Glimpses of the Past: December 26, 2024
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Ski Touring in Glacier, 1941. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-11701.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, December 29, 1894
There was a debate going on in Revelstoke about whether or not dogs belonged in church. There were many residents complaining about dogs attending services and causing distractions by walking up the aisle and between the pews. However, there were also a lot of church goers who enjoyed the canine company and petitioned for the pups to remain.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, December 29, 1904
A new dancing school was opened in the Selkirk Hall. A number of local residents signified their intentions of joining the classes. In addition to the waltz, two step, and other standard dances, there would also be classes to learn the Chicago Glide, Princess, and Three-Step dances. A children’s class and private lessons would also be offered as well.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, December 26, 1914
Many local Revelstoke businesses were taking part in Boxing Day sales. G.W. Bell Ltd, was advertising an assortment of their favourite Harvest Brand jams and jellies in one pound pots for only 20 cents per pound. As well they were also offering 20 percent off of all fancy china and dishes. Boxing Day sales were still going strong even 110 years ago!
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 23, 1924
The Revelstoke Ski Club was planning attractions adequate for the biggest Winter Carnival ever held in the BC Interior. A main attraction was the appearance of John Snersrudd, a holder of thirty first prizes for Nordic combined. He had competed with the Olympic World Champion of the previous year, and had already tried out the ski hill to the delight of the club. The club was extremely excited to have such a famous athlete attending the Carnival.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 28, 1934
Christmas Day was the coldest day of the year in Revelstoke. The thermometer dropped to six below zero early Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, a blizzard blew into Lower Town and West Revelstoke, where the wind kept up for several days. The Upper Town felt none of the wind’s effects. Christmas was quiet, with crisp air and huge heaps of fluffy snow piled up around town.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 28, 1944
The Revelstoke snow plow made its first appearance of the season. The snow started out light but then continued without letting up, giving some residents a crazy commute to work. Snow was still falling by noon, and the appearance of the snow plow gave citizens a sigh of relief.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 30, 1954
The Revelstoke Legion branch was planning to host a delightful New Year’s Party. Refreshments were to be served, and music and dancing were to follow. Admission was restricted to legion members only. Ringing in the New Year at the legion was sure to be a jolly good time.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 31, 1964
A new curriculum was set to begin in BC Secondary Schools, include in Revelstoke. The old system of credits and majors, as well as the university and general programs were set to disappear. The new system would embody many of the recommendations made by the Chant Commission Report. In Revelstoke, there would be a new academic technical program, commercial program, industrial program and community services program. Much new equipment was also set to be purchased.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 19, 1974
The Revelstoke Ski Club was holding Cross Country Touring lessons at the ski cabin on Mount Revelstoke. Lessons and tips on waxing were given free of charge courtesy of the ski club and were available to all age groups. Locals were all very excited, and children were especially excited to learn a new winter activity!
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 19, 1984
The Revelstoke Community Singers presented a wonderfully festive presentation of their “Christmas Celebration”. The performance took place at the Community Centre. It featured an assortment of guest performers, as well as a delightful sing-along that pleased both audience and performer alike.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 23, 1994
Revelstoke Holiday Hampers were sent out to Revelstoke residents who needed them the most. The Christmas Hamper Society got 217 requests for food hampers, two more than the previous year’s total. Cash donations to the hamper drive were close to around $10,000. There was also a solid amount of food donations, although the Society had hoped to see plenty more.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 29, 2004
The Snowmobile Revelstoke Society acquired a new snow groomer. It was acquired, in part, thanks to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, which gives the Society a $10,000 grant each year. The steady increase of visitors to Revelstoke and the large amount of snow made the city “the No.1 Choice” for riders who enjoyed a well-groomed trail.