Glimpses of the Past: November 6, 2025

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

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail - November 9, 1895

Back when steamships were a heavily relied-upon means of travelling long distances within the province, particular vessels would accrue fan bases. When the time came for vessels and their captains to be assigned routes, they would be received like guest appearances. In the fall of 1895, it was announced that “Marion” (S.S. Marion), was to be assigned the Revelstoke - Nakusp route.

120 years ago: The Revelstoke Herald - November 9, 1905

An unforgettable week for pickle enthusiasts, Pint bottles of Sweet Pickles at 25 cents a pop at C.B. Hume & Co, I cannot speak on the demand for pickles in 1905, but I would hope that this was a special that did not go un-appreciated.

110 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 6, 1915

British Columbia Premier Sir Richard McBride proposed Mount Robson be renamed in honour of the late WWI nurse, Edith Cavell, whose exemplary altruism ultimately saved the lives of more than 200 soldiers. Unfortunately, the gesture was met with significant backlash, even though it cannot be said with confidence why Mount Robson is named as is.

100 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 4, 1925

The first snowmobile ever put into operation in this section of the country was seen gliding through the streets of Revelstoke last Friday, with Mr. P.L. Beckstead of Beckstead Motor Co., at the helm. The machine was a product of Ford Motors.

90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 8, 1935

A bear known as Jesse James earned a price on his head for his marauding ways at Glacier, B.C. In his latest daring raid, he filched a shipment of 20 pounds of butter. By the time the station agent caught up with the bear, he had consumed nine pounds of butter. Severe weather caused food shortages which forced Jesse James into a life of petty crime.

80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 5, 1945

On Monday evening, the members of the Women’s Canadian Club welcomed Mr. J.J. Poelhekke; the Director of the Netherlands Government Information Bureau and heard out his talks on the subject of “Dutch Resistance” and “Dutch Spirit”. Officials in the Netherlands held Canadians in high regard for their role in liberating Holland from German occupation.

70 years ago: The Revelstoke Review -  November 3, 1955

Revelstoke braced for a ferocious storm, as winter’s stage fell upon the town with a vengeance. Snow started falling before noon, and continued to do so until the very next morning. Motorists were converted to pedestrians that day, as no wheels were equipped to take on the 20 inches of snow that barreled in.

60 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 4, 1965

B.C Fire Marshall Basil Nixon laid out his criticism of Revelstoke’s volunteer fire brigade with full conviction. Nixon had received a request to audit the service by the City Council, and he complied, thoroughly. In the end, Nixon called for mass-restructuring, new equipment, a new fire-hall, an end to 24 hour shifts, and more professionals. He clarified this was not a reflection of the volunteers integrity, but rather, the result of insufficient structure and training.

50 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 5, 1975

Trout Lake’s Elementary School was slated for closure. Sources claim that the school had suffered from a dwindling attendance for four consecutive years, and from that the School Board of Trustees was granted permission by the Minister of Education to close the school effective December 31, 1975. Arrangements for kids to get to their new school were promised to parents.

40 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 6, 1985

Two local Revelstoke men were chosen to receive the National Crime Prevention Award for their work in helping the RCMP fight crime. Heinz Meller, manager of BC-Hydro and Ray Wilson, CKCR station manager, were to receive their awards at the Media Center in Vancouver’s Robson Square. Mueller had a knack for organizing citizen patrols, and Wilson conducted interviews.

30 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 3, 1995

A Times Review reporter found a small homemade explosive at the corner of First Street and Mackenzie Avenue Halloween night. About 30-40 youths were gathered in the area at the time. The device was defused by Cpl. Al Elliott, and Halloween went on “like any other normal night”, said Cpl. Al Lindsay.

20 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - November 9, 2005

Just as we value the events that have shaped Revelstoke’s past, we seek to acknowledge the individuals who maneuvered, witnessed, or acted in such a way that impacted Revelstoke for the better. In this edition, a local, Andy Parkin, wrote about a former mayor of ours, Geoff Battersby. Parkin praised Geoff’s commitment to utilizing clean energy, being mindful of the surrounding ecology, and his concern for the wellbeing of his people. If you see this Geoff, you are greatly appreciated.

Photo: Black bear at kitchen of Glacier Camp, 1957. From the Peter Schaerer collection of Revelstoke Museum and Archives, 12974