Glimpses of the Past: July 9, 2026

By Brennan Patry, Archival Assistant, Revelstoke Museum & Archives

Revelstoke Garage at First Street & Campbell Avenue. P-4078.

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, July 11, 1896

Many of the people living in Revelstoke were quite unhappy with the sidewalks in town. They said that if they were paying so much in taxes that the government should at least use some of that money to keep the sidewalks in good condition. They said, “Nothing is as quickly noticed by visitors as the condition of streets and sidewalks.”

120 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, July 11, 1906

As summer was kicking in and the weather was getting warmer there was an increase in ads for clothing and stores to help keep you cool in the heat. McLennan & Company located on Mackenzie Ave had multiple ads for women’s summer wear including tops, corsets, parasols and hosiery. Most ads said, “A cool spot to do your shopping.”

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, July 1, 1916

The Conservative Association of Revelstoke held a smoker/got together. Hon. Thomas Taylor addressed the group about rumours that had been spreading through town. The rumour was that Taylor would not be representing the Conservatives of Revelstoke at the upcoming election. Taylor shut that rumour down and confirmed that after 16 years of representing this group he had no plans to stop anytime soon.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 7, 1926

In between Revelstoke and Beavermouth there were around 12 creeks that were known for great places to hunt grizzly bears. It was said that the springtime was the best time to go hunting as the creeks were full of fish and game. The article mentioned that only locals had ever made the trip. The last known at the time were two local hunters that had made a 21-day trip up through Kinbasket, Gordon, Priest, Death Rapids and the Canyon of the Columbia River. The pair came back with 15 bears including two live cubs as this was before limits were in place.

90 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 10, 1936

The first “modern garage” was being built on First Street West and Campbell Avenue where Home Hardware is now located. This garage was expected to have two new computer pumps, hydraulic hoists and double driveways one entering off First St and the other off Campbell Ave.

80 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 11, 1946

R. Mann was named the Chief Warden in charge of Mount Revelstoke National Park, replacing  W. M. Moore who had retired several months prior. Mann was the warden of Glacier National Park before arriving in Revelstoke with his wife. They bought a house on the corner of Second St W and Pearson Street (now 802 Second St W).

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 5, 1956

It was announced by Highway Minister P.A. Gaglardi that Rogers Pass would be the official route of the Trans-Canada Highway.  Provincial and Federal survey crews had been working in the area for a few years, so this announcement was expected. Opening Rogers Pass meant that Glacier National Park would have motor traffic for the first time ever.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 6, 1966

Army cadets from Revelstoke prepared to attend their summer training at the Vernon Army Camp. Cadets attending summer training were ages 14-18 and were expected to receive training in mechanics, first aid, radio communications and other military techniques. The camp was expected to go from July 8th to August 25th. On the 25th the cadets would have a graduation parade.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, July 7, 1976

Slow mail can be irritating, but have you ever had to wait 22 years for a letter to arrive? A letter arrived at the Revelstoke post office in July 1976 addressed to Kay Beruschi. The letter was sent from Vancouver on February 15, 1954.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, July 9, 1986

The book “Pioneers of Revelstoke” was sent off to publishing after the senior citizens of Revelstoke spent over a year gathering information and interviews. The book has about 100 stories of pioneers and pioneer families that were early settlers in Revelstoke with some stories written by relatives or the pioneers themselves. Once word got out that a book was being written stories began pouring in, many in a diary-like format all about the early days of Revelstoke.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, July 10, 1996

The question at the time was “Why did the turtle cross the road?” Wildlife biologists had originally believed it was for nesting as many of the turtles seen crossing Airport Way near Red Devil Hill were female, but they had quite a few male turtles crossing as well causing quite the confusion. They tried to find ways to make it safer for the turtles to cross but many ideas weren’t feasible so they settled on public awareness which led to the “Turtle Crossing” signs you may see on Airport Way.