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Features A Visit From the Prime Minister in 1910 by Naomi Miller 5 Joseph William McKay 1829-1900 by Barbara Stannard and T.D. Sale 6 Cemetery Visit by Elsie C. Turnbull 10 Girl Guides Mark 75th Anniversary 13 The Royal Governor and the Black Militia by Peggy Cartwright 14 Simon Peter Gunanoot—A Legend in His Own Time by Geoffrey Castle 19 Contest A Page From the Victoria Directory of 1868 21

News and Notes Sir Anthony Musgrave Honoured 22 Writing Competition 22 Museum/Archives 23 Canadian Historical Association 24

Bookshelf Piper’s Lagoon: A Historic and Captivating Vancouver Island Park by Vi Henderson; review by Lynne Bowen 25 Battery Flashes of WW. II by D.W. Falconer; review by Dave Parker 25 Children of the First People by Dorothy Haegart; review by Georgiana Ball 26 New Publications of Interest 26

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Page 4 British Columbia Historical News Naomi Miller

A Visit from the Prime Minister in 1910

Sir Wilfrid Laurier visited British Columbia in the The welcoming message included reference to summer of 1910, no doubt with a view to “our most beautiful valley”, and an invitation to obtaining votes in the 1911 election. In the cover Lady Laurier “to be our guest on a trip to the photograph the crowds assemble to greet him at source of the Columbia.” The treatise was signed Golden, and the photographer caught the by J.A. Buckham, President of the Liberal Associa honoured guest on the balcony of the Queen’s tion; Captain F.P. Armstrong, President of the Hotel, leaning over the rail to answer a question Conservative Association; and Dr. J.N. Taylor, from the local postmaster in the audience below. President of the Board of Trade. The detailed description of the visit to Golden The article continued: appeared in the Golden Star Saturday, August 13, Sir Wilfrid thanked them for their kind welcome 1910: and good wishes. He said wherevertheystopped RECEPTION TO SIR WILERID LAURIER on their present tour they had been assured that The conditions on Monday were all that could be the said places were the best and most beautiful in desired for the reception of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. the Dominion. All beauty was in the eye of the The rain of the preceding day had cleared the air gazer, and no doubt every one was right in and freshened everything up. The sun shone considering his own town and surroundings the brilliantly and a good crowd had come to town to most beautiful. give a hearty welcome to Canada’s leading Hon. George P. Graham was called upon to statesman. The decorations in the town were on speak. He said that he was much interested in the an elaborate scale and everyone did their best to projected railway through the valley to connect make the thing a success.... Unfortunately the with the Crow’s Nest, and he would be sure to time of arrival was advanced an hour, which was bring the matter before the railway company. only known shortly before said time. Conse After a few remarks by Hon. Senator Templeman, quently quite a number of people missed the the party boarded the train which pulled out at reception altogether. On arrival the orders for the scheduled time. stopover time were cancelled and the time cut in The Ottawa delegates stopped at Revelstoke, half, allowing only 45 minutes for the stay in Kamloops, and many places in the lower main Golden. land and Vancouver lsland.The return trip On arrival of the train the reception committee included a visit to Nelson on August 29th, 1920. boarded and H.G. Parson M.P.P. welcomed Sir The dignitaries travelled on the 5.5. Moyie, shown Wilfrid to British Columbia on behalf of Premier here pulling in beside the 5.5. Nelson at Lakeside McBride. (Connaught) Park, Nelson. The podium was a Accompanying the Prime Minister were Hon. decorated C.P.R. barge. If you look closely you George P. Graham, Minister of Railways; E.M. can see several early Boy Scouts in position to be MacDonald, M.P. of Pictou, N.S.; F,F. Pardee, Guard of Honour. Many residents of nearby Simcoe, Ontario; Senator Gibson of Hamilton; communities came in small boats to hear the Senator Templeman of Victoria; Senator Bostock Prime Minister speak. This reception was held in of Yale-Kootenay; and Ralph Smith, M.P. of the evening, necessitating coats be worn against Nanaimo. The party left the train for a short ride the chill and the mosquitoes. around town, then assembled on the balcony of Ihe photos show us how Laurier’s visit, brief as the Queen’s Hotel where an address of welcome it was, aroused public interest and enthusiasm in was read by Mr. Buckham. small towns in “the early days.”

British Columbia Historical News Page 5 Barbara Stannard and T.D. Sale

Joseph William McKay 1829-1900

In 1878, Joseph W. McKay’s recollections of the lands, and during the summer we located several events leading up to the discovery of coal in large tracts with a view of opening them to Nanaimo were recorded in retrospect. Toward settlers. In the course of these explorations, I the end of 1849 McKay had been ordered to Fort found indications of gold on various occasions, Rupert and from there to Victoria which was the but nothing which would warrant more extensive headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company in prospecting.” whose employ he worked as a chief trader. Joseph William McKay was born in 1829 His narrative was as follows: “While engaged at in Rupert House, where his father served the office there I was, one morning in December the called out by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Young McKay soon foreman of the Blacksmith Shop joined the who told me that an Indian Company and at the early age of named Che-wech-i fifteen he was sent kan, later known as Coal to Fort Victoria, a year after Tyee,from the vicinity of the Company had moved its Protection Island (now Nanaimo headquarters from Bay), had been Fort Vancouver. He rose rapidly in the shop to have his gun repaired through the and while ranks, and was only twenty-three waiting and .watching operations he had when he picked arrived in Nanaimo to take possession of the up some lumps of coal, which he observed coal very discovery on behalf of his Company. McKay closely. Subsequently, when he saw the men was use of average height, with dark hair, and some coal to replenish the fire he said that there a dark was plenty of moustache and beard. He had piercing blue such stone where he lived. I went to which the shop and talked eyes, emitted anger when his quick with the Indian, and told him temper to bring me some pieces arose. His speech was very abrupt and of coal from his home, displayed and I would give him a Scottish accent. He was very out a bottle of rum and have his spoken and quick take gun repaired for nothing. to umbrage. There was no doubt that “The man, who was quite McKay was capable of dealing with old, went away, but any problems that he was taken sick and did not return might arise while he was in until early in charge of a posting. April 1850, when he brought a canoe load of coal, which proved to be of fair quality. I fitted out a Governor James Douglas kept in close touch prospecting party at once, and about the first of with Joseph McKay, and issued frequent and May we landed near the place where the town of detailed instructions. The following letters Nanaimo is built now. For several days, we looked written at Fort Victoria and dated the 24th and around and on the 8th of May, I located the 26th August 1852, are good examples: Douglas vein, which is still [18781 being worked, at the place from which the old Indian had taken his Mr. Joseph McKay specimen. Sir: “On our return to Victoria, I made a favourable You will proceed with all possible diligence to and very circumstantial report on our discovery, Wentuhuysen Inlet commonly known as Nany but owing to the pressure of other business on mo Bay and formally take possession of the Coal hand the mine was not actually opened until beds lately discovered there for and in behalf of August 1852. the Hudson’s Bay Company. “In the same year, I was commissioned to You will give due notice of that proceeding to explore the country lying between the newly the Masters of all Vessels arriving there and you discovered coal mines and Victoria for farming will forbid all persons to work the Coal either

Page 6 British Columbia Historical News directly by means of their own labour or List of Miners indirectly through Indians or other parties John Muir Oversman employed for that purpose except under the Robert Muir Miner Authority of a license from the Hudson’s Bay Archibald Muir Miner Company. John McGregor Miner P Recovery You will require from such persons as may be duly licensed to work Coal by the Hudson’s Bay Mr. John Muir had been in charge of the Company, security for the payment of a royalty of Miners at Fort Rupert and continued in the same 2/6 (two shillings and six pence), a ton which you capacity in Nanaimo. will levy on the Spot, upon all Coal whether During the period between August 24, 1852, procured by mining or by purchase from the and the end of September, 1853, a constant Natives, the same to be held by you and from exchange of correspondence amounting to no time to time to be duly accounted for. less than eighty lengthy letters passed between In the event of any breach or evasion of these James Douglas and Joseph McKay. These letters regulations you will imediately take measures to contained detailed instructions, reports, requests communicate intelligence of the same to me. for supplies and trade vouchers of all kinds. It is I remain Sir only possible to capsule a few items of interest in Your obedient servant the early development of Nanaimo when Joseph (Signed) James Douglas McKay was the dominant person in the fledgling community. Mr. Joseph McKay, Sept. 9, 1852, McKay reported that: Dear Sir: 1. The Cadboro was loaded with 480 barrels of coal I herewith enclose Invoice of sundries (first shipment). now 2. The local forwarded c/o Cadboro for use of the Indians were working for payment new of one establishment, and the party of Miners, shirt per day (or pay by tickets which who they proceed to join you by the same conveyance. could collect until they had enough for the The Miners are under the special orders purchase of a blanket). of Mr. 3. Sufficient Muir, and you will please to avoid all interfer wood had been prepared for a 25x12 ence with them directly, giving any foot house. instructions 4. you have to give through Mr. Muir 1000 pieces of cedar bark for lining the house himself, but had in no case directly to the men under been delivered by the Indians. his orders. 5. A salt The Blacksmith Raymond is for general spring had been discovered nearby that service, would produce the work of the Miners must however have salt by evaporation—one the pint of salt could preference in all cases and attended to. obtained from seven pints A small forge should be put up as soon of water. (Salmon and venison were as being possible and every assistance in the way preserved in barrels for the winter.) of Sept. Carpenters or Axemen be given to Mr. Muir 20, 1852—Douglas wrote to McKay that as when and as often as required. a result of a letter sent to Mr. John Work about 15 Please to write me fully of your proceedings reinforcement miners led by Mr. Boyd Gilmore and the progress of the work by every opportun would soon be arriving from Fort Rupert. McKay ity. was ordered to build as many small houses as The Recovery will be sent up in afewdays,and possible for their accommodation. the Cadboro may be loaded with Coal and sent Sept. 30, 1852 - McKay informed Douglas by back as soon as possible. letter that the Cadboro, Recovery, and Mary I remain, Dare could only be loaded at the rate of 20 tons a Dear Sir, day. (The Mary Dare’s full load of coal was 200 Yours truly, tons.) (Signed) James Douglas Oct. 6, 1852 - McKay reported that a second 25x15 foot building for accommodation for the P.S. The Miners are allowed 1/- (one shilling) per miners was in progress. diem instead of rations and will therefore Oct. 22, 1852 - McKay reported that provide the miners their own provisions, which will save you had reached a depth of 30 feet and much trouble. that the second 25x15 foot building would be habitable in two or three days.

British Columbia Historical News Page 7 On November 27, 1854, Joseph McKay had the pleasant duty of welcoming to Nanaimo the twenty-four Staffordshire miners and their families who had travelled on the Princess Royal. He had been instrumental in having houses built for them prior to their arrival. These Brierley Hill Miners had signed five year contracts with the Hudson’s Bay Company. They joined the people already in residence in Nanaimo, some of whom had lived there for three years or more. Joseph McKay arranged the purchase of 6193 acres of land from the local native tribe (the payment was made in blankets) in December 1854. Shortly after this transaction he left Nanaimo for Fort The Cadboro Simpson and was succeeded by Capt. Stuart.

June 2, 1853 - McKay continued to rise through the ranks of 1. The Bastion being built for protection from the Hudson’s Bay Company, becoming a Chief hostile Indians by two French Canadian Factor in 1872 while still a young man of forty- axemen Leon Labine and Jean Baptiste three. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly Fortier was reported nearing completion. of Vancouver Island in 1856. In 1879 he retired 2. Three dwelling houses 20x30 feet were from the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1883 he habitable. joined the Federal Indian Department. After a 3. Four houses 25x15 feet and three houses second successful career as Indian Agent he 20x30 feet were in progress. retired to Victoria, and died in 1900 at the age of

July 17, 1853 - McKay’s letter to Douglas 71, leaving a family of four daughters and one contained the announcement of the birth of a son. son, Alexander, to Mrs. Robert Dunsmuir and a child to the native wife of John Malcolm, Appendix A labourer. List of Passengers from England per Barque Sept. 12, 1853 - Douglas reported that he had contracted Francis Cote to construct dwelling Harpooner 1849, Captain Grant’s men. houses 30x20 feet and expected 5 or 6 to be Rose, James Blacksmith and Engineer completed by the spring. McDonald, William Joiner and House Builder Tolmie, Thomas Carpenter, etc. Sept. 27, 1853 - Douglas informed McKay that the Colinda had set sail from Gravesend August 1 Fraser, William Farmer and Labourer with 40 miners. McDonald, William Farmer and Labourer The foregoing extracts from the frequent Munro, Thomas Gardener letters that passed back and forth from Douglas McLeod, John Labourer to McKay show the shrewd attention to detail by Morrison, James Farmer and Labourer both men in the development of early Nanaimo. Muir, John Oversman Douglas used his authority as Governor without Muir, Archibald Collier and Labourer Muir, Andrew Collier and Labourer consulting Hudson’s Bay Headquarters in Lon Muir, Robert Collier and Labourer don to achieve the successful completion of Muir, John Collier and Labourer many tasks in the shortest possible time. By their Muir, Michael Collier and Labourer combined efforts and cooperation the coal Smith, John Collier and Labourer production from Nanaimo for 1853 reached 2000 McGregor, John Collier and Labourer tons. Most of this coal was shipped to San Francisco where it was sold at $28 a ton. (The Appendix B price at Nanaimo was $11 a ton.) The Hudson’s Passengers arriving on the Barque Tory, 1851. Bay Company under the name of the Nanaimo Hunter, Andrew Coal Company continued until 1861 when they Malcolm, John sold the out to Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Linklater, James Company Limited. Stove, James

Page 8 British Columbia Historical News Members of the First House of Assembly, Vancouver Island. Front row, left to right: Thomas Skinner, Dr. j.S. Helmcken, James Yates. Back row: J.W. McKay, J.D. Pemberton, and Joseph Porter (clerk).

Appendix C List of Families who sailed from England June Malpass, John, wife, son and daughter 1854, and Arrived at Nanaimo, November 27, Meakin, John, wife, and two sons. 1854. Miller, Matthew, wife and two daughters Richardson, Princess Richard and wife Royal Richardson, Baker, George, wife, John, wife, two sons, one daughter son and daughter Robinson, Baker, John, and wife George, wife, son, daughter, and maid Sage, Jesse, wife, two sons and daughter Bevilockway, Joseph L., wife, two sons, and daughter Thompson, John and wife Turner, Biggs, and wife Richard and daughter John Webb, Bull, George, wife and Joseph and wife daughter York, Thomas, Dunn, Daniel, and wife wife and two daughters Ganner, Elijah, wife, two sons and two daughters Gough, Edwin, wife, one son and one daughter Harrision, William Hawks, Thomas, wife, son and daughter Incher, William Barbara Stannard and Don Sale are lOng-term Jones, Thomas members of the Nanaimo Historical Society. Lowndes, Mrs. Thomas

British Columbia Historical News Page 9 Elsie G. Turnbull

CEMETERY VISIT

An outstanding event in a Heritage-dominated spring was the symposium on British Columbia cemeteries held in Victoria in 1985. Highlighted by a tour of Ross Bay graveyard, the Chinese burial ground at Harling Point, the Jewish Cemetery, Synagogue Congregation Emanue-l and the Royal Navy Veteran’s Cemetery at Esquimalt, it revealed the historic importance of how the human race reveres its dead. From the honored treatment of towering obelisks that mark the burial plots of important individuals, to small square contemporary plaques laid flush to the ground and inscribed with only name and dates, the cemetery is a place of fascination for the historian. Throughout British Columbia many interesting and unusual grave sites abound. In the Kootenays, for example, one may find the graves of Doukhobors and Hudson’s Bay traders. As if brooding over his people whose farms spread out in the valley below, Peter Lordly Veregin lies in a tomb on the cliffs above Kootenay River and the Doukhobor town of Brilliant. A broad slab of gleaming white con crete stands on a stone platform within a tree- lined square. Flowers and a carefully tended lawn add decoration, while a rockface on the hillside bears in the Russian language a lament for the fallen leader. In imagination one can recall the long file of grieving mourners, chanting and singing as they followed the recently slain leader up the trail from Brilliant on that dreary Novem ber morning in 1924, when he was carried to his final resting place. Veregin’s first tomb Doukhobors in Russia and Canada, had pur chased land from the British Columbia govern of October 29, 1924, brought shock and grief to ment at the junction of the Kootenay and all the Doukhobor communities. This found Columbia rivers, where he set up the Christian expression in an elaborate monument with two Community of Universal Brotherhood’s success columns, supporting a pediment bearing three ful venture into an industrial, agricultural and white doves. Unfortunately, sporadic vandalism trading enterprise. Veregin’s sudden death from over the years destroyed this tombstone, whose an unexplained explosion in a train, as it wound shattered remains now decorate the base of the its way from Brilliant to Grand Forks on the night present rock platform.

Page 10 British Columbia Historical News in a glass-enclosed wooden box, which also held a wreath and photo of the dead. More modern interments have headstones of cement or granite with inscriptions in Russian and in English. A Russian memorial with a different character is that commemorating Alexander and Alicia Zuckerberg, whose ashes repose on the highest point of an island in the swirling waters of the Columbia River near Castlegar. Two thoughtful, cultivated persons, the Zuckerbergs had fled the Russian revolution of 1917 to set up a life according to their own philosophy, in a land far from their birthplace of Estonia. Born in 1880, Alexander Zuckerberg was raised on a farm but -o t attended the St. Petersburg Institute of Tech nol I. ogy, graduating in civil engineering. He taught mathematics in St. Petersburg for many years but LU when life became more difficult after the Veregin’s second tomb, 1954 revolution, he emigrated to Canada, settling with his wife and two children in Vancouver. In 1935 Peter Veregin, Burial rites for ordinary Doukhobors exemplify leader of the Doukhobors, asked him to establish Russian language their motto: “Toil and a Peaceful Life!” Graves a school in the Kootenays, Zuckerberg standing in a cleared field are covered with and came to Castlegar, a leasing the small green island mound of stones and earth, sometimes deco in the Columbia for several he rated with artificial flowers, or simply marked years before became registered owner in 1951. with a white slab of wood. Much is made of the Here small log three symbols of Doukhobor spiritual belief— he built a cabin, heated by a pot-bellied stove, while he bread, which is considered the staff of life, salt, pondered the design for an island home that would the essence, and water, the spirit of life. They embody Russian features. Crowned an onion repose nearby, perhaps as simply a slice of bread, by cupola and square tower with pointed roof, the a saltcellar, and a bottle of water on plate or house was reminiscent country basket. In earlier burials the symbols were placed of the home of his child hood. Within the house was Zuckerberg’s extensive library as well as a room for practical work. He cobbled his own shoes, built the concrete causeway between his retreat and the mainland, and painted scenes of river and forest. Outside was a vegetable garden and a patch of grain for the rye bread he baked. In the shrub bery he carved the brooding figure of a naked woman seated on a giant stump. Having come to teach in the Doukhobor schools at Raspberry and Brilliant, he extended coaching in mathematics to other students and took a vigorous interest in educational matters, teaching many classes. Surrounded by the swift- flowing Columbia River, he saved several people from drowning and in 1957 received a bronze medal from the Royal Humane Society for rescuing a child. Alicia Zuckerberg, who had been a nurse and teacher in her Russian days, spent much of her time in Castlegar, in charge of a beauty salon and hair-dressing parlor. When she died in February A graveside offering of bread, salt, and water 1960, Zuckerberg erected in her memory a low-

British Columbia Historical News Page 11 waters of the Elk River. Phillips is credited with the blazing of the Crowsnest Pass and discovery of its coal fields. In 1887 he was appointed Indian Agent for the East Kootenay Reserve, and although he met opposition from Indians who disputed the right of white men to allocate lands upon which they had lived for years, he was able to avoid friction and to gain their support and admiration. Soon after his arrival at Tobacco Plains, Michael Phillips married Rowena David, daugh ter of Kootenai Chief Paul David. They had a large family, many of whom now lie in Roosville cemetery. Michael and his wife are in graves outlined by white concrete. A white cross marks Rowena’s resting place, while a slant-faced headstone commemorates her husband with the words, “To Memory Ever Dear”. Not far from the Phillips plot is that of Cohn Sinclair, 1846 to 1910, and his wife Mary Ruby Phillips, whose life spanned the years 1873 to 1941. Member of a family tracing its engagement Zuckerberg house, Castlegar with the Hudson’s Bay Company back to the year 1792, Cohn Sinclair’s grandfather William was born on the family freehold farm in the Orkney Islands, and received enough schooling to join relief statue of white plaster-of-paris beneath a the Hudson’s Bay Company as a clerk in 1792. protective pediment. Wearing the uniform of a Sailing from Stromness to Rupert’s Land, he was nursing sister of the First World War, she stands sent out from York Factory to establish new posts, with folded arms in front of a broad white cross in and in time rose to be Chief Factor at Winnipeg a group of trees overlooking the Columbia. One and its environs. He died in 1818, leaving many year later Zuckerberg himself died and his ashes descendants to become part of the fur-trading were placed beside those of his wife. enterprise. In the far southeastern corner of British Of his sons, James Sinclair would conduct two Columbia the quiet little cemetery of Roosville is groups from Red River over the Rocky Moun the last resting place for many historic pioneers. tains, to take up settlement land in Oregon. The This is land at one time belonging to the first contingent, setting out in 1841, crossed the Kootenay Indians, known as “People of the Rockies by Whiteman Pass and found their way Lakes” or “People of the Flatbow”, who were to the Columbia River Valley through Red Rock fishing in the rivers, hunting in the mountains, Gorge, a spectacular cut through blood-red cliffs and harvesting native tobacco plant long before now memorialized as Sinclair Canyon. On the the white man came. Now it is Reserve country expedition in 1854, Sinclair led his party on a and its residents have adopted many foreign rough new pass in the Kananaskis Valley. ways. White and Indians are buried alike in the In 1829, James Sinclair had married Elizabeth same graveyard. Bird, Scottish daughter of James Curtis Bird who One of the outstanding settlers was the was a retired Chief Factor living in Red River. She Englishman, Michael Phillips. Bred and educated died in 1846 after giving birth to a son named in the British tradition, he came out in 1864 to Cohn. James Sinclair married a second wife, Mary work for the fur-trading Hudson’s Bay Company Campbell, who accompanied the family on as a clerk at Fort Shepherd, and was put in charge James’ second trip to Oregon. At this time young of trading at Tobacco Plains, Wild Horse Creek, Cohn, Elizabeth’s son, was nine years old and he and Perry Creek. He resigned in 1870 and took up journeyed to Oregon riding across the prairies in land for ranching along Phillips Creek, spending a wooden two-wheeled cart that carried sup much time prospecting and exploring the upper plies.

Page 12 British Columbia Historical News James Sinclair was to meet his death in 1856 at the hands of an attacking Indian at the Cascade References: The Falls of the Columbia River, but his son Cohn Doukhobors by George Woodcock and Ivan Avakumovic, would end his days in East Kootenay. Lured by pp. 225-232, and 257-260. the discovery of gold at Wild Horse, Cohn took Zuckerberg Island, Historical Restoration Project Report for up homestead land in 1881 at Tobacco Plains in City of Castlegar, August 3, 1983. The northern Montana. While living there he be Story of the Tobacco Plains Country by Olga W. came a friend of Michael Phillips and in 1890 Johnson. pp. 19-24, and pp. 55-57. Backtracking married Phillips’ daughter Mary Ruby. Ten years with Fernie Historical Association, 17-21. later the Cohn Sinclairs moved across the border pp. West of into Canada where their decendants live to this the Mountains, by Geneva Lent, p. 140, 142, 300. day. For many years their son J.W. Sinclair served as Customs Sub-Collector at Roosville.

Girl Guides of Canada Mark 75th Anniversary

Shortly after 1910, when the first Girl Guide companies were in Canada, the above company was formed in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. The leader, Mabel Sellars, is third from left in the second row. Please contact the Editor if you can identify the other women.

British Columbia Historical News Page 13

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Brhish Columbia News Historical

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Corps. Rifle the for Pioneer regalia. in full as parades and family picnics such

affection his increase not did attendance), of lack gatherings to social but from city burning, their

for existence out of had (it lapsed defunct now of rescue the to not only were devoted citizens

1, No. Rifles Victoria Volunteer the of Secretary of groups convivial Company. These Ladder &

Honorary been T. had Pidwell fact John that the Hook Union the and (American), Company Tiger

And Committee. the of Management discomfort the (British), Company Deluge the companies,

to the added the in beginning, services their fire volunteer three formation of the inspired

offered repeatedly had they though companies, fires of prevalence and the buildings wooden

fire volunteer the excluded from were Negroes Its size. in quadrupled doubled, trebled, Victoria

that fact Corps. The Pioneer Victoria Rifle started, was rush gold Once the hundred. three

the and Association, Hebrew Benevolent the than less was Indians, of exclusive population,

of members companies, fire-fighting volunteer The harbor. the across it facing Indian village

three Victoria’s of present representatives were fair-sized a with fort, Company Bay Hudson’s

Also as secretary. acted leader, pointed civic a of then consisted Island, of Vancouver Colony

self-ap and Methodist, pious businessman, Crown the of capital Victoria, of city The

prominent T. Pidwell, presided. John butcher), River.

first Victoria’s been had since he tradesman”, Fraser turbulent the of ascent dangerous the and

‘umble “an as ohimself to referring fond of mainland to the float, would that anything almost

was (he Harris Mayor Worship, Kennedy. His canoe, by ship, on continue to be and outfitted

Governor of proper reception plans the for to thousands, by the Victoria into poured They

to lay 1864, February, of met the on and 26th continent. American North the of corner known

appointed was Committee A cal. Management un a hitherto to fortunes in of search came

impracti as down put was banquet, community men and travelled, the news the world, around

large, one in combined be events that two these and Francisco San to Territory Washington

suggestion A Kennedy. to Edward come Arthur in settlements Sound Puget the Fraser!” From the

wel impressive suitably a and James Douglas on “gold of ospread to began word 1858, March In

Militia Black the The and Governor Royal

Cartwriglit Peggy very well done. At this point Richard Johnson no means reflected the total climate of opinion in stated to the Management Committee that the the city. An irate letter denouncing the obviously Pioneer Rifle Corps was well drilled and had too prejudiced actions of the Reception Committee much pride to appear at all unless they were able with considerable force was followed in a few to do so properly. John T. Pidwell reiterated his days by a letter from another member of the “late statement that no military were to take part. No. 1 Company”. The writer paid warm tribute to The British Colonist carried a full report of the Black soldiers of the Queen, then answered his meeting in the next day’s newspaper. Then the own question, “Were the late corps still in letters to the editor started to appear. The first existence, would I parade with the colored was from an indignant member of the late folks?” with, “Why not? If they could go through Victoria Volunteer Rifles No. 1, asking John T. their evolutions better than we, the more credit Pidwell who had made him spokesman for the to them!” In conclusion, he remarked that corps, and asserting that “the late corps could “some of those who now decry the colored corps with one week’s close drill be made presentable and decline to walk with them, would probably in a procession,” and calling it disgraceful not to in case of a disturbance feel much more secure include them. Members of the Pioneer Rifle with an additional score or two of Rifles at their Corps refrained throughout from writing letters backs, even though carried by black men.” to the paper. The next issue of the British Colonist con While carefully not taking sides, the British tained, in a report of the Reception Committee’s Colonist chose to reprint an article from the New March 7th meeting, the information that Richard York Tribune of February 9th: “The 20th Regi H. Johnson, Captain of the Pioneer Rifle Corps, ment of the United States Colored Troups is now had addressed the committee, stating the desire fully recruited, upwards of 700 men are at Riker’s of the corps to take part in the reception for Island and the remainder are at Elmira. Almost Captain Kennedy, and respectfully requesting every county in the State of New York is that they be assigned their proper place in the represented in this fine regiment.” The British procession. Colonist ran the dispatch in full, adding that the The following day there were no letters, no regiment contained “friends of some of our comments or reports about either the Banquet colored citizens of this city,” and giving the or the Reception. There was news of the war, names of socially prominent New York women brought by the Eliza Anderson, in from Olympia who had met at the Union League Club House with files of the Oregonian and other papers. “to appoint a committee to procure a stand of Also, the Brother jonathan had arrived with the colors for presentation to the 20th Regiment.” latest news from San Francisco. The North was If the planners were susceptible to being doing well at last—with Chattanooga and Gettys shamed it was not apparent. On March 1st, under burg behind him, Grant had assumed supreme the heading, “Reception Committee”, there was command over more than a million men. a report of a meeting held in the Council On March 10th, the date of the “Grand Chamber the day before. Preparations were Banquet to Sir James Douglas”, the British going along merrily. Three arches, with inscrip Colonist printed a letter written by an old friend tions, were to be erected, and two bands had of the retiring Governor, Dr. John C. Davie. It was been engaged. Invitations to participate in the a long letter which began by noting that the festivities had been sent to distinguished citizens doctor’s “two respectable neighbors, Messrs. and local benevolent societies The volunteer Lester and Gibbs, have been refused tickets for fire companies were not mentioned, but it was the approaching banquet because they are men recorded that a motion was passed “that no of color.” That which was “wrong in principle Society or organized body shall be permitted to must ultimately prove mischievous in practice,” form in the line of order other than the one Dr. Davie warned, and therefore the venerable assigned to them by the Marshall of the day.” Scottish surgeon would not attend the banquet, Ignored in the invitations, given to understand despite his high regard for Governor Douglas. that they were not wanted when a city-wide The banquet which took place that night was reception for their new governor was being the occasion for much speech-making, and the planned, the blow to the pride of the Pioneer proposal of toasts ranging from one “To Foreign Rifle Corps was a bitter hurt. But it was soon clear Residents of Victoria,” at which the band played that the decision of the Reception Committee by “The Star Spangled Banner,” and other national

Columbia Historical News British Page 15

Page 16 News Historical Columbia British

the

stated

then James of Douglas, Sir sponsorship

bought then local a a

tycoon, house from rented

the

under

been organized having company’s

He first tastes. a

definite of

means man was and

the to

reference made The then address

Kennedy because especially oversight, fortunate

subjects.”

a was this said

those

who were There looked.

loyal most

Majesty’s be

Her to

privilege is

over been somehow be

had to were housed

greatest

whose and Majesty to Her service of

family and

his

Governor the matter of new where

be

to

is

aim

highest

whose company company—a

The

welcome.

the

planning itself exhausted in

a

military as

the taking procession in part

had

Committee

the It Reception that appeared

of

pleasure

the well

as as

color, honor the from

Hotel. George St. at

the deposited and

eventually

our

against prejudice

an of anti-English account

inscriptions, arches Latin debatable

with their

on

precluded,

were we Excellency’s arrival

ornamental the under the a taken

city, of on tour

Your

over

rejoicing

general the “that Kennedy in

were

family

the

Kennedy dignitaries, of carriages

Governor to

regret

conveyed their Corps Rifle

the and

Societies,

and Benevolent Hebrew

Pioneer

the

of members

the Victoria, Queen

French the

two bands, fire volunteer

companies,

Majesty,

Gracious

Most

Her Government of

three

of the a

ded composed in

procession

and

person

to

the

devotion expression of

bed em

horses, by a

carriage splendid

drawn six

opening

the

but

Following concise.

graceful

Then, in

gracious speech. but a

replied short with

was

wording

The address.

read line the and the

Excellency His

as landed.

they

grown daughters,

of

center

the

out from paces took ground, two

two and their

Kennedy

and Mrs. Governor

parade the

on a

or hall in effort without carried

the

greeted all

with wives, their

notables,

that

ring

a pleasing clear, had voice his because

other and

Councillors sundry Harris, Mayor

chosen

Frances, A.H. salute. Then ceive the

them. too shallow being for

re

to

forward

stepped

Governor Kennedy

Victoria at the harbor to, had steamers ocean

them. awaited

large as at

Esquimalt, earlier docked ship

had

Excellency

His

where

government

buildings,

Their

family. his

and Governor the

new brought

the of

front in attention at

stood

company

Grappler

Gunboat

Her to Majesty’s

wharf which

the

and of Harlech”

the Men of

“The

March

Co. &

Campbell

Dickson, the converged

on

of bar

last

the hit Bay

Bridge, James

across

the

Victoria of

population the

entire

Almost and Street

Government along

assembled,

they

came.

day

finally

great

the

until where hall drill the

from them had

played

which

horseback,

on

of Pidwell manner after rather

the

eight

of band

the exactly,

o’clock At

eleven

alike,

foe and

friend

among reflexes startled

zest.

with

combined coordination

disciplined

causing

on,

plunged

Committee

Reception in

them surpass

could

who

none

and peers,

the

Still,

scholar.

Latin

from critique

another few

had they

a display,

to

out

ceremonial stage

scathing a

drew

only &

Co.”

from

“Pidwell set

Africans

when

Leone

that

Sierra and Gambia

as

paper

the to

sent and

composed he

which in

years

his

during

learned He

had be. would

answer the

Alas, feelings. could his relieve

ride

they

expected

Kennedy as

Governor

drilled

a only

that up so

wrought a

became and

of

reply, precisely as

polished,

as

smart, as were They

drafts several He

wrote

was

incensed. Pidwell

Governor.”

the

His

Excellency to

address

merit.

dubious

of

a Latin

inscription was to an

presenting of the purpose

for buildings

ment

Reference

vulgarity.” of

choice piece “this called

Govern the

to

in

uniform today

proceed

will

writer

the

what

as be translate to

so

kind Co.” to Corps

Rifle

Pioneer the

of “Members

Colonist:

&

“Pidwell

asked

to editor

One

the letter were.

British the

in appeared item later

an days

Two

them on inscriptions the

problems, rather, or

Victoria.

some

causing

were

arches

ornamental the

while, in

distinction men of

four

other and

Pidwell

Mean days.

ten just to in place

Kennedy, take Mr. of

a consisting by

committee presented

Governor

for

to

welcome the

attention vided was People”

the of

“Address An

Island. couver

undi

their

turned

then

Committee Reception Van of

Governor

as

inaugurated was

formally

of the

members

the and on

14th, March waving Kennedy Captain

arrival,

his days after

Three

flag and

cheering

amid He departed equanimity.

colony.

the of

and grace

with

all

bore

it Douglas Sir James Governors

Royal the for

an official residence

ing

understood.”

be to

audible

sufficiently was

“not

establish thus

him,

for completing of

cost

the it

who

gentleman a

by

was

made

regretted paper

stand to

government

provincial

the permitted

the

which

“The Press,” to

to toast a anthems, and Hill Rockland on mansion a half-finished satisfaction they felt in the knowledge that and it had brought him greater satisfaction than Governor Kennedy adhered to the non-recogni anything that had happened since his arrival in tion of distinction in class, creed, color, and Victoria. But it was time to bring it to a close. He nationality that formed the basis of English law, repeated that he knew no distinction in the “principles that found in your great Curran colony but between loyal and disloyal—the so eloquent an expounder in days gone by”. A honest and dishonest. He thanked them again damn good reference, the Governor noted, the for the sentiments they had expressed in their brilliant, incorruptible John Curran, champion of address and hoped they would always adhere to the humble against the rich and mighty. Who them. ever put the address together had a touch of The members of the Pioneer Rifle Corps gave a brilliance, too—also the good sense to be brief, cheer for His Excellency. The band played “God for the soldier who had read it was closing with Save The Queen” while everyone stood at the signature, “R.H. Johnson, Captain, on behalf attention. Then Richard Johnson gave the order of the Company”, and stepping back into the and the Company wheeled about smartly and line. marched off. Kennedy first thanked them for their senti The Governor returned to his task of presiding ments of loyalty to the Crown and to himself as over a disparate collection of amateur politicians Her Majesty’s representative. As to their being whom he suspected of shrewdly manipulating excluded from the procession, he hoped they the affairs of the colony, each with an eye to were laboring under a misapprehension; how where the greatest advantage lay to himself. ever, he could not affect ignorance of the It is tempting to speculate on what may have prejudice that existed in the colony. But they become of the members of the Victoria Pioneer must know from the instructions he had received Rifle Corps. How many of them returned to the from Her Majesty’s Government and from his United States after the Civil War ended? How own sentiments, expressed already in his inaugu many remained in British Columbia, and are any ral speech, that no distinctions could be made in of their descendants still in Canada? We do know class, color, or nationality. that one member of the Corps, Paris Carter, lived He sketched the administrative patterns in for the rest of his life in Victoria and was in the African colonies where he had served as gover business of hauling goods in his own van, which nor, and where numerous officials in the was smashed up in a collision with Governor government were black men. He referred to Richards’ carriage, after the horses had bolted having learned since his arrival in Victoria that and the Governor and his wife had been dumped there were many highly respected colored in a ditch. The only person seriously injured in members of the community. He advocated the accident was Paris Carter, who managed to patience in overcoming prejudice, at the same stop the runaway team and hold the horses’ time expressing surprise that it should exist in an heads until help arrived. English colony such as Victoria, and attributing it Of the other members of the Victoria Pioneer “to influences from the sister country.” He even Rifle Corps there seems to be no record. Perhaps touched carefully upon the Civil War, rooted in now that interest is turning towards a restoration the question of slavery, that was being fought in of the early history of British Columbia, to that country.—It was no secret that many Victoria include all the first settlers, more will come to businessmen supported the South, as much from light. The frontier province has still many facets personal inclination as because they believed of its past that are little known and the fictions Southern commercial policy to be more advan which have been accepted over the years are far tageous to them. It was also known that Victoria less vital and revealing than the facts of its mixed harbored agents who reported to Washington, and colorful history. and who worked to promote feeling in favor of annexation. Kennedy hadn’t meant to speak at such length. Something—a nostalgia for the days of his first governorships in African colonies, or the fine military bearing and precision of the men before Peggy Cartwright has a special interest in the him—had caught him up and carried him along. colonial history of British Columbia. He realized that he had enjoyed this encounter,

Page 17 BOW5ER LAKE

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Page 18 British Columbia Historical News Landmarks

Geoffrey Castle Simon Peter Gunanoot— A Legend in His Own Time

Graveyard Point is a promontory on the northern A suspected accomplice, Peter Himadam, shore of Bowser Lake, about 60 kilometres together with his wife, Christine, accompanied northeast of Stewart, B.C. On this point, at an Simon, Sarah and his wife, and the children to elevation of 390 metres, a pile of weathered Bear Lake where it was familiar country and felt boards marks the grave of Simon Peter Gunanoot safe. Simon’s father Nah-Gun Johnson also went who, in less than the thirteen years he was a along, discouraging his son from giving himself fugitive from justice, became a legend. up. For the first two years, the authorities spent On June 19, 1906, Gunanoot (Zghun-mjn much time, effort and money trying to track hoot—meaning young bears that run up trees), down Simon. A $300 reward was offered and otherwise Simon Peter Johnson, was alleged to gradually raised to $2,000 without producing the have shot and killed Alex MacIntosh following an desired results. The Attorney General, W.J. altercation in the Two Mile Hotel, a dubious Bowser, was kept informed of the progress—or tavern in the care of James Cameron, generally rather the lack of it—almost daily. It had to be known as “The Geezer’ admitted that 10,000 square miles stretching from The dispute appears to have concerned the Nass River to the Ominica Mountains, and Simon’s wife, Sarah. Patrons later confirmed that from the Nechako River to the Stikine River was a they heard Simon threaten to shoot Alex who lot of territory. Enticements, ruses and persua was killed with a single shot in the back sometime sions were of no avail. Even the arrest of Nah-gun between 6 and 7 o’clock next morning. As it failed to attract Simon, especially since the old happened, another man, Max Leclair, was also man managed to escape. shot in a similar manner the same day near the Eventually, the services of Pinkerton’s Interna present location of the bridge at Hazelton. tional Detective Agency, founded during the Furthermore, Simon was seen riding away from Civil War, were obtained, but they, the area. He also had a reputation of being a crack American too, Over the ensuing shot with a rifle. In any event, all the circumstan were unsuccessful. years, tial evidence pointed to Simon so he decided to prospectors, friends and well-wishers, upon flee in the face of James Kirby of Hazelton meeting Simon, would try to encourage him to Detachment of the B.C. Police swearing out surrender voluntarily. Eventually, through warrants for Simon’s arrest and organizing a hunt Simon’s friend, George Beirnes, meetings were for him. set up with Victoria lawyer, Stuart Henderson. Up to that time, Simon Gunanoot was a Henderson had a reputation for winning cases respected and hard-working individual. He and for Indian people and apparently convinced his wife ran a store at Hazelton. He had a Simon that his case stood a favourable chance in productive farm 80 kilometres to the north. court Simon was also a successful trapper. ln view of this good record, it might be difficult to under Accordingly, on June 24, 1919, Simon Guna stand why, if he were innocent of the charges, he noot turned himself over to the Hazelton police. would forsake all for the life of a fugitive. Perhaps After his October trial in Vancouver, lasting the overwhelming consideration was that life barely 15 minutes, Simon was acquitted and would be impossible for him if all contact with Henderson received $20,000 in fees, a fortune in the environment were lost, even if only for a those days. A few months later, Peter Himadam short time. was also acquitted.

British Columbia Historical News Page 19 ______

Simon Gunanoot returned to the life he knew and enjoyed best—trapping. In 1933, now aged 60, Simon succumbed to a bout of pneumonia and was buried next to his father, Nah-Gun, who died 25 years earlier and was buried at Graveyard Back Point. Peter Himadam died in 1937 near his Issues of the News birthplace on the Bear River. With the news of the death of Sarah Gunanoot in 1958, memories were again easily rekindled as they would be again when James Kirby passed on in 1965, aged Back issues of the News can be ordered at $3.50 Whether or not Simon Gunanoot was actually each plus postage from the Editor. guilty of the murders, his impact on Canadian history and culture will endure. Certainly it is unique having two major geographic features named after someone once accused of a double killing. They are Mount Gunanoot, near the head of the Spatsizi River, and Gunanoot Lake, north of the Babine River. References Kelley, Thomas P. “The Long Search” True West 14-16, 54-55, August 1961 “Death Ends Strange Life.” Province, 20 October 1958, p. 19. “Simon Gumanut a Willing Prisoner in Hazelton jail.” Omineca Herald, 27 june 1978, p. 1. Deadline for Next Issue Williams, David Ricardo. Trapline Outlaw. December 1, 1985 Victoria, Sono Nis, 1982. . Berton, Pierre. My Country—the Remarkable Please submit all material for the B.C. Historical Past Toronto, McLelland & Stewart, 1976. News (except book reviews) to the Editor, 1745 Clark, Cecil. “The Saga of Simon Gun-an-noot,” Taylor Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 3E8. British Columbia Digest, 21:1, January 1965. Book reviews should be sent to Dr. P. Roy, #602, Geoffrey Castle is an archivist with the Provincial 139 Clarence Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 211 Archives of British Columbia.

eo,zte3t

We have received just two letters solar, giving us suggestions for improving the Historical that we are not THAT News. Assuming perfect, the contest is being kept open for another three months. The handsome prize, Sunlight in the Shadows, The Landscape of Emily Carr, by Michael Breuer and Kerry Dodd (Oxford University Press, 1984) is surely worth a few lines of Historical constructive criticism of the News. Please send all entries to the Editor, 1745 Taylor Street, Victoria, V8R 1985. 3E8, by December 1,

Page 20 British Columbia Historical News A Page From the 1868 Victoria Directory

VICTORIA ADVERTISEMENTS. 77

The Followieg Articles will be admitted Free of Duty: Agricul ural In;plements, Books Printed and Manuscript, Brickt, all Fresh Fruits not enumerated in Schedule of Specific l)uties, Coin, Gunny Sacks, Iron atid Steel, all kinds of Woods not enumerated in Schedule of Specific Duties, Calves under 12 mont .s old, Personal Effects, S:lt, Garden Seeds, Gr&n for Seed, Tar and litch, ‘liii, Copper ann Zinc, Wire (iron and brass) Cop per Sheets, Boiler-plates and Bolts and Patent isletal for Ships, Iron Hoops, Sheet iron, Rough and Partiuhly 3ianufactui’ed Woods used in construction of Carriages and Wagons, and Steel Spritigs, Anchors, aides, Chains and Copper Bolts for Ship Building, Fresh Fish, Fish Oil, Whalebone, Raw hemp for Rope making, Tallow. Gas Retorts, Fire Clay, Furs, Hides Lcinr,n and Lime Juice. Guano, Wool, Oakuin, Jute, Wagon Axles, Ship’s Blocks and Junk, and Blacksmith’s Coal, Lead in pipe, sheets and bars - KWONG LEE & CO., CORMORANT STREET, VLTRt4, V. L

IMPORTERS OF ALL KINDS OF HINtSE MERCHANDIZE, OPIUM, & DRY GOODS.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS N BL HJANDit

PRINCIPAL HOUSES: IWONG U. SUING, Canton. KWONG-MAN-FUNG, Hong-Kong. In Connection with hop KEE & Co., 705 Dupont stceet, San Francisco, California.

BRANCHES AT YALE, LILLOET, FORKS QUrSNELLE, MOUTH QUESNELLE, BARKSRVILLE, CARJBOO.

ALWAYS ON [lAND A I.a’ge Stock of Grocrjes Provisions, Rice, Tea, Sugar, Clars, Tobacco, Opium, Clohing, Boots & Shoes, Hardware. Mining Tcols.

Which are oO’. red rur Sale it lle:sonab’ Rates, Wholesale and Retail. KWONG- LEE & CO. Victoria, V. I., B. C.

British Columbia Historical News Page 21 ______

I News and Notes F

Sir Anthony Musgrave WRITING COMPETITION The British Columbia Historical Federation invites Honoured submission of books or articles for the third annual competition for writers of British Colum bia History. Any book with historial content published in 1985 is eligible. Whether the work was prepared as a thesis or a community project, for an industry or an organization, or just for the pleasure of sharing a pioneer’s reminiscences, it is considered history as long as names, dates and locations are included. Stories told in the vernacular are acceptable when indicated as quotations of a story teller. Writers are advised that judges are looking for fresh presentation of historical information with relevant maps and/or pictures. A Table of Contents and an adequate Index are a must for the book to be of value as a historical reference. A Bibliography is also desirable. Proof reading should be thorough to eliminate typo graphical and spelling errors. Submit your book with your name, address, and telephone number to: British Columbia Historical Federation c/o Mrs. Naomi Miller Box 105 Wasa, B.C. VOB 2K0 Please include Sir Anthony Musgrave, Lieutenant-Governor the selling price of the book and an of address from where British Columbia from 1869 to 1871, encouraged it may be purchased. Book contest deadline is the province to enter the Dominion, which it did January 31, 1986. on July 20, 1871. On this day in July 1985 the ****** Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada paid tribute to Musgrave at a ceremony in There will also Government House, Victoria. His Honour the be a prize for the writer of the best Honourable Robert G. Rogers, Lieutenant- historical article published in the British Colum bia Historical News quarterly Governor of British magazine. Articles Columbia, assisted by the are to be Honourable Allan submitted directly to: McKinnon, M.P., unveiled a The plaque that will be permanently Editor displayed on the British Columbia grounds of Government House. Historical News 1745 Taylor A career Imperial civil servant, Musgrave Street Victoria, served as governor of Newfoundland from 1864 B.C. V8R 3E8 Written length should to 1869, before coming to British Columbia. He be no more then 2,500 subsequently held vice-regal office in Natal, words, substantiated with footnotes if possible, South Australia, Jamaica, and Queensland. He and accompanied by photographs if available. was knighted in 1875 and died in Queensland in Deadlines for the quarterly issues are September 1888. 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. Winners will be invited to the British Columbia Historical Federation Convention in Vancouver in May 1986.

Page 22 British Columbia Historical News 4 4 . • •+, •. 4 •• 4 • 4 4 ••• .. , •44••4•.4 4 • .. •‘

MUSEUMS/ARCHIVES British Columbia Heritage Trust provided a second grant for the summer of 1985. In order to ensure consistency among the three police department archives, the catalogue and finding aid system devised in 1984 was applied to Esquimalt and Oak Bay. Police Archives Established A numerical cataloguing system, organized by subject matter, was developed with the assistance of the B.C. Provincial Archives. in Victoria Individual index cards were prepared which provide a description of the contents, date, location, and condition of each document and a catalogue number. The Victoria City Police also has a large collection of police department A Police Archive Project, funded by British photographs dating from the 1870s. These were Columbia Heritage Trust, was undertaken in assigned catalogue numbers and an inventory Victoria, B.C. during the summers of 1984 and was prepared. Unframed photographs were 1985. The initial project in 1984 was the out placed in individual envelopes and labelled. growth of a concern shared by Chief Bill Minor conservation measures were undertaken Snowdon of the Victoria City Police, Dr. to safeguard the older records at Victoria City Marjorie Mitchell, Anthropology and Forensic Police by binding more fragile volumes with Science instructor at Camosun College, and by cotton tape. the writer. It was realized that the Victoria City Recommendations for use of the Archives by Police historical records, dating from 1866, were researchers were submitted to the of police considerable historical interest, but inade departments. Following a security check re quate storage facilities, the deteriorating quired by the police departments, researchers condition of many documents and the lack of will be requested to use pencil only, any and to classification made research extremely refrain from smoking or consuming food or difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, it beverages while working with historical docu was apparent that restoration and cataloguing ments. The most important recommendation was is essential for all inactive historical records in that researchers not be allowed to use the order to retard further deterioration, and to records unsupervised. make them more accessible, at least on a limited The project was a process of examining basis, for research. documents and photographs to determine age, The purpose of the project was two-fold: first content, historical significance, and to physical provide Victoria City Police with a detailed condition. The archival system, as devised for descriptive inventory of all historical docu the project, could be applied to any police ments and early police photographs, and department, with the assistance of student second, to provide a catalogue and finding-aid employment grants. system that would enable researchers to locate The importance of preserving and records maintain while minimizing unnecessary hand ing historical police documents, photographs ling of these fragile documents. and artifacts cannot be overemphasized. As They a result of the 1984 Archive Project at provide a window on the history not only of Victoria City Police, both Chief Peter Marriott individual police departments, but also of of Esquimalt Police and Chief Bill Moyes of Oak communities and society in general. From the Bay Police expressed interest in establishing perspective of researchers, police archives are a comparable archival resources for their own valuable source of information about changing historical police records, dating from 1915 and patterns of crime and enforcement. 1912 From the respectively. As well, the discovery of perspective of police officers, the materials additional can records at Victoria City Police and help to promote a sense of pride in the history donations to the department required cata of his or her own department. loguing. Lacey Hansen-Brett

British Columbia Historical News Page 23

24 Page British Columbia News Historical

Columbia. to British relating documents edited 1985.

1, December or by articles received be thirty-eight least should at published has Lamb nominations

competition, Dr. 1986 In all, the in journals. inclusion historical other and ensure To Beaver 2Y2.

V8W B.C. the Victoria, Review, Victoria, of Historical the University Canadian History, Report,

of Department Roy, Annual E. Patricia Association to: Historical Canadian a the project, in to

relating clippings history newspaper Columbia’s or British on articles reviews, written also cation,

publi a as such has Lamb Dr. years, documentation the Over supporting documents. edited and

nominated and being is articles organization contributed regularly or and individual 1946 until

the why of journal statement this a brief edited with Lamb Dr. along history. sent, Columbia

be should North British the of and study scholarly the Columbia in British encouraging for role

Nominations unique history. its and regional to its readership, of diversity the organizations ship,

or individuals by scholar of its contributions quality the for renowned exceptional for a journal

or publications (1937), outstanding for Quarterly given Historical are Columbia awards British the

annual These founded awards. he Merit of (1934-1940), Certificate Archivist and its Librarian for

nominations Provincial invites While Association Columbia. British Historical in dian studies

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contribution special Regional very

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has he Studies, Canadian fostering in Awards role his Merit of Certificate

for acclaimed widely been has Lamb Dr. While

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studies. Canadian of father a founding of status

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incumbent first and Archivist praised. as Dominion justifiably been has work other

supremely, Lamb’s and, U.B.C. at Dr. Librarian as which Columbia, for elegance literary and ship

British

in scholar Archivist and Librarian historical of Provincial standard high the

maintains

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role (1985) Lamb’s Society them.” founds “He replied, Hakluyt the by published

Voyages,

was it

which to Vancouver’s journals?’ to learned of contribute edition His (1970).

Mackenzie

he “does

Alexander asked, it was and whom about scholar (1969), Franchere Gabriel

(1960),

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Fraser the of one Simon reminds Kaye Lamb (1957), Harmon Daniel (1940-1944),

McLoughlin John wrote: once of writings the of editions

Daniells,

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west north the of exploration

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Certificate

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in

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citation The

Society.

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of

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made

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(with

co-author

the also is He Columbia.

Committee,

History Regional

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British

for

interest

a particular has scope, in

representative Columbia

British the Roy, Patricia

national

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(1977),

Railway Pacific Dr. Canadian Merit.

of

Certificates

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with him

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History

acclaimed

widely His exploration.

presenting by history

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Lamb Kaye

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honored

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special Lambs Dr. recently Association Historical Canadian The

Honoured Lamb Kaye W. Dr.

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Piper’s Lagoon: A Historic and Captivating Battery Flashes of WW. II: A Thumbnail Sketch of Vancouver Island Park. Vi Henderson. Nanaimo: Canadian Artillery Batteries during the 1939-1945 Quadra Graphics Ltd., 1984. Pp. 52, $6.95. Conflict. D.W. Falconer. Victoria: D.W. Falconer, 1985. Pp. 496, illus. $19.95 paper. Vi Henderson has put into words what so many lovers (Available from the author, 1225 May St., Victoria, B.C. of Piper’s Lagoon Park feel, and she is to be thanked V8V 2S8 at $19.95 plus $1.00 postage and handling for her affectionate description of this jewel which lies Canadian; $2.78, International) in the midst of suburban Nanaimo. The spit head is a primeval place where the In compiling Battery Flashes of World War II, D.W. closeness of the city is forgotten. Here on a rocky (Wilf) Falconer has produced a remarkable reference headland youngsters play at games of pirates, families tool for those interested in the history of the Royal scramble over rocks and around twisted Garry oaks, Canadian Artillery. It is possible to trace individual couples find places in which to be alone. units from formation, through service either on the Anyone who has walked the smooth-pebbled home front with the 6th, 7th, and 8th Divisions, or beach of “the spit” on a blustery winter day, or has overseas with the Canadian Active Service Force, to toasted on that same beach in the hot sun of summer disbandment. and watched southbound sailboats do a spinaker run Using General Orders: 1939-1946, War diaries, unit before a fair weather wind will want to read this little histories, and other documents such as site fighting book. Anyone who has dug clams in the mud of the books and organizational orders, Falconer has lagoon emptied of its water at low tide, or gathered produced “thumbnail” sketches of individual units, oysters on the ocean side or pried mussels off rocks, relating salient facts such as where they served, in roasted them in a beach fire ‘til the shells open and what actions, and, often, which ordnance was eaten the little peanutty morsels will agree that Piper’s employed in the course of operations. Where Lagoon is worth having a book written in its honour. appropriate, the compiler chronicles changes in a The author’s celebration of these natural wonders unit’s designation as a result of operational require includes a section on the history of the area. ments, and indicates its inclusion within larger Unfortunately, this section is incomplete, omitting as formations such as infantry divisions, corps or armies. it does any more than a mention of the Place and A brief description at the head of each major section, Planta families. In addition, Mrs. Henderson’s other and an extensive table of abbreviations, assist wise clearly written prose is marred by the use of such researchers who are not familiar with the specialized words as “noachian” which sends the reader to the terminology of the artillery. A bibliography provides dictionary. additional background. Written descriptions and Quadra Graphics of Nanaimo has done an excellent some illustrations in the appendix will be of interest to job in the production of this book. It is small, collectors and those attempting to catalogue uni handsome and well-designed. It would fit easily into a forms. jacket pocket, knapsack or picnic basket on an outing British Columbia has a long association with the to Piper’s Lagoon Park. Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Using this book, a researcher can determine which units served Lynne Bowen is the author of Boss Whistle: The Coal in this province, when, and where; changes in Miners of Nanaimo Remember. designation, and which of B.C. origin served overseas. Battery Flashes of World War II is as useful a reference source as it is an impressive piece of research and compilation. It is vital to any collection concerned with Canadian military history. Dave Parker, a curator at the Provincial Museum, is Patricia Roy is the Book Review Editor. Copies of the co-author of the recently published Helicopters: books for review should be sent to her at 602-139 The B.C. Story. Clarence St., Victoria V8V 2J1

British Columbia Historical News Page 25

26 Page News Historical Columbia British

subject. of description historical with drawings line hundred One 6N4.

V8R

B.C.

Victoria,

B, Station 5123, Box P.O. from Order Castle. Geoffry and King Landmarks, Barry Victoria

1920s. the in Columbia British in Northwestern Life B.C. Frontier

Victoria,

Rd.,

Fairfield pp. 1277 Publications, Pencrest from Order 200+ Outpost, Andrews. Metis Gerry

1985

April

Symposium, B.C.

in

Cemeteries Heritage at presented Papers 1E5. V8V B.C. Battery Street, Victoria,

628 from

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($6.00)

Federation. pp. Historical B.C. Branch, by Victoria Published 55 editor. Adams John

Columbia British in Cemeteries Heritage

Interest of New Publications

the for

adequately them prepare not it did that

communities.

in

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universities. and in schools teachers native culture

period. the transitional and

knitters carvers,

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Treasurer: JOIN Why not join the British Columbia Historical Federation and receive the British Columbia Historical News regularly? The BCHF is composed of member societies in all parts of the province. Byjoining your local society you receive not only a subscription to British Columbia Historical News, but the opportunity to participate in a program of talks and field trips, and to meet others interested in British Columbia’s history and the F3CHF’s annual convention. For information, contact your local society (address on the inside front cover).... No local society in your area? Perhaps you might think of forming one. For information contact the secretary of the BCHF (address inside back cover).