Glimpses of the Past: September 11, 2025

Compiled by Ben Smith, Collections Manager, Revelstoke Museum and Archives.

Mount Cartier Lookout and the valley below, 1924. Revelstoke Museum and Archives photo 4585.

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, September 14th, 1895

A local resident is sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for forgery on a bank order. This apprehended individual had attempted to fraudulently come into $25 to purchase whiskey. The case has stirred conversation; it is believed by some that the man got off easy, that his sentence of 3 years was light. The man in question dedicated 25 years of his life to Her Majesty’s army, and achieved the commendable rank of Sergeant. Do those who fall have a say in its steepness?

120 years ago: Kootenay Mail, September 9th, 1905

A cave explorer known by the name G. Deutschman is left devastated after repeatedly being denied permission by the Department of the Interior to impose a private title on the caves he’s discovered. Deutschman discovered two passages earlier this week that stretch as far as a thousand feet, and strongly feels that his accomplishment should be honoured with either formal recognition of discovery, or ownership. The main issue was that the caves were within the boundary of Glacier National Park.

110 year ago: The Mail Herald, September 8th, 1915

As the Great War wages, casualties climb and morale deteriorates, the citizens of Revelstoke are unsure if a fund for a machine gun is the best way to ensure their local soldiers return home. The Mayor, William A. Foote, finds himself similarly conflicted, and invites suggestions for alternative ways to support our troops with the funding. An unidentified subscriber proposed a Soup Kitchen.

100 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 10th, 1925

An ambitious group of 7 set out to summit Mount Cartier last Thursday, a whopping 7,177 ft. from the city to the summit. The climb itself has a reputation for being difficult, but generally safe, however we owe it to Fire Ranger Sam Desimone, for the way he guided the men and women to the summit safely.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 13th, 1935

Missing item of luxury; a gold Waltham watch adorned with 17 jewels has disappeared somewhere between King Edward Hotel and Revelstoke Hotel. A plea for help from vigilant on-lookers was published at the request of Carl Johnson, care of Mrs. Laughton. A reward is prepared for anyone who may deliver the watch to Mrs. Laughton’s door.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 13, 1945

A miraculous demonstration of heroism was displayed in Revelstoke by Miss Victoria Carachelo. On August 10th, around 4pm, Carachelo voluntarily had herself lowered into an old well to retrieve her unconscious and drowning nephew. Had Carachelo even taken so much as a moment to contemplate the consequences her actions could have had on her life, her two year old nephew may have run short on time.

70 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 08, 1955

A real movie star hit the streets of Revelstoke this past Saturday. Cary Grant, star of Hitchcock’s Notorious (1946) and His Girl Friday (1940), boarded the famous CPR train from Vancouver for a getaway in Revelstoke. Grant was seen inside the diner “Wascana”, and came outside shortly after to sign autographs.

60 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 09, 1965

1965 marks a special year for Revelstoke in the way of academia, for one student has gone and made headlines with their spectacular achievement. Through hard work, Carl S. Tavender, a local Grade 12 student, received first class honours, alongside only 587 students in British Columbia. In view of Tavender’s scores, the government will be paying his post-secondary tuition.

50 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 11, 1975

Ever thought about flying over the mountainous walls that surround our quaint city? Arrow Aviation Ltd. is offering an affordable introductory ride at Revelstoke’s own airport. Just try to think of a cooler hobby.

40 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 11, 1985

Local Beekeeper turned Inventor is the talk of the town with his simple but sturdy invention, the “Astra Lift”. Olympe Astra has devised a form of trolley that relies on a simple hand crank to lift and hold objects in place, so that they may be moved with ease. This multi-purpose tool can be bought for $450.

30 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, September 08, 1995

Seven members of our AA baseball team, the Revelstoke Cougars, have been scouted for a shot at the big leagues. Thompson-Okanagan’s AAA team is expected to participate in the Fall Classic Tournament in Vancouver, and word is they’re in need of new talent. We can hope to see some familiar faces on the pitch with them.

20 years ago: The Revelstoke d aReview, September 14, 2005

A blockade that protestors said was intended to protect mountain caribou and grizzlies in the Incomappleux River Valley from Pope and Talbot, a Nakusp-based logging company, was ordered to stop Friday by a provincial Court in Nelson.