;'' *- •"•;*-*-.■ «* ^&t,i-4k . ", 68th Report of the Okanagan Historical Society Okanagan History The Sixty-Eighth Report of the OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Founded September 4, 1925 ISSN-O830-O739 ISBN-O-921241-76-3 2004 © www.okanaganhistoricalsociety.org Printed in Canada on Acid-Free Paper By Ehmann Printworx Ltd Kelowna, B.C. Cover and Inset: Courtesy of Jamie Kidston. These are two of twelve watercolour paintings/sketches drawn/painted by PATRICK LANG when he visited the Kidstons in Coldstream in 1919. SIXTY-EIGHTH REPORT OF THE OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY The information, views and opinions expressed in the following articles are those of the author(s). The information, views and opinions are not necessarily those of the Okanagan Historical Society. EDITOR Dorothy Zoellner EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Elizabeth Bork, Susan McMurray, Penticton Denis Marshall, Marilyn Kernaghan, Salmon Arm Lucy McCormick, Ger van Beynum, Vernon Jessie Ann Gamble, Robert Cowan, Armstrong-Enderby Judy Ohs, Doug Ablett, Kelowna Ralph Englesby, Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug, Oliver-Osoyoos Membership The recipient of this Sixty-Eighth Report is entitled to register his/her membership in the Sixty-Ninth Report, which will be issued November 1, 2005. For membership registration and certificate forms see insert in this book. Purchasing Reports Reports of the Okanagan Historical Society (The Report) including recent back issues, are available through the Treasurer, Box 313, Vernon, B.C. V1T 6M3, from branches of the OHS, and from most museums and bookstores in the Okanagan -Shuswap-Similkameen region. You may also arrange to receive future issues by mail by contacting the book committee, c/o the Treasurer. Editorial Inquiries Inquiries about material in the Reports, or for inclusion in coming issues, should be directed to the Editor at 3956 Bluebird Road, Kelowna, B.C. VIW 1X6. e-mail: zoellner@okanagan.net The complete index of Okanagan Historical Reports can be found on the internet- http://royal.okanagan.bc.ca Officers and Directors of the Executive Council 2004-2005 PRESIDENT Alice Lundy VICE-PRESIDENT David Gregory SECRETARY Vivian Hamanishi TREASURER Bob Cowan PAST PRESIDENT Enabelle Gorek BRANCH DIRECTORS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Armstrong-Enderby: Robert Dale, Jessie Ann Gamble Kelowna: Colleen Cornock, Bob Hayes Oliver-Osoyoos: Lionel Dallas, Mary Roberts Penticton: Dan Reilly, Dave Snyder Salmon Arm: Elizabeth Revel, Allan Wilson Similkameen Valley: Vacant Vernon: Jack Morrison, Bob dePfyffer DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Essay Contest: Jessie Ann Gamble, Trails: Peter Tassie, David Gregory Father Pandosy Mission: Alice Lundy, Archivist: Vivian Hamanishi BRANCH OFFICERS OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2004-2005 Armstrong-Enderby: President: David Simard; Vice-President: Jessie Ann Gamble; Secretary: Jean Lockhart; Treasurer: Eleanore Bolton; Past President: Robert Dale. Directors: May Dangel, Louise Everest, Kathy Fabische, Elinor Hagardt, Craig McKechnie, Tom Sidney, William Whitehead. Kelowna: President: Kaye Benzer; Vice-President: Vivian Hamanishi; Secretary: Betty Ivans; Treasurer: Eleanor Bulach; Past President: Bob Hayes; Directors: Doug Ablett, Colleen Cornock, Doug Flintoft, Cathy Jennens, Alice Lundy, Judy Ohs, Cory Schneider, Ruth Stirling, Evelyn Vielvoye, Dorothy Zoellner. Kelowna Branch Life Members: Bill Knowles, Joyce Knowles, Bob Marriage, Hume Powley, Gifford Thomson, Dorothy Zoellner. Oliver-Osoyoos: President: Lionel Dallas; Vice-President: Gayle Cornish; Secretary: Mary Englesby; Treasurer: Mary Roberts; Past President: Dan Roberts; Directors: John Musgrave, Elaine Shannon, Larry Shannon; Honourary Directors: Joan Casorso, Stanley Dickson, Cyril Headey. Penticton: President: Dave Morgenstern; Vice-President: John Ortiz; Recording Secretary / Treasurer: Bob Elder; Past President: Claud Hammell; Honourary Directors: Joe Biollo, Molly Broderick; Directors: Marylin Barnay, Jeannette Bevan, Elizabeth Bork, Enabelle Gorek, David Gregory, Dan Haggerty, Art Hinchcliffe, Dave MacDonald, Randy Manuel, Dan Reilly, Maggie Ricciardi, Dave Snyder, Ret Tinning. Salmon Arm: President: Ralph Kernaghan; Vice-President: Rosemary Wilson; Secretary: Rosemary Wilson; Treasurer: Denis Marshall; Past President: Mary Weatherill; Director for Life: Florence Farmer; Directors: Ralph Bartman, Don Byers, Sheila Cran, Pam Johnson, Dan MacQuarrie, Mary Niemi, Alf Peterson, Tom Smith. Similkameen Valley: Contact person: Elizabeth Bork-Site 32A, Comp.6 RR#1, Kaleden, B.C. VOH 1KO. Vernon: At present, there is no Executive for this Branch. It is represented by the following seven members: Bob dePfyffer, Jack Morrison, Betty Holtskog, Lucy McCormick, Ger van Beynum, Libbie Tassie and Peter Tassie. Business of the Okanagan Historical Society NOTICE of the 80th Annual General Meeting THE OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2005 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Okanagan Historical Society will be held at the Royal Anne Hotel KELOWNA, B.C. Sunday, April 24, 2005, at 10 a.m. Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. All members and guests are welcome to attend EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 26th February, 1978 Kelowna, B.C. RESOLUTION: Whereas we stand by our original plan of the POLICY of EDITORIAL FREEDOM And whereas such freedom may require certain changes in the articles submitted: i.e. - deletions, condensation and rewrite, etc. Therefore be it resolved that:- Editorial Freedom gives the Editor the right to edit all material submitted as he sees fit: UNLESS the author has stated otherwise in writing at the time of submission. MOVED by Victor Wilson SECONDED by I.E. Phillips OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY ESSAY CONTEST 2005 AIM/GOALS To encourage the research and writing of Okanagan history by post secondary students. ELIGIBILITY Students currently in any post-secondary institution in British Columbia. PRIZE (a) $1,000 (one thousand dollars) (b) possible publication in "Okanagan History" book (the annual publication of the Okanagan Historical Society) GENERAL CRITERIA: the essay must: • Depict history which occurred in the geographical area encompassed by the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen Valleys. • Be suitable for publication in the "Okanagan History" book. • Be submitted on a 3.5 in. disk and typed double spaced on 8.5 x 11.0 in. white paper. • Be a minimum length of 1500 words to a maximum of 2500. • Include a cover page which shows: * Student's name and registration number * Name of Institution * Student's telephone number and address * Title of essay EVALUATION CRITERIA: the essay will be judged according to: HISTORICAL INFORMATION The degree to which the writer has gathered accurate information in different ways; has insightfully selected essential information; has interpreted or synthesized that information. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION The quality of the historical content in that it effectively uses rich, vivid detail in a style which engages and involves the reader. CONCLUSIONS The conclusions the writer makes which reflect clear, logical links between the information and the interpretations based on relevant evidence; the way the writer describes his/her own thinking about the historical content which demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the historical issue(s). WRITING Demonstrated level of organization, correct sentence structure, usage, grammar, diction, mechanics, bibliography and footnoting. DEADLINE: March 15th of each year SUBMIT TO: Jessie Ann Gamble, Box 516, Armstrong, B.C. VOE 1B0; Ph: (250) 546-9416; email: lgamble@junction.net Table of Contents History Unfolds by Diary and Letters Okanagan Impressions: The 1922 Diary of Percival Mackie Edited by George Mackie, Peter Mackie and Richard Mackie 11 A Place of Sunshine and Fair Weather- Letters From British Columbia 1924-1932, Anne Louise Crafter 27 We DO Remember. To A Cynic- Poem by Dorothy Rees 38 The Road To Rimini, Debbie (Schultz) Brown 40 Filling In The Gaps, James H. Hayes 45 Shuswap Lake Sawmill Last Post, Denis Marshall 49 The Fred Roberts Story, Denis Marshall 51 Their Contributions Are Great Stephen Robert Cannings, Rob Cannings, Bette Cannings, Syd Cannings, Dick Cannings 54 Victor Casorso, Jim MacNaughton 67 A Eulogy For Ron Robey, Joanne (Thorlakson) Galloway 71 Ernest Arthur James Burnett, Don Burnett 74 Thomas Archangelo Capozzi, Dr. Gail Plecash 77 Lucy Hack, Sylvia (Day) Blackburne and Eileen (Day) Chappell 80 Wallace C. Bennett, Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society .... 82 Mary Helene Esma Blackburn, Penny Caley 84 Frank Snowsell, Lynne (Snowsell) Schroeder 88 Still Fruitful Despite Changes and Challenges A Century of Fruit Growing In Coldstream, Jamie Kidston 90 "Mr. Sunrype" My Father, Bill Vance, William Elsworth Vance 98 His Apples Were Delicious- Robert Turner, Denis Marshall 104 Student Essay Contest Winner Chinook Jargon In Local Histories of the Okanagan Country, David D. Robertson 112 Mother Nature Leaves Her Mark Okanagan Mountain Park Fire- My Story, Brian Brown 120 Pippy's Beach, Michael Painter 129 In Tribute Tb Lydia Doris Boss, Roy Boss 133 M. Arnold Churchill, Ann (Churchill) Thomson 135 Kenneth Bertram Day, Steven Day 139 Edith Roberta (Topsy) Gee/Philip, Tbm Gee 141 Joan King, Oliver-Osoyoos Branch, Okanagan Historical Society 143 Leona (Moen) McClure, June Griswold 145 Mary Frances Cicely (Jingy) (TUtt) Morrison, Sheila (Morrison) Sullivan 147 Shigeru Sakon, Salmon Arm Branch Okanagan Historical Society .... 150 Ruberta (Ruby) Grace Somerset, Mary (Ellison) Bailey 155 Robert E.(Bob) Spall, Deborah (Spall) Cochrane 157 Kiyo Yamaoka, Evelyn Vielvoye 163 Records of Achievement Horses In B.C.'s Interior- a history, Dr. Lois E. Philp 166 A Retrospective: RCSCC Revenge 1927-82, David Snyder 174 Penticton Retirement Centre Tuneagers, Vivien Browne 178 Families Chronicled H.H. Johnson Family, Clare (Johnson) Smith 186 The Reids of Benvoulin, Chelta (Reid) Snowsell 198 New Books of Interest Tb Our Readers 203 Well-earned Accolades for Jessie Ann Gamble 206 Lives Remembered 208 Errata 219 OHS Business and Financial Statements 220 2004 Membership List 235 Lucy McCormick - Vernon Elizabeth Revel - Salmon Arm O.H.S. AGM April 25, 2004 on board the S.S. Sicamous 10 OHS HISTORY UNFOLDS BY DIARY AND LETTERS Okanagan Impressions: The 1922 Diary of Percival Mackie Edited by George Mackie, Peter Mackie and Richard Mackie1 Introduction Printed here is the Okanagan portion of the 1922 diary of Frederick Percival Mackie (Percival, and "Per" to his family), then a Major in the Indian Medical Service and Director of the Pasteur Institute in Shillong, Assam. Born in England in 1875, the sixth son and ninth child of an Anglican clergyman in rural Gloucestershire, Mackie had qualified as a doctor in 1897 and joined the Indian Medical Service in 1902. The following year he served as medical officer to the Younghusband Expedition to Tibet and soon afterwards was appointed to the Plague Research Laboratory in Bombay. His career was interrupted by the First World War when, as a Major, he served in Baluchistan, Persia, Mesopotamia, and France. He was twice mentioned in dispatches and received the Order of the British Empire in 1918. At the end of the war he was Commanding Officer of the Central Laboratory, Baghdad; in 1920 he was appointed Professor of Pathology at Calcutta University; and in 1921 took charge of the Pasteur Institute.2 In February 1922, Mackie had to leave India to take his sick wife Gladys back to England. Gladys died shortly after they got home, leaving Mackie with their two year-old son Lawrence. Arrangements were eventually made for Lawrence to be looked after by family members and friends, and in September the 'About the authors. The editors of this diary are all Percival Mackie's descendants. George, a V.P.S. alumnus and now a retired University of Victoria professor, is the second son of Per's second marriage. Peter is Lawrence Mackie's oldest son, who followed his father and grandfather in the medical profession and is now a consultant hematologist in Buckinghamshire. The illustrations in this article came from Peter's large collection of Per's photos. Richard is George's second son, a historian specializing in B.C. history, author of Island Timber and other books. They wish to thank Peter Tassie, Joan Heriot, Jenny Jones (nee McGuire), Jenny Clayton, John Barclay, Larry Cormack, Edna Montfort and Dave and Joy Curwen for their assistance. OHS 11 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE bereaved father set off to return to India, travelling west around the world, visiting friends and professional colleagues - specialists in tropical diseases - in the United States and elsewhere, and spending a full month in Vernon with his two younger brothers, who had emigrated to Canada in 1913. His brothers were Augustine, born in 1879 and known as "Gus" or "Austin," and Hugh, born in 1882. Austin, an Anglican priest like his father, was founder of the Vernon Preparatory School (V.P.S.), a boarding school run on English lines in Coldstream Valley east of Vernon.3 In 1922 some twenty boys were enrolled; by 1927 this figure had risen to fifty.4 An enthusiastic sportsman, Austin also became a determined rattlesnake hunter after the death of Roland Whittall, a V.P.S. boy, from a rattler's bite in 1927.5 Hugh helped run the school and taught history and French.6 His wife Grace, the school's overworked matron and mathematics teacher, had recently, in September 1922, given birth to Patrick ("Paddy"), her fifth child. Tragically, of the five children born to the couple, only Paddy survived to lead a full life, dying in 1999 at the age of seventy-six.7 Michael died in infancy, Peter died in an accident in 1918, and John and Geoff were killed in the Second World War. V.P.S. flourished and remained under the Mackies' direction until 1946, when a new headmaster was appointed. Percival Mackie's diary of his trip around the world runs from September 1922 until January 1923.8 After the Okanagan, his journey took him west to Vancouver, Victoria, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, Hong Kong, Canton, Singapore, Penang, Rangoon, Calcutta, and finally Shillong. On returning to India, Mackie continued in the I.M.S., making important contributions to the literature on tropical diseases, including relapsing fever, sleeping sick- L-R: Hugh Mackie, Percival (Per) Mackie, Grace Mackie, Austin (Gus) Mackie on the steps of the Vernon Preparatory School, 1922. (Courtesy George Mackie) 12 OHS OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE ness, plague, kala-azar, cholera, dysentery, enteric fevers, schistosomiasis, and sprue. He remarried in 1926, aged fifty-one, and retired in 1932 with the rank of Colonel after a distinguished career crowned with the award of C.S.I. (Companion of the Star of India), and returned to England. At the time of his death in 1944 he had just retired as Chief Medical Officer to Imperial Airways (now British Airways). He was survived by his wife Mary Mackie (nee Owen) and sons Lawrence (born 1920), Richard (1927), and George (1929).9 Oct 21st 1922 That evening I went down to the main station [in Toronto] and took reservations in the Western Express to B.C. The engines are enormous with huge horse power and the carriages are huge too, the ordinary ones being 30-40 tons tare each. The full train weighs over 4000 tons and is drawn by one engine 5000 feet over the Kicking Horse Pass over the Rockies. It struck me as something dramatic to see one of these huge passenger trains pull out of Montreal or Toronto to make a journey of five thousand miles across a continent.10 Woke up next morning to find the train passing across barren lands north of Lake Superior. Travelled all day through a waste of uncultivated land characterized by undulating country, rocky and stony, covered with pine trees like Xmas trees, each with a light load of snow, which also lay lightly on the ground. Now and again one would pass a lake or series of lakes, steely blue, cold and with a light edging of ice. I saw no sign of life in the lakes or in the trees and the whole day's journey reminded me of the fir forests of Siberia or the steppes of Mongolia, barren, inhospitable and lifeless. The next day, Oct 23rd, the train passed through the great prairie lands between Fort William and Broadview including the great prairie city of Winnipeg. This is as different country as possible to yesterday's. Level flat prairie without a hill or tree as far as the eye could see to the distant horizon. At every station there were rows of grain elevators where grain is cleaned and stored and run into great freight cars. Enormous freight trains of 40 or 50 cars full of grain snorted and strained their way across to Fort William for the big steamer service on the Great Lakes. I don't know which would be the worst country to live in, the barren forest country or the monotonous level prairie with its extremes of temperature, which goes to 40 or even 50 below zero every winter and to over 100 in the summer. The third day we travelled all day between Regina and Banff OHS 13 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE in the Rockies passing both places at night. The prairie lands continued all day till we reached Calgary in the evening and afterward began to climb the Rockies. We passed the highest point, Kicking Horse Pass, about midnight, about 5300 feet, and then began to descend gradually - Banff, Field, Lake Louise Glacier and Revelstoke. Oct. 25th We reached Sicamous on the Shuswap Lake about 9 am on 25th Oct. and there I changed for the Okanagan Valley which runs due south from Sicamous down to the Kettle Valley River [Similkameen River] near the U.S. boundary.11 The branch line train left about 10.30 and got to Vernon near the head of the Okanagan Lake about 12.30 and there found Grace and Hugh to meet me with the car. Austin it appeared was away down the lake shooting pheasants during the short open season, which was about a week.12 I drove down to the head of the lake - the place called Okanagan Landing and took the very comfortable lake steamer C.P.R. S.S. Sicamous which does a daily trip from N to S of the lake somewhere over 100 miles to Penticton, the southernmost place on the lake.13 The names of some of the landings, Summerland, Peachland, are eloquent of the beauty and fruitfulness of this wonderful valley. The lake thrusts arms of clear water up between the pine clad hills which are clearly mirrored in the green blue lake water. Along the shore in groups, masses or lines are delicately formed trees of the poplar, larch or birch type - the general appearance of many is most suggestive of the English silver birch. The colour of foliage before the fall is a delicate green but now in the late autumn the whole of the foliage of these trees is of a glorious colour as if the trees had been dipped in liquid gold. Some trees would have some of the light green still unchanged and this enhanced the brilliance of the gold. There seemed to be no gradual transition as in an English wood but all the trees of this sort were bright gold and stood out in contrast to the dark green, almost the black of the firs and pines. Up the mountain sides these coloured species were seen side by side in singles or clumps so it seemed as if a child had gone over a forest of green trees and had painted in some in yellow. I saw the autumn tints in the maple forests coming up the St Lawrence a month ago but was not nearly so struck with their colours as by the transmuting of whole masses into pure gold. 14 OHS OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE The maples have more varied colours, some of which are orange or even red and the mixture of sumac bushes' blood red shows up these woods very beautifully but I do not think the general impression is so fine as the gradual change of the variety of tints in an English wood^such as for example may be seen in the Avon Gorge at Clifton. There is a much wider chromatic scale and the change is more gradual than in the Canadian forests. I travelled down in the steamer for about six hours through the beautiful scenery till I reached Summerland and was there met by Gus in a car and taken to the house where he was staying. We went out pheasant shooting the next day, or rather he shot and I beat and it was very homelike to see the numerous pheasants put up out of the undergrowth and in the clover (alfalfa) of the apple orchards. Many apple trees were loaded with magnificent looking fruit, of large size, rich colour and perfect shape. The season had been a most prolific one but alas the price of the fruit is so low that many orchards have not found it worth while to pick the fruit but to let it fall and lie like a rich carpet on the dark earth. That evening we drove down a narrow lakeside road by car to Penticton, the southernmost point on the lake, had dinner and got on the steamer for the night and woke up next morning in time for breakfast and then to disembark at a place called Kelowna about half way up the lake on the return journey. Oct 28th Gracie drove down in the car from Vernon to lunch and we all three returned to Vernon in the afternoon, a drive of nearly 40 miles. Tb do this we crossed the spur of the hills and got into the next valley to the East and went for miles alongside another lake, Long Lake [Kalamalka], which runs N and S in the valley. This body of water is even more beautiful than Okanagan as it is more secluded, less cultivated, bears no steamer on it, is shallower and therefore shows more varied shades of blue and green in its depths and shoals. The black and golden trees come out on points of land and doubly reflect themselves in the still water on either side of the arm of land. The road is winding and very narrow, scarce room for two cars to pass in many places and for miles is several hundred feet above the surface of the lake and quite unguarded from the precipitous slopes to the lake. Little knowing this, I drove the car, a Ford, until long after dark tho' I could scarcely see the road and so little understood the gears and pedals of the car that I scarcely knew how to stop it. When I saw the road by day later on and knew of its evil reputation and the many accidents which had occurred on it I marvelled less at my own temerity than at the passengers' OHS 15 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE trust in my scanty knowledge of the car and of the road.14 -f- °*« C r *. «! .4 <^% Sugar Mountain ft* ■> '^^-- 402s 1 4&0 j SucA«Moi!^^ek Goat Cliffs —T" j f 1 Fraser - /^~ Sugflr 1* Mackie 03} -*b ■A. Q Sugar Lake 1980' \ Long ■ Point j ■ •■ ■. iiilTfllMffllf 6500' Tillicum —-1 In it • Curv/spr~ s j ^ Vidler flDCE I | %\ S°°o,~ ■ IsS 1 TiSfe \ \%, "'Oft,. 1 ^=i=j——' j-iTb Cherryville ^o I tdlometre Map by Eric Leinberger. Oct 31st Austin and I left for Sugar Lake for a week or ten days shooting.15. It was a little late in the season as directly the snow lies on the mountains the bears retire to hibernation and the deer move below to warmer shelter. However the weather was open and no sign of winter closing in so we hoped for some sport. We left in a Ford truck, i.e., an open chassis with flat, dray-like erection behind and the usual Ford engine. The distance was about 40 miles along a little-used road and we picked up two more sportsmen, Dennison and Walker/6 who were going up to the same place to climb another mountain for game. So we were five in the truck and our baggage. It was very cold, snow and sleet falling for part of the time. We halted by the road for lunch and stopped once or twice to get out and kill a grouse (willow grouse) which we saw on the roadway and would scarcely get out of the way of the car. 16 OHS OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE r'-\ ■■■■■A,... •^-WPPM'- 22 Percival Mackie labelled this "Sugar Lake, looking north," November 1922. (Courtesy Peter Mackie) We reached the S end of Sugar Lake about 3.00 pm and after a hasty tea in the forest shack by the side of the lake we put our baggage into a boat and were rowed by Fraser,17 who was to be our chief guide. The journey up the lake took up IV2 hrs steady row to where Gus's shack was at the further end and close alongside "Gus's shack at Sugar Lake," November 1922. This cabin, built in the summer of 1922 by Fraser and Hollingsworth, survived the Sugar Lake floods of 1942 and 1944 and is still in the possession of the Mackie family. (Courtesy Peter Mackie) was Fraser's.18 The lake is very beautiful with its clear, dark water and the yellow and green firs coming down to the water's edge, and stacks of timber (lumber) waiting for the spring rise to be OHS 17 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE floated down the river to civilization and the saw mills.19 Nov. 1st We gave up today to getting ready the camp kit and for preparation by Fraser and Bill Hollingsworth20 his partner for the climb up the hill [Sugar Mountain]. Austin and I rowed out on the lake and he threw a fly for about an hour but didn't get a rise. We went shoreward to stalk some "Old Bill, a trapper," November 1922. Bill Hollingsworth sitting on the steps of Bill Fraser's cabin at Sugar Lake. . (Counesy Peter Mackie) ducks and I got a fine mallard duck out of a bunch. Nov 2nd Next day we started for the trail up the hill side and rowed across to the far end of the lake where the trail began.21 There was a lot of delay in getting the horses caught and swum across two arms of the lake and by the time they got to the foot of the trail it was 2.30 p.m. and too late to start up that day, so we camped by the side of the lake and waited till the morrow. We found it cold, as it was freezing but got some dry hay to put on the ground and a small single fly tent (scarcely worth the name) to cover us from snow or rain and so we sat facing a big log fire and kept warm till we fell asleep wrapped in all the coats and mufflers we could lay hands on, and of course without undressing. Nov. 3rd Next morning when packing up we saw a boat coming across the lake - it turned out to be Dennison and Walker who said they had "packed" their 60 lbs each of camp kit up the great "Viddler" crest [Vidler Ridge] overhanging the lake but had found deep snow about half way up and had to sleep out that night and packed down again yesterday. This didn't look good for our climb but we nevertheless pushed on up, Fraser ahead breaking the trail and his pack pony next, Old Bill and the cayuse next and Austin and I behind. We climbed 2500 feet by lunch time but found the snow 18 OHS OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE lying deeper as we got up. We intended to make a forest shack about 3 hrs further up but in view of the snow decided there was no chance of a bear or deer. The going was heavy, numerous dead falls, trees or piles of them across the trail and smaller poles and branches covered with snow down which one's feet slipped. The pine branches above were laden with snow which was dropped over one's hat and eyes at a passing touch. Added to these was the constant climb with a rifle across one's shoulders and the icy cold of one's sodden boots. When we got up to 2500 feet, snow was gently but steadily fluttering down and the forest of pines looked more monotonous and gloomy. We took off the packs, built a fire and cooked some tea and bannocks whilst Fraser went on to see if the country beyond by the goat cliffs looked more promising. He returned in about an hour saying the weather was getting worse so we packed again and broke trail downhill to find a suitable place for a night's camp. Fraser and Austin went on a detour to look at the goat cliffs whilst Bill and the ponies and self struck down the hill. After going about an hour we found a few level yards, a sort of shelf on the hill side and so unpacked and put up the light tent, cut trees down and got logs for the night, lit a fire and started some cooking. Snow was still falling steadily and the trees were getting loaded and every now and again a big slide from above would fall plump on the tent or on to the fire. "Fraser's shack at Sugar Lake," November 1922. Built by Bill Fraser as a barn, this structure formed the core of what became Fraser Lodge. It burned down in 1980. (Counesy Peter Mackie) OHS 19 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE What a lot there is in wood craft and how helpless a person who has no experience feels in making a camp for instance.22 Old Bill knew almost in the dark which kind of tree to cut - cedars are the best, balsams not so good, pines of sorts almost useless for splitting and burning green. How to chose your tree, how to fell it so that it falls in the right position near or across the camp. Cutting poles for the tepee Indian fashion tent, another to support the kettle, all the small details of the camp which moved like clockwork under the hand of Old Bill till everything was thought of, improvised and ready to hand. Austin and Fraser came in just at dusk and shortly after we had hot tea, bannocks like thick flapjacks made of batter in a frying pan, bacon and potatoes and honey and cheese or jam to finish with. Old Bill is a great character and might have stepped right out of the pages of Huckleberry Finn - an old trapper and squatter with nearly 50 years wild life hunting, ranching, trapping, in the middle and far west U. States behind him. Quite modest and unassuming but with a fund of dry anecdote and reminiscence which kept us laughing whenever he spoke. Generally he was silent but over the camp fire with his pipe he would talk about the old days and make me wish one could record any one of his tales, told in so dry and witty a way with quaint terms of speech. We turned in about 10 pm and rolled up in blankets, coats and mufflers fully dressed except for taking off wet boots. We all lay side by side close together, the tent being just wide enough to hold four. Bill's little pup spent most of the night clambering over us trying to find a way in under somebody's blanket. Nov. 4th Next morning we packed up the horses and sent them down to the lake with Old Bill, and Fraser, Austin and I set off to work along the goat cliffs in the chance of a shot. Snow had fallen all night but had now stopped and we walked, stumbled and fell over hidden dead falls and branches for about 3 hrs, walking on steep slopes on the edge of one's boots and sometimes taking a toss and slithering feet, or ten or 15 yds down the hill side in the soft snow. We got to the goat cliffs and there found steep glissades and shelves on the rock with overhanging cliffs dropping hundreds of feet from one to the other. Here were no trees to catch hold of or to stop one if feet gave way so after going along on the steep slopes about 1/2 mile Austin and I decided it wasn't good enough as we had no nails and nothing to give us a grip and the thought 20 ohs OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE of going over one of those cliffs was not pleasant, so we "beat it" back again and after a very long trail got down to the lake level about 4.30 when it was getting dark. We rowed across the lake and drove the ponies off to find their way back and got to Fraser's cabin about 6.30 pm - this simple little shack seemed as comfortable as a palace after our nights out in the snow. We stayed there two days and then crossed the lake and stayed two days with one Major Curwen23 and his wife and children and a lady help (Mrs Stanton, who turned out to be sister-in- law to Lt Col. Heard my boss in Assam). Curwen and his wife are on the edge of things and devoid of comforts and what most would consider necessities, he makes a living by driving a stage motor car and doing hauling and carrying with the car. Farming being in such a bad way as to be working at a loss. We (Austin, Fraser and I) went out on the hill sides once or twice to try and see a deer but didn't see any, though Dennison and Walker who also came into the valley each shot a deer. They went out before dawn about 4 am (freezing hard) and spent all day after them whereas we stopped to do chores for Mrs Curwen till about 11 am and took it all much less strenuously. Nov. 8th Hugh came over from Vernon with the Ford and drove us all three back and the kit to Vernon. Fraser went in to Vernon and Gus, Hugh and I went out to the school, glad to be back after a most enjoyable experience at Sugar Lake. I forgot to say one evening at the lake we went out along the shore and watched musk rats building their big winter pile of reeds and saw otter slides and beaver dams but the animals themselves are rarely seen being nocturnal animals and very timid. All trapping of fur animals is forbidden around here this year, so all the men who generally have "trap lines" will not be able to collect any furs this winter.24 Nov. 13th After a few days at the school Hugh and I went for a short trip to the further end of the Lake Okanagan. The motor sent to take us to the Landing broke down and so we missed the boat and so we took the car down the Long Lake road to Kelowna to pick up the steamer at the first stop. This beautiful but dangerous road has already been described (about 29th Oct). This time we had a good driver and a fast car but only did the 40 miles just in time - in fact the steamer was warping in as we drew up. Hugh and I boarded the SS Sicamous and arrived at OHS 21 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE Penticton about 8.00 and went to the [Incola] Hotel there for the night where we dined and afterwards played billiards. We stayed there for two days but it was cold, damp and foggy or else freezing so we didn't do much walking but chiefly played billiards. We played 1100 up in the two days and in each game I proved about 20-25% better than Hugh. We enjoyed ourselves fine and the place seemed good to us. We boarded the ship at night at the Hotel and got to Okanagan Landing about 12.30 pm next day after a pretty morning on the lake. Gracie met us at Vernon and we afterwards went out to Coldstream. Nov 16th To revert to Old Bill, he was taking an American sportsman out shooting in the back woods and coming home one evening Bill spotted a magnificent silver tip grizzly bear feeding a little way off. This bear is the largest and most savage of the bears and therefore the best trophy. The hunter looked at it for a bit and turned to Bill and said, "No, I haven't lost any grizzlies" and refused to go after it. Another of his sayings was "I thought I might as well go out and chop some wood - if I stay in the shack I shall only be keeping a chair down." Again referring to a slacker: "Don't think much of he; guess he couldn't keep any sort of job down." The idea of a job sort of struggling to get away from a man is a very suggestive simile. A hungry man is a "sort of guy who can rustle the grub pile pretty good."25 "This seems good to me" of anything he likes. This type of remark is only effective in the mouth of a dry old fellow like Bill. Hugh was pretty useful in this sort of way and when we were hurrying into a certain place after a long cold walk he remarked, "Guess we hit the pee-parlour pretty good." The word parlour or parlor is always used for such things as dental parlor, shampoo parlor etc etc. Remark of a trapper when looking at a picture in a Vernon shop representing Christ half-way down a fearful precipice to rescue a lamb (not meant irreligiously): "Guess He'll have some job packing out that 'big horn.'" Nov 17th to 24th Spent these days very pleasantly with Grace and the boys and the school staff. One day I took the dogs Madge (or "Magenta") and Clip - or the "Copra boy," "copper boy," etc etc., Austin's two sporting dogs, and went up over Rattlesnake Hill, a 22 ohs OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE big hill overlooking the school valley and extending down between the two arms of the Long Lake. The view from the top was very beautiful and I took a few photos tho' the weather was overcast and dull. Percival Mackie captioned this photo "Coldstream Valley from Rattlesnake Hill," November 1922. More specifically, it shows Coldstream Valley from the South Range, with W.R. Grieve's house in the foreground. (Courtesy Peter Mackie) Saw a prairie wolf [coyote] up there and there are always mule deer to be got there but I didn't see any. Spent nearly all day on the hill and enjoyed it very much, so wild and free up there and always a chance of seeing some game. It turned out afterwards that the plates I bought for my small camera (Verascope) are all hopelessly stale and fogged and no more could be got till I got to Tokyo where I had to go specially for them. The two dozen carefully selected views taken in Canada were all useless so I had only those taken with the Kodak and owing to the lack of sunlight these were not always very good either. Nov 23rd Gracie, Gus and Hugh came in to Vernon to see me off by the early afternoon train for Sicamous where I stayed the night so as to see the remainder of the hill journey by day. ohs 23 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE "The C.P.R. Hotel at Sicamous," November 1922. Percival Mackie stayed here on his last night in the interior of British Columbia. (Courtesy Peter Mackie) Notes and References F.P. Mackie, "Record of Service Brevet-Colonel F. Percival Mackie," MS in George Mackie's possession. See Jean Barman, "The World that British Settlers Made: Class, Ethnicity and Private Education in the Okanagan Valley," in W. Peter Ward and Robert A.J. McDonald, British Columbia: Historical Readings (Vancouver: Douglas & Mclntyre, 1981), 600-626; Anne Pearson, An Early History of Coldstream and Lavington (Vernon, BC: Wayside Press, 1986), 77-80, 139- 141; Theresia Hurst, Vernon and District Pioneer Routes (Vernon, BC: Okanagan Historical Society, 1997), 113-115. Margaret A. Ormsby, Coldstream - Nulli Secundus (Vernon, BC: District of Coldtream, 1990), 63. "Modern St. Patrick Death to Okanagan's Rattlesnakes," Vancouver Sun, 21 May 1951, 7; "No Sympathy for Snakes," British Columbia Report (18 May 1998), 17. See Hugh F. Mackie, "Private Schools in the Okanagan Valley," OHS, Twelfth Annual Report, 1948, 60-65. See Joan Heriot, "Paddy Mackie," OHS, Sixty-Fourth Annual Report, 2000, 193-94. F.P. Mackie's 1922-23 diary is in George Mackie's possession See Mary Mackie, "Children Venturers," OHS, Fifty-Eighth Annual Report, 1994, 46-53. In fact, it is slightly less than 2900 miles from Montreal to Vancouver. Strictly speaking, the Okanagan Valley starts just north of Armstrong and runs south to the confluence of the Okanagan and Columbia rivers near Brewster, Washington. Austin was also a dedicated ornithologist. See, for example, A.C. Mackie, 24 ohs OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE A.O. Munro, and J.A. Munro, "Christmas Bird Census 1944, Okanagan Landing, Vernon, B.C.," Canadian Field Naturalist 59 (1945), 37. Many of Austin's specimens are now at the Royal BC Museum. 13 In fact, the trip from Vernon to Penticton was about sixty-five miles. 14 Known at first as the "Kelowna Road," this is now Highway 97. It was the site of many mishaps including one that befell Agnes Marjoribanks, who went off the road. "She didn't roll," recalls Joan Heriot. "She kept her head and just drove to the bottom!" Interview with Joan Heriot, 6 April 2003 (all interviews noted below were conducted by Richard Mackie). 15 Austin and Percival Mackie were devoted sportsmen. See Austin's memoir, "Fin, Feather, & Scale," MS (c 1949) in the Mackie Family Papers (Add Mss 2304), British Columbia Archives. Hugh, on the other hand, preferred fishing to shooting and hunting. 16 Walker has not been identified. Norman Denison (c.1890-1958), also known as "Darby," had a stump ranch and trap line in the Creighton Valley east of Lumby. See OHS, Twenty-Third Annual Report, 1959, 101; Pearson, An Early History of Coldstream and Lavington, 107. For the career of his son John see Edith Iglauer, Denison's Ice Road (New York: Dutton, 1975). 17 William (Bill) Jacob Fraser (c. 1872-1960). "His early years were spent in Iowa, but he arrived in Revelstoke in 1897, and after a period of trap line and similar work in that area, settled at Sugar Lake, his home for many years. He built Fraser Lodge at the upper end of the lake .... He sold his property in 1954 and moved to Okanagan Landing." OHS, Twenty-Fourth Annual Report, 1960, 111. 18 Fraser had sold portions of his Sugar Lake land to the Mackies and to George and Maud Barclay (nee Cornwall), who built cabins there in 1922- 23. Interviews with Noni Bankes (nee Barclay), 1 April 1992 and with John Barclay, 14 July 1993. For George Nevil Barclay (1867-1926) see David Gregory, "The Beginning of Summerland 100 Years Ago," Okanagan History, Sixty-sixth annual Report (2002), 59-71. 19 In the absence of roads at Sugar Lake, loggers sent Douglas Fir and White Pine logs down steep chutes into the lake, boomed them, and drove them down the Shuswap River. Interview with John Barclay, 26 April 2003. 20 Trapper, logger, and woodsman Bill Hollingsworth was a fixture in the Cherryville-Sugar Lake area early in the twentieth century. "He is a typical trapper," recorded diarist Alice Parke in June 1898, "- gaunt, muscular and grim." Jo Fraser Jones, ed., Hobnobbing with a Countess and Other Okanagan Adventures: The Diaries of Alice Barrett Parke, 1891-1900 (Vancouver: UBC Press), 262. 21 The hunters took a pack pony trail known as the Sugar Mountain Trail, which started on the eastern shore of Sugar Lake and followed Sugar Creek to a forestry lookout station near the summit. The "goat cliffs" were to the south of Sugar Mountain Trail. They consisted of a 4,000 foot drop from Sugar Ledge. "You could walk up to the top and look down the cliffs to Sitkum Creek," recalls John Barclay. "One of my brothers shot a goat there once." It was "very hard to get one of those goats" owing to the difficulty of retrieving the animal. Interviews with Paddy Mackie, 14 July 1993 and with John Barclay, 24 and 26 April 2003. 22 Austin, for one, was a close student of camping methods and woods craft generally. See A.C. Mackie, "I Prefer to Camp Alone," Rod and Gun and Canadian Silver Fox News 32:3 (August 1930), 191-192, 202. 23 Montague Anstruther ("Mac") Curwen (1883-1971), born in St Andrews, Scotland and brought up in Somerset. He came to British Columbia in ohs 25 OKANAGAN IMPRESSIONS: THE 1922 DIARY OF PERCIVAL MACKIE 1904 and helped survey the Coldstream irrigation system. Before the First World War he bought a stump ranch on the Shuswap River west of Cherryville, and in 1914 married Vera Marshall (1892-1947), the daughter of an Anglican priest near Salisbury, who had come to Vernon as governess to the Lefroy family. At the time of Percival Mackie's visit the Curwens had three young children and were building Tillicum Inn at the south end of Sugar Lake. It opened in May 1923. Interview with Dave Curwen, 10 July 1998. One of them was George Washington Gates, an American who trapped beaver, mink, marten, fisher, and weasel on the Shuswap River north of the lake. One winter he cleared $4,000 which he lost at poker the following summer. Interviews with John Barclay, 14 July 1993, 26 and 28 April 2003. Dave Curwen remembers Hollingsworth as a "grizzled old character" who lived in a houseboat at the lower end of Sugar Lake. Once, Hollingsworth fried an egg and dumped it into his porridge. Dave said, "You're going to eat that!?" And Hollingsworth said, "Yes - they all get mixed up in the end!" John Barclay recalls Hollingsworth as "an old rogue" who bootlegged liquor to loggers and other residents of the lake. Interviews with Dave Curwen, 10 July 1998 and with John Barclay, 14 July 1993. 26 ohs A Place of Sunshine and Fair Weather Letters from British Columbia 1924-1932 Written to Rosamund, a friend in England by Anne Louise Crafter Anne Crafter was the third of four sisters: Lucy (21), Katharine (Katie) (19), Anne (17), Norleen (15), who returned with their mother to Canada in 1924, following a period spent in England. Their mother was from an old-established family, the Vartys, from Cumbria in the north of England. Their father was from London and amongst other enterprises served in the North West Mounted Police and farmed in Alberta, where Anne was born in 1907. Whilst in England, Anne was sent for a time to a girls' boarding school, Gardenhurst, near Weston-super-Mare, where she met Rosamund Swain. Back in Canada, Anne kept in touch with Rosamund, writing long letters to her. In 1933, Anne finally returned to England, where she trained in physiotherapy and later married and spent the rest of her life. Rosamund later became Lady Skelhorne, by virtue of her marriage to Sir Norman Skelhorne, the Director of Public Prosecutions, a principal officer of the English legal system. She and Anne remained friends until Anne's death in 1998. When Rosamund died two years later, these letters (thirty-one in all) were returned to Anne's elder son, John Brock, who transcribed them. The first letters, numbers 1, 2 and 3 were printed in last year's 67th Report. This year, letters 4, 5 and 6 are printed- again with few omissions- as Anne Crafter describes life in the Okanagan Valley in 1925. With thanks to John Brock and his cousin, Eileen (Day) Chappell, for bringing them to our attention and to John Brock for permission to reprint them here. *The title, A Place of Sunshine and Fair Weather is a phrase used by Anne in Letter 8 (17.11.25) to describe the Okanagan. ohs 27 A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER Letter 4 23.4.25 Kelowna, B.C., Canada My dear Rosamund, Saturday: It is a simply lovely day. I'm writing this on the back veranda. Norleen and I are going up to the Mission for the day. We are going out by stage at 10.0, then we are taking a trail up the mountains past a lovely little lake and we are going to have dinner just above it where there is the most lovely view up and down the Okanagan. After dinner Katie is joining us and we are going on to Crawford's Falls where we shall have tea. I expect we shall be back at about 8.0 pm. The creeks are in flood now and are simply rushing down from the mountains. The Mission creek has risen about five feet. The water is so clear and as cold as ice. Next Saturday a party of us is going a tremendous climb up the mountains to the railway line. We are going to flag a train and get them to take us about twenty miles then we are coming back by a great deep canyon and a trail through the forest. The climb up to the line will take us a good five hours steady going and the walk back another five or six. The railway is wonderful. It goes along impossible places and there are some high bridges. It is supposed to be a very dangerous line and I believe it is going to be closed soon. Do you know when they were building that line a life was lost for every mile they did. Last Wednesday we all went for a picnic at Cedar Creek about fourteen miles from here. We were there the whole day. We paddled in the creek but it was far too cold to be pleasant. My wits seem awfully scattered and I am writing a most disjointed Anne at Ewings Landing, 1926. (Counesy Eileen Chappell) 28 ohs A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER letter. I really never have much time for writing now what with babies and our own work, the Y.P.s, the various clubs I belong [to], the sewing I have to do and the colossal expeditions crammed into the odd days. Today while I am up at the Mission I have got to fit in a singing lesson. I don't believe anyone at the Lodge really thought I did sing. I'd give anything to sing really beautifully. The person who is going to teach me is supposed to be awfully good. There isn't really a theatre here. There isn't a really good theatre in the whole of Western Canada, in fact there is only one small one at Vancouver. The cinema here has a small stage and all the small towns get up plays from time to time. Kelowna is doing "Dear Brutus" in a few weeks and Penticton has been here with the "Mikado". Nanki-Poo was taken by a stout elderly gentleman but he had quite a good voice! I don't know what has happened to the two brothers who were burnt out but I guess they are living in a shack somewhere round. The night before last in the big storm a house was burnt down and the people escaped and only just managed to save the children. Of course everyone is sorry for them losing all their belongings - but a dance will be given to raise funds for the new house and anyone who can will contribute clothes and odd things. Fires are so common that they hardly cause any interest. I am getting quite used to the fire alarm which makes a most ghastly noise that can be heard for miles. They have just finished building a new fire hall. I went over it the other day. There are three magnificent fire engines, it is quite a sight to see them racing along to the scene of the fire and all the other traffic just melting away before them. The engines are always out before the alarm has ceased which is wonderful considering that nearly all the firemen are volunteers working in stores and scattered all over the town. Now I must go. Goodbye! Heaps of love from Anne * * * * Letter 5 23.5.25 Box 104, Kelowna, B.C. My dear Rosamund, Mother and I have both had flu. I had one relapse and ohs 29 A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER Mother had three. She had been ill for five weeks now and we have had a very anxious time. I have found it almost too much responsibility looking after her, but we have such a nice doctor. I admire him awfully. He is awfully clever and interesting and human. Do you know there are seven doctors here! It seems absurd doesn't it! But of course they have patients fifty miles or more away in the mountains and they often have to spend weeks away. They own a little shack up in the hills where they go for rests from time to time. They call it "Dunworkin". Rather good don't you think? Mrs Anderson is going away with hubby and the babes but I have another chore, namely about fifty hens, countless chicks, ten rabbits and countless baby rabbits to look after. Some time in June I am going up to a lumber camp for a week or two. It will be fun! I expect we shall live in a log cabin and eat with the gang. I am going with the wife of the foreman. The camp is the other side of the lake and right up the mountain-side, it is so beautiful and the forests seem so vast. We went a glorious climb last week. Setting out with the intention of reaching Crawford's Falls we completely lost the track but we climbed on up. It was very hot and tiring walking through the unbroken bush, climbing up with one little rise after another. The firs were not very thick and the ground was covered with big golden sunflowers and here and there there were patches of scarlet Indian's Torch and great bushes of Saskatoon blossom and wild roses. Well we went about three miles steadily climbing, when it started to get steep. We were pretty tired and nearly turned back but decided to make the first ridge if possible. I shall never forget the moment when we arrived panting at the top and saw the view before us and the view behind. It was literally a ridge that you could sit astride and only about fifty yards long. It dipped in the middle and rose to a peak at either end. Before us it went sheer down for an immeasurable distance, a sandy cliff covered with sunflowers. At the bottom we could hear a roar of water and guessed it to be Crawford's Creek tho' the trees below were so thick we could see nothing. Past the creek the mountains rose again, a great stretch of forest rising up and up till it disappeared into a veil of little clouds. Above that again the snow-covered top stood out sharply against the blue sky. Behind us were the forests reaching down to the valley and the lake gleaming blue and the distant mountains all hazed with the smoke of a forest fire. Monday The Andersons are going today so we are having a busy time packing up. This is my dinner hour so to speak. Lucy and I are 30 ohs A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER Family at bungalow about 1926. (Courtesy Eileen Chappell) going to have a bath at six tonight. The water is warmer than the North Sea but colder than the English Channel. I have a most becoming cap, rather like an aviator's, and my bathing dress is terrifically short but has a most decent neck. They are both scarlet. I am getting most awfully conceited and at any rate I am quite respectably thin now. Tomorrow I am having a most energetic day. I promised to go to some friends at 7.0 am to help them pack and catch the steamer. At about half past eight I am starting off for the Mission for my singing lesson. After dinner the Haverfields are fetching me back in their car and I am going down to the club to play tennis all the afternoon till supper when someone will fetch me home. It is Dominion Day and everyone is being gay, probably too gay, in the town. We are going to see "The Thief of Baghdad" tonight. The Kelowna Dramatic Society has just given "Dear Brutus". It was awfully good I have been told. The B.C. University Players were here a short time ago and gave a very good play by Philip Barry entitled "You and I". I saw that and it was simply splendidly done. All the cats in the neighbourhood have been kittening lately. Mr Hardcastle, who gets all his water from the end of the old wharf, is fearfully indignant because he usually fishes up a kitten or two in his bucket. Our little Isobel had a kitten but it was dead. It is perfectly absurd as she is only a kitten herself. OHS 31 A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER I don't think I told you but in August we are putting our toothbrushes in a portmanteau and partaking ourselves to a delightful spot along the lake where we are going to camp. Our chief if not sole occupations will be bathing, boating, fishing and killing rattlesnakes. We will probably be leaving here before the end of the year as it seems a fatal spot for rheumatism. We may only go to the south of the lake but we may go to Salt Spring Island. Katie is leaving the Haverfields in the autumn and is making arrangements to go up the Peace River or she may go up to the Athabasca district. I am simply aching to go but Mother says I must be at least twenty. Don't you envy her? I don't suppose you feel about the far north as we do. You see it was Father's glorious country where he lived for years and I guess it is a feeling more or less born in us. "The call of the north" - it is a real thing to me. I shall never forget the cold, grey, forbidding shores of Greenland, yet they [were] fascinating and thrilled me deeply. This letter seems to hang on for days and days. I just found it in my drawer. For the last three days it has been looking like rain and today we have been having some lovely storms and the mountains are covered with snow again. The little bantam chicks started coming out yesterday but the beastly hen has been killing them as fast as they hatched. I saved four however. They are so sweet and wee today. Lucy is waiting for the pen so goodbye and best love. - from Anne. P.S. I am going over to the lumber camp on Sunday. It is awfully hot today. Lucy and I spent the afternoon at the club playing tennis and didn't get back till 6 pm. The tennis tournament for the Interior Championship is held here. The courts are very good and Kelowna is very enthusiastic over all games. We belong to the grass courts. $15 a year, thank you! The hard courts are $20. Sorry I can't find more snaps, these are not very interesting. Do send me some snaps, I am starting an album and it is very bare. 32 ohs A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER Letter 6 14.8.25 Box 104, Kelowna, B.C. My dear Rosamund, I had a most exciting day yesterday. The Kelowna Regatta was on and it happened to be the last day. Captain Woodmass offered to take me into Kelowna in the morning (we are out camping now) and said he would fetch me in the evening. Now I must tell you this Regatta is not a thing to be scoffed at. The whole of B.C. sends in competitors and several of the B.C. championships are competed for. Boats come from Vancouver, Nelson and all the small towns on the lake, and the Lieutenant Governor rolls up in all his glory. When I arrived in Kelowna at about nine the town was hardly recognisable all decked out in orange and black (Kelowna colors )[sic] and flags and simply packed with strangers and cars from different parts of Canada and the States. I made my way straight to the aquatic, and in reckless mood spent my last dollar on a seat in the grandstand. The whole place was crowded and there were quite a number of special police hustling the crowd round. The grandstand, the banks of lake walk and the shipping wharf were simply crowded and the edge of the lake was lined with row boats, launches and yachts. I cannot remember all the races they had in the morning but they started with a motor launch race. There were some lovely boats and I have never seen anything like the speed they went, disappearing out of sight in less than no time. The finish was pretty close and I believe a Vancouver boat won. I was sitting just behind the judges' platform and it was very interesting watching them. The gun they fired as each boat passed the winning post nearly made me jump out of my shoes each time. While the launches were away they had a canoe race, two paddles, a man and a girl; a very pretty race to watch. Then there were various swimming races, the most exciting of which was the underwater. About twelve men competed and the winner swam 56 yards. He was pretty well "done" when he came up but it was a splendid swim. Then there were the three hundred yards swims, one for men and one the girls. The official launch, all brilliant white paint, brass and dazzling streamers, took the swimmers out into the lake. The smoke was too dense for us to see them start, but the megaphones shouted "Swimmers are away", and gradually they came in sight followed by the official launch and several smaller launches. Quite a number of the swimmers gave out and had to be rescued but the finish was pret- ohs 33 A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER ty good. One man sank like stone when within fifty yards of the winning post. A launch skimmed out, a man dived overboard and the next minute they had him in the club house with two doctors. Some kind of heart attack I suppose, but I wish people would refrain from having them in 70 feet of water, almost gave me a heart attack too. It was all very well organised and the morning went without a hitch. They even had a telephone from the judges' box to the starters' platform. Just as the mega- -, -i Anne at Ewings Landing, 1926. (Counesy Eileen phones were shouting chappdl) "End of the morning program [sic]" the horrible scream of the fire alarm rose. For a minute people remained silent, then as volumes of black smoke started rolling up from the town, everyone, judges, competitors half clothed, officials and audience lifted up their skirts and ran. You should have seen the way stout gentlemen and elderly women sprinted across the park. When we got nearer we could hear the roar of flames and when we finally arrived on the scene we found a large wooden building blazing merrily, not much loss in itself but behind it a sawmill and next that the Lake View Hotel, all wooden buildings. Both fire engines were at work. It's wonderful how quickly they get them to the scene of a fire as all the men are voluntary. Some of the men had been swimming but here we saw them buttoned up to the chin in macintoshes wearing little respirators working like fiends. Some of them played the big hose (it needs four men to hold it) on the roof while others worked feverishly with axes cutting holes thro' which to pass the hose. It was thrilling to watch. Again and again they were driven back by bursts of flames and smoke as the hole grew larger and larger; finally five of them disappeared into it with the hose and after an exciting time the fire was got under control and the crowd dispersed. 34 ohs A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER I had dinner with some friends and at two returned to my seat in the grandstand. The afternoon's program started with the men's fancy diving from a height of 20 ft. The first dive was to run to the end of the spring board, stand poised on their hands, then swing out and cut clean into the water. The second was an ordinary swallow dive. It is an awfully nice spring board and throws you well as I know. The third a run and jump and touch toes in mid air and then into the water head first. The fourth a backwards dive and the fifth somersaults. All the diving was splendid especially one man in a scarlet bathing dress whose poise was perfect and who entered the water without a splash. While the diving was in progress the three boats Vancouver, Kelowna and Nelson left, under the protection of the official launch, for the one mile. I don't know what you call those long thin boats but they are like the Oxford and Cambridge race boats only four oars. It was a most thrilling race. First one boat led and then another. Vancouver passed the winning post first and at the bang of the gun her crew collapsed. Nelson was second and Kelowna last but not by much. It was a hot afternoon and it was some time before they gathered together enough strength to row back to the landing beach. In the ladies' race with the same boats Kelowna came in first easily - and the ladies arrived in a perfectly healthy condition as Esme would say. Now I must finish by telling you about the race I enjoyed most of all, the war canoes. The megaphone shouted "Kelowna war canoe leaving" and a great big canoe appeared with sixteen men in it. I expect you know how they kneel on one knee and the paddles all dip together. Soon after the other war canoes left and took up their station half a mile from the grandstand. Then we heard the gun on the official launch and the megaphones said "War canoes away." During the afternoon the wind had risen and the lake was quite rough so it was thrilling watching the canoes flying thro' the water, tipping dangerously but righting each time, the men swaying backwards and forwards as they dipped their paddles at furious speed. As they passed the winning post they seemed almost abreast and the gun went off three times in rapid succession. Two men promptly fell overboard out of one canoe and the motor launches went tearing out to pick them up. After that there were more relay races some of which Kelowna won, the men's and the girl guides' I believe. By this time it was really very rough and the boats were simply being tossed about. Several of the rowing races had to be scratched but the race between the war canoes of the firemen and the aquatic started in thrilling style. Every moment they seemed to be going over but they came along with great speed amid flying spray and ohs 35 A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER you could see the men straining to keep their balance. Then - over went one canoe some distance out in the lake, away flew the fastest launches and the official boat and before long the warriors were all being picked up and the canoe was being dragged ashore. The second canoe came tearing along to within 50 yds of the shore, then over it went and the rescuing was repeated. The last item on the program was surf riding which I missed as I had to get home. When I left the lake was simply seething and the steamer had some difficulty in getting up to the Kelowna wharf. I should rather like to have seen the giving away of the cups but that was not till later in the evening. The total value of the cups was $3,000 so you can imagine they were worth winning. Now I must stop for tonight. I have given up apologising for my terrifically long letters but it runs in the blood I'm afraid. Father wrote me 43 pages the other day, paper this size. I had to pay over weight, I hope you don't. By the way I am writing this in my tent by the light of a stable lantern. I have been wondering which would give out first, the lantern or my pen but my eyes have. Outside the wind is howling and the lake is lashing against the shore. It has been like this since yesterday and is quite a change from the hot weather. If only it would rain there would be some hope for the fire fighters but this wind will be making things worse. Saturday This morning we started at 6 am and went for a terrific climb. Oh it was so beautiful! The valley is filled with clouds but this big wind has driven the smoke away and for the first time for weeks we can see across the lake and the mountains to the S. and N. We saw some very recent bear tracks and we actually saw a deer. We had dinner some time ago and have just come in from a bath. For once the water seemed quite cold. There are some delightful diving places here of various heights and next year I hope to go in for some of the aquatic races. I was going in for the swimming under water (I can swim 40 yards) but Mother did not want me to compete with men and I think myself that she was right, only I was disappointed. Very often we row out into the lake, dive overboard and swim back leaving one to fetch in the boat. We have a lot of boating, tennis, and parties. The other night we went to a bonfire party; four of us, four Fuller girls, who are the same age as we four and very nice, two Woodmass girls we knew in England, a Dutch girl and three Canadians, just a girls' party you see. We had supper then built a great big bonfire in the bed of the creek which is quite dry now. We told stories and played round games and had great fun. At 11.30 Mr Thorn took 36 ohs A PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND FAIR WEATHER us home. It was pitch dark and we had [to] climb a very steep narrow path and then cross about a mile of bush with no path at all so Mr Thorn carried a lantern and we came after him in single file. We had to circle round a bunch of range cattle and far up in the mountains we could hear the coyotes howling. The Interior of B.C. Championships, tennis, were played a few weeks ago. Lucy and I watched and saw some splendid tennis. It was awfully hot tho' and I was amused to see the men carry bath towels, large ones, on to the court with them. In every interval they dried their faces and arms and their shirts were wringing wet. The scorers perched on their high seats were supplied with parasols and everyone drank iced water continually. I expect you have heard of McGill and Dodwell and the Ryles [spellings?] or perhaps you are as uninterested in Canadian tennis as we are in English and don't know them from Adam. I had to stop here as some friends arrived and asked us to go to the pictures to see Tom Mix in "Dick Turpin's Ride to York". Tom Mix is a great favourite here and the audience simply yell with joy at his feats. Well we have prayed for rain with great fervour during the last few weeks and now it has come and tomorrow we shall have Thanksgiving. The forest fires have been simply terrible in B.C. There have been quite a number round here and we have been living under a thick cloud of smoke obscuring the sun entirely but making it very hot and breathless. Hundreds of men have been out fire fighting. At Armstong, a town not far from here, 150 miles perhaps, the city water and electricity supply has been cut off and the mountains rising steeply on every side have just been a blazing furnace. I wonder if you would like to see a local paper, it would give you quite a good idea of Kelowna. Don't be surprised if you get a Kamloops Sentinel or a Kelowna Courier. I'm tired of writing. The lake is very grey and uninviting looking but I'm going for a swim and then to bed. Seeing the hills again makes me want to get away up to them. Some day I'm going to take a pack horse and ride up some trail. Anne ohs 37 WE DO REMEMBER To a Cynic Written by Dorothy W. Rees, 1944 I had six beautiful children As healthy as you'd see, But the cynic said, "What good are they" You'd be better off like me!" And I laughed at him, there in the sunshine, And I told him, "Just wait and see." I had four boys in khaki, But one had to stay on the farm. And work for sixteen hours a day, By the sweat of his brow and the strength of his arm To raise food to send overseas, For his brothers in England and Italy. And the youngest lad with laughing blue eyes And the curly golden hair; Went off on a troop train in sunshine And came home - in the rain, on a bier. He gave his life his country. He sees God, face to face. And his sister just out of high school Joined up to take his place So only the youngest is left at home, And the cynic said, "What did I say? What good are your children now to you?" They are dead or gone away! But I answered him, oh blind, oh blind. My poor friend, can you not see? It is boys and girls like these of mine, Who have kept this Canada free! 38 ohs About the author: Dorothy Rees wrote this poem after the loss of two of her sons, Bruce and Harry, in the Second World War. The Rees family was one of four families in the little town of Armstrong who lost two of their sons to that War. Dorothy's poem was published in the Armstrong Advertiser and undoubtedly helped other local families accept their own personal losses. The author of the accompanying article, Debbie Brown is one of Dorothy's fifteen grandchildren. Dorothy Rees (center) with sons Gunner Bruce Dixie Rees (18 years old) and Private Henry "Harry" Rees (21 years old) at her Wood Avenue home in Armstrong in 1942. (Courtesy the Rees family) ohs 39 The Road to Rimini by Debbie (Schultz) Brown It was an extremely hot and humid afternoon when our train arrived in Rimini, Italy. Little did my husband Rob, my daughter Courtney and I know, we had arrived in Europe during a record-breaking heat wave. Like many of the train stations in Europe, Rimini was very unassuming. We walked to our hotel and discovered the town was, in fact, a resort. Rimini is in the province of Emilia-Romagna, 100 kilometres southeast of Bologna. Miles and miles of beaches and hotels lined the shore of the Adriatic Sea, along with beautiful white sands and miles of beach chairs and umbrellas. What brought me to Rimini, was to go to my Uncle Harry's gravesite. He was born Henry Cavendish Rees on May 17, 1921, to Charles Gerald Rees and Dorothy Winifred (Greenhill) Rees in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Harry was the third son, after John and Nigel. Still in infancy, the family moved to Armstrong, British Columbia, to settle down. Charles worked for Canadian Pacific Railways while Dorothy raised their family, which soon included Bruce, Sheila (Schultz) and Eve (Cross). Raised in numerous homes throughout Armstrong and Spallumcheen, Harry worked hard on the family farm, finding time to explore the surrounding area with his siblings. He attended school at Armstrong Elementary. After school, he and Nigel decided to take over the family farm on Knob Hill, while the rest of the family moved into Armstrong on Wood Avenue. In 1939, with war raging in Europe, both Harry and Nigel joined the Rocky Mountain Rangers in Vernon. Before Nigel knew it, Harry had signed up and joined the war in 1940. By now both John and Bruce had enlisted, and had become gunners. Being the only son left at home, Nigel was required to stay home and look after running the farm. Debbie (Schultz) Brown is the second daughter of Ben and Sheila (Rees) Schultz. Both Debbie and her husband Rob were born and grew up in Armstrong. Together they raised three children: Kristopher, Matthew and Courtney. Rob has a successful Plumbing and Sheet Metal business in Vernon, carrying on from his father, Ron Brown and his grandfather, Harvey Brown. Debbie has worked for the Armstrong and North Okanagan Shuswap School Districts for the past fourteen years, and is currently secretary at Grindrod Elementary. 40 ohs THE ROAD TO RIMINI Now in the Army, Harry travelled throughout B.C. to different training bases in Kamloops, New Westminster, Prince Rupert and Nanaimo. On November 29, 1941, Harry married Ruby Winnifred Chanda in New Westminster, B.C. In July he was sent to Woodstock Ontario to complete training on tracked vehicles. On October 12, 1942, Diane Sharon Rees (Vendrasco) was born. On February 6, 1943, Harry, now a gunner, set sail with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry for England. In May, Harry received word that his brother Bruce had died while on manoeuvres in Nova Scotia. He was nineteen years old. In June, upon her graduation, my mother Sheila enlisted in the Women's Corps, in the same spirit as her elder brothers. Harry endured six months of training, where he improved his skills as a sniper. A National War Archives diary presents the following vignette representing Harry's and the other PPCLI's experiences: "On June 28, 1943, the troops set sail for Sicily aboard the LLangibby Castle. The weather was increasingly hot and sunburned backs were common. Messages were played over the public address system from Rear Admiral Vines, General Montgomery, who welcomed us as members of the famous Eighth Army, and General McNaughton, praised the men and wished them luck with the coming tasks. Lectures and briefings about what lay ahead, the country and the problems it presented were frequent. On July 9, 1943, while all ranks were assembled, an "Order of the Day" by Brigadier C. Vokes was read. The message read as follows: "Actions speak louder than words: Go in and get the bastards." The words were typical of our Brigadier. And a roaring cheer greeted them. Rough seas met the ship just off Malta which could postpone D Day in Sicily, but the wind died down and we only had to contend with medium swells. A hot dinner was served followed by a large number of the combined forces singing some of our regimental songs - the Ric a Dam Doo proved as popular as ever. Private Henry "Harry" Cavendish Rees of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. (Courtesy the Rees family) OHS 41 THE ROAD TO RIMINI On July 10, 1943, troops disembarked west and south west ofPachino, Sicily. The weather was very hot, and they met no hostility. However, flares and flack were visible as our heavy bombers pounded Pachino. Serials stood by in their mess decks at 2345 hrs, 9 Jul. and at approx. 0100 hrs, first flights were lowered to commence the rough 7 mile trip to Sugar Green Beach. The landing was made with "B" and "D" Company in the assault. Complete surprise was effective. A certain amount of machine gun firing on fixed lines was encountered and also some heavy wire. Serials made up from Battalion Headquarters, "A" and "C" Companies followed the assaulting troops and came under heavy fire from Coastal Batteries which were silenced at 0445 hrs by Navy guns. At approximately 1000 hrs., the 1st phase was completed and the Battalion consolidated with the Companies taking up positions previously allotted. There were few casualties and many Italian prisoners were taken without a fight. The natives were very friendly and appeared happy to have their country invaded by the Allied Forces. At 2130 hrs, the 2nd phase commenced. Troops came under fire, and an attack was put in which resulted in an enemy surrender and the capture of 4 Italian guns intact"'. By August 1943, the allied troops, now including the Americans, had captured all of Sicily, the first piece of Hitler's Europe, and were ready to advance to mainland Italy. By this time, Mussolini had been imprisoned and Nazi Germany was now in charge of Italy. Seventeen days after the fall of Sicily would be the invasion of Italy. "Italy is 75% mountains and hills. It is a beautiful country. The boot of Italy is roughly 160 km wide, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic Sea. The Apennine mountain range runs the length of the peninsula and gives Italy a rocky spine. The mountains are cut with river valleys and narrow roads meander through them. Small villages nestle high up on the hillsides and in the valleys. Any movement is limited to the roads and railways which are overseen by the heights that surround them. The weather in this region is hot and humid in the summer and rainy, overcast and cold in the fall-winter period. The conditions result in extremes in temperatures, from sweltering heat to frost. The damp from continuous rain makes the colder temperatures bone-chilling, colder than a Prairie winter. The rain brings the mud and floods. Mud can be as great an opponent to armies as their enemy. In the Italian Campaign all of nature's own would be used against the Allies. In addition the Germans would be adding their own twists to make Italy an even more formidable place"2. The Canadians invaded Italy on September 1, 1943. By the end of September, 1943, the Canadian troops had successfully captured land to the "heel" of Italy, from Salerno on the west coast to Bari on the east. The battle was fierce, and it was going to be a harder fight on to Rome. In October, the Allies pushed back the enemy to capture Naples; casualties and victims were mounting. "The ground chosen by the German generals was amongst the most rugged and difficult and where the Italian peninsula was only 140km across. It was a region with few roads. Into this area the German engineers, using more than 6,000 Italian civilians as forced labourers, built anti-tank ditches, strung 42 ohs THE ROAD TO RIMINI barbed wire, planted 75,000 mines, set booby-traps, and constructed concrete strong-points and machine-gun nests. In addition the Germans blew-up 6,665 metres of tunnel, 12,210 metres of bridge, and uprooted or disabled almost 700,000 metres of railway. As part of their "scorched earth policy", they created landslides, cratered roads, destroyed villages, and drove the unwanted refugees into the Allied lines. Anything that could be of use to the Allies was eliminated. Crossing the Moro River on to Ortona would prove difficult and deadly. By December 27, 1943, Ortona was under allied command"2. A letter home to Nigel, February 02, 1944 read, "I think I could enjoy it here if Jerry were a little further away". In July of 1944, Harry contracted malaria and was hospitalized, then put in the Supply Company. It was a cloudy warm day, September 19, 1944. The Battalion was still being shelled heavily, but there was a slackening in the intensity. Troops were sent to cross the River Ausa. Not too much happened that day, casualties were: 9 wounded, 4 sick and 2 killed, and Uncle Harry was one of them. "It was with General Montgomery's 8th Army that this young man travelled in the first boat to land in Sicily. Till July of this year Pte. Rees was Platoon sniper, then after attacks of malaria was put in the Supply Company, and it was while on duty in this capacity that he was killed on September 19, after going through all Sicily and Italy campaigns. It was reported that Pte. Rees was a very good shot and as well as having power to make firm friends, he was very popular in his regiment." {Obituary from the Armstrong Advertiser} It is beautiful around Rimini: early Roman architecture, horse statues and fountains abound. The sharp cliffs carve down to the long stretched beaches, fragrant olive Debbie (Schultz) Brown and daughter Courtney Brown beside Uncle Harry's grave in Italy on August 2, 2003. (Courtesy Rob Brown) OHS 43 THE ROAD TO RIMINI trees, row upon row of grapevines, and exotic plants blooming everywhere. It must have been difficult to see the beauty with war all around. Uncle Harry was buried in a cemetery in Rimini. In 1946, all British dead were moved from Rimini and buried at Coriano Ridge British Empire Cemetery. On August 2, 2003, Rob, Courtney and I walked two kilometers to the Coriano War Cemetery. It was so hot and humid. I could just imagine those poor soldiers, in their fatigues, with their packs and weapons strapped on. We went into the gated cemetery, up the wide, beautiful marbled stairs, and into a covered area; inside was a small cupboard with a cross on it and inside were books with soldiers' names and a guest book. I found Harry's name, "Henry Cavendish Rees" and started to cry. We had found him. I was sad that I couldn't share the moment with my Mother. There they were, row upon row of headstones. The rows have plants surrounding the headstones with perfectly manicured lawns dividing them. Uncle Harry's headstone, whose name is spelled wrong, was in Row 13. Courtney found him. I sat down and tears invaded me again. It reads: K42999 Private K. C. Rees Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 19th September 1944 Age 23 "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life" Rest in peace, Uncle Harry. Thank you. I will make every attempt to have your initial corrected to "H" by contacting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Your niece, Debbie Resources: 1. Canada. National Library of Canada and National Archives of Canada. War Diary. PPCLI: June 13 - July 10. 1943. Ottawa: 1943 2. Christie, N.M. Hard-Won Victory: The Canadians at Ortona. 1943. Ottawa: CEF Books, 2001 44 ohs Filling In The Gaps by James H. (Jim) Hayes Why is it some objects of importance, from time to time, "slip through the cracks" of recorded history? When dealing with the past, however, it is never too late to "fill in the gaps." A case in point: It came to light some seven years ago, that details of Kelowna's War Memorials were never recorded in Ottawa's Public Archives, yet information was on file covering those located in Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Vernon and Armstrong. Obviously, someone "goofed"! The writer undertook the task of researching and compiling details on Kelowna's memorials/cenotaphs, and forwarding same to the Public Archives for their records. With this documentation now in hand, the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society concluded it is appropriate to record it locally for posterity. Kelowna War Memorial/Cenotaph Located in Kelowna City Park, on Abbott Street, this memorial is a monolith of Canadian grey stone measuring three feet eight inches by two feet three inches by ten feet six inches high. It was constructed in Toronto at a cost of $4,500, and dedicated on August 7, 1921, by The Venerable Archdeacon Thomas E. Greene. There are 134 names inscribed on the Kelowna Cenotaph. (Later research indicates several names may have inadvertently been omitted.) A stone tablet on the curbing around the base really says it all: "IN GRATEFUL AND LOVING MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM KELOWNA AND DISTRICT WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-18." Six stones, with the names of the eighteen engagements in which Canadian soldiers distinguished themselves are erected at the foot of the memorial as follows: James H. Hayes was born in England and came to Canada in 1924. During the Second World War he was stationed at Camp Vernon, Canadian Battle Drill School, Coldstream, before going overseas. He moved to Winfield in 1946 and later to Kelowna. He is a past Director of the Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society. ohs 45 FILLING IN THE GAPS LE CHATEAU VALENCIENNES MONS YPRES FESTUBERT GIVENCHY Kelowna Branch ST. ELOI SANCTUARY WOOD THE SOMME COURCELETTE VIMY RIDGE HILL 70 LENS ARRAS PASSCHENDALLE BOURLON WOOD AMIENS CAMBRAI Great War Veterans' Association, forerunner of Branch 26, The Royal Canadian Legion, played a prominent part in acquiring the Kelowna War Memorial. On July 19, 1986, the area surrounding the War Memorial was officially designated "VETERANS' MEMORIAL SQUARE," commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of Branch 26, The Royal Canadian Legion. Also on July 19, 1986, the boulevard leading to VETERANS' MEMORIAL SQUARE was proclaimed "VEENDAM WAY" by His Worship Burgomaster Rudolph Gerrit Boekhoven, in recognition of the Sister City association between the cities of Kelowna and Veendam, the Netherlands, and to demonstrate tangibly his citizens' gratitude for the part played by the British Columbia Dragoons in liberating them from German occupation in World War Two. On an adjacent wall of VETERANS' MEMORIAL SQUARE, is a bronze plaque recording the names of seventy-five men and women from Kelowna and District who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War Two. Flanking this plaque are smaller bronze pan- Kelowna War Memorial. (Courtesy the author) 46 ohs FILLING IN THE GAPS els reflecting the names of sixteen battles/engagements participated in by Canadian Forces in World War Two, as well as "KOREA 1950 - 1953", and "SOUTH AFRICA 1899 - 1902." Rutland War Memorial Located in Rutland Lions Park on Gray Road, the Rutland War Memorial is a square grey granite obelisk, approximately twelve feet high, with a square base of two and one-half feet each side. Research reveals that the Rutland Women's Institute, following the end of World War One, was responsible for having a memorial erected on the school grounds on the westerly side of Rutland Road. Dedication took place circa 1919 - 1920. The memorial was originally enclosed within a chain style fence; however upon relocation to Rutland Lions Park, a wrought iron enclosure in the form of a quadrangle approximately one and one-half feet high by fourteen feet wide on each side was constructed. In 1973 the Rutland Lions Club, in concert with Central Okanagan Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans' Unit 376 arranged for the memorial to be moved to its present location. At the base there are three Rutland War Memorial. (Counesy the author) plaques inscribed as follows: "ERECTED BY THE RESIDENTS OF RUTLAND AND ELLISON TO THE PROUD LOVING MEMORY OF THE 25 BRAVE HEARTS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR LIBERTY AND FREEDOM OF THE EMPIRE." "REFURBISHED BY THE ARMY, NAVY AND AIRFORCE VETERANS' UNIT 376." "THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD, AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD. AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT ohs 47 FILLING IN THE GAPS THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM." On two sides of the memorial, bronze plaques reflect the names of those who gave their lives in World Wars One and Two. At the base a small tablet recognizes the Korean conflict. Kelowna Fire Brigade War Memorial The Kelowna Fire Brigade War Memorial is located at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Water Street, adjacent to the original Kelowna Fire Hall. Erected circa 1921, it is a memorial to those members of the Kelowna Volunteer Fire Brigade who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War One. It is constructed from grey granite and is approximate eleven feet high. A circular column with "1914 -1918" inscribed thereon, rests on a three tier square base, the bottom layer about five and one-half feet wide on each side. At the base of the column are etched the words: "THE GREAT WAR" TN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE." On the bottom tier appear the names of those who fell: Jack L. McMillan, Leonard M. McMillan, Walter H. Raymer, Leonard Pettigrew, A. Milton Wilson, Neil Dalgleish. Between the names, an inscription reads: "KELOWNA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE." We should be eternally grateful to those men and women from Kelowna and District who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and democracy, and are revered by these War Memorials. MAY THEY REST PEACE! LEST WE FORGET. IN Kelowna Fire Brigade War Memorial. (Courtesy James H. Hayes) 48 ohs Shuswap Lake Sawmill Last Post For Discoverer of Slocan Riches By Denis Marshall Somewhere in the pioneer section of Salmon Arm's Mount Ida cemetery possibly lie the unmarked remains of Eli Carpenter, whose 1891 discovery of the Payne Mine led to the great Slocan mineral boom. The once-famous prospector died of "acute indigestion" in February 1917 at the age of seventy-five, while employed as a sawmill watchman at Annis, on the CPR main line between Canoe and Sicamous. A French-Canadian, whose birth certificate probably bore the name Carpentier, he spent some of his last years on a homestead on Anstey Arm, Shuswap Lake, where according to the Salmon Arm Observer, "he had done quite a lot of construction work which was out of the ordinary for an ordinary settler to undertake and proved his resourcefulness in many ways." Promising silver discoveries in the vicinity of Ainsworth on Kootenay Lake in the mid-1880s spawned a staking rush throughout the surrounding country, which revealed a mineral strike in the district to the north that assayed as high as 150 ounces to the ton. On September 9, 1891, Carpenter and Jack Seaton, after an unsuccessful prospecting trip, climbed Payne Mountain, to the north of present-day Sandon, in hopes of finding a more direct route back to Ainsworth. On the summit they happened upon out- croppings of a mineralized vein and staked the alpine treasure trove. Contemporary accounts have it that arriving back in Ainsworth, Carpenter duped his partner by producing assay values obtained from a claim showing far lower values. Seaton immediately lost interest until an Ainsworth hotel owner overheard Carpenter conspiring to return to Payne Mountain to stake all the surrounding ground. Seaton subsequently guided a party to the Payne locality and meanwhile Carpenter and a new partner, in a bid to throw off followers, backtracked via Nelson and Slocan Lake. Seaton's party, which became known as the Noble Five, located several new claims near Sandon, including the famous Noble Five group. In 1892, seven hundred and fifty locations and three hundred and forty transfers and bills of sale were recorded. Like so Denis Marshall is Salmon Arm Branch Editor, Editor of Reports #60, 61, 62, 63, 64 and a Life Member of the O.H.S. ohs 49 SHUSWAP LAKE SAWMILL LAST POST many of his ilk, Carpenter was poorly paid for finding riches, apparently receiving a mere $500 for half interest in the Payne. After the Slocan excitement died down, Carpenter and several chums set out for the newly-discovered gold fields in the Klondike and he was the only member of the party to reach their destination safely. The Observer said Carpenter invested the "fortune" he made from the Payne discovery in Yukon mining operations, with considerable success—initially. It then turned out "climatic and other conditions over which he had no control were such as to deprive him of all his worldly possessions." Carpenter attempted to recoup his losses by journeying to Australia, again running into misfortune. "By his own confessions the gold was there alright, but lack of water made it impossible for him to procure it," the Salmon Arm newspaper reported. The aging adventurer returned to B.C. several years before his death and made a last attempt to earn a living as a farmer. Speculation leads one to conclude that advancing years and failing strength convinced him to take up the sawmill watchman's job in March 1916. F. J. Smyth's Tales of the Kootenays recounts another reason why Eli Carpenter was so well known in the Slocan district, pointing to a celebration held at Slocan City around 1898. H. M. Walker, later publisher of the Enderby Commoner, was working as a printer for Col. R. T. Lowery's New Denver Ledge and was an eyewitness to the following event: "One of the main attractions advertised for the celebration was the walking of a tightrope by Eli Carpenter . . . discoverer of the Payne mine, the property that glued the eyes of the silver-lead miners of the world upon the Silvery Slocan. "The tightrope was stretched from the Gething-Henderson hotel to the roof of a building across the street. "When the hour came for the tightrope walker, out popped Eli Carpenter—then quite an old man. He was clad in his red flannel undies. Stepping to the platform from which the tightrope was stretched, he reached for his balance pole and was away. "All the stunts usual to the professional rope walker were given by Carpenter, then he went forward and backward over the street with a wheelbarrow. He coaxed, cajoled and pleaded with his miner friends to let him take them for a wheelbarrow ride, but none would venture. They did not know that in his young days Eli Carpenter had been a professional tightrope performer in a circus, and had drifted to the hills to shake off and forget the pigmies of infidelity that follow men in life's struggle upward. "That was a great day at Slocan City. The tightrope stunt by Eli Carpenter proved to be the star performance." The British Columbia Prospectors' Association discussed erecting a memorial to Carpenter in 1926 but nothing further was heard, perhaps because the exact whereabouts of the body then, as now, could not be determined. (With thanks to Dr. Geoffrey Leech of Ottawa for background information on Eli Carpenter.) 50 ohs Fred Roberts Story by Denis Marshall FORMER LOCAL MAN WITH YANKS IN NORTH AFRICA read the heading on a news story published in the Salmon Arm Observer February 18, 1943. The "local man" was Fred Roberts, lauded for being the first person to greet a small detachment of American soldiers as they entered the outskirts of Algiers following the Allied landing. Roberts was on the western edge of the North African city on November 9, 1942, when a United States Army colonel and thirty- seven men suddenly appeared. Roberts reportedly shouted, "Hello Yanks", "in good Canadian", the Observer pointed out. "Man alive, here's someone who speaks English", one of the invaders replied as he and his fellow soldiers crowded around. Thus, Roberts became their interpreter and led them to the occupying governor's palace, which was guarded by Arab soldiers. There followed a long, strained parley while the colonel negotiated a surrender with the timely assistance of the French-speaking Roberts. Frederick Norman Roberts came to the Shuswap area prior to 1914 and briefly operated Salmon Arm Hardware Store in the 1920s. He had been in the farm implement business in Algiers since 1926 and remained there until the waning days of French rule. Several months after taking part in the surrender, Roberts was asked by the American Consul in the Civil Affairs Office at Allied Force Headquarters to give his version of events, particularly in connection with the capture and subsequent treatment of Denis Marshall is Salmon Arm Editor O.H.S. Fred Roberts and daughter Fernande, December 22, 1968. (Courtesy Fred Roberts) OHS 51 FRED ROBERTS STORY German and Italian consular officials, notably Vice Consul Hans Schwarzmann. Schwarzmann was allegedly mistreated by his captors and Roberts was probably the only onlooker who could provide an unbiased account of the incident. Later the American officer was killed in an ambush. Roberts stayed with the troops, "helping them through a lot of trouble", reported The Vancouver Province. He was then said to have worked forty-eight hours without sleep, helping to unload army vehicles in the harbour and showing the Allied troops the way through Algiers' street maze under sniper fire. Fred Roberts (second from right) and his two sisters with unidentified companion try their hand at snowshoeing in the Shuswap. (Courtesy Fred Roberts) 52 ohs FRED ROBERTS STORY His attachment to the Americans didn't end there. He would later work for the Associated Press War Bureau in Algiers, driving his car and running a villa overlooking the city that served as office and home for war correspondents. Russel Landstrom, an Associated Press writer, told of the difficulty homesick soldiers faced when searching for festive material for Christmas observances, claiming North Africans knew the value of Christmas trees, "for which they ask $2.50 each". He was more successful in other shopping excursions, returning with a 2 1/2 ton truck loaded with turkeys, fresh pork and eggs. Once more, Fred Roberts acted as interpreter and "general utility man", making the task of collecting the goods much simpler. Roberts was born at Torquay, England, in 1884, which would make him a relatively old volunteer when he enlisted at Vernon on July 27, 1915, in the 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles. It was while serving in France that he met his wife and he brought her to Salmon Arm after being demobilized in 1919. They had two daughters, Yvonne and Fernande, who played behind their father's store on Alexander Avenue. Fernande, now eighty-three years old, lives in Toulouse and regularly exchanges family news with Dorothy Leonard Sonnenberg of Chase. The Roberts lived in an apartment above the store, deriving most of their cold-weather comfort from metal grates open to the floor below. From these vantage points, Mrs. Roberts had a birds- eye view of activities in the store, including shoplifting. If she spotted such goings-on she signalled her husband in French and he was diplomatically able to ask the customer if they wished to pay for the "overlooked" item. This story was retold by Dorothy Sonnenberg, whose parents were friends of the Roberts when they lived in Salmon Arm. After the Roberts returned to France, Ms. Sonnenberg said the families lost touch with each other until the end of World War Two. Fred Roberts died June 23, 1974. ohs 53 THE R CONTRIBUTIONS ARE GREAT Stephen Robert Cannings (1914-2003): Naturalist, Conservationist, Photographer and Educator By Rob Cannings, Bette Cannings, Syd Cannings and Dick Cannings f-^ teve Cannings was born in Penticton on March 22, 1914 at a 5 nursing home on Fairview Road. His parents came from Bristol, England, his father Walter Cannings immigrating in 1907, his mother Harriet Ellen (Nellie) Penty in 1910. His sister Elizabeth (Bess), now Gladwin, was born at their home on Winnipeg Street in November 1912. Walter died in 1916 when Steve was only two years old and his mother Nellie rarely spoke of him. None of the family knew much about the man who had given us our Penticton home until we uncovered his diaries after Nellie's death in 1971. From these diaries we know that Steve's social nature and his passion for the natural world came directly from his parents. As young men working in warehouses and factories in Bristol's inner city, Walter and his brothers and friends spent their every free daytime moment outdoors, walking miles into the country, kicking soccer balls on the Downs (Bristol's open parkland), rowing on the Avon River. Once, recording a happy day in the open, Walter earnestly pronounced: "green fields and fresh air and good company—the healing trinity!" The journal entry for a Sunday morning, May 14 1905 starts: "Fred, Will and Self rose about 5 am and had a pleasant 6 hours in the fields with the birds and flowers and trees". Rob Cannings is Curator of Entomology at the Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria. Bette Cannings is Extension Services Librarian, North Vancouver District Public Library. Syd Cannings is Coordinator of NatureServe Yukon in Whitehorse. Dick Cannings is a consulting biologist in Naramata. 54 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS Nellie Cannings with her son, Steve and daughter, Bess, 1931. (Courtesy the family) Sundays typically began this way, often to the detriment of other duties. Holidays took them by train to the wilder coast of North Devon. Walter's journal entries, even from his Bristol days, sometimes foreshadow those of his son Steve — recordings of a kingfisher, the first lark of the year 1906, a woodcock at Seawalls, the first cuckoo. Steve remembered as a young boy writing to his parents' "saintly" friend Mr. Charbonnier, the scholar and painter who inspired Walter and his friends to nature study and who shared his encyclopedic knowledge of birds, plants and insects, his book collection, his garden and his country cottage. Walter, with a dead-end job in Ashman's leather warehouse, didn't feel financially worthy of Nellie, who was the daughter of Robert Penty, a grocery merchant and respected Wesleyan Methodist lay preacher. For nearly two years they courted secretly out of doors, finding a common love for the countryside and forming the basis for their dream — to come to Canada for fresh air, open fields, and space for a garden. The dream became a plan, and in March 1907 Walter left Bristol — and Nellie temporarily — to establish himself in the Far West. His first home was a smoky tent under the stars as spring and plenty of water birds were stirring in Cochrane, Alberta. He worked laying track for the CPR. Always open to the next opportunity, by July he was learning orchard skills at Coldstream Ranch in the Okanagan, reporting his first hummingbirds. In September he left for Penticton to help Nellie's uncle John Penty look after her brother Joe's new orchard property on the Lower Bench. Walter may have been a young man with nothing, but he had a genuine interest in everyone around him, an obvious talent ohs 55 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS Aboard ship to England and war, 1940. (Courtesy the family) for conversation, and a willingness to learn skills practical for the day. As he established a home for himself in those early years he also followed his social interests, joining the Presbyterian Church choir, any singing group, the town band, the literary society, and the IOOF. Paid work was continually elusive, but he was rarely without a job or a small scheme. He split cordwood and worked a saw machine in Fairview, picked rocks and planted trees for many new orchards in Penticton area, helped build Penticton Dam and the Skaha and Ellis Creek irrigation flumes. As time went on he bought and sold lots in the developing town, improving some, planting two or three of them, growing and selling potatoes. Nellie arrived in Canada in mid-August 1910, and spent the first month with her brother Joe in Victoria. On the evening of September 20, Walter finally met Nellie again (with Joe and family) at the Penticton dock. Disappointed to find there were no marriage certificates on hand in Penticton, on September 21 Walter and Nellie took the SS Okanagan to Vernon where they were married in the Methodist parsonage. It was a romantic beginning. Walter records a beautiful day on the lake during the return voyage to Penticton on the SS Okanagan. Nellie told us often of the trip, with an extra-long stop in Kelowna for the fall fair and the very late arrival in Penticton. As no one was there to meet them, they walked in the moonlight all the way to the Burpee house on Skaha Bench, where they had arranged to stay for the first month of their married life. By the time Nellie arrived, a house had been built for them on Winnipeg Street, and Walter was working for orchardists while growing vegetables and raising poultry on his own land. Later in 1910 and 1911, he helped build the Penticton Wharf, the Incola Hotel and the Kettle Valley Railway Station. In early March 1912, when Walter and Nellie were busy gar- 56 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS dening or relaxing on long walks around the lower benches, Percy Coldron, an old friend from Yorkshire, paid a visit. He was soon a constant companion and collaborator. Through the summer Walter and Percy began to sell more potatoes and deliver vegetables. On October 2, 1912, they opened a small store, C&'C Co., on Main Street, selling fish, poultry and vegetables. The business continued until about a year into World War I. Percy joined up early, Walter in July 1915. Walter, however, became ill with tuberculosis at training camp in Vernon, was discharged, and died at home in July 1916, when Steve was two and Bess not yet four years old. Nellie's brother Syd, his wife Minnie and family settled in Penticton in May 1911. After Walter died, Nellie depended more on her brother, and Syd was like a father to Steve and his sister Bess. Syd had played soccer for Bristol City, and Steve often reminisced about him teaching the neighbourhood kids his fancy moves on a large vacant lot he owned at the corner of Scott and Winnipeg streets. Support for the family also came from Nellie's elder brother Joe who, while Chief Engineer of the Empress Hotel in Victoria, owned an orchard in Penticton. Penticton was a small, country town immediately after World War I, and Steve mentions in some written memoirs: "I remember my first horseback ride with a teenage friend on a huge black horse and the coyotes that howled at night in the woods next to our back fence and came sometimes in broad daylight to raid our chicken pen. I wasn't there for the first big bang but it seemed like it when my great-uncle John shot at a coyote as it leaped over the wooden irrigation flume behind our house". Steve's sister Bess was two years ahead in school, an ideal situation because she helped him with his homework. Steve liked to think that this early practice encouraged her to become a teacher. Bess men- rcaf Radio Mechanic, August 1941. tions that their mother let Steve (Courtesy the family) roam the hills on weekends, ohs 57 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS trusting that he'd be home in time for supper, a parenting strategy that he, himself, practised while we were growing up, to our everlasting gratitude. Steve's love for the outdoors began with those hikes during these early days, when the woods and marshes reached the village's doorstep. He and his boyhood chums, including life-long friends Chess Lyons and Carleton McCall, roamed the open hills on foot and paddled Okanagan and Skaha lakes and the Okanagan River in their home-built kayaks. Steve's early interest in birds was evident in his collection of bird cards collected from Sportsman's cigarette packages. Where he got them, we don't know—he certainly never smoked! At least some of these cards were paintings by Allan Brooks, Sr., the famous Okanagan bird artist. Steve was always a fine speaker and raconteur. At high school in Penticton he excelled at debating and elocution; the latter, at least, is a fine skill that has faded from the school curriculum. He won several prizes at this, and represented the South Okanagan in the 1929 provincial finals in Vancouver, when he was 15 years old. While watching his grandchildren Russell and Julia competing in the Okanagan Kiwanis Music Festival a couple of years ago, he commented to a Festival official that he had been in the first of these annual events, travelling to Kelowna on the SS Sicamous to compete in elocution. An inveterate conversationalist, Steve knew how to engage strangers and bring out an interesting anecdote — especially if they were wearing a pair of binoculars or mentioned the word airplane. This talent served him well when he became a sought- after speaker on nature themes at schools, service clubs and naturalist gatherings. Steve and Jean Cannings: wedding photograph, December 1943. (Courtesy the family) 58 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS Graduating from high school in Penticton, Steve attended Vancouver Technical School for a year-long course to qualify for entry into the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was always fanatical about airplanes. The financing for this program ended prema- SWKs ■VlXWf £ ^v^V^"\ ^tfj &M j 0 v-% 1* »_* S'J F .1 ! Steve Cannings overlooking Vaseux Lake in the 1950's. His conservation efforts helped preserve this and other natural environments in the Okanagan Valley. (Counesy the family) turely in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression, and Steve came back home to the Okanagan for a few years. In 1934, while volunteering as a leader at a boys' summer camp, he met his future wife, Jean Munn, a Summerland native who was a girls' camp leader. This was at Camp SOREC, the United Church camp on the south shore of Trout Creek Point in Summerland. SOREC, with its deep cottonwood forest and beautiful beach, later became a favourite family picnicking and swimming spot, thanks to Steve's long connection with the Agriculture Research Station, which controlled the land. Jean's family, the Munns, had a big house and orchard on Giant's Head Road — they were famous for their hospitality and Steve had fond memories of the music-filled parties during the time he courted Jean. But Steve was still searching for a way to work with airplanes. In 1936 he managed to register in an aeronautical course at Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute of Aeronautics in Los Angeles. Here he rubbed shoulders with some of his aviation heroes, including Amelia Earhart, just before her last tragic journey. Offered a drafting job at Fleet Aircraft in Fort Erie, Ontario, he drove with friends across the United States. In the late 1930s, he learned to fly and at least once helped ferry a small airplane ohs 59 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS across the continent to Vancouver. In 1940, early in World War II, Steve was sent to Short Brothers Aircraft in England to help plan the production of British aircraft in Canada. Seeking a more active role in the war, he joined the RCAF, first working on early radar stations along the English Channel. Steve returned to Canada for aircrew training and married Jean in Calgary on December 13, 1943. They immediately journeyed to Ontario, where Steve completed his training. Crossing the Prairies by train in winter blizzards was a short but very Canadian honeymoon, a real romantic adventure — especially when a wheel came off the locomotive in Manitoba! Steve's dream of becoming an Air Force pilot ended when the RCAF told him that he was too old to command — over the hill at thirty! So he switched to flight engineering and, in the spring of 1945, co-piloted Lancaster bombers in twenty-two missions over Germany before the war ended. Jean waited and worried, and regularly sent care packages of canned Okanagan sunshine. Steve and his Air Force pals eagerly awaited Jean's preserves, but once they were almost Steve's undoing. One batch of raspberries was passed around the crew, and all but Steve shied away because of its odd colour. He wasn't about to waste any of Jeannie's fruit and downed the whole can. Food poisoning knocked him out and he had to have his stomach pumped! After the war, Steve trained as an industrial arts teacher and taught for a few months in Vancouver. His drafting, woodworking, and electronic abilities were put to good use here. Growing up, we remember him often at the table saw or working with his hand plane — putting fin- i s h i n g touches on the house and making toy airplanes and helicopters, bird boxes, and many other things. His draftsman's handwriting was leg- Summerland Research Station photographer with a curious subject from the dairy herd, 1960s. (Courtesy the family) 60 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS v.i,L^llF JIV-\ u\u A typical pose - hunting with a Bolex movie camera, 1980s. (Courtesy the family) endary, and even at eighty- eight he wrote precisely and beautifully. Bette was born in 1946, just before Steve left his teaching job for a new position at the Agriculture Research Station — known affectionately as 'the Farm' — in Summerland. Finally, Steve and Jean returned to their beloved Okanagan. Thus began a happy career of twenty-seven years, first as a technician with the Plant Pathology lab, then as Station photographer. There, with his many colleagues, he was immersed in the science of agriculture and developed a lasting interest in botany and entomology. Already a keen naturalist, particularly interested in bird study, Steve found many of his colleagues and friends to be like- minded. He sometimes regretted not going to university to further his interests in biology, but the Research Station became his link with the academic world. He began his decades of detailed bird notes while in the Lower Mainland, but they became a real passion when he returned to the Okanagan in 1947. Even while he was working he was birding—while pruning fruit trees in the Farm's orchards that first spring, he noted not only the arrival of Western and Mountain Bluebirds, but also discussed the specific identity of crows and the subspecific identity of migrating Canada Geese. There were only a handful of birders in the Okanagan then, but he did learn a great deal from local orchardist Eric Tait, who was a protege of James Munro, the Federal Migratory Bird Officer. One of the most useful things he gleaned from Eric was how to attract birds by imitating the whistle of a Northern Pygmy-Owl. This was a skill passed down from renowned ornithologist Allan Brooks, Sr, who had learned it in the Chilliwack area on his arrival in British Columbia. Brooks' father had regretted the absence of pygmy- owls in Ontario, where they first settled in Canada, having learned the ploy in the forests of India. Brooks taught it to James Munro, who then taught Eric. Steve subsequently taught a whole OHS 61 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS generation of British Columbia birders the same trick. Another key influence on Steve's early natural history study was James Grant of Vernon, the Okanagan naturalist extraordinaire. Sandhill Cranes: a sketch by Steve Cannings, 1985. (Courtesy the family) In 1948, while the family lived on the lakeshore on Trout Creek Point, Rob was born. Six years later, Dick and Syd arrived just after the family moved to a new house on the grasslands of the West Bench, Penticton. Steve planted and tended a small apple orchard there, but in later years, he gradually transformed this into a wildlife garden. Through the late 1950s and early 1960s, weekends were spent as a family, with church on Sunday mornings — Steve was active in the Sunday School and on the Session of the Penticton United Church — then back country drives in the afternoon with picnics in wild places. In summer we would often end up on the beach at SOREC or at Barkwill's cabin on Crescent Beach. The wider family was a priority, too. Jean remained very- close to her brothers and sisters in Summerland and their growing families. We remember many happy evenings, weekends, and holidays visiting with our aunts, uncles and cousins. Steve's sister Bess and her family had settled in Prince George, and so their visits were more rare, but no less anticipated. Steve and Jean loved reading, and did their best to pass along this love to their children. Every Thursday evening we were taken to the library to choose our week's worth of books, which we read avidly. Steve loved learning—in fact, you might say he was addicted to it. He much preferred non-fiction to fiction—he liked 62 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS to read about actual things, real people, and historical events. We don't recall him ever reading a novel! Even though he loved his own Okanagan, Steve loved to travel and experience new places. Although budgets were limiting, he and Jean journeyed to Great Britain, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, the Maritimes, and all corners of the United States. He especially loved the north; they camped along Yukon's Dempster Highway while in their seventies and later ventured to Nome and other parts of Alaska. Due in large part to Steve's outgoing, welcoming manner, the West Bench home became a haven for friends, relatives, and the Canadian naturalist community at large. The lovely garden at the edge of the grasslands attracted birds and people. The people, mostly naturalists and scientists, came from all over the world. Countless Christmas Bird Counts and birding Big Days filled the beds, the floors and dinner table with visitors. Anyone who wanted to see the special birds of the Okanagan seemed to end up there. Steve was active in the formation of the South Okanagan Naturalists Club, the Okanagan-Similkameen Parks Society (OSPS), the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists (FBCN), and the Canadian Nature Federation. His work with the other members of OSPS resulted in the establishment of Cathedral Provincial Park, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area. He worked tirelessly for 15 years with Doug Fraser of Osoyoos to establish the Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve at the north end of Osoyoos Lake, still one of the few pieces of antelope-brush habitat protected in Canada. Steve and Jean were presented with the Elton Anderson Award for outstanding contributions to the FBCN. Canyon Wren: a photograph by Steve Cannings of one of his favourite Okanagan birds. The Okanagan Valley is the best place in Canada to see this species. (Counesy the family) ohs 63 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS It is clear that Steve's pioneering conservation work and education efforts played a seminal role in a recent proposal for a new national park in the South Okanagan grasslands. He took part in his first Christmas Bird Count in Summerland in 1950, then organized the first modern Penticton Christmas Bird Count in 1958, an event that he participated in every year until he moved to Chilliwack in 1999. The South Okanagan Naturalists Club grew out of this event, and he was its first president when it formed in 1962. Steve and Jean were later made Honorary Life Members of the club. Steve kept meticulous daily notes on natural history events, particularly bird sightings, for over fifty-six years. These data formed the basis of the book "The Birds of the Okanagan Valley. British Columbia" published by Rob, Dick and Syd in 1987. We tried to talk him into being an author but, true to his modest nature, he declined. Like most keen birders, Steve kept a list of all the bird species he'd seen; his goal over the last ten years or so was to reach 600 species for North America. When we were looking through his notes during his final days in hospital, we saw that the list stood at 599, but some careful checking revealed that it was actually 602, something we told him before he slipped away. Steve always had a natural history project on the go. One of his most successful was his determined search for the Flammulated Owl, which was known from only three specimen records in Canada. Steve not only found the birds five kilometres from his home, but also subsequently had them nesting in his nest-boxes! He also searched diligently for Lyall's Mariposa Lily, which had never been reported from Canada since its discovery over a hundred years ago by members of the border survey. In this search he enlisted the help of Al Preston and Margaret Harris so that he could get into some remote areas with a four-wheel drive. Al surprised him by saying that he knew precisely where the plants were—he and Bob Harris had found them in the hills just north of the Similkameen River near Osoyoos. Perhaps Steve's longest standing unfinished project was to find a pygmy- owl nest—he built many nest-boxes in this attempt, perfecting the design with advice from experts from Scandinavia, but without success. We keep checking those boxes, though. A well-known nature photographer, Steve's pictures have been published in many magazines, and in books published by the Audubon Society and Reader's Digest. He presented countless slide shows locally on natural history subjects. Encouraged by his old friend Chess Lyons, he produced several nature movies for the CBC television show "Klahanie." Steve was also a writer, and wrote 64 ohs STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS the "Naturalist Notebook" column in BC Outdoors magazine for several years. In 1999, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Okanagan University College for his contributions to the knowledge of Okanagan natural history, his achievements in Okanagan conservation and his tireless efforts in public education. Jean died in 1997 after fifty-four years of marriage. Steve felt the loss deeply and found it difficult living on the big West Bench property alone. Soon, however, the name of Hazel Street, an old family friend, popped up more and more, and Hazel and Steve were married on June 5, 1999. Steve made the big move to Hazel's home in Chilliwack. Into his life came a whole new family — Hazel's world of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom delighted him. Steve also enjoyed learning about the natural history of a new area, and made many new friends in the Fraser Valley, where he was active in the Chilliwack Field Naturalists Club. Steve Cannings was a friend to many, but to many he was also a teacher, a mentor. His quiet encouragement has changed many lives. He was not only gentle, but also a true gentleman, with a strong but peaceful core. He died in Chilliwack on January 10, 2003, after a brief struggle with parotid cancer. Bibliography of Steve Cannings Myres, M. T. and S. R. Cannings. 1971. A Canada goose migration through the southern interior of British Columbia. Canadian Wildlife Service Report Series 14: 23-34. Cannings, S. R. 1972. Some bird records from the Okanagan Valley. Discovery 1: 108-110. Cannings, S. R. 1972. Brown Thrasher in British Columbia. Canadian Field- Naturalist 86: 295. Weber, W. C. and S. R. Cannings. 1976. The White-headed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos albolarvatus) in British Columbia. Syesis 9: 215-220. Cannings, R. J., S. R. Cannings, J. M. Cannings and G. R Sirk. 1978. Successful breeding of the Flammulated Owl in British Columbia. Murrelet 59: 74-75. Cannings, S.R. 1979. Land of contrasts: a birder's view of the Okanagan. Nature Canada. 8(1): 45-53. ohs 65 STEPHEN ROBERT CANNINGS Cannings, R. J. and S. R. Cannings. 1982. A Flammulated Owl nests in a nest-box. Murrelet 63: 66-68. Cannings, S. R. 1987. Two records of Lyall's mariposa lily in Canada. BC Naturalist 25(4): 17. Cannings, S. R. 1987. Christmas Bird Counts in the Okanagan. Okanagan Historical Society Annual Report 51: 51-55. Cannings, S. R. 1995. David Douglas: naturalist extraordinary. Cordillera 2(2): 9-11. Steve Cannings, age 85, April 1999. (Courtesy the family) 66 ohs Victor Casorso by Jim MacNaughton Some people start out their lives with a silver spoon in their mouths and end up either dissatisfied with life or never accomplishing a whole lot. But Vic started out life being the second eldest of ten children, and by the age of twelve was thrown into the deep end of the pool. He had to learn to manage everything that came his way, and ended up with a successful life, a very fine family, and being loved and respected by the community. Besides the facts of his life and the many organizations that he was a part of, there is another side to this man, and there are some stories that I want to share with you. Stories that family and friends have shared with me, and some of my own recollections about the life, times and character that helped form Vic Casorso into the unique individual that he was. Maybe that's the best place to start this part of his story - using that word individual. Because, while he was an individual, Vic did not function apart from his family, career, friends, and the organizations that he led, kept on track, or founded. First and foremost Vic was Victor Casorso - husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to his family. If you follow the theory that a strong family unit is the basis of a strong and healthy society, then the Casorso family is the model that should be used for an example of that. Joan and Vic were married on August 9, 1952, and have been a loving example of what married life should be for the past fifty-one plus years. They in turn have passed this on to their children - Dave, Stan, Ron and JoAnne - and in turn each of them are passing on those family values to their children. Like the rest of Vic's life, things are started, nurtured, and they grow and they prosper. Growing up with Vic as your dad meant many lessons about your personal work ethic. Never say you were bored, or a job would be found or created for you before you could blink your eyes! Rock picking was a favourite one. Vic's favourite expression was, "It's only a five minute job!" and then each child knew they were in for the long haul. While not a great disciplinarian, Vic encouraged each of his children to do something with their lives. As a teenager, Dave needed some guidance, and so was given a Reverend Jim MacNaughton is a United Church Minister and son of Carleton and Buddy MacNaughton. ohs 67 VICTOR CASORSO Victor Casorso. (Courtesy the family) green horse to break and ride. Dave became a rancher. Stan was interested in accounting, and so he was invited to spend a few hours a day at Vic's place of business. Stan became an accountant. Ron was interested in raising chickens, and so Vic sent him to a bank to borrow the money for a chicken house. This appears to be one of Vic's teachings about money - how to use it and how to spend it - that it is only a means to an end. While Ron still has some chickens, he went into electronics! JoAnne's interests were Job's Daughters and completing her Grade Twelve. JoAnne has gone on to be a homemaker, a mother, and works part-time at the Vancouver General Hospital. His family was the core of Vic's life, and in turn as Vic's health diminished it was his family and all their families that have rallied with Joan to stand by Vic until his death. You do reap what you sow, and Vic sowed very well. Vic was so many different things in his life: cowboy, logger, rancher, orchardist, grape grower, teamster, businessman and accountant. It was in his accounting career that he came in contact with so many families in the Oliver-Osoyoos area. He has helped lead, shelter and grow family farms and businesses since his arrival in this community, leading with prudent business practices and with some of that same philosophy that his children experienced, that money is only a means to an end. When Vic first arrived here in Oliver and had clients in Osoyoos he would hitch-hike back and forth between Osoyoos and Oliver with his files, in order to prudently conserve his own resources. In other words he didn't have much money then and you don't spend what you haven't got. Today's society would be well advised to learn to do the same. Vic had a great philosophy, that if you can't afford to lose your investment - don't make it! During his accounting career Vic built up a great deal of trust between himself and the people he worked with, and many of these business relationships turned into life-long friendships. I am fairly certain that Vic was 68 ohs VICTOR CASORSO very proud to see that Casorso & Company continues to carry on under his son Stan, daughter-in-law Debbie and Bernie Marine. The list of organizations that Vic and Joan were a vital part of are many and impressive. Not for the fact that Vic helped found some of them - but simply the sheer number of them. He helped each organization grow into something that is running well. He gave back far more to this community of Oliver and the Okanagan Valley than he ever received - none of it with an award in mind. This community knew that, and finally in 1997 recognized him with the "Oliver Good Citizen Award," something that was long coming and long overdue, because few individuals have had as much influence on this community as Vic Casorso. So in the middle of all the busyness of life, how did Vic manage to remain sane, to hang onto the values that he urged other people and organizations to adhere to? Farming, ranching, gardening, family and the outdoors were Vic's stress relievers. Every one of us probably has a different image of Vic in mind, but mine is not with Vic in a suit behind his desk, though I have seen him in that role. No, the happiest I've seen him is with a very crumpled cowboy hat crammed onto his head, blue jeans and his shirt flapping in the wind as he worked around horses. Vic has had some very interesting times with horses in his life. In some special memories that Joan gathered in February of 2002, Vic was recalling horseback riding with his friend Bob Munson in Kelowna, and Vic said he stuck to the saddle like glue, no one could knock him off the saddle. Not until the fateful day that Vic met "Sunshine" a horse owned by Terry and Jo Johnson. Vic and his son Dave had been riding for most of the day up near Penask Mountain, and riding back out to the truck they came to a small swamp - you know the kind, dirty stinky water, just waiting for someone to stir it up! Dave and his horse plodded through it, but "Sunshine" apparently did not want wet feet, and with one giant leap cleared that swamp. Vic had been riding all day, maybe he was tired, but obviously he was relaxed, because when Dave turned around there was Vic spread out on his back in the middle of the swamp with no horse under him! He had to remove his filthy clothes and luckily Dave had an old pair of coveralls in the truck that Vic wore home, but he still smelt very bad. I believe the old saying is "there was never a horse that couldn't be rode and there was never a cowboy who couldn't be throwed!" Throw in some fishing stories at places like Joe Lake; a hunting trip with his brother-in-law Albert; add a dash of travelling like Expo 67 with four children from ages six to thirteen across Canada by train; or a bus tour of Europe; or a hike with Joan over the ohs 69 VICTOR CASORSO Chikoot Pass; or simply time spent at Vaseaux Lake for picnics and barbecues with friends and family; or being in his garden - all of these things helped Vic relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Vic squeezed so much life into his eighty-six years, he enjoyed it, he enjoyed the people he met, and he loved and enjoyed the company of his family all through his life. He couldn't really ask for much more than that, could he? And so we come to this day with some very mixed emotions; there is sadness as we deal with his death, but there is pride and joy in having known him and the love that he brought to the things he did. I am very sure that as God has taken Vic home, that Vic has been welcomed with the saying, "O WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT." 70 ohs A Eulogy For Ron Robey Given by Joanne (Thorlakson) Galloway I have known Ron Robey ever since I was in my mother's womb. This is how Ron would introduce me- and then he would proceed to tell the story of when he had scarlet fever and the family was quarantined. My mother, with me in the womb, would come to visit Ron's wife Nellie- Mom outside the window and Nellie inside the window. Thus, Ron has been a special friend of my family for many years. Ron Robey was a man of substance. He had his very distinctive English demeanour and dry sense of humour. He was a committed man with a great sense of responsibility and integrity. There were times when he was, by his bluntness, a little rough around the edges. Yet, we who knew him well loved him because of his loving, generous, loyal heart. Ron was born in England and emigrated to Canada with his family as a wee lad. His parents were pioneers in the Vernon area and Ron was raised here. You could say he was a homegrown Vernon boy. As a young man, he was hired by the Okanagan Telephone Company, where he was a loyal employee until he retired. By then, the company had become B.C. Tel. Ron started as a ground man and retired as a Line Supervisor. Ron and Nellie did not have children of their own, but they did have Willie I and Willie II. They were taught to say their prayers every night before bed. Ron would pray, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen." Then both Willies knew they could snatch the piece of cheese that Ron placed in front of them. Truly though, Ron was a father figure and a male role model for many young people. He was a Scout Leader and involved with the Big Brothers Society as well as being a good uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a special person to many. He toasted the bride at my wedding and at his dear friend Shirley Hayward-Hopps' wedding. He was my substitute father at the Father-Daughter breakfast when I graduated from nurses' training. He was a pallbearer for many, including my mother. He walked my mother down the aisle when she remarried in her sixties. That reminds me of another Ron story. Ron was an immaculate dresser, and when he got dressed OHS 71 A EULOGY FOR RON ROBEY up, he looked like a million dollars. On my mother's wedding day, he and Nellie were to pick Mom up at my brother Harold's place. The driveway was gumbo. Ron drove up in the car and got stuck! He got mud all over his shoes and pants! Mr. Immaculate was not impressed, to say the least! But for my mother, Nellie's special friend, he changed into my brother's pants. (Ron being a stately 6'2" and my brother being 5'10") and walked her down the aisle. Laugh??-Not at the time. After? -Ever since. Ron was a voracious reader and he loved history. He was a dedicated member of the Vernon Museum and Archives and the Okanagan Historical Society. He was honoured for his immense contributions to the O.H.S. by being awarded a Life Membership. He loved to travel and to devour the history of each region. I remember the slide shows of the Robeys' trips to England and Australia. Gordon Sinclair's commentaries couldn't begin to compare with Ron Robey's! Ron was a handyman. There was very little that he wouldn't tackle. He built the house they have to-day. His first big job after he retired was revamping a van that had been in an accident into a motor home. It was beautiful and he was proud of it. Ron and Nellie in their motor home travelled to Alaska and California to visit Ron's family and all over B.C. to visit family. He will always be remembered for his garden as their yard looked like a park. His flowers were magnificent and his veggies and fruits were delicious. Their freezer and cold room were full of the fruits of their labour. Then there was the devoted, protective love he had for Nellie. He told me, "As long as I am breathing I will take care of Nellie." When he realized that Nellie would need a wheelchair, he immediately made their home wheelchair accessible. When she needed twenty-four hour care, he got it for her. He was always there to care for her. Ron was truly an extraordinary man. Up until he broke his hip several months ago, he was still doing the cooking with a little help from their wonderful caregivers. About two years ago, (when Ron was ninety-four years old), Mel and I visited around lunch time. Ron invited us to stay for dinner. We were so impressed. Dinner was served in the dining room: roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, turnips and carrots, then a pickle dish with English pickled onions and other pickled preserves that they had made. Oh yah, yummy gravy and a meal finished with homemade lemon tarts and tea. That's extraordinary! When we left we thanked him for the delicious meal and the wonderful visit. He said, "Come again when you can't stay so long!" We knew that was 72 ohs A EULOGY FOR RON ROBEY Ron's humble way of saying we enjoyed your visit. When I saw Ron on the Monday before he died, I asked him if he knew who I was and he nodded. I told him, "The damn kid is here to bug you," and he smiled. Ron, the damn kid is here again to bug you and to tell you that we love you and we will miss you. "Special" is a word that is used to describe something one of a kind like a hug or a sunset or a person who spreads love with a smile or a kind gesture. "Special" describes people who act from the heart and keep in mind the hearts of others. "Special" applies to something that is admired and precious and which can never be replaced. "Special" is the word that best describes you, Ron Robey. ohs 73 Ernest Arthur James Burnett 1910 - August 13, 2003 by his son, Don Burnett Ernie Burnett was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1910, the son of Arthur and Mable Burnett. He had two older sisters, Dorothy and Lillian (wife of Jim Haworth). In 1922, Arthur moved the family to Kelowna, where he purchased property on Ethel Street across from what is now Cottonwoods Hospital. He grew field crops, as well as some livestock and dairy animals. At twelve years of age, Ernie was a typical active youngster, swimming, building forts and exploring the surrounding farms. However, in those days young people were expected to do their share of the work as well, and so Ernie's work ethic was instilled at a very early age. He always admired his Dad, not only for his ability to get things done, but also for his sense of community with his family and neighbours. After high school, Ernie started working at the KGE packinghouse, where he met his good friend, Tony Foster. Along with Tony, Art Clarke and others he drove around in something called the "green hornet" and chased all the local pretty girls. It was at this time he even purchased a motorcycle, but soon realized it was easier to make a living with horses. At twenty-two years of age, Ernie helped his Dad build their first greenhouse, which was the beginning of a long and successful career in the business of growing and selling plants, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. During this period he also dug more than forty basements with the team and slip, the last in about 1951 on Richter Street, when a Caterpillar tractor got stuck and couldn't finish the job! It was also during this time that he discovered his gift of music, and with the help of First United Church choir director Cyril Mossop, developed his tenor voice. For the next seventy years he sang in the First United Church choir, and later the St. Paul's United Church choir. He sang for literally hundreds of weddings and funerals, as well as service club functions, regattas, festivals, Don Burnett was born in Kelowna and has spent all of his life here. In 1969 he began working with his father, until the business was sold in 1997. Presently he is an Independent Consultant for Byland's Nurseries. 74 ohs ERNEST ARTHUR JAMES BURNETT Burns Night suppers and concerts. The last time he sang in public was at the age of ninety for the Burns Night supper at Elks Hall. Ernie was very active in the United Church Young Peoples, and it was here he met a lovely young schoolteacher named Evelyn Henderson. Evelyn and Ernie were married on August 19, 1942, at the First United Church, and one year later to the day, their first daughter, Lynn, was born. With the help of his Dad, Ernie (and Evelyn) built their home from scratch and moved in once there was one room closed in. The home was gradually finished over the next few years as time and finances permitted. Their second daughter, Joan, was born in 1946. The next few years were very difficult for Ernie's family, as his sister Dorothy was diagnosed with a mental disorder, and in 1949 tragedy hit with loss of his daughter Lynn from leukemia. In 1951, Ernie's mother died from a stroke, and in 1952 his father was killed in a car accident on the way to Vancouver. The following year Evelyn lost her dad. These were indeed trying years, but it was during this time that son Don was born in 1950 and a second son Alan was born in 1953. It was in the early 1950's that Evelyn and Ernie started to build their business into the full-service Garden Centre and Flower Shop that became an institution for so many years. Evelyn developed the floral department, while Ernie focused on the garden center, nursery and landscaping. In 1962 he build two modern greenhouses with an attached flower shop. In 1969 a new garden center was built and at this time Al and Don began work- Ernie Burnett with wheelbarrow in his Garden Centre. (Courtesy Don Burnett) ohs 75 ERNEST ARTHUR JAMES BURNETT ing with him, which is something he was always proud of. In 1977 a modern flower shop was built along with new greenhouses. Ernie loved people and took great pleasure in helping gardeners with their concerns. He enjoyed showing customers around the Garden Centre, and especially the green houses when the huge poinsettia crop was growing. The Burnett family decided to take a different direction in 1997, selling the property to the hospital. Ernie then had a small greenhouse built in his back yard, in which he produced hanging baskets and various specialty plants. He enjoyed his "retirement" years working in his greenhouse, taking care of his little dog Buddy and visiting with Evelyn, who had suffered a stroke in 1995, in Cottonwoods Extended Care Hospital. In 2000, he was proud to put out a CD of some of his favourite recordings that he had made over the years. Over 500 CD's have been sold. Ernie was bright and active until his health took a down turn in the spring of 2003, and he passed away peacefully on August 13, 2003. 76 ohs Thomas Archangelo Capozzi October 10, 1928 - February 18, 2004 Written by his wife, B. Gail Plecash It is a privilege to be asked to write a tribute about my late husband, Tom Capozzi, for the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society. I cannot imagine better subject material. Tom lived and breathed the history of this town. He remembered every detail of the city development during his growing up years in the 1930's and 1940's, then the building years from the mid 1950's onward. Driving around many of the streets in Kelowna with Tom was like listening to an historical account of the families and buildings that were present fifty years ago. I always felt as if I should have a tape recorder playing when we turned down Abbott Street, as Tom had such clarity and fondness of memory for the neighbours he recalled. Often, on our drives, he would point out his route to his school, the Catholic Church, and his walk to the grocery store where he clerked as a young lad. And of course, we would drive through the north end of Kelowna, as this was his newspaper route (and which he claimed to be the longest route in the history of the world through the eyes of a ten year old boy). Tom was born in Kelowna on October 10, 1928; the youngest son of Pasquale and Maria Capozzi. Even though life growing up in Kelowna was not all play, Tom certainly made it look that way. His parents engendered a strong work ethic in him; there was no such luxury as "free time" and so he became an expert at making play out of his school/work/church day. Regarding school somewhat as a respite, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his elementary and junior high Barbara Gail Plecash was the second of four siblings, born in Vancouver and raised in Penticton. Her father was a devoted Urologist who served the entire Okanagan Valley, her mother a builder/volunteer for the town of Penticton. Gail went to UBC to study Ecology, the U. of Calgary to study Medicine, then the U. of Tbronto for Family Practice Certification. She practised in Tbronto, then in Kelowna, where she now has a Family Practice. She was blessed by a loving marriage to the late Tbm Capozzi, and the privilege of motherhood to two daughters. ohs 77 THOMAS ARCHANGELO CAPOZZI Tom Capozzi. (Courtesy his wife B. Gail Plecash) days in Kelowna. His classmates report he was not the quietest of students (I have heard him described as "high- spirited" on more than one occasion), but he was enthusiastic and a very quick study. Off to Vancouver City College for his senior high school years, Tom was subsequently recruited to Portland University and UCLA on a football scholarship to study business. The Okanagan enchanted Tom and he returned to Kelowna to discover the real world of business. He followed his father's footsteps as one of the builders of Kelowna through his position as Executive Vice President of Capozzi Enterprises (building the Capri Shopping Centre), Executive Vice President of Calona Wines, and Director of Calona Distillers Ltd. Tom was an original director of the B.C. Wine Council involved in establishing the VQA quality wines. Throughout his business career, one of Tom's greatest satisfactions was that he was in a position to provide employment opportunities for others. Tom met and married Babs in the 1960's; then had four children, Cameron, Cascia, Caron and Colin. During the children's growing up years, Tom was often travelling, but he enjoyed his weekends at home with family and friends. The Capozzi home was a social headquarters and many outrageous parties happened during those fair days - the Greek versus Italian volleyball tournaments, the pool parties and the tennis tournaments were enjoyed by many locals and "imports." When I met Tom in the early 1980's, he was experiencing challenging business times, and the parties were less of a focal point. Tom's children were grown, and he and Babs had previously decided that they made better friends than marriage partners. Tom and I were married several years later and he started a new adventure as an "at home" father of two girls, Lauren and 78 ohs THOMAS ARCHANGELO CAPOZZI Krista. He experienced changing diapers for the first time and, although not his favourite task, he was able to cover emergencies. Tom truly enjoyed this role as Daddy while many of his friends were introducing their grandchildren. Although Tom's cancer diagnosis in 1998 interrupted the teen years of his two daughters, he was determined to do everything he could to spend as much time as possible with them. We will never forget the tears of pride in his eyes when he watched his eldest daughter get a student of the year award from her high school. As Lauren spoke at Tom's funeral, I heard her sum up the most incredible spirit of her father in these words, "Many of you at the funeral will be able to relate to my experience when I say that we spent much of our time trying to keep up with Dad - not only on the ski hill, or on the tennis court, but in the fullness of his spirit, the quickness of his wit, and how he made conversation an art. Our Dad helped everyone experience life, with certain textures and hues. He taught us how to taste wine. But from this man, we learned how to taste life. Our Father's life was a continuous celebration. At times the party was booming, yet, at other times, he had to work hard to keep the music playing. But you always wanted to be invited." A deep seated belief that we must all give back to our community the gifts our community gives to us led Tom to be an original founder of the Central Okanagan Foundation. He truly cherished his home town, the City of Kelowna. ohs 79 Lucy Hack,1903 -2003 by Ralph Englesby Lucy Hack was born on May 3, 1903 in Vancouver. Her maiden name was Lucy Waring Varty Crafter, and she was educated in England. She taught school in England for three years before returning to Canada, where the family lived on Wardlaw Avenue in Kelowna. Lucy took her first two years of nursing training at the Kelowna General Hospital and the third year was at the Vancouver General Hospital, from which she graduated as a R.N. in 1928. Lucy's nursing career was varied. She worked at the Kelowna General Hospital, the Indian Mission Hospital in Lytton, in the South London Hospital for Women in England, and in the Vancouver General Hospital. While serving in the latter, she developed an allergy to surgical soap, and had to retire from hospital service. However, she was determined to continue nursing, and so she took a Public Health course at U.B.C, then joined the Victorian Order of Nurses in 1937. The V.O.N, posted Lucy to Oliver where she began serving as the public health nurse in the area from Okanagan Falls to the U.S. border. Mrs. Hack has described these "early days" in the southern Okanagan: "The seven years I spent working as a V.O.N, were among the most satisfying of my life. My duties included schools, homes, nursing with disease control in a rural district in the South Okanagan from Okanagan Falls to the U.S. border. Several gold mines were still working in the surrounding hills and on the eastern side there was an Indian Reserve, usually inhabited by about 100 Indians." Lucy has recounted that at the time, there was only one doctor in the South Okanagan area; the nearest hospital on the Canadian side of the border was in Penticton. At times, car transportation was possible, but the horse was more reliable, given the condition of the roads. Most women chose to have their babies in their homes, which meant that Lucy had about fifty confinements This tribute was written by Ralph Englesby from material supplied from the files of the Oliver Chronicle which were obtained from the Oliver Archives. Thanks to Lucy Hack's nieces- Eileen Chappell and Sylvia Day for added information and the picture provided. 80 ohs LUCY HACK a year to deal with throughout the district. There were six schools which she had to serve, and contagious diseases such as typhoid and smallpox that had to be dealt with, within the patients' homes. In 1944 Lucy Crafter married Bill Hack, a fruit grower and green house and nursery operator in the rural Testalinda area, between Oliver and Osoyoos. Lucy gave up her nursing career when she married, but continued to be active in the community. In 1996 the Oliver chapter of the Registered Nurses Association of B.C. honoured her during the 75th anniversary of Oliver. At the time, Mrs. Hack was living in the McKinney Place Extended Care Unit in Oliver, following a fall when she broke her hip. Later that year, she moved to Sunnybank, Oliver and was there until June 2002, when she returned to McKinney Place Extended Care for the final year of her long life. She died July 14, 2003. In May of 2003, to honour her 100th birthday, Mrs. Hack's life and her contributions to the community were celebrated and recognized, with a feature article in the Oliver Chronicle. Mrs. Hack has always been a friend of the Historical Society. She has addressed branch meetings, speaking on local history, and she has written articles for the Historical Report. The Okanagan Historical Society joins her many friends in the South Okanagan in viewing her passing with regret. Lucy Hack, Sunnybank, Oliver about 1999 or 2000, age 96 or 97. (Counesy Sylvia Blackbume) OHS 81 Wallace Cormach Bennett December 21, 1920 - April 27, 2003 by The Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society -w- a -rally Bennett, well-known Kelowna pioneer, passed away Won April 27, 2003. He was born in Kelowna on December 21, 1920, one of seven children of Alec and Jane Bennett. He lived in the Kelowna area all his life. On October 3, 1943, Wally Bennett and Dorothy Johnson, also a member of a pioneer family, were married. They lived all their married life in their home in the Glenmore area until they moved to McKinley Landing in October of 1968. They had a farm on the west side of Glenmore Road on which they grew hay and fruit trees, and raised cattle. For many years, Wally and Dorothy were very active in the Glenmore Community Club. He lived a life dedicated to the service of others, and had a long history of public service. He was the first chairman of the Regional Hospital District, first chairman of the Central Okanagan Regional District (a position he held for five and one-half years), and the first Mayor of the newly expanded city of Kelowna (1973-75). He also sat on the first board of the B.C. Municipal Finance Authority, which raises millions of dollars for pub- lic works across the province. Wallace C. Bennett. (Counesy Dorothy Bennett) 82 ohs WALLACE CORMACH BENNETT He was instrumental in establishing the Okanagan Basin Water Board, was Arena Commissioner, Manager of the Kelowna Packers Senior Hockey Club and active in the Glenmore Ellison Irrigation District. He owned and developed the rural property that became the community of McKinley Landing, often plowing snow from its roads and driveways to help its new residents. He established Bennett Contracting, which installed water and sewer lines, among other public works projects. Most of all, he was admired by those of all political persuasions for his integrity. His word was his bond. Wally Bennett was a blunt man who often spoke his mind. During his term as Mayor of the City of Kelowna, he drafted the city's negotiation document for the 1973 amalgamation with the outlying areas of Glenmore, Rutland, Mission and Southeast Kelowna. He provided the leadership that Kelowna needed at that time. Kelowna grew from eight to eighty-eight square miles with the amalgamation, and under Wally's leadership, the province was convinced to maintain rural roads with no time limit, provide funds for fire protection throughout the new city, and funds for road upgrading and other improvements. He envisioned a beautiful waterfront and started the process of buying land in the north end of the city. The pay-as-you-go, user-pay philosophy, which kept Kelowna's debt minimal and started reserve funds to pay for future upgrading, was established while he was Mayor. According to the present Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray, "He was a clear thinking businessman. He was a very, very nice man, but pretty much a no-nonsense type of guy." Wally and his wife of fifty-nine years, Dorothy, lived a busy life, but managed to do much travelling, which they both enjoyed. They had a family of three children; Bob (Cindy), Ted (Carol), and Lynn Balfour. They have seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Information obtained from: * The Daily Courier article of April 30, 2003, by J.P. Squire * Conversation with Dorothy Bennett * Obituary ohs 83 Mary Helene Esma Blackburn Nov. 13, 1913 - Nov. 7, 2003 by Penny Caley My mother Mary Blackburn was a proud Canadian born in Kaslo, B.C., the only child of Eric W. and Phyllis Barton. Her parents emigrated from England to make a living in a brand new country and a very "new" area in the Kootenays. They decided to try chicken farming and were well into it when World War I was declared. Mary's father insisted on returning the family to his homeland so he could join the RNAS (later R.A.F). They returned to Vancouver after the War where her father was admitted to Shaughnessy Hospital. For approximately two years he was treated for asthma, a result of being injured. Mary's mother, a trained tailor, opened her own dressmaking and wardrobe planning business for the elite ladies of the Vancouver area. When Mary's father recovered enough to be released from the hospital he was advised to go the interior where the climate was more conducive to his health. Kelowna was their choice of location, and so once again they moved, not only a household but also my grandmother's dress making business, along with several employees. In 1925 Eric and Phyllis divorced and Mary remained with her father. Needless to say, in those days, it was a difficult situation for both of them. My Mom attended school in Kelowna starting at Miss Hewitson's (Hooties) kindergarten and then on to public school for a few years before attending St. Michael's Girls School; a boarding school in Vernon. As a young girl Mom learned to play tennis and swim, both activities she continued to enjoy throughout her life. After graduation from High School she took a secretarial course at night school and worked at her father's place of employment during the day to gain office experience. Mom also worked for J.W.B Browne at CKOV radio and in 1933 was crowned Miss CKOV, thought to be the forerunner of the Miss Lady of the Lake competition. She was hired as secretary for the newly- formed B.C. Vegetable Marketing Board and when they moved their office to Armstrong, she moved with them. She roomed and boarded Penny Caley (nee Blackburn) is the elder daughter of Mary and Dave Blackburn. Penny lives in Kelowna and worked for Canada Post for many years. In her retirement, she enjoys travelling, sewing and golfing. 84 ohs MARY HELENE ESMA BLACKBURN with Mrs. Dorcas Cary, the home for many new young single arrivals to Armstrong. She met her future husband, my father David Blackburn, and they were married in 1936, making Armstrong their home for the next sixty years. In 1940 when my Dad went overseas, Mom moved to Kelowna and was employed in the Advertising Department of B.C. Tree Fruits. She relocated to Armstrong when Dad returned home from World War II to operate his father's trucking business, Blackburn & Son Transfer. In September 1945, I was born. Both Mom and Dad became involved in the community. While Dad and fellow veterans were building the local Legion, Mom and her sister-in-law Marjorie Pothecary, along with several veterans' wives, were busy forming the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch #35, a tower of strength and help to the Legion to this day. We lived in the fire hall in the late forties while Dad was Fire Chief. My sister Susan was born during that time in 1949. Mom often told the story about her routine when a fire call came. The call automatically set off the fire alert sirens at very high decibels and would not shut off until the phone, which was located downstairs, was answered. Mom would rush in and pick up the screaming baby, fly down the steep set of stairs to answer the phone and record the details. Meanwhile, Dad was getting his gear on and preparing the trucks. Mom must have been very agile and fleet of foot to accomplish this task, which would have been made easier and safer if only the City would have permitted a phone extension upstairs. After the family moved to Pleasant Valley Road in 1951, Mom returned to the work force. She was employed by Armstrong Cheese Cooperative with their product brand name- Valley Dairy. She worked for Joe Mullen who was manager and cheese maker at the time. She took the Saint John's Ambulance training course that enabled her to be the first aid attendant for the plant. In the late fifties, she made a career change and became the legal steno, first for lawyers Steven Denroche and Jurgen Behncke in Armstrong, and then at the office of Steiner, Carrigan, Mondan, and Bates in Vernon. In the late sixties, Mom joined NOCA Dairy as secretary to General Manager Everard Clarke. Her duties were many and varied. Her favorite duties were in the advertising department and as editor of the NOCA News. This department really energized Mom's love for words and tweaked her creativity. She joined some of the NOCA gang in many pleasurable hours, creating and building floats for the Vernon Winter Carnival parades, and indeed they received many awards for their efforts. Mr. Clarke took Mom to the initial meetings of Silver Star Mountain Development. She was the Recording ohs 85 MARY HELLENE ESMA BLACKBURN Secretary, and she found the adventure to be most exciting. Over the years, she followed the progress of the Development with great interest. Mom was always a very busy lady and she really stretched each day to its limit. During her working years she enjoyed many extra curricular activities, as well as running a household (with some help when my sister and I were at home). Mom made most of our clothes, from babyhood to the teen years, using her sewing machine or her speedy knitting needles. She called the finished products her labors of love. She enjoyed helping us plan parties, cooking pots of beans for sleigh riding outings, and making fancy cakes and sandwiches for coffee parties before Prom dances. She always had time for our friends and us. Mom had a warmth about her that related to people of all ages and from all walks of life; she had a wealth of knowledge that she freely shared with young and old. Mom retired from NOCA in 1973, due to limited eyesight, which was corrected with cataract surgery. She then jumped back into community activities. She had more time to pursue her interests and to hone her talents. Painting gave her such pleasure and over the years she took classes with several well-known valley artists. She was instrumental in forming the Armstrong Paint and Pallet Club, which led to hours of painting pleasure as well as many new and lasting friendships. She also enjoyed teaching young children the joys of painting, particularly her three grandchildren, who benefited greatly from her time and patience. Mom was also one of the founding members of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery. A great deal of satisfaction was achieved from her involvement in the operation of both facilities. From fund raising at the book sales, to the hanging of many art shows and preparing the signage for each display, she was referred to by co-workers as "The spark that ran the gallery". After Dad's passing in 1994, Mom moved to Williams Lake to be near my sister Susan and her family. Mom enjoyed her move; she had always had a great passion for the Cariboo, which she often endeavored to reproduce on canvas. Mom died peacefully at the Cariboo Lodge on November 7, 2003, six days short of her 90th birthday. Many will remember her charisma and energy. Surviving her are two daughters, Penny (Robert) Caley of Kelowna, and Sue (Ken) Schwartz of Williams Lake, three grandchildren Brad, Randy, and Deanna Schwartz and four great grandchildren. 86 ohs MARY HELENE ESMA BLACKBURN Mary H.E. Blackburn at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Art Gallery. (Courtesy the author) ohs 87 Frank Snowsell May 15, 1908 - Aug. 16. 2003 by Lynne (Snowsell) Schroeder Frank was born in Cirencester, England to Edwin and Felicia Snowsell. His father was a family partner in a flour mill. The business could not support all of the family, and so Frank's parents decided to move to Canada. They applied for a C.P.R. farm in Alberta, and in 1911 Frank, his parents, and younger sister, Betty, settled in Sedgewick, Alberta. Two more brothers, Jack and Jim, were born in Sedgewick. Times were very tough, especially because Edwin had no experience or knowledge of farming. In 1925 they walked off their farm and moved to the Glenmore area, just outside of Kelowna, where Edwin became an orchardist for the rest of his life. Frank completed his education in Kelowna, then continued on to Normal School and the University of British Columbia, completing his Bachelor of Arts and later his Master's Degree in History. He taught in many school districts in British Columbia, before retiring to Kelowna in 1970. He loved his teaching days and enjoyed the students, especially if they challenged him or he could challenge them. He had many stories to tell about his students. He always said you needed discipline before you discipline yourself, but you also shouldn't break a student's spirit. He took part in many after-school activities, especially coaching basketball. Many of his students kept in touch with him even after they were out of school. Frank loved politics, getting the desire from his parents, particularly his mother. He thoroughly enjoyed his one year as an MLA in Victoria in 1952. On other occasions, he tried unsuccessfully to be elected to provincial or local governments. He worked hard for others, campaigning and raising funds for the CCF and NDP parties. He was campaign manager for O.L. Jones, former Kelowna mayor, when O.L. ran for Federal Member of Lynne Schroeder is the fourth child of Frank and Chelta Snowsell. She was born in Armstrong, BC, and lived with her family in Kelowna for one year in 1949, before moving to Victoria, where she finished her schooling. Lynne has lived on Texada Island for forty years, working for Texada Mines for over thirty years until her retirement. She has visited Kelowna many times. She has two children and four grandchildren. 88 ohs FRANK SNOWSELL Parliament. One of his sayings to the family was, "Don't be afraid of trying and failing, you always come away learning something from the experience." He served in World War II in the Air Force as an intelligence Chelta and Frank Snowsell. (Courtesy Chelta Snowsell) officer. He found war did not solve anything. He was enraged by the treatment of the Canadian Japanese, not in the evacuation, but the confiscation of their belongings. Frank always stood up for what he believed in, and wrote many letters to newspapers across the country. His was almost a common household name because of his correspondence. "He always had an opinion," wrote Charlie Hodge in his column in the Capital News, "he pinned my ears to the wall on a number of occasions (most of them probably justified) and applauded on occasion when he figured I was thinking straight." When he retired he wrote two self-published books, a biography of O.L. Jones, and a critique of U.S. foreign policy. He was a well-rounded individual who loved to read, garden, and take part in many sports. He enjoyed camping and travelling the world with his wife. He had a most beautiful tenor voice that stayed with him his whole life. Frank leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of seventy years, Chelta (nee Reid), son Allen (Myrt), daughters Lynne (Dig) and Jane, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His son Teddy, daughter Anne, brothers Jack and Jim, and sister Betty (Geen) predeceased him. This quote was found at the bottom of one of Frank's articles: Life is a story, written in volumes three The past, the present, the yet to he; The first is written and laid away The second we are writing every day, The third and last of the Volumes Three Is locked from sight; God holds the key. ohs 89 STILL FRUITFUL DESPITE CHANGES AND CHALLENGES A Century of Fruit Growing in Coldstream by Jamie Kidston In 1904 my grandfather, John Kidston, purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of farmland in Coldstream from The Coldstream Ranch. In 2004 I am still growing apples and pears on forty acres of the same land. In 1904 John Kidston and his family were living temporarily in England. He was looking for a new direction for his life after fifteen years spent in India. The B.C. Agent General in London advised that the Coldstream Ranch, owned by Lord Aberdeen, had orchard land for sale in Coldstream. All that was necessary was to plant fruit trees and wait for crops to develop. There was strong demand for the fruit. John Kidston decided to come out and look over the land, liked what he saw, purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres, and sent to England for his family. The family (my grandmother, my three aunts and my year-old father) arrived in late 1904. The Kidston family spent the winter of 1904/05 in a rented house in Vernon, where my uncle, Jack Kidston, the youngest child, was born in January 1905. The family then rented the manager's residence at the Coldstream Ranch for a few months (the manager was away on leave) while their house, "Miktow", was built on the shore of Kalamalka Lake. John Kidston's land, located east of Kalamalka Lake in the Coldstream Valley, was covered in grass and brush. The Coldstream Ranch had installed an irrigation system to water the area. They also operated a nursery to produce fruit trees for purchasers of their land. The Kidston family was originally from Scotland, and had not been involved in farming. Suddenly John Kidston was a farmer, and involved with a crop which had only recently been introduced to the area. The Provincial Department of Agriculture Jamie Kidston grew up on the family orchard. He graduated in Geological Engineering from U.B.C. and worked on dam construction in a number of countries. In 1977 he returned to the orchard. He has been a long-time Board Member of Okanagan North Growers Co-operative (formerly the Vernon Fruit Union), was the President of BC Tree Fruits Ltd. for a number of years, and served on the Board of Sun Rype Products Ltd. 90 ohs A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM published periodical bulletins on various aspects of fruit growing, but it must still have been a steep learning curve. Dr. D.V.Fisher (OHS Report No. 42, 1978) reported that fruit plantings were made in the coastal region of British Columbia in the 1840's and onwards. The most famous early orchards were in Lytton, reaching three hundred acres by 1875. Fruit growing in the southern interior became established around 1867, although a small orchard was planted at Okanagan Mission in Kelowna in 1862. A number of orchards were established in the Okanagan and the West Kootenays between 1890 and 1904. Lord Aberdeen began planting trees at the Coldstream Ranch in 1891, and by 1907 had the largest commercial orchard in British Columbia, reportedly four hundred acres in extent. The Kidston family 1907. (Courtesy Jack Kidston) Within a few years of purchasing his land, John Kidston had cleared and planted all of it to fruit trees. The exact varieties that he planted are not recorded, but it is likely that he followed the lead of the Coldstream Ranch people who had found that the following were well suited to the soils and climate of Coldstream: Wealthy, Jonathan, Mcintosh Red, Grimes' Golden, Wagner, Spitzenberg, Cox's Orange and Northern Spy. Irrigation water was provided from the irrigation canals constructed by the Coldstream Ranch, fed from King Edward Creek (The King Edward Ditch) and Coldstream Creek (The Walker Ditch). In some years there was insufficient water for the whole summer, and the trees and crops suffered accordingly. Each year furrows were harrowed in the orchard beside each row of trees, and water from supply ditches was trickled down the furrows. OHS 91 A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM Controlling the flow in the ditches and furrows was a time-consuming process. I remember that my father would walk across the bottom of a block of orchard, marking in a notebook whether each irrigation furrow had too much water, no water, or just enough. He then went to the top of the block and adjusted the pebbles or pieces of sod which controlled the flow into each furrow. Blocks of orchard were irrigated at intervals, in rotation. The amount of water used was strictly controlled by a "ditch walker" who patrolled his ditch on a daily basis, checking on usage and ensuring that the water was flowing freely. The initial plantings of trees grew quickly in the virgin soils, but it took ten or more years for the trees to fill their allocated spaces and produce full crops. When fruit production reached commercial quantities, John Kidston established a packing house at the corner of Kidston and Kalamalka Lake Roads, adjacent to the railway tracks. He established his own fruit label, "JK Brand" and sold his fruit to various buyers. Production in .the Okanagan Valley had by then reached substantial proportions, and due to the low population almost all of the fruit had to be shipped to distant markets in Vancouver, the Prairie provinces, and as far away as England, Australia and New Zealand. Competition for the markets was fierce, with a multitude of sellers vying for sales. Anticipated strong prices as promised by the B.C. Agent General in London did not materialize. By the late 1920's John Kidston's health was failing and in 1927 my father, Jim Kidston, took over the orchard. John Kidston died in 1932. The 1930's were a difficult time for everyone. In 1935 a large part of the orchard, and the family home on Kalamalka Lake, were sold to satisfy bank debts. My father built a new house on the hill above Miktow. I grew up and presently live in this house. Not long after my father returned from World War II sprinklers became available for irrigation. This resulted not only from the development of sprinkler heads to distribute the water, but also more importantly the availability of light-weight aluminum pipe and quick-coupling connections for the thirty foot long pipes. Buried steel water mains were installed in the orchards, fed from the irrigation ditches. Headers were installed at intervals along the mains. A line of aluminum pipes and sprinklers was laid out from a header, and the water turned on. The whole line of pipes was moved ahead every twelve hours. The use of sprinklers was a revolution in irrigation practice. It allowed more efficient use of water, even application of water across the orchard, the virtual 92 ohs A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM elimination of soil erosion, and the planting of grass or other cover crops between the tree rows. Another revolution was a change in sprayer technology. When spraying of orchards first became necessary it was a laborious and messy operation. Wooden tanks were mounted on trailers pulled by horses. Motor-driven pumps drew spray solution from the tanks and forced it at high pressure (500 psi) through long hoses to hand-held spray guns. Men walked behind the trailer dragging the hoses and drenching down each tree with spray. Sprays such as lead arsenate and Paris Green (arsenic) were used to control codling moth and other insects, while lime-sulphur and Bordeaux mixture (lime plus sulphate of copper) were used for fungal diseases. In the mid-1940's the Dominion Entomological Laboratory at Summerland developed a low volume air blast sprayer which could be pulled by a tractor. By 1949 such sprayers had become commercialized. A pump on the sprayer forced spray solution through a series of nozzles and a large air fan blew the spray droplets through the trees. Now one man on a tractor could drive up and down the tree rows in relative comfort, spraying continuously with even coverage of the trees and low volumes of spray. There have been many refinements, but the sprayers of today use the same principles as those of 1949. Since the earliest days of apple growing in the Okanagan, apples had been picked into one-bushel wooden boxes which held thirty pounds of loose fruit. Full boxes from the orchards were loaded onto trailers or trucks, and hauled in to packing houses. At the packing houses the boxes were piled seven high and wheeled by "hand trucks" one stack at a time in to storage rooms. The fruit was then graded, packed into the same wooden boxes, lidded, and shipped to market. Specialized sawmills prepared the lumber - known as "shook" - for the apple boxes, and hundreds of people throughout the valley were employed in nailing together boxes from the shook. Box makers were paid on a piece basis, and many bruised and battered thumbs resulted from high-speed work with large-headed hammers. In the 1950's visitors to New Zealand observed the use of bulk bins in orchards there. These bins held a half-ton of fruit and were handled on trailers. Fruit was picked directly into the bins, and the full bins were hauled to packing houses where the fruit was dumped. A delegation of knowledgeable people from the Okanagan was sent to New Zealand to study this new idea in detail, and they came back full of enthusiasm. By the early 1960's the entire Okanagan industry had converted to bulk bins. Orchard tractors had to be equipped with fork lifts to handle the bins, but a great deal of labour was saved both in orchards and in ohs 93 A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM packing houses. The bulk bins (holding eight hundred pounds of apples equal to twenty-five bushels) are now ubiquitous. Soon, fruit was packed for market in cardboard boxes, and the wooden boxes became collectors' items. The early apple trees were all grown on seedling rootstocks. Trees were produced by nurseries by first planting out seeds collected from harvested apples. When the resulting trees were about eighteen inches in height they were budded or grafted to the desired apple variety. This resulted in a tree with a seedling root system and lower trunk, and a commercial apple variety on "Miktow" - The Kidston's home on Kalamalka Lake, c.1908. Behind (L to R) are Cossitt house (now Ormsby), the Glossop house (latterly Sovereign), the McLimont house (later Orchardleigh Lodge) and the Buchanan barn. Note that the Buchanan home (Mackie now) has not yet been built. This photo is part of a larger panorama. (CouUesy the Vernon Museum) top. These trees grew to a large size as the rootstock was very vigorous, but each tree had a somewhat different size and vigor as each rootstock was genetically unique (because every seed was genetically unique). Modern apple trees are propagated from dwarfing root- stocks, which are "clonally" reproduced. There are varying degrees of "dwarfness" available, from almost full size to extremely dwarf. The rootstocks are grown in nurseries and again the desired variety of apple budded or grafted on. The advantage of dwarfing trees is that they are even in size and tend to come into production sooner than seedling trees. Because they are smaller, they can be planted closer together. In the late 1950's dwarf rootstocks became available in the 94 ohs A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM Okanagan and the spacing of trees in new plantings started to contract. At first semi-dwarf trees were used, with spacing typically 15 feet x 17 feet (trees 15 feet apart in the rows, rows 17 feet apart). Fully dwarf trees began to be widely planted in the 1980's at spacings of perhaps 6 feet x 12 feet. In the early 1990's a further advance was to plant dwarf trees very close together (say 2 feet apart) and to prune as little as possible. This latter system is known as super spindle, and suits our soils and growing conditions very well. The initial expense of planting is high due to the high tree numbers, but the orchard can produce a significant crop in the year after planting. Super spindle plantings result in hedges of trees rather than rows of individual trees. One of the attributes of dwarf trees is that they have very compact root systems, concentrated close to the ground surface. As a result, the trees have to be watered far more frequently than standard trees, which have a much more extensive and deep root system. The introduction of dwarf plantings therefore required a change in irrigation systems, from sprinklers to drip. The latter can be operated to provide small amounts of water to the trees on a daily basis, replacing just the amount of water used by the trees over the day. This represents another step forward in the efficient use of water as only the tree rows are watered rather than the whole orchard. Drip systems use only about 50% of the amount of water per acre needed for sprinkler systems My grandfather planted trees at 30 feet x 30 feet spacing (forty-eight trees per acre). My father planted many blocks at 15 feet x 17 feet (one hundred and seventy trees per acre) and in 1961, to the puzzlement of his peers, a block at 6 feet x 12 feet (six hundred and five trees per acre). My latest plantings are 2 feet x 10 feet (two thousand one hundred and eighty trees per acre). My father's 6 feet x 12 feet planting, known as the pillar system, was an interesting one. He had read about this system in an English horticultural magazine, and decided to try it out. The theory was that you grew a tree like a pillar and pruned off each branch as soon as it had produced fruit. The tree was then supposed to grow new branches to replace the old ones, and you always produced fruit on young wood (which gives better fruit). The trouble was that the new branches wouldn't grow, and so the system was eventually converted to standard training and pruning. When my father complained to friends in England that he couldn't get the pillar system to work, he was told that no one there could either! Apparently the person who wrote the article in the magazine was the only one who had any success. Horticulture has its own fads and theories, not all of which are successful. ohs 95 A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM The varieties of apples planted have also changed greatly over the years. Most of the early varieties have disappeared completely for one reason or another. Some were found to be unsuitable to our growing conditions. Others lost favour with the market. The advent of refrigerated storage extended the period of availability of some popular varieties, and other varieties which had been planted because of storage attributes rather than taste became redundant. My father's records show that in 1930 the following apple varieties were grown (in descending order of production). Mcintosh, Hyslop crabapples, Duchess, Grimes, Transcendent crabapples, Wealthy, Winter Banana, Astrachan, Spitzenberg. (The last three varieties had very small production) Mcintosh became the principal variety grown in the North Okanagan because it was popular with consumers and also because the trees were more winter hardy than most. Over time many trees were killed in very cold winters while Mcintosh survived. By the late 1930's the A.T. Howe Orchards, located in Coldstream and the Vernon area, were the largest producers of Mcintosh in the British Empire. Spartan apples, developed in Summerland, became widely planted in the 1950's. Other varieties were also introduced over the years. By 1965 my father's crop production had changed considerably, and in that year was as follows (in order of production): Mcintosh, Spartan, Red Delicious, Red Rome, Tydeman, Newton. My father retired in 1977, and died in 1989. I took over the orchard in 1977 when he retired. In the 1990's a number of new varieties of apples came into favour, but not all of these have been successful. I planted some acres of Empire, Jonagold and Fuji, but have since grafted all of these trees over to other varieties. In 2003 my apple varieties (in order of production) were: Royal Gala, Spartan, Mcintosh, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Ambrosia and Granny Smith. It should be noted that we have always grown some pears, and for many years prunes, but apples have always been the main crop. This is the general situation in the North Okanagan. Packing and marketing of the fruit crops have also changed greatly over the past century. In the early days most substantial growers had their own packing houses, and sold their own fruit through various channels. In the 1930's prices for all commodities sank to drastic lows and competition between the myriad of sellers in the Okanagan caused many problems. In 1937 a B.C. 96 ohs A CENTURY OF FRUIT GROWING IN COLDSTREAM Natural Products Marketing Act was enacted which allowed orderly marketing of the entire tree fruit crop through the B.C.Fruit Board. The Fruit Board, in turn, could designate the agencies through which products should be marketed. In 1939 B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. (BCTF), established and owned by the B.C. Fruit Growers Association, came into being as the sole marketing agency for fresh fruit crops. In 1974 the requirement that all fruit be marketed through BCTF was rescinded. A number of small packing and selling operations sprang up after this date, but most of these have gone out of business. BCTF is now owned jointly by the four co-operative packing houses in the Okanagan Valley. It is estimated that 80% of the apples grown in the valley are delivered to the four co-operatives. As mentioned previously, a myriad of packing houses sprang up in the early days of the fruit industry. The increasing capital costs of storage and packing facilities, plus improved transportation, resulted in massive consolidation of the packing houses over the years. In the 1960's there were five fruit packing houses in the North Okanagan; now there are none. Most of the apples grown in the North Okanagan are now shipped to the Winfield facilities of the Okanagan North Growers Co-operative. Vernon area growers deliver their fruit to a receiving station in Vernon, from where it is hauled to Winfield by large highway trucks. I have owned and operated the family orchard, now forty acres in size, since 1977. In that time I have replanted every apple tree at least once, and some blocks of trees twice. I have greatly increased tree densities per acre, and changed varieties. Many, many other horticultural practices have been changed over the years as well. The Coldstream area has also changed greatly over the past century, from being an agricultural community in 1904 with a population of about 200, to a residential community (population 9,500) with an agricultural component. It is still a wonderful place to live! ohs 97 Mr. Sunrype" My Father, Bill Vance by his son, William (Bill) Elsworth Vance My father, William Mitchell Vance was born January 31, 1878, near Listowel, Ontario, the sixth son in a family of eleven. In his late teens he moved to Grandview, Manitoba, and acquired an interest in a general merchandise store, which he later owned outright. He also later owned a section of farmland. In February 1907 he married Freda Stephanie Jackson, and they raised a family of six - three boys, and then three girls - I was the third boy. When I arrived, my father was reported to have said, "There is my curling rink." He won the B.C. Curling Bonspiel Championship in Trail, B.C., in 1930 with his family rink. One October day in 1919, my father and my eldest brother, Art, were closing the farm for the winter when my Uncle Jim drove into the yard in his McLaughlin Buick (he was the dealer) with a gentleman by the name of Atkinson. Uncle Jim asked my father if he would like to sell the farm. The answer was, "If I could get my price, yes." Mr. Atkinson asked if he had a shovel, and Art quickly returned with a shovel. Mr. Atkinson asked if they could walk around - they walked and Art dug where instructed. After about ten diggings they returned to the house. Mr. Atkinson asked my father what he was asking. My father stated a sum. Mr. Atkinson walked out to the car and returned with a metal box, counted out "Victory Bonds" and became the new owner. This news pleased Mother, as negotiations to sell the store were well underway and were soon finalized. William (Bill) Elsworth Vance (Bill, Jr.) is the third son of William and Freda Vance. He attended Nelson High School and Nelson Business College. In 1938, he started Vance Bros. Ltd., wholesale foods. He served Overseas with the British Army as a Can-loan Infantry Officer. In 1945, he married a Nova Scotian- Lt. N/S Evelyn Hiltz of the 23rd Canadian Army General Hospital. They had four daughters and then one son and made their home in Trail. In 1968, the British invited Can-loan Officers back to London where they were guests of the Queen in St. James Palace and had lunch with the Lord Mayor of London at Mansion House. Now retired to Vancouver, Bill Vance says," My lucky star continues to look after me!" 98 ohs MR. SUNRYPE, MY FATHER, BILL VANCE Word of the Okanagan had reached Grandview, and so Dad made a trip to investigate. He arrived home to say he had found "Utopia" (Penticton). On July 2, 1920, we arrived in Penticton, after a two-day stopover in Banff. Two railcars with furniture and a new McLaughlin Buick followed. After looking around, we located a nice home. The Vance Family Curling Rink. (Courtesy the author) Now that we were settled, Dad wanted to be involved in the fruit industry. A packing plant was available at Poplar Grove, between Penticton and Naramata - apples were to be the game. In order to arrange a source of apples, he contacted several growers near the plant. He promised if they shipped through his plant, he would guarantee last year's price, and better if possible. Several growers agreed and the product was to be shipped under the name "SUNRIPE." Unfortunately it was a bad crop year on the prairies, plus a breakdown occurred in the Jonathan variety. Receipts for sales stopped, and after paying the growers at the previous year's returns. "SUNRIPE" ended, although Dad really liked the name. My father became known as an honest man - he had kept his word. The apple returns had been disastrous in the Okanagan, much less than the previous years; however all was not lost. Mr. E.J. Chambers, President of the Associate Growers, came to see our father. He said they had been watching "SUNRIPE" and stated ohs 99 MR. SUNRYPE, MY FATHER, BILL VANCE Modern Foods Ltd. (Courtesy the Kelowna Museum) they would like to have Dad in their organization. Mr. Chambers offered, and Dad accepted, the management of the Associated Branch of the East Kootenay at Creston. In the meantime, Dad had leased the Senator Shatford twenty-acre ranch in South Penticton. Cherries and pears were the crop. After two years of heavy frost in April, the lease was dropped. He bought a crop of standard Delicious apples on the Lower Bench near the hospital - two carloads were shipped to an account in Edmonton, which shortly after (before paying) went bankrupt. Our eldest brother, Art, did most of the work on these two ventures. Meanwhile, Associated had asked Dad to handle the East and West Kootenay operations from Nelson. In 1935, the Associated asked my father if he would consider the management of the Kelowna Growers Exchange. He accepted the appointment and moved to Kelowna in 1936. The Associated had built what was considered to be the largest plant of its kind in the British Empire. The storage capacity was 497,000 boxes of packed apples. The problem was, not enough growers became members. In 1937, a small processing plant known as Modern Foods had started an operation, primarily dehydrated apples. They were unsuccessful. In 1938, a creditors' meeting was called, hoping to save the local creditors. A committee of two was formed, Mr. W.A.C. Bennett and William Vance. My father immediately visited the plant and basically liked what he saw. He had a vision. After several visits to the Summerland Experimental Station to learn of the possibilities and potential of a processing industry, his vision took roots. This would be great for the Kelowna Growers Exchange. He approached Mr. Bennett and made an offer to take an option on the plant for $25,000, and would be prepared to write a cheque then and there for $500 if Mr. Bennett agreed. Mr. Bennett reportedly said he not only agreed, but also 100 OHS MR. SUNRYPE, MY FATHER, BILL VANCE William Vance. (Courtesy the author) that it would probably clear up everyone. A cheque was written. A directors' meeting of the Exchange was called by my father to inform them what he had done. At the meeting a discussion centered basically on the fact the Exchange was in the fresh market and it was thought that should continue to be their role. They stated that they would reimburse my father for the $500 he would be out. My father said he would not take their cheque, and that he would not lose his money. The question was asked, "Would you leave the Exchange?" The answer was "I will not lose my money." A further conversation took place and the decision was, "If you are so confident, we will go with your recommendation.'^ - Some directors did have misgivings!) Plans were set in place. The products would be dehydrated apples, vinegar and a cucumber relish. The product would be marketed under the name "SUNRYPE." My father, having played a little semi-pro baseball in the Northern Manitoba league, was superstitious, and as "SUNRIPE" he had struck out, and so a "Y" was inserted in place of the "I." There were three most important contributors to the launching of "SUNRYPE" - the lithographer, the food broker who arranged store placements, and above all, the people at the Summerland Experimental Station. The cucumber relish was a recipe of my mother's - an instant success. It should be told that in the first year of production, culls from the Kelowna Growers Exchange were used, and the Exchange received $8.00 per ton, which amounted to 7$ on a packed box of apples. The Exchange members received this, and the following year there was a waiting list of growers wishing to become members. It should also be told that the culls had been a great problem for the industry. Many people will recall seeing acres of apples floating in Okanagan Lake, as well as in other unpopular dumping OHS 101 MR. SUNRYPE, MY FATHER, BILL VANCE sites. This was the first time growers had received anything for their culls. The Experimental Station worked on many new items, including juice. In 1940 the army services approached my father about a juice. - "SUNRYPE" was ready. They packed a clarified juice fortified with Vitamin C in one gallon, 128 oz. cans, with white labels featuring "SUNRYPE." During the war years many new items were in short supply. Two of the products that were produced were fruit tea from apple skins, and apple butter. I remember apple butter because a Chinese delegation came to see if they could buy the total output, plus other commodities - unfortunately the Communists arrived in China, and so no deal! Concentrated apple juice was shipped in large quantities to the tobacco industry. When the war ended it was expected the troops would go back to prewar orange, grapefruit or tomato juice. No way, they asked for and received all the apple juice they could drink in many forms and flavors. Two other plants were now producing apple juice: Big Mac at Wood Lake and Deightons at Oliver. Another plant had been built to produce apple juice at Kelowna, under the "Kelo" label. They were unsuccessful, as I believe they did not shellac the inside of their cans, and the product was tainted by the time it arrived at market. At this time my father became concerned with the interest to enter the industry being shown by some large food corporations. His prime concern was that in heavy production years the price paid would be at their consideration. My father approached Mr. Barrett, President of the B.C. Fruit Growers' Association with his concern and suggested the B.C.F.G.A. should control the industry. This would entail buying out the other producers in the W.M. Vance, age ¬±70, taken ¬±1948. (Courtesy the author) 102 ohs MR. SUNRYPE, MY FATHER, BILL VANCE valley. The B.C.F.G.A. agreed to the proposal and a Bank of Montreal loan of $3,000,000 at 3% interest was arranged with the stipulation that William M. Vance manage the operation. That was the birth of "B.C. Fruit Processors Limited." Some years later the operation took the name "SUNRYPE." One of the letters my father received, which was written on "B.C. Tree Fruits Limited" letterhead on May 7, 1946, follows: 7th May 1946 Dear Mr. Vance A number of years ago at a special meeting, the members of the Exchange was asked to vote the sum of twenty five thousand dollars for the purchase of 'Modern Foods'. At that time I argued that if the then present owners were unable to operate at a profit, I could not see how the Exchange could so do it although I eventually voted for the purchase, it was with great misgivings. The original purchase price & improvement's & extensions to the amount of one hundred & fifty thousand dollars have been made out of profits, & in addition ninety thousand dollars set aside for reserve, for a total of nearly a quarter of a million dollars from an original twenty five thousand dollar investment. Large profits, which the management wisely have not publicized in order not to further provoke the envy of growers unfortunate enough not to he members of the 'Exchange' have been paid, & a major industry created. This is indeed a notable achievement, & although war conditions created a ready market for our by-products, a very great part of this enviable position must he credited to your foresight & able management. I know I speak for my fellow members when I wish you every success in your new position. Yours sincerely, John Bailey On an occasion during the time that my father was managing B.C. Fruit Processors Ltd. I was introduced to a well-known industry friend of my Dad's. He stated, "You will never be half the man your father is." If I could be known as half the man my father was, that would be the greatest compliment one could have. No man could ask for more. A Lucky Son. ohs 103 His Apples Were Delicious - Robert Turner Fathered Salmon Arm Orchard Industry by Denis Marshall Salmon Arm's failed romance with the apple industry lasted a half-century and today little survives, save three commercial growers and scattered remnants of ancient orchards whose past is gloriously revealed at blossom time. It was likely never meant to be a viable fruit-growing region: the Shuswap area is too far north; it failed to provide irrigation and the limited supply of land is "side-hilly" and difficult to work. These drawbacks, however, had no discernible influence on settlers mesmerized by the Imperialist slogan, making the rounds at the beginning of the last century: Grow Apples and Grow Rich. And they certainly didn't give pause to an Irish greenhorn barely out of his teens, whose first glimpse of Shuswap Lake appeared in the window of a CPR dining car. Robert Turner would later attain material success and exert great influence on the Interior fruit industry. He became a resident of Salmon Arm in 1891 while employed by the railway as an assistant cook under Alexander Paul, twenty-nine, married, and by then a landowner in the fledgling community. In those days it was not feasible to include a dining car in the make up of passenger trains on the steeper mountain sections and the solution was to time schedules so meals could be taken either at a CPR hotel or on flatter stretches where the heavyweight dining cars weren't such a burden. For example, on the Revelstoke-Kamloops section, the diner operated between Salmon Arm and Griffin Lake. Later, Turner was assigned to the Ashcroft- Mission run and when that posting was about to end in favour of a transfer to Medicine Hat, he chose to settle down in Salmon Arm rather than face Prairie winters. Robert Turner's reputation ultimately spread far beyond the borders of his new home with the development of the Turner Red Denis Marshall is Salmon Arm Editor of the OHS Report and a Life Member Of the OHS. 104 ohs HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY Delicious Apple, which will be discussed later in this article. Turner was born in 1868 in Poyntzpasse, County Armaugh, Northern Ireland, but very little is known about his parents or their circumstances, except they were small gr<* - ": ; farmers. What is known is that there were few opportunities in the homeland and so Turner sailed for Canada in 1888 with the prospect of apprenticing to a blacksmith uncle at Thorold, Ontario. "He Robert and Maude Turner. (Courtesy Salmon Arm Observer) didn't like blacksmithing much and one night he just took off, remembered Ronald Turner, the last survivor of Robert's four children. There was always ajob begging on the CPR. In this instance, it was with work gangs building various Prairie branch lines, which inexorably drew Turner west until he was hired by the dining service and joined fellow crew members at their Salmon Arm base on February 20, 1891. Four years before Turner's arrival, a Swede, Peter Magnus Parsons, twenty-four, quit his job as a railway labourer and subsequently applied to preempt the northwest quarter of Section 13, Township 20, Range 9 on March 31, 1890. Pete Parsons, as he became known, laboriously cleared a five-acre strip south of the CPR right-of-way on which he planted a few fruit trees ordered from a Minneapolis nursery. This may have happened before he received his patent in 1892, thus Parsons could be said to have set out the first orchard in Salmon Arm. However, unlike J. D. McGuire and C. B. Harris, who had commerical possibilities in mind, Parsons may have only been doing it for his own palate. A lifelong bachelor and fond of the bottle, Parsons sold off seventy acres to Alex Paul in 1893, and in 1895 the tract was conveyed to Robert Turner, possibly for a cash consideration. (His son says it may have changed hands in a poker game.) Now a budding orchardist, Robert was introduced to apples named Seek-No- ohs 105 HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY Further, Last Word, Belle de Boskop and the old Ontario standbys King, Golden Russett and Northern Spy. He immediately began clearing additional land and placed an order for more trees. Marketing apples and other perishable crops before custom- made boxes became available was haphazard at best; fruit was compelled to travel in nail kegs or whatever else happened to be on hand in the way of containers. About 1898 Robert Turner assembled the first carload of apples shipped from Salmon Arm. The fruit was consigned to mining camps in the Kootenays and Turner packed the entire lot, augmented by the orchards of Pat Owens, J. D. McGuire and Charles McVicker. To borrow a popular refrain of the era, the beginning of the 20th century seemed to "belong" to British Columbia, especially in the boom years 1905-1912, when fruit ranching promoted in England as an idyllic lifestyle engendered a strong response among middle-class Britons. Lacking the natural advantages of the Okanagan Valley, Salmon Arm nonetheless shared the excitement, albeit on a much smaller scale. The Salmon Arm Observer, also recently planted in the area, recorded in 1908 that Robert Turner had twenty acres under cultivation. It also remarked that he "had a grip" on unfolding developments, both at home and afar. When Salmon Arm incorporated as a municipality, Turner briefly acted as the first assessor, but, more importantly, was devoting a great deal of time sharing his know-how with newcomers and taking a lead in the formation of cooperative agricultural organizations, including premature plans for a creamery. One of his most significant contributions to the community was the role he played in helping to establish the Salmon Arm Farmers'Exchange (the Exchange), on which farmers and fruit-growers largely depended for five decades. Turner early on recognized the folly of planting too many varieties. When asked to speak at a meeting called to organize a farmer's institute at Notch Hill—a duty he would willingly fulfill often—he urged would-be orchardists to cultivate only three or four popular varieties. One practical outcome of this approach, he emphasized, would be the ability to meet large orders by crop pooling. The real apple of Robert Turner's eye at this time, however, turned out to be Maude Louise McGuire, the youngest offspring of Agnes and Alexander McGuire, who had preceded her to Salmon Arm in 1890 to claim a general store and trading post bequeathed by their late son, Charles. The groom was in his 40th year and Maude in her 27th when they exchanged vows in 1908 and it was a fruitful union: Edward arrived in 1909, Marjorie in 1912, Ronald in 1913 and Alexander (Sandy) in 1915. 106 ohs HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY At harvest's peak, the Exchange was often incapable of keeping pace with the volume of fruit, motivating several growers— including Robert Turner—to do their own packing, but content to let the co-op handle distribution. What finally prompted Turner to go it alone was when the Exchange sent orchard-run apples to Prairie wholesalers dumped pell-mell into a car. Today, Ronald recalls that when father heard a local grower remark that his apples "didn't look too bad when mixed with Turner's", it was time to become an "independent" and explore other methods of marketing. It is not necessary to replay the plight of fruit growers during the Great Depression, writ plain in the rallying cry, A Cent a Pound or on the Ground. During this trying time, Robert Turner came to believe that part of his salvation lay overseas, especially since the Okanagan Valley could easily meet the needs of the domestic market. Gambling on this hunch, in 1932 he shipped the first carload of B. C. apples to Belfast, where it was eagerly snapped up by consumers. The shipment was brokered by J. T Mutrie of Vernon, who later acted for Turner on all exports to the British Isles until the formation of B. C. Tree Fruits Ltd. In one way, the Depression proved fortuitous for the Turner family, but calamitous for members of the Palmer family, whose wholesale fruit and vegetable operation was teetering on insolvency. Turner orchard holdings had increased to one hundred acres by 1935, making it no longer efficient to pack on- site. Robert broke away from the R.H. (Ron) Turner, still going strong at ninety-one. (Courtesy Denis Marshall) Farmers'Exchange in 1930 and since shipped through E. A. Palmer & Co. Ltd. A deal was struck in 1936 to acquire the Palmer packing house, which was conveniently situated on the "team track" next to the Exchange. The Palmers had previously provided an alternative outlet for a small group of growers at odds with ohs 107 HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY the co-op's sales performance, collectively marketing fruit under the Big Bear brand. Palmer also packed the "McG" brand (McGillivray & Company wholesalers), as well as looking after the needs of the Earlscourt marque for David Spencer Ltd. of Vancouver. Earlscourt Farms was founded at Lytton in the 1880's by T. G. Earl, a tireless promoter of the orchard industry and the province's first fruit inspector, who early on voiced an opinion that Salmon Arm was an "ideal spot" for orcharding. Robert Turner & Sons shared in the pre-war export trade under Mutrie's Red Line brand, which drew its inspiration from the overland and Panama Canal shipping routes to Britain and Europe. The last and most recognizable Turner label, showing bold horizontal bands of blue, white and red, first appeared with the printed reminder at the centre, "British Empire Product", to reflect the preferential trade policy in effect at the time. Export trade took on literal meaning in connection with 800 boxes of Turner apples Mutrie brokered in Brazil in exchange for coffee, which was sold in turn to a wholesale house in England. In addition to other obvious advantages, acquisition of the Palmer packing house made it possible to have cold-storage capability and the facility was enlarged and reconfigured twice: first in 1938, plus a substantial $25,000 addition in 1948- able to hold 35,000 boxes in temperature-controlled abeyance. From time to time, several other Salmon Arm orchardists chose to have their crops handled by R. TUrner & Sons, among them F H. Burne, Ike Daniels, W H. Brett, A. S. McArthur, H. V Hooper, Clarence and Bill Fulton, Col. Bernard Scott and Gil Calam. (W J. Wilcox of the WX Ranch experimented with packing and shipping his own fruit, as did other independents, familiarly under the Mountain Maid label.) Increasingly relying on the profitable export market, R. Turner & Sons suffered the effects of the outbreak of World War II, which caused almost instantaneous delays or cancellation of ship sailings. The 1937 decision to increase cold storage capacity proved wise in light of the wartime upheaval. While checking on the progress of 400 young trees supplied by the Coldstream Ranch nursery, Turner was astonished to discover one in particular that had produced Delicious apples with a nearly full-red blush, instead of the usual yellow hue. What he encountered is known to horticulturists as a sport, a chance mutation that can be the nexus of a new variety. Realizing the significance of his find, Turner successfully grafted the strain, and in 1926 the TUrner Red-after extensive testing- was officially recognized by the Summerland Experimental Station. Meantime, 108 ohs HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY George Wilcox had been brought into the picture to graft and market Turner's serendipitous gift from nature. (Wilcox later became well known throughout the Okanagan in connection with his nursery at Oliver.) The rosy apple soon gained acceptance from other Interior growers and won a series of prizes at provincial apple shows and at the Armstrong Fair. In granting the seal of approval, researcher C. C. Strachan cautioned growers against harvesting the new strain too early—before sufficient sugar accumulated to make it a desirable dessert product. "Premature harvesting of Red Delicious will undoubtedly give fruit which meets Extra Fancy colour requirements but has only Cee grade quality. On the other hand, fully mature fruits of the Red strain are as appetizing as they are attractive in appearance." No time was wasted in changing over one-third of existing acreage to the TUrner Red, although the Macintosh blocks remained paramount. New, unnamed varieties are by no means rare where fruit is grown. The reason is that apples are heterozygous, meaning each and every seed from the same piece of fruit is genetically unique and liable to grow up to have different characteristics from its siblings. To achieve uniformity of a desirable variety, rather than planting seeds, orchardists insert the buds or branches of suitable trees into slits cut into other trees, making use of the host tree's rootstock. Red Delicious first appeared as a chance seedling in Jesse Hiatt's Iowa orchard around 1870 and was commercialized by C. M. Stark of Minneapolis until it became a key component of the apple industry on both sides of the Washington-B.C. border. TUrner had previously noticed Stark Nurseries' advertisements for the King Red Delicious, along with another Delicious called Richer Red and, weighing the merits of his own discovery, believed it could compete favourably with the American rivals. In 1936, it was decided to incorporate R. TUrner & Sons Ltd. to reflect the increasing responsibility placed on Ronald and Edward. Sandy, meanwhile, had left Salmon Arm to become a B. C. Land Surveyor and found lasting employment with the City of Vancouver. While still at home, the three sons were given year-round duties in the family orchards, along with two hired men. Once picking started, the employment roll swelled to over twenty. Many local people depended on seasonal work in the orchards or in packing houses, if only to earn a little pin money. "I'm going to save up enough to buy a new stove, or a . . ." was how catch-up conversations generally went when the crew gathered on the first day. "That was when you could get by on casual labour", Ron TUrner told the author. "We pretty well had the same crew prun- ohs 109 HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY ing, thinning and picking. The same bunch came back year after year. During the war kids were let out of school early to pick and they kept right at it until dark." The "inside" hierarchy included Ike Daniels, head packer C. M. (Pop) Kennedy, followed by Albert Laitinen after Kennedy died unexpectedly while fishing on Shuswap Lake. When it came down to actually placing fruit in boxes, Violet Miller, Lillian Rutherford, and the peerless Lottie Reader were in a category of their own. Archie Tanemura and Masajiro (Matt) Nakagawa are also remembered for their skill when TUrner apples were graded and packed on the home property. Box-making was another facet of the industry that elicited bragging rights. As far as Salmon Arm was concerned, Walter Hodgkins had that speciality all to himself. In order to spread the work around, box-makers were limited to 1,000 a shift and according to Ron TUrner, Hodgkins usually reached his quota before three o'clock. "That hatchet never left his hand!" Like their farmer counterparts, orchardists had to be resourceful and innovative to keep the wheels turning and costs down. Ron TUrner said that when employee Alf Barr turned up sick one morning and didn't have the strength to drag a spray hose, fellow worker Cull Robinson attached some two-by-fours to the chemical tank to accommodate two men on hay-filled gunny sacks, so they could easily cover both sides in one pass. They kept improving the setup and word spread. "Someone told them at Summerland [research station] to go up to Salmon Arm; some damn fool up there is riding on his sprayer, not dragging the hoses." Not surprising, the most profitable years for Robert TUrner & Sons were during WWII. "No matter what fruit you had you could sell it. We shipped cull apples all the way to Moscow, California, for juice. Can you imagine that happening now?" Ron TUrner mused. Some TUrner export apples never completed their journey to Britain. The story reached Salmon Arm that a survivor whose merchant ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic said to rescuers that when he jumped over the side he found himself surrounded by a flotilla of apple boxes bearing the TUrner label. Compared with the orchard industry to the south, the TUrners' operation was a somewhat modest one. In 1946, its best season in terms of total pack, the Salmon Arm independent graded and shipped 56,000 boxes (66 carloads) of apples, representing about thirteen percent of the local crop that year. Robert TUrner died in February 1950, two months shy of his 82nd birthday. With luck, he was mercifully unaware that the record-breaking cold weather the Interior was then experiencing would presage the end of much of his life's work, as R. TUrner & 110 OHS HIS APPLES WERE DELICIOUS - ROBERT TURNER FATHERED SALMON ARM ORCHARD INDUSTRY Sons Ltd. would process its last box of fruit two years later. Even if the killing frosts hadn't been so devastating, it's doubtful Salmon Arm could have sustained an apple-based fruit industry much longer. Several factors support this claim, including the absence of irrigation, less than optimum climatic conditions, inefficient orchard units and demand for residential land by an expanding population that had nothing to do with fruit production. As growth spilled over the borders of the city, the TUrners found themselves with some of the most coveted real estate in Salmon Arm, and in the 1950's began giving in to commercial and institutional development pressures. Ed TUrner, meanwhile, continued to grow fruit on a much smaller scale until 1969. After the decision was made to close the packing house, he redirected much of his attention to civic politics coinciding with the resignation of Municipal Reeve W J. Thompson. TUrner was elected to succeed Thompson by acclamation and held the office unopposed until July 1961, when declining health mandated his retirement. As a young man, he was injured in an orchard mishap, which led to an acute form of arthritis. Another orchard accident around 1951 forced him to live with acute discomfort for the rest of his life. He died December 9, 1971. Maude McGuire TUrner kept her own house up to the time of her death on September 18, 1979, at age 98. In 1954, Ron TUrner intuitively reached the conclusion fruitgrowing had seen better days in Salmon Arm and joined the provincial highways department as a pre-construction survey assistant. The job took him to many B. C. locations before he was in a position to come home to retire. Now he spends as much time as possible contentedly looking after the last vestige of the TUrner orchards, surrounded by modern hustle and bustle that he stoically accepts as inevitable. "When the land was opened up it was very rich. But the trees took advantage and as time went on the soil became depleted; with clear cultivation we were just mining it and not putting anything back. Yields went into a decline. Fruit underpinned Salmon Arm for almost 50 years, but it eventually had its day." Postscript—Some Salmon Arm growers had, in fact, been dreaming up irrigation schemes as far back as the 1920's, at the same time attempting to capitalize on what they believed to be the superior qualities of northern fruit. Implicit in the hollow boast, "Non-Irrigated Apples", Robert TUrner, together with John Barr, installed a pump and wooden-stave water lines next to Little (McGuire) Lake in hopes of increasing the yield on their adjoining orchard blocks. The trial was abandoned after five years when it was found the system was not paying for itself. OHS 111 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST WINNER This essay is the winner of the Okanagan Historical Society Essay Contest 2004 Chinook Jargon in Local Histories of the Okanagan Country by David D. Robertson University of Victoria, B.C What is Chinook Jargon? Any locally-produced history of the Okanagan country, from either side of the 49th parallel, is likely to include several mentions of the Chinook Jargon [CJ]. The Jargon was, as I hope to show with quotes from the region's inhabitants, a crucial bridge from the Native past to the modern Caucasian-majority society. But we should backtrack for a moment: What was this Chinook Jargon anyhow? A unique 'contact language' of the Northwest1, Chinook Jargon was a pidgin that arose (to the extent historians can determine) from the initial meetings between native and nonnative in the Vancouver Island area, then the mouth of the Columbia River. From there, CJ was spread by sailing ship and overland until it was known by large numbers of people from northern California to southeastern Alaska, even the Yukon. The circumstances in which CJ was useful in turn shaped this language's development, so that its usual function—communication with First Nations people—led to the Jargon having a mostly Indian vocabulary and grammar. 'Kloshe was good, cultus was bad. Saghalie meant above, keekwillie meant below. A lovely word was illahee, which meant country, land or earth. Saghalie illahee was heaven; keekwillie illahee meant hell! Goodfellow 1958:20 David Robertson is taking his Master's degree in Linguistic Studies at the University of Victoria. He is married with two young children, enjoys cycling, gardening and reading. In the future, he hopes to teach at the College or University level. 112 OHS CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY The first word mentioned above is from the Nuu-chah-nulth or Nootkan language of Vancouver Island, while those that follow originated in the old Chinookan languages near the Columbia River. This proportion is roughly true for CJ's Indian vocabulary, though there are also Kalapuyan, Salish, and Algonquian words in the Jargon. Present also are numerous English and French words—but contrary to some local lore (cf. Buckland 1966:15) there are no Spanish, Russian, Hawaiian or Chinese words to be found. Given the tremendous number of Chinese and Hawaiian workers in BC and Washington from the 1800s onward, who were said to use the Jargon as needed, the latter is a surprising observation. Further research may help determine the factors that minimized these groups' linguistic imprint on the Northwest, while e.g. French fur traders left a very distinct impression. What is known is that Chinook Jargon was extremely useful to people of all ethnic groups and social backgrounds, at least before a majority of Northwesterners knew English—which was probably after 1900. CJ 'was so much more superior to the "sign" language ... that it is a mystery why it did not spread to the Prairies.' (Buckland 1966:16) The Beginnings of CJ in the Okanagan Country What is less certain is how Chinook Jargon came to the Okanagan. We know, again contrary to popular belief, that it was not the 'early operations of the Fur Trader' (Buckland 1966:15) or an invention of the Hudsons Bay Company (Holliday 1948:153) that was responsible. Recent research convincingly shows that CJ is absent from fur-trade era documents, and wasn't a major factor in Interior BC until the gold-rush period starting circa 1858 (Turkel 2003), but this still leaves two possible sources open. On the one hand, Catholic missionaries of the Jesuit order, as well as the Oblates of Mary Immaculate including the renowned Father Pandosy (Bugslag 1981), established operations in Okanagan country in the 1840s. Several of these missionaries are known to have spoken the Jargon, especially Pandosy. An anecdote of Giovanni Casorso's (Casorso 1983: 24) tells of an 1880s encounter with some Indians while traveling with Pandosy; Casorso feared they were hostile, but the Father spoke with the Native men in Jargon and found they were not. Protestant proselytizers in the region also knew C J, a shining proof being the fine dictionary of J.B. Good (1880). But we have little indication that the Jargon was a primary vehicle for religious contact with Natives, and indeed all parties just mentioned preferred to use the tribal languages, often despite great difficulty in learning them. OHS 113 CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY The gold rush years really signaled the sudden beginning of intensive cultural contact for the region. As Turkel (2003) notes, this was the first time that White and Native populations actually approached parity in numbers: Almost overnight there was a pressing need for communication across language boundaries by groups that had never before encountered one another—and had not had time to learn each other's languages. Chinook Jargon filled the void perfectly. It was easily accessible, in the form of widely sold phrasebooks, to White newcomers, and had a simpler structure with a much smaller vocabulary than either English or the Native languages. With such a handy lingua franca to work with, both groups' needs could be accommodated reasonably well. This set the pattern for the period of continuing settlement of the Okanagan, well into the 20th century. How the People of the Okanagan Used Chinook Jargon The ever-increasing influx of White miners, then settlers, meant a constant increase in opportunities for local Native people to interact with the newcomers. Native people did not learn English overnight, and in fact it would seem that it took a few generations before fluency in it was widespread among them. Local histories time and again record attempts at communication like the following. 'I no go...Long time I no see Mary...Mary, he's no good.' Hayman 1988 '"Oh, bye 'n' bye... maybe next month when I catch 'urn good deerskin.'" Holliday 1948:149 Similarly, the Okanagan language was felt to be too difficult for White newcomers to learn (Holliday 1948:20). Chinook Jargon was for both groups the perfect remedy for the lack of a common language, and it was soon established as the local language to know.2 'Our Indians were the Okanogans. All of them were friendly. Their soft jargon soon became a familiar addition to our speech! Molson-Chesaw-Knob Hill Communities 1962. CJ was used in myriad situations, for example in many kinds of social contact as the following quotes show. [Mrs Boucherie from the Penticton reserve, saying her goodbyes before dying:] '... she said to me "Mika" (all the same) "Mika papoose" ("You are the same as my child.) I took off my hat and said "Nowitka, Mrs. Boucherie." ("Yes.")' Hayman 1988 [early 1900's] 114 OHS CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY '...I asked [one old Native lady] why she had to keep [her] kitten fastened up. / "Oh," she answered with a chuckle, "nika tum-tum nika tenas puss puss klatawa kopa bush; coyote mamloos." (Oh, I think my little cat would go into the bush, and a coyote kill him.) Holliday 1948:152 '"Spase mika potlatch He He ten-as tobacco. He He is kum hyre suiake P. He He Kirntux Mika hy-as Kloshe Tillicum Kapa He He," which in English would be: "If you give a little tobacco to He He she will have a good smoke, and know you are a good friend to her.'" Gwydir 2001:56-57 Jargon proved just as useful for important matters, like medical emergencies: [Dr. Paradise from New York, brought to an Indian reserve to assist at a birth:]said, "Tell them to get out." / "Mis-eye-ka Klatawa," I said. Four left. / "Tell her to lie down," the doctor ordered. / I told her "Mika Kickwillie copa yowa." / She asked me, "Mica Mamock, Nika Schleep!" (Put me to sleep.) I said, "Nowitka mica mamock." (Ill put you to sleep.) Hayman 1988 And local historians recount numerous examples of C J being used in business and work: '"Mika mammook nika pitcher ['Take my picture,' said to a photographer]'" Holliday 1948:349 'Within the hour a dozen men [ranch hands] marched in, welcoming Rosa [Casorso]...Her reply was Kla-how-ya, Chinook for "how do you do?" - the phrase her husband had taught her just the night before...It was satisfying to see each man...smack his lips and say, "Mahse", "thank you"! Casorso 1983 47 Even the missionaries, who had previously preached in the tribal language, now began conducting religious services in Jargon alongside Okanagan Salish (Holliday 1948:158-160), though at the mission school French is said to have been the language used (Buckland 1966:40). Father J.M.R. Le Jeune, OMI, who was based in Kamloops, wrote Okanagan hymnals and prayerbooks (like Le Jeune 1897, but the memory of the writer who thought 'Father LeJeune prepared dictionaries of the various Interior Salishan dialects' [Goodfellow 1958:20] is faulty). But he also published a newspaper in Chinook that circulated among Natives in the Okanagan and Cariboo. This was the Kamloops Wawa ('Kamloops Speaks'), remembered somewhat inaccurately but picturesquely by one writer: OHS 115 CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY 'Father Lejeune tried to translate the Lord's Prayer in Chinook for his following. / There is no word for "heaven" in Chinook, so he translated it "Our Father Who Is In The Above"! Hayman 1988 Kamloops Wawa represented the first Native literacy in the region, as First Nations people previously had no writing (Goodfellow 1958:21) other than pictographs. Le Jeune's newspaper was written in a unique shorthand alphabet, on a mimeograph machine: 'Finding difficulty in teaching Indians to read and write in Roman characters, he decided that hieroglyphics would be easier for them to grasp. As a shorthand writer, he prepared his own dictionary of Chinook characters and Indians in his school quickly caught on, becoming so efficient in reading that they [actually he] published a newspaper called The Kamloops Wawa - a Chinook word meaning "to speak, talk, or echo.'" Casorso 1983:33 Proof that Native people were eager to acquire the skills of writing and reading comes from the copies of Kamloops Wawa still to be found in the possession of many families, as well as from the existence of letters written in the shorthand by First Nations people. Some were even published in this newspaper, for example in Kamloops Wawa 1892. Other items of keen interest to the Native audience included news items from southern Interior BC reserve communities, and even a 64-page report of Le Jeune's journey to Europe with two Native chiefs in 1904. Another, later, use for Chinook that was characteristic of the Okanagan was as a sort of local insider's lingo. After the first years of settlement, it was a badge of honor to be a pioneer (or 'at least an oldtimer,' as Logie 1967:7 wryly notes). A foolproof way to claim that honor, once the frontier was just a memory, was to show knowledge of the Jargon.3 At the banquets of the Similkameen Historical Association, which continued annually for ten years until the outbreak of the Second World War in September, 1939, Sam Gibson always closed the proceedings with the Lord's Prayer in Chinook, and the National Anthem! Goodfellow 1958:20A This local linguistic pride is reflected also in the anecdote of a serviceman from Similkameen stationed in Wales in World War 2. This young man, called upon to speechify in Welsh at a social gathering, was unable, but finally bowed to pressure and addressed his audience in Jargon. The delighted response was, "Ah...you talk South Welsh!"' Goodfellow 1958:21 116 OHS CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY CJ'S MARK ON THE OKANAGAN5 Numerous regional placenames, such as Siwash ('Indian') Point; Mowitch [later Deer] Creek; the Hee Hee ('laughing') Stone still bear the imprint of Chinook Jargon. Perhaps less well remembered are the long-gone personalities everyone knew by colorful CJ names—Cultus ('no-good') Jim; Tenas (Tittle') George Runnels; Tenas Martin; Tenas Catherine—and the evocative Jargon names given even to boats, like the ferries Klatawa ('go') and Skookum ('powerful'). These are to be found everywhere in local histories, however, along with plenty of local English words that actually came from the Jargon. Many of these words are fading from memory now, or have come to have insulting connotations that lead to their disuse. Any list of such borrowings from Chinook into the region's English would need to include at least two dozen terms; a short list follows, compiled from the various works quoted above. Boston man: American camas: type of root cayuse: type of pony cheechako: newcomer, greenhorn chickamin: metal, coin Chinook wind: warm winter wind cooley cuitan: cultus: hel-hel: hias tyee: hykwa: iktas: illahie: keekwillie: King George man: kinnikinnik: klahowya: klootch/klootchman: koop-koop: olallie: sapolill flour: siwash: siwashed: skookum: skookum house: racing pony no-good type of gambling game head chief larger shell money belongings, goods land, country underground, underground house British, Canadian type of plant for smoking hello, goodbye woman, Native woman smaller shell money berry made from local roots 'Indian' '86ed' from a bar strong, excellent jail OHS 117 CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY At the present time [1950?], wherever Chinook is spoken, "Hy-kwa" denotes the Silver Dollar, half dollar, twenty-five cent piece or other large coin; while "Koop-koop" refers to dimes, nickels and Coppers. Hard money is also referred to as "Chick-a-min"...' Buckland 1966:16 Chinook Jargon has also contributed numerous words to the local Okanagan Salish language (see Mattina 1987), in fact too many to list here. It is remarkable that the Jargon should have left an equally strong mark on the Native language and that of the settlers. We should consider that fact a testament to the importance the 'fur trade' pidgin had in the daily lives of the entire Okanagan, not so long ago. Any student of this region's history, culture, language or any other subject will find traces of this lost language at every turn, and I hope to have conveyed how crucial Chinook was in the transition from an earlier era to our modern lifeways. Works Cited: Buckland, EM. 1966. Ogopogo's Vigil: The History of Kelowna and the Okanagan. Kelowna, BC: Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society. Bugslag, James. 1981. The Oblate Mission of the Immaculate Conception on Okanagan Lake. Victoria, BC: BC Heritage Conservation Branch. Casorso, Victor. 1983. The Casorso Story. Okanagan Falls, BC: Rima. Good, J.B. 1880. A Vocabulary and Outlines of Grammar of the Nitlakapamuk or Thompson Tbngue... Victoria, BC: s.n. Goodfellow, John. 1958. The Story of Similkameen, Vol. 1. Princeton, BC: s.n. Gwydir, Rickard D. 2001. Recollections from the Colville Indian Agency, 1886-1889. Spokane, WA: Arthur H. Clark. Hayman, Len. 1988. Captain Len's Ferry Tales of the Okanagan: The Early Okanagan Seen Through the Eyes of a Ferryman, Captain L.A. Hayman. Kelowna, BC: Bob Hayman. Hilderbrand, Sandra and the Oroville Community. 1991. Treasure in the Okinagan: Oroville Area History, Volume One. Oroville, WA: Sandra Hilderbrand. Holliday, C.W. 1948. The Valley of Youth. Caldwell, ID: Caxton. Kamloops Wawa. 1892. Number 10 (February 8). Le Jeune, J.M.R. 1897. Okanagan Manual. Kamloops, BC: s.n. Logie, Ted. 1967. Ted Tells (Okanagan) Tales: True Stories from Our Okanagan Pioneers. Penticton, BC: Penticton Herald. Mattina, Anthony. 1987. Colville-Okanagan Dictionary. Missoula, MT: University of Montana. (University of Montana Occasional Publications in Linguistics, number 5.) Molson-Chesaw-Knob Hill Communities. 1962. Okanogan Highland Echoes, s.l., WA. 118 OHS CHINOOK JARGON IN LOCAL HISTORIES OF THE OKANAGAN COUNTRY Thomason, Sarah G. and Terrence Kaufman. 1988. Language Contact, Creolization, and Genetic Linguistics. Berkeley: University of California. Transactions of the...Annual Reunion of the Oregon Pioneer Association. 1876-. s.L: E.M. Waite. Turkel, William J. 2003. Chinook Jargon Was Not a Fur Trade Language in Interior British Columbia. Ms., Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1 A general term for pidgin, Creole, mixed and other such languages, perhaps most eloquently propounded by Thomason & Kaufman. 2 Cf. also Casorso 1983:48. 3 The same custom is repeatedly mentioned in accounts of Oregon old- timers' reunions (Transactions 1876-). 4 Cf. also Holliday 1948:153. 5 To attribute every occurrence of the following CJ words in the local historical literature would add unduly to the length of my study. These words can be easily found by the researcher in the works cited. OHS 119 MOTHER NATURE LEAVES HER MARK Okanagan Mountain Park Fire - My Story by Brian Brown For British Columbia's southern interior, 2003 was the year of fire. For Kelowna and the South Okanagan, the memory of the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire will be branded on people's minds forever. The facts are known. A drought; a hot, dry summer; heavy fuel accumulations; a lightning strike ignites a fire in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park in the early morning of August 16, 2003. A month later, 25,925 hectares of forested landscape charred (including the entire park), 30,000 residents evacuated, 238 homes destroyed, twelve historic trestles in ashes, and a community responding to a natural disaster of historic proportions. Heavy helicopter dropping fire retardant on a Kettle Valley Railway trestle in an attempt to save it. (Courtesy Ministry of Forests) Brian Brown was born and raised in Kelowna. He acquired wildland fire suppression experience during his thirty-two years with the Forest Service. On August 17, 2003, he was called back to duty on the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire where, as support to the command team, he was a Fire Information Officer and later coordinated private land rehabilitation. 120 ohs OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY Much has been photographed, written and said about this "firestorm" of 2003. These stories and pictorials, as seen through the eyes of many, not only help shape our understanding of the circumstances and scope of this major event, but also form a future window into recorded history. Here is my story: a behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the events, and of people who tried to tame this monster. On August 16, the day the fire started, my family was camping on Lake Osoyoos, enjoying another hot summer's weekend. I was oblivious to the events that were beginning to unfold up the Valley. A number of lightning fires had been ignited, with two fires giving crews a difficult time. One was the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire; the other was a fire south of the Chute Lake Resort. The next day, forestry officials continued to acquire resources and build fire suppression infrastructure. The Okanagan Mountain Park Fire was now well beyond initial attack, and fire staff was now dealing with a project fire. 95% of wildland fires in British Columbia are contained at the initial attack phase, in other words, when they are caught small. Some aren't. Some just simply can't be. Conditions are such that no matter how fast or effective the response is, the weather (primarily wind) will control the situation. Mother Nature ultimately prevails. At about 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning my cell phone rang. It was Denis Gaudry, Fire Center Manager in Kamloops. He asked if I could help with a fire in Okanagan Mountain Park. They needed someone to be a Fire Information Officer, providing updates and briefing to the media. Within minutes we were packing up Burning Kettle Valley Railway trestle. (Courtesy Ministry of Forests) OHS 121 OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE -MY STORY our gear. I had been involved with a number of fire events, including the Garnet Fire of 1994, but nothing could have prepared me for this assignment. It is hard for people to imagine (or for me even to describe) the complexity and magnitude of rapidly building an organization and administrative structure from scratch to one hundred or more people in less than forty-eight hours. All this occurs in an emergency setting. People and equipment come from all over the Province. In addition to on-the-ground fire crews and equipment and command staff (those that oversee the fire), specialists are needed for logistics, finance, radio communications, first aid, mapping, information, aircraft coordination, etc. Crews have to be housed and fed. Radio repeaters are established on nearby mountains. Staging areas are set up for helicopters and heavy equipment. An office is established to house twenty or so support staff requiring phone lines, office equipment and the like. Just the coordination and communications amongst agencies is an immense undertaking. And as the fire grows, so does the organization and support infrastructure. How this all comes together in such a short time still continues to amaze me. The Okanagan Mountain Park Fire certainly must have tested the Ministry, especially given all of the other fires going on around the Province at the same time. Burning Kettle Valley Railway trestle. (Courtesy Ministry of Forests) 122 ohs OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY I was assigned to the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire from August 16 through to November 5. During my two and one-half months I worked closely with the Ministry of Forests' command team and members of the Emergency Operations Centre in both Kelowna and Penticton. My primary role was to provide timely and accurate information to the media and to do this I had to get information directly from those with decision-making authority. This put me in close contact with key members of the fire organization. If I were to summarize my impressions of the overall organization and its people, I would have to simply say - incredible! I don't like, or use, the term hero. I would characterize the Ministry of Forests, emergency services and volunteer staff that I came into contact with to be highly competent and dedicated - without exception. From what I observed, they operated to the best of their ability and in the best interests of local citizens. In fact, both individuals and groups did an outstanding job under the most challenging conditions. Here is some of what I experienced and observed. Brace yourself though; I only observed true professionalism and absolute dedication to the job at hand. If you want a critique of people or the organizations they work in, you will have to refer to other perspectives. Upon arrival at the Ministry's Penticton office I was greeted by Fire Zone Manager, Jim Mottishaw. The office, comprising a composite of trailers, was understandably busy, phones ringing, staff in and out, etc. Bernice Phillips seemed to have the office workings under control as she simultaneously responded to radio traffic, telephone calls and client enquiries, as well as finding time to help a colleague with the photocopy machine. Al Dean's desk was piled high with paper and his office plugged with equipment. I could tell he didn't sit at his desk much, as he was expediting tools and equipment for all of the fires in the zone. What an undertaking! It all appeared chaotic - but it clearly wasn't. These folks had been dealing with small and large fires all summer long and they were into a rhythm. I worked with Jim Mottishaw a number of years ago and had always viewed him as a competent fire specialist. He was now the Incident Commander for the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire and he had to quickly bring me up to speed as to his actions and strategies to prepare me for my new role of communicating to the media, and ultimately to the public. Over the days ahead, I would come to see this highly skilled individual as a remarkable and professional wildland fire fighter, second to none. Soon we were in a Canadian Helicopter Bell 206, off to fly ohs 123 OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY over the fire, with intentions to fly to Kelowna to brief the Kelowna Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC is made up of emergency services representatives along with other organizations impacted by, or having an interest in the fire. They cooperate and share information and strategies to ensure their individual efforts are coordinated and effective. I have seen many large fires, and at first glance this fire for the most part appeared typical. There was a heavy plume of smoke, lots of flame and candling trees. What Eric Stoof of Eclipse Helicopters Ltd. -, ,-. -, ,-, (Penticton) pilots his A. Star helicopter along Stmck me thoU¬ßh WaS the ter" the slopes above Glen Fir, dropping flames to rain it was burning in. There ignite dry fuels between the main fire parame- were Canyons, cliffs and rock ter and a control line established just north of outcropS and the fire was bum- the homes. This was a planned burn-off that -, -, . successfully stopped the fire from spreading m¬ß veiT hot " everywhere. As towards Naramata. The apparatus below the I looked at the Crews below, I helicopter is called a drip torch. (Courtesy Leo just Couldn't imagine how they Gllhch) were going to get a handle on this inferno. It was a dangerous fire in a very dangerous setting. The ministry speaks of "safety over mission," and who can argue with that - these hard working men and women are our sons and daughters. At the end of the day we want them home safe. My conversations with Jim were broken as his focus was clearly on the fire below. His manner was intense, continually on the 2-way radio speaking to his operations staff. Two of these staff members were Murray Henry and Leo Gillich. Each had a key sector of the fire, and was responsible for deploying crews and equipment. Listening in, I could quickly tell they were fighting a difficult battle. With this combination of fire, dry fuels and terrain, you need rain, and there was none in the forecast. Both Leo Gillich and Murray Henry were local ministry officials, each an experienced wildland fire specialist. As the fire expanded towards Kelowna and then to Naramata, Leo and Murray would continue with key operational roles on the fire. Days later, Leo Gillich would be credited with leading a risky 124 ohs OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY More photos of burning Kettle Valley Railway trestle. (Courtesy Ministry of Forests) burn-off operation in the Glen Fir area that many feel stopped the fire from spreading towards Naramata. He emphasizes that it was a team effort relying on skilled people like Bruce Jones of Gorman Bros. Ltd and local residents, including Tom Chapman and Dan Donohoe. Burn-off seems like a simple concept, but the actual operation is complex and very risky, entailing an expedited risk assessment (pros and cons) and planning (where to place the control line), immediate preparation (constructing the line and organizing resources), perfect timing as to when to burn, and the gut courage to make the decision to go. Gillich's team came through. The burn-off, or back-burn as it is also called, was a massive undertaking involving the construction of kilometers of bulldozer guard in a short period of time and the ignition of hundreds of hectares of forest fuel, in some cases within a couple of hundred meters of homes. The wind and timing had to be just right for the ignited fire to burn back from the guard towards the main fire. It ohs 125 OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY After light-up, the "back-fire" now burns towards the main fire, effectively removing the fuel and stopping the fire's southerly spread. You can see some of the residences of Glen Fir on the left part of the photo. These homes were saved by the burnoff. (Courtesy Leo Gillich) worked. The back-burn consumed fuels in the path of the main fire, stopping its progress towards Glen Fir, Indian Rock and Naramata. Adding to the complexity (in this same time frame), a huge battle was being undertaken to save the Chute Lake Resort and numerous cabins west and south of the lake. The three to four day assault involved ground crews (Ministry and Fire Departments), heavy equipment (dozers, skidders, excavators, water trucks), heavy helicopters and fixed wing air tankers. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes (weeks later) I wouldn't have believed that so many structures could have been saved. Trees and brush surrounded each building and the fire came within meters. When I talked to residents during my role in private land rehabilitation, many were both amazed and grateful. I remember one owner expressing his gratitude that fire staff spent so much time and effort protecting his cabin along Chute Creek. While old and small, his cabin has been in the family for two gen- 126 ohs OKANAGAN mountain park FIRE - MY STORY Both helicopter light-up and on-the-ground "hand" light-up were used around Paradise Ranch (North of Naramata). If a planned burn-off had not been conducted, the fire would have advanced through this area, consuming dry fuels in an uncontrolled and destructive manner. (Courtesy Leo Gillich) erations and decades of memories were now preserved. Most of the media attention logically focused on the northern sectors of the fire where regretfully Mother Nature took her toll. During many discussions I had with Ministry and Emergency Services personnel, I could sense the disappointment during those days when so many people lost their homes. Disappointment, I suppose, was that this fire was in fact controlling them. During those dramatic days when the fire attacked Kelowna, Murray Henry had the unenviable task of fending off this wall of flame. He was a Branch Director, a term used to describe the Ministry official having responsibility for a section of the fire line. Most people think of fighting fire in a simplistic way. "Bring in the Martin Mars water bomber, lots of fire fighters and dozers, and just put it out," thinking that more people, equipment and effort will guarantee success - it doesn't. Even in stable condi- ohs 127 OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE - MY STORY tions and good terrain the job is difficult. When there is a moving front of fire, in difficult terrain, the job is impossible. The perimeter of a large, moving fire is like a serpent with many heads; each with the potential to flare and strike at any time. Murray Henry and his crew had this huge serpent continuously breathing down their necks. During evening command team meetings I heard of their valiant attempts to establish control lines, having to pull back many times due to volatile fire conditions. Officials contend that their persistent efforts did in fact save many homes. Many such battles occurred along the 234 kilometers of fire perimeter with many stories yet to be told. What an honour it was to work so closely with such hard working and professional people. In such dangerous conditions, it was truly amazing that no one was seriously injured. I can only assume these folks had their priorities right. The next day: The burnoff was a complete success. This picture taken from across Okanagan Lake shows the same burn area the very next day. While there is a great deal of hard work on the ground cooling down hot spots along the constructed control lines, the fire's southerly spread has been effectively stopped. (Courtesy Leo Gillich) 128 ohs And Before The Fire- Pippy's Beach by Michael Painter The Okanagan Mountain fire of 2003 encompassed nearly all of the area where I hiked and hunted and fished while I was growing up during the Depression and World War II. I watched the televised news of the fire from my home in White Rock, and each report brought back memories of times spent in the places that were now being turned to ash. The report of the narrow escape of firefighters as the blaze swept over Bertram Creek triggered a flood of recollections. I realized that probably not many people today would know how Bertram Creek got its name, and that there are probably fewer still who would know that a nearby beach was called Pippy's, even though both have a connection to Charles Mair, an important Canadian historical figure. This article, then, is to tell a bit about the Bertram Creek area and to elaborate on a brief reference that I made to Pippy's Beach in a piece I wrote for the 64th Report of the Okanagan Historical Society. My own memories of Bertram Creek go back about seventy- five years. My parents and I lived on Sherborne Ranch, where Dad worked for Brook Haverfield. Brook's fruit ranch was on forty acres east of Chute Lake Road, which in those days ran due north down the hill to join Lakeshore Road. This straight stretch of road, with the entrance to Sherborne Ranch about two thirds of the way up it, was known locally as Haverfield's Hill, a name which never made it onto maps. Today, Chute Lake Road leaves Lakeshore Road further east. It angles across what used to be the lower part of Sherborne Ranch in order to ease the former ten percent grade, eliminating Haverfield's Hill in the process. The name is probably remembered now only by a dwindling number of people like myself who bobsledded down the hill in winter or pushed a bike up it on a hot summer day. In the 1930's, on many summer Sundays, my parents and I would walk down Haverfield's Hill and then down a path to the Born in Kelowna in 1928, Michael Painter grew up in Okanagan Mission. A Professional Forester and Engineer, his work took him to the Coast. Now retired and living in White Rock, he still takes an active interest in the history of the Okanagan. ohs 129 AND BEFORE THE FIRE - PIPPY'S BEACH Crichtons, who lived at the bottom of what is now Crichton Road. The Crichtons kindly let us keep our twelve foot clinker-built boat on their beach. We'd load the boat with lunch and fishing gear, and propelled by our little one and one-half horsepower Evinrude, would head eight miles down the lake to visit J.C. Clarence at Horse Creek. Then Dad and I would flyfish off the rocky shore while my mother would turn over beach pebbles looking for arrowheads and agates. Half way down to Horse Creek, we would pass the bay into which Bertram Creek flows, and which is shown in the century old postcard that is reproduced here. We called this the start of the rocks - the point at which the lakeshore west of Okanagan Mission became mostly bedrock with small beaches in between, and the point at which fishing started to become promising. When the war came, Mr. Clarence moved to a cabin beside Bertram Creek. The Goldsmiths owned the house west of Bertram Creek (a bit of it can be seen just to the left of the point in the middle distance in the accompanying postcard), and the property just east of Bertram Creek, including the cabin Mr. Clarence occupied. I think the reason Mr. Clarence moved here was that he was getting on, and Molly Goldsmith was alone until her husband, Bosun, returned from the war. This arrangement gave each of them someone within a few hundred feet to call on if they needed help. During the war, I used to bike down to visit Mr. Clarence whenever schoolwork and farm chores allowed. He taught me to shoot (he had been a tester for Dominion ammunition and was a crack shot) and shared his vast store of woods lore with me. I roamed the hills around Bertram Creek with his superbly trained spaniels, hunting grouse in season, and fished for hours off the point in front of Goldsmith's house. One weekend during the 1943 deer hunting season, early pioneer Leon Gillard spent the night at Mr. Clarence's cabin so as to get an early start on hunting the hills behind. To my delight, I was invited to go along and overnighted in the cabin with them. Next morning we breakfasted in the dark and went out into a sleet storm at first light. As Leon and I climbed up the Bertram Creek draw, the snow got drier and started to squeak as my feet compressed it. Leon kindly showed me how to slide my feet into it at an angle and thus travel nearly silently. We didn't see any deer, but it was an exciting day for me. I've since thought how it illustrates the shortness of the history of non-natives in the Okanagan. Although Stuart was the first non-native to arrive in 1811, little happened except the passing through of fur brigades until Father Pandosy became the first settler in 1859. Only about three dozen families had arrived before Leon Gillard came to the Okanagan in 1882 (when his uncle, August, was still running horses on what is 130 ohs AND BEFORE THE FIRE - PIPPY'S BEACH now downtown Kelowna). Thus, when Leon died in 1965, he had really seen the vast majority of all the changes that non-natives had wrought in the Okanagan up until that time, and I, with a thirty-seven year overlap with Leon, have seen the changes up until the present. There must be many other cases where two lives similarly span nearly all the non-native history of the Okanagan. Getting back to the naming of Bertram Creek, it was called after Bertram E. Crichton. Bert Crichton came to the Okanagan in 1892. He was from a prominent British family and his uncle was the Scottish scholar and adventurer, "The Admirable" Crichton. Bert married Maude Mair, the eldest daughter of Charles Mair, of whom I will write more in a moment. The Crichtons owned all the property on the bay into which the creek flows (just about everything shown on the postcard). In 1904, Bert built the house by the point in the postcard (later owned by the Goldsmiths). He sold a year later and built "Sylvan Heights" on the bench west of Cedar Creek. Later he sold again and moved to a smaller house at the foot of Crichton Road. There are more details on Bert Crichton in Primrose Upton's "The History of Okanagan Mission" in the 30th Report of the Okanagan Historical Society. Bert died on September 25, 1963 (obituary in the 27th Report of the OHS). and my father was one of his pallbearers. Bert's father-in-law, Charles Mair, was a Canadian poet, with "Tecumseh" being one of his major works. He was also co-founder of the Canada First Party, which was pushing for the incorpora- Near Pippy's Beach. Postcard published by G.H.E. Hudson, c. 1907. (Courtesy the author) OHS 131 AND BEFORE THE FIRE - PIPPY'S BEACH tion of what is now Manitoba, into Canada. This put him on a col- lison course with Louis Riel and the Metis, and he was impri- sioned by Riel and threatened with execution, but made a dramatic escape. A biography, "Charles Mair Literary Nationalist" by Professor Norman Shrive, was published in 1965 by the University of Toronto Press. Charles Mair moved from eastern Canada to Kelowna in 1892 and put up one of the first five stores on Bernard Avenue in Kelowna. An article on his Okanagan sojourn by Art Gray was published in the 34th Report of the OHS. He later returned to the east and eventually came back and died in Victoria in 1927. It was his stay in the Okanagan that gave a small strand of pebbles the unofficial name of Pippy's Beach. The beach is at the east end of the bay into which Bertram Creek flows. In the postcard it is just over the edge of the road behind the standing woman's head. The postcard photo was probably taken soon after the road was built in 1907. Lakeshore Road today is in much the same location, although widened and paved. The beach is easily identified from the lake because it is just west of the first place south of Kelowna where bedrock forms the shoreline. The shore south from Kelowna to Okanagan Mission and west to beyond Cedar Creek is either sand, pebbles or small rocks. At the end of the clay cliffs west of Cedar Creek the first bedrock outcropping forms the shore, just where the road descends to the Bertram Creek area. The little beach beyond this bedrock was where the Crichtons liked to picnic and apparently it was a favourite of Charles Mair too. The Mair girls' pet name for their father was Pippy, and so the beach became known to the Mairs and Crichtons and their friends as Pippy's Beach. It was never recorded as such on a map, but seventy-five years ago there were dozens of people who knew it by that name. They had picnics there with the Crichtons - quite an expedition, with the Crichton's boat being loaded with deck chairs, cushions, parasols, hampers of cucumber and tomato sandwiches, and Mrs. Crichton's scones, and tea in thermoses - I still think of it as Pippy's Beach. Although the Okanagan Mountain fire has changed much of the area, Bertram Creek and Pippy's Beach are still there, with their little known connection to the Riel Rebellion. 132 ohs Armstrong Spallumcheen's Public Health Nurse— Lydia Doris Boss (nee Penner) 1912 - 2003 by her son, Roy Boss Lydia Boss was born Lydia Doris Penner on October 15,1912 in Neuschoensee, near the Black Sea in Russia. When she was just nine years old, her father was told by the military that if he wished to keep his home and property that he would have to denounce his Christian faith. He refused to do this, and so the family had no choice but to abandon all that they had worked so hard for, and fearing for their lives, were forced to leave the country, hiding in cornfields and travelling in freight boxcars with other emigrants. In 1923 they re-established their lives in Herbert, Saskatchewan. Following her parents' wishes, Lydia trained as a teacher, and taught for two years for little and sometimes no pay in Saskatchewan. Deciding that this was not what she wanted to do, she entered nurses training at Winnipeg General Hospital. Following graduation she nursed in Manitoba, then Chilliwack. She continued her studies at the University of British Columbia where she trained as a public health nurse. Lydia arrived in Armstrong, B.C. in 1947 as one of the area's first public health nurses. She served schools and the community in a large area that included Falkland and Fintry as well as greater Armstrong. It was here at one of the regular old-time dances that she met Rawleigh Boss, a local dairy farmer and member of a pioneer family. They were married in 1950 and later had two sons, Roy who is a school principal in Coquitlam and Gary, who still lives in Armstrong. Gary was born with Downs Syndrome, and as he got older, Lydia realized the need for proper education facilities for children with such disabilities. Through the support of the local Kinsmen, she and Rawleigh were among the founders and developers of Kindale School, which drew clients from other neighbouring communities as well. They were very active in this organization, taking a keen interest over the years in supporting handicapped people in any way they could. Over the years the facility grew and evolved into Kindale Centre, Roy Boss is Lydia's elder son. He is the Principal of Mundy Road Elementary School in Coquitlam, and currently lives in Port Coquitlam with his wife and three teenaged children. ohs 133 TRIBUTES which now services approximately one hundred adults with disabilities, and is a well-known and popular fixture in the community of Armstrong Spallumcheen. In honour of her hard work and dedication with the Kindale association, a proposed future complex is to be named the Lydia Boss Centre. Lydia was also an accomplished artist who particularly enjoyed producing landscapes, working primarily with oils and watercolours. Her paintings can be found in many local homes, and one of her works is hanging Lydia Boss (nee Penner). (Courtesy Rawleigh hi the B.C. Registered Nurses' Boss) Association Building in Vancouver. While she gave away numerous paintings as gifts, she never accepted money for any of them. She continued to be an active member and supporter of the local Art Club well into her eighties and she was once recognized as their Painter of the Month. In addition to her love of art and a thirty-five year career as a public health nurse, she was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Shrine Club, the United Church Women, and was a supporter of a wide variety of other community events and organizations. Lydia was a devoted mother who always found time to be involved in her sons' many endeavours. She cherished the precious time that she was able to spend with her daughter-in-law Donna and her grandchildren Shanna, Traci and Andrew. With Lydia's passing on December 26, 2003 the community of Armstrong Spallumcheen lost one of its most vital and well- respected citizens. 134 ohs TRIBUTES A Brief History of M. Arnold Churchill 1920 - 2003 by his daughter Ann Churchill Thomson -Fort St. John, B. C. (Submitted by Mary Ellison Bailey) Arnold was born April 8, 1920 in Vernon, B.C., and passed away April 21, 2003 in Fort St. John, B.C. He was the middle child in a family of three children, with an older sister Dorothy and younger brother Jack. Both of Arnold's parents were Nova Scotia born and raised, coming from a generation of Canadian sailors. His father was a civil engineer who built railroads and came out west circa 1908. His father returned to Nova Scotia in 1913 to marry his high school sweetheart and bring her back west. In 1914, he went overseas to serve in the First World War. The family settled on a small farm in the Okanagan, but followed their father on his jobs, so Arnold's schooling took place in Oyama and Kamloops, B. C. and Edson and Calgary, Alberta. The family always returned to the farm in Oyama for the summers, where Arnold learned about gardening, orchard work, cattle and his beloved horses. Always an outdoor boy, it was in Edson that he forged a deep love for the woodsman's craft and trapping, emulating his idol, Grey Owl. The seeds of nature conservation were planted in the Okanagan, germinated in Alberta and came to full flower in the wilds of Northern B.C. He took part in the Kelowna Regattas and was an excellent swimmer and diver. One summer, when he was fourteen, he took his horse up to Cougar Canyon and camped. There he killed and ate a rattlesnake that measured 6' 2" with the head cut off, when the Boone and Crockett record was for a much smaller snake. In 1939 Arnold joined the Canadian Air Force and trained to be a pilot. He was loaned to the RAF and became the sergeant- pilot of a Wellington bomber crew. He had many amazing stories about those years and in the midst of the horror could always find a bit of humor. 1943 saw him change careers and go from pilot in Europe, to stoker for the Canadian Navy in the South Pacific. He served aboard the destroyer, the HMCS Uganda for the remainder of the war. As written by his daughter for the staff of a care home so they would treat him as a person instead of just another body. ohs 135 TRIBUTES Upon discharge in 1945, he returned to the farm in Oyama and spent his veteran's earnings on fruit trees. He planted an orchard of mainly cherries, with apricots, plums, pears and peaches. He also added electricity to the old house and oversaw an addition of a bathroom and a new kitchen. On August 17, 1947, Arnold married Joan Burris. They met in Kamloops when he was in grade 4 and Joan was in grade 3 and were sweet on each other then. Arnold's family moved away from Kamloops that year and they didn't see each other again until 1947! It was meant to be! Arnold and Joan started married life in Oyama, but in 1949 the lure of the north called them to Peace River. Arnold worked in the oil patch, starting with roughneeking and working his way up. He became a "fisherman", fishing tools out of the hole for Eastman and the family moved around a lot. Two children were born, Ann in 1952 and John in 1953, both in Regina. After Ann finished kindergarten in Dawson Creek they thought they would move back to Kamloops where Arnold drove a school bus and city bus for a year and a half. Yet, life in the city was much too civilized for him and so it was back to the north, this time to settle in Charlie Lake and work for the Department of Mines. Their home in Charlie Lake always had many kids in and out. There was always something interesting happening there, and no kid would be ignored if they had a question or a problem. Rig inspections took him all over the north, and he had many a tale to tell of the experiences he had while traveling those old rig roads. A number of times, his vast knowledge of the bush saved him and many others he found along the way. Arnold received an award for over a million safe miles on rig roads. His travels brought him in contact with native people and he was genuinely interested in their way of life, swapping many a story over a tea pail bubbling on the side of the road. His love of horses and the wilderness, led him to retire from the "Mines" in 1965 when he purchased a big game territory at Muncho Lake and begin a new life of shepherding foreign hunters through the mountains. The animals in Arnold's territory were pretty safe, as he believed in harvesting only those that the country could not maintain. At the same time, he bought land at Mile 64 on the Alaska Highway and that is still the cherished homestead. For six months of the year Arnold would be in the mountains while the family stayed on the ranch. John eventually left school to join him on the hunts and take correspondence. Joan who studied music at Western University, in the meantime had a thriving group of budding piano students in Fort St. John who 136 ohs TRIBUTES kept her busy. Arnold not only worked guiding but also had a trap line at Muncho, and rode second in the ambulance along the highway. He was a member of the St. John Ambulance and was pretty good at throwing a diamond half-hitch on anything. When he was home his driving skills would come in handy to take Ann's sports teams and cheerleaders to and from tournaments. Sadly in 1974 he lost his only son John, at the age of twenty. Arnold scheduled his hunts in August of 1975 so he could be home for his daughter's wedding. In 1978, much to their great joy, they saw the arrival of their first grandson, Steven and then in Feb. of 1982 another grandson David. In 1982 he sold his area and he and Joan "retired to the old place in Oyama. Arnold dove right back into the life of an orchardist, rising at 5:30 every morning to change sprinklers (once every twelve hours). Besides working an orchard he still had time for the old people in the community, driving them here and there and doing little kindnesses all over. A charter member of the Oyama Branch of the Legion, he maintained his membership there all through the years. He also entertained his grandsons every summer. Steven and David were joined by twin brothers Max and Marc in 1985. The grandsons living in the north were just too much to be apart from, so back to the north the Churchills moved in 1992 right onto the old farm at "64". He supported his grandsons enthusiastically whether it was soccer, Tae Kwon Doh, speed skating, piano and violin, swimming or basketball. He attended numerous games, recitals and tournaments but the focus wasn't all on his cherished grandsons. Arnold sat on the LRMP and his input and extensive knowledge of the north was very valuable. Arnold con- Arnold M. Churchill, 1920-2003. (Courtesy Frank Stevens) ohs 137 TRIBUTES tinued to have his horses and sled dogs until 2002 when his last old horse was put out to pasture. He had been on oxygen for nearly four years and although losing his sight due to macular degeneration, he still maintained his sense of humour and interest in life. He was thin but tough! Arnold was raised in the Anglican church, raised his children Anglican but maintained a deep conviction that we are all God's creatures and each must worship as they feel best. Always he felt closest to God in the great outdoors or "God's cathedral". He greatly admired Pastor Al Stebing and considered himself one of Al's Charlie Lake flock. They were kindred spirits. Everyone enjoyed Arnold. He was a very interesting and intelligent man, full of fascinating stories, of interest to all age groups. His great desire was always to help his fellow man. 138 ohs TRIBUTES Kenneth Bertram Day July 13, 1938 - April 26, 2004 by his son, Steven Day The Kelowna farm community was stunned and saddened by the death on April 26, 2004 of life-long orchardist Ken Day. Born in Kelowna on July 13, 1938, Kenneth Bertram Day was the fourth son of George Day, who was also born in Kelowna, in 1899, and Kathleen Day (nee McCarthy), who was born in Winfield in 1907. He was raised, along with brothers Art, Ernie, Max and Colin, and sister Kathleen, on the Rutland orchard owned by their parents. At a young age, as he worked with his family, a strong work ethic and a love for farming was instilled into Ken. He attended school in Rutland, and at the age of seventeen purchased ninety acres of raw land in South Kelowna from his father. He proceeded to clear the land, and over the next decade planted orchards on this property. During this time Ken grew and sold orchard nursery stock with his father, George, and was thus able to use some of these trees to plant his own land. While waiting for his orchard to come into production, he sold gravel from one portion of the farm. Ken also worked on the family orchard back in Rutland, and in gravel pits owned by Jack Serwa and Jack Bedford. In 1962 Ken married Ann Holzman, daughter of Oyama orchardists John and Anna Holzman. The young couple moved from Rutland to their new home in South Kelowna in 1966. Ken and Ann raised three children, Laura, Steven and Michael, on their orchard where Ken lived the remainder of his life. All three children still live in Kelowna, and work in the day-to-day operation of the family farm. In 1979, Ken purchased the Byrns Road pear orchard that his father and mother had retired to, and further expanded the Byrns Road operation in 1986 by purchasing another orchard from his long-time friend, Bill Cameron. At the same time, he acquired a portion of the old Wilkinson farm. In 2000, a portion of the Munson family farm was added to Ken's holdings, and planted to pear trees. The Day family farm had now Steven was born and raised in the South Kelowna area. For the past eighteen years, he has worked with his father on their land, having the same love for farming, and the same strong work ethic, that has been passed down through the past two generations. Steven is married to Dawna, and they have three children. ohs 139 TRIBUTES Ken Day on his sundeck at his South Kelowna home. (Courtesy the Day family) grown to 150 acres of apples and pears, making Ken one of the largest pear growers in the valley. Ken Day knew Kelowna in a different and much slower era. As a boy, getting across the lake involved a ferry or boat ride. There were no traffic lights, and wildlife was everywhere and abundant. He saw many changes in Kelowna and the valley, and was always a strong advocate for the farm community. He recognized the value, both economically and socially, of a sustainable agricultural industry, and campaigned that cause at every opportunity. His chosen occupation was something of which he was very proud. Ken recognized very early in his career the priceless value of water in the Okanagan Valley. For twenty-seven years he was on the board of the South East Kelowna Irrigation District, many of those years as chairman. He was very involved in the expansion and upgrades to the district, and pushed hard to have irrigation meters installed in the early 1990's. Ken spent time on packinghouse boards, was an active member of the Capri Rotary Club, and a founding member of the Central Okanagan Foundation. Ken Day lived his life in the Kelowna area as a well-liked and respected businessman, but his life was always centered around Ann, his wife of forty-two years, their children, and their eight grandchildren. He loved growing fruit, and also many outdoor activities, including skiing and snowmobiling. In recent years he enjoyed travelling, but always looked forward to coming home to the valley he loved. Ken was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Max. He was laid to rest beside his parents, and within sight of his grandparents, in the Kelowna Memorial Cemetery. Ken will always be remembered for the kindness and generosity he showed to everyone. The gift of his time was always given to anyone he met, and that made him a very special and unforgettable man. He will be missed. 140 ohs TRIBUTES Edith Roberta (Topsy) Gee/Philip 1913 - 2003 by son Tbm Gee ^opsy was born February 18, 1913 in a tent hospital in Penticton, B.C. (or so she said), and died October 31, 2003 at JL McKinney Place Extended Care unit in the Oliver Hospital. Her parents were Walter George Abel, an apprentice baker late of Lancastershire, England, and Annie Rae (nee Close), a young Irish colleen from eastern Canada. As a young child, Annie Rae was inadvertently indentured to the stationmaster in Pilot Mound, Manitoba, but by fifteen or sixteen, she had met and married Abel and started a family in Penticton. How they came to that spot in geography and time is a mystery today. With their son, Bill, and baby Topsy, the family moved to Strasbourg, Sask. and set up or purchased a bakery business. Subsequently, a second daughter, Bernice, and three more sons, Walter, Lloyd and Alan, were born. About the time Topsy finished high school, the family moved down the line to a bakery in Cupar, Sask. Some of Topsy's fondest reminiscences were of working in the bakery with her dad. In Cupar, Topsy met and married Maurice (Mike) Gee, who had no sooner started ^^^Srt^^^SyT farming his parent's farm than WW II broke out and the young couple moved with their new son, Tommy, to an Ontario airbase where Mike, now a corporal in the RCAF, worked as an aero-engines mechanic. After the war, Topsy and Mike moved to Osoyoos where her parents had retired and her brother Bill owned an orchard. Mike found employment working as a mechanic in Emory Motors. Subsequently, number two son, David, was born. Topsy became President of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Guide Captain, and ultimately Girl Guide Commissioner for the South Okanagan. Dr. Tbm Gee, Tbpsy's elder son, was raised in Osoyoos, and retired to Osoyoos several years ago. He currently spends most of his time writing, skiing or wind-surfing. OHS 141 TRIBUTES Upon Mike's death in 1954, Topsy enrolled in Teachers College, first in UVic and then UBC, where she finished her degree. Topsy taught school in Greenwood, Hudson Hope (where she met and ultimately married Alex Philip), Kitimat, Telegraph Creek, Kamloops and Cranbrook. She and Alex learned Esperanto, the international language, and traveled during their summers to various European centers to attend Esperanto conferences. Upon retiring as teacher librarians, they moved to Rotterdam, Netherlands, to establish the International Esperanto Library there, and then to travel in Europe and the British Isles, speaking to Esperanto groups about Canada. They ultimately retired to Victoria in 1979, and returned to Osoyoos in 1988. 142 ohs TRIBUTES Joan King 1930 - 2003 by members of the Oliver-Osoyoos Branch, O.H.S. with information provided by Joanps husband, Harold King. Long time naturalist, Joan King, died December 20, 2003 at her home in Oliver, B.C. Joan was born September 21, 1930 in Vancouver. She was married for fifty-two years to Harold King and provided unflagging support to him at all times, most especially in the long years of his work on the LRMP for the Naturalists' Federation. Joan's life was devoted to tending her family and her garden on their farm in Oliver. She was an active member of the Oliver- Osoyoos Naturalist Club and Warden of both the Haynes' Lease Ecological Reserve and the Field's Lease Ecological Reserve for twenty-three years. Joan was a knowledgeable birder who assisted in organizing the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in Oliver and Osoyoos for twenty years, as well as teaching birding and botany to Elderhostellers for ten years. Joan was a founding member of the Osoyoos Joan King. (Courtesy Harold King) Desert Society and volun teered as a receptionist at the Centre the summers of 2002 and 2003. She was also active in the Osoyoos Anglican Church, The Oliver Heritage Society, the Oliver Garden Club, the South Okanagan Hospital Auxiliary and Girl Guides. In addition, Joan often made available her expertise in local geography and history to the Oliver/Osoyoos Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society. Over the years, Joan's attendance at all cultural and community events has been noted by all who knew her. That she will no longer be present at these concerts, conferences, or planning ses- ohs 143 TRIBUTES sions will leave a serious absence in our community. Her gifts of flowers, produce, and friendship, will be sorely missed. Joan leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Harold, daughters Kathy Patt (Jack) and Dr. Diane Patt, son Ron King (Bobbi), grandchildren Shane, Amanda, Tim, Rob, Ryan and Dana, Dale and Charlie, sisters Irene Marsaw (Thorold) and Mary Shumate and many nieces and nephews. Joan By Kathy Patt If we could bring her back we would, But not to cancer's pain. We never will forget our Mum Nor see her like again. She knew that she was going home, She showed no sign of fear, And she is watching over those She left behind back here. She knows we mourn, She knows we must But sorrow too will pass. The spring will come again to bring New buds, new birds, new grass. She loved us all, We loved her too, But life continues on. She's safe and warm in Jesus' care And waiting for us there. Our task is now to reach beyond The pain and find at length New joys to share, new work to do, New love, new hope, new strength. 144 ohs TRIBUTES Leona (Moen) McClure by June Griswold a pioneer of the Springbend area, Leona (Moen) McClure /\ passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jl -kjanuary 26, 2004 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm. Leona was born February 22, 1906 in Ohaton, Alberta to Albert and Ingeborg Nelson, the youngest of eight children. Her mother passed away when she was three months old. Leona was raised by her father and her two oldest sisters. Leona's future husband Odin Moen moved with his family from South Dakota to a farm near Bawlf, Alberta when he was a young boy. When WWI began he returned to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. army, and returned to Canada when the war was over. In 1929 he and Leona were married in Edmonton. Their first daughter Ardys was born in Ohaton. In the mid 1930s they moved to Vancouver, British Columbia for a couple years; then to Kelowna where Odin worked for a short time with the City of Kelowna and in orchards and packing houses. In October 1945 they purchased a farm in the Springbend area, north of Enderby, on Hadow Road where they had a few cows and shipped cream to Salmon Arm. Odin also worked in the bush for McAmmond Logging Company near Enderby. Their son James was born in Enderby Hospital in 1946. In 1948 Odin passed away in Vancouver General Hospital after a short illness. Leona and her children, with help from Odin's Uncle Henry from Alberta, and Leona's cousin Mearl Nelson from South Dakota ran the farm for years. Henry lived with them from 1949 to 1966 when he passed away. Mearl lived with them from 1951 until he passed away in 1974. Ardys, Marion and Betty attended the Springbend School. The Springbend School was closed in 1950, so James attended school in Enderby. June Griswold and her husband Harry moved to the Springbend area in 1990. They moved from Kaslo where June was secretary for the Kootenay Lake Historical Society for eighteen years. June helped start the "Save Our Ship" campaign for the S.S. Moyie sternwheeler. She continues to be interested in history, especially of the area where she lives. ohs 145 TRIBUTES Their closest neighbours were Salts, Welchs, Paynes, Edmunds, Ludwigs, Ducketts, Jefcoats, Lotts and Bill Quinn. Neighbours would visit and enjoy playing cards for entertainment. Leona had an old sow that would escape from the pig pen whenever Leona and her family would go to visit the neighbours. When it was time for the family to go home, the sow would be waiting at the neighbour's door. The family would take the shortcut home, but the sow would not take the shortcut, so Leona and the sow had to walk the long way home. The family have a picture of their mother riding on a pig. In 1973 Leona married Ed McClure and moved to another location on the farm and lived there for over 20 years. Due to Ed's failing health they moved to Enderby in 1997. Ed moved to Parkview Place where he passed away in 2001. Leona moved to Marywood Apartments where she lived until September, 2003 when she moved back to the farm to spend her last few months with her son and daughter-in-law. Besides Odin and Ed Leona was predeceased by sisters Geneva, Elvie and Elvira, brothers, Haley, Clarence, Oral, Arthur and son-in-law Frank Peterson. A Celebration of Life was held at the Enderby Legion February 6, 2004 by her daughters: Ardys Moen (Ron), Marion (Otto) Pipke, Betty Peterson, her son James (Sandra) Moen, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Leona will always be remembered for her strength, words of wisdom, and unconditional LOVE and devotion to her family. Leona McClure, 2001. (Courtesy Betty Peterson) 146 ohs TRIBUTES Mary Frances Cicely Morrison (nee Tutt) by her daughter Sheila Sullivan Fran was the loving wife of John (Jack) Morrison, a current Life Member, Director, advocate and longtime supporter of the Okanagan Historical Society. She herself also participated as a member of the Society, working alongside Jack over the years. On December 2, 2003, Jack and Fran had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mary Frances Cicely Morrison (nee TUtt) passed away peacefully on January 21, 2004 in Vernon, B.C., at eighty years of age. Known to many as "Jingy", she was born and raised in Kelowna, the eldest daughter of Duncan and Nellie (Hereron) Tutt. Her parents were early pioneers in the Kelowna area and are best known for operating Tutt's Dairy, located on the corner of Pandosy (Pendozi) Street and KLO Road in the early 1900's. The Tutt family moved on to orcharding and ranching in Glenmore where a family ranch is still in operation to-day. Six brothers and sisters including Hilary, Gerry, David, Michael, Stacy and Brian- all residing in the Kelowna area, survive her. She was predeceased by her elder brother Charles Henry Tutt on January 11, 2000 in Trail, B.C. Fran had a remarkable entrance into this world- she was born two months premature on June 1, 1923, weighing just four pounds, and was sent home from hospital two weeks later at a mere three pounds. In those days, her chances of full development and survival were perceived to be limited. Yet, she challenged life with such zest, she left in Jack's care at the time of her passing, a family legacy of ten children, twenty-nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Growing up, Fran was truly a "free spirit" who loved to ride her horse Gypsy or her favourite bicycle through all the back alleys and roadways in Kelowna. During her elementary school years she studied piano under the guidance of Mrs. Atcheson, passing all her Trinity College music exams, loving the experience, and later filling her own home with the joyful sounds of the piano. As part of her youth, she also embraced her religious training as a Roman Catholic, a faith she truly loved and role- modeled all the years of her life. It was in 1938, in her Grade Nine year, she met the "love of her life"- Jackie Morrison- the only child of Thomas and Rita (Maxwell) Morrison. They were high school sweethearts from that ohs 147 TRIBUTES point on. Jingy finished her Grade Eleven, then took a business course and went to work for Okanagan Loan and Investments. Jack had left school at the end of Grade Ten and worked for George Weeden as a mechanic. He joined the Air Force in September 1942, completed his pilot's training in November 1943 and obtained a Commission. At this point, he returned to Kelowna and on December 2, 1943, he and Fran were married in Immaculate Conception Church. Shortly thereafter, Jack travelled east to take his training as a flying instructor and was posted to #10 Service Flying Training School at Clairesholm, Alberta. Jingy joined him there in April of 1944. Their first daughter was born in Claresholm in 1944. Thus began the family legacy with an additional nine children following (eight girls and two boys) over the next sixteen years. In the spring of 1945, Fran returned to Kelowna, and Jack was moved East to Ontario. When the war ended, Jack joined Fran in Kelowna and returned to work for Weeden Garage. They remained in Kelowna until the fall of 1947 when they purchased their first home on Highway 97, close to the Crossroads (Reid's) Corner. In 1953, they purchased the home and part of Henry Ford's orchard on Leathead Road. These were happy years for Fran- as wife and mother, she managed a large and busy household, including a large garden, and preserved over 1,000 jars of produce each summer to keep the family healthy and well-fed. Jack started an automotive business partnership in Vernon in the early 1960's. The family moved to Vernon after building a new home there in August of 1966. Just prior to the Vernon move, Fran and Jack were actively involved in the Rutland Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.). They played a strong supporting role in the introduction into the local school system of "kindergarten". When the Ministry of Education introduced a training programme at the local Kelowna College to produce qualified kindergarten teachers, Fran enrolled and graduated from the programme. To her surprise, her first year in Vernon, she ended up as the kindergarten teacher at St. James Catholic School (with thirty-five children in her class). She continued to teach at St. James for the next ten years (1966 to 1976). During the early 1970's, Fran also was a key player in establishing "Learning Disabilities" Associations in the Vernon area and throughout the Okanagan Valley. She worked with a dynamic team including Lloyd Mitchell, Dr. A. Sovereign and Sister Carmelita from the Sisters of St. Ann. Fran held a special kinship to those children needing extra care and attention, and always found the time to support and encourage their learning and development. 148 ohs TRIBUTES Both Fran and Jack were actively involved in the Scouting Movement in Vernon. Fran became the first person in B.C. to start Beavers- an organization for younger boys, linked to the Scouting Movement. As a natural leader, she achieved her "Gilwell scarf and beads" in scouting and was instrumental in training other Beaver leaders, establishing colonies in a number of communities: OK Landing, Lumby and Sicamous. In 1978-79, she was recognized and awarded the Vernon Bill Fulton Trophy for outstanding leadership in this area. Her commitment to her church community continued to grow throughout her life. In May 2004, she would have celebrated her 60th year as a member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL). She also studied and worked as a Hospice Volunteer in the Vernon area for many years, supplementing this work by being a Eucharistic Minister in the church, allowing her to bring Holy Communion to the sick and dying. This ministry gave her great joy as she discovered that helping others in need also helped her to grow stronger in her own faith. Her family thank her for her deep faith in God, which seemed to flow from deep within her like water from an artesian well and which she splashed on them so generously. She will be remembered for her many special gifts including her generous and unconditional love for her family, her love of children and her ability to become one of them at a moment's notice. She had an intuitive sense of knowing when people were suffering and would phone and say, "Hello, was thinking of you. Is everything okay?" This innate ability rescued many people in time of need- be they her children, her extended family or those friends and acquaintances who were fortunate to know her. ohs 149 TRIBUTES Shigeru Sakon . . . The Last One by the Salmon Arm Branch Okanagan Historical Society In 1896 at Shuswap, BC, a boxcar was spotted on the CPR mainline close to where the Calhoun family were living. They had one hour to load their household furniture and farm equipment at a cost of five dollars. The Calhouns, with their horses, followed the old Indian trail from Shuswap through the Chase Creek and Skimikin valleys arriving at Tappen Siding a day later. There, the boxcar with their possessions was waiting for them. Tappen Siding was close to the first Genelle Brothers mill started in the mid-1880s with the CPR construction. This was how the Calhoun family arrived in Tappen and was the start of Calhoun Farms, which provided employment for many people for 75 years. One hundred years later on January 25, 2004, friends and neighbours gathered to remember Shig Sakon, the last person to live on the farm. All the farm buildings have been burnt or torn down. Following is the eulogy given by Dean Trenholm. Shig was born at Mission, BC, August 12, 1919, and died in Salmon Arm January 16, 2004. He was the only child of father Mataichi Sakon and mother Yai, immigrants from Japan, who became successful fruit farmers at Mission. They were very quiet, gentle people. His mother was extremely protective of Shig as he was a sensitive child who had a speech impediment. In time he outgrew the stuttering but never did get over being shy. If he knew you well and felt comfortable he would occasionally open up and talk. After the Pacific war broke out in 1942, the family was forced to abandon their farm and be relocated to the sugar-beet fields at Lethbridge, Alberta. Around 1950 Shig and his family returned to BC. They moved into a cabin on Calhoun's vegetable farm in Tappen, where Shig worked until the late 1970s. He looked after his mother until she passed away sometime in the late '50s. His father had died shortly after their arrival in Tappen. In 1953 Ernest Needham and Dean Trenholm built a large vegetable barn for Harold Calhoun, with little Shig as a helper. Each day at lunchtime Shig would bring out either the Province or the Sun and read out loud. He always read the real estate ads and 150 ohs TRIBUTES probably knew more about real estate values than people in the business. This is how Dean met and came to know Shig. He was fascinated with automobiles and indeed bought a new car which he drove with complete abandonment. His first car was black. Then he had a '51 or '52 Chevy or Pontiac. He also drove a 1956 blue Plymouth until the wheels fell off. Out came his faithful old bike. You would see him on the road rain or shine, summer or winter, usually headed for one of his favourite waterholes, the Tappen Co-op store or the Tappen Esso cafe. The store was his social centre as well, where he shyly developed a friendship with all the girls who worked there. He was especially fond of Joan McDonald and Karen Lunzman. Peggy Wilson was also an important friend. In the early 1990s Shig suffered a home invasion at his cabin during which he was severely beaten and robbed of whatever cash he had on hand. The young thugs were never caught. There were no close neighbours, so arrangements were made for him to rent a little house near the telephone station at Tappen. During this period he was relatively safe. Another friend, Margaret Cloutier, kept a close watch over him and made sure he had all the essentials and reading material. He was an avid reader, but one would never know how much he had learned or knew as he rarely exposed his feelings about anything. One year Shig was hit by a motor vehicle while riding his bike, and so he was hospitalized again. Upon release, Bud and Shirley Boyd took him into their home until he was fully recovered. He had an abiding affection for this wonderful couple. Shig had a pair of large black oxfords—probably size 11 —that he liked to slop around in. He wore size 7. If you asked him where he got those shoes, he would smile and say, "Bud Boyd". Shig Sakon in later years. (Courtesy Allan Wilson) OHS 151 TRIBUTES He had some health problems; a few strokes put him in the hospital for a while. The authorities didn't want him to live alone, and so arrangements were made for him to move to town. In 1997 Shig took up residence at Mountain View Manor. Here he was given a home and at last some pampering and gentle comfort. Monica Kugel and her family became his family. He seemed to be a favourite resident there. Monica says that when able he would help put the dishes in the sink and generally try to help. Shig was a very generous soul and an easy mark for anyone soliciting for charity of any sort. He often bestowed little gifts that were too expensive for his limited resources. This was a side of Shig that only a few ever saw. Some may have thought him foolish, but generous might have been a better term. While living at Mountain View, Shig suffered more minor strokes and had some cognitive problems, like not knowing how to get home after going for a walk down town. Over the last year his forays in the business area were less frequent. His physician, Dr. Newell, looked after his health for several years and no doubt helped him reach the venerable age of 84. Shig is survived by cousins Matsuje Sakon, Reiko Endo and Mariko Endo. I shall always remember Shig Sakon as a quiet, gentle, honest and generous man who tried his best to live independently and never complain about anything. Further testimonial to Shig Sakon's life and character was provided by Yvonne Arnouse: Shig, my grandmother Alice Arnouse (deceased 1970) and my mother Elizabeth worked many years on the Calhoun farm. The main crops were carrots and potatoes. He also grew turnips, cabbage, parsnips and onions, but on a smaller scale. They got 60 cents an hour and their workday was eight hours, five days a week. They worked hard but appreciated their jobs. In the summertime, Mr. [Harold] Calhoun hired students, mostly First Nations. We received 30 cents an hour and to us that was big money. Shig used a small cultivator to go between the rows of potatoes to remove weeds. Our job was to remove the weeds that were really close to the plants. I remember that there were lots of gophers in the potatoes. All of us were very impressed at how fast Shig could run and most of the time he would catch these critters and they met their demise getting banged on the cultivator. I am very lucky to have known Shig. He was humble, respectful and a hard worker. Allan Wilson also shared memories of Shig Sakon: Christmas was a special time for Shig. Karen and Joan made sure he was around when they decorated the store Christmas tree. Shig had a 152 ohs TRIBUTES big smile as he helped them and he was always remembered with a present. He wouldn't open it in the store, but went outside and came back with a thank you and a grin. When Peggy Wilson worked in the Tappen post office, Shig would give her a unique gift, carefully wrapped. On Christmas morning she would hold his present and say, "this is from Shig; I wonder what he gave us this year?" One year he gave her a beautiful gold-trimmed teapot with matching cream and sugar, which she always treasured. Shig worked for other farmers in Tappen Valley. I first worked with him in the late 1950s on the Tom Kawase strawberry farms at Tappen and later Gleneden. He was subsequently employed by Bud Boyd when they bought the Gleneden strawberry patch from the Kawase family. He also helped Bert Robson. All this time he lived in his small Calhoun Farm house which had wood heat, but no electricity or running water. In the late '60s Harold Calhoun's eyesight was deteriorating and Shig probably helped his employer more than we realized. Later I wondered how Shig was surviving financially and felt great relief when told he was 65 and receiving Old Age Security. Shig's death ends not just memories of Calhoun Farms, but also large-scale vegetable production in the BC interior. Over the years Calhouns engaged in many different types of agriculture. There is a photograph taken in 1915 of timothy hay growing around the tobacco barns and another showing the crew baling hay from the stack in the fall. The baler is a horse-powered one with spacers and wires put in manually. Bert Stewart from the Salmon valley, south of Salmon Arm, told how he was on a crew that travelled the Tappen district baling hay with a tractor-powered stationary wire-tied baler during the 1930s and '40s. It was customary to stack and cure hay in the summer to be baled later. Most of it was shipped by railroad to logging camps where horses were still being used. Calhouns also raised sheep. This fact would probably have been lost, but I asked one of my uncles about the small-mesh page wire on the CPR fence going through the Calhoun property. He said Henry Calhoun raised sheep for awhile until he realized there wasn't much money in them. At the same time, he had milk cows and was one of the Salmon Arm creamery shippers. Vegetables, on the other hand, always seemed to be profitable. During World War Two approximately 10 Japanese families worked for Calhouns after they were evacuated from the coastal areas. Their numbers increased during peak seasonal requirements at the whim of the British Columbia Security Commission. ohs 153 TRIBUTES Starting in the 1940s, carrot production increased and two large warehouses were built, with custom-built washing, grading and packaging machinery. One of my cousins sent a bag from Scotland bearing the label, CARROTS Grown and Shipped by CALHOUN FARMS, TAPPEN, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. At this time, Harold Calhoun built his own railroad spur to load boxcars on his farm, instead of using Tappen Siding which was two miles away. Like most agricultural production, there were always problems. One fall Bert Stewart hauled tomatoes to the Bulman cannery in Vernon. He said by the time he arrived juice was running out of the boxes, probably due to a combination of overripe tomatoes and rough roads. The same year, the fields were so wet machinery couldn't get on them. Cabbages were picked, dumped in White Creek, floated down to the small highway bridge, retrieved, packed in boxes and shipped. When the three Sakons arrived in Tappen, Calhoun Farms was a going concern. As its most loyal employee Shig witnessed vegetable production at its peak and then the slow decline into the sixties. He watched as piece-by-piece the rich bottom land was sold to neighbouring dairy farmers. I can see him shake his head and hear his familiar "geez" as one agricultural enterprise disappeared and another became established. More than 50 people attended Shig Sakon's memorial service and enough money was donated to provide a headstone in Tappen cemetery. 154 ohs TRIBUTES Ruberta (Ruby) Grace Somerset 1921 - 2003 by Mary Ellison Bailey A longtime resident of Oyama, Ruby was the last of four children and only daughter of Reinhart and Grace Kaiser, farmers who homesteaded near Peace River Alberta. Born August 7, 1921, Ruby was raised and schooled near Whitelaw, Alberta. In 1940, Ruby and her mother moved to the North Okanagan. She met Harold Somerset (See Tribute in OHS Report #67, 2003) at the L & A Ranch north of Vernon, where he worked for a brief period, and where she was helping her cousin cook for the ranch hands. It was love at first sight, an enduring love that was a full partnership in every sense of the word. After their marriage in 1944, the Somersets applied to Vernon Ellison for ajob as herdsman of the Kalwood Farms registered Herefords on the east hill of Oyama, above Kalamalka lake. First and foremost, Ruby was a homemaker, but she also shared the daily ranch activities from separating milk and cream to making butter and collecting eggs. She excelled at grooming the cattle for Bull Shows and Sales as well as the many annual fairs where they showed, such as the IPE, PNE, CNE. Harold and Ruby made many friends throughout the province through their travels to cattle shows. Especially during the calving season, Ruby kept cattle records for the ranch by transferring notes from Harold's small vestpocket book into a register she kept up-to-date. From there that information could be used for registering the Kalwood Herefords. The Somersets enjoyed having flowers around their home. Ruby specialized in propagating and transplanting geraniums, which she pulled up and hung upside down in their basement over winter. One year, their Middle Bench Road home at Oyama was judged as show garden of the community. Ruby was competent in many endeavours but was especially in demand for making and decorating cakes for birthdays and weddings. Many an Oyama girl ordered her wedding cake from Ruby. She was happy with her life in the country amongst friends Mary Ellison Bailey is a granddaughter of pioneers Price and Sophie Ellison and a daughter of their son Vernon. Mary grew up at Oyama, and now lives in Armstrong with her husband, Dr. Charles Bailey. ohs 155 TRIBUTES of over fifty years, making bread, preserves, sewing and maintaining country values. Although in poor health for many years, her quiet gentle nature belied her strengths and firm beliefs. Her good memory was an asset in many a conversation. Supportive of community events, Ruby was an active member of the Kalamalka Women's Institute and was presented with a Life Membership. She helped make one hundred crib-sized quilts from recycled material under the auspices of Dr. Lotta Hitchmanova and UNICEF for children orphaned during the Korean War. She also worked hard supporting activities of the United Church. Ruby, who died in Vernon, B.C. on August 26, 2003, was predeceased by her husband of fifty- eight years- Harold Archibald Somerset on March 1, 2003. Ruberta Grace Somerset. (Counesy the author) 156 ohs TRIBUTES 'ĢRobert E. (Bob) Spall May 5, 1921 - March 27, 2003 Mission Hill Winery: The Beginnings by Deborah Cochrane (nee Spall) In his eighty-two years, my Dad saw a lot of changes in Kelowna and was aware of many more told to him by his Dad, James, who moved to Kelowna in 1904. Fifty-two years ago, at Kelowna General Hospital, I was born into the Spall clan. I, too, have heard the stories, continue to see more, and am constantly witnessing changes in this beautiful city. My favourite story follows. I use Dad and Bob interchangeably throughout; it seems appropriate. March 27, 2003, my Dad, Robert E. Spall (Bob) died; for his Memorial, I created a picture time-line of his life. I had no idea the impact doing this would have on me. I discovered, much to my amazement, that my Dad had lived quite a varied and accomplished life. Not only had he been my Dad, but also he had been a precious young son, a mischievous, prank- playing teen, a handsome bachelor, a farmer, a husband, a loving brother to six precocious sisters and a very good friend to many. It is his major accomplishment and the highlight of his life that I want to share, the construction of the original Mission Hill Winery. While in his twenties, to escape a crowded household, Bob built himself a bachelor pad adjacent to the family farmhouse. In doing that, Bob realized his love for design and construction. His dream of becoming an airplane builder and technician was foiled when his father called him back from California to Kelowna to run the farm. With six daughters and one son, was there any other choice? Well in the late 1930's, there wasn't! So, for several years, a farmer it was. There were cows, one snarly bull, chickens - which he hated, alfalfa, corn and potatoes in the fields. The Spall farm was way out in the country, situated Deb was the second of five children born in Kelowna to Bob and Doris Spall. She attended Benvoulin and Central Elementary and graduated from Dr. Knox School. In 1972 she married Larry Cochrane, a Richmond boy she met while studying business at BCIT. They moved to Lakeview Heights in 1978 where they raised their family. Never did she imagine that almost forty years later, she would use Mission Hill Winery as a landmark, to describe where she lives! ohs 157 TRIBUTES at the corner of Highway 97 and Spall Road. In 1949, Bob married Doris Wilson, a young nurse from Armstrong, and they moved into the family farmhouse. To do this, Bob built a brand new home for his parents at the west end of the property. The home still stands; it is the office of the Ponderosa Motel. Seeing an opportunity, Bob planted sixteen acres of fruit trees- eight acres along Highway 97 (then the Barlee Stretch) from Spall to Hardy Roads, and eight acres off the west side of Spall between the highway and Mill Creek. As the orchard didn't have the daily year-round demands of dairy farming, Bob was able to pursue his interest in building. While Dad was busy days with construction, we carried out childhood chores of changing sprinklers, propping trees whose branches were burdened with ripening fruit, picking cherries, plums and other soft fruits for curious Albertan travellers. As a teenager I secured the cushy job of driving tractor and forklift, carefully lining up filled bins ready to be picked up by the fruit haulers. I remember doing this job while Dad was building the winery. Picking season was always a busy time and the end was often celebrated with a back-to-school shopping trip to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho or Portland, Oregon. In June 1964, Dad was building one of the first apartment blocks in the Okanagan for Townhouse Developments owned by Dave and Erwin Schellenberg. The apartments still stand on Lawrence Avenue between Gordon Drive and Richmond Street. A young man who was headed to Vancouver after selling property in Saskatchewan stopped in Kelowna to visit a friend. He and his mother were driving a new Oldsmobile and towing a trailer carrying his stallion. The friend suggested he stop by the apartment Robert (Bob) Ernest Spall. May 5, 1921 2003. (Courtesy the author) March 27, 158 ohs TRIBUTES job site and see about some work. Loyd Spannier started work immediately. He remembers Bob telling him to park his car and horse trailer while Dad took the horse across the road into the Pridham orchard to graze. My Dad handed Loyd a tool belt, and a long-term friendship based on respect and work ethic began that day. During that time, Tiny Walrod of Kelowna had a dream to build a winery that resembled a Monastery on top of the Mount Boucherie Ridge. Tiny, a former B.C. Tree Fruits and Sun Rype General Manager, worked with Kelowna architect, John Woodworth, on the design. There were nine directors consulting with them on the concept. Unfortunately, Tiny died, but his directors were determined to fulfill his dream and the result was the original Mission Hill Winery; a winery that looked like a Mission. In 1965 the Federal Government introduced the Area Development Incentives Act, a program to develop industry in depressed areas. Kelowna certainly qualified at that time due to the abundance of seasonal workers. A very thorough and detailed proposal prepared by Jim Stewart was submitted. With the share guarantees from the directors and a convincing application, the federal government matched the application dollar for dollar and the dream was born. Bob Spall was brought on board to be the Superintendent because of the reputation he had established for himself. This was an unprecedented project in the area. The possibility of unforeseen and unique problems was inevitable. Bob was the perfect choice because of his laidback ability to handle problems and situations that could and would arise. It was said that Bob never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself. The foresight of the directors in choosing their superintendent paid off. Bob, with his two right-hand colleagues, Loyd Spannier and Isao Terai, attacked every challenge that arose with creativity, determination and a sense of humour. Nowhere else has the cliche, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" rung truer. Fortunately, at that time, Bob drove a four-wheel drive International Scout, as the first trip up to the site took place February 4, 1966. Several times Loyd had to jump out of the Scout, with chainsaw in hand, to cut down a tree blocking the way to the summit. A backhoe followed and the first test holes were dug. Bob recalled that only a ribbon tied around a single tree marked the center spot of the future winery. Close to the end of February, they carried twenty cases of dynamite up in a front-end loader and blew the face off the hill to set the footings. Imagine the noise, and the concerns this must ohs 159 TRIBUTES have presented to the few local residents. One of their memories from that time is passing only one or two cars each morning on the way over to work after crossing the two-lane bridge. Another took place during the blasting when a rather officious looking inspector came up the mountain to see what was going on. Apparently, no permit was needed. Those that remember Bob and his appearance, know that scruffy would describe what the inspector would have seen. He approached Bob, who was standing by his Scout, which had rifles mounted on a rack across the back window. Bob was directing Loyd, who was driving a backhoe building a buffer around charges of dynamite. The inspector curiously asked Bob who was in charge. Dad pointed at the big, young, clean cut fellow behind the wheel of the backhoe and said, "Him." Evidently the inspector was satisfied and left the site, probably running! The rifles came in handy on more than one occasion during the baking summer months as rattlesnakes slid over to tan on the newly exposed rocks or curl up in the toolboxes for a cool nap. Water and electricity each presented their own unique challenges. For water, a small pumphouse was built off Pritchard Drive and Westbank Irrigation District dug a trench to the base of Boucherie Mountain. Four-inch aluminum pipe was laid from the lake and attached to the mountainside. One must remember this was February; the pipes were exposed and climbing 400 feet up from the lake. Valves were installed to drain the pipes every night, or whenever water wasn't being used. No water in the pipes should equate to no problem. Well this was not to be. Frozen lines and backed up pressure caused major damage to the pump and surrounding pumphouse two or three times. Finally with the help of electrician, Earl Storgaard of Capri Electric, the system was improved and the pump was bolted into concrete. Believe it or not, water flowed year round using that line until the late eighties when the current reservoir was built above Gregory Road. In order to secure electricity, a series of holes had to be dug to accommodate the power poles. Blowing the face off the mountain to set the footings is one thing, making a hole to support a power pole is quite another! Loyd recalls that the first hole surprisingly measured twenty feet in diameter and was ten feet deep; it took four to five loads of dirt to refill the hole! The holes progressively got smaller and by the base of the hill, they were perfect. The large beams used to support the building came from Penticton and arrived late one afternoon after careful maneuvers 160 ohs TRIBUTES up the dirt road. Jim Stewart, site manager, recalls they stood around looking at these beams wondering how they would ever get them erected and set into place. Dad apparently knew exactly what to do. He told someone to phone Bill Coulthard at Midvalley Construction and ask him to have his crane up here the next morning. That done, the beams were easily lifted and fitted into place. In keeping with the Mission theme, large arches were needed to create an authentic Mission appearance. Bob knew of a fellow in Vernon, a Mr. Steiner who was building similar arches, and contacted him. Late in the summer, the arches were delivered to the site and erected by crane to create an effect that was both stately and imposing. Bud Drury, Minister of Trade and Industry, arrived one day at the site, obviously to check out their investment. Noticing that Jim was not wearing a suit, Dad chimed in and apologized on Jim's behalf, saying, "He came over to get some work done today!" Dad sure knew his fashion too; he introduced the layered look into the valley long before Paris or Milan. Bob never went bare- chested, he always started with a white short sleeve T-shirt, or thermal underwear in the winter. A matching, GWG long sleeve shirt and pants in a dark khaki or beige followed this; Bob never wore shorts. Over the shirt he wore a heavy plaid shirt, sometimes quilted, and in the winter he topped it off with a down vest. I'm sure there was also rain gear stashed in his vehicle as he was prepared for whatever Mother Nature threw at him. In late August and after all the beams and arches had been hauled up the road, it was finally paved, a big job for Westside Aggregates, now Westlake Paving. About that time too, when the outside was near completion, Ian Sprinkling, Jim Stewart and John Woodworth were staring at the roof looking disturbed. Bob walks over and queries their concerns. John, the architect, is alarmed with how noticeable the chimney is. With a straight face, Bob replies, "No one will even notice the chimney once we get the neon sign up there." Bob loved to tease and play practical jokes and the job sites were the perfect stage. February saw the ground break for Mission Hill Winery. September, seven months later, on budget and on schedule, the first grapes were crushed. Henryk Schoenfeld, a winemaker trained in Crakow, Poland, and recruited from London Wines in Ontario, was the first vintner to be hired. Grapes were imported from California but unfortunately did not produce a wine of good quality. Bob, Isao and Loyd continued on at the winery until the fol- OHS 161 TRIBUTES (zJite Czs resident and ^JJireclors oj Cm^cn 9f,ll Opines jSll request the pleasure of your company at ike Kjjficial K^Jpening of me ^r/Ussion C/wi {Jd/tnery Qllisslon mi Stool QPe.lLn£. £B.(P. on ^M/ednesday, Cydoler 18, 1Q6? al 3:30 p.m. — Guests of Honour — The Honourable JEAN CHRETIEN, m.p. MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO The Honourable F. X. RICHTER, m.l.a. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA lowing spring, adding some of Bob's signature touches to the interior. It was during these months that the wine was often tested on a Friday night by the crew and sub- trades. Stories of hard-working men, enjoying each other's company, while sampling wine, abound. Construction was a career that fit very well with my Dad's personality and talents. He looked at each project as an empty canvas; a valuable picture he would create with his very unique touches and high standards. Bob built many of the larger buildings and finer homes during that period, but the true highlight of his career was Mission Hill Winery. The Grand Opening of the Winery was a celebration of a dream come true for some proud Kelowna investors with a vision, and an extremely proud moment for the man who made that vision a reality. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jim Stewart and Loyd Spannier for their stories, some of which are strictly, "off the record!" Your memories are incredible. Also to Jamie Spall, Bob's only son who was a mere two years old in 1966. He was fortunate to hear the stories before Dad died. Thank you all. RECEPTION FOLLOWING: 4: OO TO 3: 30 Please present This Invitation at the Door Invitation to Official Opening of Mission Hill Estate Winery. (Courtesy Bob Cochrane) 162 ohs TRIBUTES KlYOMATSU YAMAOKA 1909 - August 7, 2003 by Evelyn Vielvoye Kiyomatsu was the second born son of Iwajiro Yamaoka and Okiku Yokota, who were both born in Japan. The couple travelled by boat to Vancouver in 1906. Kiyo was born in Swanson Bay, British Columbia, in 1909, and the Yamaoka family moved to Kelowna in 1911. His father farmed the area along Burtch Road near Dr. Knox School. In 1922, the Yamaoka family moved to a two storey wooden home that was built by Maude Roxby in 1918, and owned by George Ward at that time. The property was north along Black Mountain Road (the present Highway 33) where McKenzie Road now exists. At that time there were just a small number of homes in this area and their impression was that they were moving out into the sticks. The property was planted to fruit trees and so they became orchardists. Black Mountain Road (Highway 33) had a row of about ten to twelve tall poplar trees in the middle of the road that extended south from these properties almost to where Mallach Road joins. It was a sad day when the trees were cut down because of their gigantic root systems that became a hindrance to the farmers in that area. In 1924, Iwajiro Yamaoka purchased twenty acres of land on Latta Road from Tom Morrison. Here the Yamaoka family farmed and raised enough cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys to sustain the family. An article in the Kelowna Courier and Okanagan Orchardist had the following news item in the April 5, 1937, edition: Mr. & Mrs. Harry Latta and family are leaving the Rutland Bench district to take up residence in Kelowna. Their farm has been rented to the Yamaoka Brothers. Kiyo went to Japan in 1935 and married Toshiye Yamada. They then returned to Kelowna and actively farmed in the Evelyn was born in Grayson, Saskatchewan and came to Kelowna in 1946 with her parents, Anton and Elizabeth Ottenbreit. She attended Rutland Elementary and Rutland Jr. Sr. High School, graduating in 1957, and then worked at the Capri Hotel in the office. She was married to John Vielvoye in 1965, and has a passion for history and family roots. ohs 163 TRIBUTES Kiyo Yamaoka. (Courtesy his son, Jack Yamaoka) Rutland District. At one time, because of the large orchard they owned, Kiyo had his own packinghouse. In 1949 when the Rutland Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed under the sponsorship of the Board of Trade, Kiyo served as a volunteer. At this time, an old spray machine (which belonged to Alex Bell) was borrowed and towed to and from all fires. Next, a self- propelled truck with sprayer was loaned by George Day, and later an old well-used fire truck was purchased from the Kelowna Fire Brigade. Those were the times when no fire hydrants, extended ladders or streamlined fire trucks existed. Kiyo was an assistant to Norton Would, the fire chief at that time, and in 1969 was appointed fire chief. He was the fire chief when the new "pumper" truck was purchased in 1970. Before the new truck arrived, (the old fire truck had been sold to Oyama) a small truck with a tank was borrowed from Kiyo. On his retirement, the Rutland Fire Brigade presented Kiyo Yamaoka with a bronze-plated fire hat and a wall plaque commemorating his years of service, "Kiyo Yamaoka Honorary Fire Chief, 1950-1975." Kiyo was a member of the Rutland Lions Club for eight years from 1965 to 1973. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and had a love of motorcycles. They had three children; Jean who married Pat Yetman, lives in Richmond; Richard who married Donnabelle Harrop, lives in Kamloops; Jack, who married Darlene Hartman, lives in Lumby. Kiyo and Toshiye continued to live in the home that they built on the family farm, which is located on the hillside north of McKenzie Road where it joins Highway 33. In retirement, they enjoyed a leisurely life, attending to a small garden and cutting the lawn with a ride-on mower. Kiyo's daily routine included coffee at Plaza 33 Grill, and a relaxing day at home. 164 ohs TRIBUTES In 1989, Kiyo made an application to the B.C. Land Commission to remove their property from the land freeze. He was initially refused, but negotiations continued. In the meantime the orchard was under the able hands of the Alves family. In 2002, after the land had been sold by the Yamaokas, the lower strip of several acres was released from the land freeze. At the present time (March 2004) several homes have been built there and others are under construction. The upper hillside property has not yet been released, but negotiations are ongoing with the Agricultural Committee. Kiyo Yamaoka passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2003, at Kelowna, British Columbia, at the wonderful age of ninety-four years. Toshiye, at the age of ninety-three years, is a resident at the Winfield Seniors Home. References: Information has been taken from the following sources: * The obituary of Kiyo Yamaoka. * Kelowna Daily Courier article written by Arlene Gaal. * K.D.A.J.C. book The Vision Fulfilled 1894-1994 * Personal contacts with family and friends of Kiyo. ohs 165 RECORDS Of ACHIEVEMENT Horses in B.C.'s Interior - a history by Dr. Lois E. Philp I stood outside this morning dressed for the chilly day and looked up at the darkening sky as hundreds of blackbirds gathered for their flight south. Summer is over but the warm sun and birds will return for another season and nature's cycle will be completed as historically it always has. Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization we will r- j ,-i i r Dr. Lois Philip. (Courtesy the author) print of the horse beside it. (John Trotwood Moore) Horses were extinct in North America before Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. In 1493 he brought thirty horses to America aboard his ships, but it was not until the 16th century when horses arrived from Spain with the Conquistadors that they became familiar to the native people. These animals became the useful native horses that were used for foundation stock when the early settlers created new American breeds of horses. Lois Philp (nee Dunlop) moved to the Okanagan with her family in 1948. Her family gave her a horse, which started it all. Horses then became a passion. She went on to achieve a Degree in Agriculture and following that became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. With her husband and father of her five children, the late Dr. Victor Demetrick, DVM, she began a forty year career as a Thoroughbred Breeder. Fifteen years ago she also began raising Welsh Ponies which she continues today. She now resides at Crossrail Farm in the Coldstream Valley. 166 ohs HORSES IN B.C'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY In the Okanagan the original native horse was usually called a Cayuse or Cayoosh. The name itself was a derogatory word depicting every vice or defect to which a horse could be heir. The animal in reality because of its ability to survive the cold new country, and its adaptation to the harsher conditions of diet and shelter, became essential when creating breeds of horses for the new country using the well bred Eastern horses for outcrosses. The practice of using native horses crossed with the imported horses enabled the new breeding farms to produce a greater number of hardy, economical horses to supply the rising demands for mounts, for the Army, Fur Trade, Gold Rush, as well as for new settlers. Horses became an important part of the infrastructure that supported the settling of this new land. They pulled logs out of the forest, pulled plows through the virgin soil, provided transportation and communication in commerce and in the maintenance of law and order, and created social and leisure sport for the new residents. The Horse Producers In 1859 Frances Jones Barnard walked 360 miles from Yale to the Cariboo to deliver mail. He eventually formed the Barnard's Express and Stage Line. In 1868 Steve Tingley herded 400 Morgan horses from New Mexico to the company's huge 6300 acre BX Ranch in Priest Valley and along with some horses imported from Alberta and Saskatchewan, the finest horses were bred assuring a continuous supply for the stage coaches. (These notes are taken from The Valley of Dreams.) The Interior of British Columbia with its crystal lakes and springs, lush bottom land and gentle hills covered with rich bunch grass has produced strong horses for hundred of years. In the 1800's fur traders and men of the early Gold Rush wintered their animals in the sheltered Salmon River Valley. This area became one of the noted horse breeding areas in the province and many of our first breeding farms were established there. Red Rock Farm in Westwold is the oldest operating Thoroughbred Farm in B.C. Its history extends well over one hundred years. The Kamloops Sentinel in 1881 listed the following horse breeders who had imported Eastern horses for breeding: Messrs. Guischon, Gilmore, Hamilton, Moore and Michle. The Guischon brothers imported Percheron horses from France and during World War I exported Percherons back to France for the War. Some of the early Thoroughbred Horse Breeders were H.E. Talbot from Red Rock Farm, Dr. L.H. Appleby of the Running Horse Ranch, Irving and Edwards of the Edwards Ranch and Fred Day of Noble Creek Ranch. The first Thoroughbred stallion, ohs 167 horses in B.C'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY Prince Rudolph, went to Mallowmot Stud in Sidney B.C. in 1899. Broxa, foaled in 1918, was an Irish import. He was one of the first Thoroughbred stallions to stand in the Interior at Red Rock Farm. The Oldest Sport America's first organized sport was horse racing. It was held on Long Island, New York in 1665. British Columbia's first racecourse was established in 1858 in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria. All early racetracks in Victoria disappeared into parks or shopping centers as did the earliest Vancouver tracks. Hastings Park which began at East Park in 1888 is the only one still operating. Kin Race Track, just outside Priest Valley in Vernon, began when Cornelius O'Keefe purchased the acreage for a racetrack in 1883. Cornelius O'Keefe formed a committee from the forty citizens of Priest Valley and outlying areas to organize horse racing with all-night dances in the local hotel along with other sporting events on the same weekend. It became the largest social event in the small town. The year ,.__ _r ,___ -, . .i-i 1955 - Transport to shows. (Courtesy the author) 1893 was historically i r ....... j significant for the racetrack, as a joint stock company was formed to operate the racetrack and to raise money for the improvements and purchase of the track from Cornelius O'Keefe. In that year, the Vernon Jockey Club was granted a charter to hold parimutual racing. Trotting, flat and hurdle races were all part of the racing program for the next decade. The first race meets were held in conjunction with agricultural fairs. Stampedes became a part of the racetrack celebrations and they continued with various organizers for approximately fifty years. The Kinsmen took control of the Jockey Club in the 1930's by buying the Jockey Club shares of the deceased members. At this time, the racetrack became 'Kin Race Track'. In the early sixties, a group of race horse enthusiasts led by Gil Seabrook and Bea Anderson rescued the Vernon Agricultural Society. Many Okanagan Horsemen's Association members joined the Agricultural Society and began the revitalization of Kin Race Track. 168 ohs HORSES in b.cs interior - A HISTORY The next thirty years were successful. Record purses and betting days were recorded and horse shows and charities were sponsored. The money earned was returned to the Vernon and District Agricultural Society to improve the Track property. In 1964 the Kinsmen and The Jockey Club gave the Track to the City of Vernon. The race track had changed owners many times since Cornelius O'Keefe sold it to the Vernon Jockey Club. There was always one condition of sale: that the track would be cared for and grounds and buildings maintained. The Vernon and District Agricultural Society, with a bond of forty years, has added improvements worth over a million dollars. In 2001, a riding ring 120 x 440 feet was added to the infield and the Society planned to develop the Track as a full Equestrian Centre. A race meet is still held at Kin Race Track through July and part of August. Kin Race Track has been recognized as the oldest operating racetrack in Canada, having had racing days almost continuously since 1885. A picture of this track is displayed on a mural at the entrance of Woodbine Race Track in Ontario. The Sport of Horsemanship The history of equestrian events in the Okanagan has always been entwined with the Vernon Race Track. The same persons have supported racing, polo, horse shows and gymkanas. An article in the 1946 Vernon News gives an interesting history of many of our original horsemen. The love of a good horse seemed strongest among those who came to the Vernon district from England. In 1912 several of them banded together to form a Polo Club. The Hon. Michael Howard who lived in the Coldstream had learned the game Paddy Cameron in front of Vernon Riding Club, 1950. while Serving in the (Courtesy the author) British Army in India. Capt. E.M. Wilmot and his two sons E.S. Wilmot and Tommy Wilmot organized a team, which competed with polo ohs 169 HORSES in B.C'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY clubs from Kelowna and Kamloops. When the Great War came, the club broke up in the middle of a tournament as players went to join the Armed Forces. Not until 1932 did some of the old faithfuls gather together again to revive this sport of horsemanship in Vernon. This group formed the Vernon and District Riding Club along with other familiar names: Claude Husband, Maj. Grieve, W.T. Cameron, Violet and Una Osborn and Mrs. P. Locke. They held gymkanas in what became McDonald Park. In 1934 Tommy Wilmot was responsible for securing three couples of hounds from New York State. The organization then became known as the Vernon and District Drag Hounds. Simulating the English Hunt, a scent was drawn over the countryside for the hounds to follow. Chases were held in the Coldstream, on the Commonage and around Goose Lake. Notes from the 1946 Vernon News article include this item: Mrs. Locke once broke two ribs in a fall but got back on her horse and rode home. Miss Lydia Bishop was thrown on a barbed wire fence and sustained severe cuts on her back when her mount shied from the jump. Bert Ellison and Jack Staimer were the original Whippers-in who did a fine job of training the hounds. In the spring of 1940 the Club was forced to discontinue its activities. The army was taking over the land on which they had followed their peaceful sports and riders were learning more deadly arts. Vernon District Riding Club The Vernon District Riding Club was revived in 1943 and became what is known as the present Vernon District Riding Club. Hal Symonds was elected new President and Miss Phyllis French became the first Secretary. The Club sponsored its first horse show at Kin Race Track in 1944. It also sponsored race meets and held gymkhana events in the infield between races. The reorganized Club started with twenty members. Eventually, with more members it raised funds and purchased the present site on Aberdeen Road from Hal Symonds. Fun and social activities were the early focus of the new Club. Overnight rides with bonfires and sleeping bags close to the horses, songs late into the night and spring Easter egg hunts on Middleton Mountain are some of the happy memories, which are still fresh in the minds of those who were there. A large Junior Club was formed and Mada Rendell and June Osborn dropped long trails of paper bits over the Coldstream Ranch for the riders to follow. These youngsters came back with stories of being chased by a bear, rattlesnakes on the trail and jumping over an exposed bomb, which turned out to be still 'live'. Some of those juniors have become senior members of the 170 ohs HORSES IN B.C.'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY Club and now are putting their children on ponies to experience the same joy. The present Vernon and District Riding Club has many third and fourth generation families as members. The Military Horse The role of the Military horse in Vernon is not as well known as the other equestrian activities. In 1900 Inspector Wilson from the North West Mounted Police visited Vernon and selected fifteen men as volunteers for service in the Strathcona Horse Unit. These men were horsemen from the area and were chosen from ninety-eight volunteers. In 1902 the shores of Okanagan Lake, now Kin Beach, was the site of the first Cavalry training camp in British Columbia. In 1908 a squadron of Okanagan Mounted Rifles was headquartered in Vernon. In 1914 British Columbia answered the call for volunteers for World War I and the B.C. Horse Camp at Vernon was expanded. Squadrons were also stationed at Armstrong, Lumby, Kamloops and Merritt. As the Great War progressed the population of the Service Men camped on the hill was at times more than double that of the small town below. Many men and horses went overseas for World War I. Before 1914 the British Army had just over 20,000 horses. During the first three years of World War I conflict, it was necessary to purchase over one million animals. Never before had men and animals been required to perform in such a wilderness, a hell on earth, (from The Military Horse) In earlier years, men and horses were shipped to South Africa's Boer War. The British concentrated on building up a strong force of Cavalry on good quality animals and developed a guerrilla style of fighting that emulated that of the Boers. They were then able to bring the Boers into submission. The Vernon Race Track stabled horses for the Military and manoeuvres were practised there. George Pearkes from the R.C.M.P. became the Company Rough June Osborn (left) and Mada Rendell (right) on Rider. He Started horses new club horses. (Courtesy the author) OHS 171 HORSES IN B.C'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY Riding clu b dire< torate ncrtch^-^fT^J& •he term used bv rive eight directors were named In the above photo. chairmat: RttSS .• e sor the camera, inc. t! e left front row: •a! meeting held as to review the ecutive Heading LaLonde. June Dsborn. Irem Katam Sally from the left: - 1 i PostiM nson and i jrol Tipler Rear rovi n who was unop (illlTk il Symonds. Mr. <\ named to kev Svmoj ids. by Ihe way is a life member hissing from the esident and Mrs. photo !!.*!■.•• '•' .)<■(! Dunn !' liwa w dub secretary is ■ ' vet *a be fiU*s Vernon News article. (Courtesy the author) under saddle. He became a Major General in World War II and later Lieutenant Governor in B.C. The Okanagan Squadron composed of many local cowboys and horsemen was very respected in the Military service. The role of the horse in Vernon's history is an important part of local tradition. Vernon had many firsts in its development. Kin Race Track is the oldest operating racetrack in Canada. Vernon had the first Military horse camp in B.C. The Drag Hounds were believed to be the only pack hunting in Western Canada. The Industry In 1998 the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food completed a survey of the British Columbia horse industry. It was found that there were 23,000 horses in the Okanagan. The cost per horse was estimated at $4,000. for maintenance only. This cost did not include expenses for breeding, training, racing, 172 ohs HORSES IN B.C'S INTERIOR - A HISTORY showing or transportation. The maintenance costs represented a ninety-two million dollar industry in the Okanagan. There were 11,000 full-time horse-related jobs created in British Columbia. The British Columbia Horse Council membership is required for people who exhibit in horse shows. In 1998 there were 4500 members in the Thompson-Okanagan area. This number does not include horsepersons who are only in the horse racing industry. The Heritage I hope because of Kin Race Track's history of holding equestrian events and the present growing popularity of equine sports that Kin Race Track will live up to its heritage and become a full equestrian center again. I would like to end with an echo from an unknown writer from long ago: Where in this world can man find such mobility without pride? Where can one find such friendship without envy, Such beauty without vanity? Here - where grace is laced with muscle, and strength By gentleness confined. He serves without servility. He has fought without enmity. There is nothing more powerful; nothing less violent; Nothing so quick and nothing so patient. Our past has been borne upon his back. We are his heirs. He is our inheritance. Ladies and Gentlemen: - the Horse I ohs 173 A Retrospective: RCSCC Revenge 1927-82 by David Snyder A cadet corps is a mysterious, sensitive, curious creation with all the strengths and weaknesses of discipline and adolescence. A Corps does not cope well with change, confusion or inconsistency; it needs to be commanded with passion and craft. Cadets want purposeful structure which makes the world simple. If well-led it will thrive, and for decades Sea Cadets not only thrived but also dominated the cadets world in Penticton. Royal Canadian Sea Cadets have paraded in the Okanagan Valley for over seventy-five years. Evolving from the Boys' Naval Brigade of Canada, Navy League Sea Cadets were funded by the Department of the Militia. The Penticton Corps took its name from that famous Elizabethan ship which Lord Tennyson immortalized in a ballad, The Revenge. The Kelowna Sea Cadet Corps Grenville was named after Sir Richard Grenville, who commanded The Revenge, that brave ship that challenged fifty-three Spanish warships in 1592, in Flores in the Azores. Formed in 1927, RCSCC Revenge paraded sixty to seventy boys weekly in the old pre-war Armoury during the 1930's and 1940's, when Penticton had fewer than eight thousand people. During the war years when every high school boy was a cadet (girls did Red Cross work), Sea Cadets took a leadership role at school and in the community. Throughout the 1930's and 1940's, from May to October, cadets spent as much time learning the practical skills of seamanship at the boathouse and on the water, as they did on the drill dock of the old Armoury. One hundred and ninety-seven Penticton Sea Cadets joined the services. When a cadet joined the navy, and ninety did, the corps gave that young man a grand sendoff by parading at the train station. D.B.J. Snyder AdeC commanded RCSCC Revenge from 1972-75, served as a Regimental Officer with the British Columbia Dragoons from 1975-87, commanded 788 BCD Army Cadet Corps from 1994 -1998, spent thirty years before the class in Penticton Secondary School and served five Lt. Governors as an Aide de Camp for the South Okanagan. He is a Charter Member of the Thompson-Okanagan United Empire Loyalist Association. This article is a survey of his fourth published work, A History of a Cadet Corps. 174 ohs A RETROSPECTIVE: RCSCC REVENGE 1927-82 Penticton Sea Cadet Band, c. 1940. Wally Mattock, left - middle row. (Courtesy the author) After the war, with the availability of boats and various training aids, Penticton Sea Cadets were blessed with officers who had highly-developed small boat skills. In the 1960's Lt.'s Johnson, Burt and Stromgren- each commanded the corps-loved sailing and made their own boats available for corps training. Captain Ed Lansdell CD, too, shared his boat and GG Hendrie, retired Lt.- Comdr USN- each commanded the corps in the 1970's- loved to take their cadets on weekend exercises on Okanagan Lake and to the coast for a sail up the inside passage to Powell River. During the golden age of cadets, (late 1950's-70's) one of the unique aspects of being a Penticton cadet was the healthy in-corps rivalry. Each May a Tri-service Cadet Weekend would be hosted and an average of one hundred and fifty cadets would participate. It began with a Drum-head Church Service, followed by an afternoon of competitive sports where the emphasis was on team work, not individual prowess, then a Legion Banquet and, in the early evening, a traditional inspection followed by Guard Mounting and Drill competition. And the competition was fierce! Army Cadets had a pipe band and C Sqn. BCD support; Air Cadets had a Brylcreme tradition to uphold and Sea Cadets, sporting mint-white webbing upon blue serge with caps as white as the driven snow, represented four hundred years of Senior Service tradition. When Sea Cadets marched into the Memorial Arena, the guard with bayonets heavenward, and the band, the drums beat- ohs 175 A RETROSPECTIVE: RCSCC REVENGE 1927-82 M j->^ ^f ^f f!*Pv? *f|l '^iiii^ RCSCC Revenge - Penticton, 1964-65. Officers L-R: Sub. Lt. G. Seiben, Lt. G. Bull, Lt. Bill Johnson CO, Lt. N. Stromgren. (Courtesy the author) ing, bugles blaring, the corps was like the aircraft carrier, Magnificent. A cadet corps flourishes because of dedicated, knowledgeable officers, a challenging training program and well-led cadets. Lt. Pete Loveridge,CO 1927-42 and Lt. Cmdr. Wally Mattock CO 1942-59, gave yeoman service during the first three decades of the corps. After the war, with a constant source of experienced RCNVR veterans, Revenge was a tour-de-force in the cadet world. Under Don Coleman's command, the corps was awarded the best corps in the province in 1962. What an accomplishment in the golden era of cadets! For decades, RCSCC Revenge was the alpha-male of cadet corps in the Valley, offering boys 14 to 18 (and Navy League cadets, boys 10 to 13) a naval tradition of seamanship, range, drill, band, communication and citizenship. At annual inspection 1972, Revenge paraded one hundred cadets- thirty sea cadets (ages 14 to 18), twenty wrenettes ( ages 14 to 18) and fifty Navy League cadets ( ages 10 to 13). The corps folded in 1982 because of failed community support, little guidance from the Sea Cadet Office in Victoria, and responsibility overload, which swamped the inexperienced Commanding Officer, a recent high school graduate working his first job. To be a cadet can be a socially magical experience, and Sea Cadets had a tradition which brought generations of Penticton boys tribal comfort. Over the decades, hundreds and hundreds of Penticton boys wore a naval uniform. When a boy dressed in naval rig, he was a better, more mature, more confident young 176 ohs A RETROSPECTIVE: RCSCC REVENGE 1927-82 man. There was perfection in a mint-white gunshirt, quality in a razored, ridged collar, responsible action in a pair of mirrored boots. And after "Ten Seconds-to-Sunset Sir," after the white ensign had descended and, as the last bugle drifted into silence, oh...what pride! Over twenty years have passed since Sea Cadets paraded in the South Okanagan. Three distinguished Naval Officers first wore a naval uniform in Penticton: Cmdr. Bruce Melville CD, Commodore Ian Morrow CD and Admiral Richard Leir CD. As fundamental as picking cherries or apples, as swimming in Okanagan Lake or climbing Munson Mountain, growing up in the South Okanagan was defined for generations of boys (and one generation of girls) by the customs, traditions and experience of Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Revenge. Annual inspection, 1976 - Capt. Harry Wilkins (right) accompanied by Guard Petty Officer Andrew Mayes. (Courtesy the author) ohs 177 Penticton Retirement Centre Tune-agers by Vivien Browne As a newcomer to the valley, in 1993, and a seasoned, though reluctant orchestral player, I was very excited to be introduced to Eva Cleland, the inspiration and backbone of music in the South Okanagan. Eva told me I must meet Bev and George Gay, who were deeply involved in supporting and promoting all forms of music endeavour in the Penticton area, as well as being active members of 'The Penticton Retirement Centre Tune-agers.' (What were Tune-agers?) As we all lived in Penticton, the tea party was set, and my life would never be the same again! Like Eva, Bev and George proved to be enthusiastic and incredibly passionate about the development of good music in the valley, particularly the south end. I could see the brain wheels turning, as they realized I was in a perfect situation to benefit from joining the Tune-agers, as well as The Tune-agers benefiting from my years of orchestral playing. Before I could blink or protest, I found myself ensconced in a chair at the Penticton Retirement Centre on the following day, violin in hand! My thirty-five years of music had not prepared me for the experience that awaited me; to walk into a rehearsal of the Tune- agers was to walk into a world of magic. I was introduced to the choir director and founder, Helene Scott, a dynamic, enthusiastic, kindly person, who immediately made me feel I was special. As Helene moved forward to the conductor's music stand, I automatically raised my violin, with my bow at the ready. For the next ten minutes I was immersed in a group discussion of how each absent member was progressing, where help was needed, who would appreciate being visited or phoned, with the enthusiastic rendition of 'Happy Birthday' (to those, standing, whose birthday was that week,) rounding out the preliminaries. I was then introduced, to great clapping and stamping, and, red faced, I was launched as a Tune-ager! Vivien Browne is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music, London University, England. She spent thirty-five years practising music therapy, teaching violin and piano, and performing as a soloist, string quartet player and orchestral player. At present, she is a full-time organic berry farmer in the Vaseaux Lake area and a fledgling artist. 178 ohs PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS I gradually learned to relinquish my feelings about orchestras, as I experienced Helene's brilliance in melding the group into a loving, supportive musical entity. We were an incredibly diverse group of Male corps of the Ballet Hoos about to be drowned in "Swan a D O U l eignty Lake". (Courtesy the author) members, some were ex-professional musicians, some experienced amateurs, and some less experienced. The orchestra was, perhaps, one quarter of the group, the choir being the usual four divisions of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. The common ground was that everyone was a retiree of some sort, from fifty-five to about ninety- two years, including Helene. The music chosen for the practice was as diverse as the people, from songs from the shows of the past fifty years, well- known secular and religious songs, Negro Spirituals, orchestral numbers, solos, newly- created skits and a favourite finale, 'Battle Hymn of the Republic', dramatically orchestrated by our local musician and teacher, Larry Crawford. Wow! The first half of the rehearsal completed, we all moved to the coffee area, a precious part of every Tune-agers rehearsal. The break was as fascinating as the rehearsal; I met ex-musicians, doctors, lawyers, schoolteachers, accountants, nurses, secretaries, an osteopath, an entomologist, a welder and a school principal. How could they look so young and be so vibrant, caring, and humorous, when I discovered how many serious health problems many of them had? They were all dressed colorfully, smart clothes, nicely styled hair, and oh, were they enthusiastic about their Helene and their Tune-agers! At the second rehearsal Helene presented me with a copy of the beautiful book about the Tune-agers, entitled In Close Harmony, written by Ruth McVeigh, as well as a copy of the second Tune-agers' audiotape. As I gradually made my way through the story of the Tune-agers over the next few days, I was absolutely amazed at their accomplishments, and from such small beginnings. ohs 179 PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS In 1969 Delia Volden, of the Recreation Commission for Penticton, asked Helene if she would sing for a group of seniors who met at the annex of St. Saviour's Church once a week. Delia and the Social Service Committee of the church were concerned that Penticton was experiencing a large influx of seniors, but the city had very few activities for them, once they became citizens. Ill health and loneliness were great problems. After the initial concert, Helene encouraged participation, picking humorous ways to divide the group into sections. Soon a few instruments P.R.C. Tune-agers in the lower rotunda of the British Columbia Legislature - Victoria, 1982. (Courtesy the author) joined the group, then more and more, and the Tune-agers was born! The first concert under that name took place in April 1970, with choir, instrumental players and local classical pianist, Madame Orbeliani, a Russian princess, as guest artist, (ninety-five years old at the time.) From the early years, the spring concert became a regular fixture on the calendar, and can still be enjoyed today. My first experience of the annual concert was as an orchestral member at the Cleland Theatre in 1993. I was, like all the ladies, dressed in a simple princess-style gown, with a floating lace poncho; the men were in gray pants and smart maroon jackets. Soon the show was underway. I listened with awe, as I realized how incredibly accomplished Helene was as Master of Ceremonies, with her 180 ohs PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS quick wit, perfect timing, and an amazing rapport with the audience. Her obvious love and pride in we Tune-agers helped every one of us to give absolutely everything we had. As always, the programme included humorous musical skits. I have to admit that of all the many times I have played the music for 'Swan Lake', I have never before missed a violin entry, sitting in quiet hysterics, watching four men of over eighty years old, decked out in tutus and runners, prancing and twirling, pretending to fall, and generally enjoying themselves as the audience cried with laughter! The grand finale, Sound of Music medley, with its incredible orchestration by local arranger, Larry Crawford, brought the audience to its feet, and the concert ended with an encore! The members of Tune-agers have experienced some very exciting and special concerts during their history. The invitation, in 1974, to perform at the Expo World Fair, in Spokane, was one of their greatest thrills, as was the 1975 taping of a TV segment on the CBC Tommy Common Show entitled It's A Musical World, later aired on national television. The Third Annual Festival of Song and Sound, in 1976, hosted by the Tune-agers, which included six visiting choirs from Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vernon and Edmonton was an enormous success. Helene conducted the 465 strong choir finale at the Peach Bowl, which I gather, was quite a momentous occasion. Following the announcement by the Provincial Secretary, Evan Wolfe, in 1982, that the Tune-agers were to receive a lottery grant of $1,600, the Tune-agers were invited to perform in the lower rotunda of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. The concert was followed by the presentation, by the Tune-agers, of a beautiful box of Okanagan apples. Further concerts took the Tune-agers to Vancouver in 1986, for an Expo performance at the Plaza of Nations, and in the following year, Helene was invited to solo in the national anthem, standing next to the Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney, in Delta. At a later reception at the Delta Hotel, a double four-part chorus from Tune-agers sang 'O Canada', honouring the Prime Minister. From very early on in their history, the Tune-agers have taken their talents to people less fortunate than themselves, the scope being as big as their hearts. For every one concert in a public venue, Tune-agers have performed tenfold in hospitals, schools, retirement facilities and even mental institutions, following which, all performers and support helpers have closely interacted with the members of the audiences. I have witnessed tears, smiles, hand clasps, laughter and thanks, as the after concert gath- OHS 181 PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS erings took place; unconditional love was offered to all, whether able bodied, people confined to wheelchairs, seniors with dementia, or people with psychological problems. From the inception of the group, Helene's approach has always been one of respecting and treasuring people, using music as the medium. Speaking to her recently, she reminded me that her philosophy was always that "an active senior is a happier senior". She also confided that she has always prayed that she would receive guidance, and has asked to be used as a channel for God's will. During the 1980's, one accomplished new member asked Helene why she didn't cut out the 'dead wood', in order to improve the musical level. Helene quickly explained that he had mistaken the whole concept of the group; everyone in the group gave everything he or she could, and that was all she had, and ever would, expect. As the years passed by, each year was highlighted with a trip within Canada, or, on several occasions, to another country. The first trip took the Tune-agers to Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria, in April 1974. Further tours took the Tune-agers to the Kootenays, Saskatchewan (Helene's home town, Salcoats,) the Maritimes, a Caribbean cruise (performing on board ship,) two cruises to Alaska, (also performances on board), Soap Lake, Washington, the Okanagan and Kamloops, and in 1988, a six day trip to Squamish, North Vancouver, Richmond, White Rock, Port Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, to name but a few! Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the Penticton Retirement Centre Tune-agers is the incredible ripple effect that has been felt within, and well beyond, the shores of Canada. The life-changing therapeutic philosophy that the Tune-agers has injected into societies within Penticton, across Canada, and as far afield as Hawaii and Britain, is something that sets it apart from most other musical groups. In 1983 the Tune-agers undertook a momentous concert tour in Hawaii, where they performed at five geriatric centres. One of the centres, the Lunalilo Home for Elderly Hawaiians, left an indelible mark on Helene. She well remembers the sinking feeling she experienced as the Tuneagers entered the building. What she saw were limp and crumpled bodies in wheelchairs, whose lives revolved around meals, television and bed. The ensuing concert is well documented, Helene's comments being, "The limp, crumpled bodies straightened imperceptibly; there seemed to be a light kindled in the eyes of many, and broad smiles of appreciation on others; and the Tune-agers were glowing like red- hot coals!" Following the concert reception, the Administrator, 182 ohs PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS Marianna Klimenko, followed the Tune-agers to the bus, where she spoke with anxiety about her placid and listless patients, with few desires; her enthusiasm for what the Tune-agers were doing was boundless. During the next few years, Marianna Klimenko and Helene were in close contact, as Helene and the Workshop Committee of the Tune-agers relayed all manner of advice on how to instigate a programme of activities for the Hawaiian residents. In February 1991, the Tune-agers, by request, returned to Hawaii for another concert tour, one stop being the same facility, the Lunalilo Home. As the Tune-agers were led on a tour of the home, the Administrator, Marianna Klimenko, showed with pride, the vast array of activities now available to the residents, from square dancing, to arts and crafts, plus more. She told Helene, "The new programmes have brought life into their lives and purpose to their days." A further life-changing incident happened on the same tour, during the Tune-agers concert at the State Hospital in Oahu. Some audience members were patients from the Psych.Ward, including a man giggling and causing a disturbance in the front row of the auditorium. When Helene (Divine guidance?) quickly introduced 'God Bless America,' in order to make time for a dressing room change, she observed the giggly man singing with a beautiful voice, quickly brought him on stage, and allowed him to solo, with the choir accompanying him. His excitement afterwards, and pride in what he had achieved was so obvious that he was barely able to contain himself for the remainder of the programme. Later, at the instigation of Helene, a collection was taken among the Tune-agers, with the intent that the man be able to take singing lessons. During the 1987 three week trip to Britain, the Tune-agers performed in Liverpool, and members were introduced to Mary Thomas, an Age Concern executive, who was amazed at the health, happiness, vitality and achievements of our Canadian seniors. In April of the following year, Mary Thomas became a guest of Helene Scott in Penticton, in order to undertake an assessment of the Penticton Retirement Centre's programmes and fund-raising policies. Mary's life mission became the desire to replicate the Penticton complex concept in her own home city, Liverpool. In a heart-wrenching speech at a potluck dinner in her honour, she spoke of 160,000 citizens of over sixty years old, at subsistence level, in a badly depressed area of Liverpool, with no retirement expectations. During her stay, Helene and the Workshop Committee of the Tune-agers spent time with her, leading her through their well thought -out presentation on the setting up of activity programmes, particularly music programmes. ohs 183 PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS Combining this with her research on the whole Retirement Centre Complex, she was able to return to her home city with a blue print for her mission. Sadly, the day came that Helene felt she must make her exit from the Tune-agers. Following a large, warm and loving reception at the Penticton Retirement Centre, where gratitude for her achievements was expressed by everyone from the mayor outwards, Helene has settled into an extremely busy life of looking after others, in every way imaginable. The Tune-agers are now in the talented and capable hands of Patti Craig, and the group is evolving yet again. How, in a few pages, can one ever translate into words the magic effects of the Tune-agers? How can one explain the metamorphosis in one's own soul? The Penticton Retirement Centre Tune-agers is not just a group of retirees, who travel and perform throughout Canada and into the farther reaches of the world. It is a loving, evolving organism that promotes healing. It heals those who participate, those who sit and listen, and those who are touched by the caring, fun-loving hand of the group. To introduce the name of any one of the many, many participants and helpers, would be to leave out others. There are those who have been incredible musicians, but just as many have been talented and brilliant in their own individual ways. The patient, loving and kind librarians, backstage dressers, etc.are just as much a precious part of the organic whole, as the people we see on the platforms. I deeply treasure the years I experienced with the Tune-agers and count so many of them, years later, as my special friends. 184 ohs PENTICTON RETIREMENT CENTRE TUNE-AGERS ft 1 * * * £ 1} ^ ■ TM fc«. ^TMf *S| ' *w V^Sfe* T aHk :9k_ ■ ^^d^^ - ^ip* 1 A 1 Jjp * • Tune-agers 1997 Picutre - left to right: Bottom row: Hazel McMahon, Emily Mayhew, Bev Gay, Barbara Smith, Dorothy Britt, Jean Kinder, Lucille Routley, Joan Cooper, Eileen Swanson, Irene Fountain, Win Stephens, Gwen March - accompaniest, Helene Scott - music director. 2nd row: Patti Craig - assistant music director, May Whyte, John Dyer, Franz Sochor, Ian MacDougall, Frank O'Connell, Stewart Sanborn, Echo Lidster, Hazel Hanson, Dorothy Morgan, Lena Barr, Grace McVeigh, Marian Reed. 3rd row: Roy Routley, Cee Morgan, Cee Holmes, Stan Yuckin, Dianne Fasshauer, Lou Sharkey, Lee Morrison, Jean Sherwood, Barb Cowan, Pauline Hare, Marjory Ferguson, Kathy Nelson. 4th row: Les Roberts, Bert Huggins, Jim Hare, Hugh Barr, George Gay, Pixie Marriott, Elizabeth Moodie, Dorris Huggins, Elain Marsh. 5th row: Bill Glass, Jud Courtney, Roger Kinder, John Allinger, Harold Thorsteinson, Earl Harrison, Joe Morrison, Jack Walker. Ovals: Vivien Browne, Wen Witherly, Denis Carroll, Donna Halverson, Dick Erickson, Betty and Joe Southerden, Jeannie Herdman, Donna Schellenberg. Missing: Claire Bateman, Evelyn Flint, Dannie Bright, Millie Kunka, Barbara Eddy, Steve Moodie, and new members Jean and Howard Duncan, Margaret Hamerston, Annabelle and Don Redman, Dennis and Dorothy Kohn. (Courtesy the author) ohs 185 FAMILY OHRON CLES The H.H. (Harry) Johnson Family by Clare (Johnson) Smith In 1885, Harry Johnson was born in Knowle, near Birmingham, England. He had two brothers and four sisters. His father had a shop in Birmingham where he made sporting guns with Damascus barrels. Harry also became a gunsmith, and worked at Lewis Gunworks. Harry played the organ at St. Giles Church in Packwood, and enjoyed playing cricket for the Warwickshire Cricket Club. He was a member of The Forest of Arden Football Team, which won the Kincaid Smith award in 1912. In 1914, two days after the First World War started, he and Agnes Mary Keyte were married. Agnes was the youngest in a family of five sons and five daughters, and lived in Wooton- Wawen, two miles from Henley-in-Arden where Harry then lived. At this time Harry was a dispatch rider in the army, driving a motorcycle with sidecar. It wasn't long before he was transferred to Birmingham Small Arms to do the job he knew best - making guns. After the war, Harry returned to Henley-in-Arden, about ten miles from Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire, where he had a garage business. He also supplied taxi service and repaired guns. The home of Harry and Agnes was next door to the garage. In 1924, Harry left for Canada and obtained a homestead at Clute, near Cochrane in Northern Ontario. At this time they had four little girls - Monica, Clare, Dorothy and Patricia. After adding an extra room to the log house, he sent for his family. In June of 1925, Agnes and the girls were driven by an uncle to Liverpool, and on June 25, boarded the T.S.S. Letitia (used as a hospital ship during World War Two), for the voyage to Canada. Clare (Johnson) Smith, the daughter of Harry and Agnes Johnson, was born in Henley-in-Arden, England. In 1925 she came with her family to Clute, Ontario. In 1926 the family moved to Vancouver, and in 1928 to Kelowna, where she has lived ever since. In 1941 she took a business course at Herbert's Business College, and has worked in various businesses using her secretarial skills. In 1970 Clare was married to Charlie Smith. Presently, she lives on Saucier Avenue. 186 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY Johnson's Gun Shop and Garage at Henley-in-Arden in England, c. late 1910's, early 1920's. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) Clare continues: On the way to Quebec, where we disembarked, I remember that we saw an iceberg. It must have been quite a shock to our Mom to see her new home in the bush, when she'd left a brick house with lawn, garden and tennis court in England. Dad had planted vegetables, strawberries and flowers to welcome us. Dad helped to build the school in Clute, and worked there, as well as being a trustee. The school was not only a place for learning but also was the gathering place for dances, whist drives, etc. On these occasions all the family attended, and the children either played or slept. Dad also worked on the road with horses and a two-handled tool like a big shovel, called a slip. He and Monica, the eldest daughter, who was ten years old at the time, walked the seventeen miles to Cochrane to purchase the horses and a small wagon. On the way home one of the horses got stuck in the muskeg. Monica held the one horse while Dad and another chap got the other horse free. Our family had the two horses, a cow and chickens, and grew grain and hay. There was not much land cleared, and the growing season in northern Ontario is quite short. One winter was enough for the family! October of 1926 saw us travelling across Canada to Vancouver, riding in Colony railway cars, where you ate what you brought along. It was an interesting way to travel. Mom said that both on the boat and on the train I experienced motion sickness, and so I didn't eat much. In Vancouver, Dad again had a service station, called Rapid Service, and Mom did washing for people. Monica and I attended Carleton, St. Patrick's and Sir Richard McBride Schools, according ohs 187 THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY to where the family was living. Dad played cricket - mostly at Brockton Point - and the family usually accompanied him. In the summer, English Bay, Kitsilano and Stanley Park were favourite spots, while Hastings Park was visited once in a while for midway rides. Occasionally on Saturdays we attended Windsor Theatre, for the price of ten cents. In 1928, Dad moved to Kelowna and rented a service station from Manley Byrns, who was leasing it from Jim Campbell. When the rest of the family arrived, we lived for a while in the quarters behind the service station, which was situated near what is now McDonald's Restaurant, across from Orchard Park Shopping Center. Bekins, a moving business still in operation out of Vancouver, moved the family possessions from Vancouver to Kelowna. In January 1929, Henry, the first son, was born. Soon after, the family moved to what was known as the Old Barlee House, across from the Mike Johnson farm on the Barlee Stretch. It was situated quite a long way in from the road. Dad purchased land from Jim and Joe Murray near the Leslie Dilworth Farm and near Dry Creek, behind what is now Don Folk Chev-Olds, facing Vernon Road (then the main highway). On this land he built a garage and service station and called it Johnson's Garage. He sold gas, repaired cars, and also rifles and shotguns for individuals, as well as the sporting businesses of Spurriers and Treadgolds. Dad used Delco lights at the garage, while at home we had coal oil lamps. The garage was the meeting place for young chaps like Arthur (Skinny) Peterman, Archie Hardy, Clare Dilworth and others. Nearly every evening Dad played crib with one of the fellows. Fishing and hunting were activities that Dad enjoyed, and he was sometimes accompanied by Jack McLeod, Archie Hardy, Monica, Mother Agnes Johnson, Dorothy, Patricia, Clare. Homestead at Clute, Ontario, c. 1925. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) 188 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY Back Row: Mother Agnes Johnson, Dorothy, Clare, Patricia. Front Row: Henry, Jeff, John. Benvoulin Church Manse, c. early 1930's. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) Harry Gervers or others. On some of his earlier trips he tried a little gold panning. Most Sundays in summer he played cricket, and was a good left- handed bowler, and a pretty good batsman. All the family accompanied him to these games, either in Kelowna or in other towns. Some of the cricketers I remember are: Carl Agar, Bill Bredin, Doug Carr- Hilton, Ted Matthews, Frank Mortimer, J.V Ablett, Steve Temple, N.H. Caesar, Harold Verity, Jack Kitson and Harry Blakeborough. According to Art Peterman, Dad also played tennis very well and seemed to win most of the games. Of course, when we were in England, we had the tennis court. We girls attended Benvoulin School, a one-room, eight-grade school. The first teacher we had was Elizabeth Fisher, and then Norma Marie Schroeder. The teachers generally boarded at the Clarence Burtch home near the corner of Benvoulin and Vernon Roads. The older boys took turns cutting wood, getting it in and stocking the big stove - all for fifteen cents a day. The girls swept, cleaned boards, dusted, etc., for ten cents a day. Each would have the job for a month. Many people wouldn't care for an eight-grade, one-room school, but I believe it served me well. In later years, I found that I could understand, and concentrate, even if several things were going on at the same time! In the summer, swimming in Mission Creek and climbing Dilworth Mountain were favourite pastimes, and the teachers joined in quite often. They also took us to try panning for gold in the creek, which wasn't too far from the school. In the winter, the young people would skate on the creek or just enjoy a large bonfire. The Christmas Concerts were always well attended, and the singing, acting and recitations were enjoyed by all. The two big school get-togethers were track meets and music festivals. There was always much rivalry between the rural schools in these two competitions, especially with Mission Creek School. ohs 189 THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY When the second room was built onto the Benvoulin School, Myra Winifred Lang taught grades one to four, while Ted Gleave taught grades five to eight. After Miss Lang left, Miss Moore taught grades one to four. About 1930, we moved to the Benvoulin Church Manse. The Church Minister, Reverend McMillan, held services at both Rutland and Benvoulin Churches, and he lived at the Rutland Church Manse. The kitchen, dining room and living room were on the bottom floor, and upstairs there were two bedrooms. A large verandah wrapped around the north and west sides of the house, and in the summer we slept there, since it was cooler. There was a water pump not far from the back door, and a root house that we seldom used. Out back were a large garage shed and also a woodshed, where the outhouse was located. Behind that, Mom had a chicken run, and we also had rabbits. We girls did the sweeping and dusting at the church. In the big section behind the church, the Alex Reid family grew corn. We grew vegetables and flowers, and there was an apple tree on the north side of the house. Harry Johnson with Prince at Johnson's Service Station and Garage, corner of Benvoulin and Vernon Roads, c. 1930's - 1940's. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) In September of 1931 our brother, John, was born at the Manse. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton looked after us and slept in their van. Everywhere we went - to school, church, and the lake or creek, we usually walked, until Mother got a bike and we all learned to ride. In the winter our dog, Prince, would pull the sleigh and we'd take dinner in a lard pail to Dad at the garage. Of course, if Prince saw a cat we might end up in the ditch. Early on, Dad played the organ at St. Michael and All Angels Church. We didn't attend Benvoulin Church but were included in 190 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY many of their activities. As youngsters, we were very much interested in the old organ there. In 1952, when Reverend Crysdale was the minister, Dad played the organ for services at the Benvoulin Church. He also sang in the Kelowna First United Church Choir. Ernie Burnett, a well-known Kelowna singer, told me they sang together. When teacher Ted Gleave of Benvoulin School married Kay Smith, who was a member of the Smith Garage family, Alma Mayer and I were chosen to buy them a gift. It was February and we walked to town from the Manse. Alma lived just a little north on Benvoulin Road. I don't remember what gift we got, but do remember how cold I was when I got home, and spent a lot of time beside the front room heater. As our youngest brother, Jeff, was born on October 31, 1934, Hallowe'en was spent at our house to celebrate his birthday, with many friends, fireworks, food and fun. Previously we had spent Hallowe'en at Lewis and Edith Marshall's, as their daughter, Maureen's birthday was on that day. Our home was the meeting place for many of our school friends, and our mother used to invite some of them for Sunday supper. On Good Friday, as well as at other times, we took a lunch and climbed up Dilworth Mountain. We usually climbed to the top, and also visited the Kelowna Cemetery at the base of the mountain. On the way down we would pick yellowbells and soldier caps (shooting stars). This tradition lasted many years, as our mother, brothers and sisters, and even grandchildren accompanied us. We continued hikes up Dilworth Mountain until the property we crossed was sold and hikers weren't welcome. In the 1930's, there was an infantile paralysis (polio) scare, and a Preventorium was set up near the golf club for patients. In 1935 there was a measles epidemic and a quarantine was put on all families who had someone who contracted the measles. Although I didn't get the measles, I had to stay home as the rest of the family were all infected. The school nurse was Ann Grindon and the doctor was Doctor Ootmar. Staying home for a month in grade eight wasn't good, as high school entrance exams were held in June. I also had another setback earlier when we came from Vancouver to Benvoulin School. I had passed into grade three but at Benvoulin School there was nobody else in grade three, and so I was put in grade two. When the main highway was changed to where it is now, my father, Harry Johnson, built another service station and garage at the corner of Benvoulin and Vernon Road (where Toyota was recently). He then built a house on Dilworth Road (as it was renamed OHS 191 THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY H.H. (Harry) and Agnes Johnson. Dahlia Display at Vernon Flower Show, c. 1950's. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) from Vernon Road), where his previous garage had been. We moved there from the Benvoulin Church Manse about 1936. I remember when we were living on Dilworth Road, one winter we had to melt snow for water as the cold weather had frozen the well water. When our Dad was away, fishing or hunting, or to the yearly Cricket Week in Vancouver, Monica or I tended the station - pumping and serving gas, adding oil, etc. At the time, Ivor Newman drove the Shell Gas truck. Quite recently a chap came along and said to me: "I remember you putting gas in my Dad's car." In 1940, Monica, Dorothy and I joined the Red Cross Corps - later changed to the B.C. Women's Service Corps. Dad was with the Rocky Mountain Rangers (Rutland, Ellison unit) of the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, from 1943 to 1945. Monica was married to Harold Hardy, and Dorothy was married to Wally Bennett in 1943, and so they did not continue with the Red Cross Corps. The members did a lot of drilling in the Armory. We had courses in First Aid, Home Nursing, Motor Mechanics, and Economics, part of which consisted of cooking, etc., for canteens, and clerical duties at the Junior High School. Henry, John and Jeff went to Benvoulin School. Later on, Henry and John participated in War Canoe races in Kelowna and other towns. Jeff played hockey for the Kelowna rural hockey team. About 1949, Dad sold Johnson's Garage and purchased a house on the highway from Ada Murray (daughter of Jim Murray, 192 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY who sold him the land where Dad had built Johnson's Garage in 1929). He then transformed the house he had built on Dilworth Road into a greenhouse. The greenhouse was well-used. Dad had always grown flowers, and so when he retired from the garage business, he went into dahlia growing. For quite a few years, there were about five acres of various varieties and colours of dahlias to greet the motorists as they drove by. Mother enjoyed meeting her many friends in the garden. Dad usually had a big display at various flower shows in the valley. He sold dahlia tubers in Canada, United States and Europe, especially England. At Thanksgiving, if there had been no frost, he enjoyed giving flowers to people who came by. Although busy, Dad had a little more time to go fishing, which he enjoyed, and the boys were willing companions even when they were little. He had a cabin at Trapper (James) Lake, and so he usually went there, although he also fished in other regions. I remember going with him one time, and even though it was pouring rain, I caught fish, one after the other. The only thing was, I wouldn't put worms on the hook, or remove the fish! Jack Huston, who lived in the area of Trapper Lake, went with him sometimes. Brother John told me that at one time Dad took Bing Crosby and Lon Chaney fishing. I didn't really believe him until I saw a piece in the Courier (in the section called "50 Years Ago") that Lon Chaney had come to Kelowna. On February 18, 1995 on the 6:15 news, Squire Barnes (Global TV) said that Bob Hope and Bing Crosby used to come to Vancouver to go fishing. In 1950, I sent our Mother to England so she could visit with her family whom she hadn't seen for twenty-five years. They certainly all enjoyed seeing one another. I went over to England in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth IPs Coronation, which I'll always remember. Of course, I visited all the family, and even went to Paris to visit family there. I have been three times since, once with Audrey McFarlane, once with Monica, and the last time I went alone. All the rest of the Family except Dad and Henry have been over - some more than once. MONICA worked for the Pritchards at Westbank, packed fruit for the Pridhams, Kelowna Growers' Exchange, Keremeos Coop., Charlie Oliver in Okanagan Falls and for McLean & Fitzpatrick Ltd. in Rutland. Her husband, Harold, was a logger. They had four sons - Herb, David, Alan and Leonard, and two daughters - Mary and Kathy. Harold died a few years ago and Monica died on August 8, 2002. I, CLARE, sorted apples for three seasons at the Kelowna Growers' Exchange in Kelowna before taking a business course at ohs 193 THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY Johnson Siblings: Monican Hardy, Clare Smith, Dorothy Bennett, Patricia Lowen, Henry Johnson, John Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson. Dorothy and Wally Bennett's 50th Wedding Anniversary, 1993. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) Herbert's Business College in 1941. Near the end of the course, six of us were asked to answer an advertisement by McLean & Fitzpatrick Ltd. in Rutland for a secretary. I was lucky to get the job. I worked as general secretary until 1956, when I became the shipper until 1972 (thirty-one years altogether for McLean & Fitzpatrick). I also did first aid for the company during this time. Mostly I worked in the Rutland plant, except for two weeks in 1943 when Elaine Curbishley of Oliver and I exchanged homes, as Doc Fitzpatrick wanted us both to know the workings at both plants. I also spent two months in Oliver again and stayed with Elaine and family. From 1950 to 1952, I again worked in Oliver. R.E. (Bud) Fitzpatrick was manager there, and so I did meet Ross Fitzpatrick and his sister. Bud Lewis and Walter Mclvor (who, with his family, had lived in Kelowna), as well as Art Peterman and others were also in Oliver. When Walter Mclvor started working for Manufacturer's Life Insurance he wanted me to do some typing for him, and so I bought my first typewriter. Wherever I was working, I never worked just an eight or nine-hour day. I stayed until I was finished. In 1970, Charlie Smith, who worked at B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd., and I were married. Charlie had one daughter, Marlene, whose mother had died in 1969. I worked from 1980 to 1985 for Central Electric Motor Rewind. Charlie retired from B.C. Tree Fruits in 1979, and then also worked for Central Electric until 1985. I joined the Order of The Royal Purple in 1962, and I also belong to the Okanagan Historical Society, Kelowna Branch, as well as the Heritage Society and the Military Museum Society. I volunteer at the Blood Donor Clinic. 194 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY DOROTHY started out doing household work and caring for children. For a time, she looked after the Pridham children - Rodney and Veronica. She then worked as a telephone operator, and also for McLean & Fitzpatrick Ltd. as a checker. In 1943, she married Wally Bennett. At that time he was farming, but later went into heavy machinery work - R & E Enterprises. He was Kelowna's Mayor in 1974 and 1975. They have two sons - Bob and Ted, and one daughter - Lynn. PATRICIA (PADDY) first worked as a teller at the Bank of Montreal and then went into nurses training at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. She graduated in 1946 and worked for a year at the Kelowna General Hospital before moving to Winnipeg, and then to Abbotsford. In 1949 Paddy and Bill Lowen were married and moved to Belleville, Ontario, where Bill managed Lon's Stone Works (manufacturing grave monuments), a family business. They moved to Red Deer, Alberta, in 1963 to manage another branch of the company. Paddy worked for twenty years in the Recovery Room of the Red Deer Regional Hospital, retiring in 1989, after which they moved to Chemainus on Vancouver Island. They have four sons - Don, Steve, Thomas and Jim. Bill died in 1999. HENRY worked for Wally Bennett (farming) in 1948-1949 and also for Harold Hardy (logging) and Doug Durnin in the bush in Kamloops. In 1950, he was employed in Prince George building a radar station, and worked there for two and one-half years. One summer he worked on the Hart Highway between Prince George and Dawson Creek, south of Chetwynd. In the fall of 1952, he worked at Penny Spruce Mill in Penny, B.C. (ninety miles east of Prince George), as well as in McBride. There was no road west of Penny, and so he had to go by train. In 1954, he worked for Chic Barlee (building houses), and in the late spring started working for Bill Cameron at Central Tractor. He continued there for eleven years. Henry and Doris Dulik, a school teacher, were married in 1962. From 1964 to 1966, he worked for Bert Cooper Tractor, and then moved to Cookson Motors, where he continued working until 1993. Henry is president of the Antique Tractor Club. He and Doris had three sons and two daughters - Tim, Ken, David, Sheila and Kathy. David died in 1981. JOHN worked at the Palace Meat Market, Arena Motors, Northway Service, Barlee and Ferris Construction, Cascade Co-op (where he made boxes and bins), and the Sun-Rype Plant. He then began as a firefighter for the Kelowna Fire Department, where he worked for thirty-one years. When he retired, he was Assistant Chief. John belongs to Rotary. John and Carol Wilson were married in 1954, and they have a son, Bruce, and two daughters, Valerie and Terri-Lynn. Carol worked in Dr. Newby's Dental ohs 195 THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY Office. She does excellent crafts, sewing and quilting. JEFFREY went into the R.C.A.F. and was stationed at Namao, Alberta. While there, he learned the electrical trade. After leaving the air force, he worked for Westinghouse and Wertinen Electric in Edmonton. Jeff and Irene Brandon of Edmonton were married in 1958. They moved to Nanaimo, B.C., where Jeff worked for Westinghouse, and their two daughters, Diane and Brenda, were born there. When Jeff brought the family to Kelowna, he worked for Kelowna Industrial Electric before starting his own business, Central Electric Motor Rewind, in 1980. Henry and I helped in the start-up. Irene worked for Sears, and is still doing so as of March 2003. When Jeff retired, he sold the business to Diane's husband, Jeff Nelson. He still works there sometimes, and also volunteers at the hospital. Jeff is a model airplane builder and belongs to that club. HARRY H. JOHNSON died in 1962. AGNES MARY JOHNSON was quite depressed when Dad died, and so she moved to the David Lloyd Jones Home, where she lived for fifteen years. The staff were very nice, and she liked to join in the many activities. I visited there often. In 1977, she H.H. (Harry) and Agnes Johnson. (Courtesy Clare (Johnson) Smith) 196 ohs THE H.H. (HARRY) JOHNSON FAMILY was moved to Strathcona Manor, as Cottonwoods Extended Care was then named. Every Monday and Wednesday, Pauline Senger would play the piano and her husband, Louis, would play the drums, and along with three or four singers entertained the residents. As I visited my mother fairly often, I was able to join in the singing and continued entertaining there for twenty years. Previous to this, we had gone to various nursing homes to entertain. Mother died in 1979. Regarding singing, my husband, Charlie, could play any instrument by ear, and so even in the car, if I were driving, he would play the mouth organ and I would sing. Charlie died on August 8, 1993. ADDENDUM Family activities remembered: In the early years, we used to go to the Aquatic for the Regatta, and also to the Stampedes. In the winter, sometimes we would walk up to the golf course to go skating or sliding. I used to go to the Kelowna Packers Hockey games and belonged to the Booster Club with the players' wives. I had the family house on the highway moved to Asher Road in Rutland, and lived there until 1970, when Charlie and I were married. While living there, I went to many of the Rutland baseball games. ohs 197 The Reids of Benvoulin by Chelta E.A. Snowsell (nee Reid) One hundred years have passed since Alex and Jemima Reid set foot on their farm on Byrns Road in Benvoulin. Due to Alex's poor health, the doctor in Morris, Manitoba, advised him to move to a warmer climate. He had rheumatism and took treatment at Halcyon Hot Springs, north of Nakusp, British Columbia, and decided then to move to British Columbia. The Reids had been well-established in Morris. Alex had a thriving blacksmith business. Jemima had taught school. They owned the shop and two houses. He was on the town council, enjoyed curling, and when the Red River flooded, made rowboats. All this was sold or packed up, to start life over in British Columbia. Margareta (Reta), the eldest often children wrote later, that in July 1903, "Father met us at Sicamous. We rode the train to Vernon, then took the S.S. Aberdeen to Kelowna. We drove southeast for three miles in a rig, to a plain unpainted two-story house in the bush. We were home." Nelson (third child), four weeks old, had passed away. The area named Benvoulin boasted a hotel, store, blacksmith shop, livery barn, school, flour mill and Presbyterian Church on Benvoulin Road. This area had been surveyed for a town site. Instead, due to the steamboats on Okanagan Lake, the new town of Kelowna was established on its shores. Neighbours, the Munsons, Days and Pattersons, were kind to the new farmer and his family. They lent them a team of horses and some implements, and advice. "You will starve on that land, Alex," one neighbour said. Munson and Day descendants still farm on Byrns Road. Alex purchased horses, cows, pigs and chickens the following year. He gradually cleared the land. It was swampy and had to be underdrained. Jemima named their farm "Hazel Dell" after Chelta Snowsell was born in 1910 in Kelowna to Alex and Jemima Reid, pioneers in the Benvoulin area. She received her schooling in Kelowna, and went on to Vancouver in 1929 to take her nurse's training. In 1933 she married Frank Snowsell (member of a pioneer family from Glenmore), a teacher, and they lived in various towns in British Columbia, retiring to Kelowna in 1970. They lived on the Reid family farm for the next twenty years, until moving to a condo. Frank passed away in 2003. They had five children (two of whom are deceased), six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 198 ohs THE REIDS OF BENVOULIN the many Hazelnut trees in the woods. Alex sold stove wood to the town folk. Jemima fed the chickens and the family with produce from her kitchen garden. Soon there were eggs, cream and butter enough to sell. Kelowna was a close market for products. By 1906 prizes were won at the Kelowna Exhibition for vegetables, fruit, baking and butter. Jemima and Alexander Reid. (Courtesy the author) Later, tons Of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and apples were hauled by wagon to the packinghouse and canneries in Kelowna. In 1914 World War I broke out. The young men signed up for duty overseas. Charles (second child) enlisted and spent four years in France and Germany as a dispatcher and came home safely. The young women filled the gap on the home front. Isabel (fourth child) became Alex's best helper. She would drive a load of produce to the packinghouse, then spend the day in high school. Alex, driving a second wagon, would bring her outfit home in tandem. The market was good as every bit of food was needed overseas and at training camps in Canada. J.A.K. (fifth child), fed up with farming, worked on the S.S. Sicamous. Hazel Dell was a mixed farm. The Reids had a big herd of milk cows, three teams of horses, riding horses, hay crops, pigs, chickens, fruits and vegetables. It was rich soil and Alex bragged he could grow three crops of hay a year on some of the land. The Japanese sharecropped on a lot of the farms. They were hard working, honest, grew beautiful produce, and were good friends. Some of the family names were Tamaki, Shirai, Naka and Mori. Alex did blacksmithing for the neighbours. He shod his own horses and also the neighbours' horses, and mended machinery. "He could mend anything," Jemima was heard to ohs 199 THE REIDS OF BENVOULIN The Reid Family in 1910. Charles Edward, Iola Minerva Ruthea, Alexander (father), Marguereta Alistine, Violet Isabell Jane, Jemima Jane (mother), Chelta Euphemia Aldrich, James Alexander Keith, Wilber Harold Ian (in front). (Courtesy the author) say, "I'll never get anything new." The barter system was used among the neighbours. Running water was a blessing in the house, dairy and barn. A big supply tank was placed in the attic and a pressure pump to a well was used to fill it. If anyone was sassy or used a bad word, it was "fifty strokes on the pump handle." Later in 1928, electricity was added. The family also got a telephone, electric pump, washing machine, flushing toilet, tractor and car. A smoke house to cure meat, and an ice house were filled each winter. All the family had chores and could milk the cows, hoe the garden, help with the haying (filling the silos was a big job) and do household chores. There was always school homework, too. On weekends there were house parties, dances, skating parties, box socials, masquerades, beach parties, picnics and hikes. Sunday was a day of rest. Shoes and clothes and food were prepared on Saturday. Alex said the horses also needed a rest, and no work, aside from chores, was done. All the family attended the church and Sunday school on Benvoulin Road. Alex was Superintendent of the Sunday school and Jemima taught a class. They were also board members of the church. One of the special treats on Sunday was homemade ice cream, all taking a turn on the handle. Alex and Jemima were very community-minded. They 200 ohs THE REIDS OF BENVOULIN encouraged the Parent Teachers Association, Farmers Meetings and Ladies Aid. The Reids also shared their fresh produce with the Kelowna General Hospital. In 1937 the big six-bedroom house burnt to the ground. There was no fire hydrant or fire brigade in the country area. The neighbours spotted it and came by the dozens to help and most everything was saved. Thelma (ninth child) suffered the biggest loss. Her bedroom was first to burn with all her possessions. She was teaching at Mission Creek School at the time. A new home was built by Patterson & Black. The clan loved Hazel Dell and came home to visit as often as they could. Alex and Jemima celebrated their fiftieth and sixtieth wedding anniversaries in the garden. Alex and Jemima at first refused the Seniors Pension. They had always saved a bit and felt they could manage. We were all taught to save for a rainy day and not to buy anything until we had the money in our pocket. There were many happy times at Hazel Dell, some very, very sad times, and lots of good memories. Alex Reid passed away at age ninety-two on December 16, 1953. Jemima passed away at age ninety-five on June 25, 1967. The inscription on their headstone reads "Called to Higher Service." The tenth child, George, and his wife, Ella (nee Archibald), owned Hazel Dell after Alex and Jemima died. Now grandson Allen and Wendy Reid are operating it as a fruit farm. Still living children of Alex and Jemima Reid are - Ruthea, Reid home on Byrns Road, Kelowna, BC. Destroyed by fire in 1937. (Courtesy the author) ohs 201 THE REIDS OF BENVOULIN age ninety-eight (sixth child) who lives in Alberta; Wilbur, age ninety-six (seventh child) and Chelta, age ninety-four (eighth child) both live in Kelowna. A cousin gathering to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Reid Farm was held in July 2003. More than seventy family members came from Montreal to Victoria and celebrated at Reid Hall. (After the death of Alex Reid, on the suggestion of his wife, Jemima, the Benvoulin Church Hall was dedicated by the congregation to his memory.) Aerial photo of Hazel Dell - the Reid farm, 1961. (Courtesy the author) 202 ohs NEW BOOKS Of INTEREST New Books of Interest to Our Readers Sawdust Caesars by Denis Marshall published by the Salmon Arm Branch, O.H.S. Explores origin of Shuswap area forest industry and traces careers of some of its larger-than-life characters. The Genelle Family, railway builder William MacKenzie, "Big Mike" Carlin and lumber giant S.H. Bowman are some of the featured players. Orders: c/o #33- 1120 12th Street NE, Salmon Arm, B.C. VIE 1B8 Cost: $22.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling Pull Up A Chair. Memories of Old-timers from Armstrong Spallumcheen by Shirley Campbell. Six men and one woman recount tales about growing up in or near the area known as Armstrong Spallumcheen. The storytellers are a sample of the numbers who built this community. Orders: the Enderby and District Museum, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery, the Vernon Museum and from Trafford Publishing, Victoria. Our Fair: The Interior Provincial Exhibition. Its First 100 years by Shirley Campbell, published by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society. This book received the Heritage Society of B.C. Award for Heritage Conservation. Orders: Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society asmas@telus.net Cost: $20 now on sale $12 Historic Spallumcheen and Its Road Names by Elaine Brown, Nancy Lowry & Kathy Schultz, published by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society. Orders: asmas@telus.net Cost: $6.95 now on sale $4. The Brick School-Armstrong Spallumcheen Consolidated School. Armstrong Elementary School. 1920- 2003 by Jillian Gagnon, Tara Holliday, Alyssa Kritsch, Kari Madsen & Olivia Nowek, published by the Armstrong Elementary Parent Advisory Committee. Orders: asmas@telus.net Cost: $5. Forever Pioneers by Edie (Postill) Cole. A romance, a quarrel and a hasty decision combined- these three events create an exciting story. Fiction based on the factual history of the Postill family, one of the first and largest ranchers in the Okanagan Valley in 1872. Orders: Mrs. Cole- 1-403-948-9403 Cost: $18 plus $2.50 Postage and Handling ohs 203 NEW BOOKS OF INTEREST TO OUR READERS A History of a Cadet Corps by D.G.J. Snyder. A history of the Penticton Corps of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, which took the name "Revenge" from an early Elizabethan ship. Orders: Penticton Museum Cost: $8 Gardening In The Dry Interior. Edited by Anne Ginns. A complete guide to dry land gardening in B.C.'s Interior, with chapters written by various authors. Orders: Penticton Museum Cost: $19.95 I'm A Bit Hard of Hearing by Dorothy Smuin. A humourous account of family life and the author's pioneering father, who was the centre of it. Orders: Penticton Museum Cost: $15 And Then The Wheel came off- And Other Adventures From Way Back When by Dorothy Smuin. This is a trip down memory lane with the author. Orders: Penticton Museum Cost $15 The British Garden of Eden by Paul M. Koroscil. A settlement history of the Okanagan Valley and how the Irish, Scots and English established development in the Valley between 1860's and the 1920's. Orders: Penticton Museum Cost: $24.95 (soft cover) British Columbia: A Natural History. Revised and Updated by Richard and Sydney Cannings. A revision of the first edition award winner, it describes the natural history of B.C. by ecological region, including the marine world, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Other topics include the devastating fires of 2003, avalanches, salmon farms, the water crisis and climate change. Orders: Greystone Books Cost: $39.95 Firestorm. The Summer B.C. Burned, edited by Ross Freake and Don Plant. This coffee- table picture book chronicles the most destructive and devastating fires in Canadian history. The fires forced the evacuation of 50,000 people, claimed three lives, 334 homes, ten businesses and a quarter of a million trees. A sequel: Stories From The Firestorm is being written. Orders: (hard cover) Mosaic Books, Kelowna Museum, Chapters The Okanagan Firestorm of 2003 by Helen Wyatt. The book consists of photographs and text about the 2003 B.C. Forest Fires. Orders: Mosaic Books (soft cover) Cost: $24.95 Okanagan Mountain Fire: A Time of Unity Story Writer- April Crawford Brown, Editor and Designer: Andrew Millar. This book consists of many photographs and text about the 204 ohs NEW BOOKS OF INTEREST TO OUR READERS Okanagan Mountain Park Fire. Orders: Save-on Foods Cost: (hard cover) $44.95 Wildfire by Charles Anderson and Lori Culbert. The book consists of text and images of the 2003 B.C. wildfires. Orders: Chapters, Mosaic Books Rufus. the Firehouse Dog by Elizabeth Lycar. A delightful child's book about the firehall and firemen fighting the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire. Cost: (soft cover) $ 7.95 As the Fire Raged VIDEO by Dave and Sharla. 14 minutes of spectacular footage of Okanagan Mountain Fire. Orders: Mosaic Books Cost: $15.99 Boards. Boxes and Bins by Sharron Simpson. The story of her grandfather and his company, Stanley M. Simpson Ltd., and the Okanagan Lumber Industry. Orders: Kelowna Museum Cost: (soft cover) $29.99 Kettle Valley Railway Mileboards by Joe Smuin. An historical Field Guide to the Kettle Valley Railway. Orders: Kelowna Museum, Save-On Foods Cost $39.95 Lilies and Fireweed-Frontier Women of British Columbia by Stephen Hume. This is a book about the instrumental role aboriginal and pioneer women played in the making of British Columbia. Orders: Save-On Foods Cost: (soft cover) $19.95 Our History. Our Heritage by the Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society. This book is a collection of one hundred historical stories, which were submitted by the Kelowna Branch OHS and printed in The Kelowna Daily Courier from 1994 to 2003. Approximately 200 pictures, many of them never published before, illustrate the stories. It will be available in December, 2004, in celebration of Kelowna's Centennial year. Orders: You may pre-order the book by calling Vivian Hamanishi at (250) 862-8841 or Bob Hayes at (250) 763- 8859. Cost: (soft cover) $20. ohs 205 WELL-EARNED ACCOLADES Well-Earned Accolades for Jessie Ann Gamble Last year, 2003, Life Member of the OHS, Jessie Ann Gamble was honoured for her work in her community of Armstrong Spallumcheen by being chosen Citizen of the Year. Following is the Editorial by J.H. Jamieson of the Armstrong Advertiser telling of the esteem in which she is held by her community. Ed. Note: Also, is added the esteem in which she is held by the Okanagan Historical Society for her many years of dedication to our society. Deserved Recognition We can think of no better choice for this year's Citizen of the Year for Armstrong and Spallumcheen than Jessie Ann Gamble. It is an honor she richly deserves. Eldest daughter of hardware merchant, Charlie Shepherd, he and his wife Verna raised two daughters in Armstrong. Throughout her school years, Jessie Ann excelled in sports, particularly badminton, was a member of the Teen Town square dance team and was a natural leader amongst her peers. She went on to university and became a teacher at Clearwater, Enderby and finally Armstrong. Together with her husband, Len, they raised three children. But most of her life has been spent in the Armstrong and Enderby areas where she became an avid student of local history. Jessie Ann carried this into her classroom and library, igniting similar interest in her young students. Having been raised in this area, she seemed to absorb facts and information about the early years- the people, the politics, the commerce and social life- and soon became "the source" if anybody wanted to know the history about the area or somebody to substantiate information. Jessie Ann was the person to contact. If she didn't know, she found out and got back to you. Over the years, many of us in the information business have found Jessie Ann a willing and helping 206 ohs WELL-EARNED ACCOLADES FOR JESSIE ANN GAMBLE "living book" for information we sought. She was always able to step in and assist and became a trusted friend to many. We feel honoured to have known her for more than 50 years. The announcement of the committee's selection was made Friday. Jessie Ann Gamble joins many others from this community who have received the same distinction, Armstrong Spallumcheen's Good Citizen of the Year. Congratulations. The community will have an opportunity to officially congratulate her at the July 1 celebrations at Armstrong Spallumcheen Memorial Park. Thanks to J.H. Jamieson for permission to reprint his editorial and also to Mary Ellison Bailey for sending the information. Jessie Ann (centre) receives her award. Left: Mayor Will Hansma, Right: Mayor Jerry Oglow. (Courtesy J.H. Jamieson of the Armstrong Advertiser) ohs 207 LIVES REMEMBERED Indicates Member of the Society ANDERSON, Erik Enfrid (b) Chase, February 22, 1915, (d) Salmon Arm, September 3, 2003. Survivedby wife Irene, daughters Lynda Anderson, Ann Opheim, Judi Anderson, Karen Anderson, Gail Anderson- Dargatz. Known for his quiet wisdom and humour, he spent much of his time in the B.C. mountains and forests, as farmer, horse logger and sheep shearer. Known as the last of the sheep trekkers, the Andersons continued to move through the Interior with their flock and packhorses until the early 1960's. Erik Anderson co-authored A History of the North Okanagan. ANGUS, Alvin James William (d) Kelowna, September 9, 2003 at the age of eighty- nine years. Survived by wife, Katherine Louise (nee Lightly). He brought Black Knight Cable Television to Kelowna. APPLETON, Win (Winnifred) (nee Lines).(b)Virden, Manitoba, 1912, (d) Kelowna, August 26, 2003. Survived by husband, Don. Together with a partner, she started La Vogue Beauty Bar in 1944 and was involved in the Salon until 1973. BEESTON, Frances M. (b) October 17, 1920, (d) Kelowna, October 10, 2003. She was a long- time resident of Kelowna, and spent nearly twenty years in the administration department of Kelowna General Hospital, retiring in 1982. BENNETT, Wallace (Wally) See Tribute p. 82. BILLICK, Alexander, (b) Sandy Lake, Manitoba, 1919, (d) Vernon, January 3, 2003. Survived by wife Olga, daughters Elizabeth Binette, Chilliwack and Alexandra (Johnnie) Wityshyn, Edson, Alberta and by three brothers: Peter. Paul, William and sister Anne (Bill) Loshney and extended family members. Predeceased by parents and siblings Steve, Michael, Marie, Lenore and Rose and granddaughter Cathryn. Alexander was a veteran of World War II and a resident of the Vernon area since 1926. He was an employee of the Canadian Pacific Railway for several years and later was employed by the Carpenters Union until his retirement. <$]IE» BLACKBURN, Mary Helene Esma (nee Barton). See Tribute p. 84. BLACKE, Helen Marion (nee Yochim) (b) Portland, Oregon, May 24, 1927. (d) January 26, 2004. Predeceased by husband Ed, who was Chief of the Okanagan Mission Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1960's. She moved with her family to Kelowna about 1930. She held a variety of jobs, but was best known as a cashier at Apsey's Store. BONIFACE, Agnes Elizabeth "Toots" (nee Kirschner) (b) Kelowna May 20, 1928, (d) January 9, 2004. Predeceased by husband Earl. She was born and raised in Kelowna. BOOTH, Margaret Evelyn, (b) New Westminster, November 16, 1919, (d) Salmon Arm, August 22, 2003. Predeceasedby husband Allen in 1983. Survivedby son Don, daughter Barbara MacLeod. As the eldest of five children born to United Church minister Victor Sansum, she spent her early years at Kispiox and Port Simpson and came to Salmon Arm in 1938. She graduated from Royal Jubilee Hospital as a RN and joined the staff of Salmon Arm's hospital shortly after. In addition to an eventful nursing career, she worked side-by- side with her husband in A.D. Booth Trucking Ltd. as well as helping to look after the family orchards. Her many outside interests included the Salmon Arm Museum and the Okanagan Historical Society. BOSS, Lydia Doris (nee Penner). See Tribute p. 133. «§&£> BRENT, Harriet ( nee Morgan), (b) England, March 30, 1910, (d) Summerland, January 25, 2003. Survived by son George. Predeceased by husband Sandy and son Kenny. Came to Canada in 1912, later to Nickel Plate with brother Bill in early 1930's where she married Sandy Brent. BROWN, Alice (nee Dickinson, (b) near Neilburg, Sask. June 28, 1910, (d) Armstrong, April 18, 2003. Predeceased by husband Bill in 1967. Survived by son Albert and daughter Shirley Gerlib. Alice moved to their farm north of Armstrong with her husband and two small children in 1944. The Browns raised prize-winning Holstein cattle and were strong supporters of the Interior Provincial Exhibition. Alice's wonderful pie making skills helped St. James Anglican Church in its fund raising efforts. BROWNE-CLAYTON, Robert (Bob) (b) 1917.(d) September 5, 2003. Survived by wife Patricia. He served with the Princess Patricia's in WWII, was an MLA for the Okanagan and 208 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED worked as a farmer in Okanagan Mission until joining S.M. Simpson, retiring from Crown Zellerbach in 1977. Bob was a great outdoorsman with a love for nature and wildlife. BURNETT, Ernest Arthur James. See Tribute p. 74. CAMPBELL, Florence Naoma (b) Clemens, Alberta, September 14, 1915 (d) Salmon Arm, October 30, 2003. Predeceased by husband Neil in 2000. Survived by sons James, Murray, Maynard, daughters Christina Norris, Caroline Stickle. Her family moved to Yankee Flats in 1930 and she spent much of her life in Silver Creek, actively contributing to community and church affairs. 43S^ CANNINGS, Stephen Robert. See Tribute p. 54. CAPOZZI, Tom. See Tribute p. 77. CARLSON, Mary Elizabeth (nee Dixon), (b) Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 2, 1909, (d) Enderby, November 3, 2003. Predeceased by husbands Gordon Hassard and Ben Carlson, son Earl Hassard, brothers Harold and Jack, sisters Grace and Margaret. Survived by daughter Wendy, brothers Art and Earl. Mary was a Life Member of the United Church Women and of Rebekah Lodge #44. 4SE& LIFE MEMBER-CASORSO, Victor Raymond "Vic". See Tribute p. 67. CHRISTENSEN, Violet Thurza (nee Marven) (b) Vernon, September 25, 1916, (d)Vernon, 25 November 2003. Predeceasedby husband Leyden (1992) and son Eric Michael (1945). Survivedby three sons: Kenneth (Wendy), Donald (Claire), Rodney (Dianne), nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Joan (Cliff) Taylor, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. She and her husband were very active members of the Okanagan Historical Society. They both belonged to pioneer families. CHURCHILL, M. Arnold. See Tribute p. 135. CHUTSKOFF, George.(d) Kelowna, April 3, 2004 at the age of eighty-two. Survived by wife Florence. He came to Kelowna from Saskatchewan in 1946. He was a contractor and later went into farming in the Rutland area. CLARK, Peter Malcolm, (b) Ladner, May 27, 1921,(d) Enderby, March 27, 2004. Survived by daughters Juanita and Carman, sons Kirk and Bill, sister Grace, stepbrothers Laurie and Jack, stepsister Helen. Peter played professional lacrosse with the Westminster Adanac. He moved to Enderby in 1958 where he worked at Smith Sawmill and Fletcher Challenge. He coached hockey and lacrosse and served on Enderby City Council for four years. nausp CLARKE, John Kenneth Maconochie (b) Kelowna (North Glenmore) June 24,1930,(d) Kelowna, August 30, 2003. Survivedby wife Joyce. A long time Kelowna resident, he was a 2nd generation pioneer orchardist in the Glenmore Valley. He was a trustee with the Glenmore Irrigation District from 1960 to 1972 and was instrumental in the construction of the Glenmore Reservoir System. Ken also served as a Director within the valley's fruit industry from 1960 to 1980, serving B.C. Orchards, Kelowna Growers' Exchange Packing Houses and B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. CLEMENT, Charles James (Jim), (b) Kelowna, March 20, 1920, (d) Burnaby, December 10, 2003. Survived by wife Rena. Born to the pioneer Kelowna family of Charles and Alice Clement, Jim was a pastor, social worker and school administrator. COOPER, Jack, (d) Kelowna, April 24, 2004 at the age of sixty-eight. Survived by wife Mary. He worked for building supply companies, and later as a lift span operator on the Okanagan Lake Bridge. Cooper Road is named for his family. COUSINS, Verne Milton (b) August 30, 1913 (d) Kamloops, July 15, 2003. Survived by wife Joan. His lifetime work was with Fletcher Challenge, Life Member of the OAPO, Charter Member of the Peachland Lions Club, recipient of many citations for his community work in Peachland, including the Freedom of the Municipality of Peachland. Verne and his eight brothers had one of the only family baseball teams in the Okanagan. DAY, Agnes (nee Seddon) (b) England, (d) Kelowna, June 22, 2003. Survived by Arthur, her husband of sixty-three years. Agnes came from England to the Okanagan with her family in 1913. The family settled on an orchard in East Kelowna where she spent her youth. Their old house still stands (2003) near Dunster Road. DAY, Kenneth Bertram. See Tribute p. 139. DEARING, Alan Edward (b) Salmon Arm, November 4, 1930 (d) Salmon Arm, March 30, 2004. Predeceasedby wife Joyce in 1980. Survived by daughters Debbie Turner, OHS 209 LIVES REMEMBERED Peggy Dearing, son Donald. He will be remembered as a free-spirited entrepreneur, notably for various endeavours in the automotive field, and latterly for the discussions that took place in his cluttered shop on the affairs of state. His parents, Edward and Ida Dearing, were early-day settlers at Sunnybrae. DEKKER, Marsha (nee deJong). (b) Den Helder, January 10, 1926. (d) Enderby, January 10, 2004. Survived by husband Gerrit, sons Dirk, Robert, Danny and Ted, daughters Liesje and Debbie. Predeceased by parents Dirk and Elizabeth deJong, brothers Bhram and Dirk, son Abraham. Marsha lived on a farm in Grindrod where she raised seven children and many foster children. She was well-known for her extensive doll collection. DELCOURT, Frances Harriet (nee Clements), (b) Helen Mine, Ontario, March 6, 1908 (d) Kelowna, December 26, 2003 in her 96th year. Predeceased by husband Del. She came from a pioneer family, moving to Peachland in 1908 with her parents James Henry and Mary Frances Clements who built and ran the Clements General Store (now the Chinese Laundry Restaurant). She was a school teacher and taught at the Coast. In 1932, she and her husband moved to Kelowna, where she resided until her death. DEMMON, Irene Mary (nee Currie) (b) Salmon Arm, February 29, 1920 (d) Parksville, December 27, 2003. Predeceased by husband Fred in 2001. Survivedby son Fred Jr., daughter Beverly Carson. She lived in Salmon Arm until 1973, then moved to Golden to assist in a family business. She was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Women's Auxiliary. DOE, Margaret Catherine (nee Avery) (b) Vancouver, October 4,1912, (d) Salmon Arm, November 13, 2003 at the age of ninety-one. Predeceasedby husband Ernest in 1986. Survived by son Alan, daughter Helen Hill-Tout. She was a member of a pioneer Princeton family and became both a nurse and a school teacher. After her marriage in 1951, she assumed many public-spirited roles in Salmon Arm, including helping to establish Pioneer Lodge. 435^ ESTABROOKS, Lillian Alexandra "Bill" (nee Gibson), (b) Almada, Sask., August 1, 1902, (d) Penticton, August 17, 2003. Survived by son Don and daughter Helen. Predeceased by husband Richard (Dick) and son Bruce Estabrooks. She moved with her family to reside in Keremeos. Music was a special interest in her life, as was writing and history from which she contributed to OHS Reports. Lillian made her home in Summerland. FAHLMAN, Thomas Joseph (b) Kronau, SK. September 8, 1915, (d) Kelowna, July 2003. Survived by wife Madalin. As a young man, he came with his family to Rutland. He joined the R.C.M.P. in the late 1930's, and later moved back to the Okanagan. During the 1960's, Tom owned a plumbing and heating business and before retiring, worked for Frontier Manufacturing on the Westside. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. FENTON, Nellie (nee Webb), (b) Bolsover, Derbyshire. January 17, 1919, (d) Salmon Arm, January 2, 2004. Predeceased by husband Robert in 1966. Survived by sister Pat Mobley. After emigrating to Canada in 1927, her father found employment on the WX (Wilcox) Ranch. Nellie Webb Fenton's upbeat personality touched many lives in Salmon Arm, not least when she served her fellow citizens for twenty-two years at the 5 cent to $1 Store on Hudson Street and an additional ten years as an employee in the Shuswap Lake General Hospital kitchen. FOOTE, Reginald (Reg.) Nelson (d) Kelowna, October 10, 2003 at the age of ninety- six. Predeceased by wife Winifred. He worked at B.C. Tree Fruits as accountant; in 1957 became manager of the Underhill Clinic, and in 1959, became President of the Clinic Managers' Association. He was an active member of the Lions Club. FRANCESCUTTI, Henrietta (Kay) (b) Kelowna, (d) Kelowna, March 28, 2004, at the age of ninety-three. Predeceased by husband Luigi. She was born and raised in Kelowna. FRENCH, Margaret (b)Norfolk, England, January 31, 1911, (d) Vernon, October 30, 2003. Survivedby daughter Lorna (Herb) Thorburn, son Gordon (Colleen) and grandchildren., sister-in-law Marj Lloyd, brother-in-law Bob French and extended family members. Predeceased by husband Wilfred and brother Bill Haines. Margaret came from England with her parents as a young girl to Coldstream. In 1974 she moved to Kingston, Ontario. She was a very active member of the Coldstream Women's Institute prior to going to Kingston and rejoined this group on her return to B.C. FRENCH, Reginald "Reg" Herbert (b) Vernon, 1916 (d) Vernon, January 29, 2003. Survived by wife Helen, son Arthur, Kamloops, daughter Linda Kineshanko, Prince George, five grandchildren; four great grandchildren, sister Marjorie Lloyd, Delta, brother 210 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED Bob French, Penticton, and extended family members. A member of a pioneer family, for most of his life Reg was a resident of Lavington and Vernon. He loved the outdoors especially fishing in the many lakes in the North Okanagan. FUOCO, Lena (b) Fernie, B.C. October 24, 1914 (d) April 13, 2004. She came to Kelowna at the age of 22, and lived and worked with the Capozzi family. Was active in the congregation of the Immaculate Conception Church where she was a lifelong member. GEE, Jessica Mary (b) Kelowna, February 24, 1933 (d) Kelowna February 14, 2004. Survived by husband Ronald. She was very active in the political arena, as well as in numerous community organizations. GILLIS, George Warren (b) Vanderhoof, B.C. 1924, (d) July 15, 2003. Survived by his wife Nancy. Joined the RCAF during W.W.II, and later was transferred to Westbank with Columbia Power. He worked on the last ferries to cross the lake before the bridge opened, was an orchardist, employed as an electrician as well as owning his own company, Electrical Age. He retired from Sun Rype. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, on the Board of the Kelowna S.P.C.A. and involved in the building of the Lakeview Heights Community Hall. GRUHL, Suse Brigitte Yvonne (b) Berlin, Germany, April 12,1908, (d) Oliver, September 13, 2003. Survived by husband Alfred and two nieces and a nephew in Germany. As a young woman, Suse travelled to Shanghai and spent sixteen years working as a governess for friends. She and the friends' family were placed in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during WWII . After the war, she returned to Germany and then, with her mother, immigrated to Canada. In 1957, she married Alfred Gruhl and they relocated to Osoyoos, where they operated an orchard. Suse became locally famous for her beautiful weaving. HACK, Lucy. See Tribute p. 80. HAINES, Lillian Elizabeth (nee Needoba), (b) Melville, Saskatchewan, February 4, 1915, (d) Salmon Arm, December 11, 2003. Predeceasedby husband R.W. (Bill) Haines in 1974. Survived by sons Dale, Glen, daughter Joan. She came with her parents to Yankee Flats while still a child. HALL, Robert J. "Bob" (b) Weyburn, SK., 1930, (d) Salmon Arm, October 21, 2003. Survived by wife Jeanne, sons Jimmy, Steven, Michael. With Walter Gray, he founded Radio Station CKXR, Salmon Arm, followed by affiliate outlets at Revelstoke, Golden and Invermere. Bob Hall was also associated with CKIQ. Kelowna and the President of Sun Country Cablevision. He was a lifelong basketball devotee, both coach and referee. He was a recipient of the Ted Earley award, symbolizing the highest national honour afforded a Canadian basketball official. HAMILL, Louise (Lou), (b) Winnipeg, MN. July 4, 1913, (d) Kelowna, July 9, 2004. In 1918, she moved with her family to Kelowna, where she lived most of her life. She worked at the old Royal Anne Coffee Shop, but her main love was working on the farm. She took great pride in being one of Kelowna's original "Farmerettes". HARDY, Euphemia Marquis (nee Campbell) (b) Balcarres, SK. 1921 (d) November 10, 2003. Predeceased by husband Duncan (2002). She came to Kelowna with her parents at age five and worked at Fumertons Department Store in Dry Goods in her early years. She and her husband ran the Ben-Voul-In, the first drive-through cafe in Kelowna. HARMS, John (Johnny), (b) Battleford, Saskatchewan, April 29, 1925, (d) Vernon, December 15, 2002. Survived by sons Jack and Michael, daughters Catherine and Susan, second wife Germaine Helie and her son Bobby and her daughter Louise. Predeceased by first wife Donna Bell Spenser, 1928 - 1985, and by his sister Mary Corn. John was a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1943 till 1945, then forward for the Kansas City Playmores. Then he was captain of the Vernon Canadians bringing home the Allan Cup to Vernon in 1956. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a long time employee of the Vernon Hydro, retiring in 1984. HASSARD, Alers "Al" Leonard, (b) Enderby, July 20, 1902, (d) Armstrong, December 8, 2003. Survived by wife Doris (nee Harrison). Al was a member of a pioneer family and a lifelong resident of the Armstrong-Enderby area. After many years on the family farm in North Spallumcheen, he moved to Armstrong in 1949 and started building and renovating homes. This active man enjoyed curling. HASSARD, John Irvine, (b) Enderby, May 16, 1908, (d) Kelowna, February 4, 2004. Survived by wife Anne (nee Mearns) and sons William and Frank. John went to school in OHS 211 LIVES REMEMBERED Enderby and was raised on his pioneer family farm. He was the last survivor of the Hassards' eighteen children. After attending Normal School, he taught at the Armstrong Consolidated School from 1929 until 1954 and was the Principal there for the last ten years. Then he moved to Vancouver and was Principal of University Hill School until his retirement in 1970. HAYDEN, Donald Joseph, (b) Ottawa, Ontario, November 3, 1919, (d) Vernon, October 22, 2003. Predeceased by wife Jean in 1977. Survived by daughter Claudia Johnston. After serving with the R.C.M.P., the Armed Forces overseas and the City of Blairmore, Alberta, Don came to Armstrong in 1965 to serve as the City Clerk until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the Elk Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Masonic Spallumcheen Lodge #13. HEBIG, Ferdinand, (b) Wimont, Sask., May 18, 1909, (d) Osoyoos, November 27, 2003. Survived by wife Irene and their children Judy and Howard. After serving in the R.C.A.F. in WWII from 1943-1945, Fred settled in Osoyoos in 1946. He operated his jewelry and watch repair business for thirty-two years. He was a charter member of the Osoyoos Curling Club and a fifty year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #173. HEYWOOD, Heather Lynne (nee Blaine), (b) Oliver, December 13, 1944 (d) Kelowna, August 26, 2003. Survivedby her mother Muriel, sons Curtis and Kalvin, daughter Trina, five grandchildren, her chosen companion Kurt Klassen and an extended family throughout the Boundary country. Lynne lived in Bridesville as a child and was educated in schools in the area: Kettle Valley, Greenwood and Osoyoos. As an adult, she lived in Penticton where she raised her three children. In 1990, Lynne moved back to Bridesville where she worked at the Post Office. She was a very active community worker in the rural Boundary District, assisting especially at the Rock Creek Fall Fair, with the Bridesville Community Hall and with athletic events throughout the area. HILL, Gordon Henry "Bud", (b) Enderby, May 16, 1927, (d) Vernon, October 8, 2003. Survived by wife Wilma "Billie", sons Ken, Randy and Robbie, daughters Debbie and Tannis, sister Jennet "Babe". Predeceasedby sister Margaret "Puggy". Bud worked as a millwright in his father Roily Hill's sawmill, in Danforth's mill and later in Prince George. HOSKINS, Charles Frederick, (d) Kelowna, April 12, 2004 at the age of ninety-three years. Moved to Westbank in 1929. He was an electrician. HOYTE, John Mordin (b) Dillon, Montana, 1926, (d) Vernon, July 2, 2003. Survived by wife Phyllis (Berry), two sons Ted, Dave (Ruth) and grandchildren Sarah, Robbie and Nicholas, one brother George (Connie) in Victoria and extended family members. He joined the Seaforth Highlanders during World War II and later was employed by the Department of Highways. In 1954 he joined the firm of A.E. Berry Ltd. After his father-in- law died he managed the firm until retirement in 1990. As well as his business interests, he was very involved for many years with the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Power Squadron and All Saints Anglican Church. HUBBARD. Donald Charles (b) Kelowna, March 19, 1917, (d) Kelowna, June 1, 2003. Survived by wife, Violet He worked in the electrical business for over forty years, and loved the outdoors. HUGHES, Millie (nee Parmley). (b) Penticton, June 17, 1909, (d) Vernon, August 10, 2003. Survived by son Richard and daughter Linda von Harten. Predeceased by husband Ed , daughter Eileen, brothers Bob, Fred and Dick Parmley. Millie worked in the family business- Penticton Dray and Express, started by her father Robert and continued by her brother Dick. HUNTER, Janet (nee Freeze), (b) Calgary, May 23, 1906, (d) Salmon Arm, June 7, 2003. Predeceased by husband Kenneth in 1992. Survived by daughters Lorraine Ross, Joanne Armstrong, son Bruce. Raised in the Salmon River Valley, after completing business training, she accepted a position with Union Steamships at Vancouver. There she met Ken Hunter, who was studying to be a druggist and would soon become the lone pharmacist at the isolated copper smelting town of Anyox. They wed two years later and in 1936 an opportunity arose to take over a drugstore in Salmon Arm. Hunter's Pharmacy, with "Jan" as personnel manager/accountant, remained a Salmon Arm fixture for thirty years. For the next decade, Ken and Jan Hunter owned and operated Salmon Arm Resort on the lakefront near Canoe. INGRAM, Charlotte (nee Brown), (d) March 31, 2004 at the age of ninety-four years. 212 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED She arrived c. 1914 and was a long-time Okanagan Valley resident. JENSEN, Karen Adena (nee Pollard) (b) Vernon, 1945, (d) Vernon, May 18, 2003. Survived by brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Linda Pollard, Lumby, two nieces, Krista Pollard, Lumby and Britta Pollard, Vancouver. Predeceased by parents William and Mildred Pollard. She was a member of a pioneer family. KENDALL, Alexander (b) Saskatchewan 1919, (d) Vernon, July 30, 2003. Survived by wife Barbara, three sons John, Bill, and Robert, three sisters and grandchildren. Predeceased by brother Bill. He moved as a youth with his family to Vernon in 1943. He was employed by the Vernon Box Factory, and later served with the B.C. Police in different areas. He operated several service stations and was active with the trucking industry. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing. KING, Dorothy Holmes (nee Freeze), (b) Armstrong, May 27, 1909, (d) Salmon Arm, January 13, 2004. Predeceased by husband James in 1964 and daughter Marlene Larson in 1971. Survived by daughters Carol Schaafsma, Jori King, sons Jimmy (Lou), Terry. Dorothy grew up at Heywood's Corner, west of Armstrong, married a police officer, and then lived in a number of British Columbia communities. After her husband passed away, she settled and worked in Salmon Arm. KING, Joan. See Tribute p. 143. KNOWLES, Robert Gordon, (b) Rutland, Saskatchewan, 1920, (d) Ottawa, November 5, 2003. Survived by second wife Marnie, two sons Tony and Alan, 2 daughters Laura (Millar) and Janet Barker and Mamie's children: one daughter Dianne Holland and two sons Paul and Chris Anderson and several grand children and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Patricia in 1997. Robert graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Master of Science in Agriculture; joined the CBC as a farm commentator, later becoming National Supervisor for farm broadcasting for 20 years. During that time he was involved in rural radio broadcasting, living for three years in Rome with FAO. He helped create the Canadian Farm Writers Federation and was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. On retirement in 1980, he and Patricia moved to Vernon where he became a very active volunteer and President of the Canadian Mental Health Association and serving with All Saints' Anglican Church of Vernon. He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends in Vernon. KNOX, Betty Ellen (b) Biggar, SK., January 30, 1920, (d) Kelowna, October 10, 2003. Predeceased by husband Bob. She was Head Dietician in charge of food services in the Kelowna General Hospital until her retirement in 1985, and was a Director of the Heritage Society, as well as being active in many women's groups. KOSKI, James Frederic, (b) Canoe, February 5, 1919, (d) Salmon Arm, May 20, 2003. Survived by wife Gwen, son Tommy. The son of pioneers Ernest and Lylli Koski, he moved with them to White Lake in 1927, where he was to spend much of his life. Not surprisingly, given his Finnish heritage, he was a talented skier, which he put to good use as an instructor in WWII. He later made his living as a licensed timber scaler. LEITNER, Shirley Anne (b) Vernon B.C., December 15, 1963, (d) Vernon B.C., November 4, 2003. Survivedby son Damian, brother Joe, parents Willie and Sylvia Leitner, uncle Herb (Lorna) Thorburn, Rick Thorburn and aunt Liz Thorburn and extended families. Predeceased by paternal grandparents Joseph and Elizabeth Leitner, Austria, Herbert and Henrietta Thorburn, Vernon and uncle Bill Thorburn. Shirley managed Willy's Motor Inn, Vernon, for over 20 years and was well known to her many customers for her excellent memory. She had a special love for animals especially dogs who accompanied her on her long runs each day. LOCHORE, Arthur Joseph "Bob", (b) Penticton, January 25, 1913, (d) Regina, Sask., February 28, 2003. Survived by wife Violet, daughters Joanne Gladwell and Judy Johnson. Predeceased by wife Ruby (Lynds), brother Norval James (1981), sister Gertrude Grace Dafoe (1936). Bob was employed by Greyhound of Canada for many years. LOUTTIT, Donald Alec, (b) Armstrong, May 2, 1920, (d) Adams Lake, July 9, 2003. Survived by wife Blanche (nee Tourangeau) and stepdaughters Carrie Gosselin, Yvonne Moore and Esther Webb. Don worked the original family farm near Armstrong all his life. He enjoyed fishing and curling, volunteered for the Red Cross Meals On Wheels and was a member of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department. LUPTON, Claire Windsor (nee Roberts), (b) 1911, (d) Kelowna, April 7, 2004. OHS 213 LIVES REMEMBERED Predeceasedby husband Rex. She was a resident of Kelowna since 1915. MacBEAN, Dorothy "Dottie" (Keating/nee Mitchell), (b) Calgary, AB., May 5, 1915, (d) Kelowna, October 10, 2003. Predeceased by first husband, Herb Keating. Survived by husband, Don MacBean. She was a nurse in the Canadian Army, and then worked at the Kelowna General Hospital as Assistant Director of Nursing, and then Director of Nursing until her retirement in 1980. McCLURE, Leona (Moen). See Tribute p. 145. McKAY, Olive Elizabeth (nee Clinton), (b) Larkin, July 27, 1923, (d) Armstrong, November 2, 2003. Predeceased by husband Kenneth in 1992. Survived by sons Thomas Nash and Douglas Nash, daughter Arlene Wyenberg and stepchildren Betty Burke and Fred McKay. Olive was a descendant of the Larkin District pioneer Clinton Family, and lived all her life in the Armstrong area. She was a member of the Legion Branch #35, the Women's Institute, Armstrong Curling Club and Zion United Church. Over the years, Olive clerked at Scarrow's Variety, Armstrong Co-op and Shepherd's Hardware. 4§E& McMECHAN, Allan Dunbar, (b) Red Deer, Alberta, February 16, 1917, (d) Penticton, March 19, 2003. Survived by wife Marie-Louise, sons George, Phillip, Paul, daughter Nicole. When he was two, the family moved to the Vernon area. Allan served with the Signals Corps, during WWII. An agricultural engineer, he worked at the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Summerland from 1954 to retirement in 1977. He was well- known for technological advancements that he and colleagues developed for the Okanagan orchard industry. He was also active in community service, in particular, the Holy Child Roman Catholic Parish. <*2£> McMECHAN, Marie-Louise (nee Lommelaars), (b) Neerpelt, Belgium, November 17, 1921, (d) Penticton, April 22, 2003. Survivedby sons George, Phillip, Paul, daughter Nicole. Predeceased by husband Allan on March 19, 2003. A resident of Summerland since 1954, Marie-Louise was a long time member of the Catholic Women's League at Holy Child Roman Catholic Parish. She was known for her kindness to strangers. MARSHALL, Eva Mae. (b) Medicine Hat, Alberta, October 8, 1910, (d) Enderby, February 25, 2004. Predeceased by husband Clifford Marshall. Survived by son Wayne, daughter Linda. Eva lived and taught school in the Coal Branch of Alberta. She moved to Mara in 1953 where she and Cliff operated the Mara General Store and Eva ran the Mara Post Office and rural mail deliveries for twenty years. She played the organ in the Mara Community Church for fifty years and provided music for community functions and choral groups. MASS, Katie (nee Turn), (b) Kelowna September 24, 1922, (d) Lethbridge, AB. July 4, 2003. Predeceased by husband Wilfred Mass. She was a member of a pioneer family. MEPHAM, Denis, (b) Kelowna, 1926,(d) Richmond, B.C., May 26, 2003. Predeceasedby wife, Isabel. He was in the R.C.A.F until 1975, and then in the Civil Service until 1996. He was a member of a pioneer family. MEYERS, Bill, (b) Earl Grey, SK., (d) April 16, 2004 at the age of eighty-nine. He rode the rails to Kelowna in 1933, and was a resident of the East Kelowna farming community. MOLLER, Pearl Amy (nee Norman). (b)Verdun, Quebec, March 21, 1913, (d) Vernon, September 1, 2003. Predeceased by husband Joe in 1994, son John in 1999. Survived by daughters Marlene Demko and Joanne Sandaker. A longtime resident of Armstrong-Spallumcheen, Pearl was involved with Legion Branch #35, the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Zion United Church. For years, she and her husband took the roles of Mrs. Claus and Santa at many community Christmas functions. MONESMITH, Leah Grace (nee McKim), (b) 1929, (d) 2003. Survivedby husband Raymond. She worked for many years at the Kelowna General Hospital and retired from there to open Choices clothing store. MOORE, Vincent Earl "Tubby", (b) Penticton, November 23, 1926, (d) Penticton, April 9, 2003. Survived by wife Margaret, son Patrick, daughter Sharon, step-daughter Colleen. Predeceased by wife Maxine (1985). He served in the Navy during WWII. MORO, James (Jim) A., (b) Thunder Bay, March 31, 1934, (d) Vernon, July 1, 2003. Survived by his wife Nancy, brother Emil and sisters Mary and Anita and extended family. Predeceased by son Jamie, brothers Jack, Len, Var and sister Ida. He came to Vernon in 1957 to join the Senior "A" Vernon Canadian hockey team. He played many western 214 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED cities including Calgary, Spokane and Victoria during his career. He took a position with the City of Vernon, retiring in 1995. He was an excellent golfer, the envy of his many friends in various sporting activities. MORRISON, Mary Frances Cicely (Jingy).See Tribute p. 147. MUNRO, Charles Earle. (b) Revelstoke, November 3, 1927, (d) Solsqua, September 8, 2003. Survived by wife Terry, daughters Anne Fitzpatrick, Janice Jackson, Patricia Adams, Tanya Dyck, son Bruce. He began a teaching career at Solsqua and transferred to Eagle River School, Sicamous, in the early 1950's. He last served as Principal of Malakwa Elementary until his retirement in 1985. MURRAY, Robert F.fb) 1923, (d) Vernon, October 26, 2003. Survived by daughter Edna, grandson Jeremy and two sisters Joan and Anne. Predeceased by wife Edna. Bob was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War, retiring from the army in 1969. He was employed by Canada Post from 1969 to 1983. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying the area around Vernon and District. MURRELL, Clarence Leslie, (b) Kelowna, April 5, 1913, (d) Kelowna, November 27, 2003. Predeceased by wife Edith. He was a pioneer Kelowna area resident. NAKA, Sumiko (Rose), (b) Kelowna, October 17, 1921 on the Tony Casorso farm, (d) Kelowna, January 5, 2004. She lived in Kelowna all her life. NAKA, Toshio. (b) Kelowna 1923, (d) July 31, 2003. Survivedby his wife Akiko. He is a member of a pioneer family and lived in Westbank. NISHI, Tsuruye. (b) Steveston, B.C. June 11, 1915, (d) Kelowna, April 10, 2004. Predeceased by husband Kihachiro. She and her family moved to Kelowna in 1941, and worked in the farming and orchard industry. She was an active member of the Japanese United Church. NUYENS, Kenneth, (b) Vernon, B.C. March 26, 1931, (d) November 6, 2003. He was a member of a pioneer family who came to Okanagan Centre in 1924. He ran an orchard in Okanagan Centre and was involved with the BCFGA, VFU, Winoka Co-op, the Cubs/Boy Scouts and was a Life Member of the Oceola Fish and Game Club. OLIVER, Olwen. (b) Kelowna, December 21, 1913, (d) Vernon, June 28, 2003. Survived by two daughters Rhondda (Dick) Biggs, Vernon, and Gwynneth (Richard) Nelson, Williams Lake B.C.; four grandchildren Leah Biggs, Vancouver; Trevor Biggs, Toronto; Kirsten Bews and Treena Nelson, of Surrey B.C., and two great grandchildren Conner and Annika Bews. Predeceased by husband Frank Oliver in 1998. All her life, Olwen was very active in Trinity United Church, Vernon, a long standing member of the Harmony Unit and assisted in the Kindergarten class with her music. She was a volunteer at Jubilee Hospital and received a 20-year pin. She was very accomplished at sewing and knitting and music especially at Winter Carnival time, and will be much missed. PARFITT, Noreen Louise "Ninky" (nee Lewers). (d) October 20, 2003 at the age of eighty-five years. Predeceasedby husband Bob. Her family were long-time Kelowna residents. PAYNTER, John Decamborne. (d) April 23, 2004 at the age of ninety-one. Survived by wife Almeda. He was born in Kelowna and lived all his life in Westbank, except for time served in the RAF and RCAF. With his brother-in-law, he operated a garage in Westbank for many years, and for the last fifty years, operated an orchard. PEKRUL, Marie (nee Ivans/Ivanshitz). (b) Austria, June 7, 1921, (d) December 18, 2003. Predeceased by husband Art. She came from a pioneer family, and she and her husband ran an orchard in Rutland for fifty-two years. PHILIP, Edith Roberta (Ibpsy) (Gee). See Tribute p. 141. POGGEMILLER, Jean Eleanor (Nichol). (b) Vancouver, January 14, 1929, (d) Victoria, January 22, 2003. Survived by husband Art Poggemiller, sister Dorothy Garbutt (Mel), daughters Barbara and Kathryn (Brad) Shirley and Sheila, son David (Dawn), and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Ian (Pat), brother-in-law Alvin (Star) and sister-in-law Marion and their families. Jean moved to Vernon in 1946 with her family and married Art in 1949. She spent countless hours volunteering with the Swim Club, School Band, Winter Carnival, Meals on Wheels, Highland Dance Committee, and the Cancer Society. She was very active in Trinity United Church, Camp Hurlburt and sang in the choir. She and her sister and two friends were known as the "Folk Song Four." She was a Life Member of the Sons of Scotland, both in Vernon and Victoria. OHS 215 LIVES REMEMBERED PREVOST, Emil Charles, (b) Cold Lake, Alberta, 1926, (d) Salmon Arm, March 20, 2004. Survived by sons, Arnold, Emil, Edward, Jamie, daughters Mary, Emily, Eileen, Louise, Kelly, sister Felecine. Predeceased by wife Nellie, sister June and brother Cyrus. Emil served overseas during WWII and was active in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #98. PRIESTMAN, Gordon, (b) Ontario, August 4, 1936, (d) Salmon Arm, August 4, 2003. Predeceased by first wife Anne and an infant daughter. Survived by wife Faye Fawcett, stepson Peter Priestman, stepdaughters Susan Jarisz, Carol Robillard. Raised in Toronto and Muskoka, he travelled to B.C. in 1964 thinking it would only be a waystop. Lacking practical experience but naturally skilled with the written word, he convinced the Merritt Herald to hire him as reporter-editor. He briefly worked for the Powell River News before becoming an award-winning editor of the Salmon Arm Observer on April 1, 1967, a position he held for most of the next thirty-three years. Here his creative talents flourished and he was able to express his points of view via the popular column, "Observations". He took leave of absence in 1986 to make an unsuccessful run as the NDP Party's candidate for a seat in the provincial legislature. He was a Life Member of the Salmon Arm Fall Fair Society and a Director of Shuswap Community Foundation. PROCTER, Cecilie Elizabeth (Tilly), (b) Vernon, 1915, (d) Vernon August 20, 2003. Survivedby one daughter Marjene, two sons, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother Harold (Marlene) Schmidt, two sisters Dorothy (Gil) Bede and Gertrude Jerome and extended family members. Predeceased by husband Paul (Mabel Lake),sister Anna Teneycke, four brothers:Reinhold, Dan, Wally and Val Schmidt. Tilly and Paul lived at Mabel Lake. They both belonged to pioneer families, well- known in the North Okanagan. QUIGLEY, Orville Douglas, (b) Kelowna, October 1, 1921, (d) Kelowna, April 24, 2004. Survived by wife Mildred. He was a long time Kelowna resident. Quigley Road and Quigley Elementary School are named after his family. REEDMAN, Jack, (b) Tappen (en route to Salmon Arm Hospital) February 15, 1920, (d) Blind Bay, September 2, 2003. Survived by wife Jean, son Douglas, daughters Heather Reedman, Cheryl Chambers. His parents, Florence and John Reedman, arrived at Blind Bay from England in 1905. They operated an orchard and packinghouse, relying on the sternwheeler C.R. Lamb to carry their fruit to Salmon Arm for marketing. Until his retirement in 1985, Jack Reedman was employed by the Adams Lake Sawmill. RENNIE, Shirley Marie (nee Sweet), (d) September 10, 2003. Predeceased by husband Sandy in 1987. She was very involved with the volunteers at the Kelowna General Hospital for many years ROBERTSON, Isabella (Ella), (b) Edinburgh, Scotland, February 12, 1920. (d) Kelowna, April 14, 2004. Survived by husband Alex. She and her husband moved to East Kelowna in 1947 and in 1957 established Robertson's Clothing on Pandosy Street. LIFE MEMBER tfiTjEfc - ROBEY, Ronald See Tribute p. 71. ROBINSON, Ralph James, (b) Donalda, Alberta, August 1, 1926, (d) Summerland, July 29, 2003. Survived by wife Jean, sons James and Scott. He began CIGV Radio in Penticton, as well as serving as Alderman on Penticton City Council and on executives of the Chamber of Commerce, Safety Council, Jaycees and Toastmasters. ROTTACKER, Barbara Alice (nee Webster), (b) Vernon, June 26 1910 (d) Vernon, July 23, 2003. Survived by brother Herbert Webster, nieces Lynn Webster and Wendy Clapp and nephews Tom Speechly, Lindsay Webster, Brian Webster, Lyall Webster and Gordon Webster. Predeceased by husband Henry. She was an excellent athlete and at Vernon High School was a member of the Women's Basketball Team which won the B.C. Championship. She took teacher training in Victoria in 1929 and started her teaching career in the Cariboo, later teaching at Sugar Lake. In 1932 she entered McGill University, graduating in Physical Education; teaching in St. Catharines, Ontario. She returned to Vernon to teach at Vernon Junior High School for several years. After marriage, she and Henry farmed at Okanagan Landing, raising purebred beef cattle. Barbara and Henry loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting in many areas of B.C. She was active for many years in the Coldstream Women's Institute and belonged to a pioneer Coldstream family. RUNZER,Veronica "Vera" (nee Bulach). (b) Balmas, Romania, September 23, 1919 (d) June 7, 2003. Predeceased by husband Andy. Vera came to Canada with her parents in 1927. She and her husband were orchardists in Glenmore from 1949 to 1965. She was an active member of the Catholic Women's League. 216 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED SAKON, Shigeru. See Tribute p. 150. SCHELL, John, (d) January 7, 2004 at the age of ninety-seven years. Predeceased by wife Marie. He ran a successful restaurant business (Schell's Grill) in Kelowna in the 1940's and 1950's. SCHERLE, Siegfred (b) Fairyhill,SK., October3,1915, (d) Kelowna, August 18, 2003. Predeceased by wife Birdie. He was involved in the construction industry for more than fifty years. He served in the Salvation Army, was President of the Kelowna Kiwanis Club in 1978 and was a devoted SPCA volunteer. SHAW, Gordon, (b) August 6, 1912, (d) January 21, 2004. Survivedby wife Jessie. He was raised and lived in the Okanagan from the age of twelve. He worked in the packing house industry, becoming manager of the Vernon Fruit Union Packing House in Winfield in 1949. 4¬ßEB> SIMPSON, Betty Dorothy (nee Comber), (b) Armstrong, September 8, 1921, (d) Vernon, May 30, 2003. Predeceased by husband Wilfred "Fred" in 1994. Survived by sons Dale and Ross, daughters Rhonda Brozer, Barbara Rempel and Leona Simpson. Betty spent her entire life in Armstrong, working at her parents' business- H.Comber Greenhouse, Willowdale Retirement Home and raising her family. She was active in Zion United Church, working with children and singing in the choir. SMALL, David Clare, (b) Edmonton, AB., (d) March 12, 2004 at the age of ninety- one years. Predeceased by wife Billie. He came to Westbank in 1952. In 1978, he and his wife founded the Westbank Museum, and received an award from the Central Okanagan Heritage Society in 1990. He was recognized in 2001 for distinguished community service when he received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. SNOWSELL, Frank. See Tribute p. 88. SOMERSET, Ruberta (Ruby) Grace. See Tribute p. 155. SPALL, Robert E. (Bob). See Tribute p. 157. STAMER, Helen, (b) Smethwick, England, June 30, 1910, (d) Kamloops Extended Care Hospital, October 10, 2003. Survived by son Derek (Val), two daughters Judie (Art) Jaik, Shane (Ron) Haywood, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Predeceased by husband Jack,1991 and one grandson David, 1989.Helen emigrated with her parents from England, settling in Lavington and later in Vernon. Helen was a member of a well- known Coldstream family. STEPHENS, Katharine (nee Larson), (b) April 6, 1918, (d) Lake Country, September 10, 2003. She donated to the people of Kelowna a ninety-two acre parcel of land as a wild life park "Stephens Coyote Ridge Park" on McKinley Road. She had a love of nature, music, animals, flowers and good friends. SUGARS, Lilian M. (b) Salmon Arm, May 9, 1926, (d) Westbank, April 21, 2004. She grew up and went to school in Kelowna, and was a teacher at various communities in B.C. She was the author of two books. SUGAWARA, James Kanao. (b) Vernon, 1942, (d) Vernon, April 29, 2003. Survived by two sisters Chiyo Yamabe, Vernon and Betty (Henry) Hasebe, Vancouver, nieces Sachi, Lisa, Elaine, nephew Owen and extended family members. James lived all his life in Vernon. He enjoyed all sports but especially loved golf. SWORDER, Hilda Muriel, (b) Birmingham, England, September 17, 1898, (d) Penticton, May 2, 2003. Predeceased by husband Sedric (Ric) in 1990. Hilda came to Canada with her mother in 1910. She married Ric in January 1918 on his discharge from the army after WWI. A year later, they moved to Penticton. They eventually purchased their own orchard and raised two sons, Jack and Roy. On retirement, they pursued their main interest of gardening. See pp 206 and 207-Okanagan History-64th Report-2000. SZELEST, Tadeusz (Ted), (b) Poland, August 22, 1922, (d) Kelowna, April 22, 2004. Predeceasedby wife Anna. He was a veteran of WWII, earning the Victoria Cross for heroism in battle. After the war, he came to Canada, first Vancouver, then Kelowna. He worked on the Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge and the restoration of Benvoulin Church. TAIT, Donald Robert, (b) Summerland, June 16, 1941, (d) Summerland, August 29, 2003. Survived by wife Lynn, daughter Heather Pescada, son Heath. He was a third generation in fruit farming on family land. Magnus Tait settled in Trout Creek in 1905, established the orchards later operated by son Eric, and his son Don. An avid photographer, and OHS 217 LIVES REMEMBERED collector, Don travelled extensively through the 1970's and 1980's, building an impressive slide collection, which stands as an historical document, now changed by westernization of certain areas. THOMPSON, Margaret Cicely, (b) Vernon, February 18, 1911, (d) Kelowna, 2003. Predeceased by husband Rolland. She was a Registered Nurse in her early years, a volunteer with the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary, enjoyed skiing, hiking and photography, and was elected a Life Member of the National Geographic Society. THOMSON, John "Jack" Hartman (b) Burnaby, B.C. October 7, 1916, (d) August 7, 2003. Survived by wife Donna. Jack moved to Kelowna in 1919 with his family. He was the only refrigeration mechanic in Kelowna for many years and operated the first auto parts store. He took over the Thomson Auto Supply business in 1939 when his father died. <3S& THOMSON, Ken. (d) March 26, 2004 at the age of seventy-four. Survived by wife Dorothy. He was born and raised in Kelowna, member of a pioneer family, farming all his life. TINLING, George H. (d) Kelowna, March 19, 2004 at the age of eighty-five years. Survivedby wife Marie. He opened Tinling's Family Restaurant and Yeoman Room in 1958, and developed Bracewood (now known as Mission Park) Shopping Centre. TODD, Jean Mary (nee Girling), (b) Vancouver, B.C. May 6, 1924, (d) Kelowna, January 1, 2004. Survivedby husband Jeffrey. She was a teacher at Benvoulin Elementary School and taught kindergarten in Peachland. She was the town librarian for twenty-two years and played the organ for Peachland United Church for over fifty years. Jean and her husband established their Peachland campground, "Todd's Tent Town" in 1956. TOMLYN, Earl Alvin. (b) Margo, Saskatchewan, April 10, 1932, (d)Blind Bay, October 13, 2003. Predeceased by wife Marge. Survived by companion Peggy Jonker, son Michael, daughter Anne. A photographer by choice, from time to time he found it necessary to pursue other options, such as mining. He was Co-founder and President of Salmon Arm Lions Club and an active member of the local Fair Board and Salmon Arm Museum. TURRI, Pietro. (d) Kelowna, February 9, 2004 at the age of one hundred years. Predeceased by wife Esterina. He was a long time resident of Kelowna. UDY Annie Currie (nee Stevenson), (b) near Glasgow, Scotland, October 18, 1918, (d) Vernon, August 21, 2003. Predeceased by husband Alfred in 1976. Survived by daughters Gloria Hutzkal and Wendy Picco, son William "Bill". Annie came to Canada as a child in 1928 with her family and they settled in the Lansdowne/Armstrong area. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary Branch #35 and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum Archives group. VEALE, Mary Edith (nee Pringle). (b) Hullcar, (d) Kelowna, May 25, 2003. Predeceased by husband Leslie in 1987. Survived by daughter Mary (Tom Mackie), sons Alan, Brian, Ken, David. She taught school in rural B.C. and Alberta before settling with her husband on a farm in Silver Creek. She was active in the United Church and Women's Institute. VETTER, Ferdinand (Fred), (b) Salvador, Saskatchewan, (d) October 15, 2003 at the age of eighty-seven years. Survived by wife Susan. In Kelowna he joined Smith Bros.& Wilson Contractors as timekeeper for the Wartime Housing Society, and later was with the B.C. Dept. of Highways until his retirement in 1977. He was very involved with the Westbank Knights of Columbus, Chairman of the World Refugee Society, on the building committee for the St. Pius X Church and active member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. WARBURTON, Constance Edith Louise (nee Spall), (b) February 27, 1913, (d) August 3, 2003. Predeceasedby husband Harry. She came from a pioneer family and graduated from Kelowna General Hospital School of Nursing in 1935, joining the Army Medical Corps in 1943. After discharge, she continued her nursing career and in 1964 returned to the operating room of Kelowna General Hospital until her retirement in 1978. WISBEY, Marjorie Eileen, (b) Ontario, 1917, (d) Vernon, October 20, 2003. Survived by two sons Bruce (Joy) of Yarrow B.C. and Richard (Audrey) Vernon, two grandchildren Derrick (Brandie) Vernon and Jolene, Abbotsford B.C. and three great grandchildren, her twin sister Josephine (Royden) Campbell, Salt Spring Island B.C., one brother Alan (Phyllis) Staniforth, Ontario and extended family members. Predeceased by husband Albert, 1980. Marjorie had her first nursing experience in the Yukon. Later she moved to Coldstream as a Public Health Nurse, where she married her husband. Her great hobby 218 ohs LIVES REMEMBERED was carving many animals from soapstone as gifts for friends and family. YAMABE, Haruko Miriam, (b) Vancouver January 10, 1919, (d) Kelowna , February 8, 2004. Predeceased by husband Masao. She had lived in Kelowna since 1949 and worked for Crown Zellerbach box factory, Brown Bro. Bookbinding and later managed Hinode Retirement Centre. YAMAMOTO, Tatsuzo (Tats), (b) Hardieville, Alberta, February 8, 1928, (d) Vernon B.C., June 16, 2003. Survivedby wife Cecile, sister-in-law Fumi Yamamoto, nephew Byron of Lethbridge, niece Colleen of Brooks, Alberta, niece Terry of Lethbridge. Tats was a Doctor of Microbiology with the University of Alberta and on retirement he moved to Vernon with his wife. He became very interested in lapidary and in silver smithing. He and his wife showed their crafts at various crafts shows. YAMAOKA, Kiyo. See Tribute p. 163. YANDEL, Dr. Michael, M.D., FRCSC. (d) Kelowna, December 25, 2003. Survivedby wife Linda. A dedicated surgeon, Mike was a leader in the orthopedic field throughout the valley. Along with his passion for life, he loved all kinds of music, especially jazz. Errata 67th Report Page 69: The Cartwright House in Summerland- Under the photo of the house should read: "Courtesy Berta Schwerdt" -NOT Shubert. Page 143: The Naramata School For Girls- p.147 1.3 Rev. Beames NOT Beams, p. 148-Under photo of frozen Okanagan Lake should read "Aikens" NOT Atkins Page 157: Kenny McLean: Rodeo Legend p.l58-photo of Ken McLean, age 18 at Penticton Peach Festival Rodeo. Rider in photo was mistakenly identified as Ken McLean. Correct identity unknown. New photo is of Ken McLean on "Rainy Days" in Winnipeg 1961. (Photo courtesy of Florence Niddery.) Membership List: Sinkewicz, Ella (omitted) Page 124: Women in Okanagan Valley History- p. 125-paragraph below the picture. Margaret Thorlakson is the daughter-in- law not the daughter of Thorlakur and Ingebjiorg Thorlakson. She was the wife of Thomas and was a Whitaker from Lower Nicola. The Thorlaksons arrived in Peachland in 1893 NOT 1898. Page 92: Dr. Frank McNair: line 4 of author's biography-author's daughter is Zoe (umlaut over the e) NOT Zoi. Page 186: The Skelton Family. All photos should read- Courtesy of Ellen (Bobby) Dixson NOT Dixon. Kenny McLean on "Rainy Days", Winnipeg, 1961. (Courtesy Florence Niddery) ohs 219 OHS Business and Financial Statements Okanagan Historical Society Annual General Meeting S.S. Sicamous. Penticton. B.C.: April 25. 2004 CALL TO ORDER: The President, Alice Lundy, welcomed members and guests to the 79th Annual General Meeting of the Okanagan Historical Society. NOTICE OF CALL: The Secretary, Vivian Hamanishi, read the Notice of Call as printed in the 67th Annual Report. MINUTES: MOTION: That the Minutes be adopted as published in the 67th Report. D. Gregory/B. Dale CARRIED. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Adoption of revised By-Laws. MOTION: That the revised By Laws be adopted as circulated. D. Gregory/E. Gorek CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the following correspondence: a) Privacy Act With the help of Lionel Dallas a copy of the legislation was obtained, and an outline of the requirements of the Act is attached. It was suggested the Executive Council should appoint someone as Privacy Officer to bring a report for action. David suggested that the executive council deal with this matter rather than at the annual meeting. b) Joseph Rivere Returned membership registration. Expressed best regards to the Society and benevolent persons who work for the future of the OK Valley, which he loves so much. He particularly thanks Mr. Marriage, and he did not forget the valley during the difficult days of last summer. An important text on that period will be appreciated in the future Report. c) B.C. Historical Federation Enclosed agenda of Board Meeting May 6, agenda of AGM May 8, agenda of Board Meeting, May 9 and delegate form for member(s) attending. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: a. President - Alice Lundy b. Secretary - Vivian Hamanishi c. Editor - Dorothy Zoellner d. Treasurer - Bob Cowan Note that cheques were received for the sale of Reports in 2004, from both Penticton and Oliver/Osoyoos Branches. A complete set of Reports was sold to Cariboo College. Note that our Reports are extremely important records of the history of the Valley. MOTION: That the Financial Report be accepted. B. Cowan/D. Gregory CARRIED MOTION: That Cecil Schmidt be appointed the Financial Reviewer. B. Cowan/E. Revel CARRIED MOTION: That the Executive Reports be accepted. B. Hayes/L. Dallas CARRIED BRANCH REPORTS: a. Oliver-Osoyoos - Lionel Dallas b. Salmon Arm - Ralph Kernaghan c. Similkameen - Lionel Dallas reporting d. Penticton - Dave Morgenstern and David Gregory e. Kelowna - Robert Hayes f. Armstrong-Enderby - David Simard g. Vernon - Jack Morrison for Robert de Pfyffer MOTION: That the Branch Reports be accepted. K. Benzer/J.A. Gamble CARRIED SPECIAL COMMITTEES: a. Fintry - Jack Morrison 220 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS b. Essay Contest - Jessie Ann Gamble c. Historical Trails - Peter Tassie/David Gregory d. Finance Committee - David Gregory e. Sales & Promotion - Lionel Dallas f. Father Pandosy - Alice Lundy g. Historian - Helen Inglis h. Index - David MacDonald MOTION: That the Special Committee Reports be accepted. D. Morgenstern/R. Kernaghan CARRIED ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Enabelle Gorek presented a slate of nominations for 2004-2005 Executive Council. After asking for further nominations, she declared the slate accepted as presented: President - Alice Lundy Vice-President - David Gregory Secretary - Vivian Hamanishi Treasurer - Bob Cowan Editor - Dorothy Zoellner COMPLIMENTARY RESOLUTION: MOTION: That the usual complimentary resolution be applied. B. Marriage/D. Zoellner CARRIED ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Members are asked to check the membership list to ensure it is correct. 2. Next O.H.S. Executive Council Meeting will take place Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Water Street Senior Centre, in Kelowna. 3. Kaye Benzer invited members to the 80th Annual General Meeting on April 24, 2005 at the Royal Anne Hotel in Kelowna. Kelowna will celebrate its Centennial in 2005. Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn by Kaye Benzer at 11:30. 2004-2005 Okanagan Historical Society Executive on the S.S. Sicamous in Penticton. Back row: (/ to r) Bob Cowan, Alice Lundy, Vivian Hamanishi. Front row: (I to r) Enabelle Gorek, Dorothy Zoellner, David Gregory. (Courtesy Jessie Ann Gamble) Highlights of Minutes Reports of Officers President's Report Alice Lundy As the date was fast approaching for my first Executive Council meeting in July, I was becoming a bit nervous, but was soon put at ease. With many familiar faces and with my capable secretary at my side, the meeting went well. OHS 221 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The October Executive Council meeting was a long session with By Laws again being reviewed. I want to thank the Executive Council for their input and hard work on the total review of this document. At our February meeting the By Laws were passed by the Executive Council and are now ready to be presented for adoption at this meeting. Over the past year I was able to attend the three financial meetings, chaired by David Gregory. I also attended general meetings in Oliver/Osoyoos, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Kelowna, and all have given me an insight into these branches. The branches, with the exception of Kelowna's large membership, may be small in number but are very enthusiastic in their promotion of the history of our valley. All branches had very interesting and diversified guest speakers. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend two events of Armstrong/Enderby Branch because of time conflicts. After contacting Bob dePfyffer in Vernon a meeting was arranged to try to help the revival of Vernon Branch. A general meeting was held in April with many of those present interested in having a fall meeting. Peter Tassie offered to send out a small newsletter to further the interest in the Vernon Branch. To acquire new members is hard. Publishing articles for local newspapers, becoming historical guest speakers for other clubs, writing newsletters, holding picnics, holding spring or fall teas and holding lecture series in conjunction with the local schools or colleges might be ways of enticing new members into the branches. Over the past several years I have enjoyed my association with the members of the O.H.S. up and down the valley. I have been fortunate to attend many AGMs of this illustrious group, and all were extremely interesting and informative. At this time I wish to thank the Penticton Branch for hosting this year's Annual General Meeting and to thank all of you for attending this special event. Respectfully Submitted Secretary's Report Vivian Hamanishi As this was my introduction to the OHS Executive Council, it has been a year of meeting new people, education and learning. The Executive Council and Financial meetings have benefited my education. I would like to thank all the members of the Executive Council for their patience and help in this regard. It has been a pleasure to get to know the representatives from the Valley Branches, and I very much appreciated their help in navigating the unknown waters. The updating of the By Laws and Policies was a great learning experience. I look forward to getting to know the new members of the Executive Council for the year 2004/2005, and again working with those that have chosen to stay the course. Respectfully submitted Editor's Report Dorothy Zoellner This has been a year of many historical events and changes in our areas. Response to the need to write of these happenings-both past and present-has been gratifying. Thanks to the hard work of our Branch Editors, the 68th Report-Okanagan History promises to be a faithful record of interesting, accurate material. I do realize that with the past summer's events, there was a great increase in the publishing of historical books and competition for sales. To this end, we must double our sales efforts to make Okanagan History financially viable. Our Society will have produced sixty-eight volumes of the history of the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen Valleys - truly a remarkable feat. To follow our mandate and continue to preserve our history, we must meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society. Respectfully submitted Treasurer's Report Bob Cowan (attached) Branch Reports Oliver-Osoyoos Lionel Dallas A successful hosting of the April 2003 AGM. Work at Camp McKinney curtailed because of fires, however, the property is up for sale and we will monitor the situation to ensure we have access to the cemetery. Fairview kiosk did not sustain any damage as arson fire burned across the road. The new Carleton McNaughton kiosk is about ready to complete. The Haynes Ranch and Horse Barn project up and running, has agreements with the Min. of Land, Water and Air Protection, allowing us to raise funds. At March meeting Joan and daughter Marie Thompson gave enlightening talks about their lives at the Ranch during the late 50's and early 60's. With our grant of $500.00, Vice President Gayle Cornish accessing historical photos of Osoyoos area from BC Archives, Federal locations, reproductions displayed and then 222 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS donated to Museum. She was also asked to research photos of prior 8 "border crossing" buildings for opening of new US/Canadian building. We enjoyed her outstanding presentation at our Nov. 2003 meeting. At our March AGM the existing officers and directors agreed to stand again this year, and representatives of 3 of our Honorary Societies attended the meeting Respectfully submitted Salmon Arm Ralph Kernaghan Usual book sales held in local malls and at special events. Sawdust Caesars, a history of the Genelle family, the Columbia River Lumber Co., and logging and saw milling in the Shuswap area, was produced by Denis Marshall, our Branch Editor. Talk and slide show by Dr. D. Auten was enjoyed at our Christmas potluck supper. A video, of Price Ellison at turn of the 20th century, showed by Mary Ellison Bailey at our AGM, with short talk urging production of tape of our own family history. Booth family were honoured at our AGM. Mrs. Helen White (nee Booth) gave talk on family in 1900s and history of clan. Respectfully submitted Similkameen Lionel Dallas reporting At the last Executive Council meeting it was agreed I should take over finding out what the status of this Branch is, whether it will resurface or will be closing and if it is closing, the assets being held by Executive Council for future. John Armstrong was contacted twice with regard to evaluating the position of the Similkameen Branch. He said there is an inactive bank account with approximately $1,000.00, which he agreed to withdraw to care of Executive Council, and to gather up some "Reports" the only other assets. I will follow up as necessary. Penticton Dave Morgenstern and David Gregory Penticton - Dave Morgenstern Members now number 13, plus 4 officers and still recruiting more and younger directors. We meet now in the evening. We've sponsored several more antique machinery shows with banner flying and sale of books, also miner's tent and artifacts from museum on display. David Snyder's new book on the history of the Penticton Sea Cadet Corp. was well received. Our first annual award recognizing contributions to the heritage of the city or area was given out during Heritage Week. Bruce Schoenne, owner/ builder on Historic Front Street, received first award for his replicating of old style construction inside and out. We continue to hold 3 Executive and 3 General meetings per year, with General meeting held after the Tuesday Brown Bag Lunch Program at Museum. AGM held April 23 with guest Susan Schulz providing an interesting story of her climb to the summit of Mt Aconcagua, in Argentina. Respectfully submitted Summerland - David Gregory The most important historical event in Summerland in 2003 was the Kettle Valley Steam Railway Society's acquisition and current restoration of the 3716 locomotive, built in 1912 and featured in a film by Philip Borsos, titled 'The Grey Fox". Through careful financial efforts, the KVSR Society was able to survive until the 2004 season although forest fires forced closure of the operations in August 2003. Each year the Summerland Heritage Commission recognizes a historic site in Summerland; Aeneas Creek is 2003 site. This creek was first described on Archibald McDonald's map in 1827 titled "A Sketch of Thompson's River District". The Commission erected a sign, with wording as follows: AENEAS CREEK Creek drains Garnett Lake. Previously called Nicola River or Nicholas River. In the 1830's the fur traders called this region 'Land of Nicola' to honour Grand Chief Nicola (Hwistesmetxe'qen 1793-1859). The 'Land of Nicola' extended from the Nicola Valley to one section of the Okanagan Valley, Nicola Prairie, now called Summerland. Respectfully submitted Kelowna Robert M. Hayes A busy year for Kelowna Branch, we continue regular meetings, with Shirley Lewis speaking about local First Nations People at AGM in March. Annual Pioneer Picnic in July, fall "Harvest" Tea in October, bi-annual Newsletter and weekly column in The Daily Courier offer our members entertainment and keep them informed. Branch Editor has been busy OHS 223 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS with stories and obituaries for the Annual Report. We continue to have close ties with the local Heritage Advisory Board, the Kelowna Museum and other like-minded organizations. In 2005 Kelowna celebrates its centennial and our Branch will host AGM of the Okanagan Historical Society in April and the B.C. Historical Federation's AGM in May, giving us a chance to showcase our city, the Okanagan Valley and ongoing work of the O.H.S. Our Branch has its own "centennial" project, publishing a book in memory of our late President, Fenella Munson. With 100 of our newspaper articles and many "never before" published photographs, it will be available in early 2005. Former Branch President Hugh McLarty passed away this year. His enthusiasm and energy have been much missed. Long-time executive members Bob Marriage and Gifford Thomson have stepped down, having served the Kelowna Branch (and the O.H.S. as a whole) well. Their efforts are much appreciated, and they will be missed. New members were added in March. I would like to thank our hard-working Executive for their continued efforts and enthusiasm. We work well as a group, and the members of the Kelowna Branch benefit as a result. Respectfully submitted Armstrong-Enderby David Simard Relatively busy year with Lansdowne Cemetery Committee working hard at organizing a cairn to display the names and years of those interred. Held regular meetings throughout the year. Introduced new bulletin at AGM in Nov. 2003, along with Estelle Shook and Jennifer Brewin, guest speakers - "25 Years of the Caravan Farm Theatre". Joani Cowan is to be congratulated on the opening of the Enderby Museum, official opening enjoyed by all. Also, we look forward to Bob Cowan's new book on the history of Enderby. We enjoyed a potluck dinner at our AGM in March 2004, there were no changes in officers. Louise Everest presented on her specialty "Genealogy". She left no stone unturned and made some of us realize that if we were looking up our parentage that we would require help from someone as experienced as herself. Respectfully submitted. Vernon Jack Morrison for Robert de Pfyffer For the past two years we have not functioned well, with few executive members or meetings and no paid up membership. Jack Morrison and Bob de Pfyffer represented the Vernon Branch at all Executive Council meetings, and Jack Morrison also representing Friends of Fintry, as well as looking after the sale and storage of O.H.S. Reports. Because of concern for Vernon's slow dissolution a revitalization committee was organized at President Alice Lundy's suggestion. On Feb. 3, 2004, six former Branch members met, along with Alice Lundy and Doug Sutherland from Kelowna. It was decided to hold an AGM in March, with an afternoon tea being organized by Betty Holtskog. Approximately thirty people attended the AGM on March 21st , and Bob de Pfyffer became chair as no one else volunteered. Guest speaker was Shirley Louis; she talked about her book OJsapi, which means "long time ago". Our next event will be a Pioneer Picnic on July 1, 2004 at the Halina Centre. Alice Lundy reminded us that Vernon is to host Society's 2006 Annual General Meeting. Respectfully submitted Special Committees Fintry Jack Morrison Jack reported he is back on the Fintry Committee because of lack of members. The AGM to be held June 15, 2004. Members encouraged to come out and support your park and your heritage buildings. BC Parks are not equipped to look after Fintry and Vernon really has no connection. Kelowna should be supporting it as it belongs to the Central Okanagan Regional District and there are few people to draw from surrounding the Fintry. Respectfully submitted Student Essay Contest Jessie Ann Gamble The Essay Contest is now directed at post secondary students in colleges and universities in B.C. Largely through e-mail communications, twelve students made enquiries, with three essays being submitted for 2004. Hopefully, the momentum will continue. Our Society would like to thank the judges for their thoughtful suggestions and 224 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS careful adjudication. Also, I would like to thank Lionel Dallas and Dorothy Zoellner for continuing to keep the Contest "Rules of Submission" available on the Website and in the Okanagan History book. 2004 winner to be announced later today. Respectfully submitted Historical Trails Peter Tassie and David Gregory In January 2004 the Summerland Municipal Council approved in principle the 'Brigade Trail Park' as one of the community's centennial projects for 2006. This proposed linear park is 3.5 km long and would be the first preserved section of the Okanagan Fur Brigade Trail. The Park begins at Priest Encampment and is the first settlement to be identified on maps of the Okanagan. It extends to 'LArbre Seul', which overlooks Okanagan Lake. This is one of three Okanagan Valley sites identified on Archibald McDonald's map, "A Sketch of Thompson River District 1827". A Committee has been created to help develop the park and is currently involved with fund raising. The goal of the project is to celebrate the importance of the Okanagan Brigade Trail to British Columbia's history. Respectfully submitted Finance Committee David Gregory This Committee has primarily two tasks, first to review both the quarterly financial statements of the Society and the up-coming year's budget, and make recommendations to the Executive Council. Secondly, the Committee reviews the status of the Annual Report with the Editor and again makes recommendations to the Executive Council. With the excellent cooperation of the members the Finance Committee it worked well this year. Respectfully submitted Sales and Promotion Lionel Dallas An active and successful year with promotion via the Internet and our Web Page, we even had an Essay Contest application through the Web Page. From May 2003 to April 20th 2004 we had an average of between 267 - 648 visits per month, totaling 5408 for the year. Thanks to those who have helped me with responses, etc. If you have new and innovative ideas for promotion and sale of the "Report" please contact me as our sales are down and we compete with many new publications. We are also relieved of taking any more Rich and Fruitful Land from Harbour Publishing, but have a number on hand at a reduced price. (Website Usage Statistics attached) Respectfully submitted Father Pandosy Mission Alice Lundy A new committee was formed after the resignation of Denis Maclnnis as chairperson. For those who have never visited Father Pandosy Mission Site a brief overview: • the buildings slated for demolition in early 1950's built in 1865, 1886, 1890 & 1900, • intervention by Shorty Collett, Lawrence Guicheon, Bishop Fergus O'Grady OMI and Father James Mulvihill OHI, and buildings moved to current site • Oblates of Mary Immaculate re-purchased in 1954, the abandoned Mission buildings located on .8 hectares of land, • restoration and re-dedication in 1958, along with celebration of 100 years of Oblate order in BC, • O.H.S. and Knights of Columbus undertook restoration and preservation of site in 1966/67 (by this time Bishop of Nelson owned the land), • 1983 site officially designated BC Heritage site. A new committee has been formed with our first meeting in February. Three clean-up parties have since ensued, and the prioritizing of future improvements. The Father Pandosy Knights of Columbus has again covered the 2004 insurance costs for the site. Summer Students have been applied for through the HRDC and the Canada Works programs for 2004. Judy Toms, resident caretaker, will be on hand throughout this season. Respectfully submitted Historian Helen Inglis As noted records prior to 2000 were transferred to Vernon and District Museum & Archives. The 2000-2003 entries to the archives will follow the 2005 AGM. Only a few weeks have elapsed since my directorship of Historian was reassigned as Archivist, conse- OHS 225 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS quently the brevity of my report. Respectfully submitted Index Dave MacDonald The problems of maintaining the present index have been overcome to some extent; books 66 and 67 have been indexed and merged with previous books. However this revised index is still not in a usable form for members. It may be time to close off the present index and start indexing future books using more modern computer programming. We are still exploring possibilities. Left: Mike Roberts, Guest Speaker; Right: Randy Manuel, Life Member 2004. (Courtesy Jessie Ann Gamble) Following the Annual General Meeting, members and guests were welcomed to the luncheon by Penticton Branch President Dave Morgenstern. A much-enjoyed smorgasbord duplicated an original menu from the diningroom of the S.S. Sicamous, when she was active on Okanagan Lake waters. Guest Speaker Mike Roberts gave one of his inimitable programmes, The Murder of Anita Budde. following which, new Life Member Randy Manuel of Penticton was introduced to the gathering. 226 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Okanagan Historical Society Financial Statements okanagan historical society STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 CURRENT ASSETS Cash Operating Restricted Term deposits PROPERTY Land (note 2) ASSETS 2003 $ 10,427.41 4,258.18 37,592.00 52,277.59 56.000.00 $ 108,277.59 2002 $ 15,056.91 4,262.43 33,491.29 52,810.63 56,000.00 $ 108,810.63 NET ASSETS NET ASSETS Invested in Property $ 56.000.00 Restricted (note 3) 4.258.18 Unrestricted Balance, beginning of year 48,548.20 Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements General (856.60) Father Pandosy Mission Committee 327.81 Balance, end of year 48.019.41 $ 108,277.59 $ 56,000.00 4,262.43 49,312.64 3,352.72 (4,117.16) 48.548.20 $ 108,810.63 ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Director Director OHS 227 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS okanagan historical society STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CASH POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 Father Father Pandosy Okanagan Pandosy Mission Historical Mission Committee Society Committee "Restoration General General Project" Account Account Account Total CASH, JANUARY 1, 2003 Chequing Account $ 10,517.82 $ 4,539.09 $ 4,262.43 $ 19,319.34 Term Deposits 33,491.29 33.491.29 TOTAL CASH, JANUARY 1,2003 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF RECEIPTS OVER DISBURSEMENTS TOTAL CASH, DECEMBER 31, 2003 CASH AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 CONSISTS OF: Chequing Account Term Deposits (note 4) TOTAL CASH, DECEMBER 31, 2003 44,009.11 4,539.09 (856.60) 327.81 $ 43,152.51 $ 4.866.90 $ 5,560.51 $ 4,866.90 37,592.00 - 4,262.43 52,810.63 (4.25) (533.04) $ 4,258.18 $ 52,277.59 $ 4,258.18 $ 14,685.59 = 37.592.00 $ 43.152.51 $ 4,866.90 $ 4,258.18 $ 52,277.59 228 OHS OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS general account STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 2003 2002 RECEIPTS Memberships & Sales (Schedule) Armstrong-Enderby $ 2,963.00 $ 4,480.00 Kelowna 6,042.00 3,900.00 Oliver - Osoyoos 1,206.00 849.20 Penticton 370.00 3,092.00 Salmon Arm 430.00 2,912.00 Vernon 3,081.00 1,820.00 Treasurer 3,419.00 17,511.00 3.747.00 20,800.20 OTHER RECEIPTS Royalties for A Rich And Fruitful Land 201.80 82.58 Postage and Handling 660.00 755.78 U.S. Exchange 27.85 40.03 G.S.T. Rebate 493.82 500.56 Donations From Central Okanagan Foundation $ 308.00 $ 390.00 General 100.00 100.00 For Branches 1,540.00 1,948.00 2,025.00 2,515.00 Insurance 780.00 910.00 Interest 1.135.31 658.57 TOTAL RECEIPTS 22,757.78 26,262.72 LESS TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS - Brought Forward 23.614.38 22,910.00 EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER DISBURSEMENTS $ (856.60) $ 3.352.72 ohs 229 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS general account STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 2003 2002 DISBURSEMENTS Expenses President Secretary Treasurer Editor Expenses Regarding Sales O.H.S. Reports Editor's Honorarium Printing Report #66 Shipping Report #66 Other A Rich and Fruitful Land Audio Tapes Annual Meeting Fee Donations to Branches Armstrong-Enderby Kelowna Penticton Salmon Arm Advertising Insurance Internet and Website Memberships Office and Bank Charges Printing and Stationery Professional fees Reimbursements Rentals - For Meeting Rentals - Post Office Box Sundry Student Essay Contest TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 258.70 $ 15.00 566.58 217.50 64.33 330.56 155.81 $ 1,045.42 140.75 $ 703.81 2,000.00 2,000.00 11,389.89 11,361.26 659.66 681.14 14,049.55 14,042.40 500.00 1.859.61 16,409.16 2,223.00 16,265.40 25.00 25.00 1,420.00 300.00 20.00 1605.00 100.00 100.00 _ 1,540.00 251.45 20.00 2,025.00 - 1,495.00 1,525.00 333.21 226.26 45.00 160.00 23.21 88.46 87.76 208.39 760.00 790.00 60.00 473.26 98.31 96.28 104.86 203.17 77.04 173.32 336.00 246.10 1.000.00 $ 23.614.38 _ $ 22.910.00 230 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GENERAL ACCOUNT SCHEDULE OF MEMBERSHIPS & SALES RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 A Rich and Fruitful Audio 2003 2002 Reports Land Tapes Indexes Total Total MEMBERSHIPS & SALES Armstrong-Enderby $ 2,787.00 $ 176.00 $ - $ - $ 2,963.00 $ 4,480.00 Kelowna 5,682.00 - 360.00 - 6,042.00 3,900.00 Oliver - Osoyoos 1,181.00 - 25.00 - 1,206.00 849.20 Penticton 325.00 - 50.00 - 370.00 3,092.00 Salmon Arm 364.00 66.00 - - 430.00 2,912.00 Vernon 3,081.00 - - - 3,081.00 1,820.00 Treasurer $ 3.359.00 16.779.00 $ _ $ 60.00 490.00 $ _ $ 3,419.00 17.511.00 $ 3.747.00 242.00 20,800.20 ohs 231 OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FATHER PANDOSY MISSION COMMITTEE GENERAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 2003 2002 RECEIPTS Grants Federal Government - H.R.D.C. $ 8,872.00 $ 4,426.00 Canadian Museums Association - 4,051.35 Donations On Site $ 7,454.15 $ 8,790.62 Okanagan Historical Society - Kelowna - 1,000.00 Knights of Columbus 3,000.00 10,454.15 1.000.00 10,790.65 GST Rebate 526.94 19,853.09 314.26 TOTAL RECEIPTS 19,582.26 DISBURSEMENTS Advertising 500.00 500.00 Insurance 2,370.00 850.00 Office 138.52 300.00 Rentals 468.34 563.88 Repairs 404.62 3,172.49 Security 321.00 321.00 Supplies 693.27 1,186.04 Utilities 1,649.26 1,679.53 Honoraria 200.00 300.00 Wages and benefits 12,780.27 19.525.28 14,826.48 23,699.42 EXCESS DISBURSEMENTS OVER RECEIPTS 327.81 (4,117.16) CASH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR Chequing Account 4.539.09 8.656.25 CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR $ 4.866.90 $ 4.539.09 232 ohs OHS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FATHER PANDOSY MISSION COMMITTEE RESTORATION PROJECT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 2003 2002 RECEIPTS Grants Province of British Columbia $ $ 2,170.00 Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise - 500.00 TOTAL RECEIPTS - 2,670.00 DISBURSEMENTS Fence Restoration $ - $ 2,452.00 Signage - 370.01 Bank Charges 4.25 - Restoration of barn and houses _ 4.25 7.794.10 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 10,616.11 EXCESS DISBURSEMENTS OVER RECEIPTS (4.25) (7,946.11) CASH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 4,262.43 12.208.54 CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR $ 4.258.18 $ 4.262.43 ohs 233 ohs membership list NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 NOTE 1 - STATUS AND NATURE OF ACTIVITIES The Society is a not-for-profit society registered under the Society Act of the Province of British Columbia. NOTE 2 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Revenue Recognition The Society operates on the cash method of accounting. Property The land, which was donated to the Society, is recorded at fair market value at the time of donation. NOTE 3 - CASH RESTRICTED The Society has restricted cash for use by the Father Pandosy Mission Committee in the restoration of the Mission. NOTE 4 - TERM DEPOSITS The term deposits consist of the following: Investment certificate, @ 5.00% due February 12, 2007 $ 6,300.00 Investment certificate, @ 2.75% to 5.00% due March 27, 2006 7,000.00 Money Market Fund 24.292.00 $ 37,592.00 234 ohs Membership Roll 2004 Life Members Bork, Elizabeth, Kaleden Maclnnis, Denis, Kelowna Broderick, Mollie, Okanagan Falls Manuel, Randy, Penticton* Casorso, Joan, Oliver Marriage, Robert, Kelowna Cochrane, Hilda, Vernon Marshall, Denis, Salmon Arm Cowan, Robert, Enderby Morrison, Jack, Vernon Dallas, Lionel, Osoyoos Powley, Hume, Kelowna dePfyffer, Robert, Vernon Roberts, Dan, Oliver Ellison, Kenneth, Oyama lassie, Elizabeth, Vernon Finch, Charles, Keremeos Tassie, Peter, Vernon Finch, Hildred, Keremeos Thomson, Gifford, Kelowna Gamble, Jessie Ann, Armstrong Webber, Jean, Victoria Iceton, Ermie, Oliver Whitehead, William, Armstrong Lewis, Dorothea, Osoyoos Zoellner, Dorothy, Kelowna McCormick, Lucy, Vernon * 2004 Inductee MacDonald, David, Penticton Recently, the O.H.S. has lost four Life Members: Victor Casorso-2004, Wallace Liddicoat-2001, Yvonne McDonald-2003, Ron Robey-2003. Institutional Members A.L. Fortune Secondary School, Enderby Okanagan Regional Library, Kelowna Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana Okanagan University College Library, Kelowna Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Arts Society Penticton Museum Armstrong Penticton Public Library, Penticton B.C. Archives Library, Victoria Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, Nelson Burnaby Public Library, Burnaby Royal B.C. Museum Library, Victoria Douglas College Library, New Westminster Salmon Arm Museum, Salmon Arm Enderby & District Museum, Enderby Salmon Arm Secondary School, Salmon Arm Equinox Research, New Westminster Seattle Public Library, Seattle, Washington Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah South Kelowna Elementary School, Kelowna Greater Victoria Public Library, Victoria Summerland Museum Harvard University Library, Cambridge, Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma Washington Massachusetts Trinity Western University, Langley Hedley Heritage Museum, Hedley University College of the Cariboo Library, Kamloops Highland Park Elementary School, Armstrong University College of Fraser Valley Library, Kamloops Museum, Kamloops Abbotsford Kelowna Secondary Library, Kelowna University of British Columbia, Vancouver Leddy Library, University of Windsor, University of Northern B.C. Library, Prince George Windsor Ontario University of Toronto Library, Toronto, Ontario Len W Wood Elementary School, Armstrong University of Victoria, Victoria M.V. Beattie Elementary School, Enderby Vancouver City Archives, Vancouver McGill University Library, Montreal, Quebec Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver National Library of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario W.L. Seaton Secondary School, Vernon Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois Westminster Abbey Library, Mission Okanagan Mission Secondary School, Kelowna Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut ohs 235 OHS membership list Members Abel, Don, Westbank Ablett, Doug, Kelowna Adam, A.C, Kelowna Adams, Shirley, Salmon Arm Albrecht, Roy & Judy, Vernon Alexander-Pope, Steve, Vernon Allan, Olive, Kelowna Allen, Mrs. B., Langley Anderson, Dr. Robert Clement, Westbank Anderson, Kathy, Armstrong Andrews, C.F., Burnaby Angove, Des, Salmon Arm Annala, George, Salmon Arm Appel, Jack, Kelowna Archibald, Patricia, Kelowna Armstrong, Ray, Sydney, Australia Arnold, Jane, Winfield Arsenault, Theresa, Westbank Ashton, Wayne & Janet, Armstrong Askew, Dorothy, Salmon Arm Atkins, Fay & David, Vernon Aylard, Dick, Mara Bailey, Bill, Vernon Bailey, Mary Ellison, Armstrong Bailey, Roger, Oyama Baird, Rosa, Enderby Baird, Verne, Enderby Baker, Murray, Westbank Barkwill, H.J., Summerland Barman, Jean, Vancouver Barnay, Marylin & John, Penticton Baron, Peter, Kamloops Barratt, John, Mississauga, Ontario Barwise, Donald, Victoria Basham, David, Creston Bawtree, Ruth, Enderby Beairsto, June, Summerland Beames, Tom, Ladysmith Beaven, Jeanette, Penticton Beckett, Ray, Victoria Bedwell, Sid, Salmon Arm Benedict, F, Falkland Bennett, Alf, Armstrong Benzer, Kaye, Kelowna Berg, Dave, Enderby Berge, Horn & Co, Kelowna Bigney, Jeanette, Enderby Blackburne, Ernie & Sylvia, Kelowna Bolton, Bruce & Eleanore, Enderby Booth, Margaret, Salmon Arm Bosomworth, Ruth, Armstrong Boss, Rawleigh, Armstrong Braches, Fred, Whonnock Braun, Sandra, Kelowna Bremer, Henrietta, Enderby Brett, Phyllis, Armstrong Bridger, Steve, Richmond Brielsman, Elayne, Blind Bay Briscall, CM., Vancouver Broderick, Fred, Kelowna Brooke, Gary, Salmon Arm Brown, Lillian, Armstrong Brown, Marjory, Armstrong Brown, Norma, Kelowna Bruns, Gila & Ernie, Mara Bulach, Eleanor, Kelowna Bullock, J., Kelowna Bullock, Peg, Penticton Burns, Russell, Armstrong Burtch, A.H., Winfield Byrnes, Peter, Vernon Caley, Michael & Pat, Osoyoos Caley, Robert & Penny, Kelowna Campbell, Don & Patsy, Armstrong Campbell, James, Kelowna Campbell, Shirley, Armstrong Capell, Rob, Kelowna Carbert, Gordon, Penoka, Alberta Carbert, Maynard, Enderby Case, Brad, Enderby Catchpole, Diana, Delta Cave, Phil, Salmon Arm Chamberlain, Joan, Kelowna Chamberlain, Trevor, Rockwood, Ontario Charles, Walter, Summerland Charman, Barbara, Kelowna Clark, Jean, Enderby Clark, Robert, Vernon Clarke, Harry & Reta, Vernon Clarke, Ken, Kelowna Clemson, Jan, Rossland Cleve, Rose, Vernon Coe, Phyllis, Kelowna Collett, Basil, Kelowna Conrad, Cecil, Enderby Cooney, Carol, Armstrong Cooper, Phil & Ann, Penticton Coupland, Anne, Enderby Couves, C.S., Kelowna Cowan, Joan, Enderby Cox, Doug, Penticton Cox, Shirley, Penticton Crane, Mrs. Percy, Vernon Crawford, Elmer, Celista Crerar, Richard, Lethbridge, Alberta Cretin, Harry, Kelowna Crosby, Beryl, Victoria Cruickshank, Forbes & Beth, Kelowna Cunningham, Lois, Salmon Arm 236 OHS OHS membership list Dale, Marion & Robert, Enderby Dale, Robert, Enderby Dallas, Lionel, Osoyoos Dangel, Frank, Grindrod Davies, Lome, Houston Davison, Jim, Armstrong Delcourt, Diana, Kelowna Delcourt, Glenn, Kelowna deMontreuil, John & Gay, Kelowna Denison, Betty, Vernon Denison, Janet, Vernon dePfyffer, Charles, Kelowna Deuling, Leslie, Lumby Dewdney, Jim & Connie, Penticton Dickins, Edith, Kelowna Dillman, Emily, Kelowna Doeksen, Rijn & Bessie, Kelowna Dohler, Anna, Toronto, Ontario Donnelly, John, Vernon Dorey, Joyce, Salmon Arm Dornian, Mike, Kelowna Douilard, Leo, Kelowna Doyle, Michael, Kaleden Draper, Arnold, Kelowna Dryer, Amy, Sicamous Duyvewaardt, E.E., Kelowna Earl, Harry, Vernon Ehlers, Shirley, Salmon Arm Eichinger, Paul, Enderby Ellas, Clem & Betty, Vernon Ellaschuk, Vera, Salmon Arm Emeny, Alice, Enderby Englesby, Ralph & Mary, Osoyoos Enns, Peter, Kelowna Everest, Louise, Armstrong Farmer, Florence, Salmon Arm Farmer, Pat & Joy, Enderby Favali, M.& M., Kelowna Ferguson, Patti, Armstrong Fields, Earl, Salmon Arm Finnerty, L. Merle, Penticton Fisher, Donald & Dorothy, Summerland Flatekval, Vern, Armstrong Fleming, John & Mary, Vernon Flexhaug, Andrea, Osoyoos Forbes, Ken & Norma, Oliver Forster, Beryl, Summerland Fouracre, Linnea, Victoria Fowler, Shirley, Armstrong Fowler, Wanda & Alf, Armstrong Fraser, Hugh, Vernon Freeze, Russel, Armstrong Frost, Wayne, Armstrong Fryer, Eleanor, Salmon Arm Fulkco, Tom & Myrna, Nakusp Fulop, Karl, Kelowna Gaddes, D. Boyce, Victoria Gallant, Brian, Schweb's Bridge Gamble, Bruce & Carey, Green Bay, Wiscon Gamble, Jennifer, Hyde Park, Vermont Gamble, Len, Armstrong Garner, Dorothy, Enderby Garrish, Susan & John, Beaconsfield, Que Gibson, Audrey, Tappen Gill, Jean, Armstrong Gillard, DA., Ottawa, Ontario Gillary, Jim, Mara Glaicar, Len, Armstrong Goldfinch, Vericona, Salmon Arm Goodfellow, Eric & Ruth, Princeton Gordon, Jim, Abbotsford Gorek, Enabelle, Summerland Gorek, Keri, Pouce Coupe Gourlie, Michael, Kelowna Graham, Beatrice, Kelowna Graham, Dave & Marie, Vernon Green, George, Armstrong Green, Vicki, Vernon Greenwood, Ian, Kelowna Griffin, Merle, Westbank Grimshire, Barb, Armstrong Griswold, June & Harry, Springbend Guttridge, Bill, Peachland Hackstetter, Rene, Midland, Ontario Hagardt, Elinor, Enderby Hainstock, Rick, Kelowna Hall, Barbara, Salmon Arm Hall, Dennis, Osoyoos Hall, Jean, Kelowna Hall, Mabel, Kelowna Hallford, Valerie, Kelowna Halper, Leanne, Enderby Hamanishi, Vivian, Kelowna Hammell, TC, Penticton Hammond, J.R., Mackenzie Hanet, Alf & Sally, Kelowna Hanna, M. Dilys, Salmon Arm Hanson, Valerie, Kelowna Harkness, Percy, Salmon Arm Harper, Reba, Salmon Arm Harris, Elizabeth, Lumby Hartman, Mildred, Armstrong Hartnett, Blanche, Salmon Arm Hassen, Mat, Armstrong Hawes, Chas., Armstrong Hawrys, George & Nora, Grindrod Hawrys, Joseph, Enderby Hawrys, Lome, Grindrod Hawrys, Tony & Gwen, Enderby Hay, Joanna, Lumby Hayes, Jas. H. & Wilma, Kelowna Hayes, Robert, Kelowna Hayhurst, Ron & Joanne, Armstrong ohs 237 ohs membership list Henderson, Clarence, Kelowna Henderson, Harold, Kelowna Herbert, Douglas, Kelowna Heyman, Jannette, Armstrong Hobkirk, Erin & Bruce, Armstrong Hobson, David, Kelowna Hobson, Robert, Kelowna Holloway, James, Salmon Arm Honeyman, Betty, Grindrod Hope, Marion, Armstrong Howard, Hilda, Armstrong Howard, Jean, Armstrong Hoyle, Bill, Kelowna Hoyte, Phyllis, Vernon Hucul, Nancy, Salmon Arm Huggins, Allan & Beverley, Burnaby Hustad, Allan, Kelowna IGA Marketplace, Enderby Imbeau, Irene, Kelowna Inglis, C.W, Armstrong Inglis, Helen, Spallumcheen Inglis, Mldred, Armstrong Inglis, Mrs. M.E., Kelowna Ingraham, Janet, Vernon Ivans, Betty, Kelowna Jackson, Sheila, Quesnel Jagert, Fritz, Mabel Lake Jahraus, G., Armstrong Jamieson, Jack, Armstrong Jamieson, Jean, Salmon Arm Jamieson, Ken & Pam, Salmon Arm Jean, Feme, Westbank Jennens, Cathy, Kelowna Jennens, Madeleine, Kelowna Jensen, Isobel, Burnaby Jeppesen, Scott & Sandra, Armstrong Johnson, R.S., Armstrong Jones, Cleo, Enderby Jones, Kathy, Victoria Joyce, Herb, Armstrong Karran, Maureen, Armstrong Karras, Clarence, Enderby Kenyon, G.A., Penticton Kenyon, Nella & Al, Penticton Kermode, Dale, Vernon Kernaghan, Bill, Salmon Arm Kernaghan, Ralph, Salmon Arm Kettles, Faye & Andy, Vernon Kinloch, Leslie, Coldstream Kinloch, Mrs. Leslie, Vernon Koersen, John & Susan, Deep Creek Kohut, Richard, Grindrod Konishi, Fiko, Tappen Koroscil, Paul, Naramata Kunze, Junior, Armstrong Kyle, Wayne, Armstrong Kyles, Rod, Salmon Arm Land, Anne, Okanagan Centre Landon, Richard, Toronto, Ontario Latrace, Ethel, Armstrong Laursen, Ken, Vernon Laws, Frances, Salmon Arm Leathley, C & D., Kelowna LeDuc, Barb & Burt, Kamloops Lee, Ben, Kelowna Legg, Pauline, Vernon Lemaire, Pam, Armstrong Lerchs, George, Summerland Levins, Catherine, Chase Lewis, William, Okanagan Falls Lindsay, Margie, Okanagan Falls, Lipps, Marlene, Osoyoss Lipscombe, Moira, Summerland Lockhart, Ralph & Jean, Armstrong Lodge, Terry, Vernon Loken, Dr. J.D., Kelowna Lonsdale, Dick & Su, Spallumcheen Lundy, Alice, Kelowna Lussin, Brian, Enderby MacDonald, Donald, West Vancouver MacDonald, Elvie, Penticton MacDonald, Maureen & Duncan, Armstrong MacKenzie, Juanita, Mission Mackie, Richard, Cowichan Bay MacNaughton, Rachel, Enderby MacPherson, Donald, Enderby Mail Boxes, Etc., Westbank Maki, Richard, Salmon Arm Mallory, Margaret, Kaslo Marshall, Alma, Armstrong Marshall, Joan, Salmon Arm Marty, Arthur, Kelowna Marty, Ken, Kelowna Marty, Larry, Kelowna Mason, Cladys, Vernon Mason, Ron & Joan, Penticton Mason, Tye, Coldstream Mather, Margaret, Armstrong Maw, Glen, Armstrong Mayhead, J.W, Auckland, New Zealand Mayor, Bill, Enderby McCabe, Jack, Armstrong McCallum, Richard, Armstrong McCann, Leonard, Vancouver McClelland, Don, Kelowna McClure, Dave, Armstrong McComb, Margaret, Kelowna McCoubrey, Mrs. P.I., Winfield McCullough, Janet, Sidney McKechnie, Craig, Armstrong McKechnie, John B., Armstrong McKeen, Ray & Carol, Armstrong 238 OHS OHS membership list McKinty, Terry, Armstrong McLann, Leonard, Vancouver McLarty, Brian, Kelowna McLarty, Lorainne, Kelowna McLaughlin, D. & K., Princeton McLaughlin, Kathleen & Dal, Princeton McLennan, Mary & Donald, Kelowna McMahon, Morva, Merritt McMaster, Denis, Salt Spring Island McMechan, Paul & Lynette, Lake Country McPherson, Locke, Calgary McPherson, Stan, Penticton Meggait, Martin & Gerry, Armstrong Meggait, Tony, Armstrong Miller, Stan, Kelowna Moffatt, Doug, Kelowna Moisey, Margaret, Kelowna Monford, Ken, Grand Forks Monford, Lome, Kelowna Monteith, Doug & Joan, Armstrong Morcan, Howard, Kelowna Morrison, Darrell, Victoria Moubray, Philip, Kelowna Munson, Timothy, Kelowna Murphy-Wight, June, Enderby Musen, Stephen, Kelowna Musgrave, John, Oliver Nadeau, Doreen, Enderby Nahm, Gerry & Irene, Vernon Nahm, Tilman & Mae, Grindrod Naylor, E.E., Victoria Neave, Carney, Kelowna Neave, Greg, Douglas Lake Neave, Len, Sechelt Neave, Paddy, Duck Lake, Saskatchewan Needham, Joan, Kelowna Neid, Eileen, Powell River Neid, Larry & DeDe, Kelowna Nelson, Muriel & Jim, Armstrong Nicholson, George, Armstrong Niemi, Mary, Salmon Arm Noble, Jack & Carolyn, Armstrong Norcross, Norman, Osoyoos North Valley Echo, Enderby Nourse, Willard, Kamloops Ohs, Judy, Kelowna Orsi, Arthur, Kelowna Ortiz, Mr. & Mrs. John, Penticton Osborn, June, Vernon Ostenson, Muriel, Enderby Oswell, Michael, Victoria Ottenbreit, Sig, Kelowna Painter, M. F, South Surrey Palmer, Glen, Salmon Arm Palmer, Jeanette, Enderby Parker, Malcolm & Mollie, Salmon Arm , Paterson, Elsie, Salmon Arm Paterson, Gavin & Elsie, Salmon Arm Paull, Helen, Armstrong Paull, Lynn & Glen, Armstrong Peace, Ron, Penticton Pearcey, Ralph, Vancouver Peebles, Jack R., Saltspring Island Peeling, Jack, Armstrong Pells, Frank, Kelowna Peterman, Anne, Oliver Peterson, Alf & Edna, Salmon Arm Peterson, Floyd, Salmon Arm Phelps, Arlene, Oliver Philpott, Elden & Vesta, Armstrong Pieper, Arlie, Armstrong Pinder, Monica, Yorkshire, England Pollard, Stan, Salmon Arm Popoff, Estelle, Salmon Arm Pound, Larry, Enderby Powell, Eileen, North Vancouver Price, Alex, Kelowna Price, Harry, Kelowna Price, Len, Armstrong Pultz, Ray & Jean, Enderby Raber, Joye & Howard, Vernon Rablah, John & Joanne, Armstrong Raddatz, Helen, Enderby Radomske, Eveline, Kamloops Rands, Marion, Enderby Redman, Fred, Armstrong Reiger, Irene & Peter, Kelowna Reilly, Dan, Penticton Reimer, Lome, Salmon Arm Revel, Elizabeth, Salmon Arm Ricciardi, Maggie, Penticton Richey, Laura, Armstrong Ritchie, Glennys, Cawston Roberts, Lois & Alex, Grindrod Roberts, Peter &■ Clara, Enderby Robertshaw, Doug, North Vancouver Rodgers, Gerry, Abbotsford Rutherford, Philip, Armstrong Saddler, Delta, Vernon Saloka, Sue, Enderby Salter, Gail, Armstrong Salter, Rev. Derek &■ Jill, Penticton Sanborn, K., Grindrod Sandberg, Denzel, Salmon Arm Sansom, John, Salmon Arm Scales, Jim, Salmon Arm Scheltens, Loretta, Bellingham, Washington Schley, Robert & Vicki, Vernon Scholey, Bill, Vernon Schubert, Trevor & Jean, Kamloops Schuetz, Louie, Armstrong OHS 239 OHS MEMBERSHIP LIST Schultz, Marg, Chase Sengotta, Bill & Toni, Vernon Sengotta, Gerry & Dorothy, Vernon Sengotta, Grace, Vernon Sengotta, Will & Tamara, Coquitlam Shannon, Elaine, Oliver Shannon, Larry & Jan, Oliver Shannon, Ross & Colleen, Vernon Shaw, Pearl, Langley Shepherd, Jean, North Vancouver Sherk, Dennis, Port Moody Sidney, Tom, Armstrong Sieg, Jeanne, Armstrong Simard, David, Enderby Simard Jr., David, Kitimat Sinkewicz, Ella, Kelowna Smith, Ann & Mark, Armstrong Smith, Cameron, Princeton Smith, Doreen, Keremeos Smith, Dorothy, Armtrong Smith, H. Neil, Abbotsford Smith, M. Clare, Kelowna Smith, Myrtle, Vernon Smith, Tom, Salmon Arm Snell, Cyril & Beryl, Rawdon, England Spendlove, Rosemary, Ottawa, Ontario States, Shirley, Armstrong Steil, Dianne, Armstrong Stickland, Marie & Glen, Enderby Stiell, Margaret, Deep River, Ontario Stiell, Rosemary, Kelowna Stocks, David, Penticton Stocks, Peter, Victoria Sturt, Arley and Mary Ann, Armstrong Sulz, Len & Jolyne, Trochu, Alberta Sutherland, Doug, Kelowna Swales, Cay & Ted, Penticton Swarbrick, Dick &'ñ† Ruth, Kamloops Tailyour, Joan, Kelowna Tait, Doreen, Summerland Tapson-Jones, M.L., Salmon Arm Tayler, Gwen, Kelowna Taylor, Bill, Keremeos Thomas, Audrey, Okanagan Falls Thompson, Sharon, Okanagan Falls Thomson, Joyce, Oliver Thomson, K. & D., Kelowna Thorburn, Herb & Lorna, Vernon Thorneloe, Robert, Kelowna Tidball, Bill, Summerland Tily, Bill & Ethel, Penticton Timming, Ret, Penticton Tipple, Judy, Saturna Island Tjebbes, Enderby Tobler, Evelyn, Victoria Todd, Jeffrey, Peachland Tomlin, E.V, Oliver Tremblay, Marc, Armstrong Truswell, Byron, Wenatchee, Washington Tucker, Darryl, Armstrong Tucker, Marion, Armstrong Turner, Ronald, Salmon Arm Turner, Tom & Phyllis, Quesnel Vaines, Peter, Victoria Vascovic, Ivan, Westbank Vielvoye, Evelyn, Kelowna Vincent, Sharon & John, Nanoose Bay Vliet, Ernest, Armstrong Waddington, Kathleen, Vancouver Walker, Harvey & Doris, Vancouver Walker, Martin & Elaine, Kitimat Wallis, T.J., Armstrong Ward, Steve & Eileen, Penticton Watkins, Dagmar, Armstrong Watt, Alec, Summerland Webber, Christopher, Ottawa, Ontario Webster, Garth, Agassiz Weddell, E.A.H., Barriere Weddell, James, Kelowna Wejr, Ian, Enderby Welker, Joe & Natalie, Vernon Welbourn, William, Sidney Wells, Don & Irene, Grindrod Weninger, George, Armstrong Weskett, Bob, Armstrong West, John, Ottawa, Ontario Westie, Andrew, Kelowna Wetherill, Mary, Salmon Arm Whitehead, Frank, Kelowna Whirehead, William, Armstrong Whitby, Ken, Penticton Whitham, Gordon, Calgary, Alberta Whittaker, John, Victoria Whitting, Ivan & Maud, Kent, England Whyte, Stuart, Naniamo Wiebe, Greg, Grindrod Wilcox, Edwin, kelowna Wilson, Allan, Tappen Wilson, Don, Peachland Wilson, Rosemary, Tappen Winkler, Don, Kelowna Wittur, Glen, Kelowna Woodd, Henry, Vancouver Woodworth, Robin, Victoria Wort, Margaret, Kelowna Wostradowski, A. Maria, Kelowna Young, Joe, Armstrong Zettergreen, Lynne, Merritt Zortech, Mary, Salmon Arm 240 OHS COVER: With thanks to Jamie Kidston of Coldstream, who provided the two watercolour sketches. They are two of twelve sketches drawn/painted by Patrick Lang when he visited the Kidstons in Coldstream in 1919. The originals are 5 inches by 7 inches in size. Patrick Lang was a cousin of Mrs. Kidston. (Her mother was a Lang). Patrick's brother Cosmos Lang was Archbishiop of Canterbury at the time of the abdication of Edward VIII. kanagan History Published Annually by the Okanagan Historical Society