Barkerville ...then and now II $1.50 inc. tax Vol. 9. No 1. Barkerville Williams Creek, f INCLUDED INSIDE O Whiskey  Gold Premier Edition DEATH AND TAXES To the Editor Barkerville, B.C. February 4th, 1879

DEAR SIR, – Since the sad passing of our friend, old Cap- tain Travaillot, two days ago, it Death & Taxes...... 1 might not be uninteresting to by Jason Young your readers to hear the story of his beginnings here in Cari- Early Photographers of the boo, and of his end, and in that Goldfields ...... 4 way keep alive the warmth by Nicole Ross with which he infused so many of us. Dromedary Express ...... 7 I begin, as I always do, at by Susan Mather the end of the story, for I find that it is better to start The Road To Riches with that which is most fresh ...... Sec. 2 pg. 5 in your mind and build upon by Richard Thomas Wright it, like a foundation, until you come to the earliest memories. Cataline ... King of Packers Now it is a fact that may not ...... Sec. 2 pg. 9 be known to your readers that by Susan Mather Cpt. Travaillot was a gambling man; it is true and plain as the Your Historic Journey nose on my face. He loved a Along the Gold Rush Trail good game of tarot, belot or Turn of the century posed photo ~courtesy Glenbow Alberta Instituet NA3583-6 starts Section 2 page 2 manille and was a frequent participant in the Marysville reported 17 as the first revenue Maps: Chinese lotteries. Two days ago, as he lay murders in one week, officer, and later gold Historic Barkerville dying in the Royal Cariboo Hospital next his and at the height of commissioner, of the ...... 3 friend, the equally sick J. B. Malamon, he it all, San Francisco district of Fort Dallas The Gold Rush Trail..Sec. 2 pg. 2 placed his final bet: the two men wagered averaged 30 new or Forks of the fifty cents that the other would give up first. houses – and two mur- Thompson. I always As the night waned and morning crept down ders – a day. thought it an odd official British pres- the Creek, it was told me that Mr. Malamon’s appointment myself, other nationality. The As the easy gold ence throughout the voice rang out, “Captain Travaillot! You win. though not because U.S. was talking ‘man- disappeared, racism ifest destiny’ and had colony: gold commis- I lose. I die now.” of any blemish of grew. In San Fran- sioners on the ground Travaillot’s character rushed in a special Those fifty cents are of little consolation to cisco, Frenchmen buttressed by periodic – indeed the man’s commissioner to the the poor Captain now, but I doubt that he were hunted down visits from traveling middle name was diggings to protect its would have cared. He was a generous and and killed because of citizens from judges. a rumour one of them “Justice” – but simple man: honest, courageous and always supposed harsh treat- It was the job of had started a fire that because he was ready with a smile and a deep chuckle for ment by the Hudson’s the gold commissioner burned down much of French and not British his friends. Bay Company. He had to keep exact records the city. It was during and in any case not a reported back to Con- of the claims regis- I first met Oswald Travaillot in San Fran- this time that I lost Hudson’s Bay cisco. The year was 1851 and he had left his Company man, as gress that it was only tered. They also acted track of the Captain. a matter of time calling as a master mariner to come ashore Douglas himself had as agents of everyday The next time I saw before both Vancouver and ‘see the elephant’, as they used to say. I been. I suppose Doug- authority, collected all Travaillot was in the las really didn’t care Island and the main- forms of revenue, remember him being cut of a different cloth wilds of British Colum- land fell under Amer- even then; he was the picture of tranquility in who he appointed, as oversaw land bia seven years later, ican control. He preemptions, served a storm of frenzy. Back then, San Francisco long as they weren’t at a place called ‘Shil- considered the even- as electoral officers, was a wild place. Alcoholism was a raging American. kumchun’ by the Indi- tual outcome so cer- and acted as Indian storm; gambling, for many, became as much The colony was new ans and ‘Lytton’ by the tain that no special Agents. a religion as a pastime. Suicide rates soared, British. in 1858 and there effort need be made I remember one as did violence of other kinds. were thousands more in that direction. Of Governor Douglas Yankee miner remark- Americans flooding in course, Gov. Douglas I remember in just one July week in Sonora, had been looking for ing to me that he was from the spent gold- would have none of two Massachusetts men had their throats slit; a good men to fill posi- astonished at the skill fields of California this and promptly Chilean was shot to death in a gunfight, and tions of authority and DEATH & TAXES than British or any began establishing an a Frenchman stabbed a Mexican to death. settled on Travaillot CONTINUED ON PG. 10 Page 2 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 3 Barkerville Library Days Open (Best Service is by Appointment - 250-994-3302; ex. 25 – Monday to Thursday) Barkerville Library is a Research Library with: • 240 Archival Record Groups • 4,500 maps • 5,000 books • 30,000 photographs • 8,000 cross indexed files • films • microfilm and fiche • oral history • finding aids

Advance Notice of Library Use Helps! “Drop In” service will be available for the general visitor, but students and other serious research- ers will get better service by giving a couple of days advance notice, along with the topic which they would like to investigate. This allows our workers to schedule their day in order to help and to prepare material for your visit.

June 1 to September 3: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED July 1; August 7; September 4 (May vary according to our time scheduling, please call before you plan your visit.)

September 5 through to May 2001 (tentative) Monday to Thursday 9AM to 4 PM (Closed Friday) (May vary according to our time scheduling, please call before you plan your visit.) Not open on holidays. NOTE: NO LOANS ARE MADE! All studying must be carried out at the Library. Be Prepared: Paper and Pencil for notes, no ink is allowed in the Library. You will also be asked not to take in ‘bags’, food or drink.

Note: There are fees for photocopying and other services, such as a written request for information. We do not have the staff to carry out extensive research. Should you not be able to study at the library, there are several contractors in the local area that may assist with your needs, for a fee.

BARKERVILLE DAILY SCHEDULES

Hour 3⁄4 J ACTIVITY * DESCRIPTION 8:00 am. Tour the town at your own pace. See the video “TRACES OF DREAMS” A peaceful time of day. Visitor Reception Centre 9:00 a.m. To start the morning right with coffee fresh baking, a full breakfast or a Dim Sum breakfast try one of our fine restaurants. è9:00 am Goldfield Bakery ~ Wake Up Jake Restaurant ~ Lung Duck Tong è10:00 am House Hotel Coffee Saloon 10:15 a.m. & Morning Prayer > Saint Saviours Church (WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY) 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.Cameron and Ames Blacksmith opens (CLOSED FRIDAYS) ~ Watch the Blacksmith perform amazing feats with fire and steel. 10:00 a.m. Tour Barkerville with an Historic Interpreter F Starts at the Visitor Reception Centre 10:30 a.m. School House (Wed.-Sunday) “Decorum and Deportment” Lots of fun-perfectly suitable for adults. 10:30 a.m. Goldfield Discourse J An introduction to the geology of the area and why gold is found here @ the Sheepskin claim. 11:00 a.m. Wendle House (Saturday – Wed.) ‘How to Make Do in the Cariboo” – The Kelly Story 11:00 a.m. & Court Sessions, Early Justice, Reminisce with a Colonial Judge at the Richfield Court House (1/2-hour walk 1.6-km from Barkerville. NOT SUITABLE FOR SMALL CHILDREN 11:30 am–12:30 pm Leather Workshops (8 years and older) Pre Register at Shepherds (No shops on Friday) ~ 8 years and older. Times subject to change 11:30 a.m. School House (Wed.-Sunday) Penmanship and Spelling Bee 11:30 a.m. Mining in the Cariboo 12:00 Noon An Historical Tour of Chinatown~Take in-depth tour of the Chinese Community. Starts at Lung Duck Tong Restaurant 1:00 p.m. Live Musical Comedy Theatre No Shows Fridays~Theatre Royal “The Wheeler Dealers” Purchase your tickets at the Visitors Reception Centreor at Barnard’s 1:30 p.m. > Cemetery Tour (Wednesday to Sunday). > Begins at St. Saviour’s Church & Visit the Historic Cemetery (one hour) begins June 2:00 p.m.. Court Sessions, Early Justice Daily At Richfield CourthouseSee 11:00 am á 2:00 p.m. J Guided Town Tour with Historic Interpreter F Starts at the Visitor Reception Centre 2:00 p.m. School House (Wed.—Sunday) Abacus and BC History 2:30 p.m-3:30 p.m. Leather Apprentice Workshop Fun for the family 8 years and older. One hour in length. Times are subject to change. 2:30 p.m. Wendle House (Saturday – Wed.) Edible Plants and Herbal Remedies. 2:30 p.m. Mining in the Cariboo See our Cornish Waterwheel in action and learn how to Mine in the Cariboo at the Cornish Water Wheel 3:00 p.m. School House (Wed. – Sunday) Elocution and Art of Dramatic Gesture. 3:00 p.m. Court Sessions, Early Justice Daily At Richfield CourthouseSee 11:00 am á 3:15 p.m. Historical Tour of Chinatown Take in in-depth tour of the Chinese Community. Starts at the Lung Duck Tong Restaurant 3:15 p.m. Evening Prayer > Saint Saviours Church (WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY) 3:30 p.m. Wendle House Daily “Grizzlies, Gold and Great Outdoors” – The Wendle Story. 3:30 p.m. Wendle House Public Performance 1⁄2 hour. Daily 3:30 p.m. Goldfield Discourse J An introduction to the geology of the area and why gold is found here @ the Sheepskin claim. 4:00 p.m. School House Daily Decorum and Deportment 4:00 p.m. Live Musical Comedy Theatre No Shows Fridays~Theatre Royal “The Wheeler Dealers” Purchase your tickets at the Visitors Reception Centreor at Barnard’s 4:00 p.m. Schoolhouse: Public Performance 1⁄2 hour. Take in a lesson with Mrs. Bowron. Daily 4:30 p.m. Mining in the Cariboo See our Cornish Waterwheel in action and learn how to Mine in the Cariboo at the Cornish Water Wheel 5:00 p.m. Street Music End the day with a rousing chorus of Barkerville songs. Listen for the music on the main street 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer > Saint Saviours Church (SUNDAY ONLY) 8:00 p.m. Theatre Royal Live at CNIC Radio (Sat.& Sun.) 1930’ radio broadcast live from Theatre Royal 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cariboo Sentinel Print Shop Demonstratio ns of the Press and discussion of print techniques of the 19th century Page 2 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 3

to Richfield 1.6 km  Kwong Sang Wing Gen’l Store   Lung Duck Tong Restaurant  Washrooms  Cariboo  Sentinel Newspaper  Theatre Royal  Strouss & Co.   Mason & Daly Gen’l Store   Macpherson’s  Watchmaker   House Hotel  Rootbeer Saloon   Pioneer Clothing Costume Rental   L.A. Blanc Photo Studio   St. George  Hotel Bed &   Breakfast  Kelly House Bed & Breakfast   Post Office   Goldfields  Bakery  Wake-Up Jake  Restaurant  Sheps Leather Goods  Schoolhouse  Stagecoach     Holt & Burgess Cabinet Shop

21 Mrs. Neates

to Cemetery 800 Dressmaker  Frank McMahon  2 21 Confectionery  2 23 Eldorado Gold m Panning & Gifts  Visitor Info Ctr.

There’s no more memorable souvenir 23 than a photo!  From $10.99 at Louis Blanc

MAP DRAWN FOR THE CARIBOO SENTINEL BY BOB MICHEK © Ron Young, The Cariboo Sentinel Pioneer Clothing Rent a period costume and walk the boardwalks of Barkerville Historic ~costume rental~ Town. Dress in the character style of inquire at L. A. Blanc Photo Studio your choice and travel back in (250) 994-3235 - Barkerville time...where the ghosts are alive! Page 4 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 5

The photos above are from the recently acquired collection of the Fred Tregillus estate. Tregillus, a Barkerville resident, was an avid amateur photographer and the hundreds of photos in this collection provide a precious view of life in the early 20th century Cariboo. DEARLY•PHOTOGRAPHERS D OF THE CARIBOO GOLDFIELDS ate nineteenth century photography ville, which had no local photographer at the required heavy, cumbersome equip- time. He advertised the sale of “outdoor pho- Lment and expensive chemicals not tographs by order and sales of photographs” widely available in the British Colonies. Thus for “one month only”. Dally captured many of the work of photographers in the early days the local mines and miners, as well as vari- of the is a testament to the ous images of Barkerville and the local wagon dedication and perseverance of individual art- roads during that month. ists. The following July Dally returned, opening Many of the commercial photographers who a photography studio in the back rooms of a documented the Cariboo Wagon Road around general store which guaranteed “quality por- the turn of the twentieth century remained on traits and outside shots”. the road. These photographers captured large Although Dally’s second visit to Barkerville families in front of their homes and the vari- was shortened by the Barkerville fire of 1868, ous structures which dotted the busy route. in which he lost over eleven hundred dollars A select few ventured into the mining com- in merchandise and supplies, Dally left a valu- A Carte de Visite Camera munities of the Cariboo, establishing studios able pictorial diary of life in Barkerville. Per- circa 1860s and attracting regular customers. C.D. Hoy, haps Dally’s most important photographs are Frederick Dally, L.A. Blanc and others have the two which depict an aerial view of the “The theory of photography can be learnt in left a treasure of images which document the town just before the fire and then the day an hour; the first ideas of how to go about it in a day....What can’t be learnt....is the feeling for lives of miners, merchants, and labourers of after. Dally would leave for San Francisco in light-the artistic appreciation of effects produced the early Cariboo. 1870, after selling his entire stock of British by different or combined sources; it’s the under- Columbia photographs for half price. After a standing of this or that effect following the lines of brief sojourn in , Dally returned to Frederick Dally the features which requires your artistic percep- America and enrolled in a school of Dentistry. tion.” - Nadar, 1857 Frederick Dally arrived in Victoria on Sep- His collection is supplemented by photo- tember 19, 1862 after 129 days on the British graphs taken across the province which docu- Ship Cyclone. For 3 years Dally worked and ment the colony’s early transportation systems saved as a merchant. and scenic beauty. On June 26, 1866, Dally opened a photog- raphy gallery on Fort Street in Victoria, from which he took portraits and captured scenes L.A. Blanc from around Vancouver Island. Louis A. Blanc was Barkerville’s resident Dally secured a position of prominence photographer from 1868 through 1872. Sim- within the colony, touring Vancouver Island as ilar to other photographers of this period, Governor Kennedy’s official photographer in Blanc used photography to supplement his August of his first year of business. income. The watch and jewellery shop which Universal Field Camera by Rochester Optical he opened in Victoria in 1860 was expanded In August of 1867, Dally arrived in Barker- circa 1902 The photos below are from the C.D. Hoy collection at Barkerville Historic Town. Hoy was a photographer in the early 20th century who left a wonderful collection of portraits documenting the ordinary lives of residents of the Cariboo from all ethnic groups Page 4 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 5 FRIENDS OF BARKERVILLE SOCIETY and auction. ISLAND MOUNTAIN ARTS GOES INTO THE MILLENNIUM Friends of Barkerville also aided in the development photo exhibit of “140 Years of Tourism in the Cariboo” which has Following the AGM of “the Friends” in September 1999, the been installed in the Visitors’ Centre and offers Millennium Wells BC Society prepared to go into the Millennium supporting the aims travellers a look at the visitors and modes of travel that arrived and needs of Barkerville in its celebration projects. before them. Summer School 2000 The scope of the projects was ambitious. Pat Pickering of our Among other interests of “the Friends” is the management Special Projects Committee reported proposals arising from of their “house” in Barkerville which offers information and meetings with Dianne Lawson, Regional Manager, Barkerville sland Mountain Arts is located in Wells just a direction to visitors. Two students are chosen each year to be few minutes from Barkerville Historic Town. Historic Town and Barkerville’s Administration Staff. Kevin on the job and to assist Barkerville administration in specific I Brickwood was assigned as “Project Coordinator” and together ways, thus assuring the appointees of student employment. This small mountain community is the perfect loca- with Bill Quackenbush will see the Millennium project to com- tion for an enriched artistic getaway for adults and pletion. Several projects have been identified . In the interest of students, “the Friends” offers a $500.00 bursary at the each year in memory of Jerry MacDonald, a pre- children. To aid in these restorations, the Special Projects Committee vious well-loved President of the Society. IMA has been offering arts instruction since has put additional effort behind the existing “Stake Your Claim” money raiser. Further money-raising plans are in prog- The success of Faith Moosang’s book, “FIRST SON -- Por- 1977. The tradition continues in the summer of ress over the summer, one of which will provide entertainment traits by C. D. Hoy”, publication of which was, in part, facil- 2000, with more than 30 courses being offered. itated by the Friends, is a source of pride-in-participation. in a new way for visitors in Barkerville. Reminiscent of cattle The 24th Annual Summer School of the Arts runs drives in the early years, “the Friends” have embarked upon Moosang has received an award for the best researched book from July 29th to August 11th with programs for an agreement with the Triple J Ranch, near Hixon, to bring a in B.C.. The “Hoy Tour” is going to the Museum of Man, Univer- cattle drive into Barkerville on July 26, followed by a barbecue sity of B. C., in 2002 and 2003, and will possibly tour New Zea- adults and children in the visual, literary and per- land and China as well. Currently, it is slated for exposure in forming arts. Adult workshops from July 29th to Seattle, Saskatoon, and Courtenay. August 6th include Drawing, Mixed Media, Sculp- The Trails Committee of F.O.B. ture, Watercolour, Beyond Landscape: Drawing on continues to recover-and-mark early the Imagination, Photography, Water Based Silk- gold trails and arrange summer hikes into creeks and gulches that Screen Printing, Basketry, Book Binding, Creative produced the gold. The 1861 Gold Writing and Poetry. Rush Pack Trail, the original route Between August 8th and 11th we offer the Acous- www.barkerville.com of the gold seekers from Keithley to tic Music School which includes Finger Style Richfield and Barkerville, opened in September 1999 the high country of Guitar, Singing, Blues Harmonica and Musician- the Cariboo Range to hikers and his- ship; intermediate level Photography, Watercolour tory buffs. This year the Van Winkle and Beyond Landscape: Drawing on the Imagina- Trail will celebrate an opening hike tion; and Creative Writing, Prose and Poetry for and will trace the way of the early beginners to advanced students. These classes prospectors from the 1861 Pack Trail are in the mornings and evenings with the after- down along the headwaters of Light- ning Creek to the sites of Van Winkle noons free to enjoy a variety of guided backcountry and Stanley. Other well-known trails opportunities such as hiking, biking and gold pan- have been recovered and identified ning. in past years and there are still more to come. The Children’s Arts Program is designed for three age groups; 3 to 5 years (pre school), 6 to 8 On June 30, a celebration in Barkerville will proclaim conserva- years and 9 to 12 years. The program parallels Cariboo Sentinel II tion and safeguarding the heritage the adult classes and offers children an opportunity values of the Stanley-Barkerville sec- to explore materials, their ideas as well as other Back Issues tion of the Cariboo Waggon Road.. physical activities from July 29th to August 16th. Available The Friends of Barkerville -- Cariboo There are also specific programs in creative writ- Goldfields Historical Society has pur- ing and choir. All programs run from 9am to 4pm Souvenir Set (asst’ 4 sued, for many years, heritage des- and include snacks and a brown bag lunch. issues) $3.89 ...... ignation for this section of the first road into the gold fields. The Proc- The International Folk (Celtic) Harp School runs Mail/Handling lamation, coming in the Millennium from August 16th to 20th and offers classes for Year, “with due pomp and cere- beginner, intermediate I & II and advanced level ADD .... $2.00 mony”, is felt to be a positive initial Please include step to full Heritage designation later classes for adults. cheque or money order. on. You are welcome to attend the IMA Gallery’s A recent report by one of our com- Exhibition Openings: Matthew Wheeler’s Ice Lenses Send to: mittees spoke of restoration work and Other Pieces of the Planet exhibiting until July on “our northern gold rush capital.” 16; Norman Yates Landspace 160: The Cariboo, Cariboo Sentinel The Friends of Barkerville feels this opening July 22, exhibiting until August 13; and Box 24, Barkerville, B.C. is an apt reference to the town for Monique Germaine’s Contrasts, opening August 19, V0K 1B0 ~ Canada which it sets its sights. Achievement of projects in this Millennium Year by exhibiting until September 17, 2000. Island Moun- October to May address: 79f North Third Ave, Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 2A5 both Barkerville and “the Friends” tain Arts offers an impressive list of Special Events will open the way to even further such as a Blues Harmonica & Guitar Concert, a Contents ©Copyright Ron Young 2000. Reproduction in horizons. Celtic & Folk Harp Concert: Literary Readings and by Jean E. Speare whole or in part prohibited without written consent. Coffee Houses.

For contact information see our ad below.   Join the Friends of Barkerville Help us Preserve Protect & Promote Barkerville's Living History Museum and the Historic Trails and Roads that Led to the Goldfields Yearly membership for F.O.B. - single - $15/yr - family - $20/yr Membership includes a Seasons Pass to Barkerville Contact Us:  through the Information House on site in Barkerville  on your way to Barkerville at the

Wells Museum OR

 at RR #8, Box 28, Airport Site,   Quesnel, B.C. V2J 5E6 Page 6 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 7 The Henry Clay Camera was introduced in mid-1891, a period during which the gelatin dry-plate The Henry Clay process was rapidly giving way to rollfilm systems in the United States. Henry Clay Cameras were manufactured by the American Optical Company for The Scovill & Adams Company of New York and advertised as the only “Double-Shifting and Swing-Front Hand-Camera.” The Henry Clay Camera was the first self-casing, dry plate camera introduced in the 1890s. courtesy Rob Niederman http://www.usinternet.com/users/rniederman/cameras.htm

Early Photographers CONTINUED FROM PG 4 to a photography studio in 1865 when he pur- chased the assets of a retiring photographer. In June of 1867 Blanc moved his studio to Richfield; in 1868 he arrived in Barkerville as a jeweller and photographer. Blanc’s two story building suffered over one thousand dollars in damages in the 1868 fire which levelled much of Barkerville. His store THE BURGER FAMILY IS BACK! was, however, rebuilt and remained a studio until 1872 when the Cariboo Sentinel moved into the building and Blanc retired from photography. Blanc’s work was recognized in his own time as well as ours when K a r i n ’ s selections from the Louis Blanc collection were published in the Cana- dian Illustrated News in the late nineteenth century. Blanc leftBarker- DELICATESSEN & HEALTH FOODS ville in 1872 and there is no trace of him after that. Many of his best photographic efforts may have disappeared with him. 436 Reid Street, Quesnel, BC V2J 2M6 Phone: 992-7312 Fax: 992-7351 Charles Gentile • Organic & Natural Foods • Charles Gentile, born • Vitamins & Herbal Supplements • in Italy in 1835, visited • Natural Skin Care Products • the Cariboo in 1865 as • Imported Gifts & Jewellery • part of Governor Sey- • Salads & Sandwiches • mour’s party. Although • European Delicatessen • he did not attempt to establish a photogra- Nature’s Prescription for Wellness phy studio or any other business in the area, his photographs of the Governor’s party pro- vide a valuable histori- WHITE CAP cal record of the young colony. MOTOR INN John Henry Blome John Henry Blome & RV PARK worked as a portrait 1 and 2 bedroom suites with kitchenettes and living room, photographer in Kam- satellite TV, outdoor hot-tub, full service RV Park, shower facilities, loops, Achcroft and public laundry, playground, convenience & gift store, Clinton between 1895 CANOE RENTAL FOR BOWRON LAKE CIRCUIT AND AREA and 1900. He carried gold panning, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling,

MasterCard a tent studio with him, VISA ® English, Swiss & German spoken ® erecting a portrait stage 8 km (5 mi.) from Barkerville - 28 km (17 mi. to Bowron Lk. and dark room on the grounds of the hotels OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND ~ Toll Free: 1-800-377-2028 where he stayed. 3885 SKI HILL ROAD, BOX 153, WELLS, B.C. CANADA VOK 2R0 by Nicole Ross (250) 994-3489 http://www.whitecapinn.bc.ca - email [email protected] Page 6 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 7 Alas, disaster came there seemed to be no only months of their quickly to the Drom- solution for the ani- arrival, the camels edary Express. Just mals’ greatest draw- were abandoned with after leaving Lillooet, back. The presence of a couple shipped south one camel plunged to the camels, even the to the U.S. and the rest its death over a cliff distant smell of them, turned loose to fend near Pavillion Creek. agitated the other pack for themselves. That According to animals to hysteria. winter most of them Duivenvoorden Mitic, Mules bolted. Horses perished, but a lucky by the time the camels whinnied and whaled. few ended up living reached Pavillion Many mules and even into the next century at Mountain the pads of one camel plummeted Henry Ingram’s ranch their hooves were so down into the canyons west of Kamloops. sore and swollen that as a result of agitated Today, there are no they had to inch up encounters between remaining descendents of the steep sides of the them on the narrow the Bactrian camels in mountain on battered trails. the Cariboo, but the story and bloodied knees. The mule packers lingers in the minds of It wasn’t long before were incensed. They many. In fact, in 1981 the Laumeister admitted quickly launched a people of Lillooet chose that the animals could flood of lawsuits to name their new bridge, not carry the loads against Laumeister for The Bridge of 23 Camels. ome think that pack five times that of Georgia to New he’d hoped for. Their damages and even by Susan Mather Kipling’s obser- of a mule and travel Westminster where tender feet, accus- petitioned Governor Svation of their twice as far. They they were loaded onto tomed to soft desert Douglas to boot the halitosis and lack of could go for up to a a barge for Harrison sands, were ill suited camels off the trails. personal daintiness week without water Lake. By the end for the rough rocky But as it turned out best explains their and survive easily on of June the animals trails they were forced they didn’t need the Cariboo demise. little more than sage- embarked on their first to follow. While some Governor’s help Others argue it was brush. Laumeister did journey freighting sup- kind-hearted handlers because the Drome- their goat-like habit of the math. By purchas- plies to the gold made rawhide and dary express was a devouring almost any- ing 23 camels in San fields. canvas boots for the financial bust. Within thing they could get Francisco at $300 a camels’ sore hoofs, their teeth into from head, he’d be assured tents to laundry soap. a $60,000 profit in the But most people agree first season alone! Proud Supporters that the straw that On April 15, 1862, 23 broke the camel’s two-humped Bactrians of back, (so to speak), rambled off the steamer was their tendency to Hermann at Esquimalt. Historic Barkerville agitate the mules. Throngs of on-lookers Frank Laumeister, a came to witness the spec-

successful American tacle. By all accounts the ® merchant who moved group of strangers did not PETRO-CANADA ® to Victoria in 1859, start off on the right foot decided that he could (or should I say hoof?) BOB GRAHAM LTD. make his fortune, not Their journey, first from Fuel & Lubricant Distributors mining gold but with Manchuria to San Fran- Telephone (250) 992-6600 23 camels. Although cisco, then to Victoria, Fax (250) 992-3258 there were several left them kind of grumpy. hundred head of pack According to historian Bob Graham - Agent mules running freight Harlan Fowler, one camel Residence (250) 747-3433 to the goldfields, Lau- was so disgusted with his meister knew that travels, that he “spat, as 1261 Smith Ave., Quesnel, B.C. V2J 2Y8 supply wasn’t keeping camels will” right in an up with demand. on-lookers’ eye. Another BRENT GRAHAM LTD. Although the mules camel, writes historian Environmental Services were reliable they Trudy Duivenvoorden Telephone (250) 992-6697 were also expensive Mitic, “lashed out and Fax (250) 992-3258 and slow carrying only kicked the Hermann’s cap- about about 200 tain, George S. Wright, FONTAINE Brent Graham GOLD PANNING pounds while travel- smartly into the harbour.” 24-Hour (250) 992-2901 ling no more than 15 Despite their shaky miles a day. None- e-mail: [email protected] start, the camels were web site: http://www.netbistro.com/bgraham theless, packers were sent across the Strait earning the high rate of 50 cents per pound. Laumeister sought out a better animal -- one that travelled farther, carried more, and ate less. Camels, yes, camels! He had heard they were used during the California rush of 1849. On checking his American sources he was assured that camels could in fact Page 8 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 9

Not on the creek this season but in the hearts and memories of all their friends and fans ~ “Jack & Kate” Bella Hodgkins: Formerly Mr. Peter Chance: A Mary Hastie: recently Mr. Pattullo: The richest known as Hurdy Billie, charming debonair gentle- arrived from San Fran- man in the colony in 1870 now married to Bill Hodg- man who spends many an cisco she is spelling off and a sworn Dominionist. kinson & operating a very evening “entertaining” the Mrs. Bowron in the school- Also a renowned philan- respectable laundry. She local miners with “harm- house whilst recovering thropist helping those less works so hard her hus- less” games of card & from a broken heart. fortunate. band is oft heard to say chance “Sleep Bella, Sleep”. Who’s Who on the Street In Old Barkerville

Judge Bushby and Judge Mr. Grimbsby and Mr. Mr. Cameron & Mr. Ames Mr. Hamilton: Regularly Begbie: Justice prevails at Cruikshank: of the Sheep- (not pictured): Fine crafts- seen traversing the streets the Richfield Courthouse skin Claim. You may be men with the hammer and with the BX Stage when under the scrutiny of their investing before you know steel in the Blacksmith he’s not chatting up the Honours. it - watch your poke. shop. ladies. Advertisement: Dr. Chipp’s Drug Store advertised “Drugs -- New Drugs! Suitable for Cariboo and the neighborhood” in 1872. “At reasonable prices” Dr. Chipp will supply “Patent Medicines, Leeches, Lozenges, Stationary, Knee Caps, Socks and Wristlets. Improved Shoulder Braces, Infants’ Feeding Bottles, India Rubber Teats, Rings and Tabs for Teething”.

“It’s all here!”

The Only COMPLETE FAMILY WESTERN STORE in Williams Lake! Full Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Prescription Service Monday thru Saturday except Friday, open 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cosmetics • Lottery • Photofinishing #3 - 11 South Second Avenue Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 3W3 Film • Cameras Phone Toll Free: 1-877-338-7222 Giftware • Souvenirs

Phone: (250) 392-7222 DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN Fax: (250) 392-7220 QUESNEL WILLIAMS LAKE website: www.cariboo-net.com/willies 225 St. Laurent Avenue #12 - 2nd Avenue South Two blocks east of Hwy 97 8-6 Mon.-Wed. We Do Take 8:30-9 Mon.-Fri. 8-9 Thu. & Fri. Telephone Orders! 9-6 Sat. 8-6 Sat. 10-6 Sundays & Holidays 11-4 Sundays & Holidays 992-2214 392-3333 Page 8 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 9

Miss Florence Wilson: Kate Hartley: Hurdy Samuel Montgomery: Mrs Kelly: Sample her Mrs. Murphy: Barkerville’s postmistress at the turn of the Founder of the Cariboo Gurdy dancer. Kate yearns came to Barkerville in tasty delicacies at the century with strong connections to the Chinese community. Literary Institute and a for a life not of dancing search for that one that Wendle house, just follow founding member of the but of home and family, glitters like the sun. He is the enticing aroma of Cariboo Amateur alas, she is indentured to up from the 49 Rush of fresh baking. Dramatic Association. Boss Hurdy Rosa Hubb California to seek his for- tune In Old Barkerville

North Central Repairs & Machine Shop

Automotive and Small Engine Repair Lee Chong: Also known now available: as “forty below” runs the laundry across from the "Blue Wonder Cleaning Cloth" Lung Duck Tong (also the town bootlegger). Join him for a friendly game of Mah Jong. 3841 Hwy 97 North Located across from A&W on 2 Mile Flat Quesnel P.O. Box 4689 BC V2J 3J9 Phone: 250-992-7144 Fax: 250-992-7194 Page 10 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 11 the alliance and as a result the assault never Death & Taxes Chief Will-Yum Story took place. Although this was not a great his- CONTINED FROM PG 1 Williams Lake is named in honour of “Will- torical event for the Indian People, it did pre- and rapidity with which confiscated the entire Yum”, the first chief of the Sugar Canes, one vent what surely would have been a bloody the English officials fer- outfit, cargo and animals, of the northern most tribes of the Shuswap history for Williams Lake. reted out any misdeam- thus making himself one Nation. In 1859, plans were being made by The Sugar Cane people were a nomadic eanour. Any man who of the more unpopular the Indians of this area to wipe out all the men in the district. The tribe when the white man came to the Cari- ever had the opportunity White Settlers. A meeting amoung the Shus- or misfortune to sit in waggon road we know boo. They moved wherever food was abun- wap, Chilcotins and Carriers took place near the court of Chief Justice today had not yet been dant: their hunting area ranged from the what is now Lac la Hache. In order for the Begbie, Justices Ball or completed as far north Fraser River near Chimney Creek, east to massacre to be successful complete alliance Bushby will know that to as Lytton and provisions, Horsefly Lake and south to Lac La Hache. was necessary amongst these tribes. Chief be the case. The subject never mind spirits, were scarce. Will-Yum conviced the Shuswaps not to join In the mad scramble to settle the Cariboo, of this story was no slouch the Sugar Cane people were left without either and although he “There was no waggon land to live on. The Federal Government was remained a commissioner road from Yale to Lytton. At the for less than a year before forced to buy back several lots and ranches to low stages of water we were moving on, he had a style make reserves for these people. This reserve enabled to transport goods by of administration all his boat, going through the can- was named Sugar Cane after one of the own: illustrated no better yons before the river com- ranches that was bought back. perhaps, than in the fol- menced to increase in volume. Back then our people depended on nature lowing account. We tried different kinds of for survival; today we must look outwards to In 1858, many parties boats, but found the best for the business and commerce. Our future lies not of men and large pack purpose was the Northern four only in the value we get from our past but in trains came into British ton canoe.” – James Moore, our children and our ability to adjust to any Columbia from the prospector. new situation that confronts us. Oregon Territory and it When the Moore party was one of Captain Tra- reached Lytton on 26th Chief Rick Gilbert, April 1982 vaillot’s duties to see that January 1859, having these people did not made the trip north from smuggle liquor and other Yale in temperatures that FREE items into the country sometimes dipped below ADS without paying the Queen 30 degrees, they soon her due. heard of the wholesale CARIBOOWIDE.COMCARIBOOWIDE.COM Only a few months after seizure of “firewater.” It he had been appointed was, after all, the biggest a pack train arrived at news in town. Lytton, ostensibly laden One evening shortly with provisions, but after their arrival, the CARIBOOWIDE whose cargo consisted in members of this party, the main of kegs of liquor. including a fellow by the DOT.COM Cpt. Travaillot promptly name of James Glennon, Travel Into the Past and Experience A Bygone Era

B.C. Heritage, Ministry of Small Business, Tourism & Culture, School District 28, Quesnel & Human Resources Develop- ment Canada have partnered to recreate the past. Local youth and seniors work together to make history come alive. As you journey along the Gold Rush Trail, make plans to treat your family to three living exhibits of the Cariboo’s past. The first stop you’ll want to make, if you’re travelling north along the Trail, is at the Antique Machinery Park (110 kms. North of Williams Lake, 11 kms. south of Quesnel), an easy pull-out to your right. Take time to stretch your legs and enjoy this unique collection of historic working machinery. Demonstrations of mining, farming, blacksmithing and log- ging equipment will be held throughout the summer. Continuing along the Gold Rush Trail, just north of Quesnel, turn off Highway 97 to Highway 26 and travel east heading for Barkerville. At kilometre 28 you will find Cottonwood House Provincial Park, a once thriving Road House, dating back to 1863. Learn about the Boyd family who owned Cottonwood House since 1874 and walk down a rare section of the origi- nal Cariboo Road, which passes the front door. On to Barkerville and the end of the Gold Rush Trail ... Be sure to look in on the Holt & Burgess Cabinet Shop where stu- dents create and sell wood products used in the 1800’s. All are manufactured in Quesnel at the North Cariboo Youth Wood Product Company. Page 10 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Page 11 together with some other it smells–” age, a sort of mild liquor,” the miners. But before he Your input needed: miners, were sitting answered Glennon, and reached that stage of utter “Drink man, drink!” around the stove in the in a fit of abstraction he helplessness he slapped Bowron Lake & Cariboo urged the captain, impa- saloon discussing the held the glass under the Jim Glennon solemnly on tiently thrusting the glass season, the country and faucet and tried another the shoulder. Mountains Parks into Glennon’s hand, who other topics of common sample. Very soon every then raised it to his lips “You feel all right now, Did you know that the mountains between interest. Glennon, who man had tested and sam- with exasperating delib- mon ami, eh?” That is Bowron Lake Park and Wells Gray Park are pro- had been rather silent, pled to his heart’s content, eration, winking at his liquor all right, eh?” he tected too? Cariboo Mountains Park was created apparently absorbed in as did Captain Travaillot friends as he did so. asked and chuckled in 1995, so now all three of these parks form one thought, abruptly himself, who did not for softly. huge area of protected habitat for the species that addressed the members “Well, what you say one moment forget his of his party: “As a matter now, eh? Good liquor, duty as host and set Glennon paused a live there and the people that recreate there. of courtesy, I think we eh?” demanded Travail- such a good example that, moment before replying, As you may know, Bowron Lake Park contains should pay a visit to the lot. overcome possibly by the “Yes, captain, in that keg, a world-renowned canoe circuit, while Wells Gray yes, but I can’t swear to gold commissioner.” “I must admit the gos- potent fumes of the liquor, offers great alpine hiking, camping, and canoeing. the others – yet!” “I reckon Jim’s cooking sips were quite in the he became confidential, Cariboo Mountains Park is a little more mysteri- Jason Young something,” one miner wrong. It seems to be then maudlin and finally ous – since it is so new, there is very little develop- in Montreal said to another. Glennon a very palatable bever- had to be put to bed by ment in the way of trails or campgrounds. This stood and prepared to leads to several questions: face the bitter cold. “Anyone coming?” All the • Should BC Parks build these facilities Moore party and some and encourage more visitors? of the others joined him • Should we give permits to guides and and together they walked tour operators, and for which activities? briskly to Travaillot’s shack. • How should we ensure the rare species such as the Mountain Caribou and Grizzly Bears “Come to see me, eh?” cried Travaillot when he that need large areas to survive are not saw the party at his door- impacted by humans? step, “Tres bien. Venez! • Do we even know enough about the Venez toute le monde, ecosystems at work in the park to and sit down near the make these decisions? stove.” • In general, how should we manage this Glennon was a good large wilderness park? conversationalist and soon all the awkwardness Faced with questions like these, BC Parks needs common amongst strang- your help. We are developing a Management ers had evaporated into Plan for the Cariboo Mountains, Cariboo River hazy pipe smoke. and Bowron Lake Parks - a process that started “Captain, it is reported in May 2000, and will last about a year. Our in the town,” Glennon planner is ready to hear the concerns of anyone jerked his thumb towards with any interest in these parks. Public meetings the door, “that a great joke and open houses are planned for neighbouring has been played on you. communities, and we also welcome phone calls They say that those kegs and letters. of liquor you seized were filled with water.” The Please contact Chris Hamilton, Senior Planner, captain sat bolt upright, BC Parks, Cariboo District, 281 First Ave North, the picture of bewilder- Williams Lake, BC V2G 1Y7. Tel. (250) 398-4414 ment, the smile gone from his pleasant face. “Sacre bleu” he splut- tered, “do you call me a fool?” “Most certainly not, my dear Capitaine, assuredly not,” protested Glennon with a visage as solemn as the proverbial owl. “But that is what they are saying in the town.” “C’est pas vrai. C’est pas vrai. I will prove it to you; I will satisfy you.

Come with me and bring f Moore any keg in here you like and we shall see, eh?” and his eyes snapped again. photo credit: Geof A keg was thereafter brought in and the Captain duly tapped it and drew off a sample glass. “Now you see!” he exclaimed in triumph, holding aloft a beverage of pale amber for all to see. “It certainly looks like liquor,” remarked Glen- non; he sniffed the air with uptilted nose and added, critically, “and yes, Page 12 Cariboo Sentinel II ~ Barkerville Historic Town ~ British Columbia, Canada ~ Your Barkerville and Bowron Home Base

A 1930s Country Inn, Pub And Restaurant Reservations 1-800-860-2299

P.O. Box 39, Wells, BC Canada, V0K 2R0 Tel: (250) 994-3427 Fax: (250) 994-3494 www.wellshotel.com [email protected]