Glimpses of the Past: January 2, 2025

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Revelstoke Snowshoe Club, circa 1910. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-398.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, January 5, 1895

There was exciting literary news in Revelstoke for all of the book lovers! There was to be a circulating lending library that was going to be inaugurated at the Canadian Pacific station. The headquarters were to be at the drug store. The lending library was going to have a lovely selection of books that would be rotated around town.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, January 5, 1905

The Ladies Auxiliary of the B. of R. T. raffled off a special silk quilt that had been on display in the store window of C.B. Hume & Company. The raffle took place in the Selkirk hall, where the tickets were drawn by the Misses Urquhart and Porter. The winning number belonged to Mr. Casity of Golden, and it was reported that he was quite excited.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, January 2, 1915

The start of the New Year was excitedly welcomed in Revelstoke.  There were firecrackers, cheering, singing, and a performance by the local Italian band. On New Year’s Day, there was skating on both the river, as well as the YMCA rink, and snowshoes were out in abundance too. A festive Tango Club ball was well attended, and overall spirits were high all over town.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, January 7, 1925

A special theatre performance was coming to Revelstoke. The show was titled “Stepping Out” and was coined as “the greatest soldier show ever offered to Canadian audiences”.  The entertainers were known as “The Originals” and were set to sing, dance, and provide much needed laughter and excitement to the audience. Tickets were sold for between $1.10 and $1.60.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, January 4, 1935

A little pigeon had quite a journey across Canada. A banded homing pigeon landed at the headquarters of the Department of National Defense in Ottawa on September 6th with an injured leg. On January 2nd, it was seen in Revelstoke, right outside the office of Pradolini Bros. on Third Street and Campbell Avenue. Upon a physical examination, it was discovered to be the same bird, in good health and quite tame. The pigeon evidently decided to make its home in Revelstoke, and became a beloved character around town.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, January 4, 1945

A special letter was received by a local couple from Revelstoke’s famous ski jumper, Bob Lymburne. At the time, he was serving with the No.1 Railway operating Company, the Royal Canadian Engineers in France. The letter spoke about his service and the numerous other Revelstoke men who happened to be in the same company as himself. Lymburne was known for breaking the world record with a jump of 287 feet on the local hill in 1932.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, January 6, 1955

A late season robin was spotted chirping around town. Robins were seldom seen in January so this was quite exciting for the resident bird watchers in town. The beautiful fellow was seen perched in the mountain ash trees behind the Imperial Bank, having a jolly good time resting beside the vibrant red berries. 

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, January 7, 1965

A delightful New Year’s Eve dinner and dance was held by the Revelstoke Gourmet Club. The theme of the dinner was Scotland. The menu included haggis, homemade chicken soup, roast beef, turnips, green beans, mashed potatoes, deep apple tart, tipsy pudding, oat cakes, and shortbread. The drinks served were Scotch, rose’ and Drambuie (whisky liqueur). An Ode to the Haggis was also given by one of the Gourmet members.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, January 2, 1975

It was reported that snowshoeing had hit a revival with the citizens of Revelstoke. Residents were noticing that it was quite an easy and fun winter sport to participate in, and enjoyed that there were no special skills needed to do it. Elements that brought the increased acceptance to cross-country skiing no doubt brought the same feeling to snowshoeing. It’s quiet, peaceful, and one of the only winter sports that allows one to go deep into natural surroundings.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, January 3, 1985

Queen Victoria Hospital was in the process of developing a cost effectiveness program. The development of the program came as a result of the hospital experiencing a period of low activity. Staff would be reviewing and examining the operations of the hospital to identify opportunities for cost reduction, and coming up with suggestions and ideas on what would work best. Prizes would be awarded to members who submitted the best ideas.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, January 3, 1995

There was talk in town about starting a local 4-H club. To join the club, a new member had to buy a baby animal around two years old, and raise it, care for it, and eventually show it in competitions. The member would also have to know about the animals, the breeds, and a general knowledge of the breed’s history. There was a lot of hope in starting the club, and it had seemed to generate a lot of local interest from the youth.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, January 5, 2005

More than 40 people filled the upstairs of the Revelstoke Museum and Archives to celebrate the ancient Scottish custom of Hogmanay. Revelstoke’s own Scottish Country Dancers came out in full regalia to share the centuries’ old folk dances to anyone who wanted to learn. The celebrants enjoyed canapes, wine, dessert and a happy dose of conversation.  Hogmanay had been celebrated in Revelstoke for many years and had been keeping the Scottish tradition alive.