Glimpses of the Past: October 17, 2024
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Historic photo of the Enchanted Forest located at 7060 Trans Canada Hwy. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-8349
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, October 20, 1894
Lord John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, the Governor General of Canada, along with his wife Isabel Hamilton-Gordon, passed through Revelstoke on their way to the coast. They had started their travels in Edmonton, staying in Banff and Glacier along the way. The train they travelled in was thirteen cars long, which was quite a long train at the time!
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, October 20, 1904
The second of a series of Promenade Concerts held under the endorsement of the Ladies’ Hospital Guild took place in the Revelstoke Opera House. The first one was very well attended, and this attendance continued along with this concert as well. Excitedly enough, admission was only 25 cents!
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, October 17, 1914
A train carrying a gift to the empire passed through Revelstoke. The special train, made up of twenty-three cars, was carrying canned salmon to Montreal, where it would be shipped to England. The salmon represented British Columbia’s gift to the empire as an assistance during the times of stress occasioned by the war. It was hoped that this gift of 23, 305 cans of salmon would alleviate some food insecurity in England and provide some stress-relief during the war.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 15, 1924
Work was steadily progressing on a brand new skating and curling rink in Revelstoke. The framing of the timbers had been finished, and it was mentioned that in a couple of days, the overall structure of the building would be visible. This was very exciting news for all of the local skaters and curlers!
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 19, 1934
Revelstoke was named as an ideal district for dairying. Mr. Everard Clarke, of the Okanagan Valley Co-operative Creamery Association, visited Revelstoke, and stated that the combination of an abundance of alfalfa, along with the clear, cold water from the mountain streams, created the finest quality dairy products. Revelstoke had a heavy hand in creating the famous “NOCA” butter, the undisputed champion product of its kind, excitedly delighting all of the local dairy farmers.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 19, 1944
A Halloween party was planned for the children of Revelstoke, sponsored by the Kinsmen Club. Citizens of Revelstoke were being asked to purchase “Shell-Out” tickets to raise money for the Milk for Britain Fund. The town would be canvassed by members of the Rotary Air Cadets. As well, the Halloween party was set to have hot-dogs, pops, games, and prizes for costumes.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 21, 1954
The Revelstoke Kinsmen and Kinettes visited Salmon Arm to attend a zone meeting and attend a governor’s ball. Nineteen local members made up the group that won a “cup” for the best skit presented. A banquet was also held that same weekend in Salmon Arm for 150 Kinsmen and Kinettes that had travelled from all around the zone.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 15, 1964
A glowing and joyous review of The Enchanted Forest was printed this week. The magical roadside attraction had only been open for four years, but enchantment was already flowing through the young and young-at heart. The review spoke about the hilariously cute animal statues that greeted visitors at the door, along with the numerous fairytale characters stationed along the woodland path. It’s exciting to know that even 60 years later, it is still a fantastical spot to visit!
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 17, 1974
Mount Revelstoke National Park was internationally recognized in the Seattle Times Pictorial Review. The article was made up of five tabloid pages, complete with beautifully illustrated images of the park. The article contained write-ups on different hikes in the park, along with many stunning images of Eva Lake and the summit. As well, the writer also mentioned the accessibility in Revelstoke of the park office, which offered up maps and info to visitors.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 17, 1984
Revelstoke was the first stop for the Repertory Dance Company of Canada’s national tour. The group contained a number of soloist artists, all under the “Joy of Dance” title. The small but attentive audience enjoyed a fabulous performance of combined ballet and modern dance routines, and the tour company expressed appreciation for the turnout.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 14, 1994
5 grizzly bears were escorted out of Revelstoke and back to the safety of the woods. A sow and her two little cubs were relocated to the backcountry after being found too close to town. Additionally, two male grizzlies were spotted near the golf course in Revelstoke, and were later moved back to the cozy confines of their woodland home.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 20, 2004
A fun event called the Half-Pint Basketball Game was held as a fundraiser. The event raised more than $1,200 dollars for the Revelstoke Hospice Society. The game featured a team of local business people, teachers, politicians and police officers facing off against a team of local kids. More than 250 people attended the event, which was held in the Revelstoke Secondary School gym.