Glimpses of the Past: October 10, 2024

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Revelstoke Bicycle Club, 1899. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-81.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, October 13, 1894

Bicycles were starting to become a regular sight on Revelstoke streets. A local man, Mr. Alex Cummings who had just recently moved from Donald was said to be a fantastic rider, even on the rough patches. Bicycles in Revelstoke became an exciting new sight to see!

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, October 13, 1904

The annual meeting of The Shakespearean Society was held at the Rectory of St. Peter’s Anglican Church. The meeting was well attended, with new positions filled by excited members. It was decided that “Julius Caesar” would be the first play of the season. The society was a highlight for many Revelstoke locals as it provided some brilliant entertainment through the cold winter months.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, October 10, 1914

The ladies’ auxiliary to the Revelstoke Y.M.C.A was gearing up to serve its annual turkey supper.  This was a wonderful event for the community members, as there were many who preferred not to cook up a large dinner for one, or those who were unable to cook for their families that year. The ladies at the Y.M.C.A generously donated their time in perfecting a beautiful turkey dinner for anyone who wanted to take part.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 8, 1924

The St. Peter’s Church Harvest Festival was held.  The Church was beautifully decorated with flowers, fruits and vegetables, all contributed by various donors. There was music provided by the local Church choir, with accompaniments on an organ. There was a full congregation on the Sunday, as well as a full service in the evening. 

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 12, 1934

The official Rotary magazine, titled “The Rotarian”, published a wonderful photograph and caption about Williamson’s Lake in Revelstoke. The caption spoke about a five thousand dollar improvement to the lake, sponsored by the twenty-four members of the Revelstoke Rotary Club. This improvement included picnic and camping grounds, bathing facilities, picnic shelters, and brand new benches.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, October 13, 1944

An exciting barn dance was held in Revelstoke. The dance was organized by the Hostess Club and the Kinsmen, and was held at the Civic Centre. It was preceded by a floor show, and a great time was had by all. Music for the evening was provided by “Zeke and his Saddle Pals”.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 14, 1954

A masterful production of Puss in Boots was presented to the children of Revelstoke. A production company called Holiday Theatre put on the show, as part of their tour of the Okanagan and surrounding area.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 8, 1964

The Revelstoke Scouts and Cubs held their annual Apple Day. This special event was a way for the kids to show their appreciation for the community, and give back. They distributed apples to give their thanks, and by the end of the day, they had actually fundraised $142.08, which the organization was very excited about!

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 10, 1974

A group of twenty-nine grade three students from Mount Begbie School visited the new Revelstoke Museum and Archives. The group, led by teacher Mrs. R. Tracy, was very interested in all of the different exhibits, and showed great excitement during their field trip. It was mentioned that “the visit sharpened their interest in social studies. Rosemary Tracy will be sharing the history of Mount Begbie School at a special Brown Bag History presentation on October 30.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 11, 1984

An ultrasound service was being considered for Queen Victoria Hospital. It was reported that an estimated 150-200 patients had to travel out of town for the service. The ultrasound project was being marketed as a partnership between Revelstoke, Golden and Salmon Arm, as it would bring in a number of patients from these nearby towns.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 11, 1994

A salute to Revelstoke’s firefighters was published, during Fire Prevention Week. A small biography was written for each firefighter, and there was an extra special mention of Dianne the Dalmatian, who was a trusted member of the fire-fighting team. The Fire Prevention Week segment included ways to prevent a fire in your own home, as well as outside.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 13, 2004

It was announced that the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre should be up and running by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation Department of Revelstoke was searching for answers for what to do with the old outdoor Centennial Pool. The pool, which is where the RSS Staff parking lot is now, sat dormant for quite some time before being removed.

Laura VanZantComment