Glimpses of the Past: December 19, 2024

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Lit Christmas trees on Mackenzie Avenue, circa 1945. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-5711.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, December 22, 1894

The hotel at Halcyon Hot Springs was finally open for the accommodation of guests. Room rates ranged from $1.50 to $2.50 per day. A swim in the hot springs cost 25 cents each, or you could also do five dips for $1.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, December 22, 1904

A massive cave was found east of Revelstoke in the Cougar Valley. The cave was situated only two miles from the main line of the CPR track, in a beautiful park-like valley. There were four entrances to the cave, of which only three could actually be entered. It was estimated to be about one and a half miles in length, and possibly 2000 feet in depth. The cave was covered in sparkling crystals and was sure to be a favourite sport for adventurers and thrill-seekers.  They were later named Nakimu Caves.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, December 19, 1914

A Christmas tree and party closed the first half of the school term at the Revelstoke high school. There were games, as well as music consisting of a choir and a piano accompaniment. Additionally many presents were given out such as rattles, cakes of soap, boxes of face powder and comical dolls. There was lots of dancing and the party broke up shortly before midnight.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 17, 1924

A large windstorm did considerable damage to the new skating rink in Revelstoke. A short section of the roof on the west end of the rink was blown off, which permitted the wind to the force the end in almost completely. With the rink then acting as a funnel, it was amazing that the other end of the structure did not go out. Only a bad bulge on the roof was left, however this was able to be fixed without great difficulty.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 20, 1934

The Young People of the United Church held a lovely Christmas social in Mackenzie Avenue Hall. It was complete with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, with an assortment of presents underneath. As well, Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading warm holiday wishes to all of the children and their families.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 21, 1944

A special presentation of “The Manger Prince” took place in the United Church. It was performed by the Revelstoke Choral Society who rose to new heights with this musical showcase. The presentation was performed in a traditional Christmas fashion of candle light. It was a beautiful performance and really enhanced the local Christmas spirit during the times of war.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 16, 1954

A classic American delicacy was to be added to new CPR “Skyliner” Coach cars. The “Skyliner” Coaches would be the first of its kind in the world to add hot dogs to the menu. There was much public demand for these treats to be available on board the trains. The “Skyliner” would also have reserved coach seats, a coffee shop and over-the-roof views.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 17, 1964

A special dinner for the senior citizens of Revelstoke was held. The seniors enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, as well as singing, a fashion show, and a musical skit. The annual event was sponsored by the Women of the Moose and was held in the lower K.P. Hall, which was decorated wonderfully for Christmas.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 19, 1974

The Mountain View School Choir sponsored a carol-fest in Revelstoke. There were guest appearances by choirs from the Selkirk, Mount Begbie and Farwell Schools. Many Christmas classics were sung to an audience of over 450 people. A silver collection was made with over $125 being donated, that of which would be given to the Moberly Park Manor, to help provide a little extra Christmas cheer to the residents.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 19, 1984

A moonlit ski on Mount Revelstoke was being planned.  Parks Canada was sponsoring the delightful winter event, with the trail set to start at the Summer Information Booth and end at the Five Mile Picnic Area. Hot chocolate was going to be provided to warm up all of the skiers at the end.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 20, 1994

A local book project was a successful collaboration between high school and elementary students. 19 Grade 12 students worked with 30 Mount Begbie Grade 4 students to create their very own books. The older students talked with the younger ones about their interests, and later began drafting stories for them using the ideas, suggestions and comments offered by the Grade 4s. In the end, each Grade 4 received a story just for them, encouraging creativity and a special bond between the schools.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 22, 2004

The CPR Holiday Train was a great success in Revelstoke. The train was in its sixth year of taking to the rails to raise funds, food and awareness for hunger relief efforts in North America. The train is the only fundraiser of its kind, and the end result is a donation of more than $225,000 to local food banks. Since the train’s inception, it had raised close to 213 tons of food and more than $1.5 million for Canadian and U.S. food banks.