Glimpses of the Past: September 19th
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
The first Revelstoke High School, opened in 1904, located between what is now the Old School Eatery and 2nd Street. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-501.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, September 22, 1894
Sir Wilfred Laurier, leader of the Liberal Party, made an appearance at Bourne’s Hall in Revelstoke. The hall was packed to the brim with excited community members, and it was declared to be the largest meeting ever held in the history of the town.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, September 15, 1904
The brand new wood-frame Revelstoke High School opened on this day, on Second Street West, across from the Anglican Church (now Eternal Riders.) There were 22 pupils in attendance. This was the first High School built in Revelstoke, and it was anticipated to be a welcoming environment for students to learn and grow. Mr. C.B. Sissons was the first principal of the new school.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 19, 1914
Two trans-continental railway routes that stopped in Revelstoke were discontinued. The two cities involved in the discontinuation were St. Paul and Seattle. The loss of these routes meant a big change in arrival and departure times both to and from Revelstoke.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 17, 1924
Plans were underway to build a jam and canning factory at Cartier, a settlement 8 miles south of Revelstoke. The settlement sat at the foot of Mount Cartier, hence the name. There were also plans to erect another wooden structure alongside the factory, to house all of the canning fruits. Two men, Mr. Hilburn and Mr. Rohman, were the masterminds behind the plan for the jam factory. It doesn’t appear that it was ever built.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 21, 1934
A beloved BC musical group, The Kitsilano Boy’s Band, was set to perform in Revelstoke, fresh off of their tour in England and Scotland. The boys were very excited to play again in the town, as they had received such a warm welcome on their previous visit. They were set to play a variety of tunes to an adoring audience at the local Y.M.C.A.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 21, 1944
It was announced by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board that tea and coffee were to be taken off the list of rationed goods. A tense shipping situation had been resolved, allowing for the exciting news that two cups of coffee or tea were now allowed in restaurants. However, sugar and cream had yet to make it off of the list, meaning the second cup would have to be sugar-free.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 16, 1954
An old cottage, which had stood for nearly half a century on the King Edward Hotel corner at Second Street East and Orton was demolished by the hotel owners. The historic cottage was torn down in order to preserve the appearance of the hotel and its surrounding property.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 17, 1964
His Royal Highness, Prince William, son of the Duke of Gloucester, and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, visited Revelstoke this week. Prince William arrived with a friend from London, a Mr. Tom Troubridge, and the two spent a couple of days in both Revelstoke and Rogers Pass. They enjoyed lots of hiking and hunting, and the Prince expressed great pleasure at having visited the area.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 19, 1974
A brand new local branch of the Women’s Institute in Revelstoke was formed. The Institute was formed in the hopes of improving rural life for women and their families; however it was soon expanded to include urban life as well. Women could participate in programs that included subjects such as Canadian Industry, Agriculture, Home Economics, Health and Social Welfare, and Law. At the time, the Women’s Institute was the largest women’s organization in the world!
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 19, 1984
Local railway engineer and photographer John Garden published his book “The Selkirks – Nelson’s Mountains.” It featured photographs of the Selkirk Mountains by Garden and by other local photographers Dusty Veideman, Jim Maitre, Roger Laurilla, Mike Pirnke, and Glen Boles.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 16, 1994
The Revelstoke Acrobats welcomed a new head coach this week. Rachelle Dallaire moved to Revelstoke after coaching artistic gymnastics in New Brunswick for seven years. The Acrobats main focus at the time was trampoline and tumbling, so Dallaire was excited to switch things up and meet her new club and its athletes.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 22, 2004
The Mountain Arts Festival took place in Revelstoke. The festival showcased local poetry, as well as theatre, and was a great success. There were children’s entertainers, clowns, music and happy smiles all around during the weekend-long festival.