Glimpses of the Past: February 20, 2025
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Interior of Lawrence Hardware, circa 1910. Revelstoke Museum and Archives, P-172.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, February 16, 1895
The local ice carnival was a fantastic success. There was a great number and variety of masked and costumed skaters, and the weather was very gracious, exactly the sort of weather needed to ensure enjoyment. The rink was illuminated beautifully by the light of a full moon. The spectators seemed to enjoy the program despite the cold, and Mr. P Arena dispensed refreshments in a large tent erected on the ice in the centre of the rink.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, February 16, 1905
The Lawrence Hardware Company in Revelstoke had finally completed some very extensive renovations. They were remodeling their new and commodious premises on Mackenzie Avenue, opposite the site of their old store. The new building was heated by steam and contained several fine suites of rooms upstairs.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, February 17, 1915
A Revelstoke branch of the Boy Scout Association was formed at a well-attended meeting at City Hall. W.H. Wallace, secretary of the new organization explained that the Boy Scout Association has no military or political aims, and is non-sectarian. It was decided to charge the boys an entrance fee of 10 cents. Boys between the ages of 11 and 18 years were eligible to join.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 18, 1925
The children of Glacier, in spite of unfavourable weather conditions, assembled on the hill back of the CPR Boarding House for a ski tournament. The hill for the children was quite small, but they were all very excited to compete against one another. Cheer after cheer rose from the spectators lining the lower course, as “some tiny tot emerged from a snow heap or an exceptional jump was made”.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 15, 1935
A Cornwall de Pencier aeroplane was in town until after the ski tournament, and the pilot was offering flights under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. The cost of a flight for an adult was a whopping $2.50, whereas the flight price for children was $1.50. Enquiries were to be made at the local Y.M.C.A. While in town, the plane made a hurried trip to Arrowhead to bring a child who was suffering from appendicitis to the Queen Victoria Hospital. The return flight took 30 minutes.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 15, 1945
It was announced that February 20 was the deadline for mailing Easter parcels to Canadian men serving in Italy, and March 1 for those in Great Britain and Europe. Post office officials, including those in Revelstoke, were reminding senders that early adequate provisions made for the timely delivery of mail. Easter mail and parcels were one of the surest aids to boost morale for the boys who were away from home at Easter.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 17, 1955
The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club was playing host to the Western Canada Nordic Championships. The first competitive event was to be the 11.2 mile cross-country race, beginning at 10am on the Saturday and sure to be a true test of stamina. Ski jumping events were slated for the following day and would take place on the renowned Nels Nelsen ski jump. Tournament dances were being held on the Friday and Saturday nights for the entertainment of the competitors and public.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 18, 1965
There was to be an Open Meeting of the Revelstoke Canadian Club. It was to take place at the Elks Hall in town. Mr. Dick Bird, of Regina, noted Cine-Photographer, World Traveller and Naturalist would be giving a talk to all of those in attendance. Moving pictures were to be shown, and both visitors and students were welcome to attend.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 20, 1975
The B.C. Championship Snowmobile Races were held in Revelstoke on February 14 and 15. More than 300 fans were on hand to witness the races, with the event opened by Sid Parker, MP. The grand prize winner was from Merritt. Cash prizes and trophies totalling over $16,000 were handed out.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 20, 1985
A new playground was proposed for Arrow Heights Elementary School. The construction of the new playground would require volunteer work, along with assistance from the school board, as well as City Council and the community of Revelstoke as whole. The amount of funding that was necessary for this project was $18,000, or $6,000 from each of the three groups. A model playground was on display during the proposal, so everyone had the chance to see what the new site could possibly look like.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 17, 1995
The Revelstoke Women’s Hockey Team were victorious in a game between Sicamous. 4 goals were scored by the Revelstoke women, and their performance was said to have greatly improved over the course of the season. One of the team members stated the “The pass was really great against Sicamous. The whole game just keeps getting better and better for the ladies”.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 16, 2005
The Pharmasave Variety bowling teams spent a couple of hours bowling for a good cause. They were celebrating Pharmasave’s Cathy MacRae’s fundraising for the Variety Club. The teams had a great time, and brought in $2129 for the Variety Children’s Charity.