Glimpses of the Past: September 24, 2026

By Brennan Patry, Archival Assistant, Revelstoke Museum & Archives

130 years ago: Kootenay Mail, September 26, 1896

For around two months the Union Hotel had been under construction, getting additions and renovations. In the entrance was a large lobby with a wooden spiral staircase, surrounded by stained glass, leading to the second and third floor. The second and third floor were the guest’s rooms with a separate section for the employees. A new dining room was installed, with space for 40 guests. The bar was stocked with premium liquor and cigars for guests to enjoy.

Revelstoke Lacrosse Team, 1908. Revelstoke Museum & Archives Collection, P-78.

120 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 22, 1906

The Revelstoke lacrosse team arrived home after beating Nelson’s lacrosse team 11 to 8. Nelson’s lacrosse team was reported to be “the team to beat” so Revelstoke’s team was quite pleased with the results. This win was the final step for Revelstoke to become the Lacrosse Champions of the Interior of British Columbia.

110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 23, 1916

The official count of ballots for the Revelstoke Electoral District was held a few days earlier. Results of note included:

 Women’s Suffrage - 674 votes in agreement, 343 votes against

 Prohibition - 593 votes in agreement, 433 votes against.

100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 22, 1926

The Mount Revelstoke auto road had finally been completed after 15 years of intermittent construction. With the auto road complete, the picturesque views from Mount Revelstoke were finally in general service. Few visitors had the chance to venture up the mountain before this, but notable adventurers included the Duke of Connaught, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Arthur of Connaught.

90 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 25, 1936

The city was in need of money for snow removal equipment. The old machinery had been used for many years and was worn out. They were looking for a 30 horsepower and a snow plow. All together, the equipment would cost around $3900 (approximately $92,000 in 2026).

80 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 26, 1946

Revelstoke’s annual hospital shower was coming up. Donations accepted were mainly garden produce, pickles, jams, jellies, poultry, and cash. However, other items would be accepted, as the hospital could find use for many other miscellaneous items.

70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 20, 1956

An art exhibit was being sponsored by the Revelstoke Art Group. The exhibit would be on display from 3 pm to 10 pm on Saturday, September 22. The works were done by Revelstoke locals and featured watercolour and oil paintings. Participating in this exhibit was Sophie Atkinson, who would have paintings from her collection on display, including Naramata and Cariboo paintings she had recently finished.

60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 21, 1966

The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District held a meeting in Revelstoke to discuss the possibility of funding a new hospital. This meeting was extremely important because it was expected to make the decision of whether they would be building a new hospital or keeping the old “inadequate” hospital. Surveys indicated strong support to build a new hospital, and many residents thought this should be a priority over other city projects.

50 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, September 22, 1976

There had been a lot of controversial opinions and discussions about grizzly bears.  This was mostly due to the rise of death rates and injuries caused by the bears. People had been discussing what purpose the grizzlies served, and if they were ruining the National Parks. Discussions excluded the fact that the bears had been there first, and had only become violent when provoked.

40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, September 24, 1986

The Ministry of Environment reported just over 70,000 kokanee salmon had returned to the newly constructed Hill Creek spawning channel. The channel was located on the Upper Arrow Lake, right by Galena Bay. This amount was a little less than anticipated but biologists were quite pleased.

30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, September 25, 1996

A total lunar eclipse of the harvest moon was predicted to happen on September 26th. The eclipse would begin at 6:12 p.m. Revelstoke time, and for an hour and seven minutes it would be a partial eclipse. At 7:19 p.m. the total eclipse would begin, lasting 70 minutes before repeating the partial phase in reverse.

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

Revelstoke’s first ever “Mount Revelstoke Steamer” hill climb was scheduled for the following Saturday. Cyclists participating in the race were mostly local, with a few coming from Alberta and other places withing British Columbia. The race started at the Revelstoke National Park kiosk and went up the Meadows In The Sky Parkway to the parking lot at Balsam Lake.