Glimpses of the Past: September 26, 2024
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Heather Lake, Mount Revelstoke National Park, with Mount Dickey in the background. Estelle Dickey photograph, Revelstoke Museum and Archives, P-11276.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, September 29, 1894
A social was held by the Excelsior and Revelstoke Tennis Clubs to celebrate the conclusion of that year’s lawn tennis season. There was a joint tournament held between the two clubs, and many great prizes were presented. The social included dancing and music, as well as a special performance delivered in traditional Highland costume, which earned an encore from the audience.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, September 29, 1904
A popular Canadian actor, Mr. Harold Nelson, performed in Revelstoke at The Opera House. The venue was stacked to capacity for his company’s production of the famous romantic military drama, “Heart and Sword”. Mr. Nelson received a very warm welcome from the community, and the audience was enthralled by his performance. He was set to return again in a couple of weeks for a performance of “Faust”.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 26, 1914
A spectacular comet was visible to the naked eye in Revelstoke. Comet Delavan was quite unique, as both tails burned equally bright, and it was said to have been growing brighter by the day. The comet was to pass near the constellation, Ursa Major or, the Big Dipper. It was believed that this was Comet Delavan’s first known visit to the Sun.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 24, 1924
The I.O.D.E (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire) held a successful tea and sale of work. The event was well attended by many Revelstoke locals, and the total amount raised was around $100. One of the activities was to guess the weight of a homemade cake, and Mrs. L.A. Howson’s guess was spot on! She was quite excited to go home with her delicious prize!
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 28, 1934
The Canadian Pacific Railway Softball Club of Revelstoke was victorious this weekend! The club won the Northern Interior Intermediate Softball championship, which took place in Salmon Arm, BC. The Revelstoke Club defeated the hometown Salmon Arm Team, with a score of 15-6.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 28, 1944
Penicillin was used for the first time in a Revelstoke hospital. Doctors at Queen Victoria Hospital tried out the “wonder drug” for the first time, using it to treat two young men with various illnesses. Both men made rapid recoveries, and credited it to the quick acting response of Penicillin. The drug was readily available throughout Canada at this time because its distribution had been taken over by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 30, 1954
It was announced that the Canadian Pacific Railway’s magnificent dome cars would now be passing through Revelstoke. The new dome cars were in operation on the route between Montreal and Vancouver and offered passengers a vista of stunning views along the journey. Interestingly, the first scenic dome car was called “Glacier Park” and the second was named “Revelstoke Park”.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 24, 1964
It was decided that there would be no commercial development of resources within Canada’s National Parks, including Mount Revelstoke and Glacier. The House of Commons made the decision, stating that there was no need to drain the parks of their resources, as they should stay just as beautiful and wild as they always had been. Visitors and parks staff alike were all very grateful for this choice.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 26, 1974
The Revelstoke Overture Concerts Association executive held its first meeting of the year, complete with a very special guest. Mr. Kenneth Asch, of the Aschers Three musical group, helped the association formulate their plans for the 74’-75’ season, as well as offered helpful advice for the organization itself. Mr. Asch also excitedly told the group that it had been incorporated under the British-Columbia Societies Act, which meant it would now be eligible for B.C. Cultural Fund Grants. Great news for all!
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 26, 1984
The Selkirk Saddle Club held its final play-day equestrian exhibition of the season. There were many different equestrian styles on show, such as English, Western, Barrel Racing, Poles, as well as Stake and Keyhole races. The club had a great day showing off its riders, and they looked forward to next season with great excitement.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 23, 1994
An internationally renowned band, The Irish Rovers, was coming to Revelstoke. The band had played to millions all over the world, including to members of the British Royal family. The Irish Rovers had humble beginnings in Ireland, formed initially between two brothers and their cousin, along with two friends. Their success truly began after they immigrated to Canada with their families, and struck up a deal with Decca Records in San Francisco. This was to be their first time in Revelstoke, and the community was looking forward to it!
20 years ago, Revelstoke Times Review, September 29, 2004
The North Columbia Environmental Society was getting set to participate in the Third Annual Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. The volunteers were gearing up to clean the area next to the Columbia River at the new truck stop on the Trans-Canada Highway. The mighty Columbia was going to be sparkling clean afterwards, that’s for shore!