Glimpses of the Past: May 8, 2025
Compiled by Jaimie Reynolds, Collections Manager
Wigwam Station, south of Revelstoke, on Arrowhead spur line 1915, with members of the Daem and Matz families. Revelstoke Museum and Archives Collection, P-1240.
130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, May 4, 1895
The last regular train on the Arrow Lake branch ran to Wigwam. It was carrying up ten cars of ore. The steamers carrying ore would now run through to Revelstoke instead.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, May 4, 1905
On an exciting trip to Okanagan Landing, T.E.L Taylor, of Revelstoke had some fantastic fishing finds. He caught some 10 lbs of trout, and some of the fish weighed as much as one pound each. He reported back that the sport there was very nice and that he had had a pleasant time.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, May 8, 1915
Reverend G. Larder, of Widdicombe ranch, Craigellachie, shot and killed a cougar within 100 yards of his home this afternoon. Mrs. Larder spotted the cougar while she was walking to the pipe-line for water. Her fox-terrier, Buster, charged towards the cougar, and Rev. Larder rushed out and got both his wife and the dog to safety. He and a neighbour then went and shot the cougar. It was the first cougar seen in the district for several years.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 6, 1925
This morning saw the actual work of construction begin on the new post office, the foundation work being commenced following the excavation work, which was completed by J.H. Curtis. Mr. J. Gill has the work in hand, with local contractors holding the sub-contracts, and using local labour. The post office is now home to Revelstoke Museum and Archives.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, May 10, 1935
The West Road to Sicamous was in fair condition for motoring, except for some short stretches in the vicinity of last winter’s snowslides. The Revelstoke to Vernon bus was running on its summer schedule.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, May 10, 1945
The confirmation of unconditional surrender of the German Forces and the end to the war in Europe had Revelstoke rejoicing. The news was heard in Revelstoke around seven o’clock on May 8th. People went about their tasks with radios tuned in everywhere. Flags appeared in homes and business places were quick in getting out decorations. The cessation of hostilities brought relief to many Revelstoke homes, as some 500 local men and women had enlisted in the war.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 5, 1955
N.R. Crump, who grew up in Revelstoke, was named as President of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. He worked his way up the ranks in the company, starting as a sectionman during his school days. He was in Revelstoke the previous week on the inaugural trip of the westbound Canadian, a luxuriously-equipped passenger train.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 6, 1965
The Revelstoke Art Group was sponsoring a painting workshop in Revelstoke. Peter Aspell, a well-known Canadian painter would be the instructor. He was awarded the Emily Carr Scholarship in 1949. He had participated in exhibitions in the art galleries of Victoria, Vancouver, UBC, Hart House, Winnipeg, Kingston and Seattle.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 8, 1975
The Revelstoke United Church held its 50th Anniversary Friendship Walkathon, to great success. There was great turnout and the United Church Women cheered each walker on along the way. The walk started from Greenslide bridge, then continued 9 ½ miles along the old south road to the church. Walkers were greeted at multiple stations, where they were served oranges, grape juice and Tastee-Freez orange aid, and band aids were on hand for sore feet.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, May 8, 1985
A Mother’s Day dinner was being offered at the ABC Family restaurant in the Alpine Shopping Center. The meal would feature roast turkey and stuffing, mixed grill, rice, hamburger casserole, salad bar, cakes, pastries and fresh fruit. The restaurant was also offering a complimentary dessert with any meal to all of the mothers that stopped in.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, May 5, 1995
The local A&W restaurant was celebrating its 30th Anniversary on May 7th. The celebration was going to include free pony rides, games and prizes, free cake, musical chairs, face painting, vintage cars and 60’s style car hops on display. There would also be 5 cent root beer and the opportunity to meet the Rootbear!
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, May 4, 2005
A delightful Mother’s Day Special was offered at the Black Forest Restaurant. It was $15.50 for all moms. The special included a homemade soup, house salad with huckleberry dressing, baked salmon wrapped in pastry and filled with spinach and cream, fresh vegetables, roast potatoes, coffee and tea.