On the cover

Weekend picnicking was one of Vancouverites’ most popular recreational pastimes in Stanley Park. The women’s dresses, china cups, wooden picnic boxes, and forest density suggest that these picnickers may have arrived at their secluded spot by carriage or automobile. PHOTOGRAPHER: Philip Timms.

storystartson page six.

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Letters to the Editor 4 News of the Association 5

Features Stanley Park: Vancouver’s Forest Playground by Robert A.J. McDonald 6 Trails Radiating from New Westminster, c. 1865 by R.C. Harris 14 Jottings of a Gentleman by Patrick A. Dunae 19 Discovery: 1912 by E.W. Giesecke 22

News and Notes 25 Reports from the Branches 26 Anne Stevenson 28

Bookshelf The West Howe Sound Story by Francis J. Van Den Wyngaert The Fort Nelson Story by Gerri F. Young A Guide to the Study of Manitoba Local History by Gerald Friesen and Barry Potyondi review by Clarence Karr 33 Manlike Monsters on Trial by Marjorie M. Halpin and Michael Ames, eds. Totem Poles: An Illustrated Guide by Marjorie Halpin Gabriola: Petroglyph Island by Mary and Ted Bentley Mungo Martin: Man of Two Cultures by the B.C. Indian Arts Society review by Douglas Cole 34 Vancouver: An Illustrated History by Patricia E. Roy review by Ted Goshulak 35 Promise of Eden: The Canadian Expansionist Movement and the idea of the West by Doug Owram review by Ian MacPherson 36 My Mother the judge: A Biography of Helen Gregory MacGill by Elsie Gregory MacGill review by Barbara Latham 37

Second-class mail registration number 4447.

Published fall, winter, spring, and summer by the British Columbia Historical Association, P.O. Box 1738, Victoria, V8W 2Y3. Our Charitable Donations number is 0404681-52-27. Printed by Fotoprint, Victoria, B.C. Correspondence with editor is to be addressed to Box 1738, Victoria, V8W 2Y3.

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The B.C. Historical Association gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the British Columbia Heritage Trust. Double Circuit Transmission Line, Stage 1, To the Editor Summary Report, July 1981. Running as it will through half-mile wide valleys, this line will jeopardize important vestiges of the work of the The Editor: Royal Engineers and others, all that remain after construction of four existing power lines. Planned construction of high voltage transmis High voltage lines less advanced in planning sion lines threatens to destroy much of what will branch south along Lillooet Lake and con remains of the Harrison-Lillooet route. It is a route tinue towards Port Douglas, endangering heritage of provincial importance: in March 1980, the resources of the southern section of the Harrison Heritage Conservation Branch of the Ministry of Lillooet route. Transmission lines already slice the Provincial Secretary published the Lillooet through some of the historic sites of the Resource Fraser Resource Study which describes in detail Study. After construction of the proposed massive this one-time road to the gold fields of the Fraser developments, all sections of the first highway on and its tributaries. the mainland may disappear along with old mile The Study summarizes the potential of what is house locations. left of the southern section of the first Cariboo Several Pemberton community groups: the Road and its mile houses: ratepayers’ organizations of Birken, Pemberton, of Pemberton “... significant remnants of the Harrison and Whistler; as well as the Village Lillooet route still exist, particularly in the Port and the Squamish-[illooet Regional District, all Douglas-D’Arcy corridor.” (page 143, Vol. 1) oppose more power lines through inhabited groups and the Mount “The Harrison-Lillooet route offers the best valleys. The ratepayers’ coalition for more overall potential in the study region for Currie Band have formed a planning conservation and interpretation of heritage effective opposition. Because Hydro is to for the Kelly Lake-Cheekye resources.” (page 144) submit an application line later this year, we who protest the routing of “that the Port Douglas-D’Arcy corridor be this line have little time to prepare forceful designated a provincial heritage recreation arguments to present to the B.C. Utilities Commis corridor.” (page 53) sion. B.C. Hydro’s plans for additional power lines We are asking for support. The address of the threaten this corridor over its entire length. In secretary of the People’s Energy Review Coalition 1981, the corporation published the findings (PERC) is Box 4, Pemberton, B.C. VON 2L0. which can affect historic sites located at intervals for about fifteen miles south west from D’Arcy. Mrs. Thord Fougberg They are contained in Kelly Lake-Cheekye 500kv Pemberton, B.C.

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Page 4 British Columbia Historical News A Message from the President Hello, The convention has come and gone. A hearty vote of thanks to the Cowichan Historical Society and their active convention committee, It was a most successful convention in a beautiful setting with that feeling of friendship so important to these occasions. You followed all the rules by providing a wealth of historical information and good fellowship. A rose to you all, Cowichan Historical Society. The visit of the Heritage Advisory Board with Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Weilburn and Donald New (left to Mr. Russell Irving was very informative. We look right) at the B.C.H.A. Annual Convention at Cowichan forward to a closer relationship with this body. Mr. Bay. Donald New is a past-president of the Association. Frey and Mr. Tarasoff attended our council meeting and will be attending more meetings, where they will be able to keep in touch with all areas of the province. I make this oft repeated plea to all societies. Please let your executive know where we can be the most assistance to you. If you have complaints, News Policy please voice them; if you have praise, let that be known also. I ask your cooperation with all committees. I hope to be able to visit some of your societies next year. I extend a warm welcome to Cornmittee the new societies who have joined us this year.

— Barbara Stannard. Members of the News Policy Committee, an advisory committee set up one year ago, are Helen Akrigg, Naomi Miller, Winnifred Weir, ex officio Barbara Stannard, and myself, Ruth Barnett, chairperson. The committee has met three times and members have conferred by telephone and letter. During this period the News has expanded from an issue of 24 pages to the last one of 38 pages. Back Issues of News The committee is exploring methods by which the News may be retailed and become better Still Available known in the province. At this time, the retail price of a copy of the News has been set at three dollars. Tom Carrington has kindly agreed to be Back issues of the B.C. Historical News, over distributor. the ten years that Phil and Anne Yandle were My thanks go to our hardworking and imagi editors, can still be obtained from the Alberni native editor, to the members of the committee District Museum and Historical Society, P.O. Box for their co-operation, and to those who have 284, Port Alberni, B.C., V9Y 7M7. mailed in both suggestions and material. They cannot guarantee further holding of these copies after October 1982. The only charge

— postage prepaid. — Ruth Barn ett

Summer 1982 Page 5

Page 6 British Columbia News Historical

easily most reached point the bridge, Harbour 53,255 that July of 1911 census revealed users

Coal the of end north at the in ed particular A park.” “people’s to the flocked backgrounds

occur Crowding limited. more were possibilities social and all economic of citizens Thereafter,

recreational Park’s Stanley on foot, entered 1897. in Street Georgia sometime entrance the

who visitors, park of majority vast the For reached a the line until city’s for streetcar majority

at fast motor” “snorting speeds.10 difficult park to the relatively Access remained

his

in park the around by roaring notoriety tions.

gained one, for Rogers, B.T. magnate Sugar road. attrac natural seductive Park’s Stanley enhanced

perimeter Park’s Stanley around drives favoured merely locations of alternative recreational

too, Motorists, professionals. and businessmen lack 1887. For in park Vancouverites, purposes for

class middle wealthier of toy the remained cars city to the granted reserve, was A it military former

1900 after decade the Throughout in B.C. Park. Stanley stood out: 1899.8 parks shortsighted policy

in automobile first the acquired Armstrong W.H. essentially to One Vancouver’s exception

leader Business Park. Stanley in travelling of means only recreational space. core’s

democratic less a much offered car motor The inner the ed Cambie provided grounds Street

Rock. Siwash and Point as Prospect attractions maintain poorly the city in were 1902, purchased

northside such to nineties the in park the the of side east the fields Until on playing parks.

across swarmed bug, the cycling by smitten ites, recreational of an abundance Vancouver with

Vancouver class middle and cycling, for locale a early endowed had leaders not civic minded

as Park Stanley with compete could City Terminal Business- playground. forest its recreation”,

the of part No other 1890s7 the in pastimes tional of “place its spot”, “breathing Vancouver’s

recrea popular most America’s North urban of also was It and money-maker. civic attraction

one cycling made pricetag inexpensive relatively a tourist than was more much Park Stanley

and frame, diamond-shaped drive, chain-gear Vancouver.” 2 Park Stanley in

wheels, equal-sized construction, tubular weight like silence to and you subdue adjectives of stock

light tires, pneumatic bicycle’s safety

new The

your exhaust

in no but will the park world

...

...

dignitaries. and tourists visiting was with parks, and are parks remarked, Hubbard “There

it

as

elite carriage-owning city’s the with popular Elbert As writer feature. most acclaimed widely

as

was Point at Prospect lookout spectacular the Vancouver’s alike. became Park Stanley boosters

to

drive carriage afternoon Sunday A forest. great estate real and Railway Pacific the Canadian

the

of heart inner the into far venture could cars by exploited were fully features advertising Its

motor or rigs, horses, bicycles, owning Those to harbour. the city’s trance

to the owing car, street crowd.”6 en western at the standing

rainforest proudly

a

on Park Stanley get to to proposition hard a natural of a 960 Park, peninsula acre Stanley

was

“it that complain would some people, 121,000 like quite

civilization edge to of the wilderness

of

city

this

in then, wonder, Little alone.

Sunday drew park urban No a other big yard of

city.1

on

entered pedestrians 22,000 almost period; front the in a forest was parks primeval American

seven-day one during the park entered bicycles North alone among It Park was Stanley unique.

660 and rigs, 1171 automobiles, 1114 pedestrians, Vancouver’s state, early, its unmanicured In

J. Robert McDonald A.

Forest Playground

Stanley Park: Vancouver’s —— Sc* I4OQFT TiI,..

Map of Stanley Park, 1898 Thompson Stationery Company, Tourist Guide Map of Vancouver City and Park, 1898, Vancouver City Archives. from the city by road or streetcar. Between 1891 While on the surface Stanley Park’s broad popular and 1897 twelve acres of forest were cleared near appeal appeared to draw rich and poor together the bridge, and a zoo, aviary, bear pit, and lawns in harmonious union, closer examination reveals were added. that different socio-economic groups enjoyed the In the early 1890’s the fourteen-acre Brockton park’s recreational offerings quite unequally. Point athletic grounds were carved from the forest Vancouver’s “plain every-day people” did not at the eastern end of the park. Spectators reached have full use of the park. As Lees himself went on the grounds either by trail from the main park to say, the “masses congregate near the entrances entrance or by Union Steamship Company boat. because they are not blessed with motor cars and Naval displays by visiting sailors, militia pageants, horses.”12 To cite Park Board statistics again, only band concerts, and competitive athletic contests 3.5 percent of all pedestrians reached Prospect made Brockton Point, with its fields and bleachers, Point on the park’s north side.13 East Vancouver’s the park’s most active recreational centre. Second residents’ support in 1911 for a proposed tramline Beach, long popular for swimming and seaside from Coal Harbour across the park to Siwash Rock picnics, was within walking distance of both the reflected many Vancouverites’ growing frustra Georgia and Beach Street entrances.11 tion with restricted access to the park’s outer In short, as Park Commissioner A. E. Lees reaches.14 noted in 1913, Stanley Park was “not for the rich The recreational grounds, too, were a source alone.” It was also “the heritage of the masses.” of public controversy. From 1888 to 1913, control

Summer 1982 Page 7 of the grounds rested with the Brockton Point Advertiser, 26 May 1897, p. 5. Athletic Association, a private body initially 5 Ibid., 27 july 1911, in V.P.B. Papers, R.G. 7, Clippings, dominated by socially prominent businessmen.15 1. 51-B-5, VCA. While some working class players, such as those 6 Vancouver Daily Province, 15 November 1912, 16. associated with the city’s lacrosse teams, played at p. Brockton Point, fees charged by the Association Richard Harmond, “Progress and Flight: An Interpre tation of the American Cycle Craze of the 1890s,” tended to restrict use of the playing fields to better Journal of Social History, vol.5(1971—72), pp. 235-257. organized and wealthier teams and limit popular roles.16 8 E.O.S. Scholefield and F.W. Howay, British Columbia participation to spectator Consequently, as from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vancouver, early as the 1890’s Vancouver labour unions were 1914, vol. 3, pp. 222-226. demanding additional free recreational grounds British Columbians registered only 594 automobiles elsewhere in the park and city.17 in 1909, but this number increased markedly to 6138 By 1912 Stanley Park had reached a turning in 1913. point. Increased patronage stimulated a major 10 Vancouver Sun, 21 October 1965, 17. debate about whether the park’s wilderness p. character should be maintained at all costs, See McKee, “Vancouver Park System,” chapter 4; or W.S. Rawlings to Major A.B. Carey, 4 January 1913, whether popular demands for greater access, V.P.B. Papers, R.G. 7, Correspondence, Loc. 48-E-1, more open space, and additional recreational VCA; and Major j.5. Matthews Photograph Collec facilities should be heeded. Should Stanley Park tion,vol. 149 (Stanley Park), p. 92. remain a “holy retreat” as wilderness preserva 12 News-Advertiser, 7 january 1913, in V,P.B. Papers, tionists demanded, or become a more “practical R.G. 7, Clippings, Loc. 51-B-5, VCA. breathing spot” as the masses maintained?18 13 j.W. Wilkinson and J.H. McVety to the Sec. Board of Public pressure and Henry Ford’s Model-T appear Park Commissioners, 16 August 1911, V.P.B. Papers, to have decided the controversy in favour of the R.G. 7, Correspondence, 1. 48-C-3, VCA. popular 14 majority. News-Advertiser, 17 August 1911, pp. 1 and 4. 1 Saturday Sunset, 13 january 1912, in Vancouver Park 15 Ibid., 8 May 1888, p. 6; 10 May 1888, p. 6; and 3 june Board Papers, R.G.7, Clippings, Loc. 51-B-5, Vancou 1888, p. 1. ver City Archives (VCA). 16 For example, the city’s Vancouver Lacrosse Club of 2 Vancouver Park Board, First Annual Report, 1911, p. 1890 included a cabinetmaker, compositor, clerk, 53, in ibid. upholsterer, brakeman, watchmaker, merchant, and William C. McKee, “The History of the Vancouver express company messenger. See Matthews Photo Park System 1886-1929,” unpub. M.A. thesis, Univer graph Collection, vol. 145 (Sports), p. 48, and Vancouver city directories. sity of Victoria, 1976, pp. 34-35 and chapter 6. 17 ‘ The exact date of completion is unknown, but an News-Advertiser, 31 August 1895, p. 8. agreement between Vancouver and the Street railway 18 See V.P.B. Papers, R.G. 7, Clippings for 1912,passim., company was reached in May 1897. See Daily News- 1. 51-8-5, VCA.

1 “ ‘ S ,,.- -

/ /

- -S S fZ 11 - /5 Women and children at Second Beach, 190?

Local residents were using the beach on the west side of the military reserve even before S Vancouver acquired Stanley Park in 1887. In 1911 the Park Board underbrushed the area S behind the beach and added picnic facilities. PHOTOGRAPHER: Philip Timms. ; / . S.

Page 8 British Columbia Historical News Lawn near park entrance, overlooking Coal Harbour, c. 1905-10

Passive recreation such as strolling, walking through the zoo, picnicking, or lounging occupied the vast majority of pedestirans who clustered in the park near the Coal Harbour entrance. Squatters’ shacks can be seen on the left. The monument on the right was r erected in 1905 by the school children of Vancouver to honour Queen Victoria. PHOTOGRAPHER: Philip llmms

I,

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, — _____.v.’_ —

Summer 1982 Page 9 DD?OO-CD v, > ‘..< D L

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Vancouver y Archives, Matthews Collection, Vol 145 (Sports), p. ‘J ‘ I

Stanley Park bridge, May 24 or Dominion Day, 1898

This bridge, erected in 1888, was the main entrance to Stanley Park. A regimental marching band is crossing the bridge. The area around the zoo and aviary (shown in the picture) was the most congested in the park. The Capilano water pipeline is shown on the left. PHOTOGRAPHER: Unknown.

Spring 1982 Page 11 SMN lfl!i049H 9W9OJ qsppg U Automobiles in Stanley Park, c. 1905.

The increasingly popular automobile, permitted to operate in Stanley Park starting in 1905, allowed wealthier members of the middle class to enjoy all parts of the park. In contrast, despite demands from labour unions and many eastside residents, electric trams were resolutely forbidden from entering the forest reserve. PHOTOGRAPHER: Philip Timms

Robert A.). McDonald is an Assistant Professor in the History Department at the University of British Columbia. He is the co-editor of the recent publica tion British Columbia: Historical Readings.

4

t

Summer 1982 Page 13

Page 14 News Historical Columbia British

a press, mile about of upstream Queen(s)bo Lands elected the in remained to He settle here.

a an included and printing observatory which who 1863. majority of Launders part the was

camp, The Royal their established Enginers in of disbanded was the ment Royal Engineers

delta. Luard’s Detach the Columbia When contingent.

Royal now at the City, Fraser apex the of the right H.R. Captain as of British one 1859 in Columbia

is of capital, site hill but the which the finally chose to came James Sapper Launders Benjamin

for north bank, the he Hill almost Mary selected Society, London.

the on bank the Fraser. of downstream Exploring Geographic at Royal and the Archives Provincial

south capital provisional Langley the of on Fort the at map room in be found will seven the sheets

the of alarm at position the exposed militarily all of map. Prints the 1865 of and for style book the

showed On Moody 1858, Col. late in arrival by work the of style the and 1865, book for work

mail. and access to supplies water civilian for salt Department’s made the in entries from Launders

also gave the was trails solidly weeks, for frozen to assigned be can they or not dated, signed are

as the Fraser when 1861/62 severe winters, such sheets the Although in tiers. two Columbia British

case and for extremely of the In settlement. survey southern covering started, Seven sheets were

land to the and open alternative access for military lumbia.

reasons: at two tidewater. least They were for built Co of British Colony Department, and Works

to map from tidewater trails all run seven show Lands at the J.B. Launders draftsman and surveyor

Launders’ excerpt of Examination from the of project a part-time was British which Columbia

Lands and of Works.) sioner of map miles 10 1 inch ambitious an of two sheet =

Commis Chief incumbent (Joseph the Trutch was from transcribed figure is The accompanying

Columbia. map is of 1871 British the “Trutch” 1870’s. the in began Westminster east New of and

compilations known of Department. best his One south system the road of Expansion map. street

the for maps and finely reds drawn of plans modern a on conspicuous therefore are and later,

hund produced Launders his career During adopted grids street rectangular the with conform

government. not do roads These Vancouver. Greater in

colonial of of and fabric part the as Works, highways of broad outline the

down Douglas, laid

Lands of Colonel Chief Commissioner Moody, James Governor of direction the

acting under

up under was set and Works which Department Engineers, Royal 1862 the and 1859 Between

c. 1865 Westminster,

New Trails from Radiating

R.C. Harris rough, on a flat now in front of the old federal were used as convenient baselines for district lot penitentiary. surveys on either side. This applies particularly to Two of the five “roads” started from the Royal • Douglas (now Eighth) Street, and to the North Engineer Camp on the east side of New West Road. minster hill, the other three started on the west The standard width of road allowance was one side.1 For some distance from the New Westmin chain (66 feet or 20 metres), but the early contracts ster street grid the roads ran straight, before only called for clearing an aisle 10 or 20 feet wide succumbing to the topography. The straight roads through the forest. Most road and trail building

From Sheet 2 of the unfinished LANDS AND WORKS DEPARTMENT 10-mile map of British Columbia, c. 1865. Draftsman: J.B. Launders (ex Royal Engineers).

Summer 1982 Page 15

Page 16 Columbia British Historical News

115 Road North accurately the describes This

etc.” small boulders, roots, exposed numerous

has which away, surface up, the being washed

cut badly is the it foot only line track a along ...

leaving underbrush, and fern with overgrown

is Inlet to Burrard Brunette from the roadway

“The reported: Howse Corporal) 1867 (ex 29 May

way.

On a as thoroughfare. than on either side surveys

the of bank

all the

Pitt is The River. blacktop road

land for a as baseline more served to

have

seems

on

ending before

bush in the unceremoniously

road the but 1859, in was let

Inlet Burrard tion

to

wife) end

of

Col.

Moody’s Hill Mary for (named

connec direct to build this

contract

first

The

a north loop the final The third round makes

the River as River, Road. Coquitlam Pitt Moody. Port to Road; Road North Moody Port

and tracks C.P. the Rail the Lougheed Highway, (inlet); Moody to to Inlet; Port Trail Burrard Trail

to cross east sharply Riverview turns hospital, then

Road of third runs North grounds Cape from Horn into the

at next The Cape of hill. Horn tip Highway the the

by is Lougheed superseded widened, new, the

until the line old Brunette follows which Avenue it

now The first is Road of third Pitt River

built stages. in was and Camp, Engineer several

the of Royal foot the not far from Road, North

It from was River. branched 1862. first It in opened

Pitt as as and far east of north Westminster New trails. different two

lands to This the road farming gave access for used was name the same times, At synonyms.

the of most by followed first, given map is the

The

North Road

East

on name The follow. map Launders’ from excerpt

on the

trails and

roads the seven on Notes Road River Pitt

tion?

rehabilita their of part as employed were chain

clanking long, a to tethered convicts security

minimum of gangs chain purpose, For this tion.

vegeta rampant and weather and traffic ing from

clear and maintenance continual required they

complete, as accepted were trails the When

was specified. date A completion trail. the

products. petroleum for terminal” Loading off rolled and height at cut chopping down be to

Bulk “Burnaby the 66: 65 and piers designated were trees Larger be removed. to had in diameter

now is Road by North served waterfront The inches 10 to up trees and brush All per mile. acres

grade. increasing ease the to east at land 120 in be paid could contractor financed

sharply turned have appears to where it highway well- A land. the to select contractor the acre,

Barnet the as far as grade descending good per shillings 10 at valued in land often was paid

a

on forest growth second deciduous dense the contractor The wide. feet 20 opened road of mile

through trail foot a as be followed can It beyond. £60 per was price contract usual The widened.

abandoned and boulders of rows by two closed were then Westminster, New from out pushed

is crest, it the At Mountain. Burnaby side of the on were trails and roads the gradually but tracts,

crest the to Road, Clarke beyond gravelled is Road con abandoned and failures contractor were

North

Mall. Lougheed the at lanes to six widening There tools. hand for heavy was very

work The

Road,

Clarke of north to just blacktopped other

maps.

is it

1982, in Road North the on north Going and 10-mile his compiling for him fitted which

triangle. the of hypotenuse tracings, and plans the of many made Launders

the over inlet, the of end the at Moody Port work. contractors’ the and vised accepted

of settlement new to the it from east north built super later Engineers Royal The Department. 2

was Road Clarke when 1884, in bypassed road was Works and Lands the as Engineers,

operating

the of

part This Mountain. Burnaby of shoulder Royal by the drawn plans and specifications

the

from Inlet Burrard to descent on its later years to tenders public through was work awarded Unnamed

Coquitlam Lake Trail At the west bank of the Coquitlam River, the Road to False Creek Coquitlam Lake Trail was built north and south from the Pitt River Road, giving further access to Started 1859: Trail lands to False creek; Road to English along the right bank. By the end of 1863, trail Bay; Road to Outer Anchorage building had (Jerry’s Cove! reached within two miles of Coquit Jericho); False Creek Trail; lam Lake.5 Moody Path; Military Trail; relocated 1885, as: The writer has not found any sections of this Granville Trunk Road; Westminster-Vancouver trail on the ground. Trunk Road; New Road; Vancouver Road; and finally, Kingsway. This work suffered from shortage of govern ment funds and a succession of inexperienced contractors. It never reached its original destina tion on English Bay, but was diverted to False Creek and eventually crossed it at the Narrows, Road to 2nd Narrows (sic) (not Second, see now Main Street. Thus, it connected New West map) minster with Burrard Inlet at what became Granville, later the City of Vancouver. It left Douglas Street Road; Douglas Road; Burrard Inlet Douglas (Eighth) Street near New Westminster at Road; The Mail Road; New Westminster and 14th Avenue. Hastings (Stage) Road; Hastings Road; Extension The initial contract was dated 10 October 1859, of Douglas Street Wagon Road; Road to Lumber but the trail was not open to through traffic until Mills on Burrard Inlet; 1861. The original contractor, a loose partnership, was still claiming extra payment in January of The many synonyms for this road suggest it was 1865.8 well used. It began as a straight-line extension of The trail was sufficiently busy, especially with Douglas (Eighth) Street in New Westminster, the advent of the Canadian Pacific Railway, that it reaching mile 5, between Burnaby and Deer Lakes was entirely relocated and rebuilt as a “trunk” in 1861. It finally reached Burrard Inlet at the road in 1885/86. The general concept of the old townsite of Hastings in 1865. One contract trail was followed, but the new alignment inter allowed “the contractor to be at liberty to wind sected the old winding trail in only three pIaces the to . . .“ road avoid marshy places or large trees The new road left New Westminster by 12th In 1875/76 it was extended west along the south Street, parallel to and west of Eighth Street. shore of Burrard Inlet to Granville townsite. The “Road to 2nd Narrows” survives largely intact as far west as Vancouver City limits (Boun dary Road). Beyond this, it is swallowed by the Procrustean grid of city streets. In New Westminster, Douglas Street is now Eighth and its extension northwest into Burnaby has become Canada Way. Then as Douglas Road, the route splits from Canada Way and crosses the Road to Point Grey central valley of Burnaby (Still Creek). It joins the Lougheed Highway for a while, then follows the McRobert Trail, New Westminster and North sidehill northwest, round to Boundary Road. Arm Trail; North Arm Road; River Road; South Marine Drive. This trail was built by Hugh McRoberts and his two cousins, the McCleery brothers. The three were relatively experienced contractors having worked successfully in the Fraser Canyon. They were paid, as usual, partly in land which they selected just west of the south end of Granville

Summer 1982 Page 17

Page

18 British Columbia Historical News

December 31 1860, which date and was deleted

lbjd,

F1313

(1861),

R.M.

Parsons 13

Messrs. Girard and Co. completion a of with date

contract The was tions) signed by 01 1860 December

Ibid. F963 (1858-59),

Lands and Fraser (Specifica Works River to join existing Fort trails Langley. at 12

head east

from New

south Westminster of the

Ibid. F267 (1861), George

Cann

11

This uncompleted trail, to 1860/61, was first the

1860, 1861), Lands and Works Department

New at

Westminster.”12

B.C. Colonial Correspondence, PABC, F957 (1859,

10

Tree Island”, “about miles 4 R.E. above Camp the

“towards

Langley a opposite from nearly point Details parts three of roads from New Westminster.

“Diagram of Lines, Group C. [District I Lots]”, 1861.

Lands B.C. and Works Department. Plan Unnamed NWD. 772

D. McDonald

B.C. Colonial Correspondence, PABC, (1865), F1037 8

the shore of Burrard Inlet.

Douglas Road all the to way Hastings Post Office, on

Vancouver Island, B.C.” Victoria, 1902. Shows

Portion of

New Westminster and District ...

British Columbia. Lands and Works Department. “A

1864) the base of the hill was aboriginal an trail.

Ibid. F957 (1861) and F1030,

William McColl (1862, not a and Road.” 11 It 6 is likely that along its route

Mud

Bay, reporting

that but was a Trail it “nothing

Ibid. Charles Good, F650 (1864)

George Cann, R.E., inspected work towards the

toward Langley, but Acting Major Sergeant (1867), F951 and Lands Works (New Westminster)

B.C. Colonial Correspondence, There is no evidence (1867), PABC, F950 that any done work was

a “with to Branch the Road join to

Langley.”lO

ster District”

Bay.” The emphasis shifted to then Boundary Bay

Annual Reports of Public Westmin Works, “New

Langley

a Road,

and Branch

Boundary toward

Sessional Papers British of Columbia,

onwards, 1873

Road from opposite Westminster join to New the

(Contracts and Agreements) The contract and plan “a describe this for work

Ibid. F957 (1859, 1860, 1861), Lands Works and

2

(1890’s), now Burlington Northern.

F950 (1867), Lands and (New Westminster) Works Telegraph (1874); Great Trial Railway Northern

0 British

Columbia Colonial Correspondence, PABC, 1 Trail (1865); New Semiahmo Westminster and

Bay Mud Trail; Kennedy Telegraph Trail (1861);

To Mud Bay

graph.

Siberia behalf on the of Collins Overland Tele

bank of the Fraser River enroute to Alaska and

crossed. the 1865 Telegraph Trail ran up which the south

it lots the ol surveys legal the from structed Part this of trail may have been incorporated in

recon be

could but lost, now is course its this, Co. . .

of West street. Granville to almost closely course “This contract thrown up by Girard Messrs. and

its follows Drive Marine South Avenue. 6th via ster note on the contract, dated 17 April 1861, shows

Westmin of New system road the left The trail Works, his or Agent” before the started. work A

Reserve. Indian Musqueam end of the east out by the Chief Commissioner of Lands and

the at a wharf at Fraser meet the to south turned ravines, and the of line trail should have been “laid

but Grey, Point reached never funds the trail have built been further south to avoid three great

colonial of shortage the to but owing work, this on the work was not satisfactory’s The trail should

difficulties contractor of evidence There is no 04 March 1861 and reported Col. to Moody that

street name. Capt. Parsons inspected the first four miles on

a by here remembered are McCleerys Street. The replaced by 31 March 1861. Jottings of a Gentleman

r Patrick A. Dunae

Not all Cariboo sourdoughs were rowdy following extract shows, Clapperton & Co. were ruffians, who denied religion and defied the law. too impatient, too excited by gold fever, to heed Many indeed were members of some of the best the clergyman’s advice:4 families of Great Britain and eastern Canada.1 John Thomas Wilson Clapperton is a case in point. Without further delay P.R. Gray, W.K. and W.N. and Well-born and gently bred, Clapperton left myself entered into partnership for the a trip and everything else we might embark on, so in comfortable home and promising career in the rooms at the Royal Hotel commenced the England for the gold fields of British Columbia. work of making up packs of swago for the He was just nineteen years of age and was, by morrow. his own admission, inexperienced in the ways of Into the deepest recess of trunk or chest are the world. Still, this youthful gentleman proved deposited linen, collars, ties, white shirts, rings, more than able to meet the hardships, discom pins and watch guard, light clothing and heavy — forts, and disappointments that were an inescap in short the fashionable young man divests himself able part of the Gold Rush. of his entire wardrobe save a change of under Clapperton recorded his experiences and clothing and the shirt and trousers that he wears. impressions in a diary which he kept from the At least that is what he should do, but every time novice he left England until the rush was over in 1866. on his first trip is fain to carry an extra pair of pants, a light coat, or something else super Two years later, he used his diary to compile a fluous, and before he is half way to the mines short, but fascinating memoir. Entitled “Jottings he thinks very little of throwing away almost From Our First Seven Years in British Columbia,” everything he is not actually wearing or using on his journal positively bubbles with youthful the trip. energy and enthusiasm.2 The Clapperton memoir We now got blankets, provisions, cooking is also packed with wit, humour, and details, utensils and many implements sufficient to undo which makes it one of the most informative and the bolts and bars of Nature’s treasure vaults, and entertaining reminiscences of the period. each man lifted and relifted his pack, believing it Clapperton’s account of his first days in to be no heavier than his neighbour’s. Victoria provides a good example of his style. On Next morning, June 4th, up in good time, arriving in the city after their three month journey breakfast over, sacks shouldered and off to the steamer “Enterprise” bound for New Westmin from England, Clapperton and his companions ster. At 9 A.M. we left the wharf, over 100 strong were met by a clergyman whom they had known able-bodied men, amidst the cheers of well in the Old Country. As might be expected, he wishers collected on the pier. It was a beautiful day advised the lads not to rush headlong to the gold and as we walked the deck in miners’ rig, our new fields, but to remain in the capital and take some tin cups, revolvers and bowie knives (the latter “sure and steady employment”. But as the useless heavy appendages) gleaming in the

Spring 1982 Paue 19 SMN IP)!J01S!H eqwrq0) qS1ufl o sunlight. foundation he can build on for future advance We felt wild and free as the wave, now ment, especially in a new country ... No honest cracking a pleasant joke with each other, anon, calling will disgrace a man if he does not disgrace it admiring the beautiful scenery of the Straits and expressing half sympathy, half contempt, for those of our shipmates who, from reasons best known to Clapperton’s opinions — which echo so

themselves, resolved to remain in Victoria. resoundingly in his journal — were reminiscent of those expressed by the young heroes in the From New Westminster, Clapperton and his adventure novels of Ballantyne. Manly companions made their way via the R.M. and Douglas resolute, Ballantyne boys inevitably climbed to Lillooet route to Antler Creek. There they success. John Clapperton emulated them. After endured miserable weather and hordes of hungry working as clerk and a labourer in Victoria, insects. Yet despite their Herculean a he labours, settled at Nicola, near present-day Clapperton and his friends failed to find Merritt, where any gold. he established the first sheep ranch. Ranching What was more, they were forced to pay exhorbi proved to be a profitable venture the tant amounts for supplies and transport. and by late 1870s Clapperton was one of the wealthiest men in Realizing that “to remain at Antler Creek was the Nicola Valley. He subsequently but to starve,” Clapperton’s party worked served as as postmaster, government agent, and justice of labourers on the Yale-Clinton wagon road, before the peace for the district. returning to Victoria for the winter. By operating a In the early 1900s, the “Laird lime kiln and doing assorted odd-jobs of Nicola” sold his they ranch to British interests and retired to managed to replenish their bankrolls and in Victoria. May The city changed 1864, they launched another assault on the had greatly since he had known gold it in the 1860s, fields of the Cariboo. This time they but so, too, had Clapperton. He was were man of property and equipped with a huge cast-iron waterpump, a as befitted a gentleman of which they lugged as far as Barkerville. his standing, he was able to purchase a large country lodge not far from the city. Even so, But still Fortune eluded them and in the he had become very much attached Nicola autumn of ‘64 they trudged back to Victoria. There to and whenever possible he returned to the valley. He the band of young adventurers dispersed — some died on of his visits returning to their families in the Old Country, one in October 1913. He was seventy-eight of some to Australia and other parts of the Empire. years age. Today, John Clapperton is Clapperton, however, decided to remain in remembered principally Merritt Victoria, even though the city was then overrun around as a pioneer rancher and government agent; locally, with erstwhile gold seekers who had lost their he is also remem bered capital in the Cariboo. Many of these “broken- as a genial raconteur and philanthropist. But as the preceding extracts down gentlemen” languished in tents and saloons indicate, Clapperton deserves further recognition as near the harbour. Others, armed with letters of a moralist, diarist, and author of one of the most lively introduction, languished in the anterooms of accounts of British Columbia’s Cariboo Gold Rush. government offices, in hopes of securing a “plum” government appointment. Like so many 1 Micawbers, w• Wymond Walkem, Stories of Early British Colum they were all waiting for something to bia (Vancouver: News-Advertiser, 1914), 270. turn up. p. 2 While Clapperton was also John Clapperton [pseud. “Artemus Ward”], “Jottings a “victim of blasted From Our First Seven Years in British Columbia,” hopes” he had no intention of resorting to what 118681, Provincial Archives of British Columbia, amounted to genteel beggary. Nor did he believe, E/C/c53.3. as did many of his well-born compatriots, that Clapperton’s journal was serialized in the Merritt there was anything demeaning in manual labour. Herald between 26 February and 27 August 1953. A On the contrary, he believed that vanity, pom comprehensive edition of the journal, however, with posity, and self-imposed idleness were far greater explanatory notes on place-names, secondary sins:5 figures, etc. has never been published. “Hard Labour” I have heard idle fops de Clapperton, “Jottings,” p. 4. nounce as “mean” and lowering to a respectable Ibid., 28-29. young man. It may be, but eating the bread of pp. idleness, spongeing on your friends for a living, Patrick Dunae of running into debt for clothing and other require A. is author Gentlemen Emigrants: ments, whilst you are walking round in foolish from the British Public Schools to the Canadian Frontier. Formerly a member of the History depart pride, “waiting for something nice to turn up” is to ment at the University of Victoria, he is now an a young man in good health and possessed of archivist at the Provincial Archives. ordinary strength, the lowest dodge and frailest

Spring 1982 Page 21 Discovery: 1912

Mount Olie, letter of 1912 was discovered recently in This a July 1912 small town in West Germany, to where it was 2 addressed. It was written from Mount Olie, British Dear Otto! Columbia, the nearest town now being Little Fort, Having come upon a beautiful place for you, I north of Kamloops. john Frederick Giesecke, the feel the urge to write to you about it. Since April 20 writer, then 32, was one of the first settlers on this I am in Canada. I have looked since then for some part of the North Thompson river. (The first had land where I could establish myself as a farmer. come by 1908.) By 1912, the population had grown The conditions here differ, as there is much to 50. less rain than in Germany. Therefore in most Long before the First World War, I. F. Giesecke places irrigation becomes necessary. This is planned to emigrate from his small German possible nearly everywhere as the land is moun village of Gittelde. His goal was a large farm either tainous, and brooks and streams are present in Canada or South Africa. British Columbia everywhere. offered the most land, and the mountains and The land which the government still has to evergreen forests were, in much greater scale, like distribute, and which costs $1.50 per acre, is those of his home in the Harz mountains of located on the slopes of the mountains. It is hard Northern Germany. He emigrated to British to say whether one could really make a living for Columbia early in 1912, being the only member of oneself there. The land is arid and stony, and water the Giesecke family to come to Canada. is not easily available. The best land is in the The 160 acres proved to be on hilly terrain, dry valleys. Irrigation there is often unnecessary as the and strewn with rocks. Fortunately he was able to land is being furnished with the necessary water buy 10 acres of good bottom land. This was subterraneously by the rivers and streams. apparently in the Lemieux Creek valley, “10 Last week I bought 10 acres of land in a valley. I minutes” upstream from its junction with the paid $400.00 which is DM (Deutsche Mark) 1,700. North Thompson. This land needs no irrigation. As I had intended to His solo settler’s enterprise, from Europe to do that earlier, I had begun the planting of the British Columbia, obviously took a degree of potatoes and had put the seeds for the vegetables courage. The North Thompson did not offer the in the land which belonged to the German man kind of close social structure that was had in a from whom I bought it. The harvest, of course, is German farming village. The “50 settlers” he mine, and I will not have to pay lease on the land wrote about were scattered over several miles of either. Already the seeds are sprouting, and the valley. growth is very good. His earnest letter indicated that he desired at Besides, I have acquired 160 acres of free least a small portion of the companionship that his government land which is located about 30 ancestral village had provided. The letter was minutes away on a mountain slope. This land has a written to his first cousin, Otto Giesecke in little brook with which I can irrigate. It is very Gittelde. It asked him to come to Mount Olie and stony, however, and I will probably only raise establish himself as a cobbler, with the side cattle there. occupation of farmer on another 10 acres of A German sold me the land. I would like to bottom land. The addressee, however, did not have more German neighbors. Here I thought choose to emigrate, and not long thereafter his mainly of you. country was in the center of the First World War. Our land here in the valley lies alongside a stream of the size of the Oker near Braunschweig. The translator and editor of the letter, E. W. unites, 10 minutes downstream, with a His home is in This stream Giesecke, is the son of the writer. size of the Weser near Holzminden. At and he writes on Pacific river the Olympia, Washington, confluence a town is developing, as the valley Northwest history as an avocation. this

British Columbia Historical News Page 22 brings traffic from the West, and the river Olie by next fall. We will have a station across the connects north and south. Both valleys are already river. By 1914 the railroad is to be completed, that well populated. is, we will then have transcontinental trains from Two steamers and two gasoline powered one ocean to the other. vessels connect Kamloops with points 30—80 km Four years ago only one settler had arrived in farther up the river. Kamloops is situated about these parts. Now there are about 50. The land 100 kin south of here and now has 4,500 inhabi increases in value rapidly. The closer the date of tants. It is the nearest market place, and the the completion of the railroad comes, the higher people who live in the river valleys go there for goes the price. their shopping. On my 10 acres, I intend to grow mostly A railroad is presently under construction, too, potatoes, vegetables, berries and fruit, aiso some in the river valley. It is to come all the way to Mt. hay and wheat. What to do with the 160 acres on

A portrait of John Frederick Giesecke (1879-1957) taken in 1921. No photos appear to exist from his days on the North Thompson.

— courtesy of Mrs. John Frederick Giesecke

Summer 1982 Page 23

Page

24 Columbia British Historical News

take acres, 10 yourself Buy as I and start did. here

come to therefore, you, to advise like I would (Giesecke). Frederick

14,000. DM is acres which 160 cousin, Your

$3,200

for $20 acre per be will then — mountain

Anna. and to Willi also greetings Many the on land The acres. all 10 13,000 for DM

also. bring to need you the things and voyage is $300, which least at worth be will acre each years

to the pertaining details you necessary all the 5 4 to within that as anticipate I as possible, soon

write then you. will I for of land acres buy 10 to me as acres more 10 acquire to a hope I store. open

authorize you should reply your With possible. to want I Then here. customary as is logs

using

as soon as come you that be best would The October, in myself for house a build to I intend

here. life fine free a is There here. come you: also. ties railroad make can One

advise

only can I to start. to place the find have river. the to transportation $1.25

for

subtracted

you

First

Canada. in here money can make You is this $3.00. From for wood of cord the buy

coast. the to route best the steamers The to size. cut it timber and the

fell

to

is

valley

is river

Our

Pacific. to the west our province job first The later. decide will I

slope

mountain the

traverse to have will railroad the purpose this For

shipping. for ocean the to provinces prairie the

by produced grain to transport is railroad this of

1923. Service.

ces Intelligence

purpose

The

mountains. Rocky to

the up

East the Resour Natural

the Interior,

of Department

Canada.

from already service its extended has company

railroad One too. river, the of our side on

a railroad have will that we said It is store. general

a and office, post a a school, here have We

produce.

eL.

3

f.

his from good income get can also and food, own

/

Ii

his of most grow can land has who Anyone food.

JL\

is for this of

dollar

One 9.50. DM day is which

per

mook

\(

ciu

dollars ¾ and two get workers railroad The board.

and room

free has .: , and month per 170 to 150 DM

K

n4àA

/ about receives worker farm A are high. Wages

300. to 200 DM about

costs cow One planting.

for potatoes seed of

uw

O :( pounds 100 for DM13 ua. paid spring this has me with

came who German Another minimum. pounds

a hundred at

4.20 DM

chicken

One dozen.

(. 0

-

per 1.50—1.70 DM cost now Eggs rewarding.

be to seems chickens of raising The pound.

per 1.50 DM for sells which asparagus grow

to try also will I the wild. in varieties in many grow

which berries for be ideal to seems here climate

The strawberries. and raspberries currants, also

trees, fruit 200 possibly I plant will spring Next

stock. sufficient have not

do nurseries tree fruit the as yet be filled not could

trees the for order his but trees, for 6,000 land

J5frhI. his prepared has Another trees. fruit 4,000 planted

farmer one spring, This successfully. fruit grow

to

hope many also, here Around fruit. growing

.L-f’

in specialize

1. they

Sqi,Unels province

Th. this in south Down

‘—,.--—---

city. the to boots the

(.

send cannot one as c myself boots my on soles new

put to had I one. for need much is There shop.

shoemaker’s a start and land, free of acres 160 also News and Notes

Successful 1982 Convention at Cowichan Bay

Delegates to the British Columbia Historical once again head the organization. Dr. Anne Association annual convention, held April 29th to Stevenson, honorary president, read a very old May 2nd, found it a memorable experience. They poem, “Tzouhalem, the Cowichan Monster.” returned to their homes across the province with That afternoon two busloads of delegates were Cowichan Indian legends and tales of Cowichan taken on a 40-mile tour of the historical sites of the pioneers still in their minds. Cowichan district, with John Cannon and Jack Hosted by the Cowichan Historical Society of Fleetwood as commentators. Duncan, the convention was held at The Inn at Opening the evening’s banquet, Myrtle Cowichan Bay, mainly in their banquet room Haslam, president of Cowichan Historical Society overlooking the waters of the famous Vancouver welcomed the guests. Duncan city mayor, Mi Island bay. Registration of delegates started on chael Coleman, and Graham Bruce, mayor of the Thursday evening, followed by a wine and cheese municipality of North Cowichan, congratulated party. the society on bringing the convention to the During a walking tour of Cowichan Bay district. Also present were Cowichan Valley waterfront on Friday morning, delegates heard Regional District Chairman, Gerry Giles, M.P. Jim Indian legends as well as a commentary on the Manly, and M.L.A. Barbara Wallace. Diners were heritage buildings along the waterfront from entertained by the O.A.P. Harmonica band. Cowichan Historical Society secretary, Jack Guest speaker, John Adams, co-ordinator of Fleetwood. The afternoon was filled by a tour of the Cultural Services Branch of the provincial the fabulous B.C. Forest Museum at Duncan and government, spoke on rural museums: their a visit to the Cowichan Valley museum, housed in formation, operation, and funding. the basement of Duncan’s heritage city hall. Barbara Stan nard thanked the society for their Evening’s entertainment included a recital by hospitality and congratulated them for a well- Nora Maxwell of several of Robert Service’s planned convention, with an excellent pro poems, preceeded by a talk on the Bard of the gramme. She was presented with a large bouquet Yukon’s 1898 to 1902 residence in the Cowichan of flowers by Mrs. Haslam, from the society. district. Indian dancers and singers Abel Joe and Council meetings were held by the executive the four George brothers enthralled everyone on Thursday and Friday, with a final one on with their stirring songs and dances which Sunday morning. included two from the unique Cowichan Indian

opera, Tzinquaw. — Jack Fleetwood The annual general meeting on Saturday morning went very smoothly. A motion to re-elect the retiring officers of the association en bloc was favoured unanimously. Barbara Stannard will 1983? New Westminster! The New Westminster Historical Society has kindly offered to host the 1983 Convention. This is NEXT ISSUE the first opportunity, we believe, the association has had to be entertained in the mainland’s oldest Deadlinefor submissions for the Spring issue of city. With its rich historical background it should the NEWS is September 1, 1982. Please type prove to be a very rewarding experience. double spaced if possible. Mail to the Editor, B.C. Historical News, P.O. Box 1738, Victoria, B. C. — John Spittle

Summer 1982 Page 25

Page 26 News British Historical Columbia

4......

(1) The

Pony Express

Postal Delivery Some —

purchase this building. For example:

community, we been have raising to the money

Through the efforts many of people the in

eccentric stone-mason, Austrian now deceased.

all own, its having been constructed an by Carmichael Helen

as is it

locally It known. an has

interesting history Hamp Darlene — —

and a have building view in “The House”

Stone —

Creek Park.

building. We been have working end to this hard

where it skirts the in Valley is what Summit now

h hope the we that will soon have suitable a

lishing the location true of the Trail Dewdney

families families and the in Kootenay in Lake area

Considerable work has been done estab on

articles and antiques have made been ylocal by

operation.

Numerous private donations valuable of

Hendrickson who contributed a to deal great our

government and is grant almost completed.

debt. We also, regret the resignation fInga of

a preparing catalogue. a This was job by assisted

sadly missed and the Society always will his in be

describing and listing each a article and file, in

Barry McDonald, passed who been away. He has

next The step photographing, was numbering,

The Society mourned the loss Treasurer of

Society by the Provincial government.

load work the on dedicated executive.

housed temporarily a building in the to loaned

members to sixteen an in effort reduce to the

brought safely Creston. to They now are being

Colonel. board The has been enlarged nine from

a of small but group, active the were

artifacts

Society

itself. We a have Cyril new President

—

Museum in Yahk. Through dedicated the efforts

A number changes of have in the place taken

obtaining the Creston artifacts the from Pioneer

surrounding area.

been occupied with tremendous the in effort

development Creston the of and Valley

approximately two ago. years have The years two

memory those of have who the to contributed

last a sent B.C. report the to News Historical

lished, contributions with received being in

District Historical and we Museum Society since

(4) A Museum Memorial Fund estab has been

has Much to happened Creston the and

economy the of area improves.

hope to resume drive this again the when Creston

that our was objective not reached, we but

nesses responded well. are We report to sorry

canvas donations. for busi Individuals and

Mrs.

M. Audrey Ginn

— (3) A mammoth Fund was Drive 1981 to in held

premises around the town.

people in and places.

windows in and available space business in

will be remembered by for many e keen her interest

been by mounted Director Rae store Masse in

ed many the of Historical Society conventions. She

addition, a number of displays, have 23 all, in

attend a and past President Niehaus Mrs. was

memberships to and In cetdonations. accept

Mary of part Anne April. the latter Niehaus in

period six of in weeks an sell to effort

dedicated members the in passing sudden Mrs. of

artifacts. were Booths up set a manned and for

grieves loss the one of most its of respected

and

(2)

Stores donated space a for certain ipa of display

The Chemainus Valley Historical Society

time would take it ponies the to arrive.

ian Service. Postal Guesses were on the sold

Cyril in Colonel competition Canad the with Chemainus

Creston via horseback riders Byrnes and Hugh

private was mail sent to Cranbrook from

Reports from the Branches

and News Notes Vancouver

The Vancouver Historical Society held its Annual General Meeting on May 25th. AGMs rarely bring out members in large numbers but those who made the effort were treated to a unique surprise. The incumbent president, Len McCann, arrived back from England midway through the proceedings to learn of his re election. Len, Curator of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, had been ensuring safe delivery of Captain George Vancouver’s chronometer which was recently purchased at Christie’s auction house in London for around $83,000. Following the meeting, members were able to have a close look at the instrument before it goes

on display June 12 — the 190th anniversary of Vancouver’s presence in Burrard Inlet. While it was felt by some that a “keg of Nelson’s blood” might have been more appropriate to the occa sion, the event was nevertheless toasted with the grape and the chronometer safely deposited in its new resting place.

— John Spittle

Len McCann holds Captain George Vancouver’s chronometer.

KITIMAT MUSEUM Archival Notes Kitimaat News. 1945—1947 Apologies are due to the members of the TRAIL CITY ARCHIVES Alberni District Museum and Historical Society Campbell, Lorne A. President, West Kootenay Power and which was left off the list of institutions maintain Light, correspondence ing archival collections printed in the last number Kaslo Claim 1893 of the B.C. Historical News. This was due to the The Float 1902—1903 mistaken understanding that it Spokesman Review Quarterly 1899 and the Alberni Trail-Tadanac Hospital records Valley Museum were one and the same. This is not Rossland-Trail Boy Scout Association records true, so please add the Alberni District Museum and Historical Society to the list, their address can VANCOUVER CITY ARCHIVES be found in the list of Member Societies on the Kitsilano War Memorial Community Association 1946—1976 inside cover Vancouver Manx Society 1909—1966 of this magazine. Vancouver-Burrard Lions Club 1937—1970 Additions to Colledions Knights of Pythias Mount Pleasant Lodge 1892—1940 Vancouver Girls’ Corner Club 1917—1957 CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN ARCHIVES Photographs: Nelsons Laundries 1950 Calder, ci 910, judge, Small Debts cases Terminal Hardware Company 1920 Castillou, Henry. 1950-1961, Judge Bench Books (Restricted) Weston’s Bakery and Hudson’s Bay Com McKamey, Robert Grenville. c1863—c1893, Carpenter- pany employee gatherings 1920-1940 packer-freighter-miner-farmer, obituary 29th Battalion Maps: Sacred Heart Church Williams Lake, B.C. 1931—1981, Golden Cyclists guide to the Lower Mainland 1896 jubilee history Paintings: “Vancouver Through the First Narrows” Noel Day School System. Cariboo-Chilcotin 1919, correspondence — Michael Halleran

Summer 1982 Page 27

Page 28 British News Historical Columbia

Williams Her public

were schooJ spent days in

In they 1946 back B.C. to moved with three

issues.

and

elsewhere.

public

and local for folkways wider concern in

responsible

for

the development mines there of

Independent. in nurtured

early was Thus

Anne

they

moved

to

Pamour, Doug Ontario. was

a an as

elected M.LA. Conservative was

and later

degree

U.B.C. at

stay a 1928. in After Trail, in brief

became supplies

Roderick for ranch

bunkhouses.

had

completed

a

Bachelor Science Applied of

winter payment in grubstake a offered

for

or

In

1932

Anne

married

Stevenson, Douglas who

dust, gold were to available or nuggets weigh repute.

scales

Cariboo

and Special ranches. for Chilcotin

that

it then

was

current in use house a as ill of

food

the brands, most area

of supplied cattle the

unusual

volume

tittering. of She shortly learned

all of replicas handsomely

front its with decorated

historic of site old the by unsettled she fort, was an

history. When she directed class to attention the

out

on a lifelong task inculcating in of interest real

Dodor

of Laws, Honoris

Going to on teach in soon Kamloops, set she

confer on you the degree of few children.

the town spent money

educating on only its own

Simon Fraser proud is

to

the thirst all the of and Chilcotin, Cariboo whereas

grade

to

graduate

school. tended that the Government Store slaked Liquor

figures were by again con Dr. Weir. cited She British

Columbia, from first

roused combat, to

up flew when in

the rage

the educational

system of

education”.

a Anne, bantam student, hen of

found, governed town and where “more was served spent than on on liquor

held up Williams a a Lake as of sordid example

You

have

taught

in, helped

the Diploma because program, customarily he

knew of resentment her Director against of the

There was time a when “MacKenzie’s high Store”, Some school teacher. students her of fellow

of Williams Lake. ate Diploma in a in 1928, as Education qualifying

they ish, settled in solid as respected citizens and Subsequently, she postgradu.. completed the

After some in time North Squam Vancouver and history, which in she majored.

the century family to Columbia. the British came were among those deepened in who interest her

Africa, where was Anne In of early born. years the Walter Sage, Fred Soward Keenleyside Hugh and

Kenzie, left Scotland South stay a for brief in Columbia, British 1927. she B.A. a completed in

Anne’s parents, and Mac Roderick Elizabeth physically unsuitable. Enrolled University the at of

June 5th. a person, such beehive as viewed vitality, of was

honourary an doctorate convention, at spring its a becoming nurse. some this For reason, obscure

Simon Fraser University recipient made her of the Anne had occupational goal early an of

only think, “How fitting, when proper”, how was then necessary Vancouver. to to go

B.C. Historical could Association. Our members and with fellowship study, For it school high them.

actively participating the of Honourary President a giving Anne a interest for foundation lifelong

just has a entered on as vigorous, term the fourth native Indian children students, were fellow

Anne MacKenzie Lake Williams Stevenson of Lake. As there no were then reserves, on schools

by University Simon Fraser

Honoured Anne Stevenson

Clare McAllister Anne Stevenson, left, and Clare McAlister about to board the Steam Train at the B.C. Forest Museum. They were attending the recent B.C.H.A. annual convention held this year at Cowichan Bay.

0 -D

(t >- 1) C hi

— ..“

daughters. After further involvement in mining, parcel of books; or they may get her book orders. Doug became responsible for the management of In the wider community, Anne served on the MacKenzie’s Store and active in community governing body of the Cariboo College in affairs, such as the Hospital Board. Kamloops from its founding in 1969 to 1977. She The Stevensons shared an interest in B.C. represented the B.C. Historical Association on the history, archaeology and anthropology. Their B.C. government’s Historic Sites & Monuments library grew as they became notable collectors of Committee until the government dispensed with material. With B.C. an addition to the house in the Committee. Her detailed and lucid reports are progress, would-be a reader, visiting, might have remembered by those who were members of the seen piles of books, ten or twelve deep, covering Historical Association’s executive. She was floor. ap the How to get at a notable volume? Six pointed by the City of Williams Lake to serve with down — without upsetting the legions of other the Cariboo Museum and Archives. piles! Many oldtime members of the B.C. Historical Because of her keen knowledge and warm Society recollect an annual meeting in Williams concern, Anne became custodian of an extensive Lake, with a visit to the Stevenson home. “Anne, and superb collection of Chilcotin baskets, jade when can we meet again in Williams Lake?” they tools and a variety valuable of artifacts. badger. Anne is obliged to explain that the small Anne taught in the high school and served as local membership cannot plan for the now much school trustee. Whether as teacher or trustee, it larger annual meeting turnouts; that the town was who Anne knew which mother walked boasts no busses for tours; that there are many halfway between a ranch and a school bus stop to other reasons why — alas! we may not get another meet a child at 400 below (“old style”). It was Anne annual meeting in historic Cariboo. who was trusted to care about trouble or sorrow, Meanwhile, we are proud that a now Dr. Anne as well as to share in joy with students and families. Stevenson continues to animate the role of our Some years ago she was honoured by having Society’s Honourary President. her name given to the Anne Stevenson School at Williams Lake. As a negative side effect, she Clare McAllister lives in Victoria. She is a long-time complains that, at times, she receives the school’s friend of Anne.

Summer 1982 Page 29

Page

30

News Historical Columbia Brkish

t I

sed concern over logging activities in

the lower

:

through Interlibrary Loan. preservation of these historic routes, and expres

available: J.

index to the James Papers Hill Historical is Society”. They have long worked the

for

microfilmed.

Pacific an railroads. three-roll, A societies resulted a report in from “Golden the

operation of Great the Northern Canadi the and Our earlier invitation for news from other

includes his

involvement construction

in the and

The Athabasca and

Howse

Pass

Trails: collection The and 1856-1916 spans the years

interest. “Historic Routes ‘82.”

agriculture, of.

mining, lumber, and topics other John Woodworth was the principal speaker at

transportation,

colonization settlement, and published and is available at major bookstores.

Railroad.

Hill The Papers chronicle interests his in trail, John Woodworth’s

guide has now been

J.

Hill (1838-1916),

architect of Northern the Great from Parks Canada. those For interested in this

Minnesota, Paul, James has opened papers of the provincial agencies and they await the go to word

James

The

Jerome St.: Reference Hill Library in agreement has been reached between the various

both provincial and federal levels. preliminary A

received more consideration any than at other

Preservation of this historic

probably route

has

colleague Adrian Kershaw, examine to hope

the

The

Mackenzie

Trail: sections various of route. my with along this I,

currently interested and retracing reporting in on a for further period.

I

understand

group that

is more one than moratorium placed on logging extended be may

government and the suggestion that is the Yukon Telegraph Trail:

time no decision has been made

by

provincial the

continues boundaries. fight

over

for British Columbia, but Canada. all

of for

At

this

Bamfield

to

finalized not has the and been

yet

of numerous historic trails make

unique

it not

only

Phase of

Pacific

III Renfrew Port Park, Rim the

west of Manning Park; Its well-preserved sections

the future the of proposed Cascade Wilderness Coast West Trail:

Of most concern to the B.C.H.A.

at

this

is time

interest area. this in past year.

copies

specific anyone a for

might who have

Now a for brief review

of

activities other

this

appeared some have in Park extra and News I

trail. enclosed He articles one which his of

Trail. publish soon the a to Marsh Dr. to guide is

President) Pass preservation the for Howse the of

Association (of currently Parks cial which he is

more than eighty, in spite of the short notice. lobbying Provin actively & National the through

and was, I a feel, great success. It was attended at gramme by University reports is he that Trent

“Historic Routes ‘82” did go as ahead planned Environmental of Resource Study the Pro and

“Historic Routes ‘82”. John Another Chairman letter from Marsh, Dr.

in its original format under the Canada. name new Parks by opposed of been far so

in the Robson Square Media Centre has Howse pass highwaythrough more a of thought less or Any

which B.C.H.A. is a member) and was to take approaches place summer. Athabasca on pass to the this

by

the Outdoor

Recreation Council (of B.C. of and Trail Athabasca the approaches to

western

to

report

that the

concept been had resurrected Branch will be investigating

impact the

of logging

Annual

General

Meeting in Cowichan able I was representative the of Heritage

Conservation

government’s

policy fiscal of restraint. At the I have been given to understand a that

May in Vancouver fell victim to provincial the pass.

“Historic

Routes Symposium” scheduled for mid- the David Thompson highway

Howse through

The Spring issue of the News reported that the pressure from Alberta the government to extend

Historic Trails Update ‘ S 5SSS. 555 - S4_•SS • SS

Dorothy Shields, Erik Imredy, Fran Gundry, Peggy Imredy, John Adams (left to right, standing), and Jill Rowland and Leonard McCann (sitting) at the B.C.H.A. Convention at Cowichan Bay.

portion south of Telegraph Creek this coming U ly. The Northwest Mounted Police Trail (Peace River to Cabin 4 on the Telegraph Trail): I had heard that the Taylor Museum Society was retracing and mapping the eastern section of JOIN! this route (along with that followed by Charles Bedeaux on his ill-fated expedition) but have received no report to date on how they made out. Why not join the British Columbia Historical A word of appreciation: To our editor, Association and receive British Columbia Histori Maureen Cassidy, whose presentation of the cal News regularly? numerous articles on historic routes in recent The BCHA is composed of member societies in issues of the News has brought many complimen all parts of the province. By joining tary your local remarks and to Bob Harris who continues to society, you receive not only a subscription astound to us with his seemingly inexhaustible British Columbia Historical News but the oppor supply of detailed maps and instructions on how tunity to participate in a programme of talks and to make use of them. field trips and to meet others interested in Bob, incidentally, British was one of the speakers at Columbia’s history at the BCHA’s annual conven “Historic Routes ‘82”. He was presented with a tion. certificate by the Okanagan Similkameen Parks For information, contact your local society Society in appreciation of his many years dedicat (addresses on inside of front cover). ... ed to identifying No local historic trails through the society in your area? Perhaps you might Cascade Wilderness. think of forming one. For information contact the secre — Spittle John D. tary of the BCHA (address inside back cover).

British Columbia Historical News Page 31 Hallmark Society.. Preserving Our Legacy

Paul Bennett

The Richard Carr House was the childhood home of Emily Carr. The top floor is presently occupied by the Hallmark Society of Victoria.

No, we don’t print and market greeting cards funds can be re-used for further purchases. The and stationery. The Hallmark Society of Victoria is, Foundation also supports the publication of books in fact, a registered non-profit society, dedicated and pamphlets for resale. to preserving historic and architectural landmarks. Our most significant recent achievement is the These landmarks constitute an invaluable legacy restoration of the Jackson House, built in the inherited through numerous generations, which summer of 1901 by Richard and Mary Ann we enjoy today and are obliged to pass on to Jackson, both descendants of pioneer Victoria others. families. In late 1979 the house was threatened Members of the Hallmark Society camapign with demolition. With the assistance of the B.C. for the preservation of local landmarks, improve Heritage Trust and the B.C. Buildings Corporation ments in conservation legislation, and better we were able to purchase the house and a suitable management of our historic resources. We property. On March 14, 1980, we moved the sponsor historic building research, walking and house to its new location with the intent of bus tours, regular newsletters, popular exhibi restoring the building and making it financially tions, public lectures and restoration clinics. self-sufficient. It was a proud day when the house One of the highlights of the year is our Awards was officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor Night, held this year at Government House, at and designated as a municipal heritage building which our Grand Patron, the Lieutenant Gover on January 17, 1982. Cost of the acquisition and nor, presided. This is a gala evening at which we restoration is estimated at $170,000, and the present awards for the restoration of buildings appraisal value of the house is currently $215,000. and to winners of our popular school heritage We are also pleased to have concluded an essay and poster competition. The winner of our agreement with the provincial government to prestigious Louis Award was the Congregation occupy the top floor of the Richard Carr House. Emanu-el of Victoria for their accurate and This magnificent provincial historic site, designed sensitive restoration of Canada’s oldest syna by John Wright in 1863, was the childhood home gogue. of Emily Carr. These premises will give us much The Heritage Building Foundation of the needed space for storage of files and archives, Society is a registered charity administered as a office space and meeting rooms. separate trust. The Foundation enables the Society If you are interested in learning more about to purchase properties and covenant with indi our activities, please contact us at 207 Government viduals, groups or companies for restoration. Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 2K8, telephone 382-4755. When resold under restrictive covenants, or bylaws, properties are protected and Paul Bennett is Vice President of the Hallmark designation Society.

Page 32 British Columbia Historical News Bookshelf

and distribution functions. Of particular interest is the The Practice of Local History editing function. Many potentially good books suffer from the lack of an editor’s blue pen. For all of us the THE WEST HOWE SOUND STORY, 1886-1976. elimination of collected material is always painful. Francis Van Den Wyngaert. Gibsons: Pegasus, Little good writing happens without it. J. Perhaps the best advice in the book is a plea for illus., 1980. Pp. 299, $13.00 (paper). [May be local historians to address an audience beyond the ordered from the author, Highway 101, R.R. 1, local scene. To accomplish this a writer must put a local Gibsons, B.C. VON 1VO, for $13.00 plus $1.00 sense of place and chronology in a larger regional or mailing charge.] even national setting while eliminating unfamiliar THE FORT NELSON STORY. Cern F. Young. Fort events and meaningless names. Hence, the first step Nelson: the author, 1980. $10.95. [May be ordered should be a familiarization with regional history. Local from the author, Box 362, Fort Nelson, B.C. VOG societies should develop a bibliography of pertinent background material and purchase key volumes for 1RO for $10.95 plus $1.50 for postage and hand the use of their members. ling.] After three short chapters addressed in turn to A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF MANITOBA LOCAL local societies, teachers and university students, HISTORY. Gerald Fniesen and Barry Potyondi. Friesen and Potyondi devote eleven chapters to Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1981. Pp. specific research areas covering everything from viii, 182, illus. $4.95 (paper) environment to local politics. There are also biblio graphies of printed materials, descriptions of specific Traditionally, local history has not attracted much bodies of information, and a survey of archives. attention from professional historians in Canada. Until Any book which attempts to inform an audience as recently even regional studies were considered diverse as this guide to local history cannot be wholly inferior to national ones. Hence, the appearance of a satisfactory to any group. Although there is much professional’s guide to local history represents a major useful advice for local societies in this volume, event. including the need for an index, not rushing, and not Although A Guide to the Study of Manitoba Local being hesitant in seeking the assistance of experts, it is History by Gerald Friesen and Barry Potyondi focuses probably of greatest value to the university student. on Manitoba, there is much in it for a British There is still room for a guide to British Columbia local Columbian audience of teachers, university students history which would include material on research and local historical societies. The authors believe that methods, organization techniques, synthesis and many local histories are marred by inaccuracies, a lack indexing. of organization, and poor writing and that the real It is an interesting exercise to examine the books strength of local historical activity in the past has been by Gerri Young on Fort Nelson and Francis Van Den the collection and the preservation of archival Wyngaert on West Howe Sound with the standards material. of the Manitoba guide. Both books represent initial Unfortunately, their guide provides little informa productions of individual authors attached to tion on how to correct these deficiencies outside of relatively new historical societies. Both authors have registering for college and university courses. In their strong roots in their community and a strong desire attempt to professionalize local history, the authors’ to preserve the past. primary advice is for local historians to abandon the The Fort Nelson volume is the story of how a book format and move to shorter pamphlets on town grew out of the wilderness. Its primary smaller, more manageable topics. This advice appears purpose is to provide the children of the community to be based on the assumption that most local groups have already produced a one volume local history. For those who have not been deterred by these Patricia Roy is the Book Review Editor. Copies of warnings the last chapter provides a short, seven page books for review should be sent to her c/o B.C. guide to producing a book, It advocates a committee Historical News, P.O. Box 1738, Victoria, B.C. V8W structure with separate, research, finance, editorial 2Y3.

Summer 1982 Page 33 Bookshelf with a sense of their past. Gerri Young has produced from a hinterlands perspective. Only through local a unique volume with a left hand illustrated page studies can we really understand such things as the with a simple text aimed at younger children and the impact of technology, of large megaprojects and of opposite page dealing with the same subject in more the cyclical nature of resource industry production detail. She has a good sense of time and place as well on the people themselves. Neither the forest as a provincial and national context. With modest industry nor jam making provided long term aims she claims only to have done the spade work prosperity for West Howe Sound. Even the appear for future more profound volumes. ance of a cemetery is a significant indicator of the The Fort Nelson Story evokes a real sense of what permanence of the settlement and the roots of its life was like through the years in a northern inhabitants. No study of J.S. Woodsworth could be community struggling with a severe climate and complete without the details of his West Coast isolation: what it meant to have a drug store, radio experience provided in the West Howe Sound and scheduled air service. The reader also experi volume. Similarly, no study of the Canadian left is ences history from a hinterland centre rather than complete without the evidence Van Den Wyngaert the more usual metropolitan perspective. Of supplies of the attraction of communism during the particular interest is the impact of the Alaska 1930’s. highway project, oil and gas discoveries, and the In the final analysis the production of local dichotomy between the military and civilian sectors history by local societies is important because, in of the town. most instances, no one else will ever do it. In the Overall, The Fort Nelson Story is a handsome, future, one hopes that with the assistance of experts well written volume. It addresses a wider audience and of guides to local history, such books, pamph and should find its way into the primary classroom as lets and journal articles will consistently display a study of a small northern community. It has evidence of solid research methods, good organiza excellent maps and drawings and a good selection of tional techniques and writing with a wider audience photographs. in mind. In The West Howe Sound Story Francis Van Den Wyngaert also deals with a community on the fringe Clarence Karr teaches history at Malaspina College. of civilization. In spite of its proximity to Vancouver, this region did not receive its first pharmacy until 1912. For many decades few residents had electricity or telephone service and postal and navigational services were haphazard until after the Second World War. The author set out to portray a comprehensive record of events, individuals, businesses and services. Within this framework he has been The book is a goldmine of information. successful. MANLIKE MONSTERS ON TRIAL: EARLY RE Van Den Wyngaert, however, provides a weaker MODERN EVIDENCE. Marjorie M. context than Gerri Young, is less organized within CORDS AND chapters, and has more difficulty relating to a wider Halpin and Michael Ames, eds. Vancouver: audience. An index would have been useful. University of British Columbia Press, 1980. Pp. 370, Nowhere in the Friesen-Potyondi volume was illus., $24.95. there advice on the merits of self publishing as TOTEM POLES: AN 1LLUSTRATED GUIDE. Mar opposed to using a publisher or in selecting a jorie Halpin. Vancouver: University of British Both of these local histories publisher or printer. Columbia Press, Pp. 58, illus. were published by the authors. Unfortunately, the West Howe Sound book is so poorly bound it has a GABRIOLA: PETROGLYPH ISLAND. Mary and tendency to fall apart during the first reading. Ted Bentley. Victoria: Sono Nis Press, 1981, Pp. Checking out the reputation of a publisher or 111, illus. $5.95. printer is an important aspect of local history MUNGO MARTIN: MAN OF TWO CULTURES. production. Sidney: Gray’s Although there is merit in the pamphlet orienta The B.C. Indian Arts Society. tion suggested by the authors of the local history Publishing, 1982, Pp. X, 45, illus. guide, local historians should not entirely abandon the writing of books. Pamphlets are less noticeable “THE TERROR OF BIG FOOT” screams the Weekly on the library shelf and are easier to misplace. Most World News, the cheap tabloid in the corner grocery provincial history continues to be written from a rack. The story on page fifteen is improbable, but not centralist perspective; local history can tell the story unusual — the sighting of a nine-foot non-human

Page 34 British Columbia Historical News Bookshelf

creature in California’s Sequoia National Park. Mungo Martin is a popular, well-illustrated Manlike Monsters on Trial at first appearance seems as introduction to this remarkable Kwakiutl carver. improbable and lightweight as the WWN. It is not. The Martin, who was born about 1880 and died in 1962, book is a very serious look at the stories in European occupies a key place in that continuity of Kwakiutl and and non-European myth of the Sasquatch and his Northwest Coast art which has allowed it to flourish cousins in North America and around the world. with legitimate vigor in recent years. This booklet is a The emphasis of the collection of essays is less tribute to the carver and, at the same time, to the B.C. upon “scientific” investigation of the existence/iden Indian Arts Society which produced it. tity of such creatures as upon the role they play “in the forests of the mind”. What seems to the sceptic as a Douglas Cole, who teaches Canadian History at Simon celebration of 1978’s silly-season — the book is a Fraser University, is currently engaged in a study of collection of papers presented at a “Sasquatch and Franz Boas, the anthropologist. Similar Phenomena” conference at the University of

British Columbia in May of that year — turns into a stimulating exercise on legend, tradition and myth j’”1b ology, with some zoology and sound electronics thrown in as gesture to the desire of the modern mind for “scientific” tests of evidence. This is largely an anthropologist’s book with a comparative perspective. There is a natural emphasis on the Northwest Coast and here the pieces by Wayne Suttles and Marjorie M. Halpin can be cited as VANCOUVER: AN ILLUSTRATED particularly subtle HISTORY. and imaginative explorations of the Patricia Tsimshian and Salish minds. E. Roy. Toronto: James Lorimer & Co. and National Museum Dr. Halpin’s Totem Poles: An Illustrated Guide of Man, National Museums of disappoints at the same time as it fills an undoubted Canada, 1980. Pp. ii, 190, maps, tables, photo gap. The major problem with the guide is that it is graphs, $24.95 clothbound. (The History of uncertain as to whether it is on Northwest Coast poles, Canadian Cities: 3). British Columbia poles or merely the poles at the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthro Vancouver: An Illustrated History is an “urban pology. biography” which attempts, not to provide “the

It is based on the Museum’s fine collection, so definitive history of Vancouver, (but) rather ... to there are no poles representing the important Tlingit sketch and explain certain aspects of the city’s tradition. The foreword and introduction sidestep this development” (p. 4). This volume is the third in a series ambiguity, but the reader quickly realizes that the on the history of Canadian cities. Roy, an associate book is an unsuccessful attempt to universalize from professor of history at the University of Victoria, the Point Grey particular. Even the map of “linguistic closely follows the format of the two previous divisions of the Northwest Coast culture” omits the volumes. Tlingit, a tacit admission of parochial provincialism (or The book systematically traces the history of mere confusion of scope and purpose). In the end, Vancouver from the first European encounter until one decides that this is a fine museum guide masquer 1979. Clear and concise maps and tables augment the ading as something else. Within the framework of a text while giving the work an academic air which museum handbook it is valuable for the newcomer appears in conflict with the series’ aims. Copious and provides even the experienced viewer of UBC’s footnoting provides further credence to this discrep remarkable display of poles with useful pointers ancy. However, the thorough and massive research toward a deeper appreciation. done by Roy does place this volume in a class above Petroglyph Island is a commendable book about the more popular renditions of Vancouver’s past. Her the authors’ discovery and investigation of a major and style, though not popular, reads easily. Roy carries the very intriguing petroglyph site on Gabriola Island. The narrative and the reader’s interest throughout. Her Bentleys are “amateur archaeologists”, but operate inclusion of relevent minutiae makes this volume both with professional concern and thoroughness. The interesting and informative. publication of this book on the Gabriola site contri What remains to be discussed is whether this butes to our knowledge and appreciation of these volume is an illustrated history or a history with strange and still mystifying rock carvings. Publicity may illustrations? The editor of the series boasts of “over a endanger conservation, but it may also raise the hundred photographs” (p. 5) being used in each consciousness that will foster it. The book’s intention is volume of the series. Is it true that these historical to serve the latter function and it is admirably designed photographs “enhance the text” and “play an to fulfill that purpose. essential part in recreating the past” (p. 5)? Or, is this

Summer 1982 Page 35

Page 36

British Columbia Historical News

The myth

Owram

examines is the nineteenth

scientific thought.

Canadian The posed Prairie an

accomplishment.

pletely the

impact

western of development

upon

and

fall a of

popular

idea,

achieved has a noteworthy

Owram

might also

have examined

more com

tasks.

Doug

Owram, in successfully outlining rise the

western Ontario

newspapers.

dents,

and

estimating

its extent are all intimidating

have been enhanced

by accounts in particular, from,

Establishing

nature the

of a myth, tracing antece its

footnotes, at least,

the and

of crusade a notion

would

most

complex

tasks

an historian can undertake.

papers. Newspaper

accounts .re rarely

cited in

Assessing

the

role

of in myths one history is of the

the sources, however, would to be appear news

Bishops Taché and Langevin. weakest The elements in

paper; $25.00 cloth.

Canadian

leaders as

George-Etienne

Cartier

and

sity of Toronto Press,

1980.

$10.00 Pp.

264, x,

illus.

effective

in describing the

views of such French-

WEST,

1856-1900.

Doug

Owram. Toronto, Univer donald and William McDougall. He has been less

SIONIST

MOVEMENT AND THE OF IDEA THE political figures involved, noteably John A. Mac

PROMISE OF EDEN: THE CANADIAN commentary on EXPAN the attitudes of many of the main

popular volumes. He has also an astute provided

about the west in presented government reports and

particularly successful in summarizing the information

relevant written information. Owram has been

history in lies establishing a systematic sampling the of

One of the major problems intellectual with

a of prairie consciousness.

-

was retrospect, in a phaseinthe though, - evolution key

Columbia Library. motivations than Prairie later protest movements. It

Special Collections the Division of British of University points out, had similar but sentiments different

with the historical collections photograph in the politicians. This regional dissatisfaction, as Owram

Ted Goshulak past has spent the two years working bitter denunciations federal of and Ottawa policies

utopianism the of west and consequently encouraged

an this illustrated a history or illustrations? history with body the politic. undermined This the original

ranging visual history of remains, The is query the city. the acrimony of Manitoba the poisoned schools’ issue

worth, its does little a towards wide- presenting early period collapsed 1882; in did not come; settlers

photographs in not volume, this detracting while from the of eighties nineties. and boom The land the of

starting point. However, historical inclusion of the the of sixties and seventies gave to way the frustration

Vancouver be use forced a as Roy’s will work to Owram also shows way the optimism the which in

Any future attempts a at of definitive writing history American experience.

development this exciting Coast community. West of Manifest Destiny campaign powerful so in the

depth and balanced and of narration growth the were up caught a in not national dream, the unlike

Vancouver: An Illustrated an History in- presents became a crusade. He demonstrates how Canadians

16) and (p. image the the 18) visual event? depicting does effectively show how xasoiturge expansionist the

(p.

speaking of arrival of first the 1887 CPR train the doing in so, edoes he not add much material, but new

he

(p.

Vancouver” placed text between 17), was the dimension the of Canadian expansion westward. In

“Indians making at North Paul’s canoes Mission, St. Owram describes and intellectual the cultural

text, but a one wonders showing photograph why was undertaken.

placement the of of follows photographs the the flow organized campaign annexing west for Canada to the

tion the of consideration. article the under Overall, on domain the of Bay Hudson’s the an Company, and

without number, citing pagina volume the year and possibilities of the region. committed A assault began

where the name given be would of journal the not 1860s, outsiders began to recognize the agricultural

practice be inconceivable would footnotes in the scientific and private 1850s expeditions and early the of

tion numbers are This images. individual for given caught coldness in by and inhabited savages. the With

Also, while identifica identified repository the no is had regarded the Canadian a wilderness as North West

the repository housed. photographs in which are the Previously, eastern and European commentators

listed page on identify two byand the of large, work, west during 1850s. the

are not given “Credits” volume. credit in The this show many how observers changed ideas the of their

Individual a exceptions, photographers, extensive with few array of articles, books, private papers to and

and ually whole. a as prominent until the searches 1890s. Owram an

identification photographs individ used, the both of middle of the nineteenth century remained and

the and care integrity with reproduction, taken the myth, based only on

partly reality, the emerged in

historians? to test One investigate thesis this sure would is of be the focus Canadian for The development.

pure

photo avant-garde rhetoric gleaned century idea from

that the west Prairies the specifically

— — Bookshelf Bookshelf immense challenge to the sciences of the nineteenth century. Botany, geology, zoology, “agricultural science”, and geography were all ill-equipped to comprehend and explain the differences in the west; the resultant uncertainties may go far in explaining the MY MOTHER THE JUDGE: A BIOGRAPHY OF disillusionment of the eighties and nineties. HELEN GREGORY MacGILL. Elsie Gregory Mac One of the hallmarks of the mid-nineteenth Gill. Toronto: Peter Martin Associates, 1981. Pp. century optimism was a confidence that science, and xxiv, 248, illus., $6.95. (Reprint of 1955 edition with its hand-maiden, technology, would ensure a better an introduction by Naomi Black) world. In the case of the west, the scientific and technological impulses initially proved inadequate to When My Mother The Judge first appeared in 1955 the tasks of settlement and production, causing it had few companions: earlier volumes pertaining to widespread uncertainty and disillusionment. Eastern Canadian political women included Campaign and European migrants would require generations to Echoes: The Autobiography of Let itia Youmans (1893); adjust to the strange environment of the Canadian My Seventy Years (1938) by Martha Black, second plains. This point should have been made more female member of Parliament in Ottawa; The Stream effectively. Runs Fast (1945) by Nellie McClung; Emily Murphy: Owram’s work, however, is a thoughtful, well- Crusader (1945) and Brave Harvest: The Life of E. Cot-a written account of an important theme in Canadian Hind (1945). However, in 1950, Catherine Cleverdon history. It should be read by everyone interested in had published her thorough account of The Women how ideas and social forces helped to shape this Suffrage Movement in Canada. country’s development. To Elsie MacGill’s credit she tried to avoid the hagiographer’s approach, so typical of the former Ian MacPherson teaches Western Canadian history at books, in favour of producing, like the latter, an the University of Victoria. enduring historical account of the franchise and post- franchise era in women’s legislative history in B.C. Until the 1970’s no other Canadian woman’s political biography, or autobiography, offered so much raw data on the activities of political women and para political women’s organizations.1 What the biography lacks in clarity, chronology and coherence, it makes up for in sheer usefulness. In My Mother The judge, Elsie MacGill defines her mother’s life in terms of her desire for higher education in the 1880’s, followed by her work as a journalist. The remaining two-thirds of the book, which takes us to Helen’s death in 1947 at the age of 83, identifies her active part over thirty-six years in changing the laws pertaining to the women and children of B.C. Special emphasis is on her turbulent career as a juvenile court judge and as the author of Daughters, Wives and Mothers in British Columbia (1912), a booklet which evolved through a number of The winner of last issue’s contest is: editions to become Laws for Women and Children in Miss Carol Dolman British Columbia (1925). Kamloops, B.C. Peter Martin Associates and Naomi Black, a political scientist, are to be congratulated for re issuing My Mother The Judge, which had been She will be sent a free copy of Pierre Berton’s accessible only in libraries and in second-hand Flames Across the Border, 1813-1814. Amy bookstores. Black, in her introduction, makes it clear Cassidy, 5¾ years old, did a scientific “Eeny, that for current students of social reform and women’s meeny, miney, mo” to determine the winner political history, My Mother The judge can act as a from our three correct answers. case study of attitudes and events in British Columbia and in Canada as a whole. That Elsie intended the D.W. Harmon was the Vermont Yankee who biography to be of both provincial and national application was made clear in her personal correspon represented the North West Company in New dence: Caledonia. It has always dismayed me that articles and books

Spring 1982 Page 37

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Bookshelf ______THE BRITISHCOLUMBIA HISTORICALASSOCIATION

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