in col address had to be translated. In a day, sleeping in whatever shelter was leges of the sects. the early days missionaries from offered. When at last the van was deliv At the beginning of June, af England had to come in via ered, they covered another section of ter a meeting in Vancouver, Iris Alaska, had to learn four differ the diocese. The report for that summer and I went by the Princess ent languages and translate the states: “912 miles walked, 1,608 by van, Louise, a C.P. ship, from Van Bible and Prayer Book into and 1,633 by other means.” They talked couver to Skagway. We stopped these. One evening we were to families of all nationalities and reli for an hour in Prince Rupert and taken up the steep hill behind

11 B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 the town looking over the Yu- thedral and the Rectory. This agreed to spend the winter in kon and Kiondike Rivers, to see soil arrived two days before the the Rectory in Haines Junction. the sunset at 2 am. Archbishop Queen was expected. The piles We went to Kluane Lake where Clarke, Primate of all Canada, sat where it was planned to seat mothers were carrying on Sun conducted concluding services the extra visitors at service. The day School, then to Camp 1202. ending a productive gathering Canadian Engineers under Mr. The snow was coming down in a land where people still use lsicl Quan came to the rescue the mountains making it very dogsleds for winter travel. spreading the soil and laying a cold camping each night in the We started out in the van. large army tarpaulin laid over van. We could not pass by the South on the Alaska Highway it. Chairs were set on this and Maintenance Camps as people we were needed more than all went well during the Sun watched for us to leave Bible ever, owing to the shortage of day service which was broad assignments and handicrafts to clergy and the great activity of cast to those outside. We were, do. At last we reached the sects, Jehovah Witnesses, however, disappointed that Whitehorse and it really began Mormons, Pentecostals and Queen Elizabeth was ill and to snow. We cook our meals many more. They are all so ac unable to attend. (We all un and write letters in the parish tive and have so many mission derstood the illness better when hall kitchen, a haven of refuge aries and money. This made us Prince Andrew arrived the fol in bad weather. We cleaned the sad to think of so few clergy lowing February.) van inside and out, put it in the and the hundreds of miles up North of Whitehorse over the van garage and had a mechanic and down the highway. Have three hundred miles to the jack it up and put it on blocks. the young men in Canada and Alaska border we visited the We gave our report to the Britain lost the spirit of adven lonely oil pumping stations, Bishop. We had travelled in the ture which the early Bishops taught the children and talked van 3,798 miles and 770 by and clergy had, who came to with the parents. It was a very other means making a total Yukon and the Arctic, or is it sad visit at Haines Junction mileage of 4,568.” materialism? where Rev. Watson had The report is signed “F.H. Eva Hasell, At Brook’s Brook Camp on drowned a few weeks earlier. M.B.E., Founder and Hon. Organiser of Teslin Lake we received the We held a Vacation School in Anglican Sunday School Caravans in usual warm welcome from chil St. Christopher’s Church, me Canada.” She was made a Member of dren and parents. ‘ took the morial to Mr. Watson as he had the British Empire in 1935. In 1965, Eva service (as there is no clergy built it nearly all himself. Miss Hasell became the first woman to be man). The wife of one of the Abbott and Miss Graves from awarded the degree of Doctor of Divin DOT. operators played the England who have been on the ity, honoris causa, by the College of organ. We next held a Vacation Grande Prairie van all summer, Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon. In School at Watson Lake, and an 1969 she was invested with the Order other at the Air Station, eight Financial Statement 1927 of Canada. 1970, the fiftieth anniversary, miles off the highway. The fa aw “business as usual” for Miss Hasell Travelling Expenses thers of the children who lived to Vernon & back from England S484 and Miss Sayle. World War II had held further away brought the chil Iris Sayle from Western her in Canada, otherwise she would canada Caravan Fund dren, including the Royal Ca have had 100 crossings of the Atlantic nadian Mounted Policeman. At Ditto given by E. Hasell for own at the time of the anniversary. Coal River Camp the attendance travelling expenses S484 The Diocese of Kootenay stretches was better than ever. The fami Books & pictures from from the Okanagan eastward to the Al lies on Sunday School By Post caravan Fund S300 berta border. The terrain of the diocese between the camps are more Running Expenses raised by was most difficult, with long lakes, WA. of Kootenay Diocese S125 isolated and wanted us to stay many mountains and rough and incom Board expenses May 26 to Oct. 11 longer. given by E. Hasell $15 plete roads, and at that time was served We heard that the Queen and Expenses of Ltrdeau Trip, without by only thirty Anglican priests. In 1926 Duke of Edinburgh were visit Van, given by E. Hasell S53 Eva Hasell and Iris Sayle worked the ing Whitehorse, therefore we Totals Okanagan, mentioning stops at tiny returned the 500 miles visiting, places from Monte From From From Creek and Sorrento teaching and taking services as Western Canada WA. of E. Hasell to Summerland. They also went down we went. On the main street of Caravan Fund Kootenay Diocese the Arrow Lake to Deer Park, Renata, $784 S125 $552 Whitehorse there was great ac Syringa Creek, Robson, Castlegar, East tivity. The Bishop, in May, had and West Arrow Park, Burton, Fauquier, been offered by Town Council, (signed) F.H. Eva Hasell Edgewood and Needles. The van they a load of soil so that a lawn Hon Sec & Treasurer used for the western section of the could be made around the Ca- Kootenay Diocese was christened “St.

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 12 Michael.” While in the Koootenay came in on October 8th. At the Boundary area they encountered start we had a good deal of trou Doukhohors; Miss Hasell evinced ble with the van which was not great interest in their history and sent out in good shape. The rest tells this Story: of the summer we had no trou We walked five miles up a ble. Mileage in van 4.742.”

mountain to see a family who 1937—40 — Miss Marjorie G. had not been to a service for Barlee worked the St. Michael years. It was a hot day. I sat caravan with several different on a log to talk to the mother drivers and teaching companions: (about Sunday School By Misses Wintle, Calvert, Hawtry, Post) as she stood packing Lloyd, Map Simon, and J. strawberries into boxes. A Sharman. Kathleen Townsbend and Elizabeth Philips pose with the van

Doukhobor — picker came up St. Cuthbert 1937 There were other visit with a basket of strawberries Photo courtesy Anglican Church of Canada, General Synod Archives P. 7804-61 ing missionaries in the East to be packed. She looked at Kootenay. The October 1937 me and said: “You no work. newsletter, The WEB. Home You lazy. ‘tbu fat!” Then turn steader, aroused the ire of the ing to Iris: “You work very Anglican faithful by declaring that hard. You thin!” After these ‘TaTa Creek had no regular comments I felt that I must Christian work being carried on.” either pack strawberries or The vanners left it to Bishop

go. Walter Adams to protest: “... we In 1927 Hasell and Sayle have seven families who regu worked in the West Kootenay. larly receive our literature (Sun They had to leave the van and day School By Post) and TaTa travel by boat, steamer and work Creek was visited four times last trains. They note settlements such summer.” The Bishop requested as Beaton, Trout Lake (followed that arrangements should be by a hike up to the mining camp made to avoid this overlap. A of Ferguson), Gerrard, Lardeau, A group of vanners en route to Canada, circa 1930. Rosalie second letter was sent in May PennelI Argenta, Johnson’s Landing, Ursula Snowden, Gladys Wise Kathleen Townsben4 May Vaughn and Iris Sayle. 1938 as the first (March 14) ap Shutty Bench (where they were Photo courtesy Anglican Church of Canada, General Synod Archives p. 7804-60 peared to have been ignored. told by the schoolteacher that all Miss Frances Brook. leader of the students at that time were Roman Catho her mother,” the Bishop and attendant Women’s Evangelistic Band, wrote from lic, hence no visiting and no service clergy must have been thankful that Miss her home in West ‘‘ancouver on June 7, given). They then went by train from Hasell continued to recruit, and for a 1938, explaining that she had waited for Kaslo to Sandon and Three Forks. The large part, pay the expenses of those her council meeting before replying. The total mileage travelled by these two in volunteers assigned to each Sunday lengthy letter noted: “I know you, with 1927 was 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres) School van. us, regret the absence of Bible teaching and 1,190 children were registered for Workers within the Kootenay Diocese in B.C. schools. The teaching we had Sunday School By Post. in later years included: sought to give is sound and confined to

For many years the van St. Cuthbert 1935 — Miss de C. Buller and Miss F.E. Bible lines, not presenting denomina served the East and West Kootenay while Garnett, who did a very thorough visi tional outlook and not alienating the St. Michael covered the many miles in tation of individuals and families from children from their present church con the Okanagan Deanery. Records in the Sicamous to Revelstoke, Celista to Ea nection. If our workers have found the Kootenay Diocesan Archives in Kelowna gle Bay, Enderby and Mabel Lake, children following up the Sunday School contain reports by many of the ladies Shuswap Fails, Creighton Valley. Lumby By Post, they have sought to encourage who served on either St. Cuthbert or St. and down to Vernon. them in it; if they have lost interest, is

Michael. There are also copies of the 1936 — Miss Molly Tatham and Miss F. not the stimulation of another contest annual letters from Eva Hasell to the Garnett appear to have retraced the worthwhile to draw their attention once succession of Bishops of this diocese. route followed in 1935. This very de more to the word of God? We think it The letters always commence with a tailed report notes items such as “Mrs. is. It would be impossible to find a geo formal “Dear Lord Bishop” and request Olsen had twin girls” or “Don is much graphical area not already covered by approval of the workers for each of the better after three months in Vancouver the Anglican and United Church organi vans during the forthcoming season. (hospital)” or “Smiths moved to their sation, and yet in the isolated parts (and Apart from one summer when there was new house up the hill behind their old we count them our first charge) that can muffled discord between a young one.” A summary of their season states: only mean an occasional, perhaps yearly teacher and a driver “old enough to be “We left Vernon on 18th of May and or bi-yearly visit. Does it not leave room

13 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 for another testimony, another voice, months and returned to St. Cuthbert in clearly insisted that the caravans were which in our much favored Homeland the spring. In the fall of 1939 they were to be manned by women, even when a so often means reaping what another has unable to cross the Atlantic; they chose minister suggested that he and his wife sown and our Lord has taught us that instead to stay in Kaslo, B.C., where they take a route for that summer. The vans sower and reaper can rejoice together?” started a Girl Guide Company and eventually outlived their mechanical Then, almost as a P.S., Miss Brooks prom Brownie Pack. These two Guiders/Train endurance; volunteers were increasingly ised to seek to avoid errors such as ap ers spent subsequent winters in either hard to find. Sunday School By Post was peared in the Homesteader of October Vancouver or Victoria where Illingworth disbanded in 1969. last. Several Anglicans would have to became Provincial Commissioner and Miss Hasell was unable to come out swallow their pride after this tempest in Hannah, Provincial Training Chairman. in the summer of 1973 but four vans a teapot. 1948 — Misses Sheila Harris and M. operated in Qu’Appelle, Caledonia, A lifetime resident of Wasa, B.C., which Dibben were together on the van St. Calgary and Saskatchewan dioceses. Eva at that time shared the mailing address of C’uthbert in 1948. Their schedule was Hasell passed away in May 1974 and Ta Ta Creek, eagerly volunteered that the interrupted several times by road and Iris Sayle died shortly after. Miss Sayle Sunday School van parked each summer bridge washouts in that year of great left £500 to the mission and Hasell beside the lake where her brother now flooding. Miss Harris was very young, £10,000 from her estate, worth £200,000 has his home. “We would bring our energetic and capable. Miss Dibbens had before taxes. A Canadian organization lunches and stay all day. There were about to do all the driving because Miss Harris, named “Western Canada Sunday School eight or nine of us. It was the highlight of 20, freshly arrived from England, was Caravan Fund” was established from our summer.” not eligible for a driver’s licence. Pa which individual dioceses could apply

1937—?? — Miss Jean Bostock of Monte rishioners were not aware of the dis for funds for special programs. Eva Creek served as coordinator for the cord between these two workers, whom Hasell’s original program served well in van(s) and Sunday School By Post in Miss Haseil noted “were the only two its day; present needs are met with the Okanagan Deanery. She was Cana of all the 58 from the Pacific to the At money set aside because of this inspir dian born, schooled in England, the sec lantic that were not happy. That is why ing lady from Carlisle, England. ond daughter of pioneer M.P. Hewitt I did not move one of them as I did not Bostock (later Senator Bostock).’ wish to upset the other teams.”

1931—44 — Sisters Emmaline and Jessie 1960 — The volunteers found by Miss The author received Sunday School By Paxton ran the Sunday School By Post Hasell serve each diocese to in were Post papers as a cbil4 met some ofthe out of Nelson and did some summers in introduced to the local bishop with ref vanners and thought the history ofthese the St. Cuthbert caravan. These two sec erences such as: “Miss Helen Holmes, pioneer women worth sharing with our retaries/markers/mailers serviced 509 aged 28, a Solicitor from Carlisle is a readers. families (1,089 children) in the Nelson and very experienced driver and a keen Sun Cranbrook areas in the sample year of day School teacher. She is giving up a FOOTNOTE

1941. When permission was granted in good salaried post in England to come Gentleuvnwn ofMonte Creek by Eleanor Witton 1944 for civilians to book passage back and do this work. She has a very good Hancock. to England, the Misses Paxton moved reference from her Vicar, and is now quickly. Mr. and Mrs. L. Paddon of Nel doing a running repairs course. Also she BIBLIOGRAPHY son volunteered to take care of papers has a good Doctor’s Certificate (i.e., is Frontier Od,scei Canadian Sunday School Cjrava,, for Sunday School By Post children until medically fit).” This was written in an Mission Z92O—J97(. published by the Diocese o Qu’Appelle. a new secretary assumed responsibility. April 1960 reference, in a letter with a Correspondence reveals the recruiting postscript that “Mrs. Craft who served Ups and Downs of caravan Work The Eleventh Visit to the Alaska Highway by Eva Hasell, of Margaret Orman whose father was earlier on St. Michael for two years, is 1959. rector in Rossland. Margaret had been prepared to come out in May.” Missionart’ on Wheels by Vera Fast, pp. 35—41. assistant secretary for Sunday School By While most of the work vanners by the Selected reports 192(l967 from Diocese of Kx)tenay Post for Saskatchewan. It was agreed was appreciated, there were a few par Anglican Church Archives. Special thanks to archivists that she would be paid $40 per month ishes where the incumbent reverend did Gail Greenhaigh and Bert Billesherger. in the winter and $50 when out in the not cooperate before or after the vanning Archives, Anglican Church of Canada, 600 Jarvis Street, van. Her father sweetened the offer by season. Reports might contain mention Toronto. Thanks to Dorothy Kealey. promising $10 per month for her to serve of disappointment that recommenda lnterviesv with Barbara Roberts of Wasa. as organist in his church, as well as hav tions from the previous year had not ing free room and board ... free but with been acted upon. This might be omis expectation to nurse a sick mother! sion of training willing candidates for

1932—47 — Miss Margaret Hannah, tall confirmation. Or, although many of and raw-boned, lived and worked year- these ladies were granted Lay Reader round with her shorter, equally enthusi status and were prepared to conduct astic friend, Dinah “Di” Illingworth. Prior service for adults as well as children, to WWII they paid their own way to rarely were they permitted to do this, England or Scotland for the winter even in unmanned churches. Miss Hasell

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 14 The Marine Building Revisited In the Spring 1994 issue (Vol. 27:2), Robin Ward’s pho tograph of the Burrard Street entrance of the Marine Building was reproduced without acknowledgement. Your editor apologizes for this omission. The picture is shown below with the missing credits ... this time with the kind permission of Mr. Robin Ward. Here, too, we present, with permission, Mr. Ward’s drawing of the Marine Building. This drawing is featured in Robin Ward’c Heritage West Coast by Harbour Publishing, based on his weekly column on architectural heritage in The Vancouver Sun.

This photograph of the Burrard Street entrance to the Marine Building was taken by Robin Ward for the book Exploring Vancoswe Photo courtesy Robin Ward

The Canadian Museum ofFlight and Transportation byJack Meadows

A major upheaval confronts the Canadian Mu weathers, and the future of the museum itself seum of Flight which is being ejected by a Sur was in doubt. Now, after several appeals, Surrey rey Council that seems unappreciative both of has finally confirmed the museum must move, The Canadian Museum af Flights Hsndley Page Hampden is the Only one at its kind rottrewonld çanother retriennd from Finnish bog will soon be restored at RAE Museum history and the contribution to tourism made by perhaps as early as next June. ktenctor, UK). Hamens were part of RAF Bomber Command’s 1939-41 front line. this collection which brings in visitors from all Of the possible altemative sites, at present Thfr Canaetan-beitt version, eperahng hoer Pat Bay, aashed into Sasnka inlet in round the world. Boundary Bay Airport in Delta seems the most 1942 when on a trepede-dropping enerctoe. E%scovereri in the SOs in 600 feet of water by museum volunteers, the wreckage was lifted, taken to Crescent Band, and Started in 1971 by a group of enthusiasts dis likely. The immense task of moving anywhere is over the yearn painotakinpiy rebudit piece by piece. turbed at Canada’s loss to foreigners of impor only a small part of the huge costs involved and tant historic aircraft, the museum was in 1977 the museum fears it may have to sell perhaps a coast and north might never have been opened incorporated as a non-profit charitable society. substantial part of its exhibits to raise the neces up. It is vital this part of our history continues to Its collection at Crescent Beach grew to some sary capital. These will almost certainly go out of be made known to future generations. seventy aircraft, some flyable, many complete, province, out of Canada. The vultures are already Interest and support — financial, moral or prac others awaiting restoration. Covering the 1930— hovering. tical — is urgently needed from anyone concerned 1950s, they include jet fighters, WWII bombers The museum has always been entirely volun with our history or with aviation (receipts for tax and trainers, bush planes, helicopters, light air teer-run, with no help from governments at any purposes are available). CMFT is determined to craft, all with some story of our past. There are level, other than a few make-work grants some stay alive and grow, even if this has to be from a also many other artifacts and the largest avia years ago. The only aviation museum on the B.C. smaller base. It welcomes new members (cur tion library in B.C. mainland, it looks at the five flourishing Alberta rently there are some 2,000, not all active). In the early 80s the museum was faced with ones, and the much smaller one at Pat Bay on At the end of October public display will close possible eviction when the land on which it lives Vancouver Island, all of which have had official for the winter but it is hoped to keep at least the rent-free was slated for expropriation by Surrey support, and wonders at its own treatment. gift shop open until the move. Write to 13527 Council. From then on long-range planning was Aviation took over in Canada where the rail Crescent Road, B.C. V4P 1J5, telephone (604) impossible, valuable aircraft stood out in all ways stopped. Without aircraft, much of the B.C. 535-1115.

15 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994

16 News 1994 Fall Historical B.C. -

he hours long the but taking husband of job cated the to her assign editor and face an with woman oval attractive

dedi and conscientious her of a proud Canadian had she persuaded because small a as Helen Jones describes Donald

was Helen Minnesota. to family moved plates photographic and tripod camera, Toronto,” “Historical article his In

the and practitioner a come general lugging was a Helen Japan. and couver Empire. British the in Mus.Bac.

offer be to an received he to school, cal route en Van by train, Toronto left woman she first the was indeed,

medi from graduated Flesher she When introduction, of letters with Armed and, M.A. the BA., the the Mus.Bac.,

be successful highly to parliament. of bers and take to first the Toronto, College,

which proved local a started newspaper mem leading the to interview was Trinity of Helen first undergraduate woman

two women the mothe from money her Diet. the parliament, representative first the became subsequently She Toronto.

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run mother Helen’s house, the Japan, to help to was first assignment to Helen’s battle a court fought ther successful

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week next his in the She agent. a spent her Helen offered he by that the tivated became Ontario, and Hamilton,

of son the land a cap so man, handsome young was He magazine. to Cosmopolitan but moved Quebec, later treal,

Helen stops, a met of one train At her of editor the was the audience Mon in men had in born been He Tory. glican

life. her change would the of One D.C. Washington, in An Club bilingual ardently a and completely

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expenses. did Little her pay help would 1890, she the at twenty-six, of age a In was Gregory, Silas father, Helen’s

added This assignment Vancouver. to rie Venus.” as Pocket “The reporters fellow Columbia. British

the across trip prai the pass by on her would dubbed was she career, nalistic in judge a as be to appointed woman

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families now immigrant the of corn. photos He of colour the hair of mass a MA,, B.A., MacGill, Gregory Helen

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______devoted to his practice made him ill, and be refunded to Mrs. MacGill.” boy offourteen may contract a legal within a few years he was dead. To sup On January 10, 1912, Mrs. MacGill marriage in B.C. with the consent ofthe port her family, Helen now returned to reported interviewing Mr. Bowser, the father orguardian appointed by thefa journalism, this time in St. Paul. Attorney-General, in Victoria, and pre ther. The motherc consent is not neces Over the years Helen had been re senting to him the amendments to ex sary fthefather is living. ceiving letters from a former classmate isting laws concerning women and For many years the University Wom at Trinity, James MacGill. He was now a children, desired by the club. en’s Club, the Local Council of Women, prosperous lawyer in Vancouver; within Helen made every effort through ex the Political Equality League, and other a few years they were married. Imme isting organizations to rouse public opin organizations, has asked that the law give diately after the marriage, he brought ion. During the winter months of recognition to the right of the married his wife and the two boys to their new 1910—11, they arranged a series of law mother to share equally with the father home in Vancouver. lectures open to the public and deliv in the guardianship of their children. They took a rented house on Comox ered by judges and barristers. One was Under thepresent law, while the child Street near Burrard, in the new residen the court magistrate, Alfred E. Bull. ofan unmarried mother belongs to het tial district, the West End. This was a Turning to the club minutes of Febru the child ofthe married mother belongs frame house, two-storied, with piped- ary 27, 1912, we note: exclusively to thefather during his 4fe- in water and electricity. They had a Chi The Club decision to ask for leg time. lJntil 1913, the father could will naman named Gong who, like his fellow islation to remove disabilities away from the mother the child unborn domestics, slept in “Chinatown” and from women desiring to prac at the time of his death. Mothers in B.C. came early to work, wages fifteen dol tise law in this province had were living under an Act passed in the lars per month. About 3,000 Orientals been followed by energetic ac time of King Charles II. lived in communities on Pender and tion. The editorial support of In the lifetime of the father, the mother Cordova Streets in those days, princi the Province and the News Ad had no right to the child’s person or pally Chinese labourers from the years vertiser had been secured, and estate, either against the father or the of the CPR railroad construction in the Mr. Bowser was to bring in the guardian he may choose to appoint. Rockies. The family later had a house Bill as a Government measure The Official Guardian Act: If thefa on Greer’s Beach, renamed Kitsilano. if favored by the Benchers; if ther has not appointed a guardian to act In Vancouver, Helen turned to the otherwise, a private member after his death with the mothei the Court women’s societies for friendship and had been secured to introduce may appoint the Official Guardian to charitable duty. She joined the Univer the Bill. actjointly with the mother The Official sity Women’s Club which had been or In February, the University Women’s Guardian is entitled to receive by way ganized in 1907. There she found loyal Club was informed that a bill permitting of commission 5% of the gross value of and enthusiastic support for her work. women to practice at the bar in B.C. had the estate under his guardianship, and The members were a cosmopolitan, ar passed into law on February 27, 1912. such commission is aftrst charge on the ticulate and erudite lot. They believed Early in her career Helen had cam estate. that an educated woman had a public paigned for women’s suffrage. As well, Divorce: By an Act coming downfrom duty as well as a private one. she became a founding member of the Colony days there is in B.C., Jurisdic Shortly after joining the club, Helen Vancouver Women’s Press Club in 1909, tion to grant divorce. This Act entitles a became chairman of the Laws Commit at Glencoe Lodge on the corner of Geor husband to divorce his wifefor a single tee. Club members were shocked to gia and Burrard. This was followed by act ofadultery. The wfe may not obtain learn how debased was domestic legis Helen becoming a founding member of a divorce for adultery alone however lation in B.C. These women dared the the Vancouver Creche, a free nursery numerous the husband offences may impossible by boldly resolving to peti for children of working mothers. be. This despite the light that medical tion the government for changes. In 1913, at her own expense, Helen research throws upon the auful danger Helen turned to history to trace the brought out a little book, Daughters, of infection and consequent suffering. provincial law to its source. She learned Wives and Mothers in British Columbia, When this English Act was passed in that an Imperial Proclamation in 1858, Some Laws Regarding Them. Helen sold 1857, Mr. William Gladstone spoke 29 promulgated when the B.C. mainland the book privately for twenty-five cents, times in a 10 hour debate, in eloquent became a Crown colony, declared: “The to anyone who wanted it. She dedicated protest against a clause so immoral and current law of England was to prevail the book to the Countess of Aberdeen, so unjust. in the Colony subject to change by the “Whose Deep and Abiding Interest in The DowerAct: In B.C. the home may Colonial Legislature.” the Welfare of her Sex, has Endeared be sold mortgaged, or otherwise disposed No one had been concerned over laws her to Women of all Nationalities.” ofwithout the wife consenl her signa affecting women and children and they Helen pointed out in her book that ture or even her knowledge. The hus had remained largely unchanged. when our local legislature had passed no band by will, may leave his wife Turning to the minutes of the Univer civil law, and the federal Parliament no penniless. sity Women’s Club: December 9, 1911, criminal law, then reference was always Helen began spending more of her moved by Farris/Fuller “that $10.00 ex taken to English law as it was in 1858. time fighting for the right to vote. pended in the purchase of copies of laws AgeforMarriage: A girl oftwelve or a When B.C. established a Minimum

17 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 Wage Board, Helen was the only woman On May 4, 1947, a memorial service on its first board. was held for Helen in the library of the 1993 ENTRIES On March 19, 1913, a special edition University of British Columbia, The serv B.C. HISTORICAL FEDERATION of the Sun newspaper came out, The ice was arranged by the University Wom WRITING COMPETITION Women c Extra. This edition was pub en’s Club in her memory and the club lished to help raise money to build a presented a plaque which was to be Rough and Ready Times: Port Mellon Vancouver Women’s Clubhouse Build placed in the east wall of the reading by Eileen Frith with Peter Trower ing. Helen wrote an article in which she room. During the service, Helen’s chil Stanley Park by Mike Steele said: “So far as we know, nowhere in dren returned her LL.D. robes to the Uni North Coast Odyssey by Kenneth Campbell the history of women’s work, has there versity of British Columbia. The Legacy and The Challenge Richard Rajala been a project of housing together un Alexander M. Manson, formerly Attor by women’s Women of the West Coast Then and Now der one roof, public service ney-General and at that time judge of by Mamie Anderson organizations.” the Supreme Court of the province, gave * Taku: The Heart of North America’s Great Among the organizations banded to the address. He acknowledged the con Wilderness by Allison Mitcham gether for this common purpose were tribution Helen had made to society by /* Women Volunteer to Go to Prison: The the Local Council of Women, the Gradu using her skill as a journalist, her knowl Elizabeth Fry Society by Lee Stewart ated Nurses Club, the Equal Franchise edge of the law, her influence with A Traveller’s Guide to Historic B.C. by Rosemary Neering Society, Women’s Musical Club, Daugh women’s groups. She managed to rouse Vancouver’s Many Faces by Kevin Griffin ters of the Empire, Political Equality public opinion so that necessary steps Vancouver: A History in Photographs League, Women’s Canadian Club, and were taken by the government to enact by Aynsley Vogel and Dana Wyse the Women’s University Club. This Van laws for improved conditions for women Land of Dreams: Photos of B.C. Interior couver Women’s Building did material and children. by Meredith Bain Woodward ize at 752 Thurlow Street, the The Hon. Justice Manson said: “Un Craigflower Country cornerstone being laid in 1926. The af der the auspices of the University Wom Edited by Maureen Duffus fairs of this association of women wound en’s Club of Vancouver, we are The Wild McLeans by Mel Rothenburger up in 1940, at which time the building assembled this afternoon to pay tribute The Beaver by James Delgardo itself was turned over to the Salvation to a life rich in service, and to mark the Coasters by Rob Morris Army. esteem in which she was held by those The Port of Vancouver by Jim Lyon In 1917 Helen was appointed B.C. ‘s of her day and generation, by placing a with Barbara Duggan People of Terra Nullius first provincial woman judge, working tablet to her memory in these Halls of by Boyce Richardson in the Juvenile Court. Learning.” The People’s Railway by Donald MacKay Helen also found time to become From Maps to Metaphors president of the University Women’s Edited by Robin Fisher and Hugh Johnston Club, 1917—18, and throughout the rest The writer is a member of the Univer Ships and Memories by Eric W. Sager of her life she enjoyed their friendship sity Women’s Club in Vancouver where Comox Valley Memories by Judy Hagen and support. In 1938 she was awarded she spends volunteer time organizing, The Sculpture of Elek lmredy an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from and using, the archives. Edited by Terry Noble the University of British Columbia. They Write Their Dreams on the Rock Forever by A. York, R. Daly and C. Arnett Helen’s daughter, Elsie Gregory ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MacGill, P.Eng., a consulting engineer in Fields of Endeavour by Albert E. Field Jones, Donald, ‘Historical Toronto,” Toronto Globe The Tokens of Greenwood and Phoenix, aeronautics, wrote a book about her and Mail, september 21, 1985. B.C. by Ronald Greene mother in 1955, MyMother thejudge. Elsie Minutes from the Archives of the University Women’s Fishing for a Living by Alan Haig-Brown suggests “that throughout the life of each Club, Vancouver. Grace: The Story of Grace Maclnnis of us runs a dominant trait that reveals by S.P. Lewis MacGill, Helen Gregory, Daughters, Wives and Mothers our moral purpose and dictates a recur in British Columbia, Sonic Laws Regarding Them. The Grizzlies and White Guys by Clayton Mack, ring pattern of thought and action, clearly Metre Printing Co. Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., 1913. Edited by Harvey Thommasen discernable in our work. golden My Father, My Friend by Arthur Mayse Helen’s MacGill, Elsie Gregory, Mi’ Mother theJudge, Toronto, thread was a passionate yet objective sym Ryerson, 1955. Raincoast Chronicles 15: Stories and pathy for the hurt, the History of the B.C. Coast helpless, the ex Edited by Howard White ploited, and throughout her life it traced Robin Ward’s Heritage West Coast a recurring pattern of public service di by Robin Ward rected toward their succour.” * Whistle Punks and Widow Makers Helen retired in 1945, having seen by Robert E. Swanson most of her personally urged reforms A Shadow Passes by Ursula Surtees become law. She developed during her More Tales from the Outer Gulf Islands twenty-three years in the Juvenile Courts, Edited by Douglas Harker standards that gained general accept Reviewed by this magazine ance. This remarkable woman died at * Winners age eighty-three in 1947.

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 18 Adelaide Bailey: Exemplary Teacher 1857—1949 by Carolyn Cross

Adelaide Susan Steinberg Bailey was a incited great celebration among the cal appearance complemented her per pioneer woman in British Columbia’s his whites and much curiosity among the sonality to provide the overall impres tory. She grew up in Yale, yet she managed Indians. However rustic this community sion of being an authority figure. She to obtain the skifis and knowledge to be had been, Adelaide managed to acquire was known to make a decision that come one of the first frontier teachers in education and was knowledgeable would not, under any circumstance, be British Columbia. She taught for thirty years enough to pass the Teachers Certifica altered. A clear example of her stead with excellence and enthusiasm, and con tion examination in Victoria in June of fast decisions was her eighteen-year tributed much to the establishment of sev 1875 at the age of seventeen. She also chilling reception to advances by John ersl new communities. became proficient at playing the piano, Fingal Smith. Adelaide’s early experience Adelaide Bailey was born in San Fran a talent that was very advantageous in may have influenced her not to marry cisco on December 11, 1857, the first future years. young, nor to have any children of her child of Benjamin Bailey and Sarah Adelaide was well suited for her cho own. She was a career woman and did Margaret Paterson. Her father, born not want children to confound her in Boston, came to California lured ability to make a living for herself. by the promise of gold. Similarly, her Once a woman was married, her rnother with her parents Captain and chances of maintaining a job were Mrs. Paterson, travelled from Hobart, very slim as “married women were Tasmania, aboard her father’s seldom deemed suitable to be in the schooner to the California gold fields. classroom.”3 These aspects of her In 1860 Benjamin Bailey was drawn character, combined with her dedi to British Columbia by better pros cation to education and conscientious pects in the new Cariboo gold rush, attitude, allowed Adelaide Bailey to and had the foresight to establish a become an excellent teacher who freight trading business in Yale where gained the respect of the people in the road through the Fraser Canyon the communities where she taught. was under construction. A year later, Miss Bailey began teaching in Fort his wife and two children sailed to Hope in August 1875. The school was British Columbia aboard the steamer “held in a very dilapidated, old house BrotherJonathan to join him. After a and [had] for a long time been brief stay at the Colonial Hotel in propped up to prevent its falling.”4 Esquimalt, they obtained passage Despite the decrepit state of the across the Strait of Georgia and up school facility, Adelaide provided an the Fraser River to Hope: There they excellent education for the children were met by Mr. Bailey and travelled of Fort Hope. When Miss Bailey left upstream to the bustling frontier town Fort Hope her “departure was much of Yale — the gateway to the Cariboo. Adelaide Bailey. This studio portrait, taken in regretted by all interested in the Mrs. Bailey never was favorably im Victoria circa 1888 was given to George A. Ciafr school, which [there] meant the en pressed with Yale, despite being as of Yale and Vancouver as a Christmas g/2L The collection of George A. Clair is now in the tire population.”5 sured by Governor Douglas that Vancouver archives. The journey to Yale, the location “there will be trails and wagon roads, Photo courtesy City of Vancouver Archives No. Port P.45 of her new teaching assignment, from even a railway built through here be Fort Hope was an adventure she fore long.”’ There were times that she sen career as a public school teacher. wrote about years later. She and Mr. John had to close the curtains to prevent As the eldest child, “Addie” had the re Jessop, Superintendent of Schools, who Adelaide and her siblings from seeing sponsibility of helping her mother with had finished inspecting her former lawbreakers hung. ft was in this rough the care of her siblings. This allowed school, “went together to Yale by ca town that Adelaide grew up. The Bai her to develop a stern, but caring char noe which had to be towed along the leys lived in Yale for twenty years and acter. She was described as “a strong, bank of the Fraser in many places by twelve of their fifteen children were born forceful woman, though underneath the Indians on account of the swiftness there, including a set of twins, which very kind.”2 Her tall and angular physi of the current. In one instance, the tow

19 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 rope broke and [theyl shot back with we were among the first passengers to found work in Clinton. In 1894, Adelaide great velocity. The Indian crew managed cross the Fraser on the C.P.R. train. Mr. was chosen to be the first teacher at the to take them safely to Yale.”6 Onclerdonk had an elaborate champagne burgeoning East Kootenay town, Fort Miss Bailey taught for three years in luncheon provided for us.”7 Thus Miss Steele. Yale before being transferred to Lytton. Bailey experienced train travel as soon Miss Bailey began teaching twelve stu During her time in Yale, she probably as it was available in British Columbia. dents in a one-room school in Fort Steele taught her younger brothers and sisters, After losing her job in Lytton, Adelaide in 1895. The school was a new building making for an interesting and possibly quickly acquired the position of princi “neatly furnished with desks, maps, awkward situation. She provided excep pal at the Nanaimo Girls School. When blackboards, etc.”9 The school was tional education as one of her students, she resigned from Nanaimo she was heated by a large wood stove; however, John Shaw, later became the principal told, “We would rather have the whole the heating was not sufficient. Mildred of the Nanaimo Boys’ School. She taught staff of teachers resign than yourself”8. Mather. one of Miss Bailey’s students, in Lytton from 1880 to the fall of 1884 a testimonial she cherished until her remembered Miss Bailey coming “to when the Lytton school was acciden dying day. She then taught briefly in a school wearing one buttoned boot and tally burnt down, and she was released one-room school in Cadboro Bay, near one laced boot. She would sit up at her from her contract. Victoria, in 1885. little table with her feet resting on a hot

During the time she spent in the Adelaide was the first teacher at Bo rock — the floors were that cold!”10 Cariboo, she braved the rigors of stage naparte Creek (in the southern Cariboo) Miss Bailey joined the Anglican Wom coaches, sleighs, canoes, and travel on in 1886. About that time a teacher at en’s Guild and soon held the position horseback. One description she left says: Ashcroft, John Fingal Smith, became of vice-president. She inspired the la “On my first trip to I.ytton I started from acquainted with her brothers, who had dies to raise funds for an organ. Church Yale at 3 am, by Barnard’s Express. I business at the railhead there, and also services for all denominations were held drove behind a team of six horses, the met Miss Bailey. When she was trans in the schoolhouse, initially with lay leaders being the only ones unbroken, ferred to Clinton, he was able to visit readers, then trained clergy for both the much to my terror. The driver, Steve during holidays and weekends. When Anglicans and Presbyterians in 1898. For Tingley, entertained the passengers by Ashcroft school closed due to lack of weddings, funerals and social services, pointing out the dangerous parts of the sufficient enrolment, Mr. Smith quickly Miss Bailey volunteered as organist un Cariboo Road such as Jackass Mountain, til 1899 when she resigned from the Hell’s Gate, and Roaring Canyon etc. In position as organist. the winter we had to travel by sleighs By 1897 the school population had and often the road was in very danger J .-‘ grown significantly and a new school ous condition with ice and snow. One house was constructed; the former time the runner broke and we were left schoolhouse became exclusively St. helpless and had to walk over a mile to John’s Anglican Church. In January 1898 a ‘stopping place’ while the runner was Miss Bailey, along with an assistant taken back to Yale, a distance of 20 miles “rrlonitor” Mrs. James Clark, provided for repairs. C.P.R. Engineer Eberts was education in the new one-room school. a passenger on this occasion and shortly Adelaide was promoted to the position after met a tragic death when climbing of principal. The report by Mr. William the steep side of the Fraser. During the Burns, inspector of public schools from C.P.R. construction the mode of cross Nelson, was “much pleased by the pro ing the Fraser at Cisco Flat was in a car ficiency of the pupils and the work done slung on a cable extending across the by the zealous teacher, Miss Bailey. [Hel river at a high elevation, large enough was surprised at the large attendance.” to carry a few passengers and a bale of The school population continued to hay. When the cantilever bridge at the grow. Another room had to be built onto mouth of the Thompson was completed the schoolhouse and another teacher I rode horseback from Lytton, in com was hired to teach in the senior room. pany with Engineer Hannington, his wife John Fingal Smith was the first to hold and others to be present at the open this new position. He, along with his ing. This was the second of this type of successors, took over the principalship bridge built on this continent and linked and were paid $70 a month. Adelaide’s the section of the Onderdonk contract wage decreased to $60 a month; a wage between Kamloops and Yale. Mr. identical to her initial teaching wages Onderdonk, with a party of friends, twenty-three years earlier. During these John FingalSmith. Thisportrait appears came from Yale on a construction train to have been taken in the same studio in final seven years of Miss Bailey’s teach decorated with bunting and evergreens. Victoria as Addie’s 1888 picture, and ing career, she remained as a teacher at We walked over the bridge and got on was also in the George A. Clair collection. Fort Steele school under several male Photo courtesy City of Vancouver Archives No. Port P.54 board the train so as to be able to say principals, including Mr. King, Mr. W.L.

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 20 - office and staff, includingJohn Fingal Smith, were transferred from Fort Steele to Cranbrook. Adelaide taught until June, and while she was visit ing her family in Victoria, she sub mitted her resignation from Fort Steele school. John Fingal Smith and Adelaide Susan Steinberg Bailey were married in St. Barnabas Angli can Church in Victoria on Decem ber 11, 1905. Adelaide wore a navy blue suit while her sister in attend ance wore a cream-coloured ensem ble. The newlyweds returned home to Cranbrook and resided across from present-day Baker Park on 14th Avenue. Mr. Smith worked as the Govern ment Agent for Cranbrook between 1906 to 1918, then he retired on a small pension. Adelaide took advan This was a postcard sentJanuary 1904 from A.S..a (Aunt Addie) to a nephew in Asbcroft, 1C tage of her spare time to do things The picture was takenfrom the original water tower in Fort Steele, showing the remains ofthe she never managed to do in earlier Mountie barn and the board sidewalk along Riverside Avenue. years. She took swimming lessons with a group of twelve-year-olds at Tompkins, Mr. Reid, Mr. Jas Hislop, Mr. for the school when it needed a new the Cranbrook pool. She went skating Tupper Blakeney and Mr. A. Holland. bell. Miss Bailey encouraged commu on the community rink and enjoyed tak Adelaide’s teaching ability was far su nity involvement in school events she ing turns around the ice with teenagers perior to that of her male colleagues. planned, such as Christmas school con who sought her as a partner. Adelaide Her pupils were making “fair progress” certs and picnics. Miss Bailey and a few is remembered for wearing feather boas, whereas the senior grades teachers’ stu others threw themselves into fund-rais a fashion accessory popular after World dents were “not advanced in problem ing for a hospital at Fort Steele. Once War I. work, land] backward [withl apparently the hospital was operational, Adelaide Mr. Smith bought an early Ford car as little progress made.”12 was one of the board of directors and a gift for his new bride. The vehicle was During the summer of 1897, Miss Bai Mr. Smith became the hospital secretary- ley was granted a permanent teaching treasurer. Citizens either donated funds certificate. This Length of Service cer or materials, or subscribed to a prepaid tificate was granted to only two teach insurance plan. Whatever Miss Bailey ers, both self-taught. This meant that put her efforts into, she was praised, Adelaide did not have to go to Victoria with comments such as “with names like to write teacher examinations each sum Miss Bailey connected with it, it means mer. However, most summers she re success.”13 turned to Victoria to spend time with Miss Bailey and Mr. Smith’s relation her family who moved there from Yale ship continued throughout their time in in 1885. Fort Steele. A story handed down by John Fingal Smith obtained a job as a neighbours claims that Mr. Smith cooked clerk in the government office after his porridge every morning and took a hot short teaching career in Fort Steele. He bowlful of this to Addie. These same had a house in the next block to the neighbours had been told in confidence cottage occupied by Miss Bailey. He that Adelaide chose to avoid marriage escorted her to whatever dances, musi until she was past child-bearing age. By cal performances or social gatherings 1902, public criticism about their long- were taking place. In December 1895, term relationship was printed in the so their names, along with the “elite” of cial column in The Prospectot the local Fort Steele, were listed among those at newspaper. “There is an old bachelor tending a ball held in Wasa. They par in this town who has been waiting on Two great-nephews with “AuntAddie” in ticipated in fund-raising performances the same girl more than twenty years. Vernon in January 1937. Bill Baldwin, for either the Presbyterian Church or the He must lack a great deal of nerve.”14 left, andJack Baldwin. FThoto courfesy George Baldwin’s family album Anglican Church. They also raised funds In January of 1905, the government

21 B.C. Historical News . Fall 1994 rarely used as he preferred to walk Cranbrook, B.C. 1936. A Faithful Lover 10. Schoolhouse File. p. 6. within town and use horse and buggy for 18 years and a Devoted Husband 11. Grace. October 8, 1898, p. 8. for more distant errands. Mrs. Smith, a for 31 years.” There is a plot beside this lady, was not allowed to drive the car. which is unoccupied. 12. Public School Reports 1899—1900. Young men around watched this car Adelaide remained in Cranbrook for 13. Grace. December 14, 1895. with envy, especially when Mr. Smith about three years, then went to live with 14. Ibid. May 24, 1902, p. 2. took it out of the garage to clean and or near relatives at the coast. She was polish every feature on it. with her sister Amy, Mrs. Sinnott of BIBLIOGRAPHY Adelaide and John remained very ac White Rock, when she passed away on Annual Public School Reports of British Columbia and tive members of the church. John be January 22, 1949. She was given an An Public School Reports, 1874—1875 to 1904—1905. came a parishioner at Christ Anglican glican service at a funeral chapel and Church in Cranhrook shortly Bailey, Adelaide. Records of the Pioneers of the Colonies before he laid to rest in Surrey Center Cemetery. of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. British married Adelaide, as well as maintain The grave has a simple marker: “Susan oltt ,nhia Archives, pp. 87—90. ing his ties to the Presbyterian Church. Adelaide Smith 1857—1949.” ltarman. Jean. “Pioneer Teachers of British Columbia,” They worshipped at the Anglican Church British Colombia Historical News. Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. on Sunday mornings and at the Presby 15—IS. terian on Sunday evenings. Adelaide also The author prepared a study of Miss Broadland, T.R. ‘Fort Steele: British Columbia’s ‘Instant’ Anglican Ghost Town,” Beaitqfiil British columbia. Vol. 9, No. taught Sunday School. John Baileyfor her History ofEducation as 2, Fall 1967, pp. 22—30. was an elder and the church secretary signment at the University of Victoria for the Presbyterian Church for several three years ago. Since that time new The Cra,zhrook Herald. Vol. 26, No. 32, October 3, years. He represented the East Kootenay details have been uncovered and are 1924, p. 6. at national meetings, one of which saw included in this article. Grace, Alt. The Prospector (Fort Steele). 1895—1905. the creation of the United Church of ENDNOTES House, Candice L. The Gaibraiths and the Kootenaj’s. Canada in 1925. Vantage Press Inc., New York: 1969. Adelaide’s mother became ill in 1924. 1. The CranhrookHerakl Vol. 26, No. 32. October 3, She spent several months in Victoria 1924, p. 6. Obituary ot Mrs. Bailey. Inwoixi, Datniart. Fort Steele: The Golden Era. Sunfire Publications Limited, Langley, ll.C.: 1988. nursing her mother. However, her 2. Schoolhouse File. Fort Steele Archives, p. 6. mother succumbed to her illness in Sep Johnson, F. Henry. “The Ryersonian Influence on the l’ublic School System of British Columbia.” tember of that year. 3. Jean Barman. Pioneer Teachers ol British Columbia,” Brbish Cilt,,nbia ThstortcalAbus. Vol. John In October 1936, a fire destroyed 25, No. 1. p 16. Johnson. F Henry. Jessop’ Gold Seeker and ls€lttca!or. much of the library in the Smith’s home. Mitchell Press Limited, Vancouver: 1971. 4. Annual Public school Reports 1874—1875, p. 25. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were rescued by Mr. Johnson, F. Henr.’. A Histo?j’ ofPublic Education in and Mrs. Erickson, then taken the 5. Ibid. Brittsh Colombia. .Morris Printing Company Ltd., to Victoria: 1964. home of Anglican Reverend Harrison. 6. Adelaide Bailey. Records of the Pioneers of the John Fingal Smith died a few days later Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Leigbton, Douglas. Fort Steele Reborn,” Canadtan GeoRraphic. Vol. 104, No.2 ApriL/May 1984, 34—41. as a result of shock. After his memorial Columbia. British Columbia Archives, p. 88. pp. service in the Presbyterian Church, he 7. Ibid. Miller, Naomi. Various correspondence. was laid to rest in Cranbrook Cemetery. 8. Ibid. Schoolhouse File. Fort Steele Archives. Adelaide erected a tombstone on her husband’s grave which reads: “John 9. Alt. Grace. The Prospector (Fort Steele). November White, l)erryl. Fort Steele: Here History Lives. Heritage House I’ublications Limited, Suffey, B.C.: 1988. Fingal Smith, Born PET. 1846, Died 7, 1896. The Sutton Lumber & Trading Co. Token by D.M. Stewart A friend, John Cheramy, quickly Mills sawmill? The history of the settle Alberni mill for $6 per thousand feet b.m. caught my attention when he showed ment at Maillardville in 1909 and 1910 They also opened Ucluelet’s first store. me a worn twenty-two-millimetre has been well documented, but who had Their holdings, which embraced most aluminum trade token (enlarged in the heard of a similar settlement on Meares of the timber around Kennedy Lake, was illustration on the following page). It is Island? My curiosity was aroused. subsequently disposed of to Seattle Ce the first known token from Meares Is Consulting Vancouver Island’s West dar, using the name Sutton Lumber Co. land, Clayoquot Sound, and the reverse Coast by George Nicholson, I found that Ltd. in its future operations on the west is printed in French. Is this evidence that he had written: “William and James coast of Vancouver Island. One enter a large group of Quebec lumbermen had Sutton took up a large tract of land in prise was an export shingle mill at Mos worked in west coast forestry, just as the early 1880s and their shingle and quito Harbour, Clayoquot Sound.” some three hundred Quebec mill work sawmill was then the only one beyond Next I turned to the British Columbia ers had been employed at the Fraser Alberni. Surplus logs they sold to the Archives for assistance and was handed

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 22 a file folder which contained a Memo & Trading Co., at Mosquito Harbor, on in Seattle had therefore been in English randum of Association under the Com the west coast, suffered from the recent and French. It seems likely that the to panies Act, 1897, Section 5, of the Sutton gale. The wind and the high tides car kens would be struck in sets of five Lumber and Trading Company Limited ried away some teredo weakened piles, cents, ten cents, twenty-five cents, fifty dated 17th November, 1902. This was which released timber estimated at about cents and one dollar. signed by William John Sutton, Victo- a million feet.” A reply from Ken Gibson of Tofino na, B.C. Geologist; acknowledged his interest in local his James Edward Sutton, tory and told of several visits to the site at Ucluelet, B.C. Mer Mosquito Harbour where there had been chant; and Fannie a large number of Chinese workers. Also, Keyworth Sutton, Vic that a friend had the payroll ledger and toria, B.C. Spinster. some old mill records. The final verdict The articles of the (Jf) was rendered and my hopes dashed. memorandum are Sutton Lumber would have been better very broad and in 0. C served by striking their tokens in English clude all phases of and Chinese. The store at Mosquito Har logging, lumbering bour included a post office in the years and sawmilling, all 1906 to 1908, which coincide with Sutton rights for the production of power and All this was interesting but it made no Lumber’s most active period. include dealing in seals and seal skins, mention of French-Canadian workers. The company continued operations operating fish canneries and trading in The MacMillan Bloedel Story stated that on the west coast in a small way until general merchandise, among other Sutton Lumber had employed 400 men the 1930s and retained their timber things. The capital of the company is but no further details were given. John rights. In 1954 the ownership was with stated to be $100,000 divided into 1,000 Parminter, the Alberni District Histori Aird Island, Inc. of Albany, New York; shares of $100 each. It is also noted that cal Society and the Roman Catholic the English Lumber Co. of Seattle; and the memorandum is for the purpose of Church were all very helpful but knew Seattle Cedar Lumber Manufacturing Co. re-incorporation and registration of of no large group of Quebec workers at of Seattle. The company wound down Sutton Lumber and Trading Company, Meares Island. Nor did Mrs. J. Hanson with a final distribution of $4,232,549.07 Limited Liability, a company incorpo of the Municipality of Tofino, but she to the shareholders in the two years rated under the Companies Act, 1890. sent copies of interesting Mosquito Har ending in 1957. Ownership from 1898 to 1901 was held bour photographs which did show Chi in varying amounts, mainly by family nese workers. A letter to Pierre-Louis members. By October 3, 1903, this had Lapointe, Reference Archivist at the Ar The author is a keen numismatist living changed and the shares were owned by chives Nationales du Quebec, brought in Victoria. He is also a diligent re William Hunter McEwan and Alexander welcome information about the strike searcber Fraser McEwan of Seattle, Washington. at Buckingham, Quebec, in October As plans went ahead for a cedar shake 1906, and the blacklisting which fol ACKNOWIJIDGEMENTS and sawmill operation at Mosquito Har lowed the strike would have made many The writer wishes to express his deep appreciation to bour, which is located seven and one- experienced men available for employ all those people whose assistance is mentioned in this half miles northeast of Tofino on the east ment at Mosquito Harbour. There was, article and also to R.A. Greene and anyone else who was consulted. side of Meares Island, it is likely that however, no mention of any leaving for the owners were actively seeking a the west coast. The Forests Library in Empire of Wooth The MacMillan Bloedel Story Douglas market for their production. It may have Bastion Square, Victoria, put me in touch & Mcintyre, Vancouver, B.C., 1982. been part of an arrangement to sell in with J.M. Duncan, a Division Forester Vancouver Isla,zdc West Coast 1762—1962 by George the New York area that resulted in with MacMillan Bloedel Limited, who in Nicholson. Morriss Printing Company Ltd., Victoria, B.C., 1962. Benjamin W. Arnold of Albany, New turn suggested that I write to Ken Gibson York, becoming one-half owner of at Tofino. By this time I was becoming Sutton Lumber in 1905. skeptical of a French-Canadian presence The September 1907 issue of West at Mosquito Harbour and was further Coast Lumberman reported that: “The discouraged by consulting the Alberni Sutton Lumber Company’s mill near Electoral District voters lists for 1907, Clayoquot has shipped the first cargo 1908 and 1909 which held only one of cedar lumber for a foreign port that name which appeared to be French. has gone from this part of the Province, Reluctantly, I came to accept the destination being New York.” This was thought that the American owners might a shipment of 3,500,000 feet of cedar have taken it for granted that any forest aboard the Earl of Douglas. A further operations in Canada would employ a mention in the February 1908 issue of large number of Quebec foresters. The this journal noted: “The Sutton Lumber order for trade tokens from Mayer Bros.

23 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994

24

News 1994 Fall Historical B.C. -

day. this

to site weddings for popular a stole one “Some

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hung that in Baroness Burdett-Coutts, crew a hired of to Golden, riverboat Peter’s St. decided was It reassembling.

a as from gift and inscribed pounds next the caught He action. of man a for was take elsewhere to them flatcars onto

bell, a eighty weighing built belfry with a Kimpton Rufus church!” my miss I loaded more, walls their and stripped were

Church, had Golden, Paul’s St. Anglican even but, years, those of houses neighbours Many Reveistoke. or Golden

months later, charges.” lay Several Ill my miss “I say, to was heard to Kimpton transfers offered were Residents mill.

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Miller Naomi by

Windermere Church Stolen The — A CWAC in Victoria 1942—1945 by Phylis Bowman

When I was a kid, I used to think that For when I started to work at Wool rooms and the large upstairs kitchen. anyone who could remember things len Mills, I had to live out of the bar Ours was the front room with a fire which happened fifty years ago was racks — “out on subsistence” it was called place which we much enjoyed, a table ready for the Glue Factory. But now that — as the distance between the Mills and and chairs where we had our meals, a I am older and can remember that long Work Point at that time was too far to dresser, a double bed, and a large bay ago, it doesn’t seem that way at all. commute. And so another co-worker, window overlooking the road and For I can vividly remember the sum Anne, and I moved into the Balmoral ocean, and ornate double doors which mer of 1944, fifty years ago, which was Leave Centre which was on Douglas had formerly opened up into the dining a very happy one for me and room which were then bar has lingered long in my ricaded up, for there were memory after some other others living in that room. It happenings have long since wasn’t a bad set-up and not been forgotten. Because it too expensive, but the cook was while I was stationed in ing arrangements left some Victoria as a member of the thing to be desired. For, Canadian Women’s Army according to my old diary, Corps during the Second in which I meticulously de World War that I spent that tailed my hopes and dreams particular summer as duty and joys and sorrows and driver at the Military Hospi ups and downs all during tal on Lansdowne Road — those years in the Army, the large, imposing building some of the other tenants now known as Camosun worked at a nearby fish can College. The autbo, Pte. Phylis Hamblin was a member ofthe Canadian Womens nery and often brought fish When I first arrived in Vic Army Corps when she was duty driver at the Military Hospital in 1944. home for their supper, cook All photos courtesy of the author toria in 1943, I was assigned ing it, naturally, in the com to the Royal Canadian Corps munity kitchen while we of Signals orderly room as a clerk at Street in the heart of downtown Victo were cooking ours there. Work Point near our barracks, and spent ria until we could find quarters some Now I have nothing against fish or its several uneventful months making up where near our work to rent. Finding smell. Quite the contrary, in fact, for I nominal rolls, typing out orders, and suitable accommodation wasn’t all that had downed a great deal of it while generally working at humdrum jobs. I easy for the city was pretty crowded, growing up in Prince Rupert, the ac was then transferred to the Transport with every little basement, attic and ex knowledged Halibut Capital of the Office at the Woollen Mills on Dallas tra bedroom rented out to construction World, so I don’t mind fish smelling like Road; it was still called the Woollen Mills workers and Armed Forces personnel fish. But not pork chops or hamburger even though the mills had long been and their relatives. We looked at sev or sausages, or any of the other dishes moved out of there and it had been eral places, including a sleeping room that Anne and I concocted up. But taken over by the government as a huge which we rejected because it would many’s the dish of those we ate which garage for Armed Forces vehicles. My have cost us eight dollars a week (that smelled strongly of fish after it had been job was to keep track of the many as was a lot in those days), and then oth cooked in that fish-smelling community sorted kinds of vehicles which came in ers which were cheaper but were too kitchen, but as we were young and for repairs and paint jobs, etc., and I far away from our work. — And then we healthy and hungry — little things like loved working there for I got to know luckily latched onto a room in a big old that, and also being short of hot water all of the drivers and would often get mansion on Dallas Road, a few blocks frequently, were small things to be reck picked up when waiting on the corner away from the Mills, with a fantastic view oned with and we greatly enjoyed our for a streetcar, and thus whisked home of Juan de Fuca Strait. The owner, an stay at this place and our walks to and or out to barracks without the tiresome older widower, had rented out all the from work along windy Dallas Road and wait and the long ride on a crowded, rooms so there were about fourteen of watching the waves and boats bounce swaying public vehicle. us staying there, sharing the two bath- by. Buying food was no problem. We

25 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 hand, as electric slicers had not yet been a grand old place, with tremendous invented) and helped dish up the food green lawns and colourful arrays of rho and clear off the tables after meals. There dodendrons and other showy plants in was lots of time off and you could al multi-coloured flowerbeds flanking it on ways sit down whenever you wanted all sides, and an ornate rock area and and enjoy a cup of coffee from the al sundial in the front yard. Quonset huts ways-full pot on the huge stoves. had been set up at the rear to house the But, on the whole, it wasn’t that much medical staff and schoolrooms had been of a hassle taking kitchen fatigue. We converted into wards full of beds or ad had 200 men in our mess, some mem ministration and consulting offices. I bers of the Midland Regiment from On lived in barracks but ate most of my tario who were stationed there at that meals at the hospital. time and Dental Corps and Signal and The three men drivers had the ambu Service Corps, and they filed by our lance and trucks, while I had the lighter counter for their food, cafeteria-style. station wagon for routine and other runs. They each had their own silverware and There was one-way traffic around the

Driver Phybs Hamblin sat on the running we supplied the plates and the food and building after driving up the wide front board of the hospital ambulance to have ber tea and coffee and stacks and stacks of driveway, with all vehicles going to the picture taken in 1944 with anotherdrive,; Re4 bread. But not butter, as it was rationed, right building, around and CpL Gerald Pagan behind the wheel and of the the back, another member ofthe Royal Canadian Army as was sugar. As each fellow filed by, it and exiting around the left-hand side. Medical Corps staff was one of my duties to give him one We drivers were allocated the first small small pat of butter and, since the quar room on the right of the lower floor, shared the cost of the groceries and ate termaster-sergeant was standing there, with a well-equipped, sterile laboratory often at the Leave Centre Canteen or at keeping a stern, watchful eye on every in the large room across the hail and a the little Tea Room which used to be thing, no one complained. big refrigeration room down the hall. beside our digs in the big old house, The huge kitchen was on the left at or sometimes at the mess hail at Work the very end of the top floor and Point if we had to be there for lec we would enjoy our delicious meals tures or drill practice, etc. Once when there with the afternoon and evening we were dead flat broke just before sun just pouring in the windows — payday, we took our last fifteen cents in fact, to me, in my memories, I’ll and five milk bottles to turn in at the always refer to that place as the little corner store to get a tin of soup, “Place with the Golden Windows.” and begged some bread and eggs And I often went with the duty driver and milk from the small artillery out in the truck to pick up dozens of post positioned near us on Dallas. boxes of Dixie cups from a nearby Then when I was transferred into outlet, and that was another happy the Royal Canadian Army Service There were dozens ofbeautzfulflowers in the showy gardens memory — sitting in the front seat of ofthe old hospital in 1944 and also round the unique sundial Corps, I went back into barracks and the large truck, eating one — or per which keptfine time there. began a new life motoring around haps two — little cups of ice cream the district in jeeps and sedans and as we rode up Hillside. For that was trucks, taking mail and personnel and But I left all that behind when I was our standard joke: that I eat some of the officers to the heavily guarded forts assigned to the hospital — the great build ice cream to “test” it before it reached along the coastline — Duntze Head, Mary ing on Lansdowne Road which had been the hospital and, of course, I never found Hill, Rodd Hill, Albert Head, William constructed as the Provincial Head and Christopher Point, where they Normal School. When it was had mock guns set up as camouflage in officially opened on January 4, the bush near the beach. We girl drivers 1915, with about fifty students, not only had our driving duties, but we its purpose was to train teach had to take turns helping out in the ers for the elementary and high men’s kitchens, for the Service Corps schools of B.C. and it had be also ran the mess halls and it was one come a famous landmark in of the duties of the CWAC drivers to Victoria with its tower and serve in the kitchens, a week each in clock which could be seen for turn. So for that week, instead of aris miles in any direction. It had ing as usual at 6 am. and going to break been converted into a military This picture, taken from the front steps of the Military fast with the others, we got up at 5:30 hospital in 1942, with students Hospital on I.ansdowne Roa4 shows the patients in beds and reported to the kitchen by 6. We transferring to Craigdarroch rolled out onto thegrounds to enjoy the music ofthe Garrison Band which often came to entertain them. sliced hundreds of loaves of bread (by Castle for their lessons. It was

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 26 anything wrong with it! records which he left in the drivers’ room lightful scent of the canteen’s five-cent It was like being in a great big family, for us and him to play on our breaks. cups of coffee and the echoes of the working there. It was a huge complex Jake was a great little guy but had an syrupy voice of baritone Vaughn Monroe running itself. None of the patients were awful inferiority complex because of a singing with his orchestra. very sick — all of the heavy surgery was long jagged scar across one cheek, the Several years after the war, I saw done at Royal Jubilee Hospital, with the result of a childhood accident. He sure Monroe on a television program from patients coming to our hospital for con liked Vaughn Monroe’s music and Seattle and he, like the rest of us, had valescence and treatment. During the hot claimed if he could only sing like his grown a little older and a mite slower summer afternoons and long evenings, hero, then all the girls would like him with these many passing years. But the beds would be rolled out onto the and he would be a most popular fel when he swung into his theme song, I lawns and placed under the trees and low. So he played his records over and was right there, back at the old Military the up-patients in their hospital-issue over and over again till we knew them Hospital, singing along with him:

“blues” — blue suit, white shirt, red tie practically by heart: There, I’ve Said It Racing with the moon, and their own field caps — would stroll Again; Yours; There’ll Be Some Changes High up in the midnight blue; around the grounds and chat with other Made; Dardenella; Thanks, Mr. Florist; And then all too soon, patients and visitors. Dance, Ballerina, Dance; and my Its lostfrom view. My job was quite interesting: there favorite, Racing With The Moon, which Racing with the moon, were designated runs to Jubilee Hospi had kind of corny lyrics but a most de That is what I’ll always do, tal with blood and other samples, and lightful, melodic tune. Till I overtake the moon — and you! trips to Work Point and other camps with Early in August it was announced that records, supplies and patients, or to Gorden Head Military Camp was going train, boat or bus stations to pick up or to be made into a retraining casualty North coast writer and historian Phylis deliver personnel. And in between runs centre and not Harrison Hot Springs, as (Hamblin) Bowman has written numer there were visits to the canteen in the had been originally planned. Officers ous articles about her years as a front large room on the lower floor at and inspection crews swarmed into the “CWAC” — a member of the Canadian the extreme left of the building, with area and the empty, sagging huts at Womens Army Corps during the Second delicious cups of coffee for five cents Gordon Head were renovated. Soon World War and has detailed many ofher and jam tarts (two for a nickel) or other after that, casualties who had been amusing and interesting experiences tasty treats. Sometimes in the evenings wounded on D-Day and in other bat when stationed in Victoria and Prince we drivers would go to Cedarhill Cross tles began to arrive and the sheer sense Rupert in one of her books, called We Skirted the Wat She has written ands4( roads Golf Course to play golf — none lessness and horror of the war struck us published thirteen books on the north of us were experts at the game but we anew as we saw those shattered limbs coast area. had a heck of a lot of fun and usually and crippled youths with the lines of ended up stopping along the way for a suffering on those young fellows’ faces. milkshake before dropping me off at I remember one in particular who had barracks. Sometimes the Garrison Band been stationed in Prince Rupert with the came to play, with the musicians seated Canadian Scottish before going overseas. BCHF in a circle on the wide cement walk in He had been shot in the leg by a sniper front of the buildings with all the win when parachuting onto the Normandy CONFERENCE dows open so those who had to stay beach. He ruefully told us he had been inside could hear and enjoy the music fed and clothed and trained by the Army 1995 as much as those who had been for five years, only to be shot down as wheeled outside in beds and wheel he landed to take an actual part in the chairs. Sometimes concert parties would war. And now he was crippled for life. CHILLIWACK IS HOSTING come to entertain the patients in the After all the patients and facilities had THE 1995 CONFERENCE. assembly hail, and the floor and balcony been moved to Gordon Head, the old YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE would be jam-packed with men in beds, Normal School was turned back to the A MEMBER TO ATTEND. wheelchairs, on crutches and on chairs government and extensively renovated

— there were no seats such as there are back into schoolrooms and now it WATCH FOR DETAILS IN now — and the corridors would ring with houses hundreds of students in its rooms music, songs and laughter. There was and laboratories. But to me that stately THE NEXT ISSUE OFTHE another kind of music filling the lower old building with its windows of gold B.C. HISTORICAL NEWS. hail, too — the lilting music of that old at sunset will always bring back memo band leader, Vaughn Monroe, and his ries of that happy summer of 1944 which MARK MAY 4, 5,6, 1994 dulcet voice singing the lyrics along with I spent there. Instead of the noise of his band, just like Rudy Vailee and other scurrying feet and the chatter of students ON YOUR CALENDAR AND leaders of their time. Vaughn had a spe throughout the halls as I wander through PLAN TO ATTEND. cial place in our lives for one of our the place on visits to Victoria, for me butchers, Jake by name, had a stack of the corridors will always carry the de

27 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994

28

1994 News Fall Historical B.C. -

once that certain is all, it of spite In it too 1917, much became isolation the in rusty A stiff. and mildewed all reins,

home. returned he before months married Maggie daughter eldest When and collars horse of full It was clearing.

eighteen was it critical so was tion winds. the to listening rooms the edge the overgrown at shed of small

condi his hospitalized he time was the those bed in lying anyone for reading a to I first went always ing experience.

could, by but she best as him nursed France. Dreary in in action killed dians sober a was It homestead. abandoned

Granny treatment. for Vancouver to get Cana the of names the of lists endless long- this to hike would family the of

to strike’s the for end to had wait He ill. long, had papers The out. draughts some keep after, summer years each Long

took thatJohn at it beginning its was and to walls bedroom the on pasted been weekends. 1

six lasted that weeks, strike boat a had that was the newspapers at reading and could home so come he land,

Early be. there on could highway able stairs it wooden the climbing of is memory in far a choosing homestead for son

unpredict an and Strait, Malaspina ing most poignant the rea afterwards, erty the Lakes was and Pasha Gordon

roll the was hike. a highway The such the prop to those on visits and coming the on Obrien Scanlon and Brooks, of

old too make to but was Granny River, forth not was of house the camp finishing the in cook a logging the was Jack Son

to trail Powell pole-line a was There for Money a helper. mother’s as River to settlement. to up open beginning was

by boat. was out or in one The way Powell in worked daughter, area the youngest up for coast, them lured land

enjoyed. be could and naments china Jenny, the punk eleven; at whistle free of Then prospect the Vancouver. in

or the where in, could settled be land a as woods the into son, youngest went first settled earlier years few a had John,

from Scot brought they had Jimmy, furniture the overseas; went and Battalion husband, her and Young Eliza Vessie

books the many and the family’s where Canadian Forestry the joined Young trees. be old-growth called

home a was last at Here going. and Jack all. disrupted had War First World today amidst would set what home a

coming were, people, they as had mossy. few The clearing remained minishing bathroom, or electricity water, running

she as now particularly Granny, to uge the and years di many for stood house without home a for her primitive pare

ref a seemed one this house, first the unfinished the neglect, of spite In pre to century. this Nothing of years

Beach. 3 after Yet, Palm the early in Vancouver,

by today’s down well the in north article. numbers of footnote with on miles correspond map the seventy numbers The

a carried be to from

had rain Coast forest, West ISLAND TEXADA

and distant water miles a in isolation of life a for

were neighbours few

fifties, her into well

now

MALASPINA STRAIT .

the panoramic. But was a woman her, prepared

ocean the of the and view had Scotland Lowland

rocky the terrain, of cause years in her in ing

be trees, of bic crowding noth for fear, her given

5

INLET

JERVIS

the not claustropho

was

be could for Granny

ç

LANG

BAY

-

the on headland ‘8’ least At impact. the under

the for positions. equipped shudder house two-storey RIVER POWELL

well were they so the unfinished making

his business, own had also tree the tops, bending

Scotland John in and store the clearing, edging trees

had 1939. a had Granny

into slam the at and last

LAKES PASHA

GORDON

to till keep were they increase would wind the

posts postmistress, and The of Bay. voice Lang

postmaster became ple re-named be to years

cou the and Bay Lang office post a at here. to few a live in land of the was that terraces

to fit saw establish government the seen ter, fit no had else one later, century easy the upward over reaching forest,

af Strait. Malaspina Shortly into a of blown quarter a Even feet. Indian or deer the through climbing the Pass, was wind

be not would so granite the to cabled it by place into forest, the worn through up Welcome roaring through ocean, tant

and headland its on perched house, 2 trails root-crossed rock-strewn, dis the winding, her From hands. cry, wringing

the Mullen into and Eliza moved john were found he What feasible. buggy would she coming!” It’s coming! ‘It’s

the vacant. at beach house and he horse a thought had that face to gales.

which his left resident, Bay’s Lang first going was he of little so what southeast derstood terrified the of was Young

Jack of Mullen, cided departure the had with Young un John corner. farthest the (Granny) Eliza coast, mainland lumbia

coin this Youngs. the Fortunately floor for earth in the crumpled into Co buggy British years the up early the In

McLeod Kelsey by

Postmistress Pioneer stroyed books, look large living room with fireplace and two ing at first intact but bedrooms. Whenever John and Eliza which crumpled at a went to Vancouver for their once-yearly touch. Nothing had holiday of one week, they replaced the been saved. All that burned furniture, and Granny once more remained of the fami had “good” dishes and “good” linen. ly’s original posses Eliza’s salvation was the store. It is sions were a steamer strange, in retrospect, when one listens trunk and a paisley to today’s endless whining litanies on shawl that had been everything, to recall with surprise and Granny’s grandmoth gratitude that neitherJohn nor Eliza ever

er’s wedding shawl — talked about their misfortunes or their items that had been hardships. If they had regrets they never given earlier to daugh voiced them. ter Maggie. Gone That store was Granny’s life. She loved were all treasured re people and her existence became serv minders of a safe and ing in the store and post office, meeting comfortable life in the the mail boats. She knew every Union Old Country. The old Steamship crewman by name and early couple had but the on they gave her a Union officer’s cap clothes they stood in, which she always donned when meet and those were ing the boats. As John had but one leg, scorched and burned. the boat meeting fell on her and all five

Granny talked after — feet of her, pristine in a starched cotton

once — of how “the dress, officer’s cap perched on her sil faither,” as she called very hair, rejoiced in this errand. If I her husband, had sat brought her flowers from our garden, for long hours motion or wild flowers, she made nosegays of less in the weeks after them and handed them to a chief stew the holocaust in the ard she nicknamed “Sweet” William,6 so shell of the building that he could have flowers on his din he had used as a ing-room tables. workshop. During the twenties there was a south There were no dis bound and a north-bound boat each day aster funds then, but and later it was a three-times-a-week the Red Cross stepped service. Whether the boat arrived at six in. It was strange to p.m. or ten p.m., the mail was sorted at see Granny and John camping in a tent by the beach, Granny Eliza Vessie Young, Lang Bay postmistress, 1920s. cooking over a camp Photos from the famy album fire. All the equipment L seemed to have a red he did so, Granny felt life was much cross on it. such as a first aid kit in khaki improved. Settlers were trickling in, there drill, doubtless leftovers from the war. was a local logging company, more John set about building a new house, names on lists of mail that arrived. The and soon a small, two-room dwelling winds no longer frightened. The time was ready to move into. Not on the was one of optimism and hope, a time headland, but on fLat ground above the when the true pioneer spirit prevailed. curving bay where the fire-damaged There was little talk of doom and gloom wharf was.5 One room was for living, in those days. People were too busy the other for the post office. And here getting on with life. was established the store that was to Then came the devastating forest fire become the core of Granny’s existence ofJuly 1922. Where the home had been for the remainder of her life. As time was now a ruin. Twisted metal, bed went on, John added a section for stor steads, stove and heater bent and ru age with a cellar underneath to keep Granny Young, in officer’s cap, with her ined. Against a wall that contained book items cool, a workshop area and, finally, daughter Maggie and granddaughter Veima Young, 1933. shelves were now rows of grey, de a further good-sized living area with a

29 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 once and handed out. Mail — that link on this finally. One morning, when she broke out, Grandma was in hospital with with the outside world — was too pre opened the henhouse door, the hens cancer. Yet eighty-odd or not, dying or cious for waiting. It never occurred to the were dead on their roost. A weasel had not, she avidly read reports of the war’s Youngs to keep people waiting for it. killed the lot. progress till she went into a coma and Eliza was known as “Granny” Young More important to her was the busi died in November. to everyone. And no matter who they ness of taking and despatching messages You can speculate on what strange were, what time they arrived at the store, on the community’s one phone. More fate brought Eliza Young to Lang Bay at they were served and made welcome. important was the business of making a time when a store and post office was She listened with sympathy to many a sure on mail nights that no boy, hover needed. The fact remains that she was harrowing tale of hardship, such as that ing about waiting for the boat, damaged a vital part of the early years of the area. of a Mrs. Watt who lived way back at the fragile fir saplings that had miracu She was neither famous nor learned, nor the foot of the mountains in a shack. lously sprung up on the bank opposite provincially influential. She was simply Mrs. Watt had set out for the store and the store after the fire. Anyone who one of the host of unsung women pio became lost in the woods. She had wan touched one of those tiny wisps of green neers without whom our communities, dered for two days before finding her was instantly the object of Granny’s our province, Canada itself, could not way out. It was hilarious to hear Granny wrath. Today those trees arc her me have been built. with her Scottish accent conversing with morial — they stand tall and green and the settlers from Kelly Creek, who were dense, a symbol of nature’s ability to Ukrainians. Her good nature rarely fal survive and of a small Scotswoman’s The writergrew up in Lang Bay but has tered. When a summer visitor (this visi concern and protection. spent most of her adult life in Vancou tor had had all her provisions shipped As the 1930s dawned, as the new road ver. She has u,orked many hours as a up from Vancouver) grandly stumped to Powell River8 drew more and more volunteer at the Vancouver Museum and in and asked in a pseudo-English ac people to shop in the paper town, the the Maritime Museum. cent for “one-quatah pound of brown Youngs’ store still was an important com sugah, if you please, Mrs. Young,” Gran munity asset, for not everyone had a FOOTNOTES ny’s smile wavered but she opened a car. Stillwater had a store, but even af I. The location of the Youngs pre-emption. one-pound bag of sugar without com ter the road went in, Granny’s store was inent, adjusted the counter scales to four the between 2. The headland where Jack Mullen had built his only one Stiliwater and house. ounces, and weighed out the amount. Westview. The Depression was a diffi She made no comment as the customer cult time. She even took quilts from cash 3, Bob Simpkins, svho had a sense of humour, named this beach ‘l’alm” ileach. Today there is a took herself, her brogues, and her tiny less settlers as payment (a practice that provincial park where Mullen had his garden and packet in the direction of Maitlands failed to provide funds to pay the Van well. beach.7. couver wholesalers). 4. See B.C. Historical Netus, Summer 1991 issue. Granny loved flowers, and every ti Eliza maintained as long as possible ger lily, every branch of flowering cur many traditions. Periodically, during the 5. The location of the nesv house was more sheltered than that on the headland. rant, every star flower and violet I spied summers, the weekend Union boat I took to her. It must have been sadness would hoist a dripping wooden tub from 6. William Gardner without measure for her to live in the hold to dock. The children watched its 7. There were a number of “summer” homes on devastated landscape that followed the swinging progress with taste buds al “Maitlands” beach. forest fire. ready in action, for it was that rare treat, 8. It svas fifteen miles to Powell River, over a winding, She was Lang Bay’s only career ice cream. (In a refrigerator-less world, dusty, pot-holed road. See Road Mania’ in B.C. woman. She spent a minimum of time ice cream was but a dream.) The tub sat Historical News, Summer 1989 issue. on household chores and meals were on the shallow step in front of the wait simple. A family member was paid to ing room-library till the mail was dis do the washing and ironing. No pre tributed. Then the container of cones, serving of fruit, no kitchen garden for scoops, Granny and a helper appeared CHANGE OF ADDRESS? Grandma. She made no pretense that and everyone ate ice cream till the metal housewifery was her reason for being, container, surrounded by its packing of though she did bake and she knit furi rock salt, was scraped clean. PLEASE NOTIFY OUR ously at socks every moment she was John Young died of a stroke in Feb SUBSCRIPTION not busy in the store. The click of her ruary of 1939, well into his.eighties. By steel needles was always present, and summer Granny was ailing. After more SECRETARY: years after her death her socks were still than fifty years of marriage and the long keeping feet warm. She had, she said, road they had travelled together; his loss MARGARET MA TO VICH been taught to knit at the age of three. was traumatic for her. The Harry Lauder 6985 CANADA WAY She did keep chickens, birds that song Keep Right On To The End Of The BURNABY, B.C. scratched busily in the dust around the Road played so often on the phono buildings, and which produced large graph at Sunday family gatherings, be V5E 3R6 brown eggs on schedule. She gave up came her motto. When World War Two

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 30 British Columbia Women’s Institute: A BriefHistory

by Estelle Lefurgy

To begin to tell the story of the B.C. The reputation of the institute as an Women’s Institute one must leave the organization capable of “getting things province momentarily and visit the small done” prompted a Dr. Cyril Wace of rural town of Stoney Creek, Ontario, in Vancouver Island to ask Mrs. McLachlan the year 1897. to mobilize the efforts of the WI mem Because of the vision of Mr. Erland bers to establish a residential medical Lee, an active member of the local Farm facility for children on Vancouver Island. ers’ Institute, together with the moral Once again the members set about the support and literary skills of his wife work required to “do the impossible.” Janet, the beginnings of a women’s or As a result of those efforts, the Queen ganization were created on February 19, Alexandra Solarium was established. 1897, in the local Farmers’ Institute hail. Today it is known as Queen Alexandra This cold and stormy night was host to Centre for Children’s Health. one of Canada’s greatest public speak With the monies remaining from these ers, all the more notable because the ventures, the institute created the Othoa orator was a woman. Scott Fund, so named in honour of the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless had worked little girl who was the catalyst for the tirelessly for the education of women, members’ efforts. This fund continues to particularly in the area of home econom disperse monies to assist B.C. families in ics. Her presentation so greatly motivated Letterhead (top) and badge ofthe meeting non-medical costs for an ill child. the women, they decided to immediately Womens Institute in British Columbia. This has been particularly helpful to ru associate a women’s group with the Farm ral and isolated families as they are often ers’ Institute. However, it was evident that ing Wildwood WI outside Westbank in required to make regular trips to B.C. as the movement quickly grew, a sepa 1994. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. rate organization was required, and with Outstanding achievements accom Many rural communities have the Wom the support of the Ontario ministry of plished by the Women’s Institute in Brit en’s Institute to thank for their local li agriculture, the Women’s Institute organi ish Columbia over the years usually braries, early medical and dental clinics, zation was established. began as a response to a need of local regular public-health nurse visitations, By 1909 the province of British Co rural women. mobile tuberculosis X-ray vans, etc. lumbia was experiencing a great surge In 1922 a woman wrote to the then The two world wars saw B.C. WI of migration from other areas of Canada government-appointed WI superintend members organizing jam-making ses and from Europe. The B.C. ministry of ent, Mrs. V. McLachlan, asking for help sions for export to England and quilts, agriculture recognized that to assure for her young niece who was suffering handmade socks, goody parcels and permanent settlement in these newly from spinal tuberculosis. Although she other items were prepared, donated and opened regions, the settlers must be desperately needed medical attention shipped overseas to less fortunate fami content, particularly the women. within a hospital environment, there was lies during these conflicts. Upon the re Having heard of the great success of no facility at that time in British Colum turn of local servicemen, many branches the Women’s Institute, the B.C. ministry bia that specifically treated children. organized welcome home socials, of agriculture arranged with the Ontario When Mrs. McLachlan informed the B.C. dances and parties. ministry of agriculture to have a Miss WI members of this letter requesting Frequently the institute and the Laura Rose travel throughout British assistance, the response was overwhelm schoolhouse were the only constants in Columbia establishing branches of the ing. the social life of small communities. As Women’s Institute. After many meetings, letters, fund-rais a result, the institute stood on the door Over the past eighty-five years, more ing events, etc., together with the sup step of the school with assistance of than 200 B.C. communities have been port and cooperation of other scholarships, bursaries, awards, books, home to branches of the Women’s In ogranizations, the first Vancouver Hos activities, costumes, etc. Many of these stitute, the first being established in pital for Crippled Children was founded. branches, together with the provincial Gordon Head on Vancouver Island in Today that institution is known as the Women’s Institute, continue to support 1909 and the most recent addition be- B.C. Children’s Hospital. the needs of our students today.

31 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 It has always been the belief of the pushed by the Women’s Institute in Brit and skits written by WI members and Women’s Institute that “a nation cannot ish Columbia over the years began as a performed thoughout the years by WI rise above the level of its homes; we response to a need of local women. This branches and others will be published. women must work and study together also applied to those small acts of kind A centennial quilt with historical to raise our homes to the highest possi ness carried out by a local branch that blocks being prepared by each of the ble level.” Throughout the years and may only be known to the givers and fifteen B.C. WI districts will be exhib currently, workshops. seminars, infor the receivers. ited at the 1996 B.C. WI triennial con mation meetings and/or resolutions on The strong sense of self-reliance and vention. family violence, child abuse, pornogra resourcefulness that is very much a part Also, each WI community will be phy, illiteracy, pensions for homemak of rural folks and rural communities is asked to officially declare February 1997 ers, child care, Canadian unity, have all very much a part of the B.C. Women’s as WI Month; also, the B.C. Premier will supported the institute’s dedication to Institute. The self-effacing style of this be asked to proclaim February 1997 as this belief. organization reflects the basic values of WI Month provincially. Initiatives to educate and inform its members. Because of this, the B.C. Local museums will also be ap women throughout B.C. have been car WI did not feel the need to ‘announce proached to assist WI branches with ried out in the form of small gatherings its achievements or to seek reward.” historical displays during 1997.

to large provincial conventions. These This, however, is beginning to change The motto of the Womens Institute —

include the volunteer Agriculture in the as the B.C. WI is learning that it must “For Home and Country” — is as relevant Classroom program, the Adolescent Life keep the greater community informed in the 1990s as in the 1890s; strong style Choices program, and self-confi of what can be accomplished by a group homes make for a strong country! dence programs. The institute developed of ordinary women who have done, and and offered to women throughout the continue to do, extraordinary deeds. ********** province forums to learn skills to ac 1997 is the centennnial of the Wom The autbo, who lives in Langley, is the cess decision-makers, to present briefs, en’s Institute movement and the B.C. WI current president of the Women’s Insti to make a difference. will be celebrating in a number of ways. tute in B.C Outstanding achievements accom A booklet containing poems, plays Music ofthe Titanic by Thelma Reid Lower

When the Vancouver Maritime Mu was the “English Waltz King” seum was planning its 1993/94 ex Archibald Joyce, whose waltz mas hibit featuring the Titanic, it was terpieces were advertised widely as decided to add a further dimension “popular in every London ballroom.” to the usual Titanic displays. Among his romantic waltzes were On the walls of the orientation Salome, Dreaming, Sweet William, room at the Start of the museum’s A Thousand Kisses, Boating, Vision Titanic walkabout, there were d’Amour, and Songe d’Automne. kss framed covers of sheet music which OFihEliL Songe dAutomne is the waltz re focused on two aspects of Titanic ported by some survivors to have history: (1) the music popular before been chosen by Bandleader Wallace the sinking on April 14/15, 1912, and Hartley to play as “the last waltz” which was part of the social history while the Titanic was sinking. of Titanic passengers and (2) music Challenging the popularity of the written after the sinking which has WOMDS AND MUSIC European waltz in three-quarter time now become part of global music was the new music in syncopated history catalogued under “Disasters rhythm called “ragtime.” The Ameri at Sea.” ARmUR S LEsLu can composer Scott Joplin’s Maple

For the enjoyment of first and sec - Price 5Ocerts LeafRag (1902) was soon followed ond class passengers on the Titanic, by his Fig LeafRag. During the last a band of eight musicians played agonizing throes of the Titanic’s selections from the White Star Music Pu61keJ 1u foundering, ARTHUR S. LESLIE. the Canadian Major Book listing titles popular at that 31INnp.t.t 5t 350 NEW WE5TMN51ER. BC. CANADA. .- Arthur Peuchen, rowing in Lifeboat time. The most frequently listed com No. 6, recalled hearing Alexanderc poser in the White Star Music Book Ragtime Banc4 which appears at the

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 32 ______

top of the list of novelty dances in the City’s” colourful events. The author is the archivistfor the Van White Star Music Book. Written in 1911 During World War I, when the 131st couver Bach Choir. (See B.C. Historical by Irving Berlin, Alexanderc Ragtime Battalion was formed, Drum-Major Leslie News 24:2, Spring 1991, pp. 14—la) She Band has become the most famous of was placed in charge of the bugle band and her husband are active members of all popular rags. (This author was not and went overseas with the Westmin the Vancouver Historical Society. Mr Lower is currently Honorary President able to find a first edition of this rag.) ster unit. In England the authorities re ofthe BCHF. Peaks of romanticism and sentimen fused to allow him to proceed any tal music on the Titanic came from the further because of his age. Returning to SELECrEI) SOURCES waltzes of Franz Lehar’s oper etta The Merry Widow. National Library of Canada, Music At Division, Ottawa, Ontario. Daly’s Theatre in 1907, the pre Miss FIDrEnce miere performance in London DedIcated o Roberts. The British Library, Music Division, London, U.K. caused a sensation in fashion. Britten’s Music Ltd.. Mail Order Wide-brimmed hats trimmed . 0111cc, with flowers and feathers ap West Byfleet, Surrey, U.K. peared on every woman’s Titanic Disaster Music, Archive of Folk head, while lovely waltz tunes song, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. were hummed on every lip. The light-hearted joyousness Royal Westminster Regiment Museum, Armoury, New Westminster, B.C. of the couple-dancing waltz era made the sudden and un Irving House Historic Centte, New expected disaster of the Ti Westminster, B.C. tanic all the more grievously Vernon Museum, Vernon, B.C. shocking. Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver, Afterwards, an outpouring B.C. of immediate grief was fol REFERENCES lowed by a deepening, almost spiritual, fascination with the Goodman, Samuel and Hickerson, mysteries of the Titanic. In \ Joseph C. Titanic Disaster Music, Library of Congmss, Washington, D.C., 1985. 1985 Samuel Goodman and Joseph C. Hickerson, Head, Klamkin, Marion. Old Sheet Music, A Pictorial History Hawthorn Books, New Aschive of Folk Song, Library York, 1975. of Congress, Washington, D.C., Lower, Thelma Reid. Titanic Exhibit, compiled a list of over 400 Music on the Titanic, Vancouver Maritime song titles inspired by the Ti Museum, 1993. tanic disaster. The list includes FILE Copy McCann, Leonard, Curator Emeritus. The Loss of the Titanic com Q 8E Summary Reports, Vancouver Maritime .ETURED “ posed in New Westminster in Museum. 1912 by Drum-Major Arthur Express Prints Simpson Leslie. :IbRLD]OYC. rVISION , .SSLQ 3W1ET MEMORIESs.s,t.rt Drum-Major Leslie had ar C”py’yAr rived in New Westminster in 1893. Born in Wellington Bar racks, London, England (his father be New Westminster from England, he ing a sergeant-major in an English again joined up and was in charge of regiment), Drum-Major Leslie served the 47th Battalion bugle band at the time with the 12th Lancers and was for ten of his death in 1923. An elaborate fu years stationed in India. After securing neral procession with full military hon his discharge with pension from the ours testified to the respect in which British forces, he came to New West Drum-Major Leslie was held by New minster where he joined the local com Westminster citizens. It was not unlike pany of the Duke of Connaught’s Own the massive funeral in Come, England, Rifles. for another musician, Bandmaster Later he was put in charge of the drum Wallace Hartley of the Titanic. and bugle band of the 104th Regiment of Westminster Fusiliers, during which time hundreds of local boys passed through his hands as buglers and drum mers and paraded through the “Royal

33 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994

34 1994 Historical Fall News B.C. -

in in England years During two his 499 England. for specimens collected different he all,

ernment campsite. took and ship at Bay Hudson arrived In as California. far as south northern

modern our of gov site the Creek, Bear he Vancouver, Fort leaving after months and miles 220 for basin the Columbia up

be to conceded generally This 15, Lake. is six September on and canoe, and explored he For months twenty-three

Okanagan Great the into emptied that by horse foot, prairies the over travelled 1825.

creek swift-flowing a of mouth the at Douglas Rockies, the crossing After nApril in Columbia the on River couver

April in sometime arrived gade he Trail, Edinburgh. at seum Van Fort at arrived he when however,

Bri Fur Bay Hudson the Travelling Scottish Mu Royal in is the now began, bird Douglas’ adventures greatest

Valley. Okanagan the through This Franklin. SirJohn friend, explorer tic expectation.” success a beyond with

him take would James, St. that route a his after Arc grouse Franklin named he by Douglas Mr. executed was mission

50-mile Fort to stretch leg 1,1 the of initial grouse which a of species preserved “This and Society: Royal the by Horticultural

1833, the on out set he On he 20, March caught that too, here, near It recorded trip’s was The was success Canada.

Europe. to Siberia across same the name. today bears Upper and Icefield United States northern

work Alaska, and cross now is The what Hooker Hooker. Dr. the friend to close trip plant-collecting six-month

Columbia), (British Caledonia New in his honoured Hooker, a Mount other, The was Douglas’ assignment first David

to James St. Fort north to was plan travel Museum. British the in friend botanical 1823, at twenty-four, of age the In

the interfere, hywouldn’t they a Russians the Robert of Brown, in honour Brown explorations. his sponsor scientific would

by Assured gigantic endurance. of feat named he Mount still is retained, society which the of left life, David’s were that

a for prepared the at River, Columbia name the One, of Rocky the Mountains. years the for and eleven of Society London

1832 Douglas arrived again In in October peaks the of any of ascent recorded of the Horticultural Royal the attention

in mind. a plan larger much had he the first made Douglas David Here attracted prestigious appointment This

1832 but somewhat, him appeased ary Alberta. Jasper, Gardens. Botanic Glasgow the him with

1830 Janu and June area between today’s River of south miles thirty about Pass, for arranged position a was that work

the of tour Columbia A nineteen-month to east Athahasca Dam Mica the veered David’s impressed so with was who

North America. to return to yearned the at and of site and is Revelstoke Hooker, where William Dr. Jackson versity,

and irascible” “nervous became they Douglas lakes, passed the country. Leaving Uni Glasgow at botanist brilliant the of

in David l3ritain, society learned every Kootenay Columbia’s West British in attention othe to he long came Before

almost in membership honoured the with Lakes Arrow now are what at arriving life. his change would that pened

being of and feted years two After continued north, the Spokane), three hap of a events Then man. series young

(north fir. Douglas today’s of Colville tFort at rest a the to apprenticeship botanical a offered

a magnificent gigantic, to grew State. it and After become Washington would who gardens, Scone the Palace of ager

his in town borne One him. planted was years later which sixty-two Country, man the by recognized this was tunately

fascinated so that tree fir the from some Oregon part massive the of For upper the plants. in interest intense and innate

by were Douglas brought back seeds north went through expedition The an had Douglas was he twelve, before

that the among interesting an note It’s underway. e got ney ended education formal his Although

wages. Douglas’ cluding jour incredible dog, an Billy, beloved his Columbia. British of governor first

$2,000, than less in a at of pleted cost Johnson, and William servant, the faithful Sir Douglas, to James ascribed be to

been had years, com n one-half and by two his to Accompanied England. return thought often is o him for named is which

a encompassed had which expedition, to Douglas 1827 decided March In tree fir Douglas the Even botanists.

the that was aspect pleasing Another of purposes domestic variety and explorers least but known greatest

trust undertaken.” the had he useful a for found be may very our of 1799, one is wood in Scotland, Scone,

bad (Douglas) executed he which with industry. “The lumber northwest vast the Old in born Douglas, was who David

zeal the spirit surpass and could nothing presaged comment ther unknowingly category. latter falls the into who man a

stated: that also It country.

single A nature.” in fur objects graceful truly of story the is This “ remembered. ... being

from other individual any other any by and striking most fthe of “one was that of person it worthy a ignoring completely

than Douglas by England into troduced his in and noted he journal name his almost around, turning then, and entities

in plants were more that noted Society that carry tree would across fir the non came concerning numerous facts detail

The hero. Horticultural returning a given he

continually his wanderings some During

in recording people on tricks

—

that to home at akin was His fseeds. of reception over and plants varieties 100 of of playing a has way often History

Shilvock Win by

Explorer and Botanist

Douglas: David the late 1820s, he’d studied how to take species of plants. geographical positions and elevations. Gone, too, were the Using this knowledge, he spent a cou details of his sojourn ple of days taking sightings in the at Bear Creek. Kelowna area. He also found gold at Eventually he made the creek mouth — “enough to make a his way back through seal.” This was the first discovery of gold Fort Kamloops and the in the West — fifteen years before the Okanagan Valley to strike in California and twenty-three Fort Vancouver, where years before the finds on the Fraser he hoped to get a ship River. to Sitka. But the expe Continuing on the Brigade Trail dition had been so through Fort Kamloops, Douglas arrived strenuous that his at Fort St. James to find the next part of health deteriorated and his journey would be extremely hazard he decided to go to the ous, if not impossible. The journey Sandwich Islands (Ha would require 500 miles of travel over waii) for a rest. little-known trails and rivers just to reach In December 1833 Fort Simpson at the mouth of the Nass he arrived on the Big River. Then would come a 300-mile Island and for eight struggle over similarly rough terrain to months leisurely col get to the Russian fort at Sitka on Baranof lected some 2,000 spe Island, where he hoped to winter. cies of ferns. He also Threatening along the entire route were scaled the peaks of very hostile Indians. Mauna Loa and Mauna This appeared to be too much for even Kea, the first haoli to the indomitable David Douglas, so the do so. original plan was aborted. Turning In August 1834 dis south, he arrived at Fort George (Prince aster again struck George) from where he, William David Douglas. While Johnson and his dog Billy set out in a wandering around the canoe for a descent of the Fraser River. island with his dog They’d hardly started when the canoe Billy, he inadvertently was wrecked on a small island in Fort fell into a wild cattle George Canyon. Johnson and Billy were pit and was gored to washed up on shore but David was car death. ried into a whirlpool where he spun Although he was around for an hour and forty minutes only thirty-five, David before escaping. Douglas had com Everything was gone. According to pressed into those few David Douglas

Douglas,” ... my canoe was dashed to years a lifetime of sci- — atoms — I lost every article in my pos entific achievements. session.” Worst of all, he lost “The jour These live on today in dozens of gar nal of my occurrences,” a year’s worth dens throughout the world. His name, The author is a retired businessman liv of scientific notes, and more than 400 too, lives in the Douglas fir tree. ing in Kelowna.

ADVERTISEMENTS FROM AN 1883 DIRECTORY

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1ILL STREET, .J. E. JENKINS, Proprietor. GOOD ACCOMMODATION ___IIv, - c_ FOR TRANSIENT AND PERMANENT BOARDERS AND LODGERS. JOHN MAHRER, PROPR1ETOR Li p1i ith th Best bath f Wiz ad ciais

35 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 NEWS&NOTES

Fort Steele Heritage Town in the East Hashimoto of the Kyowakai Society; the Aquam Communily Care Home Kootenay offers hands-on history to school Japanese consul-general from Vancouver; Dr. St. Mary’s Band has long wished to keep classes and other youth groups. They sleep on Henry Shimizu of the Japanese-Canadian elders close to their culture in their declining straw-filled mattresses, attend an old-fashioned Redress Foundation from Edmonton; Chair of years. This is now possible. A home to provide one-roomed school, pan for gold, learn a bit B.C. Heritage Trust Ardyth Cooper; Don nursing care for fifteen elders was officially about grooming and harnessing a horse, chink Johnston of the Vancouver Foundation; MLA opened on August 4 on the St. Mary’s Reserve between logs on a building wall (with mud), Corky Evans of Nelson; Minister of Tourism near Cranbrook. The first five residents were participate in butter churning, ice cream and Culture Bill Barlee; MP Jim Gouk; R. Ktunaxa (Kootenay) residents of the St. Mary’s making and laundry, pioneer-style. Two Idaho lnouye of the National Association of Japa Reserve, who were joined by two from Girl Scout leaders had to suppress a giggle nese-Canadians; Miss Yoshiko Godo of the Vancouver Island. Those eligible for care at this when one of their small troop, up to her elbows Japanese-Canadian Citizens Association; Tom centre must have lived on an Indian reserve in sudsy water scrubbing clothes on a wash Shoyama, retired federal deputy minister of anywhere in Canada. Rosemary Nicholas has board, declared: “This is fun! I wish Mum would finance, now living in Victoria; Dr. John directed this project since its inception in 1990. trade in her washing machine for this!” Shintani; and Rev. Noshiro of the United It was financed by CMHC as a special services Church. Dr. Shintani, a dentist, made a brief project and is the first full-term facility on a address in the Japanese language taught to reserve in Western Canada. Canadian Historical Association him as a boy by Mrs. Chie Kamagaya. Mrs. Certificates of Merit Chie Kamagaya came to Canada to instruct Japanese-Canadians in their ancestral tongue. The Regional History Committee of the She was evacuated to Kaslo and lived there for Yellowhead Highway Canadian Historical Association invites many years before moving to New Denver. She Anniversary nominations for its Certificate of Merit awards. worked steadily and quietly with volunteers and On September 4, 1944, the highway between Two awards are given annually for each of five contractors to ensure that details of this display Prince Rupert and Terrace was officially Canadian regions, including British Columbia were correct. Mrs. Chie Kamagaya saw the opened. Both the provincial and federal and the Yukon: (1) an award for publications completion of this project and was thanked for governments had been promising this road but and videos that make a significant contribution her role. She thanked all helpers in their turn. it was the perceived threat of a Japanese to regional history and that will serve as a She passed away in her sleep on August 18, invasion that caused the United States to press model for others; and (2) an award to individu 1994, at the age of eighty-five. A Buddhist for a land route to move their troops. For thirty als for work over a lifetime or to organizations funeral was held in the memorial centre in New years the railroad was the only overland link for contributions over an extended period of Denver and a service to honour her memory between Prince Rupert and the rest of Canada. time. Nominations, accompanied by as much was conducted in Toronto, with hundreds of her The war-time emergency road was built as supporting documentation as possible, should former pupils attending. The Nikkei Internment quickly as possible. Today, fifty years after the be sent no later than December 15, 1994, to Memorial Centre is open for viewing daily official opening, the original narrow winding Dr. John Douglas Belshaw, Department of during the summer and by appointment year road has been almost totally rebuilt. An article Philosophy, History and Politics, University round. It is a most commendable heritage giving details of the history of this highway, College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, B.C. V2C attraction. Travel on Highway #6 and/or #23 to written by Dirk Septer of Telkwa, will appear in 5N3 (fax: 604-371-5510). The 1993 awards reach New Denver. a future issue of the B.C. Historical News. were presented to (1) Dianne Newell for her Tangled Webs of History: Indians and the Law in Canadas Pacific Coast Fisheries (see review p. 38 this issue) and (2) Keith Ralston, historian. Congratulations to Keith, who was recently the Honorary President of the BCHF.

Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre A group of citizens in New Denver, B.C., conceived the idea of preparing a display as a memorial to Japanese-Canadians interned in the interior of British Columbia during WWII. This collection of shacks represent the drafty buildings, each occupied by two families, in that cold winter of 1942—43; the outhouse; a somewhat improved cabin c. 1957, with family garden; the first community hail adapted to include a Buddhist temple; and a new commu nity hall with photographic and other displays. The courtyard is planted with a Japanese garden symbolizing the past, present and future. This memorial centre was officially opened on July 23, 1994. The guests on the platform each spoke briefly to convey his or her Cutting the ribbon at the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denvei: Left to right: Gaiy feelings on the value of this centre. They were Wright, Mayor of New Denver; Di: H. Shimizu of the Japanese-Canadian Redress Foundation; Mrs. Bishop Matsubayashi of the Buddhist Church; Chie Kamagaya; and Sakaye Hashimoto of the Kyowakai Society. July 23 1994. Photo courtesy of The Valley Voice, New Denver Mayor Gary Wright of New Denver; Sakaye

B.C. Historical News - FaIl 1994 36 BOOKSHELF Books for review and book reviews should be sent directly to the Book Review Editor: Anne Yandle, 3450 West 20th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6S 1 E4

Robin Ward ‘.s Heritage West Coast No Ordinary Journey: John Rae, Arc tative voice. The book is a bit o a curios Robin Ward. Madeira Park, Harbour Pub tic Explorer 1813—1893 ity as it seems to have created its own lishing, 1993. 128 p., illus. $32.95 Ian Bunyan, Jenni Calder, Dale Idiens, genre: its format and content place it Bryce Wilson. Edinburgh, National Mu somewhere between what one would Robin Ward came to the west coast as seum of Scotland, Montreal & Kingston, expect from a coffee table book and a an adult immigrant from Scotland. The McGill University Press, 1993. 166 p., history of the Arctic in Rae’s era. first book of his drawings produced by illus. Cloth $42.95, paper $19.95 Perhaps the main problem with the Harbour Publishing was Robin Ward’s book lies with its thesis: that the lack of Vancouver (1990). This is a seductive book. The illustra recognition given Rae in the 19th cen Like the first, Robin Ward’s Heritage tions are glorious, from the numerous tury has continued into ours. In Rae’s West Coast is based on his weekly col reproductions of early sketches and paint own time he was certainly denigrated by umn in The Vancouver Sun. It is a mix of ings to the modem photographs of the the Admiralty and naval Arctic explorers, pleasing sketches of older, mainly Vancou ever-photogenic Arctic. The text is equally but that feeling was reciprocated. Then,

ver, structures, capsule histories, and usu enthralling — the authors draw John Rae for a number of reasons, he was severely ally apt, sometimes scathing, commentary. in epic proportions from the young Hud criticized by the press when he returned Inevitably one is drawn to compare son Bay Company surgeon/trader to the to England with the relics of Franklin’s Ward’s output with that of Michael retired Arctic expert living in late 19th expedition and proceeded to claim the Kiuckner. Perhaps this is unfair, given that century London. The book, which was £10,000 reward that had been offered Kluckner is an artist in watercolours and published to coincide with an exhibition for information about the lost expedition. a native of Vancouver to boot. One could of John Rae’s Arctic collection at the And, finally, he was chastised by many, hardly expect Ward’s work to match the National Museum of Scotland in Edin notably by Charles Dickens in Household richness of Kluckner’s Vanishing Vancou burgh, richly evokes the exhibition and Words, when he suggested that Franklin’s

ver (1990) in any respect — historical John Rae’s life. officers had been reduced to cannibal record, detail, captured ambience, deep The book was published last year to ism. But Dickens was more journalist than feeling. Nevertheless, Ward’s too is a commemorate Rae’s death and its pur novelist when he wrote in his periodical worthy record of “built Vancouver.” pose is stated in the preface: “The con and was simply echoing the general sen Given the state of the city’s official her tribution of Dr. John Rae and the native timents of the public; in fact, Rae was itage efforts as described, it is doubtful Canadians he learned from was not ap highly respected by the HBC and by that few, if any, of Vancouver’s large her propriately acknowledged in his lifetime George Simpson in particular. As well, itage structures will survive much longer, and he has never been given due weight the Royal Geographical Society acknowl let alone the gentleness of established by Arctic historians.” There are few early edged his Arctic exploration in 1852 neighbourhoods in the “residential city” Arctic travellers who can be compared when he was presented with its Found recorded by Kluckner. Ward has a fine with Rae and perhaps only Stefansson ers Medal. In his later life, the authors tell flow of words to describe what most dis equalled him in ground covered and dedi us, he lectured on the Arctic and was tresses him — “aberration,” “fiasco,” “gro cation to learning from the natives. given an honorary degree by the Univer tesque banality.” Though he is often Stefansson’s life has been well docu sity of Edinburgh. Today, as then, he is surprised by what he happens upon, mented by himself and others, but pub acknowledged as a pioneer in Arctic ex even delighted, he can be seriously de lished information about Rae is scant. For ploration and travel; someone whom pressed by the “blinkered attitudes” of that reason any publication about John 20th century explorers like Stefansson some developers and councillors. He re Rae is welcome. admired and emulated. He may have fers to several failed or wrongheaded at No Ordinary Journey is not a biogra been briefly pilloried by the press, but he tempts at heritage preservation, and notes phy of Rae but is a compilation in five has hardly been forgotten or denied his also that the City of Vancouver, incred sections of aspects of his life, from his rightful place in Arctic exploration. ibly, allowed the removal of the distinc childhood in the Orkneys to a descrip One wonders, therefore, if it’s neces tive and powerful Canadian National tion of his considerable collection of na sary in a book about John Rae to write neon sign, even though it had received tive artifacts. These five chapters are the kind of panegyric that characterizes the city’s heritage designation. written by four different authors with ap this book. If one accepts Rae’s contribu Can Ward’s public and caustic com propriate backgrounds in history and eth tion to Arctic history then the elevation mentaries save his sketch subjects? Surely nography. Having been written in this of Rae into heroic proportions seems they will help. fashion, though, the text does lack the needless: his feats of endurance in the Mary Rawson unity that would come from a single au Arctic and in southern Canada are well Mary Rawson, a town planne isa member thor, but the reader can be assured that known by anyone familiar with the pub of the Vancouver Historical Society individual chapters do have an authori lished Rae material that is available. What

37 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 BOOKSH ELF seems to be needed now is a more bal Tangled Webs of History: Indians and Newell states that there is no evidence of anced view of Rae, perhaps the publica the Law in Canada’s Pacific Coast Indian overfishing or of large illegal sales tion of the manuscript autobiography at Fisheries of Indian-caught food fish. In fact, for the the Scott Polar Institute or, even better, a Dianne Newell. Toronto, University of lower Fraser area there is strong and ex balanced assessment of the man in a well- Toronto Press, 1993. 306 p., illus. Cloth tensive evidence of this, especially for the documented biography. Even the pho $60, paper $23 post-1920 period. Recent court evidence tographs of Rae in No Ordinary Journey states that up to ninety per cent of In seem to present a number of sides of the Dr. Newell appears to have entangled dian-caught food fish is illegally sold in man: from the young, ambitious surgeon herself in her recent publication Tangled the lower Fraser area. to Rae in old age, but the one in which Webs of History. She declares a desire to Dr. Newell acknowledges the Depart he is portrayed with his wife Catherine make a scholarly contribution to the de ment of Fisheries as a major factdr in this shows a man in his prime, casually posed bate on fishery politics by publishing her debate but makes little use of the depart but with a strong suggestion of latent research, having found the courtroom “an ment’s records in the research for this power and virility. It would be interest inadequate, even hostile, environment for book, probably because she realized it ing to know more about that man. explaining the tangled webs of history.” would not support the native claims. She The book, unfortunately, has some Her attempts to inform public opinion selects only evidence of the DFO’s fail flaws, some of which probably would not through the judicial system were not im ures to preserve certain salmon resources, have occurred had there been a single pressive. Under cross-examination in but fails to mention great successes such author or, at least, a strong editorial pres court she was unable to answer simple as the Fraser’s sockeye stocks and the ence. Considering that there is not as questions on fishing technology. Although Alberni spring stocks. much information about John Rae as one claiming to be an historian of technology, Her use of the word “industrial” rather would like, it’s unfortunate the book does Dr. Newell’s inability to master the basic than “commercial” for the modern com not contain endnotes, index or bibliog mechanics of the industry is evident in mercial fisheries and providing her own raphy. There are some internal references this work. Her descriptions of purse seine definition of “exchange commodity” (all to sources but these are too unspecific to nets and gilinet and seine drum technol the while ignoring other scholastic work be useful. There are too few dates; at ogy are riddled with mistakes. on export commodity theory, which times one has to go back or forward nu To those unfamiliar with the subject, would not have supported her thesis) in merous pages to discover the times of Tangled Webs appears to be a good syn dicates a desire to manipulate established events being described. Also, at times, in opsis of the historical development of terminology to fit native claims for fish. their enthusiasm for Rae, the authors fail Indians and the law in Canada’s Pacific Another example of either ignoring the to acknowledge others who had travelled coast fisheries, but this work is in fact an historic record or of selecting information and mapped in areas before Rae; par example of what much history and an is her claim that seine licenses were not ticularly the slight reference given to ..thpQ1qgy have become when deali granted to Indians before the 1920s as a

Dease and Simpson’s mapping of the with aboriginal topics — client cenffed matter of departmental policy. Such is coasts of Victoria and King William Is scholarship. The research is geared to th simply not true. Dr. Newell claims that lands years before Rae appeared. Finally, 6cument one side of an argu cannery operators preferred the Japanese although the ethnographic chapter on ment, either for court cases (the reason, I as fishermen because they were more Rae’s collecting provides information believe, for this book’s publication) or for “dependable and cooperative,” rather about Rae’s activities, the text does not broader propaganda purposes such as than the fact that as a racial group, Japa mention that the Admiralty also required reading material for university courses. nese gillnet fishermen were by far the its officers to collect native artifacts, part Dr. Newell’s introductory observation most productive. Dr. Newell downplays of the scientific activity that was required that “the state and its administrative agen the importance of mechanization in of all HM ships of the period. cies and courts, backed by private indus salmon canneries after 1900, which I Despite these omissions, which can try and non-Indian fishers characterized believe is misleading, and when discuss probably be attributed to the nature and Pacific Coast Indian fishing traditions as ing the Babine Barricade Agreement she purpose of the book, No Ordinary Jour destructive and demonized Indian food neglects to mention that the so-called ney is a welcome addition to the scarce fishers as predators” is simplistic, biased, agreement was never signed. published material on John Rae and one and provocative. Throughout the book One final example of slanted analysis hopes that it may be a harbinger of many Newell builds her arguments on some is Newell’s account of a case in which she more to come. questionable premises: that the claims that an Indian community’s at Maurice Hodgson marginalization of natives in Canada is a tempt to expand its involvement in the Maurice Hodgson isa member of the result of political (rather than economic) herring spawn on kelp industry was English Department Douglas College. activity and that pre-contact natives were blocked by the Department of Fisheries actually conservationists. arid Oceans and the Pacific Fishermen’s In her introduction, for example, Dr. Alliance through a federal court sympa

B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994 38 BOOKSHELF thetic to the latter. Having also been in between the Dirty Thirties and 1993 over Raincoast Chronicles 15: Stories and volved in that court case (Reid vs. HM whelm the reader, yet are reported in an History of the BC Coast the Queen, 1990), I cannot find either in almost ho-hum, downplayed manner. Howard White, ed. Madeira Park, Har the transcripts or in my recollection of Many a movie has been made of a less bour Publishing, 1993. 80 p., illus. events any prejudice toward either side dangerous situation than that in chapter $10.95 by the trial judge. Newell neglects to in six, where men are landed from a float form her readers that this community was plane on a sandbar at the mouth of the Raincoast Chronicles Fifteen will not trying to expand its role in this fishery at Tsitika River. They are cut off from land disappoint the wide audience who have the expense of a neighbouring Indian by a tidal slough and the tide is coming come to look forward to the latest edition community and that the spawn on kelp in. The chapter on bears and chronicles of our coast history. The coloured back industry already has the highest partici of other wildlife could be made into a and front covers alone are so evocative pation of natives of any Pacific fishery. documentary. (Though Guppy bear- of our coast they bring nostalgia: boats The book does raise some interesting proofed his cabin with steel rods and steel and more boats. points, one being that the federal assist bedframes, the bears still got in.) The spectrum of stories is wide, rang ance programs tend to help the Indian This could be called a comprehensive ing from the fantasy (truth?) of sasquatch fishers who are already doing well, and history of mining in the area, for along encounters and a tale of Paul Bunyan to she gives a good exposition of the differ with telling of the claims staked, there are matter-of-fact reportage of the lifestyle of ent objectives of various Indian groups. countless details of early mines from a twenty-four colonels at Shawnigan Lake I would recommend this book not for 1 century ago to the present day. Also in and an intern at Bella Bella. its content, but as an example of a new this telling one learns of the immense dif There are tales you can choose to be type of history that is being written for ferences between prospecting before the lieve, or not, such as Visitors, with its ee political correctness, that is a heavily bi Second World War and today. In the early rie quality. There is a sample of logging ased interpretation of the historic record, days it was feet, and sometimes horses; tall-tales humour in One-Arm Willy and tailored to the political needs of a par today it is helicopters, instant communi the tongue-in-cheek story of The By-Pass ticular interest group. While it may be one cation with the outside world, drops of Valve by Alan Haig-Brown is an enter way to survive as an historian, let us hope food and supplies. taining sample of West Coast life and that a balanced and scholarly work on Many maps give insight into the terri humour. this subject will be producedojy_ tory explored, but only those familiar with The styles of the storytelling are as var Duncan Stacey the formidable terrain of the Island’s west ied: Grizzlies and Sosquatches is in the Duncan Stacey, a former fisherman and coast, its central area, can appreciate the slightly fractured English of Clayton Mack, now an industrial historian, has done “wanderings” here detailed. whose stories they are, while Voice From curatorial work for the National Museums of Yet much of the detail is repetitious and the Inlet, telling of the telephone in B.C., Canada, Parks Canada and the Vancouver the chapter on Guppy’s sojourn in Scot is prosaic. Summer Intern at Bella Bella, Maritime Museum, and is also an expert land seems out of place. The pictures, 1947 should be compulsory reading for witness for the Department of Fisheries on however, are excellent. the segment of today’s professional whin aboriginal fishing claims. One is left in awe of the wanderings of ers whose specialty is medical services. this man. He has no modem counterparts (Aside from that, doubtless the medical in today’s packsack and hiking-boot services available to the Raincoasters in crowd for he was born into the Depres the past helped develop the wry humour Wilderness Wandering on Vancouver Is sion era which denied him extensive edu displayed in many of the stories here.) land cation and training. He made up for the Much of the coast is covered — from Walter Guppy. Tofino, Grassroots Publi lack of both with grit and determination. Dollarton to Bella BelIa, from the Gulf cation, 1993. 136 p., illus. $9.95 It is fortunate he chose to publish this Islands to Shawnigan Lake. The pictures book. Its contents will be invaluable as are excellent. The one addition that A better title for this self-published book an information source regarding mining would make the book more enjoyable to would be “Wilderness Prospecting” be history on Vancouver Island in the years those not familiar with coast geography cause it is not about wandering in the real ahead. would be a map showing the exact loca sense of the word, but about an endless Kelsey McLeod tions of places mentioned. odyssey of climbs, hikes, sorties, mainly This Raincoast Chronicles Fifteen is a afoot, by the author, all in the interest of worthy addition to those that have pre the search for minerals on Vancouver Is ceded it. Don’t miss it! land’s west coast. Kelsey McLeod The incredible hardships, the mind- Kelsey McLeod is a member of the boggling difficulties, the many dangerous Vancouver Historical Society situations faced by Guppy in the years

39 B.C. Historical News - Fall 1994

40 News 1994 Historical Fall B.C. -

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HONORARY PATRON

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

HONORARY PRESIDENT

J. Arthur Lower 4040 West 35th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6N 2P3

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BC HIsToRIcAL FEDERATION WRITING COMPETITION

The British Columbia Historical Federation invites submissions of books for the twelfth annual Compe tition for Writers of B.C. History. Any book presenting any facet of B.C. history, published in 1994, is eligible. This may be a community history, biography, record of a project or an organization, or personal recollections giving a glimpse of the 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 proofreading, an adequate index, table of contents and bibliography, from first-time writ ers 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 recieve considerable publicity. Winners will receive a Certificate of Merit, a monetary award and an invitation to the BCHF annual conference to be held in Chilliwack in May 1995. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: All books must have been published in 1994 and should be submit ted as soon as possible after publication. Two copies of each book should be submitted. Please state name, address and telephone number of sender, the selling price of all editions of the 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 RO. Box 933, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 DEADLINE: December 15, 1994. LATE ENTRIES: Three copies of each book must be submitted and must arrive before January 31, 1995. Please phone (604) 758-2828 to clarify shipping arrangements for late entries. ********** 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 3,000 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