Glimpses of the Past: October 31, 2024

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Halloween at Beaton, BC, 1953. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-6157.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, October 27, 1894

The famous Lardeau Hotel, situated on Upper Arrow Lake, was put up for sale. It had been built the year previously for $3,500. Along with its first class furniture that had been purchased from Vancouver, the hotel was being sold for $5,075. Residents of Revelstoke were being strongly encouraged to engage with such a bargain of a sale at that time!

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, October 27, 1904

A trio of romantic comic operas were coming to Revelstoke. The town was set to have multiple nights of entertainment with three different operas, Fra Diavolo on Thursday, Girofle-Girofla on Friday and Beggar Prince on Saturday. The touring company had already presented several successful tours around the central and southern states, and this was to be their first complete tour of British Columbia and Alberta.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, October 31, 1914

There was great satisfaction from the town of Revelstoke as the government had decided to start putting through a telephone system. The system would be able to make long distance connections from Sicamous to Taft and on through to Revelstoke. Telephone employees were hard at work putting up the poles so that communication could possibly be achieved by the winter.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 29, 1924

Mrs. Winfield Maxwell’s musical pupils performed a wonderful production of the Goblins, Ghosts, Witches and Elves of Halloween. The production took place in the St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Revelstoke. Additionally, certificates for the children who tried the Canadian Academy Examinations were presented after the production as well.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 26, 1934

A relief worker’s camp near Revelstoke that went on strike achieved great success, having had their demands met. Their request? That pickles and mustard be served with meals. The men refused to work one morning and following this, a discussion was held amongst camp officials. It was later declared they would meet the worker’s orders.  This was quite a huge dill for the camp!

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 26, 1944

The Revelstoke Women’s Emergency Corps was busy preparing and wrapping parcels for Revelstoke soldiers who were serving overseas. This work was done at city hall, and the parcels were very well appreciated. Throughout the year, the organization had already donated time and effort to the raising of funds for the parcels as well.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 28, 1954

Steam trains were officially going out of style. Passenger trains were now being hauled all the way to Vancouver via the power of diesel. Until this point in time, diesel engines were only operated as far as Kamloops, but it was quite exciting that they would now be able to take passengers all the way to the coast.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 29, 1964

Members of the Revelstoke Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #46 held their 38th anniversary. Many honoured guests were present, including former presidents and representatives. The tables were decorated beautifully with red and white roses and gladioli, as well as candles. The head table held the birthday cake, covered in blue and gold flowers, the Legion’s colours, and afterwards, the guests also enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 24, 1974

A family fun night was to be held at the Revelstoke United Church. The delightful evening was to consist of contests, games, and food. Adults cost $1 and children were only 50 cents! There was sure to be some spooky surprises in store as well, as the event was being held so close to Halloween.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 31, 1984

A Pumpkin Tea was held at the Community Centre by the Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary. Along with delicious goodies and plenty of bazaar tables, the biggest hit at the tea was the fortune tellers. There were palm readers, a tea cup reader, and a card reader. All of the readers received huge lineups of guests, all eager to hear what their futures would entail.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 28, 1994

For Revelstoke children, the ocean couldn’t be farther away. However, it was a great day when the Vancouver Aquarium’s “Aquavan” came to town. The van carried 25 to 30 different species of ocean creatures, alongside a range of activities, including touch pools, microscope videos and fish printing. Elementary students were treated to a sea creature puppet show, and secondary students conducted labs on Intertidal Marine Biology. A great time was had by all!

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 27, 2004

Many local Revelstoke community members participated in a Kidney Foundation kangaroo court at Coopers Foods. The locals were scooped up by the RCMP and forced to raise “bail” which was a minimum of $500 each for the foundation. Many friends and families were called upon to help release the inmates from their faux prison cells. The campaign raised more than $17,400 for the foundation.