Glimpses of the Past (Halloween Edition): October 29, 2026
By James Janzen, Museum Assistant, Revelstoke Museum & Archives
Trick or Treat carved out of snow at Mica townsite. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-14662.
130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, October 31, 1896
Officers of the Orphan Boy Gold Mining Company received a report from a “disinterested” party on the examination of the Orphan Boy Mineral Claim, which stated that there was an abundance of fine gold quartz. However, the report also said that without any development work, it was difficult to judge the character and direction. The mineral claim was overall determined to be a prospect of good promise.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, October 31, 1906
An event of witchcraft and revelry was hosted by the Young People’s Guild of Knox Church on the Monday before Halloween. Entering the “witches’ frolic”, the halls were lit with blood and lamps, walls covered with strange and unnerving creatures. A huge cauldron was reported as bubbling and boiling, where the high witch led incantations and passed out the potion being brewed. The newspaper editor ended the story by claiming that witchcraft shall never die out when represented by such charming champions.
Halloween hi-jinks courtesy of students at the high school. October 31st, 1920. This will probably be in next week’s paper! Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-3554.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 26, 1916
The Woman’s Canadian Club was planning their “Christmas Stocking” tea. High attendance was expected, with the idea of the event being to collect presents for the boys off at war. Each guest was invited to fill a pair of socks provided by the club, or to bring a pair already filled and attach the name of a friend at the front. There would be no charge for admission or for tea.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 27, 1926
Eight special constables were sworn in for duty in advance of expected tomfoolery on Halloween. The newspaper editor advised that youngsters should rather keep their efforts to bobbing for apples, preferably indoors.
90 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 30, 1936
The Pythian Sisters held a Halloween Social a few days prior. Treasure hunting, Halloween contests, and the “Witch’s Murder”—a bowling match—were all highly enjoyed activities at the event, with guests winning prizes at each. Various refreshments were also served during the night, boasting such themed names as “Druid’s Delight”, “Witches’ Brew”, and “Toes Not Found on Man nor Beast’.
Halloween at Beaton, 1951. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-6158.
80 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 31, 1946
A manager of a Vancouver radio station spoke to the Rotary Club this week, where he expressed his opinion on Canada’s need for “protective” immigration. The speaker thought that Canada must be strong enough to provide her own protection instead of relying on the United States for this, and that meant the country needed to “obtain more people”.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 25, 1956
Dr. Werner Mahau of Brussels, Belgium, stayed overnight in Albert Canyon this week during his journey walking across Canada. The hiker had already travelled 2,800 miles out of the 30,000-mile stroll and was on his second pair of shoes since starting out from Montreal. Dr. Mahau planned on walking through most of North and South America, a trip he expected to take at least two and a half years.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 26, 1966
A safe and sane Halloween was urged several times in today’s paper, where the editor suggested dressing your children in weather-appropriate and flame-resistant costumes, as well as recommending painted faces over low-visibility masks. A second safety notice reminded parents to “know where your goblin is going” and concluded the advice with the striking message: “REMEMBER— DON’T YOU BE A PUMPKIN HEAD!”
50 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, October 27, 1976
Secondary School Student Council President spoke to Chamber of Commerce members regarding the school’s plans for Halloween. The student council president stated that since there was not to be a dance held to keep kids off the streets this year, the students had come up with a plan to assist in any clean-up required in the business area of the city the morning after Halloween. Students were to contact businesses downtown and see if they were willing to pay a small fee to participate in the students’ clean-up program.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, October 29, 1986
Big Eddy School held its Fall Carnival last week. The carnival was organized by the staff and students, who looked after the booths, while the Big Eddy parents ran the concession. Events at the carnival included face painting, “bash a buddy”, and a cake walk. All proceeds from the carnival were to be donated to the “Rick Hansen Man In Motion” fund.
Halloween Colouring Contests winners, ca. 1990. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-10001.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 30, 1996
In celebration of Halloween, the newspaper this week reported on the Northern Long-Eared Myotis—the rarest bat out of the 16 species that live in British Columbia. The northern long-eared myotis makes its home in Mount Revelstoke National Park and had been seen in the Giant Cedars Trail in the park that summer. Although these bats would have flown south or gone into hibernation by this time, the editor highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the bat’s integral role as a regulator of insect populations.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, October 25, 2006
A family-friendly Community Halloween Party was set to take place at the Revelstoke Community Centre. The Family Night Out Halloween Celebration was planned to host a variety of creepy fun activities, including a haunted house, ghost stories, crafts, an alphabet walk, and finally, a dance! This event was to take place the night before Halloween, allowing for children to still partake in that age-old Trick-or-Treat tradition.
All of us here at Revelstoke Museum & Archives hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!