Glimpses of the Past: October 23, 2025

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

130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail - October 26, 1895

News of golden encounters arise from all over the province, you could say the prospect of wealth has residents yearning for the mines. While gold is being sought out in every direction, reminders of the occupational hazards of mining are surfacing all the same. Word of a tragic cave-in at a mine in Cariboo reached Revelstoke, but people are seemingly un-deterred.

120 years ago: The Kootenay Mail - October 21, 1905

The Lakeview Hotel in Sicamous, owned by Kellat, Son and Perkins was burned Tuesday through a defective chimney. Fortunately it was insured, and they were reimbursed with a seemingly small balance of $3,500. You may be surprised to know that $3,500 carried the purchasing power that $92,000 does presently.

110 years ago: The Mail-Herald - October 23, 1915

A recruiting meeting on behalf of the 54th Kootenay Battalion was held at the corner of Second street and Mackenzie, across from the city hall. Apparently their strongest talking point had nothing to do with benefits or compensation, instead a promise that they would be rushed to the front.

100 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 21, 1925

John Cerolini was driving east on First street in his Studebaker when at around 7pm, Cerolini’s gas tank became punctured. Shortly after stopping in front of Province theatre, the heat coming off the exhaust was enough to ignite the gasoline, and fire engulfed the car within a matter of minutes. One can only hope John enjoyed the film.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 23, 1935

Revelstokians put on a fashion show in St. Francis Hall under the auspices of the Junior C.W.L. A stage was assembled for the models, and the silhouette of the mountains served as a remarkable back-drop. Dresses, coats, and various pelts were adorned, and it was deemed a great success.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 24, 1945

A meeting was held in Avolie Theatre to discuss how Revelstoke would approach its $250,000 quota for the Ninth installment of Canada’s Victory Loan. This was the largest loan that the city had ever undertaken, but it was crucial to the recovery phase of World War Two. Overseas soldiers occupying Germany still needed to be fed, and pleas for medical aid needed to be addressed.

70 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 20, 1955

The newly formed Eagle Valley Flying Club in Malakwa assembled to turn their ideas into actions. 14 members met with Ralph Hermansen of the Cariboo Air Charter to discuss their plans for an airfield, an instructor, and other elements of their future. By the end of the weekend, members had come together to clear 1700 ft of their designated airstrip in just one day.

60 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 21, 1965

Liberal Candidate for Revelstoke-Okanagan constituency, Frank F. Becker was injured in an automotive collision at the lower Illecillewaet bridge. Becker had set out to visit with each voter within his constituency, but his plan had to come to a halt when his injuries proved quite serious. Becker suffered head trauma, broken ribs, and a knee injury, and made a full recovery.

50 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 23, 1975

Truck Driver heroically approaches an overturned vehicle while it is engulfed in flames, in an attempt to rescue the passengers. Frank Preis was driving along the Vernon-Sicamous highway, when an oncoming vehicle began to skid before his very eyes. Frank was able to rescue two of the four passengers, and was nominated for a Life Saver’s Award.

40 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 23, 1985

Columnist Mel Gauthier took to the paper to express his frustration with the government for their recent attempts to impose further regulations on residents and their interaction with the environment. Gauthier goes on to highlight the closure of Frisby Ridge & B.C Hydro’s influence over the forest that accommodates their power lines, as ongoing issues.

30 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 20, 1995

Fisherman’s faulty math fetches hefty fines. A fisherman admitted math was not his strong suit when figuring out his fishing limit. The fisherman was apprehended by fish and wildlife officers with 34 brook trout, caught over a three-day period, on account of him exceeding the maximum possession by 22 brook trout. He was fined $300.

20 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - October 26, 2005

A 12-year old Grade Seven student at Columbia Park Elementary left his competitors speechless in a cart-racing competition. Jordan Dedoscenco produced a motorized cart that had the potential to exceed 100 miles an hour on a course. His innovation was awarded with several first place finishes amongst the BC Kart Club Association. He shared that the club was only a step toward his dream of driving a Formula One car.

Photo:

Revelstoke Boys of the 54th Kootenay Battalion, June 9, 1915. Revelstoke Museum and Archives photo 3719