Glimpses of the Past: November 21, 2024
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
J.G. MacDonald’s Men’s Furnishings at 200 First Street West, circa 1905. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-1590.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, November 17, 1894
The proprietors of Bourne’s Hall were making several improvements to the local theatre. When completed, they will make the hall one of the best equipped theatres in the interior. They were installing a new drop curtain, four new scenes for the stage, and the stage was to be widened by two feet.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, November 18, 1904
It was announced that Revelstoke had one of the most complete and up-to-date clothing stores in the interior. The owner, Mr. J. Macdonald, successor to Macdonald and Monteith, had previously run a very large grocery business but had decided to switch over to clothing. The store was a Men’s and Boy’s Furnishing store.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, November 21, 1914
Fifty men of the 6th Field company Canadian Engineers passed through Revelstoke enroute to Ottawa where they were to stay for two months to complete their engineering courses before proceeding overseas to serve during the war. Eight of the men were from Revelstoke. A large number of community members met the train at the station, and gave the group a proud send off.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, November 19, 1924
A dance recital was given by the students of Miss Sheila Dickey at her home. The students gave a series of wonderful performances, including dancing, piano playing and singing. The studio was packed with proud parents, and the students all had a fabulous time.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, November 23, 1934
A sneaky incident involving a tree took place. Light and power service was disrupted when a mysterious individual dropped a huge birch tree across the main line from the hydro plant. The diesel plant was used to carry the load, and footprints in the snow revealed that the culprit had made a quick exit from the scene of the crime.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, November 23, 1944
Two famous Canadian Women’s Army Corps bands were coming to give a performance to the community of Revelstoke. One was a pipe band, and the other a brass. Accompanying the band would be a parade. The bands had just completed an extensive across Canada and were looking forward to performing in Revelstoke.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, November 18, 1954
Construction had begun to take place for the new elementary school at the back of Mountain View Park (currently Queen Elizabeth Park.) Gravel had been hauled and large mounds of it were ready for the job. The Holland Construction Company of Vancouver was the building contractor. The school was named Mountain View School.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, November 19, 1964
The hit Broadway musical, West Side Story had finally arrived at the Roxy Theatre in Revelstoke. It was greatly anticipated, as it was chock full of fantastic musical numbers. The prices for admission were $1 for adults, 75 cents for students, and 35 cents for children.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, November 21, 1974
A local Revelstoke man spotted a meteorite streaking through the night. It actually struck the earth near Chehalis, Washington. The man spotted the meteorite just above Mt. Begbie and described it as a “fast moving round glow, trailing sparks and visible for only a few seconds”. This was a very exciting cosmic event for the town!
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, November 21, 1984
Work on the Mount Mackenzie Skill Hill was heavily underway. According to one of the Mount Mackenzie Alpine Sport Society directors, all concrete work for the installation of the new lift had been completed. That included ten footings and two stations. Renovations on the chalet were nearly complete and the new Monashee chairlift was almost finished as well.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, November 22, 1994
A group of local teens was set to take the stage with a modern jazz dance production. The Express Yourself Dance Company was set to present a production titled “Schoop”. The title number was announced to be a combination of power funk and modern jazz set to a catchy rap tune.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, November 17, 2004
The Revelstoke Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutoring Program received provincial funding. The program received $11,765 in funding to continue their efforts to improve adult literary in Revelstoke. The program offered training sessions and evening work-shops for literary tutors, one-on-one sessions for adults and small group activities.