Glimpses of the Past: February 13, 2025
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Nels Nelsen jumping on Mount Revelstoke, 1916. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-1852.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, February 9, 1895
A local gentleman named Fred Allen, who had been training a team of dogs to run in harness for some time past, had finally obtained a Government subsidy for carrying a monthly mail to Trout Lake. He had left earlier that week with his dog train for the first round trip. The road from the Northeastern Arm of the Upper Arrow Lake to Trout Lake was said to have been in excellent condition for dog travel.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, February 9, 1905
A fire at the Arrowhead Lumber Co’s mill at Arrowhead, BC took the lives of two men. The fire originated in the company’s bunkhouse. A bucket brigade was formed from the lake to the site of the fire, and for three hours the men worked tirelessly to save the mill from going up in flames.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, February 13, 1915
The members of the No.1 Fire Brigade were the hosts of a delightful card party at the fire hall in Lower Town. Miss Laura Bell and Mr. J. Jones were the winners of the grand prizes. Supper was served at 11 o’clock and dancing was enjoyed throughout the night until 1 am. These sorts of events were monthly events during the cold and dark winter months, and were always looked forward to with great pleasure.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 11, 1925
Local ski-jumper Nels Nelsen broke the world record for his sport, with a jump of 240 feet. This remarkable record was made by Nelsen, despite his being a bit under the weather with the flu. He was determined to beat the previous record of 210 feet, and did so by an extra 30 feet, even after suffering a fall in his trial jump. It was said that it would “probably be several years before this mark is approached or beaten by anyone” but that the other ski-jumpers would be determined to give Nelsen a run for his money.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 8, 1935
A rare specimen of marten, a “canary” marten, was brought to the city by Ole Westerberg, who found it in one of his traps in the Big Bend. The marten was 31 and a half inches in length, and the canary colour completely covered its front and back. In 32 years of trapping, this was the first canary marten that Westerberg had seen.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 8, 1945
A special masquerade ball was to take place on Valentine’s Day. It was going to be held at the Revelstoke Civic Centre and tickets were $1.00 each. Tickets were on sale at MacDonald’s Grocery Store. The advertisement mentioned that “A costume isn’t a ‘must’ but a mask is”. There were going to be lots of novelties and refreshments for all of the sweethearts in attendance.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 10, 1955
It was announced that the vaccination against polio was going to be available in Revelstoke in early April. The age group chosen for the vaccination was children of five and six years of age. The amount of vaccines available would depend on the number of parents willing to have their children immunized. Parents of children entering school in September were urged to get in touch with the Revelstoke Public Health nurse.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 11, 1965
The youngsters of Revelstoke were set to enjoy a very special matinee taking place at the Roxy Theatre. The film, advertised as the finest family picture of year, was titled “My Dog Buddy”. It starred London the dog, who rose to fame in “The Littlest Hobo”. Man’s best friend sure was on show in this adorable movie.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 13, 1975
The local Revelstoke Heart Fund was a great success! Mrs. Mable Freersom, BC Heart Foundation Field Secretary visited Revelstoke Health Unit executive members to discuss the functions of the Heart Foundation. They also talked and formulated plans for the Heart Fund Canvass taking place that March. The newly organized Heart Unit had raised $3,023 so far, with funds going towards aspects such as Research, Education and Community, and Administration.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 13, 1985
The Art Group of Revelstoke was planning a full program of events for 1985. There had already been several art sessions of drawing, some with a model. A weekly painting class was being held in the Gallery as well. There would also be seminars throughout the year on different mediums, such as watercolours, and learning the techniques of seascapes and landscapes would be on offer as well.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 14, 1995
Cell phones were becoming a major deal in Revelstoke. It was said that “cellular phones had become the wave of the future in communications, as whole countries were switching from land lines to cellular”. In Revelstoke, phones were ringing off the hook in coffee shops and in line at convenience stores. A local phone dealer from Revelstoke summed it up by saying “Once a person has a cell phone and discovers how they make life simpler, it is very difficult for people to go without them”.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 9, 2005
In honour of Valentine’s Day, the Black Forest Restaurant with its “Old Time Charm” was offering a lovely Valentine’s Special for two. They would be serving up a luxurious Steak and Lobster Combo, complete with a cup of homemade soup, an assorted salad plate, coffee, tea and dessert. All of this was at a price of $29.50 and was sure to warm the bellies of Revelstoke’s sweethearts.