MEMBER SOCIETIES ***** ********

Member Societies and their secretaries are responsible for seeing that the correct address for their society is up-to-date. Please send any change to both the Treasurer and the Editor at the addresses inside the back cover. The Annual Return as at October 31st should include telephone numbers for contact. Members dues for the year 1988/89 were paid by the following Members Societies:

Alberni District Historical Society, Box 284, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y7M7 Atlin Historical Society, PC. Box 111, Atlin, B.C. VOW lAO BCHF - Gulf Island Branch, c/o Marian Worrall, Mayne Island, VON2JO Burnaby Historical Society, 4521 Watling Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5J 1V7 Chemainus Valley Historical Society, P0. Box 172, Chemainus, B.C. VOR 1KO Cowichan Historical Society, P0. Box 1014, Duncan, B.C. V9L 3Y2 District 69 Historical Society, PC. Box 3014, Parksville, B.C. VOR 2SO East Kootenay Historical Association, P0. Box 74, Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 4H6 Golden & District Historical Society, Box 992, Golden, B.C. VOA 1HO Kootenay Lake Historical Society, Box 537, Kaslo, B.C. VOG 1MO Kootenay Museum & Historical Society, 402 Anderson Street, Nelson, B.C. Vi L 3Y3 Ladysmith Historical Society, Box 11, Ladysmith, B.C. VOR 2EO Lantzville Historical Society, Box 501, Lantzville, B.C. VOR 2HO M.S.A. Museum Society, 2313 Ware Street, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 3C6 Nanaimo Historical Society, P0. Box 933, Station A, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 North Shore Historical Society, 623 East 10th Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 2E9 North Shuswap Historical Society, P0. Box 22, Celista, B.C. VOE 1LO Princeton & District Pioneer Museum and Archives, Box 687, Princeton, B.C. VOXiWO Qualicum Beach Historical & Museum Society, do Mrs. Cora Skipsey, P0. Box 352, Qualicum Beach, B.C. VOR 2TO Saltspring Island Historical Society, P0. Box 705, Ganges, B.C. VOS lEO Sidney and North Saanich Historical Society, P0. Box 2404, Sidney, B.C. V8L 3Y3 Silvery Slocan Historical Society, P0. Box 301, New Denver, B.C. VOG iSO Trail Historical Society, PC. Box 405, Trail, B.C. V1R 4L7 Vancouver Historical Society, P0. Box 3071, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3X6 Victoria Historical Society, c/o P Odgers, 3075 Southdowne Road, Victoria, B.C. V8R 6H3 Affiliated Groups B.C. Museum of Mining, P0. Box 155, Britannia Beach, B.C. VON 1JO City of White Rock Museum Archives Society, 1030 Martin Street, White Rock, B.C. V4B 5E3 Fort Steele Heritage Park, Fort Steele, B.C. VOB 1NO The Hallmark Society, 207 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 2K8 Nanaimo Centennial Museum Society, 100 Cameron Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X1 Second Class registration number 4447

Published fall, winter, spring, and summer by the British Columbia Historical Federation, P0. Box 35326, Station E, Vancouver, B.C. V6M 4G5. A Charitable Society recognized under the Income Tax Act. Subscriptions: Institutional, $16.00 per year; Individual (non-members), $8.00: (to addresses outside Canada) $12.00. Financially assisted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture, through the British Columbia Heritage Trust and British Columbia Lotteries.

Back issues of the British Columbia Historical News are available in microform from Micromedia Ltd., 158 Pearl St., Toronto, Ontario M5H 1L3 - Micromedia also publishes the Canadian Magazine Index and the Canadian Business Index.

Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL NEWS

Volume 23, No. 3 Journal of the B.C. Ilistorical Federation Summer, 1990

Editorial Contents

The 1990 Conference is history! Features Page Grand Forks hosted a crowd of Frank Wade: Journeyman Canadian Actor 2 0 by Frank Wade Jr. eager participants to a program highlighting Doukhobor history as Cattle Branding in the Cariboo by T.D. Sale 8 well as some little known Boundary 0 District activities. The Boundary The Capilano Suspension Bridge 0 byJeanLeedaleHobson 10 Historical Society did an 0 outstanding job of organizing this East Princeton - My School 1917-19 0 by Ruby Sidney Forteath 11 B.C.H.E Conference. Our thanks to 0 the team of hosts and hostesses. PS.: by Margaret Stoneberg 14 We can promise a eat variety of 0 0 Giscome Portage and the Huble - Seebach Trading Post topics to be presented in future 0 by June Chamberland 17 issues of the News. College 0 Letter from Vancouver Island students and other writers have by Peggy Imredy 21 submitted some top quality 0 Murder on the North Trail - Cariboo 1862 manuscripts; local historians help by Marie Elliott 24 with their own special contributions. 0 0 Writing Competition Guidlines 25 We ask you, the readei to inspire 0 others to subscribe to this magazine. Marl Browns Spring Pelt 0 by Gerri Young 26 An increase in the number of units printed results in a decrease in cost Intrepid in the Name of God by Pixie McGeachie 28 of production per unit. Help us 0 minimize the pain of G.S.T. when it 0 Report of Conference 1990 30 arrives — and introduce friends to News & Notes 32 some delightful tidbits of B.C’s A Tribute to Dr. & Mrs. Blythe Eagles 33 history! 0 Naomi Miller Book SheIf Book Reviews A White Man’s Province Reviewed by Yim Tse 34 Atlas of the British Empire Cover Credit Reviewed by Angus Weller 35 Conference organizer Alice The Field Naturalist Glanville poses with guest speaker John Macoun 35 Eli Popoff and his wife Dorothy. Geological Survey and Natural Science The Popoffs were part of the choir Reviewed by W. Kaye Lamb 35 which performed at Expo ‘86, and for B.C. Sugar; One Hundred Years, 1890-1990 36 delegates to the 1990 conference in Dr. Luke A. Port; Builder of Deepwood 36 Grand Forks.

Photo by John Spittle -

Manuscripts and correspondence for the editor are to be sent to P0. Box 105, Wasa, B.C. VOB 2K0 Correspondence regarding subscriptions are to be directed to the subscription secretary (see inside back cover) B.C. Historical News 1 Frank Wade, Journeyman Canadian Actor

by Frank Wade Jn

My father, Frank Wade, was a Canada was the great tradition of perform in British Columbia was in professional actor in Canada for fifty the Indian tribes with their strong Esquimalt on board H.M.S. eight years, from 1922 to 1980, and sense of mythology and pageantry Tricomalee in 1855. The Vancouver took part in some of the major Many of them were putting on ritual Opera House was built in 1891 by episodes in the history of the spectacles with story lines, the CPR for $100,000; th 2000 Canadian performing arts. There costumes, masks and music long seat Winnipeg Walker theatre in were good years for him and some before the white man came. 1907. lean ones, but he persevered in his The western theatre tradition By the 1900’s American, English chosen craft throughout his life and started with the French settlers in and a few Canadian companies were brought a lot of pleasure to the 1600’s but really began to touring the country on a regular thousands of people. flourish when the English - the race basis bringing operas, operettas and He was born in Liverpool, with the greatest dramatic tradition dramas to smaller towns as well as

England, in 1897 and later moved - arrived. The British military were the bigger cities. A touring opera to Croydon, a suburb of London, forever putting on amateur company in 1910 gave four different where he went to Whitgift School. It dramatics. Some were even written operas in one week in Vancouver, In was here that he was bitten by the about Canadian life. One of a 1932 the English Stratford touring theatre bug, playing the weaver political nature caused a riot in company performed sixteen Bottom in Shakespeare’s A Halifax, We were a more boisterous Shakespeare plays in two weeks in Midsummer Night’s Dream. He was nation in those days. One was Vancouver, admonished by his teacher to cut about a love affair between a naval When my father arrived, Canadian down on the lion’s roaring and all officer and a merchant’s daughter: theatre was at its highest point. his life had to fight overacting. As along the lines of the affair that the The twenties were heyday of the he said you must hit it just right. It young Nelson had with a girl in resident and touring stock is perhaps acceptable in Sheridan, Quebec City and left behind. companies of North America. Radio but one must be natural in In the 1800’s, the American hadn’t arrived and the silent movies Shakespeare and phraseology is the professional theatre companies, were still something of a novelty. thing in Shaw. following in the tradition of their After the horrors of the war people World War One started when he forebears, began to come across the were letting their hair down and was seventeen and he was one of border and Canadians started to wanted live entertainment and the lucky ones who lived through it. have the opportunity to see the flocked to the theatres. “The He went straight to the front when great thespians of the day, despite roaring twenties” was an apt he left school; with the London Irish the backwardness and remoteness of phrase. Any young man who had a Rifles. He joined the Shamrock the country. Mrs. Fiske, Henry mind to put on greasepaint and feel concert party which was a group put Irving, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, John the excitement of the lowered together to provide entertainment Martin Harvey and many others houselights and the overture and for the troops when they were out of toured Canada. who had some talent could get a job. the line. They were fighting men The theatres were very makeshift My father was tall, good-looking first and entertainers second, He at first but later proper ones were and, what was more important, worked with London stage built in the major cities. The frontier blessed with an excellent baritone professionals and learnt much from audiences were very rough and took voice. He had received some musical them. It was a way to keep his to throwing things at the actors training at school and had sung sanity and somehow he got through they didn’t like and sometimes even with the Shamrocks during the war. the terrible nightmare of trench chasing them out onto the streets. He immediately got a job as a warfare - he was wounded. Any mention of sex was definitely soloist in the Winnipeg Dominion After the war he got married and out and Shaws Mrs. Warren’s theatre; hired by the orchestra came to Canada, and, after a short Profession was called an director Mr. McLasky, who liked his period at a desk job, started work in unwholesome repulsive play by the voice. Strange as it may seem to us the Winnipeg theatre. Winnipeg Free Press in 1907. today, this theatre put on nothing I suppose the first drama in The first professional company to but operettas, musical revues and

RC. Historical Ne 2 “black face shows. Vaudeville was “Imperials”, and he wrote a farce on on a separate circuit. the problems of such veterans fruit The shows changed every week ranching in the Okanagan. It was unless there was a hit, when they billed as funnier than Charley’s were kept on until the houses Aunt; about the shenanigans of the

started to drop. This was exciting ranchers - an Englishman, Irishman

live theatre and the public lapped it and Scotsman - when they tried to up. As my dad said, We packed em impress a visiting aunt from in. Singers had their following like England. pop stars today, only on a city or It had run for two months in the provincial basis. All that was then very modern Empress Theatre needed was talented singers, in Vancouver; something unheard of comics, dancers and musicians and for those days. Later going to a show could be quickly put Victoria, Duncan and Chemainus. together. He said that one of the After this, a touring company was biggest thrills that he got in his long organized and this was when my career, was the applause that he father joined the cast. From August received from those sympathetic to December 1926, it toured B.C. As Capulet in ROMEO and JULJEE Royal Winnipeg crowds when he belted out and western Canada going to Alexandria Theatre 7bronto, 1946.

a good song. One of his big hits was Vancouver (Orpheum theatre - the Saskatchewan. Company members “West of the Great Divide”. old Opera House), Kamloops (Opera were the Australians Richard To supplement his income he sang House), Vernon (Empress theatre), Bellairs, Frank Vyvyan, Millicent in the legion halls and, after awhile, Revelstoke (Province theatre), Hallatt, Allen Strickfaden and Iris got into a some straight acting roles Nelson (Opera House’), Grand Forks Seldon. in local stock companies. My mother (Empress theatre), Winnipeg There was a new play every week Audrey Wade - now in her nineties - (Walker and Grand theatres), and, what with rehearsing the new danced in the chorus line and played Regina (Grand theatre), Prince play, acting in the current one and piano in silent movie houses. He Albert (Orpheum theatre) and finally singing on the radio, it was a busy was in such plays as White Cargo, finishing up in Spokane, time for him. He sang on radio Madame X Up h Mabel’s Room and Washington State. station CKWX from the top of the Charley’s Aunt. The family then moved to Georgia Hotel and from the In 1923, he formed a vaudeville Vancouver where he •joined the Orpheum theatre on Sundays and act with Don Adams senior, who Vancouver United Players stock from CNRV in the CNR station on was working in Winnipeg at the company in the Empress theatre Main Street. time. He toured the States and was working from January 1927 to May By this time radio was starting to the juvenile lead with a touring U.S. 1928. Here he continued to broaden compete for the public’s attention. musical show called Talk of the his acting experience by being in a In the early twenties stations Town, out of Chicago. He toured the great range of plays from the started to broadcast live music for a Mid West and the South for almost classics to farces. few hours a day. The Canadian a year. He was paid $75 a week In his career he acted in eight National Railway set up radio plus train transportation, which was Shakespeare plays: Romeo and stations across the country to a lot of money in those days; and Juliet (Capulet), A Midsummer’s supply programmes to their trains out of this had to pay for his hotel Night Dream (Bottom), The which were fitted with radios. room and meals and send money Tempest (Caliban), Julius Caesar, Initially it was a primitive home for his family. They did Measure for Measure, Hamlet, experimental set-up with people one-night stands in cities or towns Macbeth and Richard ifi; five Shaw listening in on home-made crystal that had a theatre or an auditorium plays: Candida, You Never Can Tell sets. A private cross country and were booked for longer in major (Crampton), The Doctor’s Dilemma, network started in 1930. The first centres. Arms and the Man, and Pygmalion; radio play in Canada, called The He went back to musical and stock two Sheridan: Schoolfor Scandal Rosary, was put on by the Moncton company work in Winnipeg after the and The Critic (Sir Fretful Plagiary). station CNRA in 1925. A series on toui until in 1926, when he was Two plays that stuck in his mind at Canadian History was directed by called to take one of the leading this time were Bill of Divorcement the famous Tyrone Guthrie from roles in a show called So This is and Ghost Trafri, both big hits in the CNRM Montreal in 1931 and 32. Canada out of Vancouver. It had twenties. The Canadian Radio Broadcasting been written by a Vernon, B.C. man, He also acted in another Commission CRBC network was W.S. Atkinson. He was also a production of So This is Canada and established by the conservative British war veteran, then called a new Atkinson play The Man from government under R.B. Bennet in

BC. Historical News 3 1932 to offset American cultural It was tiring work, but the radio dramas and live influence. members of the company were entertainment for the troops. In After this, a move was made to young and energetic. They were 1942 he went overseas to England Regina because the director of the well treated at each stop by the as an auxiliary services officer. stock company at the Grand theatre locals and well wined and dined on After the war he toured the Far there had seen my dad’s work in So occasion. These shows were a East with a British ENSA concert This is Canada. He worked there welcome break to humdrum small party, from November 1945 to June for three years, from May 1928 to town life. With the improvement in 1946. The company was practically January 1931. It was back to the the economy and with movie houses all-Canadian, consisting of my weekly play and singing on radio being built in the smaller father; Kathleen Kidd, actress; Joan station CHWC. He also did some communities, the Chautauqua Ryan and Eric Tredwell, singers; work in Saskatoon. circuit, one of the most colourful Ross Pratt, a concert pianist and With the onset of the depression, chapters in the history of Canadian two female dancers from Australia. theatre in Regina hit hard times theatre, died in the late thirties. They entertained troops in and Major Graham, the owner of the Theatre life in Winnipeg in the Australia, Hong Kong, Indo-China, Grand Theatre, to keep the thirties was difficult. Times were Thailand, Burma, the Malay States company together, moved it to hard and there wasn’t the demand and Singapore. Winnipeg to the Playhouse theatre for live entertainment that there had After this interesting trip around

there. been in the twenties. Trying to the world - he returned to Canada In the summer when there was a make a living as an actoi even for a via Egypt and London, a move was recess, he joined a Chautauqua seasoned veteran, was very difficult made to Toronto where it was hoped company, touring the prairies. The and there were times when the that there would be more Chautauqua movement started in family was in straitened opportunities. Here he took part in the States at the end of the circumstances. one of Canada’s greates artistic nineteenth century to bring the Commercial theatre was in great achievements: the famous radio performing arts into smaller trouble. There was some activity in Sunday night one hour “Stage” communities, The Canadian circuit the amateur field. The Little dramas and “Wednesday Night” was organized out of Calgary in the Theatre movement of amateur two or three hour programmes thirties. non-profit companies was started in covering symphony, opera and Two shows were put on each day. the late twenties. The Vancouver drama. They were broadcast In one tour that he went on, he Little Theatre, which was one of the initially only from CBC Toronto with recalled that an afternoon musical best in Canada, started in 1921 and some later programmes coming from concert was performed followed by a petered out in 1980. The Dominion Montreal and Vancouvei and ran light comedy called Applesauce in Drama Festival was started in 1932 from 1947 to 1960. In their day the evening. The cast included to provide competition and they were acknowledged as being as Rosie Jones, a soprano; Charlie motivation for the many amateur good as any in the world and won Ross, a tenor and my father, a groups across the country many international prizes. Initially baritone. My father was just about able to they were directed by Andrew Allan The company would stop at a keep his head above water by doing and later Esse Jungh, with whom small town each day with a break a number of things. He worked in my father had worked in Winnipeg. as circumstances permitted. He several stock companies that often These radio shows covered the said it was very well organized and didn’t last a season, sometimes he gamut of western dramatic the pay wasn’t too bad. Two never got paid. He got some singing tradition; some were original pieces capable young women managed the work (live shows were put on in written by Canadian writers. Len tour. One was the business between films in the big movie Peterson, Lister Sinclair, Joseph manager who paid all the bills and houses). Schull and Fletcher Markle were the arranged for accommodation and For a period he managed a radio top Canadian radio writers at this meals, whilst the other was the station run by the Winnipeg Grain time. publicity girl who went on ahead of Exchange until it went bankrupt. It was out of these radio dramas, the company arranging for He did some teaching and started and not the live theatre, that advertising and making contact performing in CBC radio dramas. Canada first produced actors and with the local business people who Radio broadcasting was reorganized actresses that became household would underwrite the venture and in 1936 and the CBC was formed names across the country; some of cover any losses. Where an and there was more money for them later becoming international auditorium was not available radio. stars. The most well known were arrangements were made to have a When the Second World War Lorne Greene, William Shatner, tent transported to the town and started in 1939, things improved Chris Plummer Robert Christie, Don assembled like a circus. somewhat. There were wartime Harron, John Drainie, Francis

B.C. Historical Ne 4 Hyland, John Colicos, Kate Reid, show became a Toronto institution. with Josephine Barrington, Arthur Frank Peddie, Tommy Tweed, Jane In this company he acted in Sutherland, Drew Thompson and Mallet, Bud Knapp, Austin Willis Sheridan’s The Critic Shaw’s You Barbara Hamilton. He was and many more. My father worked Never Can Tell, Sophocles’ Oedipus particularly good in comedy and with many of them. The King and Charley’s Aunt. Here farce which requires split second Radio was particularly suited to he acted with other well-known timing and team work.

his English dramatic training where Canadian performers - Toby Robins, In the fifties it was back to the spoken word is stressed. He Frank Perry, Pegi Brown, Peter Vancouvei where things theatrical could change his voice, accent and Mews, Mayor Moore, Eric Christmas were beginning to pick up. There manner to great effect from one role and Lloyd Bochner. was radio, TV and theatre work. to the next. Probably some of the He also did a season of summer TV had now become a major form of best work of his career occurred in stock in Kingston putting on British entertainment, even hurting the radio. He was partricularly good in and American comedies, working movies and preventing the the lead roles as the erratic but endearing Toad in the Toad of Toad Hall, as the bumbling mayor in Gogol’s The Inspector General and the lovable eccentric Doctor Doolittle .EiPRESCILsmRTS MON. THEATRE . - all CBC Wednesday Night radio 1 .: I’HONE SEY. 864 UNITED PLAYERS Present dramas from Vancouver. They were adapted from the original books by Ian Thorne with music by Ricki

Hyslop. - Other radio shows, from both NOW! Toronto and Vancouve that he was in were John Buchan’s The Thirty Nine Steps Dorothy L. Sayers’ The Zeal of Thy House, Matheth adapted by Lister Sinclair The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Moby Dick by Herman Melville and Justice by John Galsworthy and many more. In this post-war period he also worked at the Royal Alexandria Theatre in Toronto. Most of these productions had American stars in Funniest ShoW Best STORY the lead roles backed up by a EVER TOLD ABOUT Canadian cast. He had supporting roles in light opera and plays. He AN ENGLISHMAN-- “D1GE’ E.LLAXR8 was in The Merry Widow, The AN IRISHMAN- Desert Song Anything Goes, The FRAME VYVYAN Vagabond King, Richard III and A SCOTCHMAN Noel Coward’s Hay Fever plus FR&NX WADE others; working with Estelle Winwood, Jose Ferrer, Eugenie THE REVIVAL OF THIS PLAY Leontovich, James Mason, BY SPECIAL AflRANGEME NT WITH W. S. ATKINSON Claudette Colbert and American IS THE SEASON’S PREMIER COMEDY EVENT light opera stars. He was also in some plays put on IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN by the New Play Society company, which performed in the Royal Ontario Museum. It was a non-profit group started by Mavore USO Moore in a valiant attempt get more live theatre going in Toronto. TillSYOU WILL HAVE YOURCANADALAST CHANCE NOW He was in Spring Thaw, a topical revue of skits and songs put on Newspaper advertLsment - in the Vancouver Sun SO THIS IS CANADA - 1927. annually by the company. This

B.C. Histori1 News 5 re-emergence of a vibrant Canadian Dogs; an extravaganza of actors, Colonel Spranklin until 1979, when live theatre. Some very successful dogs and music. He only acted in at the age of 82 he had to quit CBC TV dramas were made but one movie, Cold Day in the Park, because of his health. It is they never achieved the status of the directed by Robert Altman, which interesting that his first big role was radio dramas of the forties and was shot in Vancouver. a British officer in So This is Canada fifties. By 1970 when he was 73 when and he ended his career playing With his singing experience there most men are retired and taking it another one in The Beachcombers. was work in the summer in the easy, he took part in Canada’s most Other well known B.C. actors who Theatre Under The Stars successful TV venture, The are or were in the series are Rae productions in Stanley Park. This is Beachcombers. Brown (Molly), the Indian actor Pat one of Canada’s most successful This TV series is still running; John, Joe Galland, Joe Austin, Reg summer theatre projects, and now in its eighteenth season, having Romero, Ivor Harries, Jackson certainly the longest running. It started in 1971. It was originally Davies and the many child stars. started in 1940 and, except for a planned as a Sunday night family He took part in 23 episodes from six-year break from 1963 to 1969, is half hour show about the adventures 1971 to 1979. One of his major still going strong today: starting of some young people, two parts in the series was in Boat in a long before the Stratford or beachcombers and the local Bottle, the first two-part episode. It Charlottetown summer festivals. It inhabitants of a small town on the was about the children and Nick, the has always been a very professional British Columbia coast. beachcomber wanting to drag a organization with well mounted It was to be very loosely based on reclaimed Japanese fish boat productions with excellent casts. English pantomime in a Canadian through the colonel’s property and My father performed in supporting TV format. There was to be plenty he refusing, because of the ill roles in fourteen productions from of farce, adventure and humour treatment that he had received in a 1952 to 1960 - Timber, Waltz in Old showing the interplay of children Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Vienna, The Red Mill, Maid of the and adults. Sometimes there was to The first writers for the show were Mountains, Carousel, Song of be a moral or a serious aspect to the Marc and Susan Strange, and both Norway, The DeserL Song, Music in storyline. In addition to the two continue to write along with other the Air, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, lead actors, who play the regulars Merv Campone, Allan The Merry Widow, The Student beachcombers, and the child actors Oman and Dennis Donovan, Phil Prince, The Great Waltz and there were. to be older character Keatley and Len Lauk conceived the Kismet. He did the older parts, actors based on the eccentric idea of the show, among others, and often a comic, for instance he was personalities that can be found in Phil was its first executive producer. the timber tycoon in Thnber General B.C. It has probably brought in more Birabeau in The Desert Song; and It far exceeded the hopes of its money than any other Canadian Lutz, the Prince’s valet in The originators; very quickly becoming artistic endeavour with the possible Student Prince. very popular, even outdrawing exception of the Stratford festival. Timber was an interesting show. Hockey Night in Canada at one One episode in the first year cost The music was written by Dolores point. Later meeting with $36,000; by 1978 this had increased Clayman, then a talented young considerable international to $120,000. In 1978 $650,000 24-year-old Vancouver-born pianist acceptance; being especially popular was put into the Gibsons economy. composer; David Savage and Doug in Australia, England, French With 20 episodes per year for 18 Nixon did the libretto. It was quite Canada and Germany. years, the total approximate cost of a hit, particularly appropriate to Why it has been so successful is the series to date is upwards of Vancouver; about some young difficult to say. Some say it is the around 30 million. Foreign sales to loggers and their romantic mountains and waters of Howe September 1978 were to 42 entanglements on a holiday in the Sound, where it is shot, which countries: 15 to the Americas, 12 to big city. compares favourably with any of the Europe, 6 to Africa, 5 to the Middle Some of the well-known west coast great beauty spots of the world. It East, 2 to Micronesia and 2 to the performers that he worked with in certainly started off with two solid Far East. Presumably a fair TUTS were Don Garrard, Barney Canadian lead actors; Bruno proportion, if not all or more, of the Potts, Frank Vyvyan, Robert Gerussi and Robert Clothier; and costs have been recovered by Clothiei Sam Payne, Betty Phillips, both of them have stuck with it from national advertising and foreign Lorraine McAllister, Thora Anders, its beginning. The series has a sales. Robert Goulet and Bruno Gerussi. certain special indefinable Canadian My father also did quite a bit of For two years (1958 and 1959) he quality and maybe this is one of the other TV work at this time. Being went to Hollywood. He did some reasons that it has been so popular very fond of animals, he did a directing, teaching, recording and abroad. segment about dogs on the TV produced his own work - A Galaxy of My father played the character of series Bazaar and the Bob Switzer

1.C. Historical News 6 Show and also, for a time, had his himself. In 1967 he did Crumpets into production. own show. and rackers5 a collection of Quite a change from his day. No He published a book of verse on Christmas reminiscences with doubt there are still problems but it dogs called A Galaxy of Dogs. original poetry. is a great improvement. My father He was the lead in Len Lauk’s TV My father’s life occurred during a was one of those who kept on with drama The Clubman, which won the period of extreme change in the his acting career throughout his life Wilderness Award in 1968 as the performing arts; what with the despite the difficulties and, I think it best TV drama for the year. It was introduction of radio, films and TV. is fair to say, that he had some written especially with my fisther in It is a tribute to his flexibility and small part in paving the way for the mind. It is about an aging man and skills that he was able to cope with success that we have today. his difficulties in facing change. the switch from live theatre to the Politics came into the dialogue and other new media and make a living. “Wacky” Bennett, then Premier of Before he died in 1982, he was B.C., enjoyed the piece and asked to amazed at the increase in the The author is president ofthe Vancouver meet my father. number of successful live commercial branch ofthe Canadian Authors Association. Midshipman He was still active in radio and, He is currentlypublishing A theatres across the country in the War based on the life ofa naval veteran, Bill during this later period, appeared in last years of his life. Whereas, after Brown ofChemainus. over a hundred dramas; in such the demise of theatre at the end of series as C.S. Forester’s The twenties, he had to cope with General (General Leigh), working for companies that were BIBIJOGRAPHY Commander Hornblower (Admiral forever going broke through lack of E. Benson and L.W Connolly Egnlish. Canadian Cornwallis) and Cervantes’ Don public support, now there are at T1hie, Toronto, Oxford University Press, 1987. ThecanadianEn’c1opedia Edmonton, M.Hurtig. 1988, Quixote, along with many others least six successful full-time theatre Theatre, Englisir Radio, Drama; rg Drama; Allan. including the school drama series. companies in Vancouver putting on Andrew. Alice Frick, hnaoftheMind. CBC Drama 1944 to 1954. Canada’s man of letters George productions, with Canadian lead Toronto, Canadian Stage and Arts Publishers. 1987. Woodcock who wrote the script for actors, that are as good as anything D.J. Dully, Imagine Please, Ear Radio Brcwleasting in British Columbi 1983, B.C. Government Pro,’incial the Don Quixote series, remembers one can see in London or New York. Archives. him fondly as a man of great charm The same is true across the country Conversations with Len Lauk. CBC. Phil Keightly, CBC; Robert Clothier, actor. and a fine actor. He did a daily spot and this despite the fact that TV, TheBeseheambersCBC TV Series; CRC, Vancouver on CKNW called Brush Up Your radio and the movies are still CBC radio Stage ond Wednmday Night series; CBC Radio Archives, Toronto; CBC Times 1944 to 1960. CBC. English and later The World Around flourishing. Vancouven Us and a delightful CBC radio spot B.C. now has a New Play Society Theatre Under The Stars, Vancouvet; programmes 1940 to 1962, Vancouver Public Library; files on Vancouver called Told in Rhyme; reading which looks at over a hundred new theatre, City of Vancouver Archives. dramatic and humorous poetry and plays written by B.C. playwrights Papers of Frank Wade, actor, including theatre programmes, scripts. tapes. records, photographs. monologues, some written by every year and some of them are put newspaper clippings, letters, manuscripts, poetry and writings, covering the period 1917 to 1980.

As the valet Lutz, with Mildred Franklin (The Grand Duchess) and Robert Clothier (his valet) in the T1]7Sproduction ofTHE STUDE?QT PRINCE. June1957. B.C. Historical News 7 Cattle Branding in the Carthoo

by 7D. Sale

Undoubtedly the cattle are the the pasture sometimes at the urging a difference between the time when most important animals in the of the cowboys. a ranch started using a brand and Cariboo District of British Columbia The enormous Cariboo area when the brand was officially regis since they are the main source of stretches from 70 Mile House north tered (in some cases years). For ex beef milk, and dairy products such to Prince George and west towards ample St. Joseph’s Mission was es as butter and cheese. In addition to the coast. Sources of water are not tablished in the 1860’s but their bones, hoofs and hides find a ready that plentiful in the Cariboo so brand was not registered until market. Thus all parts of the ani branding is the accepted way of sort 1914. mal are put to good use. One way ing out intermingling herds of cattle The brand for the Mission stands the Cariboo ranchers protect their in that populate the wide open spaces for O.M.I. (Oblates of Mary vestment in the cattle industry is by of the area. The brands were found Immaculate). the use of brands. to be especially useful when the old There are close to 9000 registered The dictionary defines branding as trail drives were employed to take brands in use in British Columbia marking cattle with a hot iron. the cattle to market. Strays which with over one third of that number in Throughout history branding has became scattered across the range- use in the Cariboo area. Brands been well known even to the point of land could easily be sorted out and must be registered with the provin wife branding, slave branding, and by means of their brand could be re cial brands branch in Victoria accom the branding of criminals, The old turned to their rightful owner. Even panied by the necessary branding est brand without a doubt is ‘X’ (x today when cattle are driven to mar fee. The Recorder of Brands deter marks the spot or the ownership). ket by mechanical means the brand mines where on the animal the Cattle were first brought to North plays an important part in identify brand is to be placed. It could be on America by Christopher Columbus ing proper ownership of cattle of the right hip or left hip, right shoul and the subsequent early explorers. fered for sale by the rancher. All der left shoulder or on the ribs. A Over the next five hundred years brands must be carefully checked by registered brand must be novel and North American cattle breeders have the government branding inspector have a minimum of two characters developed such “meaty” strains of prior to shipping from the loading which may be letters, numbers, cattle as the Texas long horns, the station. symbols, rafters, bars, slashes, box Aberdeen Angus, and of course the Ranchers who graze cattle on the es, triangles or diamonds. Curves white faced Hereford which is so large tracts of available Crown Land are better than sharp corners which common throughout the vast Cariboo are required to observe certain regu tend to cause infection. Connected area of British Columbia. To care for lations which limit the number of characters are forbidden as they be these numerous herds of range beef head allowed to the acre. By check come to hard to distinguish as the cattle the cowboys are of great im ing the brands an inspector can as cattle grow. Picture brands cannot portance along with their faithful certain whether a rancher has violat be computerized. Similar characters saddle horses. The quarter horses ed the regulation. Range cattle such as “B” and “8” can be easily possess the dependability and endu wander extensively where there are confused and are therefore forbidden. rance required for cattle branding. broken fences, open gates or possibly A minimum and maximum size of Prior to branding the calves during no fences at all. In the winter espe brands are enforced. Picture brands the fall roundup the cowboys are fre cially straying cattle tend to gravi blotch too easily and thus are not al quently called upon the rope the tate to a “feeding lot” and remain lowed. Brands within brands (an S young animals and apply two undetected until they are culled out within a diamond) are unacceptable. wraps and a half hitch. While re in the spring as a result of their in The simpler the brand the better is strained in this way or within a dividual brand. the existing rule. Old brands in use chute a red hot branding iron is ap Among the oldest in the Cariboo prior to the newer regulations have plied to a designated area of the an and adjacent areas are the following been permitted present day use. imal’s body. Care is taken to make brands: St. Joseph’s Mission, The brands branch keeps a record of the newly applied brand visible and Ashcroft’s Hugh Cornwall registered all the brands it has registered since placed in such a way as to not spoil in 1862, and the Gang Ranch regis 1914. Brands in use and registered the leather. An acrid odour of burn tered in 1884. Nine of the historic prior to 1914 are stored in the ing hair and flesh permeates the air Cariboo-Chilcotin brands are shown Provincial archives. during a branding session. When in the accompanying illustrations. In some cases the branding irons released the calf hurriedly exits from It must be noted that there could be were forged in the blacksmith shops the corral to the holding area or to of the local ranches. The blacksmith B.C. Historical Ne 8 starts with a four foot long piece of hide. The old scar tissue leaves a 1954 shortly after his retirement. iron which is approximately half an different colour and texture from the Other large cattle spreads in the inch in width and a quarter of an new one on the under side of the Cariboo deserving brief mention are inch in thickness. It is heated red hide. those of R.C. Cotton, C. Moon, T. hot and beaten down to an eighth of To cross out a brand legally the Bayliff (Brand is Bar two-TI) and an inch in thickness then shaped to new owner of an animal might burn Bridge Lake Estates (Brand is the chosen design of the brand. The a straight line through the old brand Quarter circle S - S). handle is usually rounded. and place a new brand directly un For over a century and a quarter To supplement branding, one or der the old one or the discarded the cattle brand has performed a both ears are marked. These ear brand might be repeated under itself very important task in assisting the cuts act as a double check and often to show that it is in-operative and ranchers to do business. eliminate the necessity of a rider the new brand can then be burned having to locate the brand mark alongside. which might have been partially Branding inspectors have a great Don Sale taught in the Can boo for several grown over or otherwise hidden from responsibility and are usually very years prior to enlisting in the army in view, Ear-cuts in the Cariboo tend knowledgeable in regard to brands. WWIL He has been a citizen ofNanaimo for to be on the way out. In Williams Lake an early and well manyyears, where he is very active in numer ous orgafliZatiOfl8. He is currently Unfortunately to prove the chang known branding inspector was Billie Corresponding Secretary for the B.C. ing of a brand by cattle rustlers it is Pinchbeck. Probably the branding Histoz*al 1èderai*m. first necessary to kill the animal in inspector who became best known SOURCES CONSULTED question. A burned over brand and highly respected in the area shows plainly on the inside of the was Joe Smith who passed away in I. William Lake Tribune Newspaper.

2. Mrs Irene Stangoe - Caribeo Historian.

Historic Carlboo.Chikin brands

The region has a number of cattle brands either in use for much ofthepast century or linked to historical figures. Top row are: the brands first used by Ashcroft Hugh Cornwall in 18(32 (left); a brand used at Alkali Lake and dating to the 1880s; and the Gang Ranch brand registered 100 years ago by Jerome and Thaddeus Harpei Middle row (left) is the brand registered in 1914 by St. Joseph Mission and now used by the Onward Ranch; an Alkali Lake brand registered in 1914; and the Hance Jjiik) family brand (right) registered in 1914 and used at Hanceville TH ranch ever since. At bottom (left) is a brand regis tered by a Fosberry in 1920; Franki Johnson and Charles Spahan brand used on their Alkali ranch since 1918; and (right) Loyd West and Dan Dorrell brand registered for their Clinton ranch in 1937.

Illustrations by Brad Ward

B.C. Historical News 9 The Capilano Suspension Bridge A Century Old and Still Swinging! by Jean Leedale Hobson

On one of his land searches he Their obvious enjoyment of the out crossed the Burrard Inlet, followed ings, though, gave Mackay a dream dirt trails and found himself gazing of turning his lands into a public down and across the canyon which park. His vision only became reality hemmed in the Capilano River. Its after his death, but a series of own wild beauty captured him, resulting ers over the years kept his unselfish in the purchase of several hundred legacy alive and none has allowed acres on both sides of the river. the march of progress to spoil the Here, he decided, would be a perfect natural wildness and age-old beauty spot for a retreat, a home in the for of the spot. est, far from the fast-growing city. Naturally, with the influx of visi In the spring of 1889 he took on the tors increasing constantly, the arduous task of getting building bridge had to be strengthened. supplies to the isolated site and his Today, tons of concrete anchor the

dream home - a four-room log cabin steel cables which will stand up to

on the very rim of the canyon - be 100,000 pounds’ pressure. It even came a reality withstood the devastating hurricane But another challenge wouldn’t let of 1962! him rest: how was he to even see the The scary, exhilarating thrill of inaccessible Visitors on the bridge Circa 191& land he owned on the crossing over the wide canyon seem other bank? Defying all logic, he did ingly in mid-air has lost none of its

Eons ago, as if smiling too broadly the impossible - slung a suspension excitement for modern visitors, at such a beautiful spot, the earth’s bridge over the gap! Two Indians though, as they come in hundreds of face split. The crack was wide and helped him fling hemp ropes down thousands every year. The virgin deep. Rains spilling down the the rocky, treed wall below his cab forest is as hushed and as beautiful mountains trickled and ran along in’s verandah; horses dragged it as it was when Mackay first laid the gorge until they became a river through the 450-foot-wide river; then eyes on it. And the region’s history running toward the sea. the men hauled it up the far side. is treasured, its heritage kept alive Indians roamed the forests nearby Even though the ropes were an in the symbolic totem poles which and, when they came to the canyon, chored under piles of huge logs, the depict the ancient beliefs of the earli they also were moved by its awe makeshift bridge swayed terrifying est inhabitants of Capilano Canyon. some grandeur. More than that, the ly 230 feet above the water. Small Thanks to the aesthetic dream of thick firs that had grown up its rock wonder that Mackay’s family and the Scotsman more than a century walls, interspersed with cedars, summer guests dubbed it the ago, millions of people have been gave them materials for canoes and ‘Nervous Bridge” as they inched able to enjoy, appreciate and learn baskets. Salmon and trout in the precariously along on the cedar foot- about this uniquely beautiful park- river meant food. This was a good boards! land where the busy world outside summer place. They named it Visitors at that time had to be ar its gates seem so far away. Capilano Canyon after their beloved dent nature lovers to make the long, The world’s longest suspension great Chief Ki-ap-a-la-no. slow trek from Vancouver. The only bridge is alive and well as it swings Then, one day a century ago, a steamer; the S.S. Senator; carried into its second centuiy white man came and he, too, fell in horses and buggies along with about ********** love with the rugged, wild beauty of twenty passengers across the the area we now know as North Burrard Inlet, On the north shore Mrs. Hobson is a freelance writer now living Vancouver. George Grant Mackay the only dirt road to the Mackay in Vancouver West EnL was a Scotsman who was lured by home gave families a jolting ride for Your editor was told the story of honeymoon the potential for land development six miles; those without buggies ers visiting the nervous bridge in 1925. The in the young port of Vancouver. so in trudged with hampers of food, the bride haltingly asked, ‘Are you sure it is safe for 1888 at the age of 62, he and his ladies in their restrictive long dress Presbyterians?” (she meant “pedestrians.”) The family emigrated and began a new es and the gentlemen uncomfortable groom promptly assured her that it was safe for life in Presbyterians, and Anglicans, . . and Roman Canada. in the formal attire of that period. Catholics, too. B.C. Historical News 10 East Princeton - My School 1917-19

by Ruby Sidney Forteath

The dusty road stretched on - no one-room one at East Princeton. sure that the most chilling sights sound. (Not on the map). were hidden by darkness on the On either side scattered young So, as Dad would say, “I made way. After the long night in the pines. Nailed on one near the road, haste to send an acceptance.” Most train we were glad to arrive at the a sign, “Beware of wild range cattle people at the Coast at that time Princeton station. Such a fine sunny crossing the road.” How did one be knew about communities as far as early morning and the air so invigo ware? A magic rabbit hole? On I Hope, but not much farther afield. rating and unlike Vancouver. went, my lunch in a neat, little lard Not too many roads, or travellers in I had read once a poets “blurb” - pail (so handy). No houses. No peo cars. So get on the train and it will “the air like new wine,” but I knew ple. take you! nothing of wine, new or old. I had Suddenly a change! Along came a My sister had gone through had, “tea-kettle tea.” Nothing but fine-looking one horse buggr which Normal and was teaching in the tea in our house! stopped beside me on the road. The Fraser Valley. Now it was holidays And there was Mr. King to meet man with the reins had a pulled- and she was home sitting talking me so early. An English gentleman, down hat and a wealth of red whisk with Mother in the Kitchen. slim and erect with white hair and a ers, If it hadn’t been for the lovely, When I was at home going to small white goatee and very pleas smiling girl beside him, I’d have school, I always had a few small ant. He took my suitcase (trunk lat wondered about being beware of him jobs on a Saturday. I was out front er) and led me from the station as well. He looked me up and down sweeping the big front porch and yard, across the road - not far - to a and finally barked, “You’re so little, wide steps when a telegram came cream-coloured bungalow behind a do you think you can walk away out for me. I left the broom and rushed white picket fence - Looked nice. Up here every day?” I replied stoutly, in to see what it was. It was an of to the veranda and there was Mrs. “I’m a good walker,” and we carried fer for a rural school in the Fraser King! She opened the screen door on (I thought of the 5 years I had Valley, near to my sister and near and gave me a big hug. I had a new walked to Sr. schools in Vancouver to Vancouver. Grandma! to earn my 1st Class Teaching My folks thought it would be won So nice and kind in her English

Certificate - from near Kitsilano derful. What was I to do - ethics way. Short and rounded - very blue Beach to 12th Avenue near City Hall and all. eyes and smooth white hair. now). Yes, I could walk. I said that I would go out and fin We went to the kitchen to locate (Latei I learned about those peo ish my sweeping and I’d know when my room. The small upstairs was ple. Mr. Hugh Hunter, a veteran I came back in. Didn’t take long at divided into 2 rooms with a narrow mining man and now Gold all. I went in shouting, “Princeton it stair leading up. Commissioner with an office in is!” Nothing altered, and I wasn’t Mrs. King said she never went up Princeton. Margaret was having a sorry tho’ it was a totally new life. there but would leave clean sheets ride to school in town.) I didn’t know what a grape-vine at the bottom for us to pick up, When pupils graduated from was till a girl teacher we’d known at make the bed and clean the room. Normal School (Teacher Training church began to phone around and Seemed O.K. The front room was now) they generally wrote letters tell that Ruby Sidney was going to held by a Miss Pearl Murray who (maybe a dozen or so), trying for jobs Princeton where she herself had had been there before. somewhere, Some girls went up been. At supper time (dinner really) in

North - places not on the maps, and So when Mother and Dad took me the dining room, a big table, white some stayed and helped to make a to the 7:30 p.m. Kettle Valley train, table cloth and napkins and many better place - men needing wives - of they were less doubtful upon seeing hot dishes of good food. (We were ten a happening with teachers. my good company - Beth and sister always well fed) and Miss Murray to Well. I guess I was lucky, for in Mildred Beattie and Sibyl Hardwick. meet me. good time I received a letter of ap (No berth for we’d arrive in the morn Mr. King, at the head of the table pointment and an offer of a place to ing.) We could turn the seat around said Grace (as Dad always did) stay. Such beautiful copper-plate and be sociable. I was 18 years and first. As we were eating, I heard style hand writing from Mr. King, first time away from home, but all him say to Mrs. King, “She hasn’t head of the School Board of were friendly. got red hair,” and looked at me. Princeton. My school would be the It was said that the C.PR. made “Our girls always had red hair,” he BC. Historical Neiis 11 said, “And one always had to wash the teacher’s needs, including a when I had to go to the Doctor for an her hair before a dance to have lots hand bell. ear syringe (thought he’d taken my of ringlets.’ Miss Murray had red A door at the back led into another head off) and when I walked back to hair as did the Beattie sisters, but I room but narrower. Maybe store school there they all were, the dears, didn’t see the others. room? It was now used for pupils’ busy and quiet. Imagine!

Mr. King pointed to a framed por wraps etc. - a cloakroom. Out from One new, sturdy little boy was trait on the wall. That was their that an outside door leading to a brought to school - a beginner all by dear daughtei Rose, long-lost and Boys and Girls building. There was himself and very well behaved. I re much lamented, so beautiful! They no regular playground, but lots of membered that at Normal, we were did have another daughter, Rhoda, room to run around away from the taught to get the child to say the married to a store-keeper in town, trees. Well! ! Time to walk back; new sound needed, (f). I said, “If but the family was living out of town Mildred would be teaching at the big your eat wasn’t thin, what would and not often mentioned. school in town with Beth and Pearl you say of it?” “Thick,” he said, so Next day was Sunday and Mildred Murray. instead of fat I had gone on to “th”. B. offered to take me out to East Rhoda’s boys, not far from the There was also a lovely girl, Princeton to see my school, which school, were in turn, the caretakers. Gladys Allison, but she was called had been hers last year. We put on I met my young janitor on the first for and taken home before wintei as our Sunday clothes and, silly me, I day of school. He was a nice young not being strong. I had thought wore my new and cherished foot ster, good-natured and a good work that all that family would be very wear - black kid, high-heeled little ei tho’ at first, the broom looked too able and I was sorry to see her go. boot. (They got put away and I soon big for him to wield. He had brought One day Mrs. King spoke to me in had low-heeled comfortable walking in a pail of fresh water, with dipper the kitchen alone. She told me to be boots.) As we went further along, I and put at the back of the room for sure n to teach too long, for teach could see several long avenues cut free use, (One took all in one’s ers got too bossy and well she knew! through the trees and ready for stride). After school the floor was to Also she didn’t like anyone, maybe building lots for the East Princeton be swept and kindling and wood put visitors, men or women, to argue town to come. Already a store and a ready for when fires were needed. with her husband, to upset him. few houses. There were maybe 10 or 12 pupils One afternoon Miss Murray asked A friend at the Coast was so curi at times and such good kids. Three me to go with her to a “sometimes” ous about what kind of school I’d get from one English family, Hilda, show. We sat on rough benches and so far away, even sent me a snap - John and wee Mary. Their father paid a whole 25. (I felt guilty, for I was this it? - Small and square, was watchman on the East wanted to send some money home painted blue and yellow and in a Princeton machinery building. from the P0. in town.) flat meadow. How wrong could she There was Freddie, so fir and with Once when the lovely, Fall colour be! My school was the Store! Large, chestnut coloured hair - and the cut ing was all around, the sisters and I brown and unpainted. Several steps est wee Welsh maiden and so it went to a sheltered spot by the River led up to the front door with large, went. for Mildred to do some water-colour glassed, store-front windows on each I divided up that big blackboard so painting. Of course, in Victoria side. that every class had a space and in there is much of that done. I Mildred unlocked the door and we that, I wrote the work of the day, so learned from Mildred of the struggle entered. - Not too long since she’d that everyone knew what to do, if I of Emily Carr to have her great work left in June, so she must have felt were busy. given its due. quite at home in showing me This was put to the test one day I also attended morning Anglican around. Very large room, very large heater in the middle, with maybe a dozen or so desks, various sized, arranged

not far from it - Along one side and over a side window, a long, green blackboard with lots of room for the many classes. There was one shelf lbur &hool Marms. with books called Readers, which (L€ft to right) would run up to what’s now Grade Pearl Murm 6. Another shelf with a few other Mildred Beattie, books in other subjects. Mildred Ruby Sidney & Beth Beattie. showed me the teachers desk and chair and the neat drawer she’d left with the precious register and all

B.C. Historical News 12 Church when I could. The other one I sat on the back platform of the would go back next year to stay was Catholic. Ky train to go to Vancouver. When with her in a good small house with When I was walking to school one it came to a slide we had to get out her and she’d board me (in East day, a couple of cowboys rode along and walk over a great jumble of Princeton). I agreed . .. No long quietly behind me and until they rocks to a train brought up to the walk. came to a cross-road they galloped other side. Freight also had to be So once again my parents took me off. (If I had been different, I might moved. A man carrying a box higher to the 7:30 p.m. Kettle Valley Train, have turned and waved for a jolly than himself, stumbled and fell but with none of those former com word.) down. Dried cod fish from the thin panions or a kind School Board It was pleasant to be with Mildred white box fell on him and skittered head, like Mr. King to meet me at but she was called home to Victoria all over. the Princeton Station. (I was now to tend to her special Aunt who’d A line of men appeared, each one an old timer!) brought her up. carrying one heavy-looking brick up It was quite pleasant in the cot The Huston’s became firm friends high in his right hand. What was tage and Mrs. King and I spent and I sometimes walked across that, I wondered? quiet evenings doing much hand town to visit. I heard many great We were late into Vancouver and work. records there, for Bill was a collector Dad, punctual as usual, had a long, Rhoda wanted to show me how to of good music. He was tall and difficult wait. ride and fixed me up on her”staid loved to tease his little wife and she Back at school it was cold, and my pony”. We got on fine and went also loved his good-natured fun. young caretakers had to work hard some distance, when “we” decided They were happy with their toddlei to keep a good fire going. The to turn back home. Sometimes on Margie. lunches froze in the “cloak room” the railroad track and sometimes be They also had a treasure they and all of them and coats etc. had side it and I just simply stayed on, shared - a Bath Tub. Bring your to be in by the heatei and the lunch tho’ my hair fell down around from own towels. One Friday when I got es eaten there too. Quite a diversion the braids around my head. (The out of the tub and starting to clean in schooling, but we managed. pony knew, not I, that it was time it, I bent and twisted in such a way Sometimes we enjoyed singing and to feed her baby!) as to put my knee out. What a sud all was flexible. Another time Sibyl Hardwick den pain! I spent the weekend with I was warm walking with my new asked me to ride with her to Hedley. bandages and liniment. On Monday coat and scarf set, but also with “leg On that mount, I felt a mile above morning I borrowed a cane to walk warmers” buttoned up to my knee, the ground, but we got on fine except to school, but soon was overtaken by warm boots and mitts. for once he shied at some moving a car full of men, offering a ride. I No loitering with after school work paper - Sibyl was a good horse man. stood on the running board and for I liked to get in town before At that time, Hedley was in full hung on. dark’s early coming. swing and the gold mine ore cars You’d think I wouldn’t be inveigled In Spring we sometimes found were going up and down the steep into trying “something new, so good wild flowers in the bush. Some I incline to the top. I met a young

- Fruitatives - Take 2” - Never again hadn’t seen before, and I urged the teacher who told me she lived up top with no inside plumbing! pupils not to pull them up. and taught a small school there. Mother sent me a fine winter coat Sadly now, Mr. and Mrs. King She said it was pretty scary coming she’d made beautifully for me, and a were not able to keep anyone, thus down in an ore car with only a parti soft, fluffy set of tam and scarf in ending a happy time there for Pearl tion between passengers and the bright orange - all really right for and me. We must find other quar load of ore. Sibyl and I were both cold weather walking. ters. Pearl and Beth settled togeth tired and stiff after riding 25 miles Miss Murray often walked out to er well and “bothered” each other. I each way, but it had been a very in see her friends, the Hunters, and got a bed in town with a retired teresting outing. once she asked me to go with her - a teacher and her 12 year old son, On the 24th of May holiday Mr. & little past the E.P school down a who was a big help to her. I had my Mrs. Huston asked me to go with hill to a large piece of flat, fertile meals in 3 different places - Several them to Merritt. It was very hot so land beside the River. Hunters had kind ladies offered great help to me we paused at a wayside pond to a large house with a large garden for an evening meal, and gave me ‘give the car a drink.” This was my (and a man to look after it.) The vis wonderful meals and family life first ride down the big hill into town, it was very enjoyable and I men style. and up, up again next day. We all tioned on the walk back that it Mrs. King was devastated on los enjoyed the trip in their touring car. would be a lovely place to stay. ing her dear husband, and went to Sibyl Hardwick accompanied me to “Think no more of that,” said Pearl, live with Rhoda and family in East Vancouver once. The Coquihalla and I didn’t. Princeton. Before June, Mrs. King Pass was closed with a slide so the For Christmas holidays, Beth and was much recovered and asked if I train had to go to the mainline and

B.C. Historical News 13 transfer passengers. A dance was down by the river he showed me how PS. by Margaret Stoneberg. held for the train load of delayed to reckon its speed. On later out travellers at Spence’s Bridge. We ings we drove to the mine and town- The charming story of Ruby Sidney’s did not reach Vancouver till late next site of Copper Mountain where we adventures while she was teaching in morning. My parents had very little met the teachers and a young sing the interior community of Princeton sleep, but Dad still agreed to deliver er. He gave me driving lessons on caused me to read through the 1917 Miss Hardwick to an address across the road above the river, always and 1918 issues of the Princeton Star town from our home. with a “Be very careful” at a bend newspaper. I have had the sensation In October 1918 I had to find a where someone had gone over the of opening a door and passing into the new place as Mrs. King was ill and bank. One evening when he deliv landscape brightly lit by the sun of long returned to Rhoda’s home. A sur ered me to Hunter’s gate he asked ago. prise visitor arrived mid-morning for some light so he could see to fix I could see the little schoolteacher during lesson time. Mrs Hunter in something. I walked into the house, jumping down from the Kettle Valley sisted I move to her house immedi took the lamp from my room, lit it train at 5:30 in the morning, the sky al ately. She declared she couldn’t let and held it till the adjustment was ready lightening in the dawn, met by me go to town to look for a place made, then quickly and quietly re Mr. King and escorted across the when the flu epidemic was raging. turned to my room. He was my boy street to his home. The Princeton Schools closed, but friend till school was out. He moved Very soon, perhaps next morning, East Princeton stayed open till year to Vancouver and I transferred to she would step out the front door to end. Ladysmith. explore. On her right she would see, Mrs. Huntei very tall and erect, I rode the Kettle Valley Railway opposite the station, the big, white had been a teacher in Nova Scotia. often during my two years in building which was the Princeton She liked law and order in all Princeton. This line had snowsheds, Brewery. Turning left she would walk things. The white table cloth and tunnels, and bridges that looked as past the Similkameen hotel, then the napkins were clean and crisp even if made from matchsticks. Wooden Courthouse, some stores, one of at breakfast time. She served me trestles were used for 12 years then which was the post office. Turning the cracked wheat cereal which had been replaced by steel structures. The corner she was on Bridge Street, the slowly cooking all night on the big workers on that line were very safe shopping centre of Princeton. black range in the kitchen, with ty conscious, and did their best in In her cozy, upstairs bedroom, creamy milk from her own cow, that difficult and dangerous stretch through the open window she could Agnes. We had lots of fresh vegeta of line. The KVR was my connection listen to the street sounds. She could bles from her garden. Once, when with new experiences, kind friends hear the shouts of the cowboys and eating spinach, I bit on a hard object and happy memories. the bawling of the cattle as they were

- a beetle. This I quickly put into driven to the station for loading on the my pocket so as not to embarrass train carrying them to Vancouver stock my hostess. The author taught in Ladysmith, yards. The sound of harness bells Mrs. Hunter mothered me as she Vancouver and Trail. She married in 1925 would tell her the big horses were pull and has lived in Trail ever since. Previous ing the wagons from Garrison’s barns, did her own daughter Margaret. writing has included two books ofpoetry. In She would put a “pig” in my bed, July 1989 she was a delegate at the 1st perhaps slowing up to a stop the auto close my window and open the door Annual Convention ofthe American Poetry mobiles that would otherwise be to the hail where she stoked the Association in San Francisco. whizzing along with horns sounding at heater for the night. I was well fed, ****e***** the dizzying speed of 30 mph. and welcome to the living room with SCHOOL AND TEACHERS its piano, gramaphone, large table, On August 31, 1917 it was noted bookshelves full of good reading, and that “The public school (located almost a quiet corner where Mr. Hunter opposite Mr. King’s house on could concentrate on his mining Vermilion Avenue), and the East records and other papers. Princeton school will reopen Sept. 4. About this time there were many Miss Elizabeth Beattie will take up her young English clergy sent to the duties as Principal of Princeton “Colonies”. They were grateful for School. Miss Murray will again have an invitation to a good home. One charge of the Intermediate room and day Mrs. Hunter invited the Miss Mildred Beattie the primary class Anglican clergyman for lunch at es. Miss Ruby Sidney of Vancouver which she served a delicious meat has been engaged to teach East pie. (We thought it was chicken but Princeton school.” were told it was a rabbit raised by Both the schools mentioned had Mrs. Hunter.) The Reverend asked been enlarged and greatly improved me to go for a walk with him. When The Hunter family at home. B.C. Historical News 14 during the previous spring. The the plot to their son-in-law, Sands, and cured the old organ was given back to one-room school at Copper Mountain he immediately sold t to the Vermilion Margaret Hunter (now Mrs. F. Mitchell). opened that year to serve the children Forks Coal and Land Company. The I believe it is still in her possession at of the mining community of the company sold it in lots and in no time at her home in Olalla. Canada Copper Corporation. Sadly all there were at least three hotels (Incidentally, the Courthouse was the mine was to close in 1918 for a serving the hundreds of miners moved across the street to be used as time due to labour troubles and the low swarming in to prospect at Copper the first High School and later, lamen return for copper. Mountain. Stores and the post office tably, demolished.) Mr. T.C. King, the secretary of the and houses mushroomed. The railway Another among Miss Sidney’s school board, was English and had came in and built the station at the friends was the Hardwick family. E.E. moved to the United States as a young west end of town. East Princeton Hardwick was a Methodist minister who man. Starting as a teacher, he later faded away along with Mrs. Allison’s moved to Princeton from Nicola in became an architect and drew the prospects for material success. 1899. His daughter, Patsey was the plans for some of the most prominent Then came the exciting years of first white child born in Princeton town. buildings in Des Moines, Iowa. Later 1911-12. The Portland Cement He was overseas during all of W.W.l. he moved to Lacombe, Alberta and Company of Vancouver appeared on Hardwick descendants still live on the then to Princeton. His last the scene and built a huge One-Mile. The Hustons had a store in professional work was the enlarging of stone-walled plant, installed massive town, Mrs. Lovina Huston sold millinery the Princeton school and duties as machinery and employed hundreds of and he had a rig which he drove to government building inspector. As men to make cement. This was to be Copper Mountain. Mr. Gibson had a Miss Sidney has told he died March shipped out on the railway spur just hardware store where he sold also 26, 1918, leaving his widow, one built. A Methodist church was built. coal, cement, lime and plaster and was daughter, Mrs. S.R. Gibson (Rhoda) But disaster struck in 1913 at the also a blacksmith. Mr. IC. King is and two Sons. time of a world-wide slump which killed credited with having the first garage in EAST PRINCETON. PIONEER the market for cement. The local town in 1911 and he had other com COMMUNITY material proved insufficient, men went mercial interests as well. At one time the Allison family owned to war. The cement plant closed, the WOMEN’S YEAR OF land downriver from the forks and Mrs. machinery was sold and the building EMANCI PATION Allison at this period was Grandma’, became and remains to this day a A two inch item in the Star of April 20. her husband long buried at the foot of haunted shell. So it was when Miss 1917 was headed Women May Castle Rock and her family grown up Ruby Sidney taught at E. Princeton. Register” and stated: “Hugh Hunter, and scattered. She had come to the FRIENDS government agent, has all the Similkameen in the 1860’s as the first Leaving Mrs. Allison with her necessary papers enabling the women white woman to settle with her memories, we can go a short distance to have their names placed upon the husband, John Fall Allison. She now from the school to the home of her voters list. Under the bill just passed in had the time and the opportunity to long-time friends Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Victoria women can register at once write her memoirs and add to her Hunter, on the river road, Hugh and have till may 14th to get their collection of Indian legends and lore. Hunter was mining recorder at Granite names on the list. Affidavits can be Mrs. Allison could remember the Creek in 1889. He had married the made before a justice of the peace, exciting days around the turn of the young school-teacher at Nicola and, provincial constable, postmaster and century when she laid out what was when the gold rush was over and the some other people. Applications are expected to become the metropolis of government office was moved to to be forwarded to the Registrar of East Princeton. She was assisted by Princeton (located in the Courthouse), Voters at Fairview. Note: She must be her brother-in-law, Edgar Dewdney, the Hunters moved into town. Here a British subject or married to one” the Lieutenant-Governor of the Mr. Hunter was justice of the Peace, The editor who wrote the articles and Province (but still involved in sundry tax collector, etc. the editorials maintained a lofty real-estate deals). He was confident No doubt, when Ruby stayed with indifference. Nowhere else in the any that the coming railroad would the Hunters, their daughter Margaret of the issues of 1917 or 1918 is any terminate there, locating the station. played on the piano the sentimental reference made to the subject. So East Princeton was planned with songs of the period. However, it is Conscription, too, was not important, streets and boulevards, stores, a log Mrs. Hunter’s cottage organ that is a it seems. There was a paid hotel, and a school which Mrs. Allison legend. When church services were government advertisement advising indeed taught for a short time. held in barrooms, sometimes in men to register for service in the armed Unfortunately their plans came to houses (usually Irwin’s or Cooks), Mrs. forces. And again this did not merit naught. The town of Princeton grew Hunter would play the organ. This was any special coverage other than to rapidly between the forks of the river in later given to the St. Paul’s have it stated that the recruiting officer the area which is now Princeton. By an Presbyterian church when it opened in had little to do here as practically all of irony of fate, Allions had given over 1920. When a different organ was Se- the men of military age had already vol

B.C. Historical News 15 unteered. So great was the patriotic fervor at the start of the war that there was a serious shortage of marriageable THE LITTLE RED TRIANGLE ON men in the valley. VINTAGE CARS The ladies of the town worked hard to knit and raise money for comforts. I did not find any reference to any in E.A. Harris delighted readers with his article “Memories of Motoring in the come tax, still a gleam in the govern 1930’s.” In it he declared that his 1928 Chev. had “a small red triangle on the ment eye. left rear mudguard indicating the car had hydraulic brakes.” Car buffs promptly This was the time of Prohibition and notified me that the red triangle indicated FOUR WHEEL BRAKES. here, so close to the U.S. border there Obviously a vehicle with brakes on 4 wheels could stop in a shorter distance were many violations, The road over than one with 2 wheel brakes. the Richter pass was well used. In Further details from Don S. Robb of Sidney, B.C. give us an explanation of spite of a customs office here freight early braking systems: A two wheel and the successor, the four wheel brak sometimes was not what it seemed. A ing system, were operated by a series of levers put into play when the pedal load of hay was sometimes worth much was depressed. These levers tautened the cables, wires extending to a can more than a silver spoon, and a load of tilever mechanism that opened or closed a shoe embracing a brake drum sur logs was sometimes hollow. rounding the centre of the rim of the wheel. These were a system comprising 1918 was the year of the Spanish flu’ what was known as “mechanical” brakes. Early models were applied and fitted when it was said there were 400 cases only to the rear wheels. The cables often become slack, rendering the brake and many died. less efficient. Gadgets called Tensioners were sold as accessories to be It is very interesting to read Mrs. used (like clothes line tighteners) to snug up the cables to improve stopping Forteath’s stories about this time in her power. When the first four wheel brakes were introduced a home mechanic life and what it was like to be a school occasionally overtightened the cables for the front set causing the vehicle to teacher when pupils were graded on go ‘arse over teakettle” when braking. the Honour Roll for “Deportment”, Hydraulic systems were quite different. Hydraulic cylinders delivered fluid wheel cylinder engaged “Punctuality and Regularity” and through tubes to other cylinders on the wheel. The “Proficiency” a cam that depressed the brake shoe to effect a pressure, thus arresting the were tried on expensive vehicles As I close my imaginary door to the progress of the vehicle. Hydraulic systems 1934 and Ford in 1938. At past I hope to have some more from in the 1920’s and were adopted by Chevrolet in her. first hydraulic systems were on rear wheels only with mechanical brakes on the front wheels. . During that era cars were stopping mainly with rear brakes

********** as the task of tightening the front brake was such a dirty job.

Our B.C. Historical Federation Archivist prepared a post script to tell us more of Princeton and East Princeton.

WHEEL

RC. Historical News 16 Giscoine Portage and the Huble - Seebach Trading Post by June Chamber!and In the fall of 1862, two colored in 1870, people in Quesnel went af really did a flourishing business. men, John Robert Giscome, who was ter the Government to build a wagon Albert Ruble pre-empted D.L. 848 born in Jamaica in 1832, and Henry road across the portage. In 1871 where the Huble house now stands.

McDame, who was born in the John Trutch took the contract to (He later pre-empted DL. 762 - Bahamas in 1862, after meeting in build this road, with G.B. Wright Sunnybrook Ranch.) They re-cut Quesnel, decided to go into the and Mr. John Grant in charge of and rebuilt the old Portage trail and Peace River area to look for gold af building it. With mosquitoes, black many, many loads of freight passed ter hearing gold had been found in flies, and the swampy land, they over this road on it’s way to Summit the Finlay and Parsnip rivers in the had a hard time keeping men on the and McLeod Lakes. Edward Peace River water-shed. However, job and could not totally rely on the Seebach pre-empted land near they got caught in a freeze-up so Indians either. This short distance Huble’s homestead around 1909. wintered in Fort George and not at required 2000 feet of corduroy and Huble staked out many sections and Fort St. James as planned. From thirty-seven culverts. This portage quarter sections of land, there being, Fort St. James. they would take the trail was used for many years but it around 1911, twenty-seven settlers overland route to the McLeod Lake became overgrown with brush by the in the vicinity. This settlement be post. During their stay in Fort 1890’s when Dunlevy’s trading came known as the Giscome George, they met up with Indians ceased, No community was estab Portage. trading at the Hudson’s Bay post lished at the Giscome Portage until In 1911, Albert Huble brought a who told them of an alternate route the arrival of Huble and Seebach. wife, the former Annie Hart, back to McLeod Lake via the Salmon Albert J. Huble was born at Oak with him from Ontario. In 1912 he River, which is a tributary of the Lake, Ontari& in 1872. Coming started building a large two-storey Fraser, 18 miles north of Fort West and being a very adventurous squared log house. Each corner was George. This route involved a short soul, he had tried fishing off the dove-tailed and carefully fitted. portage from the upper Salmon to coast of B.C. Huble, along with Moss was gathered and clay dug to Summit Lake, where they’d reach three other men, had purchased a be used for chinking. He went upriv the Crooked Rivei a tributary of the fishing schooner. However the first er and cut cedar blocks to be made Peace River. Consequently, in the time out on the water a violent into shingles later. It was very ap spring of 1863, they set out for this storm came up and all being inexpe propriate for him to build such a big portage with an Indian guide. They rienced, were glad to get back on house as they had a large family. headed down the Fraser River and shore. At this point, Huble said “I’ll Annie had brought with hei one upon coming to the Salmon River, never go out there again.” 1 He also child, Ada, from a previous marriage found it badly swollen with the went to the Yukon to try his luck on in Ontario. Albert and Annie had spring run-off. The guide told them the gold-fields. However, when he seven other children - Bertha, there was another trail about 12 got there he found that all claims on Martha, Patricia, Gladys May, Al miles further up the Fraser. This the Klondike had been staked. It Junior, Samuel, and Dean (who trail began at the present day Huble was the winter of 1899 and people drowned in Summit Lake while just homestead site and cut across were starving, there was no food in a young man). Another building through the bush to Summit Lake, a the country. So he took off from moved over to the big house was distance of nine miles. It was Peter Dawson City in December, an al joined to it with a breeze-way. This Dunlevy who established a trading most unheard of and unparalleled served as a kitchen and was used post at the south end of the portage feat of endurance, going across the both summer and winter. At one around 1873, who named the headwaters of the Pelly, down the time, in later years, they had a Giscome Portage after John Robert Stikine and came to Telegraph Chinese cook who would sit in this Giscome, when Giscome was cooking Creek where he stayed for awhile.2 kitchen and churn butter while rock for him. In 1900, Albert Ruble came to the ing the baby in the cradle. The rest There was another more popular Fort George area where he trapped of the house consisted of five bed route to reach the Peace River involv on the upper Fraser River, Edward rooms (four of these being upstairs), ing the Telegraph Trail from Seebach, born also in Ontario, in an office, and a big living-room, Quesnel to Fraser Lake, then taking Perth County in 1880, was trapping where they ate, with a pantry the fur trade trail to Fort St. James that area too, In 1904 Huble and Along with freighting of goods over and thence on to McLeod Lake. Seebach formed a partnership and the Portage, summers were spent

When the Omineca gold rush began started up a trading post which picking wild berries - huckleberries, B.C. Historical News 17 raspberries, and strawberries. both of his arms. He was saved by furs. He had many items for sale Clover, oats, and barley was grown his dog who started worrying the here, one order consisting of a barrel and harvested. Days were spent bear’s tail. With this the bear of mixed cookies, as well as ginger haying, at home and at the released his hold on Huble who was snaps, cream sodas, Edam cheese, neighbours. Huge gardens were able to retrieve his gun and kill the Beecham’s pills, fruit salts, planted - potatoes, turnips, carrots, bear.3 A trapper’s life can be quite Spearmint gum, one dozen can cabbage, beets, onions, and peas. adventurous. openers, two dozen cigarette These vegetables, as well as for Ruble built a freight warehouse on holders, a 5-gallon keg of vinegar, their own use, were sold to the boats the banks of the Fraser at a spot floui a dozen playing cards, stove that stopped on their way to Tete where the water was deep enough polish, a box of hammers, and Jaune Cache. Huble and Seebach for the boats to tie up at the wharf. cigarettes, 2 dozen Lacrosse guided scows through the Giscome At one time, in the early 1900’s, chocolate, one-half dozen fruit jars, Rapids which were seven miles in there were many stern-wheelers on 100 cigars, 100 cork cigars and a length. Sometimes a boat would get the Fraser plying their way to Tete box of Mogul cigarettes. Missing on stuck on the rocks there and they Jaune Cache - the Chilcodn, the the weigh bill were a case of Climax would have to get it loose. Nechaox later named the Chila, jam and a case of plum pudding. Black-smithing and shoeing horses S.S.B.C., the BXExpress, Charlotte, Another time he ordered one-half also took up some time, as horses, Conv€o, and Operator were some dozen men’s suits - black, blue and as many as four to a wagon, would of the boats that stopped at the one-half dozen women’s dresses - be used in freighting. As well as Portage. Here they would load up serge - black, blue.4 So we can see horses, they had cows, pigs, with horses, oats, hay, and from this that the store was a busy chickens, ducks, and geese. They vegetables and would unload tons of place, supplying the settlers with also tended store and bought furs goods. This warehouse was a sort food and other goods. In 1915 they from the Indians and white men of clearance station for much freight opened up a post office at the alike, In the winter season, they besides their own, freight that would Giscome Portage but it closed down themselves would trap. Al Junior, be hauled North to the Hudson’s after two short months of service. who is now 71, remembers as a Bay stores at Summit Lake, McLeod British Columbia became a young lad, going out with his father Lake, and to the various survey province in the Dominion of Canada in later years, to check traps. At the parties for the railroad - Bledsoe’s, in 1871. Because of this union, a cabin Mr. Huble cooked up a big pot Harvey’s, Holland’s, Corell’s, railway was to be built to the Pacific of oatmeal. Next day he sliced up Burden’s, Freeman’s, Bower’s, coast. This would increase business some of this cold porridge, fried Morrow’s, and Weber’s, to mention a for the stern-wheelers with activity bacon and the porridge and “it was few; using four horses and a large equal almost to the gold-rush days good” Al said. One time, while out wagon per load. Ruble later had a However this also meant the end for at Avril Lake, Albert Huble came frame store built with a big sign stern-wheelers because once the upon some grizzly bears. He killed “SEEBACH & RUBLE - GENERAL railway was built, the need for them four grizzlies in all, but one that was MERCHANDISE”. This store had a ceased, as transportation shifted wounded, mauled him. As the bear false front, large windows, a from river to road. Two routes were attacked him, Ruble’s gun flew out varnished office and a home-made decided on. One went down the of his hands. The bear was biting at fur press which was used to bale North Thompson River to Kamloops, through the lower Fraser canyons and on the Pacific Ocean. The other was to go from the Yellowhead Pass to Fort George, following the upper Fraser River, then southward across the Chilcotin countly The second route never went through as the Chilcotin Indians became troublesome, having killed some men. However the decision to put a railroad through Central British Columbia became a reality and by October 1st, 1913 trains began running between Prince Rupert and I Smithers. On January 27th, 1914, the first train reached Prince Group out on lake, 1924 - left to right; Albert Huble (holding Sam Huble), Directly behInd him Mrs. Huble Girl in front/Pit Huble, directly behind hergirl George. Meanwhile, the Pacific with spotted bow on dress is Bertha Hrtble. Young Al, at the extreme right Great Eastern railway was sitting on edge ofboat. Photo curtesy ofAl Huble. completed as far as Soda Creek from B.C. Historical News 18 I? Ve

tIr.+L 1ak

ftLi

fra%Lr LQke

Bar kc-vt/4.

fl- Aeiconctria J(EW ALEDON/A }-(istoric features 0Km 20 40 60 83

B.C. Historical News 19 the South. When World War I broke with the spruce and poplar-covered of Summit Lake. a distance of 7.5 out in 1914, work ceased on the hill-sides, and the Fraser River kilometers. RG.E. and steamboat business flowing by, the huge cottonwood The Giscome Portage Historical wavered. It was the last season for trees lining its banks. The old Society and the Regional District are the S.S. Operator, Conveyor and the square-log house, white-washed and working hand-in-hand at this project Hammond but the B X Express trimmed in green, has been restored and hope to have a truly workable continued on it’s run. Howevei even and made ready for public viewing, homestead, farm, and trading post. the B X was not used in 1916, thus each room being equipped with established in the years to come. bringing an end to steamboats on period furnishings. The freight Summer hours are from 9 a m. until the Fraser. With the construction of ware-house down by the river’s edge, 5 p.m. and we will be open from a road between Prince George and will, in all probability, be open to the May 24th till September 30th. We Summit Lake in 1919, and the public this summer, 1990, along hope to have many visitors in the Giscome Portage being by-passed, with the big barn. Plans to build a future to learn of the colorful history trading there became a thing of the black-smith shop, meat cache, frame surrounding the area. past. The place was rented for a store, and to fix up two other old while as a guest ranch and in 1929 cabins - one as a trapper’s cabin, the it was sold to Mrs. Josephine E. other to be used as a gold, Indian Walker Mitchell, who also brought and Chinese display with a bit on June Chamberland is the President ofthe up the surrounding homesteads. Father Coccola, who had at one time Giscome Portage Historical Society. Together, with Les Woods, the WM. stayed there, are in the making. Ranch was established. In 1978 the The Giscome Portage trail has been BIBLIOGRAPHY B.C. Government purchased the re-cut, using old trail blazes and 1.- 2. From conversation with Al Huble Jr. property and it became a following the old wagon ruts, which 3. From Huble diaries and conversation with Al Community pasture. In 1983, after are still very deep. You can now Hubleir. 4. From the diaries. news seeped out that the old Huble walk, snow-shoe, or ski down this 5. Pkl1e.wheekon the Frti- Art Downs. house was to be moved into Prince trail out to the highway, just south 6. AHisP4ncGeorgeby Rev. FE. Runnals. George and restored as a heritage house at the Brewery site, a group of concerned citizens from Summit Lake and Salmon Valley met and declared it to be part of the history of their area and a decision was made to leave the house where it stood and not to move it. Thus the Giscome Portage Historical Society was formed, plans for restoration made, the land (25 hectares) purchased by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and it was designated as an historic park, later

- .______— to be named the Giscome Portage -- -..--.----.. ___..i>J_..._ Regional Park. Martha Huble by Fraser river with the blacksmith shop in back. Circa 1917- 18 This park is a very pretty place Courtesy ofBarbara Munk.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION altimeter readings and observations. He insists on walking the trail both ways, then spends many hours R.C. Harris, long time contributor to preparing a map to illustrate his the News, received the first article. Certificate of Appreciation prepared Harris was born and educated in as a ‘Thank You from the editorial England. He served as a Captain in staff. Harris hikes for history - and the Royal Engineers in WW. II. R.C. shares his findings with readers of “Bob and his bride came to Ontario in this magazine. (He is coauthor of a 1948, and to B.C. in 1950. He was book on trails soon to come off the Chief Engineer for Dominion Bridge press.) His knowledge of early routes for most of his 25 years with that in British Columbia starts with the company. Latterly he works, the RC. Harris study of many maps filed in supposedly part time, as a consultant Provincial Archives. When he is out engineer in an office fairly close to his tracing a trail he takes many photos, home in West Vancouver.

B.C. Historical News 20 Letter From Vancouvers Island

by Peggy Imredy

Pre-1900 publications are a gold the top of a cliff to have the exhilar arrival in Fort Victoria ‘.. mine of information if someone has ating experience of watching waves Alfred Robson Benson, M.D. was access to the issues. Special dash against the rocks below. the first Doctor at Fort Victoria. For Collections of the University of The journey from Fort Vancouver a short period, Dr. Helmcken worked British Columbia library has some of was not easy. Rebecca, the Douglas’ with Benson. When Richard these early Canadian magazines. newest child was about a month old Blanshard arrived at the Fort as Recently, Margaret Waddington, when the arduous trip began. Five Governor and became ill within a CIHM 1 researcher and volunteer in wagons carried the household goods, year Dr. Tolmie was called in from the library found a juvenile maga gold dust, and bales of fur and also Fort Nisqually. In the meantime zine, The Snowdrop published out of Mrs. Douglas and the two younger Benson was sent to Fort Vancouver Montreal in the 18505.2 children. Douglas and the three from there he was transferred to One of the items was a letter writ eldest girls rode ahead on horse Colville (changed to Nanaimo, ten from Vancouver’s Island by a back. Thus they arrived at Fort 1860). He worked with the young girl to her grandfather. Nisqually 6 Hudson’s Bay Company until 1862 Careful reading of the communica At the Fort all the goods and fami then took over the same duties for tion revealed the young writer was ly boarded the Hudson’s Bay the Vancouver Coal Company until Cecelia Douglas, daughter of James Company’s schooner, Cathoro, 1864. He retired to his home town Douglas. The letter gives us, 140 bound for a new home at the recent in England where he died after the years later, a glimpse of James ly established Fort Victoria. turn of the century 12, Douglas’ character and events of Captain James Sangster 8 was in Rev. Robert John Staines became a that time. command at that time. controversial figure after he arrived Grandfather was William James Douglas, who had found at Fort Victoria, His first profession Connolly3, who had entered the the site for the New Fort was sent to was a school teacher but when the North West Company’s service in be the interim Governor of Hudson’s Bay Company required 1801. He left the fur trade after 30 Vancouver’s Island and New the teacher to be a Priest he years service and returned to Lower Caledonia. Richard Blanshard ar acquired the necessary diploma. Canada (Quebec) with Suzanne , his rived on March 11, 1850 to be the Although he and his wife thought Cree wife and unmarried children. Governor but left September 1851 9 their destination was Fort Within a year he had left Suzanne when Douglas again took over the Vancouver, it was Fort Victoria and married in a Catholic ceremony, reins of governing the colony. where they were put ashore, a few his cousin Julia Woolrich. Unknown One book in the Hudson’s Bay months before the arrival of the to the Douglas family when the let Library was Vancouver’s Voyages. Douglas family. In the beginning ter was written Connolly had died We can picture Douglas, reading Rev. Staines was amiable to the previous June. After his death, aloud the sections on Puget Sound Douglas. Mrs. Staines trained the his will leaving the estate to Julia, where the Cadboro was wending its girls and Rev. Staines taught the triggered a landmark court case way through the islands. The de boys. Previously Douglas had which had repercussions throughout scription of their haven by Cecelia taught his own children, as the HBC the fur trade. matches Vancouver’s version 10 Port advised their employees 13, and, as We know James . Douglas as an Discovery, named for Vancouver’s the editor wrote .. only instructor

“accomplished , 14, business-man and ship, was not a habitation but a safe been her good papa. , shrewd diplomat, deeply religious anchorage from storms. As early as 1784 the education of and tolerant” through McKelvie’s, Cecelia, born in 1834, was the fifth the trader’s children was a concern Douglas: A New Portrait . That ar child born to Amelia and James of the London Committee. Primer ticle states .. . but even within his Douglas. The first four had all died reading books and spelling books own home he could not altogether within a few years of birth. The were part of the freight sent to the free himself from the mask he wore other children on the journey to Fort posts. Books for post libraries were before the world . . . This recently Victoria were, Jane, born 1839; also sent and circulated through the found letter reveals a father who Agnes, 1841; Alice, 1844; Rebecca system. In the larger posts schools would lead his children on hands born as stated above; two more were set up, children from the age of and knees through rose bushes to children were to be born after their five were to attend for seven years

B.C. Historical News 21 15 The boys would then be useful to for a very short period, has been her enjoying the charming prospect on the Service and a perpetual source of good papa.” The writer of the note every side. There is a tall beetling cliff employees. goes on to say very justly, that “to which overhangs the ocean, at the Rev. Staines had many problems most of the readers of the west end of the Island. The summit in the new Colony. He was on his SNOWDROP, Vancouver’s Island, in was covered with rose bushes, in full way to London to take his case the great Pacific Ocean, is known flower, papa made us creep on our before the House of Commons when barely by name, and it will hands and knees to the very verge of the barque Duchess of San Lorenzo assuredly interest and gratify them the precipice, to see the surf dashing sank and all were lost including to learn, that little girls there as wildly against it. What a sight! my head Staines. Mrs. Staines sold their well as here, are taught not only to yet reels at the recollection. I would property later in the next year foster the “household” affections, certainly have fallen headlong into the (1855) and left for London 16 but, to cultivate the mind and refine sea, had I not been firmly held. We Cecelia did not address Connolly’s the task to a true sense and practice arrived here in the beginning of the wife as grandmother but as Mrs. C, of the religious, the beautiful, and month of June, and we like the place Suzanne died in 1862. It appears, the GOOD.” very much. The early part of summer at that time, there was no We should be much gratified by was rather cool; from the middle of animosity between the families. receiving further communications July, the temperature was delightful. At this time I have been unable to from the writer of the very artless There was scarcely any rain from the find the names of all the Connolly and interesting letter which we give time of our arrival to the middle of children. Suzanne’s children were below. October, yet vegetation was fresh and John, the oldest son and the person luxuriant owing to the heavy dews of who instigated the court case; night. The fort is situated on an inlet William; Amelia, Lady Douglas and Fort Victoria, 17th Feb., 1850 about one mile from the straits of oldest daughter; Julia; and two DeFuca, and ships anchor within 50

. . unknown Julia had two MY DEAR GRANDFATHER. - As Mr. yards of the gate. To the north and daughters 17, names unknown. Colville will take this, next week, to join east there is a beautiful open country, If anyone has knowledge of the the express at Vancouver, I take swelling here and there, into gentle names of Connolly’s children I would advantage of his kindness to write to undulations, with groves of shady appreciate your writing me to you. We were very much distressed at oaks, dispersed by the hand of nature complete my file. hearing of the bad state of your health, in the most perfect order. During the The letter leaves us with the and our frequent prayers are daily fine weather, we used to ride out into impression, that members of the offered to heaven for your recovery. I the country every Wednesday and Douglas family corresponded with long for the period which will bring us Saturday afternoon. I have a beautiful William Connolly. Perhaps the intelligence of your restoration to mouse-colored pony, which I dearly sometime in the future further health. We have had our own love; he is so gentle and tractable that letters will be found written by afflictions, during the past year, and a child may guide him. Jane and members of this important British the thoughts of your illness, have Agnes have a grey pony between Columbia family. added to their weight. them; they go out only every other Papa having been appointed day, as we have only two side saddles ********** Governor of Vancouver’s Island, we between us three; but papa says he removed from the Columbia to this will get another one, when my sisters Peggy Imredy is a Past President of the place, in the month of May last. The are a little older. Vanoouvr Historical Sociei She is currently journey partly in boats, on horseback, This is a far healthier place than researching material for a book on early church leader& and from Nesqully by sea, was very Vancouver. There being no sickness, pleasant; we had but one stormy day, either among the whites or Indians, on entering the straits of DeFuca, except an occasional attack of cold. THE SNOW DROP; or, Juvenile which alarmed us greatly and made us Death must have his victims Magazine, Vol 1, No. 10 (April 1851) all sea-sick; but the good, kind every-where, and we have not escaped the common lot of suffering p. 299 301. Captain, on witnessing our distress, ran into Port Discovery, where we mortals. It has pleased Heaven to take LETTER FROM VANCOUVER’S remained until the weather became from us our darling sister Rebecca, in ISLAND more moderate. We landed on her eight month. She suffered from Protection Island, which is so some unknown complaint for several We insert with much pleasure the beautifully and truly described in weeks, notwithstanding all Dr. following letter from Vancouver’s Vancouver’s voyages. Benson’s care and attention. We sat Island written by a young girl The weather was delightful and I was up with her night and day, but our “whose only instructor,” as the note never tired of wandering about the cares were of no avail. She died on received with it, informs us, “except lovely spot, picking flowers and Sunday evening the 11th of

B.C. Historical News 22 November about 5 minutes to 6, and Robert W Lay ed.. 1850 - 1852. Val 1, No.1 April BIBLIOGRAPHY 1847 - Vol. 4, Na. 3. (June 18501. At UBC Library her happy spirit fled to that happy Special Collections. home where sin and sorrow shall never 3. Halpenny Francess. G., ed. DICDONARYOF Bowstleld. Hartwell. Ph.D. FOIITVICI’ORIA LEI’TERS CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY, Vol. VII 1836 - 1850. 1846-1850, Winnipeg, Hudson’s Bay Record Society, 1979. enter. She was buried by the Rev. Mr. Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1988. Brown, Jennifer, S.H. STRANGER IN BLOOD, FUR Staines, on the 14th following, and he p.204-6. TRADE COMPANY FAMILIES IN INDIAN COUNTRY, 4. Halpenny, Francess G. ed. DICTIONARY OF Vancouver, University of British Columbia Press, 1980. was so much CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY. Vol. IX, 1861 - 1870, affected, that he could Collard, Edgar Andrew. MONTREAL YEATERDAYS, Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1976. hardly read the service through. Toronto, Longmans Canada Limited, 1962. p. 149 .50. Imagine what our feelings were, 5. McKelvie, BA. Dauglas: a New Portrait, BRITISH Farrar, Victor J. The Nisquolly Journal, WASHINGTON STATE HISTORICAL QUARTERLY, Vol. 10, 1925. 218. particularly poor mama’s who was OOLUMBIA HISTORICAL QUARTERLY. Vol. VII. p. quite April1943, p.93. 101. Halpenny, Francess 0. ad. DICTiONARY OF CANADIAN heart-broken, and has hardly yet I. Farraq Vict.orj. The Niaqually Journal, B1OGRAPHY Vol. IX. 1861 - 1870, Toronto, University of recovered the shock; but the hopes WASHINGTON STATE HISTORICAL Toronto Press, 1976. QUARTERLY, Vol. 10, 1925, p. 218. and Ormaby, Halpenny Francess 0. ad. DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN and consolations of our blessed faith Margaret A. BRiTISH COLUMBIA; A HISTORY. BIOGRAPHY, Vol. VII, 1838. 1850, Toronto, University of supported us in our affliction. Papa Toronto, The Macmillans in Canada. 1959, p. 93. Taronts Press, 1988. 7. Wright, E. W. rd. LEWIS & DRYDEN’S MARINE Lamb. W Kaye, ad. THE VOYAGE OF GEORGE was absent from home at the time, or HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC NOIITHWEST. New VANCOUVER, 1791 - 1795, Vol. II. London, Hakluyt York, Antiquarian Press, Ltd., 1961, 3. we would have felt the trial less p. Society, 1984. 8. Walbran, Captain John T BRITISH COLUMBIA severly. I am attending school with my COAST NAMES. 1592- 1906, Voncouve,: The Lamb, W Kaye, ad. Some Notes on the Douglas Family, BRiTISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL QUARTERLY. Vol. sisters, Vancouver Public Library 1971, p.437. at the Rev. Mr. Staines’, a - 9. Ormsby, p. 95.6’lOS. XVII, Jan. Apr. 1953, p.41 -51. Church of England clergyman, who is 10. Lamb, W Kaye. ed. THE VOYAGE OF GEORGE La Terreur, Marc, ed. DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN also the Company’s Chaplain, at this VANCOUVER, 1791 - 1795, Vol. II, London, BIOGRAPHY, Vol. X, 1871 to 1880, Toronto, University of Hakluyt Saciety, 1984. p. 514. Toronto Press, 1988. place. 11. Pethick, Derek. JAMES DOUGLAS, SERVANT OF McKelvie, BA. Douglas: a New Portrait, BRfHSH He is an excellent teacher, and takes TWO EMPIRES, Vancouve Mitchell Press COLUMBIA HISTORICAL QUARTERLY, Vol. VIII, April Limited, 1969, 48. p. 1943, p.93 - 101. a great deal of pains with the children 12. Walbran, 48. p. Orrnsby. Margaret A. BRITISH COLUMBIA; A HISTORY, £3. Van Kirk, Sylvia. MANYTENDERTIES,WOMEN who are placed under his care. I am Toronto, The Macmillana in Canada, 1959. IN THE FUR. WADE SOCIETY. 1670- 1870, Derek. JAMES TWO happy to inform you that mama is quite Norman, University of Oklahema Press, 1980, p. Petbick, DOUGLAS, SERVANT OF well, as are my three sisters, Jane, 103. EMPIRES. Vancouver, Mitchell Press Limited, 1969 14. Brawn, Jennifer. S.H. STRANGERS IN BLOOD, Slate 0. Hollis. Rev Robert John Staines, BRfl1SH Agnes, and Alice. They all unite with FUR TRADE FAMILIES IN INDIAN COUNTRY, COLUMBIA HISTORICAL QUARTERLY. Vol. XIV. me in love to yourself, and Mrs. C. Vancouver. University of British Columbia Press, October 1950, p. 187 - 240 1980. p. 106 Van Kirk, Sylvia. MANY TENDER TIES, WOMEN IN Louisa and William. I love Louisa very 15. bath Brown and Van Kirk have many references to FUR-TRADE SOCIETY, 1670-1870. Norman, University of dearly. the education of the trader’s children. Oklahoma Press, 1980. 16. Slater, G. Hollis. Rev Robert John Staines, Walbran. Captian John T BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL *********** NAMES, 1592- 1906. Vancouver, The Vancouver Public QUARTERLY. Vol. XIV October 1950, Library 1971. p. 187 - 240. 17. Collard, Edgar Andrew, MONTREAL Wright, E. W, ed. LEWIS & DRYI)ENS MARINE YESTERDAYS. Toronto, Longmans Canada HISTORY OF ThE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, New York, I. CIHM. Canadian Institute far Historical Limited, 1962. 74-81. Antiquarian Press, Ltd., 1961 Microproduction p. 2. SnawDro of Juvenile Magazine. Montreal.

Winston Shilvock ofKelowna receives a ‘Thank You” for the Partipants listening to Anne Yandles wonis ofwisdom. Okanagan Special fim F4ito Naomi Mille,

B.C. Historical News 23 Murder on the North Trail

Jewish Merchants in the Carthoo - 1862

by Marie Elliott

When hordes of gold seekers made strangers left ahead of the mer Goldstone, of Sporborg and their way up the creeks and canyons chants and their packer. Goldstone, Victoria, had been on a of the Cariboo in 1860, 1861 and Two days later when other travel selling expedition to the Cariboo, 1862, seeking the mother lode, there lers reached the Forks and inquired also. He brought back safely were Jewish merchants in the van after Lewin and Sokolowsky, suspi $15,000 in gold to Victoria, and at guard. On his way to Antler Creek cions were aroused. John Boas, of the same time delivered a descrip in July 1862, British traveller W. Levi and Boas, set out by the south tion of the public meeting at the Champness noted that the small trail to find them, At Mitchell’s Forks to the British Columbian community of Forks of Quesnelle bridge he asked a party of miners Newspaper in New Westminster consisted of general stores (mostly heading south to take the mountain and to the British Colonist in kept by Jews), and drinking shops.” ous trail and keep a lookout for the Victoria. The citizens at the Forks Many of these merchants had begun missing men. The miners found the had passed a resolution stating that their careers in San Francisco during bodies of Sokolowsky, Lewin and a reward of $3,000 would be paid by the California gold rush. They knew Rouchier beside the north trail, five the government, or if they refused, how to cater to the rough and ready miles from the Forks. The three by the citizens of the Cariboo. The prospectors, and they were excellent men had put up a struggle before be residents at the Forks raised $750 businessmen. ing murdered, their gold was miss immediately to send four men in In addition to these pioneer store ing, and even their watches, jewel pursuit of the assassins. keepers, Jewish merchants in ery, and hats. A party of twenty- Victoria police reacted to the news Victoria and New Westminster un five to thirty horsemen brought the of the murders by making several dertook the difficult journey north to bodies into the Forks; tin coffins arrests. There were two suspects, sell merchandise, perhaps complet were ordered for Sokolowsky and Henry Diekker and David Darling. ing several return trips during the Lewin in the event that their rela Diekker had deposited over $2,000 favourable months from June to tives wished to remove their bodies in a hotel safe while awaiting a October. Two such men were Harris to a cemetery at New Westminster steamer to California, and Darling (a.k.a. Herman, Dutchy) Lewin of or Victoria. was reported to have accompanied Lewin and Braverman, Victoria, and The murders required immediate the victims for part of their journey David Sokolowsky of Sokolowsky investigation, but the small commu south. But both men were released and Lewin, New Westminster. nity had been without a magistrate for lack of evidence. In mid-July 1862, having disposed since October 1861. Thomas Elwyn, Lewin’s brother Hieman, and of their merchandise, Lewin and Gold Commissioner and magistrate Isadore Braverman offered a $1,000 Sokolowsky left Antler Creek on for the Cariboo, had relocated further reward for information about the their journey south. Their packer north at Williams Creek. Reverend murderer(s). A column in the British Charles Rouchier (Bouchier), former Arthur Browning, a Wesleyan minis Colonist on August 11, 1862, de ly a trader at Nanaimo, was report ter recalled: There was no magis scribed Lewin thus: ed to be carrying $5,000, Lewin trate, nor corone, and the solitary Most of our old residents will re $12,000, and Sokolowsky $1,000. constable was drunk, and if he had member the young Prussian Lewin is supposed to have made a been sober was no use in an emer “Dutchy” who, two or three years handsome profit selling long rubber gency like this. A mass meeting ago, peddled apples and peanuts in boots at $60.00 a pair. On July was called and I was elected coro the theatres and on race days occu 26th they reached Cap Mitchell’s net and after the verdict of wilful pied an extensive booth at the bridge over the North Fork of murder was returned I was elected course. This “Dutchy” and Harris Quesnel River at 5:00 p.m., en route magistrate, having a young Jew as Lewin, mentioned elsewhere as one to the village of Forks of Quesnelle. magistrate’s clerk. The court was of the unfortunate three lately mur A waiter at the stopping house sug formally constituted, and one or two dered and robbed at Cariboo are the gested that they take the north trail suspicious men arrested, examined, same. over the mountain to the Forks be and then let go, for everybody said Commencing his business career cause the south trail was still wet the murderer was Boone Helm. here in 1858 with fifty cents in his and muddy. He noticed that three Browning’s clerk, Samuel pocket and a box of cigars under his

B.C. Historical News 24 arm, in four years, by patient indus the government, will equal if not mously during the Cariboo gold try and correct business habits he surpass anything recorded in the rush, taking their stories with them. had become a partner in the firm of history of either California or The sad fate of Sokolowsky, Lewin, Bravernian and Lewin, and had Australia. and Rouchier is one of the few inci been to Cariboo, where, by the sale dents that we can document. It is a of a large stock of goods he had ac But the Cariboo did not turn into a poignant reminder that to be young quired a considerable amount of lawless region. James Douglas’s and ambitious was not enough dur money . . Not a man in Victoria unique system of justice, which ing that tumultuous era. A good who knew him well, but liked poor relied on Gold Commissioners to act measure of luck was needed, too “Dutchy “. as local magistrates, handled most problems that arose. Gold escorts, The suspected murderer, Boone implemented by Douglas in 1861, ********** Helm, has become the “Jesse James and again unsuccessfully, in 1863, of the Pacific Northwest” because of did not gain the trust of the miners The writer is the former editor ofthe B.C. his exploits on both sides of the or the patronage of the banks. Historical News. She lives and works in Canadian/United States Victoria, but spends many hours serving as a border. He Other young men died anony Director ofIsland Trust. is reputed to have been involved in numerous murders, robberies, and even cannibalism (on a winter trek over the mountains from Oregon to Writing Competition - 1990 Salt Lake City). How much of this information is true and how much is The B.C. Historical Federation invites submissions of books or articles for the eighth annual Competition exaggeration is difficult to determine for Writers of British Columbia History. at this late date. Several old timers Any book presenting any facet of B.C. history, published in 1990, is eligible. This insisted that they had met up with may be a community history, biography, record of a project or an organization, or personal recollections giving Boone at the time that he was in the a glimpse of the past. Names, dates and places with relevant maps or pictures turn a story into ‘history. Cariboo. For example, William “Torn” Collinson claimed that Helm The judges are looking for fresh presentations of historical information, (especially if prepared by amateur and a partner held him up near historians) with appropriate illustrations, careful proof reading, an adequate index, table of contents, and bibliography. Cook’s Ferry (Spence’s Bridge) short ly after the murders took place, yet Winners will be chosen in the following categories: Helm does not appear to have been 1) Best History Book by an individual Writer (Lieutenant-Governors Medal for on the “Most Wanted” list when he Historical Writing.) was arrested in Victoria in October 2) Best Anthology (i.e. Best History prepared by a group.) 1862 for refusing to pay for drinks 3) Best History for Junior Readers. at a saloon. He reputedly returned Awards are given where entries warrant. (i.e. a lone entry in group 2 or 3 will not auto to the United States and joined the matically be given a prize.) Henry Plummer Gang in Idaho. He Submissions are requested as soon as possible after publication. Please state was hung by vigilantes at Bannock name, address and telephone of sende the selling price of the book, and an ad Mines in January 1864. The legend dress from which the book may be purchased if the reader has to shop by mail. maintains that Boone buried the Send to: gold stolen from Lewin and B.C. Historical Writing Competition P0. Box 933k Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 Sokolowsky somewhere in the Deadline: January 5, 1991. LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH Cariboo, and that its whereabouts POSTMARK UP TO JANUARY 31, 1991 BUT MUST CONTAIN TWO COPIES OF has never been discovered. EACH BOOK. The murder of the three men All entries receive considerable publicity. Winners will receive a Certificate of Merit, caused the editors of both the British a monetary award, and an invitation to the B.C. Historical Federation’s Annual Coiwubian and the British Colonist Conference in Duncan in May 1991. to demand more law enforcement in ******* ******** the Cariboo. John Robson, of the for mer paper wrote: The Best Article award is given annually to the writer of an article published in the B.C. Historical News magazine with the encouraging amateur This terrible crime, though it ap aim of historians and/or students. Articles should be no more than 2500 words, typed double pails, does not take us altogether by spaced, accompanied by photographs if available, and substantiated with footnotes surprise . . . We have every reason if possible. (Photos will be returned.) Deadlines for quarterly issues are February to fear it is but the first of a series of 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. Please send articles directly to: robberies and nwrders, which, un The Editor • B.C. Historical News • P0. Box 105 Wasa, B.C. • VOB 2K0 less the most energetic and thor ough means be promptly adopted by ***************

B.C. Historical News 25

26

B.C. Historica’ Ne

until prospect Galvanized he tiny of scissors the looked by like a the of highest be- antique priced cars

beard enough Marl’s money!” massive began with it for the $1250.00. one It became later

snipping and get can you hardly chipping The a ‘If quiver. of away Mercer for and $15.00 sold 1948 in

from said “Sure, with scissors he not,” nail someone’s why purse. Depression the a Marl’s bought dad

startled, the til but turned momentarily. only was search up a pair home of in Delburne, During Alberta.

Marl auctioning gray pear your off beard?” whiskers, and waited un hunting with father his their around

or mused “Hey smile Wayne, soon his in about how Brown, disap to from and early an age went Marl

or yell Marl, Ron, heard, sacrifice, the Cliff, it there, sat was was a be resist er buying old either vehicles

a Or had a later razor! a the in pair evening Sometime of scissors! His father Donald could nev Brown,

be to ready mood Dance. crowd Old the at Timer’s shaved. No He one came his by naturally. mania

happy a participate, Marl and rw offered Brown in himself were the to gine.

to happen “Stop!” were and excited crankshaft from a en B.C. Hydro

held, called he aster, definite a would it was people believed a halt. 1928 farm and tractor 1957 a

Because hint a he respect the of ffrenzy, of which in and wanting dis no tractor, a Graham 1927 truck, Bros.

Marl wanted. he determined neighbour, get to until what again sensed Dodge ton truck, a Caterpillar 1937

and Marl, he went neighbour on, knew fever was everyone against 1938 a GMC ietruck, fire 1954 a 3/4

years and they by bidding were for The for. worked towards, bidding front Brown’s yard by was occupied

The didn’t til about, had museum oepeople some talked been know the what museum provided space the the

night. dance The the and for in, that bids packed was flew against, His un specialty is old vehicles. Before

many logs a of lot were and will good “bought”. jesting, wild has Marl always a been collector.

by by on reluctance and and idea the spurred caught philanthropic northern of British Columbia.

some small energy The but level after lrdback flared town, up, munity’s presence in the wilderness

intact. a for scheme museum. ambitious An two original forces the behind com

the started to bidding role enshrined Marl’s keep at an on honour beard Alaska the Highway are the which

“That’s asking too name their museum the and have and much!” he on trapping is and of the building

about not build help be would to Brown a buying to log having shave. Fort the Nelson area. emphasis The

shouted Fell Wayne the out purchaser with and amount that port something the to visitor early the of times

In enough. tickets dying the the for $100.00 was dance cost clamor artifacts and displays trans that

he astray. that $3800 at So suggested museum told fund. it them She tence filled have the museum with

one-upmanship the raise for begin might additional to money Marl’s go artistic persis vision and

Marl. concern All idea an that to come up Dolan boisterous had with heap. junk

momentum Kay crowd’s The began dance, that popular year’s plaints to that their looked yard a like

out shut noise. the 1982. At 17, April on Dance Timer’s everything, despite com Mavis’s

some busied herself with Old chores habit a to Society Nelson Historical Marl of Brown’s collect to

ly of room, the the her turned Fort back end at maybe and Fell Wayne opened. It the was culmination of

went and the to couldn’t or watch from Ried, Prouse, Cliff other Ron or foot square log building official was

so got She upset one. originated without became she idea a beard The auction reality when 2700 the

feel seeing trauma he’d In himself 1987 excitement. the Fort Nelson Museum

beard wondered she and fear about and er the being to was auction with real. alive

Marl had louder. beard lashad always and a the seum why is ten was which lightly, thousand clos dollars

the bidding as parted louder got worrying Historical be and his to not are Society beard knew the that mu

Marl’s wife, Brown, Mavis man a And a started to good for years. shaved local twelve and cause, the

beard. a Marl without had not Marl that pleased patriarch, because their money going was

money more see to spending was even town the or like it. worth Santa Claus, All involved were

and people here ing much too rather were long by astounding hair accompanied and unmatched. And it

log a for $100.00 and expect was asking long, fourteen ten inches Over thousand dollars was

had been worried it that Dolan Kay was 1982 April whopping 17, purpose, a of sum On $10,143.00

across room. the hollered People it for announced God was man a whiskers, gave he’d that raise help the

$50.00! in. $100.00! tumbling if into a figured laugh He always of shaving. hated triumph it when was

and off bids crowd the took Marl had ened came they as monument. community cut and soon turned

that beard famous is seeing a removed, cartoon beard character. Brown’s Marl His smile broad

Gerrie by Young

Spring Brown Pelt Marl cause it turned out to be Barney race, rodeo, July 1st parade, and were greeting him, and teasing him, Oldfield’s dirt track racer. But tournament that was hosted in Port again. He stayed shaved until after Donald Brown was always buying Nelson. Whether it was freezing the first snowfall in October. cars, engines, trucks and not bring cold, and the workers wore parkas The next week the local papei The ing them home. He always meant or sweltering hot, and the workers Fort Nelson News, didn’t write up to, but never got around to it. He gushed sweat, the Hamburger the event, but somehow Don Hunter was too busy with the first truck he Wagon’ was in business. of the Vancouver Province got hold of bought, for $1.00, with which he To show townspeople what they the story and wrote about ‘200 hap hauled freight between Delburne were working towards, he construct py drunks” putting up the money. and Calgary. ed a model of the log museum to This annoyed a number of people in One of Marl’s proudest possessions help encourage the locals to believe Fort Nelson, like Shannon Soucie is a tiny 1908 Brush. His father in it. They did believe it because who wrote to the local paper saying bought it 50 years ago, and Marl they could see that Marl’s whole life the event came out sounding like a brought it to Fort Nelson in 1988, was dedicated to it. He even dedi thoughtless act by a bunch of He refurbished and rebuilt it and cated his beard to the cause. A con drunks”. And Trudy Bennett who now it runs so well he wants to drive tribution he questioned the morning wrote that “Fort Nelson’s history is to Inuvik in it. after being shorn. He went out the worth preserving, and that the large Marl noticed that everyone who next day, going in and out of stores amount of money raised from the left Fort Nelson in the early days on errands for his job as Water & beard sale could happen only to had a souvenir and he felt some Sewer Treatment Plant Operator for Marl.” thing had to be done about the drain the Town, and going for coffee, and Marl wrote to the local paper of valuable artifacts from the area, no one talked to him. thanking people for supporting the so he began collecting everything he They did not know who he was. dance and funding the museum so could get his hands on. This ran Marl said, “You may as well have generously. He wrote, “The money from ashtrays from early businesses sent me to Siberia”. He felt very collected for the beard - a cool to Alaska Highway signs, to World strange in a town where no one $10,000 - is probably a record price War II quonset huts and the old knew him. He knew he didn’t look for a spring pelt.” Hudson’s Bay factor’s house. Over the way people always expected him the years the idea of a museum be to, and he kept hoping someone gan to grow in Marl’s mind. A mu would recognize him and ease his The author and her husband moved to Ibrt seum that would preserve the histo loneliness. Mavis was right; it was Nelson in 1953. Shepublished the 200page ry of the place and of the people who a shock. However, Marl was game, Fort Nelson Stor’, in 1980, then earned her had lived BA. from U.BC. in 1986. (Mainly by corre once here. and by the end of the week people spondence courses,). In 1977 the Fort Nelson Historical Society was formed with a bank bal MARL ance of $1100, This money came BROWN’S $1 0,000.00 BEARD from the sale of some light fixtures the schools were getting rid of and which Marl bought and resold, Now Marl was unstoppable. He was insistent that the museum be built from locally earned money and not with any government grants. So with the dedicated help of his family and others including Kay Dolan, Jack Sime, Betty Gustafson, Wayne and Connie Fell, Donna and Bill Gault, Ken Jenkins, Jim Khober, Bill Hardy, and many Katimavik groups, he began holding huge and profitable garage sales. They were held in the local Arena at first, and then they moved to the wartime quonset hut the Historical Society had purchased. Then Marl built a little, mobile fast food ‘wagon’ and began selling hamburgers, hot dogs, pop and coffee at every dog sled April 19, 1982 April 17, 1982

B.C. Historical News 27 Intrepid in the Name ofGod

by Pixie McGeaehie

The opening up of the Pacific the Propagation of the Gospel in Sashiatan, a chief of great repute Colonies provided fertile ground for Foreign Parts as the first chaplain and influence and a warrior noted English missionaries eager to sow of the Church of England specially for his prowess and cruelty. It was seeds of Christianity. Both men and sent to minister to the gold hunters. a bitter cold day but their anxiety to women of Anglican faith were Rev. Gammage arrived in Lytton on be taught a better way than any among the first to arrive in this un June 4, 1859. Getting immediately they have yet known seemed to ren tamed land, These intrepid souls down to business, he conducted two der them oblivious of external dis were pioneers in the true sense of services the very next day. He comfort.” the word. wrote: The Indians had come to ask for They came from comfortable homes “Twelve attended in the morning teachers of the Anglican faith to live and secure social positions to primi and nine in the afternoon. I do not among them but the Society for the tive and often harsh conditions and think I should have had even that Propagation of the Gospel had no yet they coped - even thrived - on the number if I had not gone to each one to send at that time. challenge to survive and eagerly house half-an-hour before the service Initially stationed at Yale, Rev. spread The Word. and invited people to attend.” Good was given the task of setting In the spring of 1858, the peaceful Gammage’s immediate superior in up a Mission at Lytton. He moved course of British Columbia’s history the new land was George Hills, his family there on June 10, 1867 was abruptly shaken by the cry that Bishop of British Columbia, who has and proceeded to transform some old went around the world - “Gold in the left for posterity 39 descriptive - but buildings into a chapel, a schoolroom Fraser River.” exceedingly hard-to-read diaries. and a mission house. Spreading ‘Never in the history of the migra In the latter half of 1862 a great Christianity was no easy task. tions of man has been seen a ‘rush’ disaster overtook the Indian popula Tribal beliefs and customs were an so sudden and so vast’ marvelled tion. White man’s disease, small integral part of the Indian’s way of Anglican missionary Reverend R.C. pox, to which the Indians had no re life and language was a barrier to Lunden Brown of Lillooet. sistance, struck with devastating communication. Six days after John The native Indians were swept effect. Sweeping from Victoria north Good arrived in Lytton, he officiated along into a new mode of life for ward and inland, the dreaded dis at the first Anglican service ever which they were unprepared. They ease is estimated to have reduced held there. Two hundred people saw the white man at his greedy, the native population of the province crammed into an old building for destructive worst and many of them by almost one-third. Bishop Hills la merly used as a store and kindly do succumbed to the two curses he mented, “It is mowing them down nated for the occasion by the brought with him - alcohol and dis without mercy. The readiness with Thompson Indians. ease. It was a sad and difficult time which these tribes trust us and yield On August 5, 1867 another first for the men of the cloth who had to our advice is a great proof of their took place in Lytton with the arrival braved much to come to the wilds of confidence in us It is of impor of “lads with intelligent countenanc British Columbia to ‘convert the tance to give the Indians the benefit es” to attend the newly established heathen’. They must have won of vaccination.” Indian Boy’s School. dered at times who was the most Despite the upheavals caused by Good must have been delighted heathenish, the white men or the the white man in their way of life, when, on February 9, 1868 he offi Indians. It was certainly no easy the Indians continued to seek more ciated at the first Indian baptism in task to try to convince the Indians to knowledge of Christianity. They did Lytton. Here was visible proof that accept the white man’s God, in the not wait for the clergy to come to his teachings were bearing fruit. face of the white man’s ungodly be them but often travelled en masse But while Good was pleased at the havior. and sometimes in the most trying size and state of his Indian flock, he Mindful of the need to keep the weather to hear the words of the was less than ecstatic about the con bright light of Christianity burning Gospel. Reverend John Booth Good, dition of the souls of the white popu in the midst of all the people pour a successor to Rev. Gammage, lation. He referred to Lytton as”. . a ing into the gold-fevered colony, the wrote, “An Indian messenger came town which cannot be surpassed. Anglican Church recruited the servic on March 2, 1867 to announce the as far, at least, as the whites are es of Reverend James Gammage. approach of a large body of natives concerned - ungodliness, profanity He was selected by the Society for from Lytton and Yale. Headed by and vice.” B.C. Historical News 28 In 1868, an event took place in twice about the invitation from Right Lytton that greatly upset Rev. Good Reverend Acton Wendeyer Sillitoe, and sent him on a tirade of protesta first Bishop of New Westminster, tion. A brothel was established al asking if he would like to take most under his nose. But his life charge of the Mission to the was much too full for him to brood Thompson River Indians in British over such a trying development. In Columbia. his diaries, he tells of walking from in May, 1884 he arrived at the one Indian station to the next ad Mission which, at that time, was ministering to the sick, receiving centered at Forty-two Mile House on groups from distant points and often the Yale and Cariboo Road. For two sleeping overnight in Indian homes. years, he shared accomodation there As the Indian congregation with Rev. Henry Edwardes and then swelled, a larger church became nec moved to a more convenient spot in essary A site was chosen, construc Lytton. tion begun and by Septembei 1871 He made friends of all - both white

Good was happy to report the move and Indian - and won great respect into the new St. Paul’s Mission with his completely unselfish way of Home “which has a view of the rivei life. He had to cover a lot of ground valley and mountain, unsurpassed to minister to his wide-spread flock, Arehdeawn Small in his earlier da. even in the neighbourhood”. He was an excellent horseman and One year later on October 1, 1872, for a number of years a stalwart likely excel Reverend Mr. Small. tragedy struck at the home of Rev. horse, answering to the imposing Many a tale is known of ho in the and Mrs. Good. Their beloved name of Jupitor, was his main face of the most extraordinary diffi daughter Lillian Booth Good, died. means of locomotion. So many miles culties, he has trudged on foot or rid John Good poured out his anguish did they travel together that it be den to keep his appointments, and in a letter to a friend: came almost impossible to imagine nothing, even when the hardiest of to me she was so precious one without the other. old timers would have given in, that perhaps nothing could have Many times, horse and rider were could be allowed to stand between been taken from me that would have forced to swim through a swirling Small and Duty” been harder to surrender than this current in order to reach their desti The mission itself was supported holy and blessed child We bur nations. Once on dry land again, mainly by the English Society for ied her within the fence of our Indian Small would light a huge fire so that the Propagation of the Gospel which Church, just opposite the east win limbs could be warmed and soaking supplied annual grants of $1440 for dow and can see her little grave clothes dried before the journey was the salaries of two missionaries plus from the Parsonage.” continued. $240 each for two native catechists. Gathering strength from his faith, Richard Small brought new life to In 1890, Small reported on the John Good continued his dedicated the Anglican mission work in British state of his parish, “Our Indian work in and around Lytton until Columbia’s Interior. Bishop Sillitoe Mission has made progress. The 1882 when he was re-appointed to declared, “A prosperous day has number of communicants has in his former church, St. Paul’s in broken upon the long-neglected creased from 332 to 448, and bap Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Indian Mission in the diocese.” tized from 108 to 122. The Except for the occasional services One of the first changes to take Confirmation numbered 103, precise held by Reverends Robert Chesshyre place after Small’s arrival in Lytton ly the same as the previous year.” Whiteway, George Ditcham and was the pulling down of the dilapi After six successful years spent D.H.W. Horlock (who all had their dated Indian church and the erection looking after his flock, Small decided own postings to attend to) no work of a new one which was consecrated to take his missionary zeal to even was done at the Lytton Mission by on October 19, 1885. The consecra further lands. He volunteered for the Church of England until May tion ceremony was conducted by service in Corea (Korea) and was ap 1884 when Richard Small answered Bishop Sillitoe who was assisted by pointed to St. Edwards Mission, his call to missionary service. Small and Rev. Henry G. Fiennes Fairview, in Seoul. Reverend Richard Small became a Clinton. Almost a year after Small left legend, beloved by whites and Small’s work took him to Ashcroft, Canada, Bishop Sillitoe’s efforts to Indians alike, He was 35 years of Lillooet, Lower Nicola and various fill his place was still proving fruit age when he received his long- camps in between. A diocese publi less. Consequently, all the good awaited call to leave a comfortable cation paid tribute to his dedication: work that had been done at the ministry in England for missionary “For indomitable courage, perserver Mission in Lytton began to suffer. It work. He did not need to think ence and zeal, no one has or will was suggested that Small return to

RC. Historical News 29 the Mission and he landed back in school (All Hallows) at Yale. Only Paul’s Indian Church. This beauti Canada in November 1891 to pick women such as these with strong re ful stained-glass window still serves up where he left off. ligious convictions and unlimited not only as a tribute of love to one The following year, he set up a courage could have survived the rig man, Richard Small, but also as a dispensary in the back room of the ors of early missionary life in B.C. reminder of all the other brave and Mission House. It was from this In February 1909, Richard Small dedicated men and women who an humble beginning that St. celebrated his 60th birthday and 25 swered the challenge to propagate Bartholomew’s Hospital in Lytton years of unstinted devotion to mis their faith in an untamed land. grew. The hospital was officially sionary service. Sadly, his role on opened on August 26, 1893. Small earth was cut short by a dreadful ***** * * * * * became a patient some time later fire that swept through the Indian when Researched by Canon C.E.H. Williams and his feet were badly frostbitten Reservation at Lytton. Small, oblivi written by Pixie McGeachie ofBurnab and blood poisoning affected one of ous of personal safety, dashed his toes which had to be amputated. through the smoke and flames to re During the construction of St. trieve the life savings of an old Bartholomew’s, Sister Francis of St. Indian woman who was lamenting Luke’s Home of St. James’ Church, her loss. He paid dearly for his self Vancouver travelled to Lytton in or less act. The cold winds fanned der to assess the needs of the hospi him, hot and tired as he was, bring tal. She was well qualified for the ing on a severe attack of pneumonia job having founded the first Training and pleurisy. He was moved to School for Nurses in Vancouver. She Vancouver where, despite the tender was asked to take charge of the ad care of Sister Francis and her staff ministration of St. Bartholomew’s he fell peacefully asleep one night and did so by making periodic trips and was granted “a portion of His from Vancouver. Kingdom”. Small’s duties often took him to Tributes were many but one from the parishes of St. John the Divine, an unknown writer said it best, Yale and St. Mary the Virgin, “New Westminster and the Cariboo 1 Lillooet. t? flV!N1 nttYti The mission centre at Yale has lost its saint and the Indian I Ri4OHM L PttE5T flCflOfACt 4e AI E received an energetic boost in people their real father.” P t lLHfl Ii *IJ4N httd

October 1884 with the arrival of In his memory, a stained glass ——. — three Sisters from the Community of window depicting him astride his - all Hallows, Ditchingham, Norfolk, faithful mount, Jupiter was in Memorial Window at St. Mary and England, who came to set up a stalled in Lytton’s St. Mary and St. St. Paul s Indian Church, J4tton, B.C.

HISTORIANS GATHER FOR 1990 CONVENTION

Nearly 100 history-minded people de sessions. President of the Boundary powerhouse and setting it up as a working scended on Grand Forks to attend the Historical Society, Rose Gobeil and Mayor museum. The talk was followed by a slide 1990 B.C. Historical Federation Sugimoto of Grand Forks greeted the as presentation. Conference hosted by the Boundary sembly and exhorted everyone to have an Leo, who has spent all but 20 months of Historical Society from May 10-13. Warm enjoyable time. The group then split up, his 82 years in the Grand Forks area, pre hospitality, enlightening talks, interesting some going to the Fire Hall to hear Anne sented a glimpse into the history of the tours and delicious food combined to make Yandle give a talk on historical research, wood industry in the Boundary district. the event a memorable one. and the others remaining at the hotel to The first sawmill in the valley was built in Attendees arriving on May 10 were able learn about the Cascade Powerhouse from 1900 after the railway came in. The princi to register and then enjoy a wine and Eric Coleman and the history of local saw pal wood logged in the early days was pan cheese social evening renewing acquain mills from Leo Mills. derosa pine. Leo recalled when he deliv tances and finding out from where other Eric, who worked for the West Kootenay ered slab wood for $1.50 a load and people hailed. Everyone received a kit full Power Company for 20 years, stressed the sawdust at $2.50 a load right into the cus of helpful local information. importance of protecting the Cascade tomers sheds. He earned 35 cents an At 8:30 the next morning, wake-up cups Powerhouse as a heritage site. The hour working nine-hour days and 54 hours of coffee and muffins awaited at the Yale Cascade Power Restoration Society has a week - with no unemployment benefits Hotel to help attendees start a day full of been formed and a study is underway to during layoffs. events. Alice Glanville opened the days establish the feasibility of restoring the After a coffee break, the assembly was

RC. Historical News 30 treated to a presentation by Eli Popoff who old Doukhobor hymns which are passed area. After that, a walking tour of The drew from his outstanding knowledge of down through the generations without the Grand Forks Museum, Court House and Doukhobor history. He went back to the aid of any written music. City Hall provided both exercise and fur coming of Christianity to Russia in 988 ther insight into the community’s history. AD. explaining the origin and concept of ANNUAL MEETING In the evening, the Awards Dinner gave the Doukhobor Christian faith, the perse everyone further opportunity to meet fellow cution of the sect in Russia for refusing Saturday started out with more coffee historians, exchange ideas and enjoy an military service and the emigration of the and muffins at the Yale Hotel before the other hearty meal. There was a noticeable first 7,500 Doukhobors to Canada in 1899. commencement of the annual meeting. feeling of comradeship in the air. The din He explained the difference between the Presided over by John Spittle, BCHF presi ner was followed by the announcement and radical Sons of Freedom and the Orthodox dent, the agenda moved along in good or presentation of writing awards, by Naomi Doukhobors who believe in non-violence der. The treasurer reported an excess of Miller. and peaceful co-existance that strives for revenue over expenses of $1994.23 as of The Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal was common good. March 31, 1990. awarded to Professor John Hayman of the After lunch, two buses filled with eager It was announced that the BCHF now has University of Victoria for his book Robert sightseers set out on a tour of historic 24 member societies, five affiliates and Brown and the Vancouver Island sites. First stop was Frog Pond where fourteen associates. Sixteen historical Exploring Expedition. Jack Green several old houses stand as reminders of groups from Atlin to Victoria gave oral re was chosen as the author of the best arti the former red light district. Then it was on ports of their activities both past and cle in the B.C. Historical News in 1989. to the meeting hall of the Union of Spiritual planned for the future. It was heartwarm Triple Certificates of Merit were awarded Communities of Christ, or Orthodox ing to hear about the various ways in which for Widow Smith of Spences Bridge which Doukhobors. Both spiritual and social oc enthusiastic volunteers are preserving and was judged the Best History for Juniors. casions are celebrated in this hall. Several promoting the history of their communities. Recipients of the certificates were: Audrey ladies in the large kitchen were baking pies Naomi Miller, editor of the British Ward and Meryl Campbell, who put togeth for a wedding that was to take place the Columbia Historical News, reported er their grandmother’s memoirs, and next day. The aroma from the baking set that subscriptions now total 1150. The Murphy Shewchuk who, recognizing a collective mouths watering. cost of printing and mailing (in Canada) good story, edited and published the book. The next stop was the small flour mill run four issues per year now amounts to Milton Parent of Nakusp received a by the Grand Forks Milling Cooperative $6.92. Nancy Peter, subscription secre Certificate of Merit for Best Anthology, Association which supplied enthusiastic tary, requested that the money for sub Faces of the Past, published by the guides on tours through the site, The mill scriptions be sent directly to her and the Arrow Lakes Historical Society. produces white, whole wheat and rye dues for membership in the BCHF sent di Special awards went to R.C. Harris for

flours-all without additives, - which are sold rectly to the BCHF treasurer, in order to his extensive research and plotting of his under the name ‘Pride of the Valley’ in sur simplify bookkeeping. The membership toric trails and maps, and to Winston rounding communities. dues structure was tabled for study by the Shilvock for compiling the contents of the Next stopping place was the Fructova BCHF council. “Okanagan Special”. Doukhobor Heritage Centre which was, un Two minutes of silence was called for in The winner of the 1989 BCHF scholarship til 1949, Fructova School, built in 1929. tribute to the late Barbara Stannard, a past of $500 was David McCrady of Penticton. Now a historic site, this building is recog president of the BCHF who “believed ac The evening ended on a high note with a nized by the Conservation Branch of the tively in the presentation of our history”. spirited talk by Bill Barlee who recounted B.C. Heritage Trust as one of the finest liv All those nominated by the nominating many anecdotes about his endeavors to ing examples of Doukhobor architecture in committee to fill BCHF offices for 1990-91 preserve the history of old B.C. ghost B.C. Currently, the Doukhobor Historical were elected by acclamation: towns and mining sites and his quest for Society of B.C. is planning a broad pro artifacts. John Spittle thanked Bill Barlee Spittle - President gram of development for the site. The John for his much-enjoyed talk and presented Myrtle Haslam - group toured the building, which contains a 1st Vice President him with a copy of the first map to be print Alice Glanville - library and craft display, and then were 2nd Vice President ed of the gold fields on the Fraser River. Members at Large - Mary Rawson treated to tea, tasty homemade tarts and and People left the convention not only with a Daphne Paterson an informative slide presentation. greater knowledge of the Boundary area Recording Secretary - Shirley Cuthbertson Leaving the Heritage Centre, the buses and the Doukhobor culture but also with a Corresponding Secretary - wound their way to the old Granby Smelter Don Sale strong sense of having shared a common Treasurer - site with its towering black mounds of Francis Sleigh interest with those who value and strive for smelter waste that is finally being put to Invitations from the Cowichan Historical the preservation of history. The 1990 con good use in the making of abrasives and Society to host the 1991 BCHF annual vention was an occasion to remember. insulating products. meeting in Duncan and from the Burnaby President Rose Gobeil, Sue Thompson, The evening found everyone gathered at Historical Society to host the 1992 annual Alice and Jim Glanville, Pat Gasston, Ada the Granby House restaurant for a typical meeting in Burnaby were accepted. Clapper and other members of the Doukhobor vegetarian meal that will be Lunch, hosted by the Boundary Boundary Historical Society are to be long remembered with pleasure. John Historical Society, was followed by two thanked and congratulated for all the Verigin, leader of the Doukhobor communi speakers who gave well-researched talks: thought, endeavor and hospitality that ty, gave a welcoming address and the Jim Glanville on the agricultural develop went into an event enjoyed by all who at- Doukhobor choir brought the evening to a ment and George Stewart on the mining ex tended. close with splendid acappella renditions of ploration and production in the Boundary by Pixie McGeachie

B.C. Historical News 31 NEWS & NOTES

KOOTENAY HOME MOVIES ALBERNI DISTRICT Altogether, six people were presented ANYONE? HISTORICAL SOCIETY with these pins before 1965 when the Municipal Act was changed to allow Terry Halleran of Kaslo is seeking The R.B. McLean Lumber Mill has Burnaby to honour citizens and others by old movies of Kootenay stern- been declared a National Heritage conferring on them the title of Freeman: wheelers, and pictures of orchards site. The Building is being restored Queen Elizebeth, Princess Margaret, Boyer Brown, George A. Grant, settlements these ships served. and members are currently taking Charles and Richard Bolton and George Green. If you have any material that will inventory of all records pertaining to While photos of all Burnaby’s Freemen help him prepare footage for the film this Mill. hang in the Municipal Hall, the recipients of the gold keeper key pins being made through the Westland *********** series which airs on B.C’s were not represented. The biographies to the Mayor and Council Knowledge Network, please contact: were presented NANAIMO HISTORICAL SOCIETY by the BHS with the request that the Terry Halleran, photos of the key pin recipients be Box 684, Kaslo, B.C. VOG 1MO or Daphne Paterson has been installed in conjunction with those of the Phone (604) 366-4310 working closely with several Freemen. Council agreed to install the heritage/museum societies to obtain additional photos. a professional archivist to serve the In December, an exciting presentation the Burnaby Historical city volunteer organizations in was made to WHERE ARE THEY NOW? and Society by long-time members, Dr. Nanaimo. Eagles who An older member of the B.C. Blythe and Mrs. Violet Each November the society has a donated $10,000, in honour of BHS past Historical Federation recently asked Princess Royal day ceremony to President Evelyn Salisbury, to be set up about some friends she had met at commemorate the arrival of the in perpetuity as a scholarship of $500 to be awarded each many Annual Conferences in the earliest citizens. approximately past. We were able to help her re year to a fourth-year under-graduate or an establish contact with these friends. ********** student enrolled in a major honours program that specializes in the If any of our readers wish to find for history of British Columbia. mer colleagues we will help as long VICTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Evelyn Salisbury was recognized as the lost friend is a subscriber to Victoria no longer lists itself as further for her contribution to preserving the B.C. Historical News. Contact Burnabys history when she was named “BCHF-Victoria Branch.’ They have the Year for 1989 the Editor or Subscription Secretary Burnaby’s Citizen of chartered themselves as a separate and was presented with the Kushiro Cup. to request an address. entity. This group has also (Kushiro is Burnaby’s Japanese sister ********** separated from the Victoria Heritage city) Cemetery Society (formerly a Submitted by: B.C. WORDS committee within the Branch.) Note Pixie McGeachie the new title and new mailing Vice-President Tom Parkin sends thanks to readers Burnaby Historical Society who contributed to his dictionary address inside the front cover of the WestCoast Words. Now he is pre Historical News. ********** paring a revised, expanded collec ********** tion. He is seeking more words, and CEMETERY BUFFS requesting help from those willing to BURNABY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Tombstones can tell a story. complete a questionnaire on a short Society has Graves and graveyards are historic list of B.C. words. If you are in a po The Burnaby Historical chalked up another year of sites. The B.C. Historical write to: sition to help please accomplishment in its mandate to Association/Federation has always Parkin, Box 629, Nanaimo, Tom preserve and present the history of encouraged locals to become B.C. V9R5L9or Burnaby. acquainted with pioneer cemeteries. Phone (604) 756-7944 and leave Under the direction of Mary Forsyth, 10 large We ask those who have researched, a message. special projects coordinator, frames of photos were collected and investigated or cleaned up an old professionally mounted with cemetery to drop us a few lines identification. This is a travelling telling us of their project. which has already hung for display your comments to: WINNING BOOK NOW public viewing in two credit unions and Please send IN SCHOOLS at several community events. Mary, The Editor B.C. H. News BHS 105 Wasa, B.C. VOB 2K0 The Medal winning book (1988) with the help of several other Box members, also organized the research Stoney Creek Woman by Bridget and production of biographies of the four ** * ** * ** * * Moran is now on the recommended Burnaby citizens who were presented reading list for Grade 9 English in with gold keeper key pins in honour of B.C. schools. their service to the Municipality.

B.C. Historical News 32 Tribute to Di: and Mrs. Blythe Eagles

by Evelyn Salisbury

Blythe Alfred Eagles was born in New to pursue graduate studies at the Ontario, Downing Country. Her early Westminster in 1902 and grew up there. University of Toronto. However, since education was in Mitchell, Ontario be As early as 1885 his parents settled in 1950, a Great Trekker award has been fore the family moved to Vancouver in B.C., his father Jack Eagles arriving given in honour of outstanding persons 1912. She is a graduate of the 1916 class from England via Manitoba and meeting in the life of the University and in 1966 from King Edward High School. and marrying his mother Amelia Dean Blythe Eagles was honoured with a The Eagles built their home (their Johnston who came from Ontario. The Great Trekker award. Eagle’s Nest) in 1930 in Burnaby on sev Johnston family gave their name to Eagles obtained his M.A. in 1924 and en acres of terraced land that included Johnston Road, Surrey, now 152nd Ph.D. in 1926 after which he became a the shoreline of Deer Lake. Dr. Eagles Street. Both families were actively en Research Fellow at Yale University used his Model T Ford to commute to gaged in agricultural or horticultural (1926-1928) with time spent at the U.S. UBC and he recalls that there were no pursuits. Dept. of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. stop lights between his Burnaby home Young Blythe and his peers were He then did post-doctoral study at the and UBC. known as children of the Fraser. They National Institute for Medical Research The Eagles entertained a great deal caught oolichans and watched the in London, England. with teas, dinners and garden parties, streamers and sternwheelers. He re In 1929 Blythe Eagles returned to their home being a second home for UBC members reaching their Boundary Bay UBC in a program of teaching and re students. Mrs. Eagles was President of summer camp by steamer or by horse and search. Shortage of funds, with a 40% the Faculty women’s Club UBC 1944 and buggy. reduction to UBC’s operating grant 1946, Member of the University In 1918 as World War I was drawing to caused a lay-off of 40 faculty members, Women’s Club, Member of the a close, Eagles enrolled in a double Eagles being among them. He found em International Council of Women, Honours program in Biology and ployment as an industrial chemist with President of the Burnaby Council of Chemistry at UBC, studing agriculture the Powell River Pulp and Paper Co. un Women, Member of the Burnaby as a minor. He graduated in 1922, win til March 1983. Following the death of Historical Society, and Member of the ning the Governor General’s Gold Medal Professor W Sadler in 1933, Eagles as Valley View Health Club. as top student. sumed heavy teaching responsibilities The acquisition of Dr. Blythe Eagles In June 1914, 150 acres of the Point and became Head of the Dept. of papers for the UBC archinves is a valua Grey site had been cleared, but World Dairying (1936-1955), Chairman of the ble addition in that the collection con War I was declared and the only bids ac Division of Animal Science (1955-1967) tains information about the history of cepted for the construction of the Science and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture the Faculty of Agriculture, the building were for the concrete and steel in 1949, until his retirement in 1967. In University and his distinguished career. frame. In July 1915 authority was given 1968 he received an Honourary Doctor of Dr. and Mrs. Eagles have been active for the construction of temporary univer Science award from UBC. supporters of the Burnaby Historical sity buildings on the grounds of Eagles served on the UBC Senate from Society since its founding in 1957 and Vancouver General Hospital. Between 1947-1967 and was President of the B.C. are Life Members. It is their belief that 1916 and 1922, 1176 students received Academy of Science 1946-1947. He is a by preserving the best of our history and university education in the ‘temporary’ fellow of the Agricultural institute of heritage we maintain and strengthen our Fairview shacks, in tents, attics and Canada, Royal Society of Canada and the inheritance, thus serving ourselves, our church basements. Chemical Institute of Canada. Eagles municipality and our province. They are Eagles was active with fellow students made a valuable contribution in preserv also firm believers in helping students to in gathering signatures to induce the ing the history of UBC by serving on the help themselves in enriching their lives. provincial government to build the uni Alumni Association’s Heritage It is significant that the BHS versity campus at Point Grey. With Committee. Scholarship award is in recognition of ac 56,000 signatures the students began the Dr. Eagles tells of enrolling in a ademic excellence. It is worth noting as Great Trek from the Georgia Street Physioloi class during his latter stu well that the scholarship award is in per Viaduct to Point Grey - the ‘Promised dent days. In the class there were seven petuity and in the event that the Land’. Trekkers climbed the skeleton of men and one woman, Violet Dunbar. Burnaby Historical Society disbands, girders of the Science building and movie Violet and Blythe became campus sweet then the principal and the interest accu cameras captured speeches, songs, and hearts and married in 1930. By then mulated at the time of dissolution shall the erection of the cairn, a milestone and Violet had her B.A. from UBC in 1921, be transferred to the Director, Financial symbol of the effort to obtain a universi her M.A. from UBC in 1922 and her Ph. Aid and Awards, Simon Fraser ty of which all could be proud. At the D. from University of Toronto in 1929. University, Burnab B.C. Legislature in Victoria, it required six Her graduate studies at University of pages to carry a pile of the petitions of Toronto entailed research in pure pro 50,000 signatures before the Speaker’s teins and enzymes and she was recog chair. Premier John Oliver’s govern nized as one of the leading enzyme ment voted $1,500,000 for immediate chemists in the country. At UBC in 1929 BIBLIOGRAPHY construction of university buildings at she participated in research funded by Point Grey. the Powell River Co. 1. Dr. and Mrs. Blythe Eagles Eagles could not take part in the actu Violet Evelyn Dunbar was born 2. Christopher L. Hives - UBC Archivist Jonathan Mercer from The Great Trek book. al Great Trek of 1922 due to a fellowship September 29, 1899 in Stratford, 3. B.C. Historical News 33 Book Sheif Books for review and book revie should be sent directly to the book review editor; Anne Yandlle, 3450 West 20th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V6S 1E4

A White Man’s Province; British or restricting their activities while two groups and, as a consequence, Columbia’s Politicians and Chinese they were in the country However, different treatments. Soon after the and Japanese Immigrants, a major source of federal and provin Vancouver Riot in order to ensure 1858-1914: cial conflict developed over the ques continuing good relations with Patricia Roy. Vancouvei B.C., tion of who had the ultimate author Japan, the Canadian Federal University of British Columbia ity over Asian immigration. For Government acted immediately to Press, 1989. Pp. 327. $37.95 example, an “Act to Regulate compensate loss of Japanese proper Immigration into British Compensation for Chinese losses The first Chinese arrived in British Columbia’ ty was the first in a series of similar was not even considered until the Columbia in 1858, soon after gold statutes the British Columbia legis British Government, who were try was discovered in the Fraser River. lature would pass and strengthen their position in Nineteen years latei in 1877, came the Federal ing to Government would disallow over the China, pressed Ottawa to act. the Japanese. Thus the history of next decade. Sometimes immigration was always a Asian immigration in British British Asian Columbia legislators anticipated political game. Much attention is Columbia began. The aim of the au that an act would be disallowed, yet paid in this book to the players who thor of this book is to examine the they would legislate capitalists, labourers, and poli reasons why white British it just to attract were Ottawa’s attention, In 1884, three ticians. However personal accounts Columbians wanted to make a anti-Chinese acts were passed the suffering of Asian immigrants ‘white man’s province and how by of the province, but they were disal are generally overlooked, they achieved their ends. The book lowed by Ottawa, creating a see Nevertheless, sieving through mas covers the period from 1858 to 1914. saw battle between Provincial sive resources of information, Chapters 1,3,4,5,7 and 9 deal with the and Federal Governments. The gleaned from newspapers, pre-1914 specific periods. Chapter 2 discuss strategy employed by the province British Columbia magazines, gov es the paradox of laws and regula was to play the political game of ernment records and private manu tions legislated to ensure that “fighting Ottawa”. scripts, Roy presents a coherent pic Asians lived up to “white stan All Asian immigrants were subject ture of how economic, racial and dards”. It was by means of such ed to injustice, such as disenfran political factors interplay. Roy con legislation that Asians were kept to chisement and restriction of employ cludes that “the campaign for a a separate and inferior environment. ment. Yet the Chinese and ‘white man’s province’, though bla The infamous Vancouver Riot of Japanese were treated quite differ tantly racist in appearance, was, in 1907 and its repercussions are de ently. A fifty dollar head tax was fact, a catch phrase that covered a scribed in Chapter 7. first introduced in 1885. Eventually wide variety of concerns, and tran The Asian immigrants were toler it was raised to five hundred dollars scended particular economic inter ated at first when employment op in 1904 in order to deter Chinese im ests”. 267) portunities were plentiful, but hostil (p migrants. The restriction of Patricia Roy has produced a book ity developed when there was a Japanese imiigrants was depen of scholarship with copious foot recession in the economy. The anti dent upon a gentlemen’s agreement notes. Anyone seriously interested pathy often appeared as a conflict between Canada and Japan, where in the early history of Chinese and between capital and labour. by the Japanese government limited Japanese immigrants in British Throughout this period capitalists emigration. The different treatment Columbia, should read this book. needed cheap labour for the develop of these two groups of immigrants ment of British Columbia, while Yim Tse reflected the different attitudes to white workers objected to the pres wards them. Japanese immigrants Yim Tse is a librarian at the Asian ence of Asian immigrants on the ba were looked upon as a different Library, University of British sis of their low living standards, class”, since Japan was considered Columbia. willingness to accept cheap wages a military power and an ally of the ********** and increased job competition. The British Empire. Japan also took a history of the Canadian Pacific paternalistic interest towards its na Atlas ofthe British Empire: Railway, the Vancouver Island coal tionals. The Canadian Government, The Rise and Fall ofthe Greatest mines and the Fraser River fisheries on the other hand, showed little re Empire the World has ever Known. provides many examples of the divi spect for China and its nationals. Ed. Dr. Christopher Bayly. sion between capital and labour. How compensation was carried out New York, Facts On File, Inc. No politician disputed the necessi after the Vancouver Riot in 1907 re 39 maps, 200 photographs and ty of controlling the numbers of veals different attitudes toward the 80 sidebars. $40. Asian immigrants entering Canada B.C. Historical Ne 34 As a cartographer, I feel compelled the British Columbia mainland, New botanist, and although he was a to review this book in a positive Westminster, to be some 50 kilome tireless collector and describer of light. Time after time, I have fbund tres up the coast, not on the Fraser plants, he was aware of his inability myself in projects that are under River. to identify many of them accurately. funded or faced by deadlines that There are a great many other con He had therefore taken to sending force the work to be terribly incom cerns that I have noticed and have specimens to authorities in Great plete. The book I have been asked refrained from writing about. The Britain and the United States for to review here is incomplete. point is, that although I am not ex identification, and they in turn had The first major problem is whether tremely well acquainted with the recognized his skill and usefulness the title of this book is appropriate. facts presented in this volume, yet I as a collector. As early as 1863 Do we in fact have an atlas here? I have found enough general errors to they had named the first of several would suggest we do not. An atlas make me concerned about the whole dozen new species that would hon is a book of maps. The atlas here book. I would not recommend this our him. has 39 maps in a book of some 256 book to anyone seeking ae general Meanwhile events were on the pages. Personally, I can conceive of reference to the British Empire, or march in Canada. Confederation in an atlas with this few maps but an atlas. It might be a useful book 1867 had been followed in 1870 by such an atlas would require the text for a person with an extensive the aquisition of Rupert’s Land, to be tightly tied to the maps. knowledge of the facts about the which included the vast prairie re (Open the book to any page and Empire, but for most of us it will not gion between Lake Superior and the choose a topic discussed and at be useful. I recommend saving your Rockies. In 1871 British Columbia tempt to locate it on the map.) As I money until a better book of general joined the youthful Dominion, one am writing this review, I have data turns up on the British condition being the building of a rail opened the book to page 115 to find Empire. way to the Pacific Coast. Over both written, “In 1827, Captain James the prairies and the railway project Sterling returned from an anti- Angus Weller hung the heavy shadow of the ad piracy voyage in the Timor Sea via Angus Weller, a member of the verse views expressed in the report the western coast of Australia”. The Vancouver Historical Society, is the of the Palliser expedition, which had next thing I do is flip to the relevant cartographer for the Society’s Atlas surveyed what became the map. The map has no body of water of Vancouver Project. Canadian West for the British labelled on it anywhere. It also has Government in 1857-60. Palliser * * * * ** * *** no scale, north arrow or latitude or considered the geographical obsta longitude lines or any other means The Field Nalumlist: John Macoun, cles made an all-British route for a of orientation. O.K. lets flip to the The Geological Survey, and Natural transcontenental railway impracti index for some help. The index is to Sbienc cable, and he pictured the prairie re tally inadequate; in this instance WA. Waiser. Toronto, University of gion as consisting of a huge semi there is no listing for the Timor Sea. Toronto Press, 1989. Pp. 253. arid triangle, unpromising for settle Is the failure to show any water Illustrated. $30.00 ment, topped by a narrow woodland bodies really a problem? In my opin strip that had been dubbed the ion, it is very serious, as the British This interesting biography is es Fertile Belt. Empire was the empire of a seafar sentially an account of the extraordi But Sir John Macdonald, the ing people. If you are landlocked nary way in which John Macoun’s Dominion’s first Prime Minister, re and carry out your culture without life became entwined with the devel fused to be discouraged. He was de the sea then you do not need to opment of Canada, Natural history termined to build a railway by an know about oceans, but if you are an had fascinated him during his boy all-Canadian route, and engaged island you need to know where you hood in Ireland and it became a con Sandford Fleming, as engineer-in are and generations of British navi suming passion when he emigrated chief to find it. And the Geological gators did gather enough informa to Ontario in 1850 and found a Survey was instructed to take a look tion to round out these maps. whole new world awaiting explora at the prairies and see if they were The Canadian maps are flawed. tion. To collect, describe and cata as forbidding as Palliser had sug On page 34, the Continental Divide logue its flora became his life-work. gested. does not conform to the hydrology; He turned from farming to school By sheer accident Macoun became showing the Finlay River to join the teaching because it gave him more involved in the railway surveys and Kechika River in northern British time for collecting, and in 1868 his he was soon appraising the prairies Columbia, thus making its waters appointment to the new chair of nat as well. In 1872, bound for Thunder appear to flow north by an inappro ural history in Albert College, at Bay on a collecting expedition, he priate route. Williston Lake is Belleville, gave him still greater op overslept, missed his train, decided shown even though it is a recent portunity for field work. By that to sail from Collingwood instead of man-made feature. On page 76, the time Macoun had become known in from Sarnia, as intended, and found map shows the main settlement on ternationally. He was not a trained that Sandford Fleming was a fellow B.C. Historical News 35 passenger on shipboard. Fleming Exaggerated or not, as Waiser re ed over the years by the publication was setting out to take a personal marks, Macoun’s findings “perfectly in parts of his Catalogue of look at the projected route for the suited the needs of the Canadian Canadian Plants, which was fol railway that would run through the government.” He had rendered a lowed by the first edition of a Fertile Belt and continue on to the signal propaganda service and had Catalogue of Canadian Birds. He Yellowhead Pass. Prompted by effectively demolished the arid trian retired to the West Coast in 1912, Macoun’s enthusiasm he invited him gle theory. and lived onto his 90th year in to come along. This biography supplements and 1920. From Edmonton Fleming contin at times corrects the autobiography This well-made book, printed on ued on westward, but he sent that Mecoun wrote in his old age. acid-free paper and carefully proof Macoun north on a sidetrip to visit One moot point has long been his ac read, is a credit to its publisher. Dr. the Peace River country. Macoun be count of a visit to St. Paul in the Waiser tells us that the text origi lieved that the natural vegetation of spring of 1881, supposedly at the nated in a doctoral dissertation, but a region provided an infallible indi invitation of James J. Hill, to meet the transition has been most suc cation of its climate and agricultural members of the board of the recently cessful. The only evidence of its ori capabilities, and, based on his collec incorporated Canadian Pacific gin is 35 pages of notes. This read tions, he returned from the West Railway, Macoun states that the er would have welcomed the convinced that it was a land of im decision to abandon the route convenience of a bibliography as mense promise. The report he wrote through the Fertile Belt and to move well. at Fleming’s request caught the at the line to its present location much W. Kaye Lamb tention of Dr. Selwyn, Director of the further south, was made at this Vancouver; B.C. Geological Survey, with the result meeting, and (by implication) in part the former Honorary that Macoun paid a second visit to on his evidence. Waiser rejects the Dr. Lamb is President of the B.C. Historical the West in 1875, this time in story and in a convincing separate Federation. Selwyn’s company. Once again he study in Prairie Forum goes so far branched off on his own to descend as to suggest that “there is reason ********** the Peace River valley and returned to doubt whether this crucial gather in triumph with 20,000 specimens, ing actually tGok place.” B.C. Sugar; One Hundred Years, including sheaves of wheat and bar Throughout the 1870’s Macoun’s 1890-1990. ley from a mission farm near Fort employment had been precarious Vancouver; B.C. Sugar; 1990. Chipewyan that had created a sen and usually temporary, but late in Pp. 24. No price. sation in Winnipeg and would win a 1881 he was at last given the full- silver medal at the 1876 Centennial time (but not at first permanent) po A handsome, well illustrated cap Exhibition in Philadelphia. He told sition of Dominion Botanist. Waiser sule history of B.C. Sugar, a Parliamentary Committee that describes the painfully slow rise in Vancouver’s first industry not based the Peace River country was “the his status and that of official botani on forestry or fishing. garden of the Dominion.” cal activity over the next thirty Alexander Mackenzie, Macdonald’s years, which culminate in the organ ********** cautious Liberal successor; distrust ization of a Natural History Division ed Macoun’s enthusiasm and his adequately housed in the Victoria Dr. Luke A. Port; Builder of contention that millions of acres Memorial Museum building, com Deepwood. An Urban Report from awaited settlement. But when the pleted in 1910. It is a story replete England to Salem, Oregon and San Conservatives returned to power in with both internal and partisan poli Diego, California. Salem, Marion 1878 they recognized the value of tics, for the administrative history of County Historical Society and the the support his reports and opinions the Geological Survey is at some Friends of Deepwood. 1989. Pp. 94 could give to their efforts to settle points turbulent. (260 - 12th St. S.E., Salem, Oregon the West and find a syndicate that Over the years Macoun continued 97301. $9.50 U.S. would build a railway. Sir Charles his collecting activities. Darwin’s Tupper, Canada’s first Minister of Origin of Species had been published An excellent history of a historic Railways, realized that knowledge in 1869, the year the Hudson’s Bay house in Salem, Oregon, and its builder, Dr. Luke A. Port.’ Dr. Port, of the southern prairies - Palliser’s Company surrendered Rupert’s trader; soldier; doctor; speculator; triangle - was still scanty, and in Land, but its implications passed 1879 and again in 1880 he sent Macoun by, as they did most builder and resident of Salem, first Macoun westward to investigate. Canadian scientists in early years; came to Vancouver; B.C. in 1886, Macoun confesses in his autobiogra he could never admit that we live in shortly after the fire; over a period of phy that Tupper cautioned him “in an evolving world and face up to its years, he acquired “large interests” plain words, not to draw upon my implications. His ambition contin in the city. imagination”, but he returned more ued to be simply to collect, describe enthusiastic than ever. and catalogue, and he was reward- B.C. Historical News 36 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL FEDERATION

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

President John D. Spittle, 1241 Mount Crown Road, North Vancouver, B.C. V7R 1R9 988-4565

1st Vice President Myrtle Haslam, P0, Box 10, Cowichan Bay, B.C. VOR 1NO 748-8397

2nd Vice President Alice Glanville, PC. Box 746, Grand Forks, B.C. VOH 1HO 442-3865 Secretary I Don Sale, 262 Juniper Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 1X4 753-2067

Recording Secretary Shirley Cuthbertson, 306 - 225 Belleville Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 4T9 387-2486 (business), 382-0288 (residence)

Treasurer Francis Sleigh, Box 29, Deroche, B.C. VOM1GO 826-0451

Members-at-Large Mary Rawson, 1406 Woodland Drive, Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3S6 251-2908 Daphne Paterson, 2650 Randle Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 3X2 758-5757

Past President Naomi Miller,Box 105, Wasa, B.C. VOB2K0 422-3594 Committee Officers Archivist Margaret Stoneberg, P0. Box 687, Princeton, B.C. VOXiWO 295-3362

B.C. HistoricalNews Publishing Committee

Book Review Editor Anne Yandle, 3450 West 20th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6S 1E4 228-4879 (business) 733-6484 (residence)

Editor Naomi Miller,Box 105, Wasa, B.C. VOB2KO 422-3594

Subscription Secretary Nancy Peter, 5928 Baffin Place, Burnaby, B.C. V5H 3S8 437-61 15

Heritage Cemeteries John D. Adams, 628 Battery Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1E5 342-2895

Historic Trails&Markers John D. Spittle, 1241 Mount Crown Road, North Vancouver, B.C. V7R 1R9 988-4565

Publications Assistance Helen Akrigg, 8-2575 Tolmie Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6R 4M1 228-8606 or 955-2963 (not involved with Contact Helen Akrigg for advice and details to apply for a loan B.C. HistoricalNews) toward the cost of publishing.

Scholarship Committee Evelyn Salisbury, 5406 Manor Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 187 298-5777

Writing Competition (Lieutenant - Governor’s Pamela Mar, P.O. Box 933, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 Award) 758-2828 The British Columbia Historical News Second Class Mail P0. Box 35326 Stn. E. Registration No. 4447 Vancouver, B.C. V6M 4G5

ADDRESS LABEL HERE

Helen Bmwn, Burnaby; Lloyd Forsyth, Burnaby; Margaret John Spittle N Vancouver; Helen Akrigg, Vancouver; IWer Stoneberg, P-incton. Millei Wasa.

Choir from the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ - Alderman Sue Thomson tells a bit of Grand Forks history singing for guests at the B.C.H.E Conference. to a group on a walking tour downtown.