THE WELLS CHRONICLE PUBLISHED IN THE HEART OF THE GOLD BELT Vol. 2— No. 1 Wells, BC, Thursday, January 1, 2009 $2.00 at the stand

Serving the communities of Wells, & Bowron Lake

Pre-School Christmas Party sponsored by RCL Branch 128 Wells’ Legion Auxiliary Happy New Year

Page 2 THE WELLS CHRONICLE January 2009

The Wells Chronicle Begins Its 2nd Year of Publishing

I thank each of my advertisers, contributors, correspondents, subscribers, mentors & critics for participating in this paper. Your input has been invaluable, please continue! Together we lived the history of Wells 2008.

2009 is our 75th birthday and is filling up fast with exciting events to celebrate the rich stories of our town, both past and present. I am looking forward to this new year here in the Cariboo!

May your Christmas be Merry, your winter full of fun and laughter, and your New Year strong in health and good fortune.

With our Warmest Regards, Mike & Aleta Wallace

THE WELLS CHRONICLE invites submissions THE WELLS CHRONICLE is sold at the following on issues and events in the Wells, Barkerville, locations in Wells, BC: Bowron Lake area, including: letters, poems, sto- ⇒ Wells Service Station ries, club news, and anything else that will benefit ⇒ Northwoods Restaurant and inform our community. ⇒ Wells General Store

THE WELLS CHRONICLE is edited and pub- THE WELLS CHRONICLE is sold at the following lished by Aleta Wallace. Contact Information: locations in Quesnel, BC: ⇒ 4-Mile Store & Coffee Shop Wells Chronicle ⇒ Big Country Printers Aleta Wallace, Editor ⇒ River Valley Health Products Ltd. Box 174, Wells, BC V0K 2R0 ⇒ Caryall Books Phone/Fax: (250) 994-3454 ⇒ One World Treasures (Baha’i Store) Email: [email protected] ⇒ Cariboo Keepsakes [email protected] Want to carry this paper in your store? Web: http://wellschronicle.ca Contact the Editor via phone, email, Canada Post.

Affordable Rates

Wells Chronicle ad rates are affordable! $12.00 puts your business in the Business & Services listings for one calendar year. $15.00 per issue buys a business card size ad (1 ¾” x 2 ¾”) or $90.00 for 6 months. $1.00 buys a line of type (Times New Roman 10pt for 2 ¾”) More sizes & rates: http://wellschronicle.ca Wells Chronicle: retail outlet price $2.00 - Canadian subscriptions $48.00 per calendar year - Interna- tional subscription rates to be determined. For more info: Rates & Policy page at http://wellschronicle.ca

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 3

Santa Ho-Ho-Ho’d to a packed house of pre- school children and their parents at the Wells Legion. The youngest in these Mike Wallace Photos are 2008 babies for our town. AW

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Hi all,

The Picture BC project that the District of Wells submitted images to is now live. Here is the link: http://www.picturebc.ca/

Cheers, Sundance

24K Nuggets In Your Pockets:

⇒ To the District of Wells staff for their due diligence and unfailing effort. They are doing the work of double their number and bringing our small community an unparalleled level of infrastructure support per capita. AW

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 5

“After all the effort the community has made to keep the school open, the federal funding for this new geothermal system is timely and appreciated,” says Vermette. The Gas Tax Fund delivers infrastructure funding to local governments and other eligible recipients primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air,

cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Gas Tax Fund Provides Funding is also available for planning projects that New Geothermal Heating contribute to the sustainability of communities and regions. for Wells/Barkerville School The Government of Canada extended the Gas Tax Fund to 2014 as part of its Building Canada infra- (Wells, ) The federal Gas Tax structure plan. The Gas Tax Fund is providing a Fund is providing $364,800 to the District of Wells total of $1.6 billion in funding for local government to install a geothermal heating system in the Wells/ infrastructure in British Columbia up to 2014. Barkerville community school. The geothermal heating project is the latest step in The multi-use facility, built in 1940, is an integral efforts by the District of Wells to increase commu- part of the heritage value of the community of nity sustainability through use of alternative energy Wells. The new geothermal system replaces a costly sources, including wind and solar power. oil-based furnace system and will lead to a dramatic Gary Champagne, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the Chief Administrative Officer facility, achieving one of the core goals of Gas Tax District of Wells, British Columbia funding. “The heating bills for our school have been a big 250-994-3330 problem for Wells, and this funding will allow us to [email protected] do this great project which we otherwise could not www.wellsbc.com afford”, says Wells Mayor Jay Vermette. “This pro- ject demonstrates that green technology is good for the environ- ment and good for re- ducing operating costs of public facilities.” The school building became property of the District of Wells several years ago through an arrangement with School District 28 which saw the town assume the operation and mainte- nance costs of the school.

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Wild Mushroom & Port Brioche Groceries ~ 2340 Pooley Street ~ Hardware

Ingredients: ~ Internet ~ ~ Cariboo ~ 2 tbsp olive oil C.A.P. Site Raw Gold

Fax Service Proserpine 225g chestnut mushrooms, quartered 115g shiitake mushrooms, halved ~ Local Art ~ Conklin Gulch Handcrafted Gold 2 large field mushrooms, sliced 3 sticks celery, finely chopped Items & Gifts ~ Nuggets ~ 1 onion, cut into thin wedges 2 garlic cloves, crushed Grizz & Carol Pinette, Owner/Operators Box 259, Wells, BC V0K-2R0 Phone (250) 994-3301 300ml red wine Email: [email protected] Fax (250) 994-3341 1.2l hot vegetable stock 2 sprigs fresh thyme 150ml port heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 mins. Add 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly wine, stock and thyme and bring to the boil. 6 brioche rolls Simmer for 30 mins. flatleaf parsley, to garnish Add the port and redcurrant jelly. Bring back to the boil, then boil for 10 mins until re- Method: duced by half and thick and syrupy. Season Oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Heat 1 tbsp oil to taste, discard the thyme and stir in the in a large pan, then fry mushrooms for 4-5 mushrooms. Simmer for 5 mins. mins, stirring occasionally, until lightly Meanwhile, pull the tops off the brioche and browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, then reserve, then pick out dough from the centre set aside. Add remaining oil to the pan, then to leave a thick shell. (Process remaining fry the celery, onion and garlic over a low dough to make breadcrumbs, then freeze for future use.) Place rolls on a baking sheet, then bake for 5-7 mins until hot and crisp. Spoon the mushroom mixture into the brioche rolls, then garnish with the flat- leaf parsley. Serve immediately with any remaining gravy, potato wedges and green beans. Ready-Made Brioche Ready-made brioche rolls make won- derfully buttery cases for this rich wine and mushroom filling. Recipe from Good Food magazine, Vegetarian Christmas 2006. Courtesy: www.bbcgoodfood.com

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 7

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Wells Transit Information

The District of Wells is happy to announce that beginning on Thursday, January 8th, 2009 there will be once-weekly return handicap accessible bus service between Wells and Quesnel.

Here are the details of the service: The bus will run on Thursdays. The cost of the bus is $2.00 per one-way trip for adults and seniors. Children 12 and under are free. Cash only. Exact change required.

Quesnel to Wells and Back Morning Route * The bus will depart from the bus stop across from the Royal Bank at 7:00 AM, followed by a stop at the hospital, and it will arrive in Wells at approximately 8:30 AM. The Wells bus will say “Community Bus” on the front. The bus will stop at the following locations in Wells. Riders are encouraged to be at the designated stops by 8:25 AM: -Wells-Barkerville School (Mildred Ave entrance) -Wells General Store -Northwoods Restaurant -Wells Apartments (Solibakke St. at apartment office and Ski Hill Rd at Hong St.) -Wells Service Station The bus will stop at the hospital in Quesnel on the return trip if needed, and then end its trip across from the Royal Bank at approximately 10:15 AM.

Quesnel to Wells and Back Afternoon Route * The bus will depart from the bus stop across from the Royal Bank on its return trip to Wells at 4:00 PM. The bus will stop at the hospital on the way out of town and arrive back in Wells at approximately 5:30 PM. The Wells bus will say “Community Bus” on the front. The bus will stop at the following locations in Wells. Riders are encouraged to be at the designated stops by 5:25 PM: -Wells-Barkerville School (Mildred Ave entrance) -Wells General Store -Northwoods Restaurant -Wells Apartments (Solibakke St. at apartment office and Ski Hill Rd at Hong St.) -Wells Service Station The bus will stop at the hospital in Quesnel on the return trip if needed, and then end its trip across from the Royal Bank at approximately 7:00 PM.

*The bus service may be cancelled due to weather or the unavailability of the bus. If this occurs the District of Wells will attempt to notify the public as soon as possible. If you have any questions in regards to this service contact District of Wells at 250-994-3330.

For more information call 250-994-3330, or email [email protected]

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 9

HELP US MAKE HISTORY, the eyes of British Columbians in 2008 – the prov- an invitation from the Royal BC Museum ince’s 150th anniversary year. This year, you can become part of BC history. The Share your own story about arriving, growing up, Royal BC Museum wants your story – and your working or living in BC. Visit the website at help in spreading the word about The People’s www.freespiritbc.ca/peopleshistory, or call 250- History Project, a website where people from 381-4305 to record your story in your own voice. across the province can share memories and sto- Your submission can be as simple as a family pho- ries of British Columbia from a personal point of tograph. view. To learn more about the project, visit the website, Filled with photographs, text, audio and video or email or call us: The People’s History Project submissions, The People’s History Project is ac- cepting story submissions until Jan. 11, 2009. On the web: www.freespiritbc.ca/peopleshistory Then it will live on in the BC Archives as an elec- Email: [email protected] tronic time capsule of BC history as seen through Phone: 250 381-4305

Hi all, I've taken the Wells/Barkerville/Troll portion of the program and placed it on the front page of the Last January the District of Wells, working to- http://www.wellsbc.com website. gether with Northern BC Tourism and Troll Re- sort, brought Rideguide Productions, a skiing/ If you have a second take a look at the video. It snow boarding/mt. biking video production com- has lots of great footage of the backcountry behind pany to the Wells/Barkerville/Troll area. Barkerville and the town of Wells. When they were here they shot a backcountry ski- ing/snowboarding segment for a program that will Cheers, be aired nationally on Global TV in February (date Sundance not confirmed yet).

- - AN OPPORTUNITY - -

Original Art - Local & Area Artists

Marie Nagel Paintings, Pottery, Woodcrafts, Cards, Gifts, Photography, Used Books

GALLERY Located on Bowman Crescent in Wells, BC

The Marie Nagel Gallery is available for rent for the 2009 season for $3,000 to someone ready to give it a go and keep the gallery vital... Having the gallery open and contributing to the Wells art scene is important to Gary and reasonable terms can be worked out. Contact Gary @ [email protected]

Page 10 THE WELLS CHRONICLE January 2009

-ANNOUNCEMENTS- HMC Snowfall Report for Wells 2008/9 134 cm as of December 16, 2008 Wells Works The exhibit is in place from Dec. 1, That is 52.76 inches or 4.4 feet. 2008 to Jan. 30, 2009 and the opening & coffee Thanks Brad! house takes place Saturday, Dec. 20th at 7 pm in ****************************************** ==Passings== the Island Mountain Arts Gallery. The participating visual artists are Caroline Anders, Joan Beck, Paul Steve Brown was found dead at his home on Sun- Crawford, Gail Dunn, Ron Dunn, Julie Fowler, day, December 14, 2008. He was 49 years old. His Corey Hardeman, Bill Horne, Claire Kujundzic, family was notified and his brothers arrived from Lilith McRae, Jenny Phillips, Lindsay Read, Paula Ontario within two days. RCMP reported to Wells Scott and Ting Yuen. AW Legion President, Doug Merrick, on Thursday, De- ***************************************** cember 18, 2008 that Steve’s death was found to be Wells has permanent gasoline service located at an accident. A gathering of friends and family was the Wells Service Station. Regular, Premium & held for Steve at the Wells Legion at 4:00 PM on Diesel fuels are now permanently available year- Friday, December 19, 2008. A formal obituary will round. Initially spearheaded in April 2008 by con- be found in the February issue of this paper. AW cerned citizens and the Wells & District Chamber of ******************************************* Commerce, the task of supplying our area with Part-time Paramedic Opportunities gasoline required innovative thinking and adapta- INTERESTED ? tion. Finally, funding for a permanent solution For more info or a full application package contact came from a joint taskforce composed of Northern Jody Hunter, 994-3229 or

Development Trust, Barkerville Heritage Trust, and BCAS Human Resources Division -- Northern BC the District of Wells. The Wells Service Station 3732 Opie Cres., Prince George, BC V2N 4P7 generously offered space and staffing to facilitate Tel: 250-614-9982 Fax: 250-614-9983 dispensing the fuel. The equipment and commodity http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/bcas/index.html is owned by the taskforce partnership, which also oversees the related financials. AW

==Happy Birthday==

To all January Babies living in or visiting our area.

***************************************** It’s snowing so get ready!!! The Wells Gourmet Ski will be held Saturday Feb- ruary 21st 2009. Please mark the date on your cal- endar. There will only be 100 tickets sold. Registrations will not be taken until after Decem- ber 15th. We'll send out the reservation phone number and particulars shortly.

2009 WELLS - BARKERVILLE EVENTS CALENDAR EVENT NAME START END DAY/WEEK LOCATION JANUARY Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run 01/23/2009 01/26/2009 Friday-Monday Quesnel – Barkerville

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 11

Wells RCMP Report importantly to pay more attention to the changing by Cst. Greg Trainor road conditions. Please drive safely and learn from I was glad to hear that a few people missed my my mistake, a vehicle can be repaired or replaced article in the last edition. I cannot think of a good but the safety of ourselves, loved ones, and others is excuse on why it was not submitted but I am sure I paramount. was very busy.... I like to give the HMC guys a hard time and tried Winter has unleashed it's fury on us here in Wells to blame Brad for me going off the road but I must and although I am looking forward to snowmobiling commend them on the job they do on the highway. and trying out my new snowshoes, I am already It is evident that their section of Hwy 26 receives a longing for the days of shorts and sandals on the lot of attention and that helps the traveling public banks of Bowron Lake. For now, I will put on my get to their destination safely. Thanks for your ef- RCMP issued fur hat forts. And by the and try to keep a way, Brad told me in positive outlook on no uncertain terms the fun that winter that it was my fault has to offer. I am for going off the keeping my fire pit road because I was dug out for roasting not driving to the hotdogs and marsh- road conditions. mallows throughout Point taken. the winter so if you In December, I be- see me out there gan the 10 week with a fire going DARE (Drug Abuse stop by to say hello Resistance Educa- and you might be tion) program with the grade 4 and higher students treated to a warm drink and a snack. and look forward to presenting the remainder of the Winter driving got the best of me on December 6th curriculum. Anyone seeking information on the as I fell victim to a combination of road conditions, program can contact me. improper tires, and not altering my speed to suit the road conditions. Yes, as some of you know, I put I want to remind snowmobile owners that intend to my truck in the ditch. Fortunately, only my pride use their machines within Wells to attend the office was hurt and after some assistance from some Con- for their permits and then properly insure and regis- servation Officers from Quesnel, we were on our ter them. Snowmobiles that are not properly in- way in no time. sured, etc. are not to be operated on or across the

This is a lesson I am passing on to you. The tires roadways or on the designated corridor. We have on my truck had about 10000 KM on them and ap- been making exceptions for those crossing the road pear to have lots of tread and I was “NOT” speed- at the detachment to refuel at the service station but ing. The problem was that the tires were not de- that does not allow for travel on or across any other roadway. signed for winter, there was an accumulation of slush, and I didn't realize that the road conditions On behalf of the Wells RCMP Detachment, we had deteriorated until I tried to negotiate a turn. The hope everyone had [has] a nice Holiday Season and solution for me was to purchase winter tires, put wish everyone the best in the New Year. more weight in the back of my truck, and most Until next time....

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Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy Backward Glance – Cariboo? Wrong spelling? Holiday Season! It could have been ‘Cariboeuf! By Sandy Phillips MERRY How did the Cariboo Region of B.C. get named? CHRISTMAS Although I can’t say for sure, I can quote from sev- to all! eral writings about the subject. On November 10, and a 1860, the Victoria Colonist published;

HAPPY “The Cariboo Country. – Many suppose that the NEW YEAR! name applied to this lately discovered auriferous region, lying to the northeast of Fort Alexander, and taking in the headwaters of the Quesnelle River, and the North and South Forks of the same stream, is of Indian origin. This is wrong. The name ‘Cariboo’ is derived from a species of reindeer abounding in that section. They are much larger than an elk, and carry immense antlers. In color they resemble a deer; but are less symmetrically formed. A full-sized cariboo will weigh, on the foot, From Dan and Carol Pinette from 500 to 600 pounds, although about 400 ~ Wells General Store ~ pounds is the average. The animal has enormous feet, that spread as they touch the ground, and leave a large track behind them. They experience no diffi- culty in running over the snow; their pedal extremities answering all the purposes of snowshoes, and pre- venting them from sinking. The cariboo is said to have been numerous in Canada West some years since, but latterly, as civilization has advanced, have become very scarce. It was from the killing of one of these animals on the North Fork of Quesnelle River, by some Canadian miners, early in the summer, that the name was first applied to that section, and it will no doubt be adopted by the government in case an offi- cial map is ever issued.”

Cariboo -- According to Webster’s the word is derived from the French Canadian ‘Caribou’ which is probably of Native American origin (Webster’s say’s it’s of Algonquin origin). The spelling Cariboo is simply a variant of Caribou; both of which were in current use for the animal during the 19th century when the District was formed. For some reason James Douglas chose the spelling of “Cariboo” for the new District, as can be seen in the following quote. This spelling has been retained up to the present day as the geographic name for our region, although it has been dropped in favour of ‘Caribou’ when used in reference to the animal.

C.F. James Douglas wrote to the Duke of Newcastle on September 16 1861;

“…the Cariboo country, -- in speaking of which I have adopted the popular and more convenient orthog- raphy of the word – though properly it should be written “Caribeouf” or Rein Deer, the country having been so named from its being a favorite haunt of that species of the deer kind.”

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 13

Backward Glance — by Sandy Phillips, continued.

In 1932 Isabel Bescoby wrote a thesis on the Cariboo Region which has more interesting facts on the subject;

“It is true that our new world place names guard within themselves most of our spotted history. Some, treasured fondly, are allowed to reveal their story again and again. But others, having lived their story, now lie dead on history’s page.

The names of the various sections of the Cariboo District of British Columbia have suffered just such a fate. Some few we know; but most of them were buried when the mines began to cease production in the late sixties.

The whole district was a secluded Indian hunting tract when the miners and civilization burst into it. In their usual manner the natives referred to it as Ho-tsee-kaya which meant the ‘land of the Rein-deer’ or the Caribou Region. Properly written it should have been the ‘Cerf-boeuf-deer-ox” or “Cariboeuf” Dis- trict but soon the name was shortened to ‘Caribou’. One story says that a party of miners including Hans Helgenson, James Kennedy, Duncan McMartin and others had enjoyed an excellent meal of caribou meat and that they officially or unofficially named the district at a conference held among themselves that eve- ning. This was on the Quesnel in either the fall of 1859 or 1860. At any rate the name was known to geog- raphers almost from the first as ‘CARIBOO’. By 1865 the new spelling was almost universal. The country that was born to the whiteman as a hunter’s paradise, proved to be a miner’s El Dorado and what it may yet hold for us no one may guess.”

All excerpts were found in the Barkerville archives. Fact or fiction, no one can say, but at least we are not ‘The Cariboeuf’!!

Art Rush Gallery would like to extend their sincere gratitude for everyone's support throughout 2008.

The Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade welcomed Pat and Doug Rummel, a long-running Ting and Paul wish you all a great new year former Fire Chief of the ‘Brigade’, to join the filled with good health and cheers! WVFB Christmas Party. The pizza and lasagna from the Pooley Street Café were delicious. Salads See you next Spring! and desserts, beverages from the cooler all set the stage for tall tales and lots of laughter. 2326 Pooley Street, Wells, B.C. Thanks are due to everyone who helped make this 250-994-3468 evening so much fun. Mike Wallace Photos AW

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Skiing on the Cariboo Wagon Road Saturday January 24 is the tentative date for the 2009 Cariboo Jack Please stay tuned for further news and developments at http://cariboojack.blogspot.com/ thanks, Bill Horne

& a Happy New Year Perry’s Picture Place, 274 Reid Street, Quesnel, BC

Stay at the Was it vision or a waking dream? Fled is that music: —do I wake or sleep? —Keats, Ode to a Nightingale … on the highway next to the service station

Sledders’ Special Sled from your Door $89.00 (taxes included) 2 people - 1 Night 2 - Day Trail Pass in room Coffee, Phone, TV

Happy New Year from Diane and Harald Andreesen 12438 Barkerville Hwy, Wells, BC 1-866-994-3313 [email protected] Wells ‘Muse’ um—Sundance Topham Photo—December 2008

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 15

Dusty Tales - memories of now and then fell through the floor with me on it. The day that Well its been a long time since I wrote to all of Roy found lots of gold and we then moved to Fred you but we working on our project and yet with Wells house thanks to David we had many wonder- Christmas things are stand still. I miss home and my ful memories there including the ghosts family and friends hoping that we can try at least try Then we bought the old Cariboo Gold Quarts Ho- to get back to see you all tel and the store that I have wonderful memories My story and memories of Wells around Christ- and visitors that even came in the winter months mas time is when we had snow piled everywhere Michel and I have talked about moving back but I and Roy Trites has plowed up and down the streets . have not pushed him to do it for him it would be The trip I got to take out to Bowron Lake in the only to make me happy and for me that is not good Snow Plow with a warning signal device around my to do so. His mother s home is here and his family next as we passed the great mountain we know as and friends and this man sure has many friends here Slide Mountain. in St George D Beauce due to he ran Coke a Cola Never did get up to the top to see Trapper Dave's for 25 years and it was his Grandfathers coke Busi- Cabin and Shelter there But I remember the slide ness which is closed now Pepsi has the role here. still have the photos which I will be sending home Michel had sold the contract back to Coke and to all of you to have in the archives Many photo and moved on in life keeps sakes will come back home where they be- But lots has changed he now has with me 2 pro- long. The reason is if I do it now this coming year jects to work on helping independent Music artists its makes it easier for my estate issues. I am a great which we have over 241200 on the site as I said believer in giving and sharing with the people you before all is welcome to have a free site Our artists love This way my Children can also share are independent and our affiliates who are ordinary Anyways Wells always had special feeling around people who help with us as volunteers and all that is Christmas with the Northwood's Dinner and laugh- on the site We do not ask for copyrights we help ter and trips to the Coffee Shop Even the Wells Ho- them get more exposure world wide and they run tel There is something about Wells you never forget there site and keep it updated for free. and it sticks inside you for some reason http://zeetche.wm-mw.org and link your music or The adventures up to Bowen Lake and down the help our cause to build a artist home in the State of 31 hundred road to see placer miners and just to Maine story on the site drive with your radio as loud as you could with mu- Well I wish you all Merry, Happy Christmas and a sic. I remember going to see the Cabins and the trip Happy New Year but remember to follow the river to visit Trapper Dave and anyone working on there climb the stones to get to your dreams and goals claims Don t Push a River you always go back where you I remember Roy taking his Bulldozer up the road started and not succeed for the end results and go by the police station home praying they love all of you Praying for you and say hi to all you would not catch him But in my heart I think they meet friends are here today and sometimes can be really knew he do it even if they tried to stop him gone tomorrow so appreciate everyone in your live Like all miners shortage of money for mom and pop Dusty Patricia A Allan-Newman claims one has to take risks nee Grandmother Elder Zeetche There are so many tales I want to share with you Quebec & BC Nations Elder all and I hope to put them on a CD for Barkerville copyrights 2008 Just working the software and a IPod to do so note only the news paper can print this thank you There the time that we had a flood in Wells and talk to me on skype zeetche www.skype.com is free and Roy and I lived in the trailer and the time the toilet a good way to keep in touch with family and friends.

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GOLD RUSH TRAIL SLED DOG ASSOCIATION BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA www.dogsledmailrun.ca

You are invited to join us for the 17th running of the through the regular Canada Post system" annual Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run. Follow- The Association is based out of Quesnel, British Co- ing the historic Cariboo Waggon Road, the run marks lumbia. The run starts just north of Quesnel, runs by one of the few remaining opportunities in the country Cottonwood House, Troll Ski Resort, Stanley Trail to to arrange to have an envelope delivered by dog team Barkerville Historic Town.

Mail Run Countdown #5 crew". You can be involved, check the web site. This is the first of regular updates [to be posted Alex Robertson is heading up this year's auction on the web site] between now and January 22nd… and she is open to receiving donations of any the start of the 2009 Mail Run. items, particularly sled dog related items, that will Friday evening, December 5th was the date for add to the success of this year's post-dinner Satur- the annual Quesnel Santa Claus Parade....the Mail day night event. You can reach Alex at 747- Run was represented with a float featuring a com- 0703. This year the active auction will be limited plete dog team (courtesy of to 20 items and there will Jo and Kim Verge) which also be a silent auction. All "pulled" a trailer loaded with proceeds from this year's antique snowmobiles and auction will be donated to Mail Run participants. Once the Holger Bauer Forest again this year children from Safety Endowment Fund. the Little Pioneer's pre-school Thanks to Delmer Phin- rode on the float as well... ney and his dedicated crew If you are looking for some for work on the trail. Trail Mail Run souvenirs (caps, clearing is a thankless job, shirts, mugs) to use as Christ- it is just a lot of hard mas gifts, you are in work. Delmer and Jimmy luck. Sheila Phinney has Turner, Lynn Yurkas and opened up a Christmas Shop in the Hoy House Bonnie Phinney, Jeff and Marg Dinsdale and oth- (across from the Billy Barker Hotel), featuring a ers have all put some time in on the trail. The huge number of gift items, including Mail Run snow is threatening to stay (it has come and gone a souvenirs. A portion of the proceeds go to support few times)....once there is a good base, grooming the Mail Run. will begin. The 2009 Mail Run envelopes are on sale Thank you to the many volunteers who have indi- now. The artwork features a dog team resting in cated their willingness to once-again be available the meadow below Wells B.C… artist Denise during the Mail Run weekend. You will be con- Linley has done a great job. Once again Lynn tacted as the event draws closer. That's all for Yurkas is heading up the envelope sales now....hopefully we'll see you along the way. and distribution, assisted by Mona Penner. Barb Studio Grandell Photo — Article courtesy of the Bachmeier will head up the cancellation "stamping Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Association web site. Editorial license applied for updating. AW

January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 17

POOLEY STREET CAFÉ located at the Wells Hotel

WINTER HOURS HEARTY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Tuesday- Sunday ROOF TOP HOT TUB 8AM - 7PM Closed Monday PUB

SKI AND SLED FROM OUR DOOR! FAMILY FUN NIGHT ASK ABOUT GROUP RATES & SNOWMOBILE DEALS ∗ 1st Thursday of each month beginning December 4th RESERVATIONS (250) 994-3427 OR 1-800-860-2299 ∗ Kids 10 & under bring your parents out for an afford- www.wellshotel.com [email protected] able evening of Games, Crafts, Friends & Dinner. ∗ We will always have a child oriented special dinner which will include your drink and dessert. A mugwump is a fellow with his mug on one side ⇒ 2 years & under free of the fence and his wump on the other. ⇒ 3-7years $0.50 cents per year ⇒ 8-10 years $6.00 —Harold W. Dodds ⇒ 10 years & up $8.00 to $10-00 (quoted in Pollard’s A Connotary) depending on meal choice.

An Email to the Editor of the Wells Chronicle:

Dear Aleta, We are certain you will make a positive contribu- tion to your constituency [district municipality].

I attach a message which my Grandma Rose gave to her children. You are welcome to publish this in The Wells Chronicle. My grandparents settled in Prince Rupert in 1908 before Prince Rupert was incorporated. So they were pioneers in their own right. Did you know that David Oppenheimer who was mayor of Vancouver 1888-91 was one of 4 brothers who owned a supply store in Barkerville. His brother Isaac was the fire chief of Barkerville in 1869.

All the best, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Gary Cohen

Gary M. Cohen Cohen Buchan Edwards Lawyers & Notaries #208 - 4940 No. 3 Road Richmond, B.C., V6X 3A5

Page 18 THE WELLS CHRONICLE January 2009

Wells-Barkerville School Pancake Breakfasts In the December issue a plea was made for someone to submit a limerick on “humanity ♦ Are fundraisers for the PAC and making mistakes”. Two limericks came ♦ Support extra-curricular student activities in on the subject. I am reminded to be care- ♦ Happen nearly every month of the school year ful what I ask for, as I might just get it! AW ♦ Offered at 8am on the date chosen at the school ♦ Qualified volunteers prepare and supervise

-Limerick Corner- Come join the fun and have a yummy breakfast too. Last one was December 11th. Watch for next one In Wells lived the editor Aleta advertised through posters, email or this paper. AW In whose mouth she did stick both her feeta. To avoid a calamity In the name of humanity She said she would be more discreeta.

-and-

Announcing a baby quite new, An error was made, it is true. The paper it said In the words that we read Had Daddy and Grandpa askew. Mike Wallace Photo

Mike Wallace Photo

ROCKS IN YOUR SOCKS!

⇒ To drivers who forget to remove the gasoline dispensing nozzle from their vehicle before driving away from the new permanent gasoline service in Wells. January 2009 THE WELLS CHRONICLE Page 19

Businesses and Services Classified Ads go here when submitted.

Amazing Space Studio (250) 994-2332 Art Rush Gallery (250) 994-3468 THE WELLS CHRONICLE SAYS Beck’s Pottery (winter-Williams Lake)(250) 392-5573 THANK YOU TO BIG COUNTRY PRINTERS Friends of the Wells Community Hall (250) 994-3223 For their unfailing professionalism, attention to Frog on the Bog Coffee & Gifts 1-866-994-2345 detail, & a level of customer service that exceeds Homespun Gallery (250) 994-2327 all expectations. Without the consideration and Island Mountain Arts (250) 994-3466 accommodation provided by the staff of this com- Wells and Area Trails Society (250) 994-3349 pany, our best efforts toward producing this Wells Community Library (250) 994-3324 monthly paper would be for naught. Wells Chronicle (250) 994-3454 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Wells General Store (250) 994-3301 to everyone at Wells Museum & Archives (250) 994-3422 Big Country Printers 402 St. Laurent St., Quesnel, BC Wells Service Station (250) 994-3224 Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade (250) 994-3330 Hi Gang: ==Accommodations===

Hubs Motel (250) 994-3313 Check out www.tripadvisor.com and search White Cap Motor Inn (250) 994-3489 for Barkerville to see the great reviews about Wells Apartments (250) 994-3296 Barkerville. Wells Hotel (250) 994-3427

==Places to Eat & Drink=== Robin Sharpe Manager, Bear’s Paw Café 1-866-994-2345 Visitor Programs White Cap Motor Inn (250) 994-3489 Barkerville Historic Town Northwoods Restaurant (250) 994-3325 1-250-994-3302 ext. 28 Pooley Street Café (250) 994-3276 www.barkerville.ca Royal Canadian Legion, #128 (250) 994-3208

==Area Facilities== Don't count the years Count the memories.

Wells-Barkerville School (250) 994-3216 Wells Community Hall (250) 994-3223 Under New Management with Wells Curling Club (250) 994-3369 Marilyn Allin RHN ******************************* District of Wells Town Hall (250) 994-3330 Has changed its name !

******************************* Green Tree Health & Wellness

Wells & District Chamber of Commerce Continues to bring you the finest www.wellsbc.com [email protected] in Vitamins, Supplements, Skin Care & Natural Foods (250) 994-2323 1-877-451-9355 351 Reid Street Wells Emergency: DIAL 911 Quesnel, BC Phone: 250-991-0298 V2J 2M5 Fax: 250-991-7922 FIRE – AMBULANCE – POLICE ~ Your On-Site Registered Holistic Nutritionist ~

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 Council Agenda Legion Meat Library Hrs Items in today Draw 6:00 pm 1-3:30 pm

January 2009

Community Calendar New Year’s Day

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Library Hrs. Council Mtg Library Hrs. Legion Meat Library Hrs 6:30-9 pm 7pm 3-5:30 pm Draw 6:00 pm 1-3:30 pm

Library Hrs. Fire Practice 7pm 6:30-9 pm

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Council Agenda Legion Meat Library Hrs Library Hrs. Library Hrs. Library Hrs. Items in today Draw 6:00 pm 1-3:30 pm 6:30-9 pm 6:30-9 pm 3-5:30 pm Community Fire Practice 7pm Pot Luck Hall Banquet Rm 6 pm

Confirm Date & Time

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Goldrush Goldrush Library Hrs. Council Mtg Fire Practice 7pm Sled Dog Sled Dog 6:30-9 pm 7 pm Mail Run Mail Run Library Hrs. Library Hrs. 3-5:30 pm Legion Meat CARIBOO JACK 6:30-9 pm Draw 6:00 pm CONFIRM EVENT

Chronicle Library Hrs Deadline 1-3:30 pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 Watch for Goldrush Library Hrs. Library Hrs. Fire Practice 7pm Council Agenda Legion Meat Sled Dog 6:30-9 pm 6:30-9 pm Items in today Draw 6:00 pm postered Mail Run Library Hrs. events. 3-5:30 pm This calen- dar looks too bare! AW