Glimpse of the Past: January 29, 2026
Written by Ben Smith, Collections Manager, Revelstoke Museum and Archives
Frank McCarty’s butcher shop on Track Street, ca. 1898. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-127.
130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, February 1, 1896
The Anglican Church was under construction, as was F. McCarty’s cold storage butcher building on CPR Hill. Dr. McKechnie had just arrived in Revelstoke from Ontario and set up a temporary office next to the Central Hotel on Front Street.
120 years ago: The Mail Herald – January 27 & 31, 1906
While a crowd was assembled in the community hall in Arrowhead, watching a play as part of the Robert Burns celebrations, an alarm alerted them to a fire at George Newman’s store, just to the east of the hall. Most of the men joined in fighting the fire. The store was destroyed, but the Union Hotel next to it was saved. The Post Office, which was located in the Newman building, was relocated to the CPR station.
110 years ago: The Mail Herald - January 29, 1916
Wedged into an article about Revelstoke’s earliest ski hill was this ski lore I felt I needed to include somehow. The first recorded military use of skies was in 1200 A.D in the military company of King Sverre in the Battle of Isen, near Oslo. Skiers primarily served as spies or scouts by locating threats prior to combat.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 3, 1926
At the Revelstoke Ice Carnival’s Costume Contest, the title of best dressed lady was awarded to a woman in a “Chinese Costume”, while best dressed gentleman was awarded to a “Mexican Bandit” costume. Not sharing this humorously, strictly for perspective.
90 years ago: Revelstoke Review - January 31, 1936
A large ad was taken out by a F.Sirranni for his full-time radio service. Accompanying his funky and personable pitch about why you should question the output quality of your radio, was a special offer, any and all services for only $1.50 for 90 days. He took his calls through Revelstoke Hardware store and J.Nicoli’s Shoe Shop. Had I owned a radio and been alive, I know he’d have been my guy.
80 years ago: Revelstoke Review - January 31, 1946
Local boy was to assume charge of physical activities at the Civic Centre. Edmund “Ted” Morgan was appointed by the Revelstoke Kinsmen Club, which operated the Civic Centre at the time, formerly operated as the YMCA. The Kinsmen Club hired Ted Morgan to ensure that young people could still have sports teams, and gymnastics training.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 2, 1956
A large gathering of Scots and friends assembled in the Civic Centre to do honour to Scotland’s great bard, ol ’Robert Burns. The company was piped into the assembly hall by Miss Hilma Foote of Vernon’s famous McIntosh Pipe Band, as was the haggis carried in by Mrs. John Norberg. Some of the poet’s illustrative verses were recited, and the evening was danced away.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review - January 3, 1966
The opening of Revelstoke’s very own Smitty’s was extravagantly announced and understandably celebrated. I have never actually dined at a Smitty’s but I would assume it’s up there with pre-covid IHOP. The business was locally owned by a Mr & Mrs. Rasmussen, and once stood where our Tim Hortons presently resides.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 4, 1976
Approximately 450 concerned citizens jammed the Civic Centre to hear BC Hydro representatives discuss the upcoming Revelstoke Dam Project. A firm had been hired to study the impacts of the dam on Revelstoke, but many felt that this study was coming too late, as contracts were already being awarded. Among the concerns were the safety of the dam, particularly in regards to the Downie Slide, and the large numbers of families that would be moving to Revelstoke during construction.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 5, 1986
An article by the late Revelstoke Historian Ruby Nobbs was included in this edition of the Review under History and Heritage. Ruby was announcing the “Let’s hear it for Heritage” provincial essay contest. Entries were to be mailed in, and winners would have received $50, all they had to do was share what heritage meant to them. I’m sorry if you’re just finding out now that the deadline has passed, I know, I could use $50 too.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 2, 1996
Police announced they would be widening the scope of their search for an unnamed eco-terrorist group. Just three weeks earlier, a letter was sent to a publisher in Victoria claiming that 65 guide-outfitters (hunting sherpas), were sent hostile packages. No victims were reported at the time.
The crime was linked to an assailant in 1998 and they were consequently arrested.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Review - February 1, 2006
There was a time when three quarters of the forum’s seating was not reserved, that time ceased shortly after this issue was published. “You don’t get to own them, you’re just sponsoring them,” they said, adding that they’d be like memorial benches.