Glimpses of the Past: October 9, 2025

Compiled by Benjamin Smith, Collection Manager, Revelstoke Museum and Archives

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail - October 12, 1895

Upgrades straight ahead! A rumour was circulating of a steel barge in the works by The Steamboat Company for service on the river. Supposedly, ice poses no impediment to the navigation of such a vessel.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald - October 10, 1905

The Amateur Dramatic Club’s production of Dandy Dick, a 3-act farce, was the talk of the town. Premiering on the eve of October 23rd, the play follows Reverend Augustin Jedd, Dean of St. Marshalls, as he navigates crowdfunding for the reconstruction of their church’s spire, all while trying to accrue the amount he pledged himself.

110 years ago: The Mail Herald - October 9, 1915

General Otter’s decision to move the prisoners of war from Revelstoke’s internment camp to Yoho Park in Field, British Columbia, is met with considerable disagreement. Although Otter’s plan had already been put into motion, someone took to the paper to highlight its inefficiency, and the unnecessary expense of our POW’s wellbeing.

100 years ago: The Revelstoke Review -  October 7, 1925

The Ladies Orange Benevolent Association (L.O.B.A), a women’s auxiliary of the Orange Order, held a bazaar at Selkirk Hall. The event was one of the most successful ever held by that group. The proceeds of $207.80 far exceeded their expectations, and once certain expenses were deducted, the remainder went to the True Blue Orphanage in New Westminster, B.C.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 11, 1935

A large contingent of members from the Knights of Pythias, a group grounded in charity and benevolence, from the Vernon and Enderby lodges came to Revelstoke on Tuesday next to pay a fraternal visit and to assist in putting on degree work.

80 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 11, 1945

During WWII, Victory Loan campaigns in Canada and the U.S set financial quotas for provinces, counties, and cities, to finance the war. In 1945, Revelstoke’s loan quota during the country's ninth collection was $250,000, a majority of the $320,000 that was expected from the Revelstoke-Golden-Field unit. The campaign endeavored to cover Canada’s borrowing requirement for an entire year.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 6, 1955

Diversion of Columbia near Revelstoke Opposed by U.S.: The United States will oppose Canadian plans to divert water from the upper Columbia basin near Revelstoke to the Fraser Valley. Gov. of Idaho, Len Jordan, remarks that too much has been invested in existing power dams in the basin; they expect to double down on their investments in 10 years.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 7, 1965

Following the resignation of voluntary fire chief, S.E. Needham, and nine members of the brigade, City Council arrived at the realization that someone should really be getting paid to subdue fires. A call for applications for a full-time paid working fire chief was heard soon-after.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 9, 1975

Beloved staff member at Queen Victoria Hospital, Mrs. Mary Rogano, announces her retirement after 21 years of service. Mrs. Rogano received a surprise reception, along with gifts from the hospital staff and union. Her moment of recognition was shared with her son, Carlo.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 9, 1985

About 300 businesses and townspeople gave City Council the go ahead to initiate a revitalization plan for Revelstoke’s downtown area. The project included street work, and upgraded appearances at the eastern and western access to Revelstoke, and would cost approximately $3 million dollars. The cost of the venture would be shared by local business-people, a heritage bursary, a revitalization fund, and tax money.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 10, 1995

Two local men were instructed to stay away from each other by Judge Barry Grannary after listening to them both speak during a provincial court session. Eventually, fault was imposed on one of the two men for instigating their altercation at a local bar, but the responsibility of avoiding one-another will prove difficult for both parties, as Revelstoke is not exactly vast.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Review - October 12, 2005

Gideon Lundholm, an Opinions and Letters Columnist for the Review, took it upon himself to respond to comments about Indigenous groups fighting to retain their presence in the region, and his response was exquisite. Lundholm emphasized that Kootenai/Ktunaxa people presided both to the west and east of Rocky Mountain divide, and that it was not until the advent of smallpox that Indigenous groups were displaced.

Photo: Sam Needham Sr. and Sam Needham Jr. standing next to fire truck, 1954. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-2808.