Glimpses of the Past: May 15, 2025

Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager

Golfers at Revelstoke Golf Course, circa 1930s. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-387.

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, May 11, 1895

A very handsome post box for outgoing mail matter, finished in bronze, could be seen at the mail office. It was a beautiful sample of the work of Vanstone, Shotton & Co. They were plumbers and dealers of stoves and tin-ware based out of Kamloops.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, May 11, 1905

The new steamer “Piper” recently built for the Bowman Lumber Company, was destroyed by fire at Compalix, on the north-east arm of the Upper Arrow Lake. The steamer had cost more than $15,000 to build. The origin of the fire was unknown.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, May 15, 1915

The local roller skating rink presented an attractive appearance when a large number of enthusiastic skaters decked in carnival costume, competed for a handful of prizes. A glass vase was won by the ladies and a picture frame was won by the lads. The comic prize was a sack of potatoes, but with the winner not being a vegetarian, he was given $4 worth of skating tickets instead.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 13, 1925

An exciting golf moment happened for a Revelstoke man. Jack Hamilton made “a hole in one” on the local course, and it was witnessed by four other golfers. This was the first “hole in one” to be completed on the local Revelstoke golf course, which opened the previous year.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, May 17, 1935

Work had officially started on a new gas and oil station at the corner of Orton Avenue and Second Street; which was being erected for the British America Oil Refineries. The building would be modeled after the style of modern gas stations in the larger cities. It would have electric commutation pumps, greasing equipment and two air-service pumps. There were going to be two driveways, one covered and the colour scheme was going to be red and green.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, May 17, 1945

At a meeting of the Board and Trade, a letter was read from H. A. Christie, of Winnipeg, enquiring as to the possibility of a creamery in the district. Mrs. Ruby Nobbs told the meeting that the Post-War Rehabilitation Council, of which she was secretary, had gathered data on the subject. In view of this fact, Mr. Christie’s letter was referred to that body for attention. 

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 12, 1955

The annual fashion show sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary to the Queen Victoria Hospital was an unqualified success. There was a very large audience in attendance and it was held in the High School auditorium. The first half of the show featured home-sewn styles for the pre-school, middle school and teenage ages, in outfits for both rain and sun. The second half of the program showcased adult fashions, including afternoon dresses, cocktail fashions and wedding dresses.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 13, 1965

Sunday May 16 was designated Revelstoke Airport Day. Festivities would begin with flying training at 8am, and twelve to fifteen visiting aircraft from various clubs would arrive at 10am. A sky diving display would was scheduled. It was hoped that the special event would interest more local people in flying training. 20 locals were currently taking the course and it was hoped that when they completed it, a flying club would be organized in Revelstoke.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 15, 1975

A bingo event was going to be held at the Revelstoke Forum. It was all cash prizes with the grand prize being a total of $1000. The first card would cost $2.00 and any additional cards were 50 cents. Some extra raffle items included a shampoo set, a TV lamp and a hot pot.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 15, 1985

A train derailment occurred one mile east of Albert Canyon. There were no injuries and 20 cars of the 68 car freight train were derailed. The train was carrying two grain cars, one car of pipes and the rest were commodities in containers and general merchandise. The line was reopened the same evening.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, May 12, 1995

The Monashee Gallery, located off the Trans-Canada’s western access was sure to open doors for Revelstoke artists. It was set to open in just a few days. The gallery would provide local artists and craftspeople with a place to display their work for possible sale. The owners believed that the gallery would fit in perfectly with Revelstoke’s vision for the future of its tourism trade.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, May 11, 2005

The Revelstoke and District Humane Society was conducting an online Charity Auction that would run for the month of May. There were 124 items up for bid. All items were generously donated by local businesses and citizens of Revelstoke. All of the proceeds would remain in Revelstoke to assist local pets and pet owners.