Glimpses of the Past: December 4, 2025
Compiled by Benjamin Smith, Collection Manager, Revelstoke Museum and Archives
130 years ago: Kootenay Mail - December 7, 1895
The Steamer Kootenai was sunk after contact with an obstruction just 200 yards off Cottonwood Island. Captain Alex Lindquist was quoted saying he did not at first think the damage was that severe, until the leaking made itself known. Lindquist was able to turn her around and bring the Kootenai into shallow waters before completely losing buoyancy. The incident posed no threat to any on-board civilians, as it was a cargo trip.
120 years ago: Kootenay Mail - December 2, 1905
In the report of the latest expeditions conducted in a cave system found in Glacier National Park, a complete survey of all passages was made, and some photographs of the cave’s more attractive features were taken too. The caves had been reported to Parks authorities by Charles Deutschman, and they were later known as Nakimu Caves
110 years ago: The Mail-Herald - December 4, 1915
A local experienced a fearful day I am sure we have all worried about at some point. At the residence of John McLeod on Second street, a fire broke out and gutted the residence. Mr. McLeod was nowhere near his home, in fact, he hadn’t been home for about 3 weeks! His family had been occupying the house, fortunately, they were all rescued by the fire brigade.
100 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 9, 1925
John George Devlin, the “Gunner from Galway,” died last week at Alice Arm, in northern B.C, aged 65. The late Mr. Devlin was well known to practically all the old-timers of this district, having for a number of years operated mines in the Lardeau and Slocan. Devlin is reputed to have made an appearance in practically every Kootenay mining camp; he seemingly carried the spirit and gumption of many.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 6, 1935
A petition was circulated in the city and forwarded to Victoria shortly after. The petition asked that the city council of Revelstoke hold a plebiscite at the January elections on the question of forming a union library here. Union libraries allow libraries across a geographical area to view their contents collectively, allowing for an easier borrowing process for readers. The bylaw was defeated, and it wasn’t until 1958 that Revelstoke joined the Okanagan Regional Library system.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 6, 1945
The fire brigade was kept on their toes with three calls over the course of a week, one of which sounded much more devastating over the phone versus its reality; a fire at the Riverside Sawmills, turned out to only be some burning sawdust, phew!
70 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 1, 1955
Rogers Pass was expected to be chosen as the final B.C. link in the Trans-Canada Highway, according to a statement by the Federal Minister of Public Works. Final decision was to be made the following year. The choice of route was a provincial responsibility, but subject to federal approval, with federal funding for the section through Glacier National Park. The highway was completed in 1962.
60 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 2, 1965
The Revelstoke Review published a statement acknowledging the rise of “The Big R” Radio Station, and the division of the city’s funding for advertising. It was something of a solemn acceptance that radio was not going anywhere, and that newspapers were no longer the sole provider of media and news coverage.
50 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 3, 1975
Mayor Sid Parker sparked unique outrage after involving some politics in his weekly radio ‘memo’ segment. Parker was of the NDP and spoke of a recent grant that the city had received to assist with snow removal, not without acknowledging that it was provided by a majority NDP provincial government. The audience felt it was an unfair use of a media platform during an election campaign period.
40 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 4, 1985
On November 23, a banquet was held by the equestrian organization, Selkirk Saddle Club, for their award night. Each award was made out to the rider, and their horse. There were many categories, one being best western horse and rider. Overall high point horse and rider was won by Kelly Babak and Chiefs Retaskit; they received a satin-embroidered saddle.
30 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 1, 1995
A local landowner found himself in a very advantageous position, and chose to seek maximum profit under the circumstances. Westside road has provided locals with access to the landfill for years, but when one man discovered part of the road was on his land, he effectively made it everyone’s problem. This man was trying to leverage his land into a six figure pay out from the municipality to regain access to the landfill.
20 years ago: The Revelstoke Review - December 7, 2005
Two compassionate individuals led an initiative in Revelstoke to provide a school in Ghana with books. Nancy and Tamia Jensen compelled hundreds of locals to donate reading material to the Life Education Centre, a school Nancy had taught at for 2 years. Five boxes, weighing 65 pounds each, were shipped to Ghana and arrived in eight months.
Surveyor and crew working on the Trans-Canada Highway construction, circa 1960. Revelstoke Museum and Archives photo 11916.