Glimpses of the Past: February 6, 2025
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Unveiling the snow sculpture for Revelstoke’s first Winter Carnival, 1915. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-577.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, February 2, 1895
A Revelstoke resident made a narrow escape from a dangerous situation. Billy McCulloch went down the river, in company with Al Hanson, to see if any beaver were out and about. While walking along the supposedly frozen river, he fell through a hole in the ice. Hanson ran forward to rescue him, but McCulloch somehow succeeded in climbing out alone. He then proceeded to fish up his rifle, which lay under seven feet of water, and was successful in this as well. Talk about a slippery situation!
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, February 2, 1905
A special night of entertainment was set to take place at the Opera House in Revelstoke. A five act play entitled “The Lady of Lyons”, was a beautiful story of love and pride. It was promised to be “one of the greatest treats of the season”. A lovely social dance would conclude the evening’s entertainment.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, February 6, 1915
A 40 foot tall man carved out of snow was unveiled near the CPR station to kick off Revelstoke’s first Winter Carnival. Mayor W.A. Foote praised the “Snow King of the Mountains,” and spoke of the blessings of snow and water that were abundant in Revelstoke. The dedication of the snow man was followed by a spirited snowball fight between the boys of Central and Selkirk Schools, after which candy and nuts were distributed.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 4, 1925
“Cyclone” Taylor, one of the best old-time hockey players in Canada, had a lovely visit in Revelstoke. He was endeavoring to arrange a game between the Vancouver Intermediate Champions and local Revelstoke boys. The Vancouver team was in Vernon playing Trail and wanted to get a game in on Saturday, before heading back to the coast.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 1, 1935
T. C. I’Anson, the chief engineer of the Steamer “Minto” officially retired. After a 14 year career of deep-sea engineering, he joined the CPR in 1903, working on the Ymir and Valhalla tugs, and eventually running the Minto steamer for 14 years. After a short stay in Vancouver, he was planning a trip to England, where he had spent his childhood.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, February 1, 1945
Swimming lessons were now under way at the Civic Centre, after a long delay of faulty parts and fixtures. There would be different classes each week, with a least one session a week of swimming during which the non-swimmers would be taught to swim. The temperature of the pool would be kept at a balmy 85 degrees for the comfort of all patrons.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 3, 1955
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park were two of three parks along the CPR main line in this area to receive a large amount of funding for the year. Mount Revelstoke was to receive $52,000, while Glacier was to receive $45,000. Yoho National Park was going to be given $244,000 and Kootenay Park topped the British Columbia Parks, receiving a whopping $279,000. A total of $4,560,498 was to be spent on all Canadian parks for the year.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 4, 1965
A bicycle of the past was making a comeback in North America, including in Revelstoke. Penny farthing bicycles, a symbol of the late Victorian era, were being purchased by many people, and in larger cities, “Penny Farthing” clubs were being formed. An obstacle to the craze sweeping the nations was the cost of the bicycles, coming in at $300 apiece.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 6, 1975
The Revelstoke Snow Festival was only one day away. It was set to run from February 7th to February 16th. There were many special events to look forward to such as a Snow Festival Parade, many different dances, a “Free Kids Day”, a Fiddler’s Night, a Broomball Tournament, Ice Sculptures, Snowmobile Races, a Talent Show, and a Pancake Breakfast.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, February 6, 1985
The Downie Street Social Club held a fun curling day at the Revelstoke Curling Club. There were ten teams in attendance with a multitude of spectators on hand as well. Most teams played between three and four games, and the novice curlers had a fun time learning about the sport. Along with a delightful day of curling, there was also a concession and bar set up as well.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 6, 1995
The Canadian Avalanche Association reported very little avalanche activity over the winter holidays. Explosive tests produced minimal results in the southern part of the South Columbia region. An early morning slide that occurred near Trout Lake was quite a surprise. At the time, a high pressure weather system was producing quite a number of “interesting characteristics” in the snowpack.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, February 2, 2005
It was Literacy Day in Revelstoke, and students at Columbia Park Elementary School were having a very tropical and relaxing day. Students dressed up in their best beach wear, and were greeted with comfy towels and a plastic palm tree for ambiance, giving the library a very beachy feel. They immersed themselves with many summer themed books, and read together with their friends all afternoon.