Glimpses of the Past: September 17, 2026

By Brennan Patry, Archival Assistant, Revelstoke Museum & Archives

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, September 19, 1896

Revelstoke was about to have water! Around seven men were working on clearing out a creek to make space for a water reservoir. The goal was to have the reservoir and pipes completed by the time the water plant arrived, which was expected to be within the week. Many residents couldn’t wait for this to be completed and working.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 15, 1906

Revelstoke was quickly becoming one of the most popular distribution centers for lumber in the country. The location of the city made it so popular, situated right in the middle of a vast area with lots of surrounding forests. Due to the mountains and dense forests, not many other places could produce as much lumber in the same amount of time as Revelstoke.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 16, 1916

The monthly Red Cross business meeting was held at the Y.M.C.A. Library. During the meeting, Mrs. Pagdin donated 12 pairs of socks to soldiers fighting in World War I. These 12 socks put Mrs. Pagdin’s donation up to 200 pairs of socks, and every single pair was knitted personally by her!

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 16, 1926

A Harvest Festival was held at St. Peter’s Church the previous Sunday. The church was packed all day! Children in Sunday School brought food and gifts in the afternoon. The weather was lovely for a Sunday in the fall, and fruits, vegetables, and flowers were handed out to attendees.

Heather Lodge during the summer season, ca. 1945. P-13786.

90 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 18, 1936

The filming of “The Great Barrier” (Silent Barrier) had come to a close. Filming crews had been creating the movie in Revelstoke since July 1, 1936, with some production members having been here several months prior to prepare. Many locals with businesses in Revelstoke were sad to see this end as having the extra people in town boosted their profits.

80 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 19, 1946

Heather Lodge closed for the season. Mrs. Mary Sutherland had been in charge during the very successful summer, and saw hundreds of visitors from all over the continent. Sutherland wanted to thank residents of Revelstoke for consistently directing tourists to the lodge.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 13, 1956

Revelstoke City Council members were shocked and happy when a letter was read to them at their last meeting. The letter was from a Revelstoke resident, and it praised city council on the mosquito control programs. City Council was happily surprised and unprepared to be hearing kind words instead of criticism.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 14, 1966

The Revelstoke Lions Club, along with other Lions Clubs around the world, challenged youth to make a plan for world peace. One individual would receive a $25,000 educational grant. Participants had to be ages 14 to 22, and each person had to write an essay. More than 130 countries were participating in the contest.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 15, 1976

Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks would be getting a new superintendent. Liam Gallacher was taking over the chief officer spot on September 20th, 1976. Gallacher was transferring from Kootenay National Park, where he was the superintendent for two years. Some wondered how he would deal with avalanche protocol in Rogers Pass, but hoped his past Parks Canada experience would help guide him.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 17, 1986

Square dancing was starting up again on September 25th in the Canadian Legion basement. New members would be taught basics while more experienced dancers would be learning more advanced moves. Lessons would be held every Wednesday over the winter season.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 18, 1996

The Revelstoke Public Library was celebrating its 50th anniversary. The library was formed in 1946 by a few Revelstoke residents who thought other citizens should have access to a public library, and opened on September 14, 1946, in the upstairs of City Hall.

20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 13, 2006

Mount Mackenzie Playhouse was in the works of preparing to have two radio plays in Revelstoke. The two plays were “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “War of the Worlds”. Both plays would be updated slightly to fit radio play. Both were to be directed by Jim Browning.