Glimpses of the Past: March 20, 2025

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Revelstoke Sawmill, circa 1895. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-1146.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, March 16, 1895

The sawmill of the Revelstoke Co. had been running for some time, cutting 25,000 feet of 5x8 timber 25 feet long for the river bank improvement. It had also cut 20,000 feet for the Illecillewaet River Bridge. Having completed these orders, the sawmill closed down once again.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, March 16, 1905

Two gentlemen, a Mr. McMasters, and a Mr. Mathews, stayed in Revelstoke for a few days to photograph principal business houses and public buildings for the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland. They were taking pictures of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and that included Revelstoke!

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, March 17, 1915

An evening fire broke out in the store on the Revelstoke Bridge, occupied by William Blair, provision merchant. R. Landells, who was passing by at the time, notice smoke coming from the building and raised the alarm. A bucket brigade was organized quickly, resulting in the fire coming under control and little damage to the stock. The fire’s cause was unknown.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, March 18, 1925

A cheesy cookbook being marketed to Revelstoke contained some un-brie-lievable recipes! The Kraft-McLaren Cheese Co, of Montreal, had issued a recipe book containing over sixty dishes which could be made of cheese. The book was of real value to any family with cheese lovers! A free copy of the cookbook could be obtained by any Revelstoke resident who mentioned the local newspaper by name.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, March 22, 1935

In a meeting of the Legislature, the Peace River MLA suggested that the proposed Alaska Highway should follow the Big Bend Road up to McBride, to Prince George and northward to Telegraph Creek. The road would be linked by connections south to Golden and Revelstoke, and then into the US via the Okanagan. It would also go westward from Revelstoke to Vancouver, connecting with the Pacific Highway and eastward to Alberta.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, March 15, 1945

The crew of the H.M.C.S. “Revelstoke” naval ship, based in Victoria, sent a letter to the city of Revelstoke, thanking them for the Christmas gifts they had sent. The gifts had been on quite a journey, as they had accidentally been sent to Halifax instead of Victoria. After a couple of months of shipping, the gifts were received on the 28th of February, and the books and chocolate were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone stationed at the naval base.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, March 17, 1955

Snow surveys revealed that there was no need for Revelstoke to worry about flooding in 1955. And no floods generally meant no mosquitoes. Precipitation was below normal, except for on the coast. The Columbia River Basin’s water had sunk to less than 80 per cent of normal, meaning a possible water shortage in the interior. It was said that this could provide an additional argument for starting the Mica Creek dam without further delay.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, March 18, 1965

A music program for Revelstoke Secondary School was on its way. Rickard Dickens, a music teacher, was finishing up his studies at UBC, before heading to Revelstoke in the fall to start up the program. Students would be given the opportunity at the Grade 7 and 8 levels to start learning an instrument. It was hoped to be able to test all Grade 6 and 7 students in May to determine which instruments would be best suited to the students and a well-rounded band.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, March 20, 1975

A Surveillance and Security T.V. System was installed in the Revelstoke Hospital. The system included three monitors in the corridors on the nursing floor, and a switching unit at the Unit Clerk’s desk provided a view of the front entrance and the emergency ambulance entrance.  The total cost of the system was $4200. The Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary paid approx. $2800, and the rest of the balance was paid off by the Government.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, March, March 20, 1985

Negotiations were under way to see if Beaumont Lumber of Revelstoke would purchase Drew Sawmills of Malakwa. Drew Sawmills had been shut down on March 15. Talks were still ongoing but the president of Beaumont Lumber said things were looking positive. Beaumont mentioned that if the sale went through, they intended to keep the mill running and would also be hiring back all of the 150 former employees.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, March 21, 1995

After 56 days of skiing, Mount Mackenzie ski area’s chair-lifts carried their last skiers of the year. The hill shut down for the season after a two hour discussion at a board meeting. Ticket sales were not covering the hill’s expenses, and although the upper hill was still in good shape, the support wasn’t there and people were just not coming out. In a wild statement that totally contradicts the present state of skiing in Revelstoke, the general manager of the hill admitted that “the interest in skiing was gone”.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, March 16, 2005

A special Christmas in March dinner was held by the Shotokan Karate Club at the Community Centre. Standard Christmas fare, including turkey, stuffing and even pumpkin pie was served to approx. 70 guests. As in previous years, the children received a special gift to take home. In years prior, the children were given toys or school supplies, however during this event, they were given a $10 Pharmasave gift card, so that they could choose their own present instead.