On the cover: The Active PassIightstation was the sixth lighthouse built on the West Coast. It celebrates one hundred years of service this year. Story on page 5.
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Member dues for the year 1984-85 (Volume 18) were paid by the following member societies: Alberni District Historical Society, Box 284, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M7 Atlin Historical Society, P.O. Box 111, Atlin, B.C. VOWlAO BCHF — Gulf Islands Branch, c/o Mrs. Ann Johnston, RR 1 Mayne Island VON2J0 BCHF—Victoria Branch, c/o Zane Lewis, 1535 Westall Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8T 2G6 Burnaby Historical Society, c/o 5406 Manor St., Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1B7 Chemainus Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 172, Chemainus, B.C. VOR1KO Cowichan Historical Society, P.O. Box 1014, Duncan, B.C. V9L3Y2 Creston & District Historical & Museum Society, P.O. Box 1123, Creston, B.C. VOB1GO District 69 Historical Society, P.O. Box 213, Parksville, B.C. VOR2S0 East Kootenay Historical Association, c/o H. Mayberry, 216 6th Avenue S., Cranbrook, B.C. V1C2H6 Galiano Historical and Cultural Society, P.O. Box 10, Galiano, B.C. VON1PO Golden & District Historical Society, Box 992, Golden, B.C. VOA1HO Hedley Heritage, Arts & Crafts Society (1983), P.O. Box 218, Hedley, B.C. VOX1KO Ladysmith New Horizons Historical Society, c/o Mrs. V. Cull, R.R. #2, Ladysmith, B.C. VOR2E0 Lantzville Historical Society, c/o Susan Crayston, Box 76, Lantzville, B.C. VOR2H0 Nanaimo Historical Society, P.O. Box 933, Station “A”, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 Nanooa Historical & Museum Society, RR 1, Box 5, Kinghorn Rd., Nanoose Bay, B.C. VOR2R0 Nootka Sound Historical Society, Box 748, Gold River, B.C. VOP1GO (Inactive) North Shore Historical Society, do Mrs. Elizabeth 1. Grubbe, 623 East 10th Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7L2E9 Princeton & District Pioneer Museum and Archives, Box 687, Princeton, B.C. VOXiWO Qualicum Beach Historical & Museum Society, do Mrs. Cora Shipsey, P.O. Box 352, Qualicum Beach, B.C. VOR2T0 Saltspring Island Historical Society, c/o Mrs. Olive Clayton, RR 3, Comp. 4, Scott Pt. #1, Ganges, B.C. VOSlEO Sidney and North Saanich Historical Society, c/o B. Peirson, 9781 Third Street, Sidney, B.C. V8L 3A5 Silvery Slocan Historical Society, P.O. Box 301, New Denver, B.C. VOG150 Trail Historical Society, P.O. Box 405, Trail, B.C. V1R 4L7 Valemount Historical Society, P.O. Box 850, Valemount, B.C. VOE2A0 Vancouver Historical Society, P.O. Box 3071, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3X6 West Vancouver Historical Society, P.O. Box 91785, West Vancouver, B.C. V7V 4S1 Windermere District Historical Society, Box 784, Invermere, B.C. VOA1KO
Affiliated Groups B.C. Museum of Mining, P.O. Box 155, Britannia Beach, B.C. VONhO City of White Rock Museum Archives Society, 1030 Martin St., White Rock, B.C. V4B 5E3 Fort Steele Heritage Park, Fort Steele, B.C. VOB1NO The Hallmark Society, 207 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 2K8 Nanaimo Centennial Museum Society, 100 Cameron Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X1 BRITISH COLUMBIA Volumel8,No.4 HISTORICAL NEWS
Features Letters to the Editor 4 Active Pass Lightstation Centennial by Marie Elliott 5 P.M.L. #14: The Pride of the Provincial Police Forces Marine Division Fleet by R.G. Patterson 8 Price’s Mill, Keremeos, B.C. by Linda Eversole 10 Susan Louisa Moir Allison, “Mother of the Similkameen” by Margaret Stoneberg 12 Walter Moberly—B.C.’s Pioneer Engineer by Geoffrey Castle 15
News and Notes Annual Reports 17 British Columbia Historical News Back Issues 21 Requiescat in Pace 22 Convention Characters 23 Report on the 1985 Annual BCHF Convention 24 Report on the Annual General Meeting 1985 26 Scholarship Fund 26 Publication Assistance Fund 26 Extracts from the Treasurer’s Annual Report 27 Archives/Museums—Britannia Mines Concentrator 28 Writing Competition 31 Winner of the best historical article published in B.C.H. News 31
Bookshelf Letters from Windermere, 1912-1914, edited by R. Cole Harris and Elizabeth Philips; review by Frances Gundry 32 Growing Up British in British Columbia: Boys in Private School by Jean Barman; review by Richard Mackie 33 Contest 34
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The B.C. Historical Federation gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the British Columbia Heritage Trust.
News Historical Columbia British
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V6M 4G5. B.C. Vancouver, E, Station 35326, B.C. Box P.O. Federation, Historical
the to payable order or money cheque a enclose I to wish subscribe to I B.C. News. Historical
Subscribe!
2J1 V8V B.C. Victoria, Street,
Clarence
139
Society
Historical Burnaby
#602, Roy, P. to Dr. sent be
should reviews Book
Committee Advisory Heritage
3E8. V8R B.C. Victoria, Street, you. Taylor at Society Thank 298-5777.
1745 Editor, to the reviews) book (except Historical News the of Burnaby Vice Salisbury, President
Historical B.C. the for material all Evelyn submit Mrs. or at Please evenings, 980-1945 Watson
Ann
call please be appreciated, greatly will 1985 1, September
provide
can you assistance or Any information ISSUE NEXT FOR DEADLINE
Burnaby? in building other
any or home on your any information historical
by supplying project this you to assist able Are
Watson. Ann student, University
Fraser Simon a B.C. Trust, Heritage employing the
from a grant by made possible is inventory This
significance. and/or architectural have historical
The Galiano and Historic Society Cultural may which buildings a Burnaby’s of list compiling
President Holloway, Edrie of a process in is Society Historical Burnaby The
postage and handling.
late a June in at $7.50 of copy, cost per including
the of Precis be available papers will presented
delight having in us. them visit
enjoyed time to their our equal here in measure
We trust that those Island to our who voyaged EDITOR
the us privilege the hosting of Convention. 1985
We wish to thank given the Federation having for TO LETFERS THE Marie Elliott
Active Pass Lightstation Centennial
There have been very few lighthouse centennials on the West Coast of Canada because until the 1880s only five lighthouses were in operation. There were no lights north of Nanaimo, and none to mark safe passage through the southern Gulf Islands. A number of major shipping disasters off the east coast of the Gulf Islands and increasing water traffic led to the establishment of the Active Pass lighthouse in 1885. It lit up on June 10, 1885, and remained the only guide through the maze of islands for three years, until East Point Lighthouse on Saturna Island was activated in 1888. The other important Gulf Islands light, at Porlier Pass, Galiano Island, was not constructed until 1902. In the early years the Active Pass lightkeeper used a fog bell to warn ships away from the rocks until a steam foghorn was built in 1893. The fixed light burned coal oil, and was not replaced with a Scotly’s Stopping House, Bea;er Pass, revolving, vapour light until 1910. The first keeper at the Active Pass station, near Barkerville, built ca. 1862 Henry “Scotty” Georgeson, a native of Walls, Shetland Islands, went to sea as a young teenager. He spent a number of years in marine service since Scotty retired: George Georgeson, Arthur before arriving in Victoria in 1858 to take part in B. Gurney, Clarence E. Carver, Hugh S. Gurney, the Cariboo gold rush. Scotty later settled on David C. Milne, H.S. Whalen, Elmer F. Cordoni, Galiano Island, where he fished and built boats Jack E. Ruck, and Donald DeRousie. for a living. In 1868-69 he served as assistant The present keeper and his wife, Don and keeper on the Sand Heads lightship. Tracy De Rousie, were born and raised on Mayne Scotty remained keeper of the Active Pass light Island. Don is senior keeper on the West Coast, for thirty-five years, not retiring until 1920, at age having served twenty-eight years at various eighty-five. In 1922 he received the federal stations. In the year and a half since they returned government’s Long Service Medal. There have to Mayne Island, Don and Tracy have made many been only nine keepers at the Active Pass station improvements to the buildings and grounds.
British Columbia Historical News Page 5 *
I
4.:
Page 6 British Columbia Historical News Left: Scotty and Sophie Georgeson. Then, as now, a light keeper’s wife was very important, for companionship and to share the responsibilities.
On June 16, 1985, the Gult Islands Branch of the B.C. Historical Association, with the participation of the Canadian Coast Guard, local organizations, the children and teachers of the Mayne Island school, and Mayne Island residents, celebrated the centennial on the lightstation grounds. During the afternoon a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Fred Bennett, Don DeRousie, and M.H.O. Buchanan of the Canadian Coast Guard. Special guests included: former light- keepers and their families, and almost forty descendants of Scotty Georgeson!
Scotty proudly shows off his medal, at age eighty- seven.
Active Pass Lightstation and tower, 1985, taken from the same location as the 1893 cover photo by Richard Maynard. The light was removed from the roof of the living quarters and placed in a separate tower in 1969.
British Columbia Historical News Page 7
8 Page News Historical Columbia British
she
career varied her
in point this At
War. World
figure,
undisclosed an for her
purchased Force
Second
the
of
remainder the for
Navy
Canadian
Police
Provincial
Columbia
British
the
sound,
Royal
the
by
chartered was
she
when
1942,
her
declared London
of
Lloyd’s
After sale.
for
April
until
Force the
with
remained
She
Island.
offered and
Victoria
to
round
brought was
ship
Vancouver
of
coast
west
rugged
the
was patrol
the
1933, in
repealed was
prohibition When land.
Her
Brooksbank. F.
Sergeant
later,
and,
Raybone,
Newfound
of
coast south
the off
Miquelon, and
H.
Sergeant
of
command
the under
first
Victoria,
Pierre St.
of
islands
French the
and City
York New
of out
operated and
Division” “A
to
attached
was
between
operating
runners
rum
of
a fleet
joined
She
1938.
July in
Force
Police
Provincial the into
She II. S.
Margaret the
and
christened Scotia,
commissioned was
#14 P.M.L. the
Renamed,
Nova Shelbourne,
Limited,
Shipyards
Shelbourne
aft.
a
court-room
the at 1930 in
built
was
#14 P.M.L.
93-foot The
and
state-rooms
additional two for
space
creating
work.
deck-hand the
do to
constables and
removed
were tanks
fuel
large
the
time, same
the
N.C.O.’s
and a cook,
operator, a
radio
enough,
At
prisoners. five
hold
to
facilities
additional
with
large
if and, engineer an
charge,
in
officer
senior
five,
of
crew a
for
accommodation
into
turned
the
was
who
a
skipper
carried
P.M.L. Each
was
goods
bottled held once that
hold vast
the
done. be to
work the
and
made
there,
While Victoria.
Street,
Kingston
of
Brothers
being
patrol
the
upon depending
varied crews
Armstrong
by done
was
work
conversion
Similarly,
served.
area
it the of
needs
the fit to size
The
launch. a patrol
into
converted her
had and
and construction in varied boat patrol Each bow.
the on number a by followed Launch) Motor
(Police P.M.L. letters the and Pennant, Police
Provincial Columbia
British the
Ensign”,
“Blue
1943 Inlet,
Rivers Bay, Fin
paintwork,
pearl-grey
their with
recognized
Reserve)
(Fishermen’s
Ripple
HMCS
easily were boats These Columbia. British of
coast the along points strategic at stationed boats
patrol were there Soon to expand. began Division
Marine the 1923, in Force Police Provincial
the of re-organization the major After
1890s. the in Islands Gulf southern
the of inlets the and islands the of patrols
his made Drummond sloop this In Drummond.
A.D. Constable by skippered Maybelie, sloop the
is coast the on boat police a of mention earliest
The beginnings. humble had Police Provincial
Columbia the British of Division Marine The
FLEET DIVISION MARINE FORCES POLICE
PROVINCIAL THE OF PRIDE THE #14: P.M.L
R.G. Patterson British Columbia Provincial Police Motor Launch #14 off Victoria, Ca. 1938
became known as H.M.C.S. Ripple and was part the end of 1944 the force was no longer needed, of the Fishermen’s Reserve. and so gradually the ships and men of the The Fishermen’s Reserve was formed in 1938 on “Gumboot Navy” returned to their peacetime the British Columbia coast. It mainly consisted of duties. ships and men from the fishing and tow-boat On July 23, 1945, industries, whose knowledge of the coastal H.M.C.S. Ripple was sold by Crown Assets disposal waters was unique. When the Second World to the British Columbia War Packers Limited. Re-named was declared, these vessels, armed with machine the Texada, she once again underwent an guns, depth charges and minesweeping gear, extensive refit, this time for fishpacking and related sailed for designated patrol areas off the coast. duties. After the conversion, she hoisted H.M.C.S. Ripple’s Patrol area was Johnstone Strait the B.C. Packers.’flag, and has remained with the west to Yorke Island, and the West Coast of company ever since. Vancouver Island. Until October 1941, and the At the present time, she is tied up at the B.C. arrival of the first corvettes on this coast, these Packers Celtic Shipyards, and is up for sale. small ships were the only naval presence on According to a company spokesman, she has not Canada’s West Coast. After the Japanese attacked been used extensively for the last two or three Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, orders were years and, if the right buyer cOmes along with a given for the internment of all Japanese- healthy offer, she will be sold out of the company. Canadian fishing boats on the British Columbia In the meantime the ex-Margaret S., ex-P.M.L. coast. Some of these ships became part of the #14, ex-H. C. M. S. Ripple bides her time waiting for Fishermen’s Reserve. At its peak, the Fishermen’s her next calling. Reserve numbered 900 officers and men, and R.G. Patterson is an Extension/Special Collections more than 50 vessels of varying sizes. However, by Curator with the B.C. Provincial Museum
British Columbia Historical News Page 9
News Historical Columbia
British
10 Page
land more the on acquiring up ranch, to his parlor build the sporting a and faiithe mile
cead a continued Price while recorder, as acted like is you mining enter by which hail wide
a while The for and the area, wilderness. the stayédln a Nicholson in charm is and $5,000
It cost Price. of Barrington house store. 2 the hospitable of operation
sole the at the and rested land we [sic] Nicholson’s At Keremeoos over taking Price
with partnership, their of end the announced progress:
suddenly Price’s by 1875 in but land, impressed adjoining empted suitably was 1876 in the area
pre They Creek. through Rock of passing camp popular traveller A mining store. his for building
the of log needs second the a to supply and post” mill “travelling log, grist water-powered,
a and a small, Keremeos at a store constructed include to he that expanded land this on was
had It ranch Creek. stock their year Keremeos on following By the parcel a 40-acre including
be oppressive. to
.
as lifeless and quiet so was a haze in bathed
Price
Barrington valley the westering, sun was as the now
and hot exceedingly had been day the ‘72,
year the in afternoon September beautiful
a was It ranch. a stock as leased had we
which post Bay Hudson’s at the arrived [we)
Price Barrington partner my with together
Allison’s) (Mr. Princeton from ride fatiguing
and long a after when Valley, Similkameen
the of glimpse first my remember well I
Keremeos: into rode Price
Barrington partner his and he Nicholson, Henry
of reminiscences the to according when, 1872,
in afternoon September on warm a begins store
and mill this of establishment the of story The
machinery. the milling and the buildings of tion
restora the on progressed has work 1979, in tion
acquisi its since and province, the by designated
was site the In 1974, a house. to converted
was store adjacent the while studio, artist’s
and coop, chicken shed, a storage included which
purposes, of a variety used for was then It 1890s.
mid the until a store with conjunction ated in
oper and Price, Barrington Englishman, young
a by 1876 in built was mill The B.C. Keremeos, in
located store and mill grist historic an purchased
Trust Heritage Columbia British the 1979, In
B.C.
KEREMEOS, MILL, PRICE’S
Eversole Linda right decorated with guns, hooks, and fishing tackle, reminds you at once of the romantic ideas boys in college conceive of a life in the woods. Mr. Price has men employed sawing lumber for a flour mill. It will encourage the farmers to cultivate the valley and maybe [sic] a very good speculation.3 In 1877 the mill was completed and the machinery, including grist mill stones, installed. Production began in the fall and one of the first customers was William Ralph, a government surveyor who was busily recording the property lines. In his diary he notes the purchase of two Grist LII in the 1930s bags of flour from Price at a cost of $10.50.4 Apparently this early attempt at flour milling flour, produced a coarse, dark adequate but not remarkably, both buildings have survived well desirable the higher quality flour as as which was despite their early age. brought in from Colville in Washington Territory. Although small, local mills of this type were not In 1881, in an attempt to improve the quality of his uncommon throughout British Columbia, the flour, Price imported the latest in milling Keremeos mill is unique in the survival of the technology, a “new patent” roller mill from building complete with most of its machinery. Louisville, Kentucky.5 The machinery now The fact that the adjacent store has also survived included a Eureka Smut and Scouring machine to has provided a special opportunity to preserve clean the grain, a Barford and Perkins steel one of the earliest industrial/commercial sites in grinding mill, the new patent roller mill, and a the Similkameen Valley. Restoration of this site variety of belts and conveyors, all powered by the has been underway for several years, utilizing the water wheel. Undoubtedly, the system also skill and experience of various specialists. included a bolter, which sifted the flour into Architects, researchers, archaeologist, and various grades. Unfortunately, the one from technical restoration specialists have all Keremeos has long since disappeared. contributed towards as accurate a restoration as By this time Price had amassed a considerable possible. Unfortunately, no original records or amount of land, livestock, and of course the mill photographs have been located of the mill and and store. His success was short-lived, however, store and some conjecture has been necessary. and in 1881 he was forced to mortgage his entire Although the restoration process will continue, property to the Turner-Beeton company of the site will be officially opened on August 5, Victoria, to whom he was in debt.6 He apparently British Columbia Day, and all are welcome to defaulted on this mortgage and in 1884 the attend. Turner-Beeton company sold his ranch “The Willows” to Thomas Daly. Price retained Linda Eversole is a Research Officer for the ownership of the store and mill on the fortyacres, Heritage Conservation Branch. but the actual operation was taken over by John Footnotes Haning Coulthard, a wealthy rancher from 1. Hedley Gazette, Jan. 19, 1905, 1. Langley who p. had purchased property nearby. 2. Mainland Guardian, Oct. 2, 2. Price himself went to live in l87S,p. a log cabin on his 3. Colonist, Aug. 6, 1876, 3. remaining property p. near the Similkameen River, 4. Lands Branch, Victoria, Diary of William and kept a few horses and a small farm. In 1903 he Ralph, 1877. sold the mill and store to Coulthard, and returned 5. Inland Sentinel, Nov. 2, 1882, 3. to England to live with his brother Capt. p. George 6. Victoria Land Titles Office, Record of Barrington Price.7 By this time the mill was closed, Mortgages Vol. 1, fol. 466. had converted the store to and Coulthard a 7. Correspondence Barrington Price to Frank residence with the addition of two wings. By the Richter April 7, 1905, PABC - Richter time he sold it in 1905, both the store and mill had Collection, 741A.272. long since gone out of operation. Since that time the property has had a variety of owners yet,
British Columbia Historical News Page 11
News Historical Columbia British
12 Page
money earn to
tried
unsuccessfully Susan
when
to Victoria, again by ship
journeyed
They
railroad.
a year,
about After
Westminster. New
in
cottage
newly-built
the on
Canal
Panama
the
across
a
took
mother
her
and
she and
legacy,
small
travelled
and
ocean the
crossed
Southhampton,
a
into
came
she Then
a governess. as
Victoria in
at
ship took
family her
and
Susan
Horn.
Work
Mrs.
with
employment
found
and old
years
the
round
ship by
ahead sent
was
lodge,
hunting
twenty
now was
Susan
lively.
quite was
life
a
for
thought
they
suitable
furniture,
Their
and Colony, the of capital the
a
time for be to
was
him. to
appealed
abundant
town
young
This
Westminster. New
in
her
with
was
gold
where
land a free of
tales
The
ignored.
live to
sister and
mother
her invited wife his
and
was
fortunes
several
squandered already had he
home from
away
much was
Dewdney Edgar
that
fact
The
Canada. to
emigrate
and
him
marry
(1866).
Indies
West
the in
died and
fever
yellow
to
Moir
Mrs.
persuaded
he and
money some
contracted
he
but
Hope; in
sister
and
mother
into
come
recently had
He Glennie.
Thomas
his
join to
decided
England, in
behind
remained
called man
a
charming
met she here and
Scotland
had
who
Moir,
Stratton
son, The
embarrassment.
in
relatives with
time
some spent
Moir Mrs.
an
becoming were
Glennies the
but
out
help
Greek.
and Latin
French,
in
proficient
to
continued
Neighbours
stranded.
were
family
became
she
languages; for a
gift
showed
his
and
property,
and
home the
of
disposed had
she
where
London,
in
school
good
a in
placed
he
left
he
Before
from. heard
longer
no
was
and
was Susan
daughter
Her her.
for
place a made
disappeared
Glennie Thomas
time
this About
they
and
well-off,
were
relatives her but
large
1864.
in
married were
they
and
Dewdney
not was
income Moir’s
Mrs.
to England.
a son,
and
Edgar
of attention
the
attracted
had Jane,
daughters
two
family, her took
mother and
her
girl, older the
meantime
the In
furniture.
their
died father
her
old,
years
five was
Susan
Before
of
some sell to had they and out ran credit
their
dam.
Eventually
disastrous. were
land his farm to efforts Amster
of captain sea
a Dutch
Mildern, Jan of
few
Glennie’s hard.
very conditions daughter pioneer Louisa,
Susan was
mother Susan’s India.
found
and
housekeeping with and
experience Ceylon in
property
owned and lived
also had
no had
women
the but
home,
a cabin
built He
parents
his
planter;
a
coffee
was he
extraction,
out.
ran
money his
Then
pastimes.
Scottish Of Moir.
Stratton of
daughter
younger
other
and
acs horseraces, dances,
of
round a
in
the
Ceylon, in
born was
She itself.
in romance
time
his spent
husband
her but retiring,
and
quiet
a is
women
remarkable
this of
story The
rather
was Glennie Mrs. life.
after
her all
Susan to
done.
had woman
white
other no as
familiar
were
and
friends
became
people
these of
them about
wrote and
Indians the with
intimately
Many
Engineers.
Royal
dashing the
McKay—and
lived
Allison Susan
people. white and
Indians
Moberly,
Dewdney,
O’Reilly,
province—Peter
the
among
both
disappearing,
were
customs
new
the
in
important were
afterwards
who
men
early
when
change
great of time a
and
growth
numerous
the met
They
a church.
stores,
fort,
of
period a
was
This
century.
19th
late the
in
Bay
Hudson’s a
were There
life.
of full was
town
Valley
Similkameen
the in
particularly
Columbia,
The
them. amuse
to
much was
there
first At
British in life
pioneer of a us
picture
gave she
birthday.
fifteenth
Susan’s
memory,
from
largely
recollections,
her
Writing
on
there
landed
family
The
Hope.
at
land
up
take
life. her
of end the at
years thirty about
spanned
to Glennie
advised
Douglas here
and Governor Allison Louisa Susan of career writing The
Similkameen” the of “Mother
Allison Moir Louisa Susan
Stoneberg Margaret by sewing, she and Mrs. Glennie returned to than the one previously in use, this route remains Hope at the suggestion of a friend, Mrs. today as Allison Pass. Landvoight. They started a small school. Douglas authorized Allison to put the trail Hope was by then a quiet village. Monotony through immediately, and contracts to build this was only broken when Hudson’s Bay pack trains road and parts of the Dewdney Trail to Rock passed through, or drovers brought cattle from Creek formed a good part of Allison’s cash the Interior on the way to the Coast. One of these income for the next few years. He pre-empted was John Fall Allison, whom Susan met at Mrs. land and stayed in the Similkameen for the rest of Landvoight’s home. In 1868 they were married. his life. She was 23 and he was 20 years older. There is no When John Fall Allison married Susan Moir in record that she had any other suitor. 1868, he and his partner Silas Hayes operated a John and Susan Allison rode over the Hope store and ran cattle, driving them to the Coast. mountains accompanied by a few Indians. As she The miners had largely moved on to richer fields said herself, she “entered into the wild free life” and there was no market for produce. They that she thereafter always enjoyed. When they suffered competition from American cattle reached Allison’s home, a comfortable log cabin, ranches in the Thompson River valley area. a couple of miles downriver from the confluence The first of Susan’s fourteen children was born of the north and south forks of the Similkameen the following year. As a pioneer wife she learned River, they were greeted by Allison’s partner who to make clothes for her children, make was less than pleased that Allison now had a wife. moccasins, braid straw for hats, strand and braid Hayes disliked her and she returned the feeling. lariats, plough (with help), and plant a garden; This antipathy remained for years until the bake bread, cure fish, dry venison and a hundred partnership ended. other chores. She made two trips across the From now on her life was bound up with her mountains to Hope, but with small children it husband’s and something can be told about him. became increasingly difficult to visit her mother. He was the son of a surgeon from Leeds, England, Susan soon found that she had to learn Chinook who had emigrated to Oriskany, New York, in in order to talk to the Indians and this linguistic 1837. John received a good education, including ability enabled her to learn their ways and some medical training. He sought to make his legends. fortune and he headed a party of ten men who The pack-trains came and went from Colville, made up to go to the gold fields in California. (The the Kootenays, Osoyoos and Keremeos. 1849 rush was at its height.) He found mining very Geologists were familiar visitors, as was the Indian hard work and soon became a storekeeper and agent, J. McKay. Allison’s was the centre of the later a commission agent. district, the post office and store, and almost every Allison did quite well, started to send money man of any consequence at that time passed back to his parents, and even managed to go back through and stopped at Allison’s. Susan was home for a holiday. In California again, he heard hospitable, and their wives were her friends. She about the Fraser River diggings and, armed with a had some books and was much influenced by letter to Governor Douglas, he came north. He Longfellow’s epic “Hiawatha”, the metre of which arrived in Victoria on September 1, 1858, and she used in her own poems. enjoyed the social life there. The next year found John Fall Allison did not have an easy time. him on the Fraser, not particularly successful, but After overgrazing in the 60s it was necessary to making about $5.00 a day. winter the cattle in the Okanagan. He blazed a The gold strikes in the border country, at trail by way of Trout Creek and, in 1872, moved his Similkameen and Rock Creek, caused Governor family to Westbank. The daughter who was born Douglas some concern, especially about the there was the first white child born on that side of growing American presence. He sent a party of the lake. Mrs. Allison liked this place and did not men to investigate the Similkameen country and want to leave. She was one of the first, if not the he put Allison in charge. His report to Douglas first, white person to record that she sighted the showed that the country was rich in gold, covered monster in the lake. with fine trees, and had many showings of both There were four very severe winters when coal and copper. John Allison himself was much Allison lost many cattle. Hayes had pulled out and taken with the country, where the grass was six Allison was hard put to find ready cash to pay him feet high. He discovered a route through the off. So the Westbank property was sold and the Cascade Mountains that was much easier going family moved back to the Similkameen. Mrs.
British Columbia Historical News Page 13
News Historical Columbia British 14 Page
Archives. Dewdney Edgar Jane Uncle and
Aunt
their when
and
Museum
Pioneer and District
Princeton
time much spent they up grew
children
her
As
the of
Curator
and Federation, the Historical B.C.
occasions. many on government
the
against
for
Secretary
is Margaret
Stoneberg Recording them supported husband her and she and around
Indians the with friendly was She her. knew
Collection.
Archives the research Princeton for
who all of impression was the This
contented.”
local
own my Sun, 27, and 1971
Vancouver April
and happy appeared She
youngsters.
happy
Broadfoot,
Barry
of Struggle”, Woman’s
Life
healthy, children, ten age, with her than younger
Pioneer “A 1931, Province, Vancouver
Spring
looking woman, rosy-cheeked
“A
wrote: he
Allison, S.L.
“Some
Mrs. (1977) Recollections”,
district the through passed troop his and Sherman
Allison” of
Fall John
and
Reflections “Letters General When
instruct.
and
to
entertain children
and
(1978) a
Child” was
Grandma Great
“When
her to stories told she the evenings
In
plants. local
Allison-McDiarmid,
Angela Aurelia daughter
about knowledgeable
was and
botany
studied
Susan’s of the
writings
Ormsby, Margaret on A.
She her. around
everything in
interested
was
who
by
Columbia
British in
Gentlewoman Pioneer
person contented a happy,
she was
that
her
knew
A
on
I
relied
woman. remarkable this
about
who to all evident was it woman, a pioneer
life of
said
be
could
a
more Much only. sketch This is the lived Allison Susan when time the During
died. and pneumonia contracted he flood
the
after years three But again. do to planned
and family. of some her
he this and and rebuilt again started Allison time
husband her
in near the Cemetery Allison buried
Each
downriver. buildings other and house the
was
and 1937 She in in Vancouver died visitors.
off carried a flood 1894 In fever). scarlet (probably
many received and in thought interest Eastern
fever
his caught family whole and the was ill
her
a revived she Here daughter in Vancouver.
he
when shelter given was a man time another
with to live 1928 left Susan area the in Princeton
At afterwards. same the quite never was He
school.
more.
or hours 30 for unconscious was and trail
a public
support to enough large had become
the
on accident an had he 1877 in all, of Worst
community a
Princeton but the school start new
$1400. him cost it end the and in factions
to
tried Allison was Mrs. rapidly. expanding site
Chinese warring two between caught was
this
and to Company Coal
Sands, the Princeton
but
time, a for Peace the of Justice appointed was
W. son-in-law, by her
sold the been had Forks
He
successful. marginally were ventures Allison’s
at
property the because This
was failure partly sell.
John
Nicola. and Bridge Spence’s from in packed
not a it but as did townsite,
her promote property
who traders with competition in were they but
to tried In rebuilt.
and she Dewdney Edgar 1900
miners, the to supplies to sell the Allisons enabled
house the
had Susan died her After husband
have should (1885) Creek at Granite gold rush
Pu blished.
The
way.
a legal in stole thus and brand Allison
and letters been
material other not have
the
adopted
rancher American An border.
local Similkameen Star. her
of
some Inevitably,
the
at
place
Joe Linton’s at wintering were which
Okanagan Historical Society Annual, the and to
cattle
their of some lost they year next The
to contributed the Colonist, Victoria the
essentials.” the buy not did “money
republished Canada in
West She (Barlee). later
that
said
she that woman this of typical was it and
in serially the (1931), Province Vancouver
rebuilt,
was
home The writings. other perhaps
(Report 60,815,
1891). ran Her
“Recollections”
and a diary had she doubt No and mementos.
the for Association Science.
of Advancement
books valuable
including
everything,
lost Susan
the Similkameen British by
published were Indians
bacon.
and
beans flour, them sent Keremeos
Scroll on the
Co. Publishing writings Her 1900).
in neighbour a but time the at away was husband
Indian (Chicago, narrative was poem, published.
Her ground. the to house
the
burned
that fire
up writing
long her seriously.
“In-con-mas-ket”,
a started
stovepipe
the
In 1882 earthquake. an was
went
to their off take a on own, and had Susan chance
there
1880 In Allisons. the plagued Disasters the As boys passed, time the married and the girls
continuously.
FOR NOW TIME WRITING
not but hired, was tutor a Sometimes herself.
did
1906.
in died a Dewdney Jane nurse. one teacher, she which children, her educating
in engrossed
a
became One to school.
going and there much was She store.” the to keep compelled
living were them one ot three Victoria. time At in was I “Here said, she As reluctantly. came Allison LANDMARKS
Geoffrey Castle
Walter Moberly - B.C.’s Pioneer Engineer
Walter Moberly was born at Steeple-Aston, shot, fired his gun at an eagle in the mountains Oxfordshire, England, in 1832, a but his parents few miles west of what is now Revelstoke. He emigrated to Canada, and he was trained in missed and the bird headed off Toronto through an as a civil engineer. The gold strike on the undiscovered pass which Moberly decided Fraser River to caused Moberlyto go West hoping to explore. Eagle Pass was later chosen as the find work in his best field. He obtained a letter of route for the Canadian Pacific Railway, which introduction to Governor James Douglas, who would remove the Rockies as a barrier to the asked him to report on the feasibility of the linking of east and west. Harrison-Lillooet route to the interior of the Between 1871 and 1878, Walter Colony of British Columbia. Moberly surveyed an incredible total of 47,000 miles for Accordingly, in 1859, Moberly made his report railway construction purposes, which is a distance to the Governor and advised that improvements equal to roughly one fifth of the mean distance of should be made to the portages from Port the earth from the moon. Although he never Douglas to Lillooet. This report established experienced or craved wealth, he made friends Moberly as the first professional engineer to everywhere, among whom were Sir John A. engage in public work, in what is now the Macdonald, prime minister of Canada, and Paul province of British Columbia. The field work was Kane, the artist, who shared his intimate carried out in winter, and on foot, in spite of snow knowledge of the terrain with Moberly. and wind. The explorer-engineer always Always an active man, both physically and remembered that trip with some incredulity. mentally, Moberly, in 1900, was still eager to work However, it set the tone for the massive projects on a highway or railway project should his he would undertake in his subsequent services be needed. At that time he came up with professional life. a scheme and tried to gain the interest and approval of the Moberly was a practical provincial government. His dreamer, almost proposal, which probably obsessed with the single purpose of bringing demonstrated his view the that railways were the panacea of transportation, West into the Canadian fold, and furthering the development was to lay an eight-inch wide, flanged steel track, of British Columbia’s rich spaced to accommodate resources. To this end, in 1862-63, Moberly wagon tires, particularly built a in the difficult sections of the portion of the Cariboo road, expending much highway in the energy, Cariboo. His design was based on a similar idea and even personal finances, on a project which whose administrative the United States government tested problems more than successfully in equalled those of actual construction. Pittsburgh and other places. The main advantages were that In 1864, Moberly was elected to the Legislative a single horse would Council easily haul 22,000 pounds on the level, and f or Cariboo West and appointed assistant negotiate Surveyor-General. While ten percent grade with lighter loads. he was making Moberly also saw exploratory surveys in the Shuswap-Columbia this modification to the highway as a means to rapid travel for bicycles. He area, an event occurred which is worth envisioned recounting. horsepower being replaced by One day, Moberly, who was a crack electric power.
British Columbia Historical News Page 15
News Historical Columbia 16 Page British
Columbia. Archives of British
the features in geographic Several Vancouver. Provincial the archivist Geoffrey an Castle with is
in eighty-three, age of the at 1915, in succumbed
P.A.B.C. MSS Add Roads. 62
he
which to larynx the of cancer with battle
Wagon
Track Steel Moberly, for Sketch Walter.
his was challenge big last Moberly’s Walter
1900.
technology. changing
August 18 C.E. Moberly, Pooley, to Letter Walter.
and considerations political between caught
1900. August
died— have to appears proposal Moberly’s
3
Garden. F. James Moberly, Walter. to Letter
schemes, good apparently many with As filling.
and excavation considerable saving thereby feet,
August 1900, Scheme,” Roads “Good Province, 7
8 only needed tracks steel for width the whereas
References
feet, 18 was roadway ordinary an of width the that
Canadian. morate great truly this figured He construction. of cost reduced the was
Kootenay commem districts River Peace and
scheme road Moberly the benefit of Another
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ANNUAL REPORTS 1985
Alberni District Historical Society North Shore Historical Society There were seven monthly meetings at which we We have had nine meetings in the past year, had the following speakers: Laurie Caron from mostly at the North Vancouver City Library, with the local fish hatchery, illustrated with slides; Fred an average attendance of 30 people. During the Bishop whose family arrived in the valley looyears year we received nine Newsletters, edited by ago; Joe Van Bergen on the history of our local ski Rhea Juvik. Several people join the Society just to club. He presented us with scrap books covering get the Newsletters. this time. Dwayne Partee came from MacMillan On July 2nd, 1984, we celebrated Canada Day Bloedel, Nanaimo, with a very interesting account with a bus-trip to Ladner, B.C., where we were of map-making, illustrated with slides and maps. given a conducted tour by Matt Rogers; we visited Deas Island Park, new site of the historic We continue to work on our archives every house, “Burrvilla,” originally built in 1905. Monday and Thursday. We are very fortunte in At a Christmas Party, we celebrated our ninth having space in the Museum which is humidity anniversary as a Society. Old-fashioned parlour controlled, etc. In a joint endeavour the Museum games were followed by tasty refreshments and provided us with ample map storage drawers and “Pink Party Punch” served from a punch-bowl. we are in the process of sorting and filing the In February, 1985, we made our annual considerable map collection. Fourteen members pilgrimage to the “Station Museum” in Mahon have become both efficient and proficient in the Park, a “must see” for any visitor to our North various phases of archives collections. Shore of Burrard Inlet. This time we were treated We have 63 members including three Life to pictures and other memorabilia of the Cates Members: Ketha Adams, Helen Ford, and Towing Company, dating from 1914; a display George Clutesi. Our April meeting was in the depicting a bicycle shop of the 1920s era, and form of a birthday party—20 years—and was held another of radios from 1925 onwards. in the Museum Conservatory. The Alberni Valley Also in February, we celebrated the birthday of Rescue Squad took this opportunity to present us our honorary member, Walter MacKay Draycott, with a microfilm of all their scrap books. We had who became 102 on February 24th, 1985. He was various gifts in the form of what we call “paper called on in his home by the Mayor of the City of treasures”. Sixty people, members and former North Vancouver and by the Mayor of the District members and guests were present. of North Vancouver. On June 29, 1985, it is 125 years since the “Meg During the past year, four or five members of Merrilees” first came up the Alberni Canal to our Society appeared on the Community establish the Anderson Mill on our waterfront. Television program, “Our Pioneers and We are in the process of having a plaque made, Neighbours’ produced by Shaw Cable 10. Our commemorating this event which led to the first member, Olga Ruskin, has frequently been a white settlement in the Valley. The plaque will most able interviewer. show the mill, oxen pulling logs, and the Indian The North Shore Heritage Advisory Committee village that was on the site. We have permission to has submitted its report to the Mayors and place it at our new attraction on the waterfront: Councils of the three North Shore municipalities. Alberni Harbour Quay which is located at the Let us hope that By-laws will soon designate the exact spot where the mill was built. list of buildings recommended in the report for preservation. —David C. Grubbe, Program Chairman
British Columbia Historical News Page 17
News Historical Columbia British 18 Page
Phil by past 100 years. enlivened was Museum at Maritime the
the in 6 Vancouver to outstanding contribution on April celebration Day Incorporation Our
an made dead someone, alive, who or has the Park. in worked
for and looking are judges Mary appointed her he years the during taken park Stanley slides of
been excellent. has are out and Forms response showed Shaw George May, last A.G.M. our At
Century”. of the Citizen for search “Vancouver’s slides. historic with
illustrated
a is
Rawson, Mary
Our under project, final - lighthouses discussing lighthouse, Atkinson
Point of Graham Don by
was talk Our April
years. few
Columbia. and British
a of project ongoing an
be will This apartments.
Rattenbury
Francis of authors Liscombe, Rhodri
remaining the
in live will
People house.
and
Barrett
Anthony with lecture March our of
another in made be will activities
community
topic
the
was architecture Rattenbury’s Francis
for space incorporated; be will garden
working lives Vancouver in 1886-1986.
century the of turn A style. to 1890s restored be
about McDonald us book their tell of forthcoming
will House, Roedde house, one and demolished,
Veronica Strong-Boag, Robert and Ralston, Keith
been have houses Some Parks Board. Vancouver
May, a For February Louise panel had we of
the by
purchased been had block city A project.
Herridge.
major
this
forward a to society separate formed
Bert about reminisced West, Kootenay
of
they
Recently
committee. House Roedde and
Squire of author Hodgson,
Maurice January,
In
19 Park site of the chairman
was Janet Bingham
province.
end. eastern
and
shore north the on
the in schools
boys’
private
on book her
of
site
86 Expo
exciting the with slopes, and
the
inlet
title the is
which
Columbia,
in British
Up
British
the of side
south
the on
and townhouses
condos
Growing
about
talked and
slides
showed
l3arman, in
to live place
as
“in” the
evolved city, then new
Jean
Dr.
members,
one
our of
In
November
the in
heart
major industrial a ago, to years 100 of
book. a
writing for history oral on
us using
waterway
a
quiet has from changed Vancouver
to spoke
Boss Whistle
Lynne
of author Bowen,
of area This Slopes. the on live who people
entries). 2,500 approximately the and Creek, the on
industries the worked in
with
March out in came (this planning who those of memories the tape to
interviewer
was
office his inventory building the of heritage an hired has committee The Slopes”. Fairview &
us told who Officer, Conservation ver’s Heritage Creek False of Voices “The projects, Centennial
Vancou Cornejo, Dan was speaker Our first our of another of chairman is Elizabeth Walker
season. past our for of speakers program publication.
a full had Society this Historical to Vancouver The forward looking are researchers
and committee, the of chairman Rowland, Society Historical Vancouver
Jill entries. 12,000 approximately assembled have
volunteers and staff paid of efforts Combined
material. the gathering of task the given the future. in activities
was Hale Linda ago our years three and Society enlarge the thus and members more attract
to idea the presented to Walker hope ago We Elizabeth years membership. our as has maintained,
Five Vancouver. a of bibliography year been of this has our Society of status financial The
November by hope, we the publication, be will found. is space
celebration to the contribution Our members. suitable until continue will and this museum
Society Historical of Vancouver the minds in our for quarters permanent to obtain attempting
uppermost year is Centennial Vancouver The in time much spent Officers Board of The
our Society. by made
Vancouver. into
brought had
was
Conference Annual Museums B.C. the and
he
stars the of many of stories He related Artists.
‘84
Conference
the Heritage at Representation
Famous for impresario Pickett, Hugh was speaker
Valley. Cowichan the beauty of the and
main
Our
Vancouver. into train first the brought
area
the in
buildings historical incorporate will
which engine 374—the Engine of restoration
the
which
1986) 1, May (hopefully Time Tour Blossom
for
pushing
in tenacity her for
Atkinson Evelyn
a
stage to
hope also We planned.
dancing is
to
given
was Award Annual Our Columbia.
ethnic
and show fashion a Expo year, and for 1986
British
of Songs Folk of compiler the
is He
until
Show Fashion another to delay decided was
Vancouver. of songs and their Thomas
Hilda and
It “wounded”. to the given the at treatment route We have an active committee of Anne Yandle, Our struggle for new members continues. We Jill Rowland and Dorothy Shields, who are have answered many letters asking us history planning the BCHF Conference in Vancouver for questions, and many more requesting our book May 1986. “Memories of the Chemainus Valley” which is now out of print. —Peggy lmredy A number of historical functions were attended, and we co-operated with several other historical societies. The Victoria Historical Society Golden & Distrid Historical Society visited “The Chemainus Murals” and we hope A Federal Works Grant enabled the Society to they will come again. hire three students for the summer, keeping the We presented a $300.00 bursary to a deserving Golden and District Museum open for July and student, and will do so again this year. August, and doing several related projects. Our Lamaichi Bay Pioneer Cemetery was Considerable work was done on the older cleaned up to our satisfaction. portion of the cemetery, and brush was cleared Our meetings are held in the historic off the museum property. Many pictures, Horseshoe Bay Inn. This was the luxury stopover documents, ribbons, and other archival material between Victoria and Nanaimo in the 1890s and were encapsulated. The large collection of the early 1900s. The old register shows many a photographs was indexed and cross referenced. prominent Canadian and American name. The students were kept very busy. Thanks to many interesting people, we had the Many donations arrived at the Golden pleasure of very fine speakers. Museum during 1984, putting pressure on storage —A. Ginn, Secretary and display space. There seems to be a need for expanding the building, and funding is being Gulf Islands Branch sought for this purpose. Volunteers removed a wall to enlarge the meeting room in the Museum. The Gulf Islands Branch, which includes There have been such excellent programs and Federation members on Galiano, Mayne, Pender guest speakers that crowds turn out to every and Saturna Islands, has had a renaissance over meeting. Slide shows have included the history of the past year—expanding from about a dozen Donald; National Parks Centennial presentation; loyal old-timers to over 70 members. Despite the Heli-Skiing in the Selkirks; and travel in Nepal, logistical problems related to all getting together the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. at the same place at the same time (something A picnic was held in Parson in June 1984 with that B.C. Ferries seems to be determined we members of the Invermere Historical Society as should not do) we have had six meetings. guests. The wedding of the young curator of Last summer we visited the Simon Fraser Golden’s Museum took place in August 1984 and University dig at the Pender Canal, which dates was a real highlight in a very good year. back over 5,000 years. This fascinating work Currently the Society is co-sponsor of a reunion continues this summer and is well worth a visit. of students and teachers of Lady Grey School. This John Edwards, author of Romance Cookery, school served Golden families from 1909-1954. spoke to us on his “Pepper Theory” of world Plans include enactment of the May Queen exploration. Doreen York organized a wonderful crowning typical of the Lady Grey School years. meeting on Pender when half a dozen —May Yurik, Secretary representatives of old Islands’ families shared their memories of early events or of family history with us. These were augmented with an excellent video of old Pender homes. On another occasion we visited the old Payne family home on Saturna. On June 16th, almost every group on Mayne Chemainus Valley Historical Island will have contributed to the Centennial Society Annual Report celebration of the Active Pass lighthouse. The Coast Guard has generously supported this event, It was a busy year for our society. We are still in, offering displays as well as paying for publication search of a museum as the artifacts, books, of a centennial booklet. memorabilia, etc., keep coming to us. —Ann Johnston, Secretary
British Columbia Historical News Page 19
News Historical 20 Page Columbia British
Paterson —Daphne
parade
the
along of laughs lots were There staff. 5N2. V9R B.C. Nanaimo, Box, Society, P.O.
medical
to by “competent” very attended being Historical Nanaimo or through bookstores
athletes wounded with ago of long room hospital in available are Coast the on Company and
a
being
entry our to and Sports”, “Salute being Retrospective Nanaimo that a reminder Finally,
thetheme
Parade, the Summer in Festival entered year. this Award Committee Heritage Advisory
was
float A
the year. throughout active been Nanaimo of City the received Low Elizabeth
have
means
and and ways programme publicity, area. downtown the of as guide a Mar
organization, refreshments telephoning, Pamela May, in Past” our of “Future Conference
for
Committees
order attendances. fraternal Heritage the with assisted members Several
and club for
average national the above far Executive.
well-attended,
exceptionally Our are meetings the on years many of her recognition in Kneen
Federal Government. Emily Mrs. to was presented Life Membership A
by
funded
being salary his months, summer included. be will War, Crimean
the
during
a
student qualified of the services the of a victim Virago, HMS from a member crew
to
obtain
able were we and
attendants museum of burial The weeks. few the next within installed
volunteer
are faithful our
A of members number be will plaque Cemetery Pioneer Nanaimo The
rewarding. financially the which were year during press. local the in published was essay
held
were a raffle and sales
bake Successful One schools. their and to the students presented
station.
television
on local the programmes were books year; this excellent were essays
towards working
is another and programme histGrical Memorial Barraclough Ethel The
radio a
morning on regularly appearing the roll.
is
members
our a of One ways. in
of variety jeffs called Marjorie and descendant moment,
Valley
Cowichan
the of history the in and interest last the at speaker and minister of roles the dual
awareness
public to
foster Society continues Our filled Sale Day. Don Royal Princess commemorate
to snow heavy Society Historical Cowichan braved who participants
hardy few the for shelter provided Bastion The
President Downey, —F.V. Museum. Nanooa the
to a CKEK. local and visit on spots radio with occasional range, testing weapons underwater
the to Industries Forest to thanks advertiser, Crestbrok a visit included picnic annual The
local our We in enjoy advertising free career. medical
his and preceded Lumberton. which life a varied to prior Island,
Yahk River, Bull Gabriola on Wardner, as towns Moyie, such a child as knew he pioneers the of
ghost about many and hear visit we when year each remembered Williams Seiriol President
outings four our our enjoy of members Most Mines. Wellington
the on areas. Invermere and Creston research recent of her some shared
the in Bowen trails and as the Dewdney trails Lynne Armstrong triumphs. and trials industry’s
such film and improving are Presently, we Canadian exploring the traced Goldberg Shirley
at Canal Flats. contact. to European prior of wildlife availability
the the sites historical Canal as such on Baillie-Grohman Barsby Ted and River, Fraser the along
various of areas trails East and cleared Kootenays pioneer the on Ricker, W.E. Dr. biologist
in marine by prospectors ups, clean pioneer old of graves covered well were resources Natural
cemetery Victoria. Steele including park, the historic Fort in available resources the explained
in Bovey, John projects historic on We various worked have Archivist, Provincial when included
were same. interest local of items to reference Special
$60,000 to complete another need and $21,000 involved. services armed the
over all spent far we’ve private Thus donations. represented men local six experiences, own
and their business and various government agencies Recalling Programme. memorative Corn Day
D from funds the secured was of We’ve north Cranbrook. attended well Also away! turned many
as miles six and Eugene church Mission Catholic Indian eighty of crowd estimated an with Wardell,
St. Stan the restoring of Judge (final) phase are in three We Court Provincial by trials XII Brother
the Cranbrook. of in Fall Meeting and Kimberley our review the was response greatest the
at Spring the in received Annual Our held Meeting is which topic The our meetings. to visitors
in increase encouraging an seen has year The Assodation
Society Historical Nanaimo East Historical Kootenay
— ______THE BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL NEWS BACK ISSUES Many back issues of The British Columbia Historical News are available through the B.C. Historical Federation Post Office Box number. Copies up to Volume 14, Number 4 are 25t each (except for Volume 11 Nos. 1 & 2 at 5t each); Volume 15 copies are 50t each; and Volume 16 and later copies are 75 each. In all cases postage is additional. The Editor is storing later issues beginning with Volume 16, Number 4. When a back issue becomes a year old the cost is reduced to 25% of the cover price. Please advise the Treasurer if the location of additional back issues is known. Vol. No. Date No. of Article(s) and Author Copies 3 2 Feb. 1970 7 Glacier National Park, B.C.—1880 to 1970; John Marsh. Rose Skuki; Michael Robinson. 3 Apr. Missing 4 Jun. 1970 1 Sanford Fleming; Mabel E. Jordon. 4 1 Nov. 20 Trutch—Dynamic Road Builder: 4 letters; Ed. by C.F. Forbes 2 Feb. ‘71 Missing 3 Apr. 1 Trutch—An Immigrant Journeys to a New Life; as above. 4 Jun. 1971 12 Lord Dufferin—Godfather of Confederation; H.R. Brammall 5 1 Nov. 27 War and Patriotism—the Lusitania Riots; C. Humphries. 2 Feb. 1972 33 Death of a Railway; C. McAllister. [Kettle Valley Line] With the Nisei in New Denver; G. Suttie. 3 Apr. 32 Vitus Bering’s Voyages; Jack Mcintosh. “Alberni”; E. Leslie Hammer. 4 Jun. 1972 34 Folk within the Sound of Big Ole; MargaretTrebett. Moran Dam; Doug Stevenson. 6 1 Nov. 8 The Naturalists Discover British Columbia; Dr. Philip Akrigg. 2 Feb. 1973 7 Vancouver; the van Coeverden family; Adrien Mansvelt. 3 Apr. 6 The town of Coevorden; Adrien Mansvelt. Armorial Bearings of the City of Vancouver; Rob. Watt. 4 Jun. 1973 21 Kenneth McKenzie & the Origins of B.C. Agriculture; W.R. Sampson 7 1 Nov British Columbia’s Air Survey Story; G. Smedley Andrews.
Vol. 7 no. 2 - Vol. 10 no. 3 MISSING 10 4 Jun. 1977 2 A History of the Van. Public Library, Part 2; Gwen Hayball. [This is the last issue with Mr. & Mrs. P.A. Yandle as Editors.] 11 1 Nov. 1977 176 2 Feb. 1978 88 3, 4 Apr.-Jun. 44 The Coastal Logger as Seen in Some Novels; Ronald Woodland. Mrs. Moody’s First Impressions of B.C.; Jacqueline Gresko. 12 1 Nov. 1978 2 Chief Benedict of Boothroyd & Dept. of Indian Aff.; R. Ware. “Very Dear Soldiers” or “Very Dear Labourers”; F. Woodward. 2 Feb. 1979 90 Recollections of Phil Yandle; H.R. Brammall, G. North. Early Coal Personalities; Daniel Gallacher. Indian Reserve Commission of 1876 and the Nanaimo Indian Reserves: Terry Eastwood. 3 Apr. 1979 310 Bible and Booze—Prohibition in Chilliwack in the late 1800s; Robert L. Smith. 4 Jun. 1979 Missing 13 1 Fall 1979 29 T.D. Patullo’s Early Career; Daniel J. Grant. Prince Rupert, B.C.— Adjusting to Peace after W.W. II; Sheila Dobie. John Webber—A sketch of Capt. James Cook’s Artist; Douglas Cole. Lieut. Palmer’s Precipice; R.C.. Harris. 2 Winter Missing 3 Spring 1980 5 Alexander MacLeod—Tofino Lifesaver; Debra Barr. An Infernal Triangle (Richard McBride); Sheila Keeble. Jumbo Pass in the Purcell Mtns.; R.C. Harris.
British Columbia Historical News Page 21
News Historical
Columbia British
22 Page
nearby. church the and tomb,
Blanshard’s
Emily
and
Richard
of
photograph
the provided
of BCHF,
Branch Victoria the of a member Porter, Peter
England.
Bouldre, in
churchyard a quiet
is
Island
Vancouver
of Colony Crown the of governor the first of place resting final The
PACE IN REQUIESCAT
4G5. B.C. V6M
Vancouver,
E,
Station
35326,
Box
P.O.
Federation, Historical to B.C. sent be should issues for back Requests
Harris. R.C. Cutoff; Mile Seven Contract—The Second Dewdney’s
Andrews. G.S. OMI; Morice, A.G. Father of Impressions Keeble. Sheila
Office; Agent-General’s the of Origins the and Sproat Malcolm Gilbert Summer 32 ‘81 4
Missing ‘81 Spring 3
Harris. R.C. Lake) (Duffey Exploration;
Duffy’s Sapper Mattison. David Gallery; Photographic Theatre Victoria ‘80 193 Winter 2
R.C. Harris. to 1913; 1875 Trail, Hope-Nicola The Sale. T.D.
Ago; of Years 50 Schools Room One Calam. John B.C.; in Certification
(Teacher Credentials and Culture 1900-1950). B.C., in Schools
Private and (Public l3arman. Jean Drummers; Different to Marching Fall 1 196 14 1980
Turnbull.
G. Elsie Columbia; British in Gold First 1894. in Ranching and Politics
Reds: and Ranchers Roads, S. John Lutz. B.C. 1859-1885; in Ranching Summer 32 4 1980 Convention Characters
Fraser Wilson of the Burnaby Historical Society has treated us to another one of his Convention masterpieces. If the shoe fits...
British Columbia Historical News Page 23 REPORT ON THE 1985 ANNUAL B.C. HISTORICAL FEDERATION CONVENTION Galiano’s Historical and Cultural Society planned and executed an ambitious program for museum workers, amateur archaeologists, and delegates to the British Columbia Historical Federation’s Annual Conference. The Federation Convention got underway with a welcome from former president Donald New and his wife Nanette. An Author’s Table, set up in the Activity Centre, featured local writers, plus some of the authors who participated in the 1984 historical writing competition, with their books for sale— autographed and personally explained. The evening of May 2nd concluded with a happy hour where old friends and new exchanged greetings. The Spanish in Perspective was a series of talks Donald New and Robin Brammell illustrated with slides which took from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The opening speaker, John Dewhirst, gave a detailed study of Natives of the West Coast with particular reference to his archaeological studies done for Parks Canada on Nootka Sound. Jack Kendrick, who is now a resident of Galiano Island, recounted not only the progress of the early white explorers and traders in coastal waters, but also the background of politics and philosophy in Europe at that time. Dr. Christon Archer of the Department of History, University of Calgary, spoke of the Spanish Empire in the Pacific, and British reaction against expansion north of California. He highlighted the records which show mutual respect and cooperation between Spanish and British sea captains working out of Friendly Cove in the late 18th century.The John Dewhirst, Jack Kendricks, Christon Archer, and perspective moved to the west coast of Selma Barkham Newfoundland when Selma Barkham described the work which earned her the Order of Canada and a gold medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Mrs. Barkham did archaeological work in Newfoundland and extensive research of naval archives in Spain to verify the visits of Basque fishermen to the Grand Banks long before Christopher Columbus took credit for crossing the Atlantic. Concluding speaker was from resident Andrew Loveridge who had just returned from Spain with fresh in formation on the life of Don Dionisio Galeano. Saturday morning the participants were treated to a talk on “Canoes of North America” by Philip Shackleton, followed by Mary Ellen Harding who Saturday Morning told about Galiano residents from the time of her
Page 24 British Columbia Historical News great-great-grandfather, one of the first settlers, to the present. Galiano hospitality included breakfasts, marvellous sandwiches for lunch, and a banquet cooked and supervised by James Barber. The seafood prepared in exotic Spanish style served with brilliant vegetables, and lean loaves of crusty bread, was followed by delicious duck and a rich dessert. The banquet hour was also the time for presentation of awards. Barbara Stannard, at home due to illness, was informed by telephone that she had been made an Honourary Life Member by unanimous decision of all present. Winners of the writing competition were called to Mary Ellen Harding the podium where they were introduced and accepted their awards. Barry M. Gough, winner of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for 1984 for his book Gunboat Frontier, was away in England. His daughter Melinda, a student at Lester Pearson College of the Pacific, received the medal from Honorary President Colonel Gerry Andrews. Michael Kiuckner received a Certificate of Merit for his superbly illustrated Vancouver the Way It Was. Hilbert DeLeeuw and Connie Philip took home a Certificate of Merit for their Heritage Committee of Rose Hill Farmer’s Institute of Knutsford, B.C. Competition chairman, Naomi Miller, described the Knutsford history Bunch Grass to Barbed Wire as the best anthology she had ever read. Honored in absentia was the writer of the best 1984 article in the Historical News, Kay Piersdorff of Salmon Arm. The Conference was attended by the Spanish Naomi Miller, Melinda Cough, Gerry Andrews Consul Frank Bernard and his wife. The Spanish element was further represented by Tomas Bartroli, guest speaker at the banquet. Professor Bartroli has recently retired from the Department of Hispanic Studies at the University of British Columbia, and now divides his time between Vancouver and Barcelona. Galiano Island, with its unique beauty, was an unconventional site for the seminars, workshops, speakers and field trips scheduled from May 1-7. The Convention was declared a tremendous success. Our newest member society deserves an accolade for their imaginative program, roster of famous speakers, and hours of work implement ing their ideas to entertain over one hundred guests attending the Conference and Annual General Meeting of the B.C. Historical 4 .‘ Federation. —Naomi Miller President Len McCann at Bluffs Park
British Columbia Historical News Page 25
News Historical Columbia British 26 Page
applications. of receipt for deadlines are 1st and September 1st March be granted.
will help financial any before a year at least for B.C.H.F. the of members been have must NOTE—Applicants
future. the in benefit will other that so Fund members
the to repaid be will grant the of all part or well, goes publication assisted an of sale the that, if It hoped is
editing. or as typing such expenses other for be to used and not are
costs, pay printing to to help specifically made are grants The history. Columbia British to relating material
to publish or individuals) (groups members Federation Historical Columbia British aiding of purpose
the for since) to been added has (and member a from a donation with in 1980 was established This Fund
4G5 V6M B.C. Vancouver,
E Station 35326, Box P.O.
Federation Historical Columbia British
Fund Assistance Publication
convention. the for 1987 invitation
4G5 B.C. V6M Vancouver,
an
to extend
Societies Heritage Historical and
E Station
Mission
the of on behalf spoke Sleigh Francis
35326 P.O. Box
Columbia.
of British at the be University hosting
Fund Scholarship
will
they
which the to Convention 1986 invitation
Federation Historical The Columbia British
its
confirmed
Society Historical Vancouver
today to: cheque
societies. member other
your send Please tax
deductible. are tions
several
from
representatives report with along
dona All University. B.C. at a
Canadian history
a
brief
He
presented welcomed. was Society
in course or honors a major taking student
Historic
Valemount
A the from delegate
year 4th a for a us establish scholarship Help
the winners. announced
and competition writing the of mechanics
Fund
Scholarship
the described Miller Naomi Fund. Assistance
Publications for the form application revised
the of copies distributed Akrigg Helen Trail.
McKenzie the and Trail, of Dewdney sections the
two Cascades, the in Brigade H.B.C. as the Trail
such trails of historic and protection preservation
of
degree
some
which afford policy will year for more one President Honorary
implementing is department This government our be to agreed Colonel Andrews Gerry
Forestry. and Ministry Parks, Housing Lands, of acclamation.
the within Department Recreational Corridors by returned was council existing The Chairman.
a
of creation the on reported Spittle John Nominations as acted Frances Gundry
separately.) printed to scholarship. this endow funds
report (Detailed magazine. our of financing for appeal to the to Federation allow was adopted
precarious the indicted report Treasurer’s The motion The history. in Canadian course honors
societies. member twenty or a major taking university Columbia British
represented present Delegates chair. in the a at year a fourth entering for student scholarship
was McCann Leonard Hall. Community President B.C.H.F. a to establish made A was motion
Galiano the in May 1985 4th, of Saturday, as possible. as much quality maintain
afternoon the on was held Federation Historical yet and costs to cut News the Historical B.C. of
B.C. the of General The Meeting Annual Editor the with work to was A struck committee
1985 Meeting General Annual the of Report ______
I
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS British Columbia HISTORICAL NEWS Extracts from the Cost of Production and Distribution $9,494.21 Subscriptions $4,143.00 Sales 172.25 Treasurer’s U.S. Exchange 17.22 Typewriter Rental 60.00 Annual Donations 125.00 -4,507.47 Report EXCESS EXPENDITURE over REVENUE $-4,986.74 REFUND of Federal Tax paid on earlier issues +1,001,90 GRANT from B.C. HERITAGE TRUST +4,000 15.16 For the last three years the Treasurer’s Annual Report has been lengthy—as such, it was an LESS Refund for copies returned from attempt to provide information that would Bookstore -236.60 stimulate members to greater support of Net EXCESS EXPENDITURE $ 221.44 HISTORICAL NEWS and the B.C. Historical Federation. Two years ago the magazine had: 1,176 British Columbia HISTORICAL FEDERATION Member Subscribers, 80 Individuals, 97 DUES from Members $1,363.00 Institutions, and Sales of $623.55. This year the numbers have fallen—to 802 Members, 36 INTEREST (Investment, Bank) 1,143.86 Individuals, 33 Institutions, and Sales of $172.25. On acc. of SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS 2,647.00 The stimulation has not been very effective! +5,153.86 LESS: Member Societies and Affiliated EXPENSES of Table Officers Groups: (Supplies, Postage, Etc.) 353.42 1. The Annual Return due by December 31st, WRITING COMPETITION 173.41 1984 has not been received from: (a) Creston and On acc. of SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS 686.06 District Historical & Museum Society; (b) Hedley -1,212.89 Heritage Arts & Crafts Society; and (c) Windermere District Historical Society. The EXCESS RECEIPTS over EXPENDITURE +3,940.97 Nootka Sound Historical Society reports “No INVESTMENTS Members—still in Recession”. Maturing $12,910.95 2. An Application to join the B.C. Historical New 17,000.00 Federation as a Member Society has been Increase 4,089.05 -4,089.05 received from: (a) Galiano Historical and Cultural Net EXCESS DISBURSEMENTS $148.08 Society; and (b) Valemount Historical Society. 3. An Application to join the B.C. Historical BALANCE in the Bank: on April 1, 1984 was Federation as an Affiliated Group has been $4,285.80; REDUCE THIS by $221.44 for the received from: (a) The B.C. Museum of Mining, Historical News, and by $148.08 for the Britannia Beach; (b) The Fort Steele Heritage Historical Federation; the BALANCE on Park; and (c) The Nanaimo Museum Society. March 31, 1984 was $3,916.28. Your Federation Treasurer would be most remiss if he did not acknowledge the ready co ASSETS To the Balance in the Bank of $3,916.28 operation from Member Society Treasurers add the Investments of $17,000.00 for a Total of throughout the year. $20,916.28. RESERVES for Special Purpose Funds total $6,983.63. This leaves $13,932.65 for general purposes.
British Columbia Historical News Page 27
News
Historical Columbia
British 28 Page
smelting
the in change a and mill a new in for begin could operations Now Island. Vancouver
plans
stimulated process separation on mineral the Smelter Crofton the purchase to
formed
in
improvements and mine the from was production Co. Ltd. Smelting Britannia the 1905,
in Then
ore
increased
day, per tons 850 to increased Syndicate. the in interest controlling gained
it
capacity
production its and modified been and formed was Co., Sound Howe the
company,
had 1
No.
Mill
Although producers. copper world new a year next The 1903. in
interest
controlling
of
rank
first the into Mines Britannia brought secured Robinson which of formed was
syndicate
thereby
and
operations expanded successfully Britannia The climate. a favourable and
water,
he
years, 10 next the During operation. timber, ample was There
estimated. was ore
the
of aspect
every revamp to $5,000,000) copper high-grade of tons million One
prospects.
(about
capital the and authority the him Basin Jane the to up Landing Britannia from
given
had
operators of company The Moodie. forest mountain dense the through hacked been
Dunbar
James Ontario, from engineer mining had trail horse four-mile A Vancouver. of city
skillful and
a demanding of arrival by the boost burgeoning the from 30 a miles
mere tidewater,
a
given
was
Britannia at production the 1912 In by was Access property. the of potential immense
process. the of financiers City York New convince
flotation
oil
bulk Elmore new experimental to able was He 1899. in property the
visited
the
using ore
the in minerals the separating Montana, Butte, from engineer mining American
problems
were there and fell, prices copper 1906, an Robinson, George attention. local
attract
in
suddenly died Robinson however. to difficulties, slow was prospect the but 1888 in chance
with
beset were years early The achieved. by discovered were Mines Britannia
The
was
production full year next in the and 1904, in Mines. Britannia
smelter
ton
Crof the to shipped was ore The first the of history a brief is following the is told, story
Tables. Whifley and the until appreciated be cannot resource heritage
Vanners
Frue the for ready were they point which this of value the As landmark. coastal
distinctive
at
mesh,
20
reached
they until screens and rolls a is it and operation, the of
facets all in achieved
jigs,
trommels,
through passed house crusher economies and innovations
of
the symbolic
the from
mill the into passed had which is fines The It operation. mining old the of feature
surface
black.
ore
the in suiphide copper the coloured main the as stands still concentrator gravity-fed
which
lights under belt a picking on carried The extracted. were concentrate of copper
tons
was
(2½ inch) ore coarse The and concentration. 6,000,000 than more which from mined were ore
separation
for mill the into directly fed fines the copper of tons 62,000,000 Over time-span.
long
and
washed
was it which after crushers, large a into such over orebody copper underground grade
fed
and
bins into buckets tram the from dumped a low- exploit to successfully mine
the first was
was
ore
house crusher the of top the At It day. its in marvel a was (1904-1974) operation
mine. and mill the both service mining Britannia The interior?
flood-damaged
to up
grew a community and constructed were and roof leaking windows, broken with structure
facilities
Transportation concentrating. for one dilapidated that mill, the why specifically,
and
crushing for one built, were two mills Here and Mines, the Britannia preserve
Why
“Beach”.
the or Landing, Britannia to mountain past. the from inherited characteristic or
culture
the
down
ore the transport to sections two a tradition,
birthright, a
means
“heritage” people
in
constructed
was
tram
aerial Riblet gravity mile
most To
mean?
it
does what resource,
heritage A
four- A mine. the up around grew community
artifact
museum
largest
Canada’s
true A driven. were adits New Basin. Jane
at the constructed were housing and concentrator: employees’ Mines Britannia
buildings service Mine began. work development
early direction Robinson’s under Meanwhile,
Sound.) Howe by ownership long-term stable the
to largely due was operation mining the Britannia
of success The Sound. Howe for arm operating
MUSEUMS/ARCHIVES
the Ltd., Co. Smelting and Mining Britannia
the to form 1908 in merged Syndicate Britannia
the and Co. Smelting the (Incidentally, earnest. Britannia Beach in its heyday arrangements. Mill No. 2 was started in 1913 and children were killed outright and another 22 completed in 1916. Built on the side hill people were injured. The owners ordered overlooking Howe Sound it consisted of six construction of a new and safer town at the 2200- stories and was capable of processing 2,000 tons of foot level which came to be known as “The ore per day. The mill crew numbered 83, of whom Townsite” or “Mt. Sheer”. 25 were Japanese. The improved milling practices Moodie’s drive and vision directed the broad and the lack of custom ore made it more and farseeing program that made Britannia one of economical to ship the concentrates by water to the world leaders. He and George Robinson the ASARCO smelter at Tacoma, Washington. before him, had received strong support and The transportation system was also revamped. A financial assistance from the Howe Sound Co. But tunnel was driven from the mine through the with the end of the war, copper prices became mountain at the 2200-foot level to connect with a uncertain and Howe Sound issued orders to narrow gauge electric railway with switch backs tighten up operations. Moodie was recalled to on the mountainside. The railway connected with home office, after which he resigned, in 1920. an incline and a skipway which transported ore to Further setbacks ensued. During a brief period the mills. of shutdown in 1921 Mill No. 2 burned to the The outbreak of World War I in 1914 increased ground. Just seven months later, on October 29, a demand for copper and the price rose sharply; flood unleased itself on the unsuspecting Beach this in turn funded further development. Then community. Thirty-seven persons died and 15 disaster struck. On March 21, 1915, an avalanche were seriously injured. Once again a new mill had of mud, rock, and snow crashed through the Jane to be constructed again and a new town had to be Camp, just as the men were coming off the built. midnight shift. Fifty to sixty men, women, and The person to direct operations for the next 25
British Columbia Historical News Page 29
News Historical
Columbia British 30 Page
60,000 of mining life approximately operation, the Britannia The industries. wartime in better jobs
70-year the During the shift. on last underground of the lure and armed forces the in enlisting
went 55 who men for blast second requiem the men of because to 400 about drastically off
three a blew 1, the November whistle 1974, fell force but war work the effort, the for minerals
on and reality a become shutdown of rumors to produce continued the progressed mine war
The operating. mine the to keep efforts defeat the As II. War World rose during Copper prices
to combined taxation and rising costs increased Japan.
rapidly and were reserved the limited, ore new to shipped was pyrite of 122,000 total tons of
annually, tons an concentrate of 60,000 of average a 1939, and 1938 a In Jaw Crusher. of Buchanan
produce to 300 continued Although employees by installation the improved was process crushing
1924. and since underground surface primary the later, Six years installed. were
the on places other operated and several at there by Munro, designed classifier, elevation-type
had that ones smaller very replace successful the the of units 1935, two In machinery. and methods
to at “Townsite” was the installed mine water efficient more and better constant for search
the from remove copper to plant precipitation a on carried Munro, A.C. mill superintendent,
new A area. the in to sold companies cement the 3, No. Mill walls of the within Meanwhile
and recovered was tailings coarse the sands the of smelter. the
in contained silica In the addition, underground. to shipped was gold) (containing concentrates
crushed being ore now coarse accommodate the zinc of shipment in first 1933, and, the
to rehabilitated were ore bins The coarse Bluff East the at started was Zinc production
6. to 15 from decreased the mills number and of remarkable leadership.
increased was mill each capacity liners, ball of the and ability, organizational skill, technical
rubber and adding power the increasing By horse his for 1931 in Medal Gold Bruce Randoif
remodelled. was circuit fine activity. grinding The Metallurgy’s and Mining Canadian of Institute
renewed in the behind left was The not mill the awarded was Browning interruption. without
table. bargaining the continued depression, operations the despite
to union and the that company brought carrot the But fortunes. in downturn another signalled
the be to proved ore orebody new new zone. This 1930 in Depression the of The Great onset
a in mineralization were the as intersecting drills employed. was
just intervened dispute at ore labour A Britannia. Everybody participated. Everybody belonged.
new for search aggressive an launched Anaconda Everybody townsites. both clubs in community
Canada. Western in programs exploration its the by directed were activities recreational
a for base as use to Britannia Co., Sound intending and social The community flourished. life
Howe from the property purchased Mining Co. at helm, the Mary and but wife with his Browning
Anaconda Montana-based 1963, the In however. alone, steamer world the by to outside linked and
Mines, Britannia for end not the was This isolated was Britannia Commonwealth. British
Co. Sound by Howe the taken over assets being the in producer largest as copper the attention
its liquidation, into went and 1959 in employees attracting were Mines Britannia 1929 By the
seven to down Co. was Smelting and Mining beauty.
Britannia proud once The the to Beach. moved of thing coast on landscape—a the feature
were mine the all for operations economy, prominent a It became walls. within rapidly its on
of reasons For destroyed. there buildings were carried be to that was for great industry the ready
the all eventually and emptied Sheer Mt. was it flotation, froth differential apparatus for
attractions. outside not with compete could life and mills ball 26 machinery, latest including
Community completed. was highway Squamish the with Equipped roof levels. eight comprised
the later, years 1956. to Two in North Vancouver and foundations concrete steel of on constructed
Squamish from line completed rail was when the was It improvisions. and 2 with refinements Mill
Britannia to came world outside The time all low. No. the to similar lines on was designed structure
an to sank prices copper 6 No. mine, “Fairview” million-dollar The 1922. in constructed was
from zinc for a created demand War the Kdrean today, stands 3, No. that the mill Mill direction,
when 50s, early the in years boom some After his Under University. Columbia of graduate 1913
1946. in first its strike a Browning, Perkins Carleton was production of
through suffered and Mines became unionized decline and peak both of a years period through employees with their families called Britannia their home. Their story is representative of the key role of hardrock mining in the Western Cordillera. Determined to preserve their story, Britannia people commissioned a history of the WRITING COMPETITION mining operation and planned a mining museum. The British Columbia Historical Federation invites In the spring of 1975, the British Columbia submission of books or articles for the third Museum of Mining opened its doors to the annual competition for writers of British Colum public. Since that time a great deal of energy has bia History. been spent on developing the museum and the Any book with historial content published in old mining property. In the words of Olive Baxter, 1985 is eiigible. Whether the work was prepared as a thesis or a community project, for an industry a Britannia “old timer”, ... “as long as the Museum remains open, the old mines will always or an organization, or just for the pleasure of be with us.” sharing a pioneer’s reminiscences, it is considered Postscript: On May 20,1984 more than 800 former history as long as names, dates and locations are Britannia residents attended a highly successful included. Stories told in the vernacular are reunion, including a lunch hosted by the B.C. acceptable when indicated as quotations of a Museum of Mining, as part of this year’s story teller. Writers are advised that judges are anniversary celebrations. The Museum is anxious looking for fresh presentation of historical to contact as many as possible of the men and information with relevant maps and/or pictures. women alive today who lived or worked at A Table of Contents and an adequate Index are a Britannia. Please contact B.C. Museum of Mining, must for the book to be of value as a historical P.O. Box 155, Britannia Beach, B.C., VON iJO. By reference. A Bibliography is also desirable. Proof reading should be thorough to eliminate typo Marilyn Mullan, Curator, B.C. Museum of graphical and spelling errors. Dianne Newell, Department of Mining, and Dr. Submit your book with your name, address, History, University of British Columbia and telephone number to: British Columbia Historical Federation do Mrs. Naomi Miller Box 105 Wasa, B.C. VOB 2K0 Please include the selling price of the book and an address from where it may be purchased. Book contest deadline is January 31, 1986.
******
There will also be a prize for the writer of the best historical article published in the British Colum bia Historical News quarterly magazine. Articles are to be submitted directly to: The Editor British Columbia Historical News 1745 Taylor Street Victoria, B.C. V8R 3E8 Written length should be no more then 2,500 words, substantiated with footnotes if possible, and accompanied by photographs if available. Deadlines for the quarterly issues are September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. Winners will be invited to the British Columbia Historical Federation Convention in Vancouver in May 1986. /(inner of the best historical article Kay Piersdorff
British Columbia Historical News Page 31
32 Page Columbia Historical News British
hindsight the story they tell Columbia is sad. terribly “The Valley In Fruit Irrigated Company. Lands
the While letters a are background to delight read, with on the Phillips, history the brief a and of
friend is with you, introduce (p. him the nuances spot.” on in 19)) the letters, biographical provides a
thing to is here shake hands with everybody, in a pre-First if and World Britain, out War many brings
and, especially, of the people introduction, (“The she met great describes class on at the that work forces
an outlet in descriptions of members surroundings, new her of the Brethren.) Professor Harris, his in
must have loved Windsor, in her also liveliness as much found Anglican.” however, (Daisy’s were family,
domestic taste the of period. description, the Denied she social life “Not so British Christian but Not English.
letters will be a gold for mine interested section those the of in which it seems Gallant’s Mavis fit well so to
and describes every of inch new their the bungalow. Edwardian The English especially class, middle that
(p. cooking—”there is cannot I nothing fascination for now” interested fry those 24)— of iconography the in
advice for on housekeeping, sorts all of boasts of advances people, her particular in have will they a
Daisy wrote about mainly While domestic affairs: Letters she from to asks Windermere appeal should
patches, to reassure and
inform
family. the Oxley
this
is
just
between you and me.”
written
by Jack, rather the style in
military dis of
(p.
woman’”.
152) Typically she added, “Of course,
to home her mother
and and sister,
a few letters in
eyes
and
they
long a for ‘general’ and ‘washer-
reaction
it—is to chronicled in the
Daisy letters wrote
bottom of
their hearts the tears always shine in their
ence—and,
both explicitly
by and inference, their
any
two women
get together and talk, from
the
distributed by
the company.
The Phillips’
experi
doubt
all
the
men here love the life, but think I when
country life so seductively
portrayed the literature
in
men
and
a
very hard
one for women.
Without
.
..
different
from the affordable,
transplanted, English
because
there
is no help, makes Canada a land for
above Toby Creek, near
Invermere,
very B.C.—was
her
mother,
“the hard work that must be done
The reality of Lot
22—twenty-eight
acres dry
high
(p.
limited
number
of servants.” 104) to wrote Daisy
difficult
for to them
continue
lead to in
England.
find
it
quite
easy
as a running house at home a with
which their income
capabilities and
make would it
many
labour-saving
devices
that I hope will Daisy
...
country
to fashion
their vision
of life—one an old
so
small
and
everything so at much hand, so with
search
a of new life, as
they were new a
to going
Saturdays,
and
wrote to Daisy’s “Our brother, house is
Phillips were not so much
leaving country the
old in
style
of
life. Jack helped to polish the on floor
R. sor
Cole Harris makes
clear introduction, in the his
labour,
and they
had
emigrated to a maintain certain
Lieutenant-Governor of
Columbia. British
Profes As
Valley
than in
England; but they not could afford
under
the direction Robert of
Randolph Bruce,
later
Phillips
could
live less expensively the in Windermere
Columbia
Valley Irrigated
Fruit Company, Lands
middle-class
woman emigrant. In some ways, the
fruit
ranching
on land
developed being
the by
mere
is
the
light they shed on the experiences a of
British
Columbia. The
Phillips up to had
decided
take
One
of
the
many
values of Letters from Winder-
England, go
to with him
to the Windermere
of Valley
1915,
of
wounds
suffered at the first of battle Ypres.
her
comfortable, middle-class
in family Windsor,
(the joint
editor
of these letters). Jack on died 18, April
resigned
his commission the
in army. British left She
December,
1914, with their infant daughter, Elizabeth
married Captain John
Noel Phillips, who just
had
remained
Canada. in
They left the the valley at of end
the In spring of 1912, thirty-five
year Daisy Oxley old
speculate
on
the
course of their lives had they
honey
and
plenty of
money.
. had learned a lot
those in
two
but years, we
only can
to
a sea/In
beautiful
pea
green
boat/They
took some
paid too a high price for our land.” (p.208) The
Phillips
from Windermere—”The
Owl and the went Pussy-cat compensation because our cisterns we leak and have
A
quotation “all from Edward Lear fighting introduces Letters Bruce and the C.V.I. Company
for
(p.
April 20, p. 1912 10). Two years later, the settlers intro., were 243
and
they
are not
quite
ready for us,” Jack wrote on of sity
British
Columbia
Press, Maps,
1984.
illus.,
but the place
has grown
quicker
than
they expected
Harris
and Elizabeth
Phillips. Vancouver:
Univer
those pamphlets be will true in about
a
year’s time;
Letters
from
Windermere,
1912-1914, Cole ed. R.
scenery is certainly splendid and that all is in written Bookshelf which helped define some respects, one could wish for more detail—on unions to private schools, all of Jack’s enlistment as a private soldier when he failed his British Columbia’s unique social character. Between Sandhurst exams; on the company’s experimental 1881 and 1931 the British-born accounted for an by 1951 garden Daisy alludes to; on the backgrounds of the average of 31% of the total white population; other settler families and the fate of those who did stay this had dropped to 17%. In spite of a steady increase in- on, for example. (One hesitates to mention about a in the numbers of native born and considerable volume edited by a geographer of Professor Harris’ migration from the rest of Canada, the “Canadianiza after stature that a map somewhere between the large and tion” process that occurred on a national level in small scale ones provided would have been useful.) World War One did not apply with equal force did To Professor Harris, the particular interest of the British Columbia. Not until after World War Two in letters lies in the way they illustrate the “practical, the British influence wane, only to be supplanted psychological, and cultural problems of home in a the 1950s and 1960s with an overpowering American strange place.” (xv) Daisy’s letter and the pre cultural and economic influence. In some ways occupation with establishing a physical home, Growing Up British is a nostalgic look at British which is increasingly their theme, were her “strategy Columbia before Buliwinkle, Hawaii Five-O and for survival.” (xvi) He argues that by being removed garburators. from the England, which recognized their position Growing Up British traces the origin and and assumptions—by becoming “players without development of some sixty private boys’ schools most of their props” (xix)—the Phillips were led to founded in British Columbia during the first half of define themselves and the inhabitants of their new this century. Jean Barman expertly and adeptly world as much by ethnicity as by class. “In their new supports a wealth of statistical data with traditional home behavior that was implicit in England had narrative sources, including interviews, to trace the careers of the 7,500 boys who attended these schools. become explicit; ... the Windermere Valley had tended to reduce the whole array of custom to a She documents how the schools—initially intended leaner selection of symbols.” (xix) This is a useful idea for British immigrants—were soon patronized by their to bring to bear on two other recent books which native-born offspring and by immigrant “Canadian” have examined aspects of Britishness in British families; and how several schools have, to ensure their years from Columbia—Patrick Dunae’s Gentlemen Emigrants survival, adjusted their image in recent and Jean Barman’s Growing up British in British socially exclusive “private” schools to academically Columbia. exclusive “independent” schools. Finally, the introduction places the Phillips in the Barman stands well back from her subject: her context of other immigrants to Canada who have sometimes exasperating refusal to pass judgement faced “the implications of coming to terms with here will, moreover, make the book of equal value not only to old boys, but to educational, business, social, when what one really knows is there. . .“ (xxii) The strains that transplantation imposed on Daisy, immigration, and Marxist historians. Certainly, revealed and partially remedied by her letters, are Growing Up British could be used by private school evoked by the second quotation which prefaced the advocates as a legitimation of the system. No doubt volume: “Something of this being heard, I am/not the Victoria headmaster’s parade drill instruction merely talking to myself, that is in the/wilderness, a “March as if you owned the world and had the receipt thing I could never bear to do/for any length of time.” in your pocket!” (p. 65) will be taken seriously by (Samuel Beckett, “Happy Days”.) some. And just as Peter Newman’s The Canadian Establishment was translated into Russian to display Frances Gundry is head of the Manuscripts and the sinister composition of a capitalist corporate and Government Records Division of the Provincial social elite, so this book might be translated to show Archives of British Columbia the ways in which an elitist institution spreads from one country to another and propagates itself in fertile soil. But this raises an interesting question. What Growing Up British in British Columbia: Boys in happened to the offspring of the majority of the 24,000 Private School. Jean Barman. (Vancouver: British middle or upper class immigrants who arrived University of British Columbia Press, 1984), Pp. viii, between 1891 and 1921? Not all immigrant parents 259, illus. $29.95 were able—or willing—to send their children to This is possibly the most significant book in British private schools (p. 16). Were their offspring more, or Columbia history since Robin Fisher’s Contact and less able than private school children to maintain Conflict of 1977. Some of the more remarkable “generational continuity” in occupational terms? Did findings that introduce this exceptionally well- public school sons of lawyers become lawyers or documented book are of a demographic nature. loggers? Barman states that this question is Between 1891 and 1921 some 175,000 Britons “unanswerable” (p. 158) but it is unclear why detailed immigrated to this sparsely populated province, research could not trace the careers of children not bringing with them institutions ranging from trade attending private schools. Such additional data would
British Columbia Historical News Page 33
News Historical Columbia 34 Page British
1, 1985.
September Deadline 3R8. V8R Victoria, Street, Taylor 1745 Editor, the to entries all send Please Dodd. Kerry
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and text Breuer by Michael photography with 1984) Press, University (Oxford Carr, of Emily Landscape
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magazine. the
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contest
this for
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Your
News. Historical
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for
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and excellence, artistic for constantly strove Carr Emily
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p.
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and
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2)1 V8V St., Victoria
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“stifled”
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private
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contention boy’s an old
602-139 at to her
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should
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why, unclear
of
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Editor.
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the Roy is
Patricia
is it But service. or sales business, professions, into
went Most politics. into went graduates school private
few that is finds surprising most Barman’s One of
women? and men nonconformist
or creative for safe havens as served have schools
private unregulated and numerous these could
university, a of absence the In George’s. St. at Baird
Irene novelist later, and College, at Angela taught
Cameron Deans Agnes journalist that instance, for
know, We university. provincial the of establishment
the to
prior
decades the in teachers capable the
at University Victoria. of
and
creative
highly several attracted to have seem History in Richard
M.A. Mackie an received recently
schools The schools? private in teach they did why
and
ways is
Columbia’s British
unique? history
they, were Who teachers. school private of
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“with class to of relegated structure
phenomena political, province’s the in clergyman
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patterns Clement
national Newman’s and supposedly immigrant the character, ubiquitous that of
role to
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see
Porter,
is
and to good identity; educational
it Valleys, Okanagan and to Cowichan the
immigration
social
book
that unique
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process the to at large, province the in education
(p.
an important
criticisms But of are these 24). minor
university and school of history the
from
areas,
was
Island’s
governor” colonial leading “Vancouver
several in studies detailed more or
further for
calls
who
unclear over also is industrial
It development. it ground, new much so breaks the book Because
exploitation on even given resource their
reliance large. at
population school
the
else,
any anywhere than less acquisitive
businessmen trom drawn group control a with study this provide 3E8 V8R 1R9 V7R Victoria 3R9 5E9 1NO 3P3 St., V6J V9S 1ZO VOR
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1985
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