Okanagan History OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN OKANAGAN HISTORY The Seventy-sixth Report ofthe OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Founded September 4,1925 ISSN-0830-0739 ISBN: 978-0-9916919-0-6 2012 www .okanaganhistoricalsociety .org Printed in the Okanagan Valley on acid-free paper by Kettle Valley Graphics Kelowna, B.C. SEVENTY-SIXTH REPORT OF THE OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY The information, views and opinions expressed in the following articles are those ofthe author(s). The information, views and opinions are not necessarily those ofthe Okanagan Historical Society. Editor David Gregory Editorial Committee Armstrong-Enderby: Robert Cowan, Jessie Ann Gamble Salmon Arm: Diane Ambil Vernon: William Dunsmore Kelowna: Ann Bostock Summerland: Mary Trainer Penticton: Suzanne Schmiddem Oliver-Osoyoos: Ken Favrholdt MEMBERSHIP The recipient of this Seventy-sixth Report is entitled to register his/her membership in the Seventy-seventh Report, which will be issued November 1 2013. For membership registration and certificate see insert in this book. PURCHASING REPORTS Reports of the Okanagan Historical Society, 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 Reports by mail by contacting the Treasurer. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Inquiries about the material in the Reports, or for inclusion in future Reports should be directed to the Editor at 110 Sumac Ridge, Summerland, B.C. VOH 1Z6 OFFICERS of the EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2012-2013 PRESIDENT Alice Lundy VICE-PRESIDENT Randy Manuel SECRETARY Joan Cowan TREASURER Bob Cowan EDITOR David Gregory PAST PRESIDENT Randy Manuel DIRECTORS to the EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Armstrong-Enderby: Don Moor, Robert Dale, Jessie Ann Gamble Kelowna: Tracy Satin, Collen Cornock, Bob Hayes Oliver-Osoyoos: Larry Shannon, Mary Roberts, Gaye Cornish Penticton: Dave Morgenstem, Dan Reilly, Maggie Ricciardi, Suzanne Schmiddem Salmon Arm: Rosemary Wilson, Dorothy Rolin, Diane Ambil Similkameen: Brenda Gould, Angelique Wood Summerland: David Mallory, Mary Trainer Vernon: Mary Ellison Bailey, Peter Tassie, Ken Waldon DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Digitization Project: Shannon Bews Croft Website Manager: Joan Cowan Student Essay Contest: Diane Ambil Father Pandosy Mission Site: Alice Lundy Historic Trails: Peter Tassie, David Gregory Index: Dorothy Zoellner 2012-2013 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Society Executive: Front: Joan Cowan, Alice Lundy. Back: David Gregory, Randy Manuel and Bob Cowan INDEX TO THE REPORTS The index to the Annual Reports (Vol. 1 to 71) is available in printed form from the Treasurer. This index is also available on the Okanagan Historical Society website: www.okanaganhistoricalsociety.org POLICY OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM " Editorial freedom gives the Editor the right to edit all material submitted as he/she sees fit:UNLESS the author has stated otherwise in writing at the time of submission"- February 26th, 1978 DISCLAIMER While attempts are made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in the articles in this Report, the individual authors are responsible for their research and claims made within the articles they write. Individuals using this Report as resource material are advised to use more than one source to verify their own material. From the Editor- On behalf of the Okanagan Historical Society, I welcome the reader to the Seventy-sixth Annual Society Report. Our Society was founded in 1925. According to the Society's Constitution, "The objects ofthe Society are: (a) To stimulate active interest in our heritage, more particularly, its historical and archaeological aspects (b) To promote the preservation of historical sites, monuments, buildings, pictures, writings and names. (c) From time to time and as circumstances permit, to accurately record and publish the current and past history ofthe Okanagan, Similkameen and Shuswap areas, and other matters of significant interest to the Society. (d) To cooperate with museum boards and educational institutions. I would like to thank the Branch Editors, the proofreaders, Mary Trainer and the authors for their contributions to this book. Special thanks to Summerland artist Bruce Crawford for the cover designs. The covers are depictions of Okanagan First Nation pictographs: ancient rock art created with red ochre (ferric oxide). I would like to thank the authors who submitted articles on our First Nations. The history ofthe Syilxw people enhances this Report. limtmnwix inca kan muslx ca?kw xa?ntixw axa? a? cqy i? qymin (Okanagan language) Respectfully submitted, David Gregory Table of Contents STUDENT ESSAY WINNER A Closer Look at the Foundations: The Role of Freemasonry in Early Kelowna-Brian Stephenson FIRST NATIONS "We are only a strand": Indigenous Peoples as Stewards of Bio-cultural Diversity-Nancy J.Turner 16 The Syilxw Nation's Relationship with the Okanagan River-Marlowe Sam 22 Okanagan-Similkameen Place Names Skw8Stula?Xw-Delphine Derickson & David Gregory 32 The En'owkin Centre and Ecommunity Place-Ellen Simmons 39 My Search for Dance-esquist cac'awet/Robyn Kruger 41 NATURAL HISTORY Summerland Silt Bluffs-Murray Roed 45 Okanagan Mountain Park Birds: Before and After the 2003 Fire-Le^ Gyug 48 Restoration of Okanagan Salmon-y«Kan Tamblyn 54 Max Lake Then and Now-Anthea Bryan & Eva Durance 61 PEOPLE AND EVENTS Alexander Caulfield Anderson: The Pathfinder's TrailS-Nancy Anderson 66 Penticton Secondary School: 100th Anniversary in 2012-Bryan Snider 73 Hiram Walker Distillery-Soi Whitehead 82 Naming Naramata: Legends Floating in Muddy Waters-Oaj'g Henderson 92 The Codd and Walters Families of Notch HUl-Estelle Noakes 98 How Aurora Golden Gala Apple Got Its Name-Cheryl Hampson 106 Moving Fresh Fruit by Steam Tugboat-/an Pooley 111 SOSS Burns Down September 12, 201 l-Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug 120 Marron Valley: its Mystical Pull-Suzanne Schmiddem & Randy Manuel 125 TRIBUTES Harold Peter "Herb" Capozzi-sheena Capozzi 134 Denis Marshall - a Dedicated Historian-Deborah Chapman 139 Gifford Wakley Thomson-Arenaa (Butler) Thomson 143 Stanley Dickson (nee Tait), formerly Bertram-Diana (Bertram) Denny 145 Joan Elsie Chamberlain-Trevor Chamberlain & Patty (Chamberlain) Mcintosh 147 Margaret Ivy Jackson (nee McEwen)-Mary Hickman 150 Marion Bews-Shannon Bews Croft 155 Marjory Smith-Gail Capostinsky 158 June (Tryon) Osbom-Diane Toth & Andrea Toth 161 Raymond Bostock-Sarah Roberts (nee Bostock) 165 Robert Charles "Bob' DeMara-Bemice DeMara 168 Alan Claridge-Richard Rolke 171 Elizabeth Vema Nielson-Mary Ellison Bailey 172 Mat Hassen-Maf R.Hassen 174 LIVES REMEMBERED 179 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Officers ofthe Executive Council 195 Branch Officers 196 Student Essay and Video Contest 197 Notice of Meeting 2013: Armstrong 199 Minutes of 2012 AGM 200 Reports of Officers 203 Branch Reports 206 Committee Reports 211 LIFE MEMBERS 218 SOCIETY MEMBERS 218 INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS 224 STUDENT ESSAY STUDENT ESSAY WINNER A Closer Look at the Foundations: The Role of Freemasonry in Early Kelowna By Brian Stephenson In Kelowna's Pioneer Cemetery stands the grave marker of the city's first lawyer and police magistrate, John Ford Burne.' Though showing signs of age, the plain concrete column stands proudly in commemoration of an influential pioneer and active community member. The marker, however, serves as more than just a memorial for an individual, for inset prominently upon the top of the miniature obelisk is the emblem of a global fraternal organization known as Freemasonry. Adorning the final resting place of Burne, the Masonic G centered between the Square and Compass symbolizes the importance which Freemasonry had in the life of one of Kelowna's prominent pioneers. To be forever remembered as "John Ford Burne, Mason", the presence of a Masonic Photo courtesy of author 1 O. Arthur Strandquist, "Kelowna's Lawyers," in The 53rd Report ofthe Okanagan Historical Society, ed. Robert Cowan (Vernon: Wayside Press Ltd.. 1989), 41. and "Appointments in Official Gazette: Attorney General Bowser Acting Commissioner of Lands and Works," Victoria Daily Colonist, August 23, 1907, http://www.britishcolonist.ca/display .php?issue=19070823&pages=007. STUDENT ESSAY emblem in Kelowna's Pioneer Cemetery serves as a reminder of Freemasonry's historical influence within the city, prompting further investigation into the fraternity and its role in early Kelowna. Freemasonry is a form of voluntary association, a fraternal organization dedicated to the moral improvement of its members and the promotion of social benevolence. The modern version of Freemasonry officially began in Britain in 1717 with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England and over the subsequent decades Masonic Lodges appeared across the globe following in the wake of the expanding British Empire.2 Arriving in Nova Scotia more than a century before the Canadian nation was born, Freemasonry's advance west can be traced through the history of British North America.3 On August 22, 1860, Mason Amor De Cosmos' Victoria-based newspaper, the British Colonist, enthusiastically announced the formation of Victoria Lodge No. 1085, noting that "this is the first lodge of the Order ever established here, or in fact, in any part of the British possessions on the Pacific."4 Freemasonry flourished and in 1871, coinciding with the introduction of British Columbia into the Canadian Confederation, the Grand Lodge of British Columbia was established in Victoria as the province's supreme Masonic authority.5 As the population of British Columbia increased so too did the popularity of Freemasonry, and soon the Grand Lodge of British Columbia became inundated with requests for new Lodge charters.6 By the start of the First World War, the importance of Freemasonry within emerging communities was such that of the twenty-one incorporated municipalities in British Columbia's interior, not a single one lacked a Masonic Lodge. Freemasonry served a significant function in the lives of our province's earliest settlers and pioneers; and yet, the role of Freemasonry in the early development of Kelowna represents a gap in our local historiography. Following the city's incorporation in 1905, the frontier community of Kelowna Ronald Hyam, Britain's Imperial Century, 1815-1914: A Study of Empire and Expansion (London: The MacMillan Press Ltd, 1993), 299. Ross J. Robertson, The History of Freemasonry in Canada from its Introduction in 1749. Vol. I. (Toronto: George R. Morang & Company, Limited, 1900), 159. Also see William Douglas, Freemasonry in Manitoba: 1864-1925 (Winnipeg: Bulman Bros. Limited, 1925) and Walter S. Herrington, The History ofthe Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario: 1855- 1930 (Hamilton: Robert Duncan Company, 1930). 4 "Masonic Lodge," The British Colonist, August 22, 1860, http://www.britishcolonist.ca/display .php?issue= 18600822. 5 "Masonic Grand Lodge," The British Colonist, October 22, 1871, http://www.britishcolonist.ca/display.php?issue= 18711022&pages=003. John T. Marshall, History ofthe Grand Lodge of British Columbia A.F. & A.M. 1871-1970 (Victoria: Colonist Printers, 1971), 158. STUDENT ESSAY experienced a turbulent period of rapid growth. I argue that Freemasonry acted as a source of social capital and was a stabilizing force in early Kelowna, creating beneficial social networks while helping to overcome the difficulties of establishing political order within an emergent community. The first Masonic Lodge to be established in a British Columbia rural community appeared in the Okanagan in the small town of Lansdowne in 1888, twenty-four miles north of Vernon.7 Known as Spallumcheen Lodge No. 13, this Lodge habitually advertised in the Vernon News, inviting nearby Masons to attend its meetings.8 Vernon Masons were enticed by the opportunity to attend a formal Lodge, and these travelling Masons soon became known as the "Sojourning Brethren" ? Frequent travel was difficult and expensive however, and on June 23, 1893, Miriam Lodge No. 20 was established in Vernon by local Masons.10 Freemasonry became a shared experience for the frontier communities of the Valley, and by the winter of 1905, three Masonic Lodges had been established at Lansdowne, Vernon, and Enderby. Though Kelowna would soon become the home of the Okanagan's fourth official Lodge, the community's experience with Freemasonry had already begun years earlier. Following the creation of the town site of Kelowna in 1892, a unique connection between the young community and its northern neighbor of Vernon emerged upon the basis of Freemasonry." Masons in early Kelowna who wished to attend official Lodge meetings in Vernon had to embark upon a difficult, lengthy, and expensive journey. In an experience reminiscent of Vernon's own "Sojourning Brethren", Kelowna Mason Dr. Benjamin de Furlong Boyce, along with his Masonic companions, regularly travelled "over 35 miles each way, summer and winter by horse and buggy or cutter."12 Dr. Boyce would come to embody the bond Freemasonry formed between two of the Okanagan's frontier communities when, although living in Kelowna, he became the Worshipful Master of Vernon's Miriam Lodge in 1902 and was "reputed never to have missed a meeting."13 The dedication of Dr. Boyce to Freemasonry exemplified the fraternity as a unique source of social capital, 7 Marshall, 162-163. Lorraine Uzick, A History of Miriam's Beginning (Vernon: Miriam Lodge No. 20A.F. &A.M., 1985), 2. 9 Ibid. 10 Marshall, 167. F. M. Buckland, Ogopogo 's Vigil: A History of Kelowna and the Okanagan (Kelowna: Regatta City Press Ltd., 1979), 82-83. 12 O. Arthur Strandquist, Floreat, St. George's Lodge No. 41 A.F. & A.M.: A brief history of Freemasonry in Kelowna, B.C. 1905-1980 (n.s., 1981), 3. and Uzick, 2. 13 Ibid. 10 STUDENT ESSAY facilitating the creation of links between Vernon and Kelowna which transcended typical socioeconomic relationships. The value of the connections Freemasonry created extended beyond individual relationships to serve as a force for social order within emerging frontier communities. The growth of Kelowna soon justified the creation of a local Masonic Lodge, solidifying Freemasonry's place within the local community while reinforcing Kelowna's status within wider Masonic networks. In the winter of 1904 and 1905 Kelowna's small but growing band of Freemasons, the majority of whom were members of Vernon's Miriam Lodge, met to discuss the establishment of a Lodge in Kelowna.14 Dr. Boyce and John F. Burne featured prominently in the proceedings, and the groups' efforts were realized on April 14, 1905 when St. George's Lodge No. 41 of Kelowna held its first meeting under Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.15 Freemasonry's formal arrival in the community was publically acknowledged and announced with The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist publishing notice that "the first meeting of St. George's A.F. & A. M. Kelowna, will be held in the Loge [sic] Room, Raymer Block, on Friday Apl. 14th, at 8 p. m."16 The development of Freemasonry in Kelowna did not occur independently of the development of the community; rather, it acted as a stabilizing force during changing times. In 1905, Kelowna was in a state of rapid growth. The city's economy was becoming increasingly driven by the fruit industry, and the region experienced a growing influx of settlers, an influx which by 1911 would have tripled Kelowna's 1905 population of 600 to 1,800.17 Kelowna was booming as an investment opportunity, with the British Colonist featuring a report from Mr. Palmer, the Secretary of the British Columbia Bureau of Information and Immigration, which emphasized the impressive eight hundred acres of fruit-tree planting activity occurring in Kelowna, while heavy land speculation, "very large additions to the population", and the community's recent incorporation were cited as "other evidences of progress."18 Indeed, May 4,1905, had marked the incorporation of O. Arthur Strandquist and Kevan F. van Herd, Floreat St. George's Lodge No. 41 A.F. & A.M.: G.R. of B.C. and Yukon, 1905-2005 (n.s., 2005), 7. 15 Marshall, 203. "Items of Interest," The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist, April 14, 1905. 17 "Canada Year Book 1932," Statistics Canada, http://www66.statcan.gc.ca/eng/acyb_cl932- eng.aspx?opt=/eng/1932/193201460108_p.%20108.pdf. 1 Palmer, "Opposition to Investment," Victoria Daily Colonist, May 23, 1905, http://www.britishcolonist.ca/display .php?issue=19050523&pages=004. 11 STUDENT ESSAY Kelowna as an official municipality of British Columbia.19 The young, yet quickly-growing city required leadership, and it would be Kelowna's Freemasons who would answer the call. According to political scientists Michele P. Claibourn and Paul S. Martin, voluntary associations and the social relationships they create help increase political awareness.20 Freemasonry, through its ritual voting, internal hierarchy, procedural rules, minute-taking, financial management, and by-law creation and enforcement, introduced to, and prepared Kelowna's Masons for, the necessities of local government. The regular practice of Freemasonry exposed Masons to democratic learning processes, improved public speaking abilities, and promoted social responsibility.21 Furthermore, the formal process of establishing and maintaining a Masonic Lodge had provided Kelowna's Masons with important experience which was translatable to municipal governance. As social historian Mary Ann Clawson notes, a fraternal order such as Freemasonry represents a resource, a resource of organization, of coordination, and of the capacity to mobilize for particular ends.22 In 1905 Kelowna, Freemasonry became one such resource for social order. When Kelowna received its City Charter a municipal government had to be established quickly as the city's rapid development necessitated equally rapid municipal organization and action. The urgency of the matter is perhaps best highlighted by Mr. Palmer's statement in the British Colonist that "among the very first things to have attention will be the sanitary arrangements, a matter which is urgent, and a water supply."23 Effective and efficient leadership was required, and fortunately for Kelowna, according to the Kelowna Clarion, the city was "saved the expense of an election" due to the "election by acclamation" of Kelowna's first municipal government, led by Mason Henry Raymer.24 Of the city's four aldermen, all were Masons, including David 19 "Proclamation," The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist, May 11, 1905. 20 Michele P. Claibourn and Paul S. Martin, "The Third Face of Social Capital: How Membership in Voluntary Associations Improves Policy Accountability," Political Research Quarterly 60 (2007): 191-201. JSTOR, www.jstor.org. 21 Dietlind Stolle, "Bowling Together, Bowling Alone: The Development of Generalized Trust in Voluntary Associations," Political Psychology 19 (1998): 498. JSTOR, www.jstor.org. Mary Ann Clawson, Constructing Brotherhood: Class, Gender, and Fraternalism (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1989), 7. 23 "Opposition to Investment," Victoria Daily Colonist, May 23, 1905. http://www.britishcolonist.ca/display .php?issue=l 9050523 &pages=004. "Proclamation," The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist, May 11, 1905. 12 STUDENT ESSAY Lloyd-Jones, D. W. Sutherland, P. B. Willits, and E. R. Bailey.25 The respectability and quality of Kelowna's local Masons elected to public office was such that the Kelowna Clarion suggested local citizens "congratulate themselves with having secured the services of men of public spirit and business ability", celebrating the successful start of Kelowna's political life guided by such worthy men.26 The civic history of Kelowna has been significantly influenced by members of St. George's Lodge. In fact, the Masons of St. George's have accounted for an astounding nine Mayors, forty-seven councillors, four Freeman of the city, and several members of the District School Board.27 The holding of public office provides an excellent demonstration of the merit of Kelowna's Masons as well as the historical force Freemasonry has been for social order. Perhaps the obituary of Kelowna's first Mayor, Freemason Henry W. Raymer, best exemplifies the role Masons played in stabilizing early Kelowna during its municipal infancy, noting that "Mr. Raymer had led an active part in all civic affairs and had played an important role in bringing both the city and district to its present state of prosperity and popularity."28 The local pioneers who had played such a significant part in the founding of Kelowna became the Masons who were so vital in the leading of Kelowna. The presence of Freemasonry became a force for social order and a beacon of leadership, not only in Kelowna, but in similar emerging communities across the province.29 The Masons, true to form, helped to lay the foundations of Kelowna. Freemasonry allowed for the creation of unique social networks and facilitated civic engagement in a rapidly-changing community. Today, the names of Kelowna's central streets and public spaces are a tribute to the city's early Masons, a reminder of the Masonic foundations upon which Kelowna continues to flourish.30 The role of Freemasonry in the development of Kelowna is often overlooked and represents a gap in our local historiography, a historiography which readily identifies the man as a Mason but fails to identify the Masonic Order which influenced the man. The social and political importance of St. George's Lodge in early Kelowna cannot be overstated, and yet there is so much more to be told. Freemasonry served a useful social 25 Strandquist, Floreat, 53. 26 "Items of Interest," The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist, May 18, 1905. 27 Strandquist and van Herd, Floreat, 112. 28 "Obituary: The Late Mr. H. W. Raymer," The Kelowna Courier and Okanagan Orchardist, April 6, 1916. 29 Marshall, 201-204. 30 Note: Raymer Ave., Boyce-Gyro Park, Burne Ave., Sutherland Ave., Dilworth Dr., Dr. Knox Middle School, Raymer Elementary School, DeHart Rd., etc. 13 STUDENT ESSAY purpose, one which promoted a better society through brotherhood, charity, self-improvement, and social responsibility.31 Furthermore, Freemasonry, a venerable historical institution with connections to Great Britain, can be analyzed for its influence upon local notions of respectability and its capacity for managing cultural consent. By blunting the force of community differences and individual idiosyncrasies, the Masonic brotherhood provided an organizing principle that allowed broad, though in some ways exclusive, fellowship, directly contributing to the fraternity's province-wide success.32 Freemasonry in British Columbia, and St. George's Lodge in Kelowna, has survived two World Wars, a Great Depression, and countless other misfortunes to remain a visible presence in communities throughout the province to this day through initiatives such as the Masonic Cancer Car program.33 Transporting cancer patients to various treatment centers throughout the province at no cost to either the patient or the Canadian Cancer Society, the Masons continue to act as a benevolent force in the very communities they helped to establish throughout British Columbia. Primary Sources "Canada Year Book 1932." Statistics Canada, http://www66.statcan.gc.ca/eng/acyb_cl932- eng.aspx?opt=/eng/1932/193201460108_p.%20108.pdf. The Kelowna Clarion and Okanagan Orchardist, April 1905 - April 1916. The British Colonist, August 1860 - October 1871. http://www.britishcolonist.ca. Victoria Daily Colonist. May 1905 - August 1907. http://www.britishcolonist.ca. Secondary Sources Buckland, F. M. Ogopogo's Vigil: A History of Kelowna and the Okanagan. Kelowna: Regatta City Press Ltd., 1979. Bullock, Steven. Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation ofthe America Social Order, 1730-1840. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1996. "Cancer Car Program." Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/cancer.html. Claibourn, Michele P. and Paul S. Martin. "The Third Face of Social Capital: How Membership in Voluntary Associations Improves Policy Accountability." Political Research Quarterly 60 (2007): 191-201. JSTOR. www.jstor.org. PolicyAccountability." Political Research Quarterly 60 (2007): 191-201. JSTOR. www.jstor.org. Clawson, Mary Ann. Constructing Brotherhood: Class, Gender, and Fraternalism. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1989. "Declaration of Principles." Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon. http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/principles.html. 31 "Declaration of Principles," Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon, http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/principles.html. Steven Bullock, Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the America Social Order, 1730-1840 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1996), 26. 33 "Cancer Car Program." Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/cancer.html. 14 STUDENT ESSAY Douglas, William. Freemasonry in Manitoba: 1864-1925. Winnipeg: Bulman Bros. Limited, 1925. Herrington, Walter S. The History of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario: 1855-1930. Hamilton: Robert Duncan Company, 1930. Hyam, Ronald. Britain's Imperial Century, 1815-1914: A Study of Empire and Expansion. London: The MacMillan Press Ltd., 1993. Marshall, John T. History of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia A.F. & AM. 1871-1970. Victoria: Colonist Printers, 1971. Stolle, Dietlind. "Bowling Together, Bowling Alone: The Development of Generalized Trust in Voluntary Associations." Political Psychology 19 (1998): 497-525. JSTOR, www.jstor.org. Robertson, Ross J. The History of Freemasonry in Canada from its Introduction in 1749. Vol. I. Toronto: George R. Morang & Company, Limited, 1900. Strandquist, O. Arthur. Floreat, St. George's Lodge No. 41 A.F. & A.M.: A brief history of Freemasonry in Kelowna, B.C. 1905-1980. n.s., 1981. Strandquist, O. Arthur. "Kelowna's Lawyers." In The 53rd Report of the Okanagan Historical Society, edited by Robert Cowan, 40-60. Vernon: Wayside Press Ltd., 1989. Strandquist, O. Arthur and Kevan F. van Herd. Floreat St. George's Lodge No. 41 A.F. & AM.: GJi. of B.C. and Yukon, 1905-2005. n.s., 2005. Uzick, Lorraine. A History of Miriam's Beginning. Vernon: Miriam Lodge No. 20 A.F. & A.M., 1985. Members of Spallumcheen Masonic Lodge #13, 1891 Lansdowne Back Row L-R: Richard S. Pelly, secretary, Geo. H. Rashdale IMP Front Row L-R: Frank Hassard Sr. senior Deacon, Thos. W. Fletcher junior Deacon, Fred H. Barnes, John Hamill, W.M. Thomas Clinton-Taylor, DJ. MacDonald junior warden, Norman McLeod senior warden Photo courtesy of Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society 15 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AS STEWARDS FIRST NATIONS : ;;.,,,,,,,,,■ " " »™ s *.!■:« ' "".■..:sa^ ; «. . .liSf ii«s- 11 I '■-■- ». ... ' . : ;«:■ : : :.;;.^..: : v .:::. .:. ...:':.. :..;....: ;.; ! mgS«msmm : .i s?Kxm:''ss:j::m„li.,mi &8*»?MM1 : . Pen-Hi, northern half, 2003,1. to r.: East Wing, North (Main) Gym, Auditorium. Photo courtesy Bryan Snider 78 PEN HIGH: 100 YEARS Under Mr. Corcoran's leadership, previous programs enjoyed continued success, and new programs were again added, including the International Hockey Academy, and an expanded Advanced Placement Program. Academically, the school was a perennial provincial top performer. This success was measured not only by excellent exam results, but also in low dropout rates, variety of programs, student/parental satisfaction, and success in athletic, academic, vocational and artistic inter-school competitions. Mr. Corcoran oversaw the building of the fifth Pen-Hi, beginning in 2006. This building was located to the east of the Ellis Building, which remains as part of this 'newest' school. In September 2008, William "Bill" Bidlake became Pen-Hi's 12th principal, effective upon Mr. Corcoran's resignation. Mr. Bidlake was an experienced teacher and administrator, who had previously seen service in the school as a student-teacher, teacher, department head, athletic director and vice-principal. The high standards of most of the previous 100 years continued during his term. Mr. Bidlake oversaw the completion and opening, in September 2008, of the new school. After years of planning and study, much of the previous school (including the north and east wings) was razed, and replaced by a modern structure. It is largely constructed of brick and glass, and blends well architecturally with the adjacent, venerable and attractive Ellis and Shatford Buildings. b?- ~ "■■ Bar*® :■■■■-;, In S _E_* ^EHHp *' ■ESP*'-* js fw« J. t%-f- ' ■ ,/E«t;5:': ■ ^Vti-*** . ; : .. . ■ ■■■■:■:■■ mlMiSSMMB§yMMMBii ■"■■''■■.^■■■■■■■.:"*Cj;'*^i: :t:::.:.:.;.3 Pen-Hi, September 2011,1. to r.: Shatford Building, Ellis Building, new South Wing. Photo courtesy Bryan Snider 79 PEN HIGH: 100 YEARS Completion included the remodeling of the Ellis Building, as well as adding new classrooms, a massive gymnasium, weight room, dance studio, teaching kitchen, choir room, computer and, science labs, tech-ed (shop) areas and a grand new library. The new air conditioning system is undoubtedly more effective than Mr. Marr's system used in the 1911-1912 school, and undoubtedly much more expensive! Ongoing expansions and renovations also resulted in the demolition of some significant structures, including the south gym and the agriculture building (on Jermyn Avenue). The removal of the Pen-Hi auditorium and north gym was the subject of a huge controversy throughout the community, but removed they were. Gone too are the "link" which joined the Shatford and Ellis Buildings, and the astronomical observatory. Alan Stel, who had been principal at Clearwater Secondary School for five years, replaced Mr. Bidlake in August 2012. With reference to original principal John Marr's aforementioned statement regarding students' character: judging from the many successes of Pen-Hi, and its continuing leadership in academic achievement, the school has been blessed with students of excellent character. It has also been blessed with exceptional staffs and administrators who have had vision and the ability to bring their vision to fruition. Their time at Pen-Hi has been not just a job, not just a career, but a way of life. And so it is today. Shrek, (in the movie ofthe same name) claimed that "Change is good, Donkey!" and change certainly can be good, but the importance of heritage, history, tradition, and a culture of excellence must not be lost, simply in the name of change and modernization. Pen-Hi, 2012,1. to r.: Shatford Centre, Pen-Hi Library, Ellis Building Photo courtesy Bryan Snider 80 PEN HIGH: 100 YEARS The 100th anniversary of the first school's opening (and 100 years of outstanding operation) was celebrated at the new school during the 2011-2012 school year. The major celebration in May 2012 included a centennial homecoming, a wine and cheese reception, homecoming reunions, school tours, sporting tournaments and "decade rooms." Time will tell what the next 100 years will bring, and what attributes the school will encompass by 2112! References: Historical souvenir of Penticton, B.C., 1867-1967 : on the occasion of the centenary of the dominion of Canada / by R. N. Atkinson. Edited by J. G. Harris. Okanagan Historical Society. Penticton, British Columbia: Celebrating a Century: Snpintktn (a Place to Stay Forever)/compiled and published by Penticton Writers and Publishers; (edited by) Yasmin John-Thorpe, Penny Smith. 2007. Penticton now, then & way back when: a pictorial & anecdotal history of Penticton / Cox, Doug.c2007. Sources: Author interviews with current and former Penticton Secondary School students, teachers and administrators, 2000-2011. Penticton Herald back issues. Penticton Secondary School annuals. Penticton Secondary School newspapers. 81 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY The Story of the Hiram Walker and Sons Limited Okanagan Distillery By Bob Whitehead Bob Whitehead was one of the original team of five that designed the Hiram Walker Distillery. He moved to Kelowna with his family in 1970 to start up and operate the plant and then transferred back to the Windsor, Ontario, head office in 1973. In 1981, he returned as Plant Manager before heading east again to become Vice President of Corby Distilleries in Montreal. In 1988, he returned for the third, and final, time as Vice President!Plant Manager. He managed the closure ofthe plant in 1995 and the disposition of many ofthe assets. It is a matter of historical record that Kelowna was home to the whisky of Canada - the world-renowned Canadian Club. This famous whisky was manufactured, aged and bottled in Kelowna by Hiram Walker & Sons for some 25 years and shipped around the world. The Okanagan Distillery was an ultra-modern plant designed to last 100 years and constructed to the highest standards of the time. Its bottling capacity was of such a size that all the wine produced in B.C. today in one year could have been bottled at this plant with room left over. The daily water use for the cooling of the distillation process was greater than what many cities use at peak demand. Why was such a plant built in Kelowna and what happened to it? What follows is the story ofthe Hiram Walker Okanagan Distillery. The beginning Hiram Walker and Sons Limited was founded in 1858 in Ontario and grew to become one of the largest distilled beverage companies in the world, with production operations in the USA, UK, Argentina, France and Canada. Well known international brands owned were Canadian Club, Ballantine's scotch, Beefeater gin, Kahlua coffee liqueur and Courvoisier brandy. In 1986, it was sold to Allied Lyons, a UK company, that was the brand owner of Tetley tea, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, Harveys sherries and numerous other foods, spirits and wines. By the late 1960s, sales were growing so fast that a second plant was needed in western Canada to supply the ever-increasing demand in the western provinces, the United States and the Far East. 82 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY iP ..^fe; :M§MiM:&^'::^::^M::sf^ Artist's rendition of aerial photo (courtesy of Bob Whitehead) In 1968, a team of five technical specialists was selected to design and build the new plant. They were Gord Hunt, Frank Leeder, Dennis Patton, Tony Petricola and Bob Whitehead. All were transferred to Kelowna to oversee construction and start up the plant, and to eventually run it. Leeder and Hunt later returned to Ontario; Petricola was moved to the USA; Patton stayed in the Okanagan until his untimely death at an early age. Whitehead now resides in Kelowna, after having been transferred to various other operations several times. This team was given projected sales figures up to the year 1990 (20 years into the future) and assigned to build a plant capable of processing those volumes. In addition, because the growth figures were considered to be conservative, each process was laid out in such a way that they could be readily expanded when needed. The equipment selected was the best technology could offer at the time and of the highest quality. No expense was to be spared. 83 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY Site selection and start-up It was important that the chosen site provide an abundant source of clean, cold water, be situated on a rail line, close to a major highway and have access to large natural gas and power supplies. During a year of investigation, many potential sites in the northern Okanagan, southern Alberta and the lower mainland were considered. Eventually a flat 210-acre site was chosen just north of the Kelowna airport. This site had access to Okanagan Lake water, was located on a rail line and highway, and the main transmission lines of West Kootenay Power and Inland Natural Gas passed through or close to the property. "•"jfcj**—«ii no Original design team of five - Tony Petricola, Denis Patton, Bob Whitehead, Frank Leeder, Gord Hunt, early 1971. Photo courtesy Bob Whitehead. The official sod-turning ceremony was held on June 27, 1969, and was attended by dignitaries from all over the valley and province. The plant was constructed over a two-year period by a workforce of over 400 trades people, labourers and engineers. The cost to build just the initial stage of the plant was $37 million in 1970 dollars (about $185 million in 2012 dollars). Over the next ten years an additional $20 million would be spent on new 84 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY warehouse construction. The final cost of this plant in today's dollars would be close to $250 million. Numerous other companies were attracted to the central Okanagan to service Hiram Walker, including Consumers Glass in Lavington, Crown Packaging in Kelowna and many smaller suppliers and specialty manufacturers. Some still exist today. Initially, aged whiskies were shipped in from the east in 90,000-litre stainless steel tank cars, unloaded and barreled into oak barrels. The first bottling of Canadian Club whisky took place on June 10, 1971, using spirits from the Ontario plant. The first bottling of whiskies distilled and aged completely at the Okanagan plant was in 1974. Some of the first packages bottled still exist today as treasured keepsakes. In keeping with a long-time Hiram Walker tradition started in Scotland, the maturing warehouses were guarded by a free roaming flock of large, white Chinese geese. These geese had proven to be more effective in Scotland than watchdogs. However, they were quickly killed by coyotes, and after a couple of years were gone. In Scotland they had no natural predators. Plant description The Hiram Walker Okanagan Distillery was the second largest plant of its kind in Canada and one of the most modern distilleries ever constructed. It still remains as the largest, most efficient and most expensive beverage production facility of any kind ever built in western Canada. It featured innovative new concepts such as a fully automated, computer-controlled 200,000 case warehouse, several central process control rooms and an automated barrel filling and dumping system. There were over 15 km of stainless steel piping, Vh million litres of process tankage and four highspeed bottling lines running up to 300 bottles per minute each. The rail yard, one of the largest in the Okanagan, could hold over 50 rail cars and consisted of three km of track on eight sidings, with mowed grass between each siding. The 10,000 sq. ft. office building was an open concept design and featured white oak furniture, brick feature walls, a sunlight ceiling and large windows overlooking the manicured grounds. A large steam plant burning natural gas provided services to all the buildings and processes. As a result, the plant was totally self-contained and required no services whatsoever from the City of Kelowna. During construction, it was a company priority to retain as many of the mature trees on the site as possible. Over 50 acres of the site were planted with grass and flowerbeds. These provided colourful accents to the landscaping, which was designed to create as aesthetically pleasing a setting as possible. The many requests from the community to use the grounds as a backdrop to wedding or graduation pictures indicated the success of these endeavours. 85 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY Over 20 million litres of water per day were drawn from Okanagan Lake at a depth of 100 ft. and pumped more than 4Vi kilometres through a one metre diameter steel and concrete pipe up and over the hills between the valley site and the lake. The large lakeside pump house housed three 750-horse-power pumps with a pumping capacity of 30,000 litres per minute. The pump house was made of poured concrete and designed to blend unobtrusively into the lake landscape. The majority of the water was used to cool the distilling process. After it cooled the distillates, this water was passed through a cooling tower and discharged into Duck Lake. Eventually it was returned to Okanagan Lake via Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Vernon Creek. Great efforts were made to address the environmental concerns of the residents of Winfield and Vernon. For years, a detailed sampling of lake waters was conducted monthly and reported to the B.C. Ministry of the Environment, as there were concerns by some that the extra water flow might flush water from Duck and Wood Lake into Kalamalka Lake. The rest of the water, which was used for processing and general plant operations, was treated in a large company-owned waste treatment plant. Water to be used for blending products was pre-treated by two 450-litre/minute demineralizers and activated carbon beds to render the water pure and odourless. Four distinctly different production processes were housed in over one million square feet of floor space. These divisions were Distilling, Blending, Maturing and Bottling. In addition there were support services such as a large machine shop, engineering division, security force, fire protection and an administrative office which managed functions such as planning, scheduling traffic, purchasing, accounting, public relations and industrial relations. Dried grains produced as a by-product of the distilling process was a valuable livestock feed supplement and was shipped via truck and rail to locations in the USA and Canada. Up to 150 hourly workers were unionized ending with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). Hiram Walker employees were among the most skilled and highest paid personnel in the valley and, without a doubt, had the best benefit plans. Technical specialists from all over the world came to see this ultramodern, very efficient and strikingly beautiful plant. It was considered to be "the best of the best." Over 125 different packages were bottled at Kelowna, including Canadian Club, Wisers Deluxe and a wide variety of gins, vodkas, brandies and liqueurs under the Hiram Walker, McGuinness, Corby, Wisers, Barclay and Gooderham & Worts brand names. In 1972, the City of Kelowna expanded its boundaries and included all the Hiram Walker property up to Beaver Lake Road to obtain its tax base. The 86 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY plant was the largest industrial taxpayer in Kelowna for many years with annual taxes of about $5 million in 1980 dollars ($15 million in 2012 dollars), and this infusion of revenue no doubt contributed significantly to the growth of the City at the time. By the peak production year of 1981 there were 210 full time employees at the plant. Over 24 million 710-ml equivalent bottles of whisky, gin, vodka, rum and liqueurs were produced in 1981 along with over 7 million litres of absolute alcohol. Over 400 rail cars of grain were processed per year and about 500,000 180-litre white oak barrels were now being stored in over 700,000 sq. ft. of palletized warehouse space. __ '* f First employees on site - plant not operating yet, early 1971. Front row: Frank Leeder, Carol Sanderson, Cynthia Jackson, Jim Gray, Gord Mcllveen, Brian Byrnes, Len Russell, Col. David Kinloch, Ken Tiessen, Gord Hunt. Back row: Ray Grant, Howard Watts, Bob Whitehead, George Chantler, Tony Petricola, Don Crabbe, Peter Koch, Mike Booth, Don Bruce. Photo courtesy Bob Whitehead. Employee benefits and Community involvement Hiram Walker employees were active in the community, serving on organizations like the United Way and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and many other Boards of Directors. The company actively supported many charities and organizations such as the Kelowna General Hospital's new 87 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY building expansion, the Kelowna Art Gallery's expansion and the Easter Seal camp in Winfield. It was, for example, one of the top leaders in United Way giving for many years. Its support was also extended to numerous initiatives and endeavours in sports, heritage, arts and culture groups such as Sunshine Theatre and the Okanagan Symphony. Its art collection featured works by Kelowna artists Robert Dow-Reid, John Revill, Jack Hambleton, Harold Lyons, Bob Kingsmill and many other outstanding Canadian artists. Besides the usual employee benefits, Hiram Walker was noted for several special programs. Every employee received a 20+ lb. turkey at Christmas; Christmas time-off was usually from before Christmas to after New Year's; valuable jewelry awards or clocks were given for long time service; every June saw a Family Day where management treated all employees and their families to a full steak dinner with all the trimmings on the park-like grounds. Access to the services of a health nurse, an on-site gym, table-tennis equipment and a tennis court spoke to the company's concern for employee health and fitness. A newspaper named the Okanagan Standard was published monthly, detailing stories of employees and happenings around the plant. There were many regular management/union meetings, including special dinners from time to time. The company had a popular tour program and employees showed pride in their work - and in their place of work - whenever opportunity allowed them to share their knowledge and views of the plant operations and products. The decline Unfortunately, 1981 was also the start of a slow sales decline in North America and both bottling and distilling volumes began to decrease. There was a gradual, but definite, switch from spirits to wine and beer, plus the economy was hard hit in the early 1980s. Every year from 1981 saw fewer cases being shipped from the plant and fewer cases meant less alcohol was needed to be distilled in that part of the process. Fortunately, in 1983 a new specialty malt distillery at a cost of about $6 million was built to service the Japanese market. This malt whisky plant was a replica of a distillery at one of Hiram Walker's northern Scotland operations and consisted of four large copper pot stills, a large lauterlauter and all the other associated equipment for making scotch whisky. This malt whisky was produced for the next eight years, matured in barrels and then shipped in bulk to Japan. Capacity of this malt plant was about 700,000 litres of whisky per year. However, sales continued to drop in North America and something had to be done before it was too late. It was decided to diversify into another type of business to make better use of the infrastructure. To this end, a 600- bottle-per-minute carbonated beverage line and associated equipment was installed to produce non-alcohol beverages. Two years later a large pasteurizer 88 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY was added, which enabled juices to be bottled. For the next eight years, up to 100,000 bottles per day of brands such as Clearly Canadian, Koala juices and Bacardi coolers were contract-bottled and shipped to markets across western North America. This new business added a big boost to the plant's economics and the workforce as it helped to offset overall plant overhead costs. In efforts to further offset overhead costs and reduce the size of the plant, a 130,000 sq. ft. maturing warehouse was sold to HRI (now Sysco) in 1992 where it is still remains as their Central Okanagan headquarters. Fifty acres of unused land was sold and is now an industrial park at the corner of Beaver Lake Road and Jim Bailey Road. An additional 17 acres of land was sold to the provincial government for a future prison, however, it will now be built in Oliver. By 1994, it was apparent that two large plants were no longer necessary in Canada and, after much analysis, a decision was made to permanently close the Okanagan Distillery and consolidate the volumes back to the 140-year-old head office and plant in Windsor, Ontario. On June 16, 1995, the last package was bottled and at the end of that October the last employee left for good. The summer of 1995 was a very sad time for all involved. It is a testimony to the exceptional wages, working conditions and calibre of personnel at this plant that about 80% of the employees terminated at the closure were original personnel hired 25 years earlier. The final disposition of the plant ■ The pump house, pipeline and associated equipment were sold to the Okanagan Centre Irrigation District (now Lake Country) and are being used to supply a significant portion of the Lake Country water requirements. ■ The bottling contracts with Clearly Canadian, Koala and others were terminated. ■ All the remaining barrels of whisky in the warehouses were shipped to Ontario over a six-month period. ■ The bottling lines were dismantled and either returned to Ontario where they were re-installed or sold. ■ All the stainless steel tanks were sold to various companies around North America. ■ The majority of the large equipment in the distillery, steam plant and other associated buildings were sold "as-is" or for their scrap value and then the buildings were demolished in 2011. Approximately 18 acres of the land that these buildings occupied will likely be turned into an industrial park. ■ Most of the trees that were so preciously saved in 1970 have been cut 89 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY down and the formerly manicured grasses and gardens are now just weeds. The sale of the various buildings Main Office Building - sold to Wood Lake Books, resold to USA firm, now vacant and deteriorating. Gatehouse, Steam Plant, and Manufacturing Complex - sold to Hayward Securities and have been mostly demolished. Blending / Drain & Fill Complex - sold to Premium Canada (chemical company). Bottling and Finished Goods Complex - sold to Mcintosh Properties Ltd. and the building is now leased to Natural Factors Food Supplements. The twenty-two 30,000 sq. ft. maturing warehouses were sold to various business owners as follows at the time of this writing: Sysco foods (previously HRI foods) Capozzi Group Grizzly Metal Works (steel fabrication) Hyatt Industrial Armour Works (protective clothing) UPS (parcel delivery service) ATS Retail Solutions CCV - Canadian Commercial Vehicles (plastic forming) ■ The Upper Waste Basin & Percolation Bed lands were sold to various business owners as follows: A J.Forsyth Steel Company (steel fabrication) Varsteel Metal Works Harris Rebar Sales Super Save Group (waste removal) Fortis Substation Epilogue So it ended after almost exactly 25 years. One of the most valuable plants ever built in the Okanagan, world renowned in the beverage industry, with extremely efficient processes and a very competent workforce, could not compete with head office to be the surviving plant. While all the bottling needs of the company could have been readily met at Okanagan, about 75% of the Canadian volume was, by then, destined for eastern markets. However, if the plant were to meet the maturing and distilling requirements as well, additional warehouses would have to be built and the distilling capability would have to undergo a major expansion. On the other hand, the Ontario plant already had enough warehousing and distilling 90 HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY capacities for all North American sales. In addition, the cost for grain transportation from Alberta was high relative to the Ontario plant, and transportation costs for shipping finished bottles to markets were higher than the Ontario plant. And, of course, there were "soft" considerations. The head office was part of the big Windsor plant which had been located on the same site since it was founded in 1858. It was home to all the top management of the company. Where would they move if that plant was closed? And what would happen to the substantial history and presence ofthe company? The Okanagan plant did, however, have several substantial advantages such as lower fixed costs, higher efficiencies, intensely dedicated employees and a less militant union than the Ontario plant. Okanagan was the emotional favourite going into the analysis, even with many members of senior management. It was the "dark horse" option. But, unfortunately, this time the dark horse favourite did not win the race and Kelowna lost an important employer, taxpayer and community supporter. : Aerial view of plant looking north, late 1970s. Photo courtesy Neal Eberle The writer would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Neal Eberle and Susanna Svendsen in the preparation of this article. 91 NAMING NARAMATA Naming Naramata: Legends Floating in Muddy Waters By: Craig Henderson Craig Henderson is active in community affairs and is the editor of www.MyNaramata.com. In 2007, he wrote and produced Robinson's Rainbow, the Naramata history play. In 2010, Craig was named Naramata Citizen ofthe Year, and in November 2011 published Naramata Chronicles - Life & Times of a Community. I've spent a lot of time researching the name of my town, Naramata, located 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of Penticton near the south end of Okanagan Lake. Why couldn't it be simple and straightforward, like Penticton, Armstrong or Oliver? Other communities have adopted names that were derivations of Interior Salish words, or were named after their founders or influential leaders. Not my town: Naramata, the Smile of Manitou. What does it mean? Who thought of it? The exact origin and meaning seem muddy and unclear. I have collected five legends of the name "Naramata" and its subtitle the "Smile of Manitou," including: an Aussie word for 'place of water;' a maiden by the waterfall; a child's birth bringing rain showers; and a sculpting of the lake to form a shoreline smile. Water played a key role in Naramata's settlement, as it did for most Okanagan towns. Many of the first white settlers arrived at their destinations by water. Fruit trees could take root only once water from the creeks was harnessed and distributed to the new orchard. Water provided a place to relax and refresh from the rigors of pioneer life. Maybe that is why a water theme often surfaced in the legends? One aspect of the story is not murky. Two people clearly were the key players when it came to naming Naramata: John Moore Robinson, the town founder, and Anna Gillespie, wife of one of Robinson's business associates. Gillespie was a well-known medium and was a minister in the American Spiritualistic Church. 92 NAMING NARAMATA John Moore Robinson Photo courtesy of Naramata Heritage Museum and Archives Anna Gillespie Photo courtesy of Penticton Museum and Archives Legend #1: Named from a Seance The most quoted story about Naramata's naming dates from 1907, not long after the founding of the community. In the Gillespie tent house a seance was held. Mrs. Gillespie, acting as medium, channeled the voice of a Sioux chief named Big Moose. The chief spoke of his love for his wife Narramattah. She was the "Smile of Manitou." I read that to mean that the Central North American First Nations' deity of Manitou, the Creator, was proud of his work in molding this lovely woman Narramattah. The Okanagan Historical Society Report of 1935 (6:143) quotes a letter written by Robinson on September 23, 1931: "(After the seance,) it struck me that this would be a good name for our village, which I thought of calling Brighton Beach. We therefore cut out the unnecessary letters and called the town Naramata." The same OHS report (6:142) tries to answer the question, "What is the origin of the name Naramata, could it be related to a First Nations' language?" Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance, a respected author and First Nations' expert in the 1930s, is quoted: "It seems to me that Naramata has been wrongly spelt (sic) by the white man or transplanted there from some other quarter by him for I know of no British Columbia (Aboriginal) language in which the letter 'r' occurs. The letter V occurs nowhere west of Eastern Canada." In the OHS report of 1948 (12:212-213), writer A. G. Harvey states: "Research suggests that perhaps Mrs. Gillespie unconsciously drew the name from an Australian source, since 'naramata' in aboriginal Australian dialect means 'place of water.' Her first husband had lived in Australia." 93 NAMING NARAMATA This led me to consult two Australian specialists in 2006, and neither could confirm a link between Naramata and an Aborigine dialect. David Blair, director of the Australian National Placenames Survey, replied: "Re: 'Naramata' meaning 'place of water,' I am skeptical. Australia is full of mellifluous placenames based on indigenous words that mean 'place of water.'" Greg Windsor, Secretary, Geographical Names Board of New South Wales, replied: "There are over 250 Australian Aboriginal language groups so it is difficult to give a definitive answer. You may find words close to 'Naramata' in many dialects, it is doubtful if one could definitely confirm any of these words as the origin of your name." The only other recorded geographic references to the name are the Naramata Dam and Lake near the Japanese city of Minakami, 160 kilometres (99 miles) west of Tokyo. The hydro dam, completed in 1990, formed the lake. I believe it is purely coincidence and there is no link between this Japanese Naramata and the Okanagan Naramata. It's plausible that there could have been a seance in 1907, since such practice was normal for both Gillespie and Robinson. Whether there was a seance or not, I believe that Robinson and Gillespie created the name Naramata for its story-telling value. "Smile of Manitou" was created perhaps to sprinkle the legend with a touch of romantic, exotic mystery. Robinson was in the business of selling home sites and orchard lots. As a former newspaperman, he knew the value of a good story when it came to peddling the virtues of a new town. In my opinion, the use of "Manitou" was a handy reference for Robinson. Manitou designates spirit beings among Algonquin groups of central Canada, the plains and the Great Lakes region. Prior to coming to B.C., he spent 20 years in Manitoba as a politician, teacher, real estate agent and publisher. The name Manitoba is derived from the word Manitou. While the seance legend has been the one that is most often repeated, Robinson, Gillespie and journalists noted several other twists and tales to explain Naramata and the Smile of Manitou. Let's dive deeper into the muddy waters of these twists, tales, and names... Legend #2: Indian Princess at the Waterfalls In an August 1909 promotional program for the regatta at Naramata, J. M. Robinson wrote: "Naramata is an Indian word connected in legend with the beautiful falls of Naramata about two miles back from the lake. "Narramattah meaning 'Smile of Manitou,' was the name of an Indian princess whose lover Big Moose was a great warrior and chief of his tribe. After many perilous adventures and vicissitudes of fortune he finally won the hand of Narramattah." 94 NAMING NARAMATA Legend #3: Newborn Girl Brings Needed Rain A Penticton Herald special section for Canada's centennial contained another story about Naramata and Smile of Manitou. On June 30,1967, the Herald published dozens of articles on regional history. One such article, unattributed to a writer, was titled, "Naramata Legend 'Rain Gods Forgot:'" "The legend of Naramata is told by Mrs. A. L. Gillespie, wife of J. M. Robinson's right hand man, in a special holiday number of 1912. She recounts that 'many moons ago,' a tribe of Indians from the south and east came to hunt and fish. All summer, there was much meat to eat, and the tribe rejoiced, but in the winter 'the Rain Gods forgot to walk and there came a strange sickness upon the people.' Only Po-a-ko-pe, the ancient medicine man, did not despair, and by his dying firelight called again and again to the Sun God for help; and as he called he listened, and listening heard the sighing like the rustling of soft wings, then waited for the Sun God to send the sign of his favor, for he read the stars and saw a promise there. And when the dawn time came he heard the laughter of a girl child new born and on the breath of the warm Chinook wind came soft gentle rain, which washed the fear from the hearts of the people. Po-a-ko-pe said, 'It is well the Sun God will give his smile to us once more.' He called her Naramata, Smile of Manitou, and the day brought peace, rest and gladness to all the people. It's not known where Mrs. Gillespie found the legend." Legend #4: Great Spirit's Smile Formed by Setting Sun In the Vancouver Province, September 16, 1918, author Mabel Durham wrote a profile on Naramata, and the subheading read, "Okanagan Village on Which Manitou's Smile Lingers." Here is the opening of the article in which Durham alludes to the fact that Manitou's Smile is in fact the sun set on the western hills above Summerland as viewed from Naramata: '"The Smile of Manitou' is said to be the meaning of the name which has been given to this idyllic little spot on the shore of Okanagan Lake. Owing to the conformation of the hills on the other side of the lake, when the sun sinks behind them it is claimed that its rays linger longer upon the point on which this village has its site than on any other point on the lake shore." Legend #5: 'Smile' Sculpted by Manitou the Creator In the Vancouver Province, December 9, 1950, writer Les Rimes begins an article on Naramata by stating: "Naramata: Smile of Manitou. Manitou, the great creator according to Indian legend, was mighty happy about the way he had scooped out the Okanagan Lake and had piled up the surrounding mountain. Great job! He rubbed his hands and smiled. And as a finishing touch, like the last stroke of a master's brush, he added a lovely point, 95 NAMING NARAMATA which reaches verdantly into the lake. Here lies Naramata, the Smile of Manitou." Naramata: Also Known As What legend holds water for you? Was the naming of Naramata passed down by spiritual intervention, or was it a strategic spin to spur lot sales? Other than reaching Gillespie and Robinson via a seance we may never know for sure. In a 1965 interview with CBC radio, J.M.'s daughter Dorothy Robinson stated that the seance story contains more fiction than fact. "I think 'Naramata' came out of the air. It is not a bad name, we like it. My father named the town, and it may not even be true that Naramata is a (Native) Indian word." Dorothy Robinson went on to tell the CBC interviewer about the other names her father considered, "First of all he thought of East Summerland and he thought of Brighton Beach. Brighton Beach, wouldn't be that dreadful. In reviewing the Penticton Press newspaper reports of the day, it appears our community had an identity crisis. In a period of nine months, this place had four names. November 24,1906, announcing the purchase of land by John Moore Robinson: "Exit Nine Mile Point, enter East Summerland." June 15, 1907: "H.C. Huyke was in town from Nine Mile Point on Tuesday. The name of the place, which was changed to East Summerland after being acquired by the Summerland syndicate last fall, has again been changed to that of Brighton Beach." August 17, 1907, was the first reference in the newspaper to the word Naramata: "Mr. J. M. Robinson's gasoline launch, the Naramata, was launched Monday afternoon." August 24, 1907, first newspaper reference to Naramata as a town: "Work is about to start on the wagon road from Naramata to connect with the road at Four Mile Point, This will give a through road from Naramata to Penticton." October 19,1907, another reference to Naramata as a town: "Naramata is the youngest of Okanagan settlements. The place was named East Summerland, but this has recently been changed to the more romantic term Naramata, being an Indian word for 'The smile of the gods.' If the gods had anything to do with the creation of Naramata, they most certainly have been in a happy mood when they did the work as no spot along the entire lake is more beautifully situated." Some history writers have stated that Robinson had considered Brighton Beach as a tribute to his family roots in the British Isles. But, Robinson's parents were born in Ireland, and I believe Robinson was not referring to Brighton, England. I think he was inspired by Brighton Beach, adjacent to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In a 1909 regatta promotional program, Robinson wrote that Naramata will become a pleasure resort of respite and relaxation, "the Coney Island of the Okanagan." In the 1870s, Robinson was a student in upstate New York, and I suspect that he travelled to New York City at one time. Perhaps he was impressed by the resort 96 NAMING NARAMATA neighborhoods of Coney Island and Brighton Beach as a place for the urban family to play and relax. The Syilx (Okanagan First Peoples) called the Naramata area "Citxws Peqlqin," or "Eagle's House." In a 2008 documentary entitled Naramata: Citxws Peqlqin (Dust Dancer Productions and Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society), Syilx educator Richard Armstrong said that the Naramata bench had an important role for sustenance and cultural practices: "The area provided a seasonal camp site for elk hunting and food gathering. Roots, berries and wild vegetables were gathered and dried. Elk meat would be smoke-dried. The bitterroot is one of the most important foods in our tradition, and our stories say that the 'grandmother bitterroot' comes from Citxws Peqlqin." Several sites on the Naramata bench point to use by Syilx youth for the right-of-passage vision quest. Perhaps instead of trying to explain the wherefore and whys of Naramata's name, I should just embrace what it has come to mean. History is about telling stories, even if there is a legend - or five - mixed in now and then. Naramata has come to identify an Okanagan community of tranquil beauty, agricultural abundance and refreshing waters. Manitou and all forces of creation would have to smile about that. 97 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL The Codd and Walters Families of Notch Hill By Estelle Noakes Estelle Noakes is a descendent of early pioneers ofthe North Shuswap. She enjoys researching and writing about people and places. She began writing in the 1990s and is the author of a trail book, a pictorial guide and more recently a book on Seymour Arm. She has also written numerous articles for newspapers, magazines and journals. She currently resides in Deep Creek, north of Enderby. Notch Hill Notch Hill is a small detour off the Trans Canada Highway at Sorrento or Balmoral. At one time the highway went through Notch Hill and it was a thriving centre for freight, timber mills and farming. The town of Notch Hill was built in 1910 on land donated by adjacent farmers. It was named for a notch between the mountains where the CPR laid its tracks in 1885. For many years it was a CPR town with a train station, packing-house, freight shed, oil tank, water tank, coal chute, sand house, pump house and round house. Notch Hill was a centre for the surrounding areas. The railroad brought shipments from all points and dropped them at Notch Hill, where they were transported first by wagon and then by truck to other areas and to the ferry or barges for shipment around Shuswap Lake. Besides being a CPR train centre, the village had three stores, a school, hall, garage, jail, post office and two churches. There were over 600 people living at Notch Hill by the 1920s. Although there are many changes, today the scenic drive through Notch Hill retains its rustic charm with its historic buildings, old barns and fertile farmland. Many of today's residents are descendants of early settlers, still living on the old family farms. Some of the historic town buildings have been restored: on the hall property the heritage school built in 1921, the Presbyterian Church built in 1906 (moved to its current location in 2004 and once again in use) and the community hall built in 1910 have been restored. The old graveyard has had a refurbishing too, with new gravestones and cataloguing. There is also an inviting picnic area under ancient maples. Keith and Anita Walters are among the long-time Notch Hill residents who have worked hard to effect these changes. Keith Walters remembers the Notch Hill area in the early 1900s as being inhabited mostly by Swedes, Norwegians and Finns. He says the English 98 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL were in Sorrento. Keith has a wonderful memory and can reminisce all day about the old-timers and the history of this unique area. If you drive with him along the lanes of Notch Hill he can remember who lived in each of the houses you pass, and tell you all about their histories. His own family arrived in the area in 1935. ' "., . :bix ■'.' ;>t ■::■■ |;lllll:;:s-K.-. .■:■:■.: ■■SI:-:-' : i iSSt : Si ; ■""■:•■• .- 1 ■■:■:-.:.: ,. Keith's uncle Henry Codd was born in 1893 in Wales, one of ten children. His family had along history as horse contractors, raising purebred Percherons. They also were sheep and dairy farmers and operated a grist mill. Henry emigrated from Wales at the age of 17, settling at Minburn, Alberta. He fought in WW1, was injured and returned to Canada. Henry was well known in Alberta as a breeder of purebred Percheron horses as well as a cattle rancher. Keith Walters says his uncle was a tough man. In Wales he bare-hand boxed with the gypsies, riding 35 miles each way to do so. He was known as a high stakes poker player and also made moonshine in Alberta: both of which he gave up on coming to British Columbia. Besides his sister Rosalyn and her three children, Henry brought from Alberta a car-load of cattle, 22 purebred Percheron horses and an English man, Harry Massy, who worked for them. They arrived in Notch Hill in March of 1935 to four feet of snow. Henry had purchased the original homestead of the Martin Johnson family from George Gurr. There was an old liveable house on the property which the family used until building a new one in 1936. The new home was built with first grade lumber, had a basement and cost $2000 to build. When Henry gave the contractor a $200 bonus, the man cried - that was a lot of money in those days. The farm had chickens, pigs, cattle and horses as well as a large garden. Henry was a kind man and gave much to his community. He loved horses and treated them with great care. He believed also in treating people well and often paid his workers double the going wage. Henry served for forty years as chair of the Notch Hill Community Association, ten years as a school Henry Codd in the 1920s. Photograph courtesy of Keith and Anita Walters 99 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL trustee (also six years in Alberta), ten years as chair of the Farmers Institute, fifty years as trustee of Cardinal Estates and he worked for many years with the Chase Fall Fair. Henry died in 1984 at the age of 91, and is buried in the Notch Hill graveyard. Frances Elizabeth Rosalyn Codd Walter(s) Known as Rosalyn, she was born in 1910. She immigrated to Canada in 1927 at the age of 17 along with her brother Ed Codd. Later another brother George also relocated to Canada. In Alberta, Rosalyn married Paul Walter and had three children, Keith, Gywn and Yvonne. Rosalyn separated from her husband in 1935 and along with the three children accompanied her brother Henry Codd to Notch Hill. There she looked after the home and the children. In 1942, Henry Codd set aside a small property for Rosalyn and her new partner Henry Blackman, who was a farmer and a logger. He and Rosalyn built a home on the property where they lived with the two younger children. Keith stayed with his uncle Henry. Henry Blackman died in 2000 at the age of 94. He is buried in the Eagle Bay cemetery. In her later years Rosalyn lived with her daughter, Yvonne. She died in 2006 at the age of 96. At some time Rosalyn changed her name from Walter to Walters. Keith and Anita Walters Keith Walters was born on June 30, 1930 in Viking, Alberta, on the family farm. He was five when his mother and father separated. He remembers arriving at Notch Hill. At the station, among the men who came to help them unload was John Lindsay, who became a lifelong friend until his death in 2011. Keith recalls his uncle shipping out purebred horses and cattle by train from Notch Hill. The Indian School in Kamloops was a regular customer for the horses, as they wanted to improve their stock. Keith has kept up the family tradition of raising purebred Percherons, and his son Irwin is following in his footsteps. Keith also has riding horses and says he has never been without a good horse. Keith began school in Notch Hill at the age of seven and finished grade one and two, after which he suffered a ruptured appendix and gangrene set it. Over the next five years Keith was in hospital almost continuously and underwent several operations. Finally, from a fellow patient the family heard about an army doctor, Dr. Wallace, who was returning to the area and had a good reputation with abdominal surgery. Keith was taken to Kamloops where Dr. Wallace had set up practice. Dr Wallace operated and Keith recovered quickly afterwards and says he has never looked back. There were two schools 100 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL at Notch Hill then (the high school closed in the late 1930s) but, having missed so much school by then, he decided not to go back. At the age of fourteen, his Uncle Henry Codd gave Keith an eighty- acre farm across the road from where the family lived. Keith built a cabin and some barns. In the next years, he cut firewood at $3 a cord with a crosscut saw and delivered it by horse and wagon. He supplied the Notch Hill Hall with firewood for many years. In addition, he did horse logging for other people, including Ed Riley at Celista. Keith says he was skidding with horses by the time he was sixteen. One of his first logging jobs was for Saul Rabie, where he worked a ten-hour day for $5. Later on he bought the Rabie's eighty acres for $400. Keith also had horses and cattle, farming with his Uncle Henry Codd over the next fifty years. At one point Keith worked in Prince George for five years for the Forest Service as foreman of the bush crews, but was happy to return home and back to farming. In 1948, Keith remembers buying a new rubber-tired wagon and a nice team of horses. He headed to the Cariboo with a friend Cecil Milliken for eight days, but ended up working all year, cowboying and haying for two old bachelors, the Scallons. In 2010, Keith along with sons Reg and Dewy and grandson Rylan retraced that route, also visiting the Gang Ranch, the Empire Valley and Red Mountain, where they have a cabin. Keith played badminton when he was young, and in winter there was a skiing hill on the mountain across from the farm, with ski jumps and everything. A Finnish resident, Mr. Fenn made excellent skis for $4. Keith says he would tie a rope to the saddle horn and his horse would pull him up. After skiing all day, the horse was really ready to come home and he says he had some hair-raising trips getting back home. He remembers, too, being able to sleigh and toboggan right down to the Sorrento wharf. Keith's favourite getaway was to ride up Black Mountain to the Seldom Inn, a cabin named by Joe Edie and built by Keith and the Mowers. Unfortunately, the cabin burned in the Notch Hill fire of 1973. In 1957, Keith met Anita (Blackman) at the wedding of his sister Yvonne, who was marrying Chris Dalin. Anita was born in 1938 to pioneers of Valemont, Bill and Ellice Blackman. (Bill's brother Henry had been Rosalyn Walters'partner.) Bill was a trapper, logger and big game guide. The Blackmans also had three sons. Anita had attended high school in Kelowna and was still living there, working at the Kelowna Courier. 101 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL Anita and Keith had a long distance courtship. Anita tells the story of Keith, along with a buddy, visiting a gambling place before coming to see her. Of course, the two were broke and she had to lend them $10 to go home. Keith and Anitia Walters wedding Valemont 1959 Photo courtesy of Keith and Anita Walters Anita and Keith married in her family's log home in Valemont in 1959. They travelled back to Kamloops by train where Henry Codd picked them up in his 1949 truck (which is still on the farm). Keith had built them a little home which Anita found quite delightful - it had a chrome table and chairs, hot water heater and fairly new bedroom and living-room furniture. It also had canned peaches and pears from his mother in the cupboards, a freezer full of meat and lots of wood. That fall they managed the luxury of a truck of their own. The Walters raised four sons on the farm, Reginald (1959), Jeryl, nicknamed Dewy (1960), Irwin (1962) and Ian (1964). Henry Codd was a great sportsman and the boys' greatest coach - all four excelled at hockey and baseball, having spent many years playing in various Salmon Arm leagues. 102 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL Keith says he has been in every arena and ball field in the country, putting about 80,000 km. a year on his vehicle. During this time, Keith says he didn't save a nickel - it all went for the kids. Dewy went to a world competition in baseball and Ian spent three years playing for the Kootenay Hockey League. Now the Walters' grandsons are playing hockey in Kelowna and at U.B.C. Walters Family 1984: Back Jeryl, Reg, Irwin and Ian . Front Anita and Keith. Photo courtesy of Keith and Anita Walters Due to the sports schedule of his sons and the cost, Keith gave up the milk cows and got a job at Adams Lake Lumber (then Holdings Mill) where he worked for twenty years, night shift on the boom from 1970 to 1990. For some of these years, Anita's cousin Bill Blackman lived with them on the farm. They looked after him and he helped around the farm. Anita remembers that during the Notch Hill fire in 1973, Keith would come home from his graveyard shift at the mill, pack a lunch and work on the fire all day, come home and sleep a few hours and then go back to his job. He did that all summer. After leaving Holdings, Keith worked for the Forestry for 103 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL a few years up on Fly Hills, White Lake and Eagle Bay. He would camp up in the high country where his job was to move the cattle around so they didn't over-forage in the newly planted areas. His border collie was company and his most willing helper. Keith worked for various other people including some on the north shore, Ed Riley and Pat Bischoff. He also helped with haying on north shore farms, including those of George Lamberton and Prince Orser. Anita is an artist, using pastels to create scenes of the area and the old buildings around Notch Hill. In addition, she is adept at quilting. Keith judged logging shows for many years throughout the valley while Anita was competing with Sandy Mowers in the Jack and Jill cross-cut event, winning many awards. Keith also judged the heavy horse pull events at local fairs and at the PNE. Keith and his sons, along with his lifelong friend Sandy Mowers, took numerous horseback hunting trips in the Yalakom River country north of Lillooet, where they have a prospector's cabin. Keith also enjoyed trips with his cousin Julian Codd (the son of Ed Codd) who farmed at Tappen. In 1991, Keith, along with his son Irwin, rode in the first Kamloops Cattle Drive with 420 other riders. Keith and Sandy Mowers spent many winters top-loading Christmas trees for shipment to Vancouver. The Walters' sons continued this business until last year. For over twenty years the Walters have given horse and sleigh rides (Broderick Creek Sleigh Rides) pulled by their purebred Percherons. The enterprise began as a treat for their friends. The rides are a true delight for any lucky sleigh riders, who are bundled up in Anita's (and her mother's) home made quilts and regaled with stories of the area's heyday, finishing with cinnamon buns and hot chocolate at the end. Their son Irwin does most of the rides these days but Keith still likes to help out driving the team. Keith loves to ride and still keeps a horse handy. In 1998, accompanied by his sons Ian and Reg, Keith visited his Welsh homeland. The Walters have many relatives still living there, now sixth- generation farmers with horses, sheep and dairy. Keith made a point of visiting the Gypsy camps that his uncle Henry Codd spoke of so often, but he says it was too rainy for him, and he would not live in Wales for anything. Keith and Anita have been and still are staunch supporters of their community. They are both life members of the Notch Hill Town Hall, and instrumental in the restoration of the historic buildings and the care of the 104 FAMILIES OF NOTCH HILL Notch Hill Cemetery, most recently with Louise Barber. For nine years Keith was a director with Caravan Farm Theatre, during the theatre's touring days. The Caravan would stop at the Walters farm and put on their performance during their tours, which were a delight for the whole community. Anita keeps busy with the Notch Hill Community Association which has done an admirable job of keeping up the archives and restoring the old buildings. The Walters' property itself is a veritable museum, with four old log buildings which have been dismantled and restored. One is a blacksmith shop, and another was a demonstration building built by Sandy Mowers with logs salvaged from the Notch Hill fire in 1973. Its purpose was to teach the Walters sons to build. It is now a cozy cabin used for Broderick Creek Bed and Breakfast and as a guest house. The Walters' sons have also been instrumental in helping restore the historic buildings. The Walters' sons live close by. Keith has been able to return the favour once granted him by Henry Codd, and given each of his sons a fair parcel of land. The Walters have six grandchildren and three step- grandchildren. Reg lives in Salmon Arm where he is a building inspector. Jeryl, nicknamed Dewy, lives on Wellbanks Rd. at Notch Hill. He and his wife Karen operate High Country Tree Farm. Ian lives on the original Laing farm at Notch Hill and is a welder. Irwin lives across the road on Henry Codd's original farm, in the old home built in 1936, which is still in good repair. He is a partner with Dewy in Walters Construction and also operates the trail rides. Keith's brother Gywn worked for BC Hydro and lived in various places around B.C. He passed away in 2002. Yvonne is living in Louis Creek. Harry Massey, who came from Alberta with Henry Codd, died in 1938 and is buried at Notch Hill. In 1973, Keith met a stepbrother, Neil, and discovered their father was still living at Medicine Hat, Alberta. Keith visited his father for the first time since his parents' separation when he was five years old. Paul Walters died shortly after the visit and is buried at Medicine Hat. Keith and Anita Walters are people one would refer to as "salt of the Earth", but they are much more - dedicated to family, friends and community. They have resided on the same farm in Notch Hill almost all of their lives, Keith from the age of six and Anita from the time of her marriage to Keith at 21. They have been instrumental in preserving much ofthe heritage and history of the area, not for fame or fortune but because it matters to them. They still enjoy life on the farm at Notch Hill, surrounded by good memories, good friends and their large family. 105 AN APPLE GETS ITS NAME How Aurora Golden Gala Apple Got Its Name By Cheryl Hampson Dr. Hampson is the research scientist overseeing the apple breeding program at the Pacific Agri- Food Research Centre in Summerland. In 2003, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research facility in Summerland held a national internet-based contest to choose a name for the new apple then known as 8S6923. The story of how 8S6923 reached this point is typical in most ways of the long timeline involved in apple breeding. Apple breeding at the AAFC started in the 1920s. Probably "Spartan" is the most famous of Summerland apples. Named in 1936, Spartan was one of the first varieties to be named, although it was not widely planted until the 1950s. The apple-breeding effort was fairly small and regional in focus for much of its history. In the mid-1990s, AAFC ceased its apple-breeding programs in Quebec and Nova Scotia, and Summerland was tasked with breeding apples for commercial producers in all of Canada while the other two programs were slowly wrapped up. The current breeding objectives are high fruit quality (including appearance, texture and flavour), ability to remain firm and juicy in long storage, early fruit bearing, productivity and regular cropping, disease resistance, ease of management, and adaptation to the Canadian climate. Why are new varieties needed when so many already exist? In part we seek new varieties to satisfy the consumer's desire for novelty, but mainly we need varieties that are superior to existing ones for eating quality or disease resistance, or that possess some other advantage for growers or consumers. 8S6923 started as an idea in the mind of then-breeder Dr. David Lane. Flowers on a "Splendour" tree were pollinated with "Gala" pollen in the spring of 1981. In autumn, the apples from this Splendour tree were collected and their seeds were extracted. The apple is part of the mother tree, but the seeds inside get half their genes from the mother tree, and half from the pollen parent. Each seed is unique in genetic makeup, just as siblings from a human family are different from each other despite having the same parents. Hundreds of such seeds were generated from this Splendour x Gala cross. 106 AN APPLE GETS ITS NAME All the seeds in this family were put into a cool moist treatment for several months to break dormancy, along with about 4,000 others from the other cross-pollinations made that same year, keeping each family separate. In spring 1982, the seeds were germinated and the tiny trees planted in the greenhouse, then transplanted into the field nursery in May. Trees grown from seed go through a juvenile period of several years' length before they will flower or fruit. To shorten this waiting period, each tree is budded in the field onto a dwarf rootstock after spending 2.5 years in the field nursery. Unacceptable trees (too weak, too diseased) are discarded before budding. From this single bud that is transferred to the rootstock, a new tree grows, passing out of its juvenile phase and eventually starting to bear fruit. Hence, the seedling tree of the future variety was budded into Field 8 South in August 1984 along with all of its siblings and a few thousand other trees from the crosses made in 1981. In autumn 1989, breeding program technician Richard MacDonald sampled a fruit from this tree during his weekly check of the field and was impressed by its sweetness, juiciness, crunchiness and smooth clean yellow skin. He noted its location in Field 8 South, Row 69, Tree 23, and collected a fruit sample for storage. After about eight weeks in refrigeration, the fruit quality was still outstanding, and the tree was marked for propagation the following August, i.e., more "copies" of the tree were made by budding. The new trees spent two years in the nursery, alongside dozens of other selections propagated for the same reasons, while they again grew from single buds into new trees large enough to plant. The re-propagated trees were planted in 1992 into a replicated plot and more detailed record-keeping began upon first fruiting in 1994. The selection now known as 8S6923 passed all tests with flying colors. The trees were productive, easy to train, regular bearing, had adequate resistance to diseases, and survived a few cold winters unscathed. The fruit eating quality before and after storage was superlative, remaining crisp and juicy long after most other types had become soft, and being free from post-harvest disorders. Most importantly, these attributes were consistent year after year, indicating that the new apple was not overly sensitive to the vagaries of yearly weather or other environmental factors. The only major problem was that it had yellow skin. Yellow is consumers' least favorite apple colour, and most yellow apples show bruises more readily than red ones do. Here the progress of 8S6923 stalled for a few years until we found a few growers willing to try the variety, in the belief that there was a place in the market for a yellow apple of top-notch quality. Meanwhile, we became more and more impressed with the new apple's characteristics while some other potential varieties fell by the wayside. Eventually the growers with on-farm tests applied pressure to give 8S6923 a "real" name under which the fruit could be sold. Although many names were 107 AN APPLE GETS ITS NAME discussed amongst the breeding team, we wanted to hold an apple naming contest in the hope that it would heighten consumer interest in the marketplace for a new yellow apple. Because AAFC is federal, the contest had to be nationwide rather than just local. At this point, an enthusiastic ally stepped in. Ann de St. Remy worked for Research Branch Communications at the time, and with help from Audrey Nadalin, Cathy Shearer and Therese Otis, she spearheaded the contest, doing the massive amount of work required to bring the idea into reality. The contest was officially launched at the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong on August 29, 2003, with the winner and one guest to be flown to Kelowna for the naming announcement, an overnight stay in the city and tickets to the Fall Wine Festival. Several smaller random prizes were also up for grabs. Media interest snowballed. Interviews appeared in the Ottawa Citizen, Penticton Western, Vancouver Province, Vancouver Sun, Western Producer, Windsor Star, BC Fruit Grower, Guelph Mercury and Kelowna Courier. Radio stations in St. Catherines, Edmonton, Regina, Vancouver, and Kelowna called, and even CBC Radio's "As It Happens" and "The Food Chain" ran interviews. Only the Summerland Review showed no interest! Contest entries poured in from all ten provinces and three territories. Although only Canadian entries were eligible to win, people from Texas, California, Michigan, France and the Netherlands submitted names. In total, 11,006 entries arrived before the deadline. Names ranged from A+ to Zipper. The most common entries were those combining the new apple's parent's names in some way: Galandor, Glenda, Splendid Gala, Galdor, Gasp, and others. Also popular were two-part names with Canada/Canadian, Okanagan, B.C., Blonde, Amber, Gold(en) or Summer as one of the elements. The Kelowna wildfire of 2003 was still raging, and many fire-related names were submitted. Some names were ineligible because of previous usage for other apple varieties: Silken, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Keepsake, Sunrise, and others. Suggestions ranged from short (A+) to long (shehamsplendgala), and included the witty or whimsical (Malus Photograph courtesy of Agriculture Canada 108 AN APPLE GETS ITS NAME aforethought, Seedy Gonzalez, Smokanagan), the mundane (Bob, people's own names, or names of their pets or neighbours), and the oddball (Clockintower, Fleshy Fairy). Some had dubious connotations (Abruise, Dropping Apple, Orgasma, Special X, Special Freak, Squishy Delicious, Crapple, Climax, Xtasy, Bumpkin, Sweetass, Honey Pail) and one was outright grouchy (A Colossal Waste of Taxpayers $). A few seemed to rather miss the point altogether (Rosey Red, Big Red Jewel, Round'n Red, Golden Delicious, Granny Mac). Many contestants gave humorous or touching explanations for their entries. Others took the opportunity to laud or slam famous political figures of the day. Each of the three judges was asked to shortlist 10 names, and then we hashed it out, focusing on names common to two or all three short lists. Eventually "Aurora" was chosen to evoke the Northern Lights (a very Canadian experience), to reflect the apple's color (Au is the chemical symbol for gold), and because this name was nearly the same in English, French and Spanish. Last-minute advice from a marketer and a packinghouse insider strongly favoured having "Gala" as part of the name to help with marketing. I was reluctant after asking people to be creative in their ideas, and because I didn't want to associate the new apple with one that softened quickly. But in the end I compromised and Aurora Golden Gala became the apple's new moniker. Several reporters tried to sweet-talk me into prematurely releasing the name, but my lips were sealed. All 52 entries of "Aurora," "Aurore," or "Golden Gala" were literally put into a hat and the winner drawn. Daphne Biggs of Ottawa and her husband were flown out for the media announcement on October 2 at the Laurel Packinghouse in Kelowna. By great good fortune, Daphne turned out to be photogenic, poised and articulate. Happily she also liked the apple, after tasting it for the first time just before the press conference. The name was announced in several media, including CBC television's news program "The National" with Peter Mansbridge. Immediately, more than 10,000 people were disappointed that their name was not chosen, and critics complained that the name was too long or too boring! All told, the contest cost less than $10,000 to run, including all the prizes, but garnered millions worth of free publicity for the apple and positive images for AAFC. Growers of the new apple found their product in high demand. One local fellow even sold his culls for $1 per pound ($2.20 per kilogram). The mention that the new apple was available for tasting at UBC Vancouver's Apple Festival that autumn was instrumental in breaking their attendance records. Consumers raved over the taste and the crunch. 109 AN APPLE GETS ITS NAME Nine years later, why is the Aurora Golden Gala so hard to find? Sadly, an apple can be excellent in nearly all respects but still fail commercially if it does not meet the needs of growers and industrial fruit packers as well as The Aurora, Golden Gala logo is the property of the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation (PICO) wholesale buyers and consumers. Growers found it unexpectedly difficult to thin the fruit (resulting in small apples or higher production costs). Packers found it too sensitive for mechanized handling. Consumers who did not remember the name after 2003 were apt to overlook it at the point of sale as "just another yellow apple." Many growers grafted over their trees to different varieties after the packinghouse gave up on the apple, but a few who sell directly to consumers have persisted, and some are field packing the fruit for sale in specialty produce stores. Their customers always return for more, and some will buy only Aurora Golden Gala. Perhaps one day technology will catch up to the needs of delicate apples. Meanwhile, those who value taste over appearance must seek out Aurora Golden Gala from the dedicated Okanagan growers who still believe that the consumer's eating experience is paramount. 110 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT MOVING FRESH FRUIT BY STEAM TUGBOAT: THE INTRODUCTION OF RAILWAY TRANSFER BARGES IN THE OKANAGAN "....the long dream will soon become an actual fact...."1 By Ian Pooley Ian Pooley, a recently retired high-school teacher, owes his interest in Okanagan history to his family. His grandfather, W.R. Pooley, came to Kelowna in the early 1900s, and was a partner in the Kelowna Land and Orchard Company. Writing historical articles is a family tradition: his father, a past president and branch editor of the Kelowna Branch, OHS, published articles on Dan Gallagher and on pioneers in the Wells Gray region of British Columbia. Ian is currently researching the history ofthe CN.R. in the Okanagan. I was born in 1948, too late to witness the sternwheelers on Okanagan Lake, but a teenage memory still sticks in my mind. It is a July day in the early 1960s. I've been helping Dad with a load of cherries at the old Kelowna Growers' Exchange (about where the Kelowna Art Gallery is now located). Dad has gone off to do other chores around town and given me a free hour to wander around the railway yard. Just at the southern end of the yard, where the C.P.R. barge slip angles into the lake (the site of the old barge slip is just south of the present day Delta Grand Hotel), I can see that the Naramata is getting up steam." Alongside her, tied to her starboard side, she has charge of an oxide- red two-track car barge that is secured at the slip, and I can see a couple of crewmembers on the deck of the barge. One man attaches a winch cable to a dirty black railway car full of coal. It's parked on a short spur perhaps 50 feet from the slip. His partner on the stern of the barge powers up the steam winch, and with much vigorous chatter and wisps of escaping steam the winch slowly hauls the hopper car on to the barge and all the way to the stern. The two men climb onto it and start shoveling coal into the Naramata's bunkers. I'm old enough to understand I'm looking at an anachronism: a steam winch powered by a coal-fired steam tug that's been around for almost 50 years, 10 years after the last steam locomotives have disappeared on local railway lines, and long after sternwheelers and steam tugs have disappeared almost everywhere. I'm looking at the final chapter in a story that nowadays isn't well known. This article is an attempt to tell the initial chapter of that story: of how and why the Okanagan Lake barge service came to be. Ill TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT The premise of this article is that the introduction of railway barges in 1909 marked a technological leap in transportation on Okanagan Lake. One of the chief limitations of the sternwheelers lay with the problem of handling freight. The steamer freight not only had to be hand loaded at the large and small steamer landings up and down the lake, it also had to be unloaded by hand at Okanagan Landing and reloaded onto railway cars. Of course the same rule applied to freight being shipped in the opposite direction, down the lake from Okanagan Landing: everything had to be transhipped from the railway cars to the steamers. As long as traffic on the lake remained light, the sternwheelers were an efficient solution to transportation, but as the output from canneries, packinghouses, sawmills and stock producers increased, the system was no longer ideal. Since the barges could carry specialized rolling stock like refrigerator cars, stock cars, hopper cars and tank cars, they could efficiently pick up fruit, vegetables and livestock, and more effectively deliver bulk goods like coal and fuel oil. In 1908, an article in the Kelowna Courier & Okanagan Orchardist described the new technology succinctly: "...[henceforth] car-loads will arrive in actual cars....'"" To operate properly, the new transfer barges required specially built barge slips that serviced small railway yards. From its base at Okanagan Landing, the C.P.R. began to methodically build a network of barge slips and railway yards, starting with Kelowna. Once a barge slip was in place, railway cars could be winched on and off the barge using the barge's steam winch, or, as in the Kelowna yard, a steam winch used in conjunction with horses. On Okanagan Lake, the first railway barge was launched at Okanagan Landing in late 1908,'" and railway barges were first used in 1909, to cope with increased volumes of agricultural produce, particularly from the rapidly increasing output of new orchards and expanded vegetable cultivation. At first, since the C.P.R. did not have a tug, the barge service was handled by the sternwheeler Aberdeen, launched in 1893. In her new role, she initially made runs from Okanagan Landing south to Kelowna/ Okanagan Landing, on the northeastern arm of Okanagan Lake, was the terminal of the C.P.R. branch line from Sicamous.vl On June 3,1909, the new railway barge was put to work, and, with the Aberdeen pushing behind, made her maiden run to Kelowna. On the barge was a pile driver that would begin work on the Kelowna barge slip.™ The slip was completed by October 1909, and the Aberdeen made the inaugural freight run on Monday, October 25, pushing the new barge loaded with six empty cars. Four of the cars were parked at the new 520 foot siding to the new two-storey Farmers' Exchange building. They were loaded immediately, most likely with potatoes, onions and apples, and placed back on the barge for the trip back up the lake. The Aberdeen returned two days later with eight more empty cars on the barge, and her own cargo of 15 tons of general freight, including some lath and plaster for Mr. Barnaby, which she took further down the lake to the Okanagan Mission wharf.™1 112 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT The new barge slip at Summerland: the outer "cut" of three cars will be loaded first, by moving fruit boxes through the adjacent empty cars on the track immediately beside the packing house loading dock. To the left, the Okanagan is docking at the new steamer wharf. (Photographer C. Peel Nelson, from the Dunsdon Collection, ca. 1920). Photo courtesy Okanagan Archive Trust Society 113 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT By 1910, a new barge slip was being built at Summerland, and a packinghouse was under construction. The little C.P.R. steamship York brought down the first barge load of supplies to Summerland in early June."1 The railway cars, which included a pile driver that would begin construction of the new barge slip and steamer wharf, were unloaded onto a temporary track on the shore. At Okanagan Landing, construction of the new tug began in August." The August 6 Summerland Review reports that the new barge service would begin the next week, with the Aberdeen and the railway barge servicing Summerland on alternate days, arriving at 4 p.m. and leaving at 7 p.m. At this point, the barge slip had not yet been completed, and it appears likely that the barge was tied up at the government wharf, that railway cars remained on the barge, and that loads were transferred to or from the wharf. By September, the C.P.R. had begun iced refrigerator service at Okanagan Landing, with refrigerated trains leaving Okanagan Landing three times a week."1 By early October, the C.P.R. was actually using the new Summerland wharf and barge slip. The first load in consisted of a carload of bricks on October 5, followed by a car of heating coal for the College and a car of lumber for Nelson Brothers on October 18.xii M|:: During 1910, the tug Castle gar was under construction. Once again the job of barge handling fell largely to the Aberdeen, but since she was needed for scheduled summer freight and passenger service and also as an occasional replacement on the passenger run when the newer sternwheeler Okanagan was in for a paint job or repairs, she was probably not always available for the new service. The small C.P.R. steamship, the York, was used on more than one occasion. There is some evidence that the 180 gross ton sternwheeler Kaleden may have been used as well."1" Because the York was probably underpowered to handle a big fully loaded railway barge, she didn't always have an easy Launching of the Castlegar at Okanagan Landing April 19, 1911. Photo courtesy of Royal BC Museum Archives PABC A-00640 114 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT time of it.xlv In September 1910, she was caught in a gale between Kelowna and Okanagan Center with a loaded scow and had to be rescued by the Okanagan.xv In November that year a fall storm forced the York and a car barge to stay overnight at Summerland.™ By 1911, the new tug Castle gar had been put in service. According to the Vernon News, she was launched on April 19, and she made her maiden voyage pushing a car barge to Kelowna on May 4, 1911.x™The Aberdeen, perhaps showing the wear and tear of long service, was sent to Okanagan Landing to be refitted as soon as the Castlegar entered service."™1 The Castlegar arrived in Penticton on May 29 towing a boom of piles from Okanagan Center for the new wharf and barge slip. Two days later, she brought down a barge load of lumber from Westbank for the S.C. Smith Lumber Co.x,x It must have been unloaded at the government wharf, as construction work on the new wharf had not yet begun. The first pile for the new wharf was driven on June 17, at 8:30 a.m., with a short opening ceremony presided over by the reeve, E. Foley-Bennett. He hadn't been informed in advance ofthe ceremony, and had to be hastily woken up earlier in the morning to make sure he arrived on time.xx At the beginning of July, the South Okanagan Land Company shipped 126 head of cattle to Vancouver, using the Okanagan Lake route for the first time. Up until then, the usual shipping route for cattle out of the south end of the valley was by trail to the railhead at Greenwood, but on this occasion the cattle were loaded on a barge carrying six stock cars and taken north by the Castlegar.™ This small event marked an important beginning: for the next 50 years, even after the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway, a significant portion of the agricultural produce from the South Okanagan would be shipped north by barge to Okanagan Landing, and after 1926, to the new transhipment point at Kelowna1""1, and from there by rail to the main line. For the July cattle shipment, the government wharf must have been used, because over at the new wharf the piles for the first section had only just been completed, the deck had not been installed, and the second portion had not been started.xxm This second portion was the curved part of the wharf that swung east towards the shore to form one leg of the "Y"xxlv and connect with the eastern spur tracks of the new lakeside railway yard. By August 5, the newly refitted Aberdeen had brought down a pile driver to begin repairs to the old government wharf. The new wharf was ready for decking; however, by early September there had been a delay. Decking promised by a local supplier had not been delivered and a new supplier had to be found .xxv The new wharf and barge slip were not completed until early December. The December 2 Penticton Herald records that: "4 carloads of material for railway track were brought down the lake by the Castlegar Friday and landed at the new wharf. The cars were run from the barge on to the rails, these being the first to land in Penticton, for unloading." 115 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT |;- The old Penticton government wharf: a barge has been moored for transshipment of cargo. There is a stock car spotted on the port bow. The Aberdeen appears to be decked out with flags for an excursion; on the left, the Okanagan may have temporarily moved alongside the barge to make room for the Aberdeen. The York, on the far right, may have come down from Okanagan Landing with the barge. (City of Penticton Museum, PMA 5180.) Photo courtesy the Penticton Museum and Archives Clearly, supplies were being brought in for Kettle Valley Railway construction: the contract for the 15 miles of track from Penticton to Summerland had been awarded early that summer.XXV1 The December 16 Penticton Herald records that more railway construction supplies had arrived: "Sixteen carloads of material for the railway [i.e.: two barge loads - a second railway barge is now in service]..., and supplies for the business stores in town, arrived from the landing [Okanagan Landing] this week, and were run on to the new wharf, and sidings, for unloading. The landing apron [i.e.: the barge slip] is working well and the warehouses are finished. It is probable that most cars will be taken to the new wharf in the future. Another warehouse for the lakeshore is under consideration by the K.V. Ry. Co., and construction will be commenced in a few weeks." The capacity of the railway cars and the capacity of the barges dramatically increased the ability of the system to meet seasonal fruit and cattle "rushes." The barges, which carried eight standard sized railway cars, could be used in pairs. An early photo of a refrigerator car at Kelowna is captioned "600 boxes of apples" - about 12 tons.xx™ Working with the assumption that a boxcar of that era took 12 tons of apples, and taking into account that a combination of two barges attached like bicycle panniers, with one barge on 116 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT each side of the tug, could handle sixteen standard railway cars, one can estimate a full load to be in the order of 9,600 apple boxes, almost 200 tons of apples, more than the capacity of the freight deck of a medium sized sternwheeler like the Aberdeen, and much more than the freight capacity of a small freight boat like the York, whose gross displacement was only 134 tons. The railway barges were too big, and drew too much water to be nudged up to beaches and isolated lakeside orchards the way the sternwheelers were, but even so, they were surprisingly flexible and didn't necessarily need barge slips. A spare railway barge loaded with empty cars could be left at one of the smaller landings or cannery docks, for example the wharf at Gellatly, and the cars could be loaded by hand direct from the wagons or trucks pulled up on the wharf. Barges carrying empty flat cars were used at the Vernon Marble and Granite Co. quarry south of Okanagan Landing without even a wharf, simply by pulling alongside the quarry to be loaded .XXV1" Some of the stone shipped from the quarry was used in the construction of the Vernon courthouse. In contrast to the Okanagan railway barge service, the C.P.R. service in the Arrow Lakes, and Slocan and Kootenay Lake, was developed to speedily bridge the gaps between the rapidly developing but difficult to reach segments of the C.P.R.'s mining railway network in the Kootenays.xx,x Although, in the Okanagan, the barges did by 1914 form part of the transportation corridor that functioned as a bridge between the mainline and the Kettle Valley Railway, the predominant feature of the C.P.R.'s early Okanagan service was the little lakeshore railway yards: the barge slips, and the stubby fingers of track that reached out to serve the shore side packing houses and canneries in communities along Okanagan Lake. In Kelowna, for example, the C.P.R. by 1914 had expanded its small railway yard to include a hay warehouse, a contractor's warehouse used for Kettle Valley Railway construction supplies, a coal and building supplier, several packinghouses that handled both fruit and vegetables, the C.P.R. freight shed, an ice storage house, and a cannery. There was even an Imperial Oil depot that stocked gasoline, oil, and coal oil.xxx Less than carload shipments or out of the way steamer landings could still be handled by the sternwheelers, but the heavy freight demands of the rapidly industrializing fruit and vegetable industry were from now on handled more and more by railway barge. Wood pilings, wood-hulled tugs and wood barges rot, and since most of the infrastructure of the early railway barge era on Okanagan Lake depended on wood construction, little remains to remind us of what it was like. The Aberdeen was retired 1919, the Castlegar in 1925. The steel-hulled York was used as a tug on Skaha Lake, and after the barge service there ended, was sold in 1932. The sternwheeler Okanagan was retired in 1934, and the wood-hulled tug Kelowna was out of service by 1956. The C.P.R. continued using the Naramata into the 1960s because, although the much newer diesel tug 117 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT Okanagan, launched in 1947, handled the bulk of traffic, the Naramata was needed as a relief vessel and to handle extra traffic during the fruit season.1""" The Naramata made her last run in 1967, not many years after I'd watched her being coaled, and the tug Okanagan pulled the last C.P.R. barge in 1972. Castlegar with two railway barges picking up boxcars and refrigerator cars of apples at Kelowna slip. (Hudson photo. Photo courtesy Kelowna Public Archives: Photo No. 3076) Luckily, the Naramata, launched in 1914, only three years after the launch of the Castlegar, was built with a steel hull, and she is preserved at the lakefront in Penticton, next to the sternwheeler Sicamous. Her designers produced a vessel that no doubt met the practical demands of power and efficiency, but at the same time left her with a startling gracefulness. She is a fitting emblem of an early industrial era in the Okanagan. 1. Summerland Review (hereafter, SR), June 11, 1910. 2. A barge slip is the adjustable ramp and dock that allows railway cars to be moved from the barge to the tracks in the railway yard. 3. Kelowna Courier & Okanagan Orchardist (hereafter, KC&OO), November 19, 1908. Much of this article is based on accounts of events in Okanagan newspapers of the period, in particular the Vernon News, the Kelowna Courier & Okanagan Orchardist, the Summerland Review, and the Penticton Herald. 4 Ibid. The Courier says the barge has been "recently launched." 5. J. Claude McKim, "The Tug and Barge Service on Okanagan Lake," Okanagan Historical Society Annual Report #48, p. 45. McKim gives the beginning date of barge service as 1908, and attributes this date to Captain Otto Estabrooks, but all the newspaper accounts of the time contradict the date. 6.The line was opened in June 1892, and was initially called the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway. 118 TRANSSHIPPED FRUIT 7. KC&OO, June 3,1909. By noon the same day, the C.P.R. had recalled the pile driver to deal with a washout on the mainline. Construction ofthe barge slip was delayed until July. (KC&OO, July 8,1909). 8. KC&OO, October 28,1909. 9. SR, June 11, 1910. The York was not a sternwheeler; she was propelled by twin screws or propellers. There is much useful technical information on early Okanagan steamboats, tugs and barges in Robert D. Turner, Sternwheelers and Steamtugs, Victoria, Sono Nis Press, 1984. 10. Vernon News (hereafter, VN), August 25, 1910. 11. SR, September 10,1910. 12. SR, October 8 and 22,1910: The October 5 load was unloaded at the new steamer dock; however, by October 18, the new slip was working, and the cars were moved off the barge into the new railway yard. The "College" in the news report is the Okanagan Baptist College, sometimes referred to as "Okanagan College." It was founded in 1906 and closed in 1915. 13. VN, August 11,1910. 14. The York had less than half the horsepower of the C.P.R.'s first tug, the Castlegar. 15VW, September 29,1910. 16. Si?, November 12, 1910. 17. VN, April 20,1911. VN, May 4, 1911. (The April 27, 1911, Kelowna Courier & Okanagan Orchardist records the maiden voyage ofthe Castlegar as being on April 26. This version fits with the story in the Penticton Herald for May 6 that records that the Castlegar made what may have been a publicity trip to Penticton on April 29.) 18. VN, December 8,1910. 19. Penticton Herald (hereafter, PH.), June 3,1911. 20. PH, June 17,1911. 21. PH, July 1,1911. Stock cars are railway cars with slatted sides, specifically designed to carry livestock. The reference to Greenwood as the usual transshipment point for livestock from the Okanagan is confirmed by a short note in the Greenwood Ledge for July 13,1911: "Cattle are now being shipped from Penticton to Vancouver. Formerly, they were driven to Greenwood, and shipped from there by rail." The shipping company at Greenwood is P. Burns & Co., who has a cold storage plant, abattoir, and a cattle yard with loading facilities. 22. KC&OO, August 5, 1926. The Courier notes that the CPR is arranging to divert barge traffic from Okanagan Landing to Kelowna. 23.Ibid. 24. In railway parlance, a "Y" is a triangular-shaped track layout most frequently used to allow locomotives to reverse direction. 25. PH, September. 2, 1911. 26. PH, July 8,1911. 27. Kelowna Public Archives, #1637. 28. "Harley R. Hatfield, Commercial Boats of the Okanagan," OHS Annual Report #56, p. 30. 29. In the Kootenay region, the CPR's railway barges were introduced earlier than the Okanagan barges: by 1897, the CPR was operating its own railway barges on the Arrow Lakes and Slocan Lake. Robert Turner cites a passage from the Canadian Pacific Railway Annual Report, 1896, that mentions the C.PJR.'s policy of connecting the mining branch lines with railway barges (Turner, Sternwheelers and Steam Tugs, pp. 49-50). Turner's book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the CPR's Kootenay barge service. 30. Copy of 1914 fire insurers' map labeled "Chas. E. Goad Co. Civil Engineers, Toronto," Kelowna Public Archives. 31. For more on the Naramata, and the later history of the CPR tugs on Okanagan Lake, see Robert D. Turner, The Sicamous & The Naramata, Victoria, Sono Nis Press 1995. 119 OLIVER SCHOOL FIRE 2011 SOSS Burns Down September 12,2011... But the memories remain By Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug is a reporter for the Okanagan Sun magazine and also a member of the (Jliver/Osoyoos Historical Society. South Okanagan Secondary School was reduced to ashes last year but the fond memories remain. The Oliver school which burned down in the early hours of September 12, 2011 had housed thousands of high school students since its official opening on January 28,1949. It was in the process of having millions of dollars worth of renovations done before the fire. Long-time former SOSS teacher Ian Gibson was one of those quietly watching the school engulfed in flames, along with fellow retired teachers, at 4 a.m. on that Monday. "The saddest part, or the strangest part, was the full moon went down and the sun came up and Frank Venables (auditorium) collapsed," he says. "And it was so strange, to me it was the most important part of the school, and to see it go last might have been appropriate, I don't know." "That's where the tears really started for the old people," adds Gibson, choking up as he describes the scene. The $700,000-plus school building was innovative and modern for its time, Photo courtesy Jack Bennest Oliver Daily News 120 OLIVER SCHOOL FIRE 2011 nicknamed the 'Taj Mahal' with its unique Streamline Moderne architectural style, especially evident in the curved corners, geometric designs and other Art Deco features of its Frank Venables auditorium. It was the first large school built in the province following WWII. Frank Venables more than a building The auditorium seating about 700 people was more than a building; it was a meeting place for all of the community. In fact, the whole school was a work of art, with its features such as oak handrails and teak doors, modern heating and ventilation system that did away with open windows, ceilings of acoustical tile, T- double glass windows, and most impressively, its Art Deco design, with the auditorium standing front and centre. In 2007, SOSS was recognized by the Town of Oliver on the Heritage Register. Auditorium a centre of culture "When it was built it was almost like the centre of culture for the whole South Okanagan....and the western Boundary country really," comments former SOSS student Larry Shannon, whose three children, now grown, also attended the school. At that time Okanagan Falls, Osoyoos, as well as Boundary country students would bus in to attend classes in Oliver. The ones from Beaverdell especially had a long commute, heading to Rock Creek at five a.m. on a Monday, then on to Osoyoos, put on another bus and brought to SOSS. "They stayed all week, they were billeted, and on a Friday afternoon they would go home...," recalls Gibson. In 1978, Oliver resident Marion Boyd, along with other local volunteers, started the South Okanagan Concert Society (SOCS), which brought out-of-town musicians and musicals to the Frank Venables auditorium. "Everything happened in our auditorium," says Marion. All four of her children went through the high school at various times, and says how they felt when they heard about the school, "Oh they're just so sad, just sad." In earlier years, during the 1950s and 60s, there had been performances by community groups such as the Choral Society and seasonal concerts. "So every Christmas the whole community's there singing Christmas carols, you know, all off key, terrible but anyways," laughs Boyd. "And my one (son) that's in Tokyo, you know, he was the pianist, and remembers all of the recitals that they had there, and the school concerts," she says. "But it was school and community, it wasn't seen as 'the school' auditorium, it was seen as 'our' auditorium." Marion says that current SOCS president Janet Marcotte has been receiving condolences that "have just been rolling in from former performers. The musicians loved that theatre." 121 OLIVER SCHOOL FIRE 2011 One important stage presence over the years that has been safely kept from harm is the old Steinway piano that was played at many events. "We knew that the renovations were going to take some time, and we had this dear old Steinway, who is past her prime like many of us," laughs Marion, and it had already been removed and given a new home. "It really worked out well for the community and the concert society that a good concert piano was not in the auditorium at the time ofthe fire," says Shannon. "And that's a blessing." School memories Shannon has many good memories of his years at the school from grade seven until 12. He had been active in a lot of school sports, including basketball. "Oliver still has a reputation for a good basketball program," he says, "and even back in the 60s and even 1950s, they were among the best teams in the Okanagan...." Fortunately, the basketball team's familiar green and yellow Hornet emblem had been cut out of the floor in the original gym during renovations, so it is safely in storage. Shannon also remembers the school's cafeteria, which prepared lunches daily, and where every Friday they served fish 'n chips. "And I think meals were 15 cents, 25 cents and 35 cents, depending on what size portion you got," he recalls. When Gibson first arrived to teach at SOSS in 1976, there were close to 900 students, with about 20 of those from Okanagan Falls and about 50 from Osoyoos. In contrast to that, nowadays there are about 500 students. Gibson says when Osoyoos Secondary School opened that "losing the kids from Osoyoos hurt the school." He also notes that many Okanagan Falls students attend Penticton High School. Class reunion tours Although Gibson is now retired after 33 years of teaching at SOSS, he still coaches the school's field hockey team. He also often took former students who came back for school reunions on tours of SOSS. The last class reunion he took to walk through the school was the Class of '61 on the long weekend in May 2011. When he took the grad classes on tours, there was one of the old change rooms under the auditorium that had been used to store student records. When the renovations started three years ago, it became an electrical room so the files were all moved out and stored elsewhere. "But there were records back to '37 for every student, and they were all in these really cool wooden boxes. So I would take these people on tour and they'd want to know what their marks were," says Wilson. "And the person they would really want to know the marks for was Bill Barisoff. And so all these people wanted to look at Barisoffs marks, and I of course said no." He adds, "But lots and lots of students, when I took them on tour, wanted to know their parents' marks...," and information such as when they got sent to the office. 122 OLIVER SCHOOL FIRE 2011 "I went on that tour with another retired teacher in 2008 when we had our 40 year reunion, and we were shown that same room," recalls Shannon, "and we were given permission to look at our own files." Line down the hallway Gibson also remembers one of the stories that the Class of '52 told him on one tour. "They were telling me about this principal who would snap all the time. They (he) had a line painted down the hall," says Gibson. "So there was Battleship linoleum, and I believe it was a yellow line, and you had to stay on either side." Shannon was a student at the time, and remembers the line being a more forbidding colour of black. The Battleship linoleum proved to be very enduring though, as it lasted about 58 years, and was only taken out recently. "And the original lockers were taken out and replaced recently," says Gibson. "There are lockers, there's a bank of lockers somewhere that were kept, some of the linoleum may've been kept, and ... right till this spring...was still in the cafeteria." Many people have been in touch with the well-liked former teacher since the fire. "And visits to the house and phone calls, it's been quite interesting the last two days," notes Wilson. "I taught about 7,000 kids and I've heard from allot of them." Although about 70 percent of the school is gone, some parts were saved, the new gym, science wing, most of the cafeteria and music room among them. The students are now in temporary school accommodation in Oliver, including in the undamaged portables. Murals safe Some of the decorative features of the school had been taken out of the building during the renovations, and may be incorporated back into the school when it is rebuilt. An example is the five massive murals of school sports scenes painted by the art classes in 1984 that were taken down and stored elsewhere. "...And they're pretty incredible," says Gibson. "On the Facebook (SOSS page), people who painted them are talking about them." Shannon likes the idea of adhering to the Art Deco theme, saying, "I still think, even in the plans, modern architects could look at pictures and come up with a similar looking facade. It might be with more modern materials, but the appearance, the visual effect, could be similar." Oliver & District Heritage Society archivist Lynn Alaric notes that the preliminary sketches originally used would have had to map the Art Deco style auditorium already "to match it with the renovations...." Alaric comments about the additions: "And you know, the additions that were made, it flowed to sell with the rest of the building. I was impressed with it; I thought it actually looked really spectacular. It didn't take away from 123 OLIVER SCHOOL FIRE 2011 the old school portion of the school whatsoever; it just complemented it really well." I love SOSS' The fire has affected those students who are there greatly, as evidenced by some of the comments on a new Facebook page T love SOSS' where they can express their thoughts. As Shannon notes, "The feeling from former staff and students is let's make sure it comes back up." "They spent half their lives there, if you think about it, in their youth, you know," observes archivist Alaric. "So when they're not at home, they're at school, and it was quite emotional." "This loss will not only leave gaping physical scars on the landscape, it will leave poignant emotional scars as well," says Alaric. "Generations of Oliverites have walked the halls of SOSS and have an attachment to the school; it has been our children's home away from home." South Okanagan Secondary School shortly after opening. Photo courtesy ofthe Okanagan Archive Trust Society. 124 MARRON VALLEY Marron Valley and its Mystical Pull By: Suzanne Schmiddem and Randy Manuel Suzanne and Randy researched and created a historical interpretive board in 2010 for Phyllis Jmaeff, present owner of Mountain Springs Nature Retreat in Marron Valley. Introduction "Marron Valley.... is more than a name - it is a 'condition of the mind' "....The Herald,Dec. 1,1932 Marron Lake 2009. Photo courtesy of Les Foster Four kilometres (2.5 miles) west of the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 3A lies a narrow canyon hidden from view. Through it flows the peaceful, 11-kilometre-long Marron River. Continuing west, you can catch a glimpse of Marron Lake far below the road, surrounded by Ponderosa Pine- covered slopes and grassy hilltops. The private drive into Mountain Springs 125 MARRON VALLEY Nature Retreat marks today's entrance to two historical lots in Marron Valley. The stories below are drawn from written and oral narrative by people whose hearts have been touched by the valley, lake and serene canyon with its dramatic rock walls, the gurgling brook, and birdsong from tall water maples. The Syilx Nation People have known the Marron Valley, its lake, canyon and hills, for many generations. Richard Armstrong from the Penticton Indian Band remembers: "When I was a boy, we pronounced the name "Maroon," and I was told it meant rocks, granite. I remember riding and playing, setting my horse free, down by Bursons. My dad, William Armstrong, would bring furs to Burson, whatever animals had been molesting our chickens and livestock. "On one of the round hills above the canyon, our young men trained for their vision quest (part of our rite of passage into adulthood). There they trained to be in tune with nature. Not above, but part of, everything. Our young men ran through the canyon and up the eastern ridge of Marron Lake, training for running to Kamloops in a 2Vi - 3 day round-trip to pick up ropes of tobacco. Tobacco was smoked with reverence in the evening or at ceremonies. Seeing smoke go into nothing, we are reminded that we are all part of this same nothing. "I feel good walking here and seeing places that mean so much to me, but that I haven't seen since I was nine years old." The Marron River is "probably the 'River of Wild Horses' mentioned by David Douglas, botanist, 1833. (Edward Sabine, 'Report on - - Observations - - by David Douglas - - ,' MS, Royal Society, London)... .The name probably refers to the wild horses which, according to Mrs. William Allen and Mr. F. M. Buckland, abounded hereabouts in early days."1 www.Dictionary.com cites the origin of maroon: "1660-70; < French mar ( r ) on, apparently < American Spanish cimarron wild...; first used in reference to domestic animals that escaped into the woods..." Marron Canyon and its Road and River The canyon, through which flows BC's smallest gazetted river2 - brook-like Marron River - was a steep-walled natural trail of traditional use first for First Nations, then by pioneers. Improvement of the trail occurred between 1909 and 1912 during construction of the Kaleden irrigation system, to accommodate horse-drawn wagons hauling supplies up the canyon to build a dam on Marron Lake at its outflow. The canyon road was then used by horse-drawn stages, motor cars and Greyhound busses delivering mail to the Marron Valley 126 MARRON VALLEY post office and transporting passengers from Penticton to Keremeos. Between 1931 and 1933, labourers from a government relief camp constructed a new Map of Marron Valley. Courtesy of R .S. Manuel 127 MARRON VALLEY route, near the "S" curved "Roadhouse Hill" route in use today, circumventing the canyon), and by 1937, when the Jacksons arrived, the canyon road had reverted to private use.3 The Marron River supplied irrigation water to Kaleden on Skaha Lake from 1909-10 to 1963. Water flowed from Marron Lake dam to Kaleden, a journey of some 17 hours4 from the dam. A dramatic increase in the size of Marron Lake occurred in 1922, when, as Henry Corbett reports in The History of Kaleden, "the old earth dam (was replaced) with one having a concrete core, increasing the height from five to 25 feet." Lot 2531 (320 acres/129 hectares) William Smythe-Parker was a prominent pioneer citizen, a Justice of the Peace and a real estate developer in the South Okanagan. In 1901, he preempted Lot 2531 in Marron Valley at the upper, or west, end of the canyon. He built the valley's post office near the road on these upper sunny benches. He became its first postmaster, serving area residents from 1909 to 1920.5 Marron Valley Post Office. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Jmaeff 128 MARRON VALLEY The post office was the pivotal building on his lot, because not only did it function as a post office from 1909 to 1933, it provided William and future owners (the Jacksons, Kellers and Menkes) with shelter over the years. Fenton Smythe-Parker, a post office employee in Vancouver6, inherited the lot after his dad died in 1924. The Penticton Herald reported the establishment of a government work camp here on September 3, 1931. "....The new Yellow Lake road camp... housing 100 men.... will be at work on a new road (near today's Hwy. 3A "Roadhouse Hill" road) to get away from the Parker Hill road, which is narrow, steep and winding." Penticton Herald, September 10, 1931: "....The campsite has been placed on the Parker ranch just at the turn ofthe road by the big hill which is now being eliminated...with elimination of the present and devious turns." Mike Ballash, whose father, Peter, worked in the camp kitchen as a 15- or 16-year-old, relates that "...there is a concrete foundation on the property (Lot 2531)....my dad had told me during our visit there in '89 that it was the remains of what was the camp cookhouse in the early 1930s." An environmental disaster occurred in February 19327 when a small dam on Marama Creek collapsed and the camp's entire sewerage disposal bed washed into Marron Lake. Kaleden residents claimed their domestic water supply was unfit and got their supply from Skaha Lake. Then, on April 6, 1933, the Penticton Harold reported: "The Yellow Lake camp on the Penticton- Keremeos road was closed down this week....Practically nothing further.. .is to be done at Yellow Lake road except possibly some shaling on the new hill on the Roadhouse property.. ..Dismantling of the buildings started on Tuesday morning." After leasing Lot 2531 from Fenton for 10 years, Irish immigrants William (Bill) Robert Jackson and Sarah (Sadie) Jackson began making mortgage payments to Fenton in 1947 and the title transferred to them in 1950. Lot 2358 (160 acres/65 hectares) Joseph Henry Burson came to the Marron Canyon about 1909 to work on the Marron Lake dam and Kaleden irrigation project, and never left. In 1917, he pre-empted Lot 2358 at the lower, or east, end of the canyon. Henry was described as a hermit who trapped for muskrat from Marron River, and traded for wolf, coyote, bobcat and lynx with the First Nations.8 Ted Swales, whose parents owned the Esso station in Kaleden which Burson visited on horseback, recalls this local character. "Burson liked to be alone, but was very Henry Burson c 1940 Courtesy Ted Swales 129 MARRON VALLEY sociable to visitors. He hung a tin cup for travelers on a nail on the railing of the bridge crossing the spring from which he carried water up to his house. When he saw us stopping on the road, he would come hustling down to visit with us. He would ride to Kaleden and visit with the people at the gas station. He had chickens and a horse, trapped muskrat, and was a crack shot. Burson continued to work occasionally for the Kaleden Irrigation District on a crew slashing brush to keep the watercourse clear. In a really cold winter the crew would quickly have to chop up the ice and get the water running again from the Marron Lake dam all the way down the Marron River to the pipe intake, so the pipe didn't freeze. In his later years he took Tom Ellis's summer cabin apart at its location on a bench above the south side of today's Hwy. 3A. He dragged it down log by log and put it together again to use as his barn." Other Kaleden pioneers remembered Burson fondly. "Burson always wore chaps when he rode into Kaleden. To us kids, Burson was the one cowboy in our lives, outside of Billy Kruger," said Ron King. "Burson, they said, came from Kansas," recalls Ray Findlay. "He wore a wide-brimmed hat like a scout leader, chaps and had a rifle hanging from his scabbard when he came to Kaleden once a week to pick up his mail. We kids didn't have a license, but we trapped muskrats and Burson bought them from us for 85 cents. He chewed tobacco and had deep creases in his face and chin with tobacco stains. He liked us kids." Burson passed away in his beloved valley on July 25, 1946, at age 79. Lot 2531 and Lot 2358 are combined After years of hard work, Bill and Sadie Jackson purchased Lot 2358, and both lots became known locally as "the Jackson place."9 Here, they raised three girls and two boys. "My dad was quiet, practical, a peacemaker. The real story of the place was the long, close friendship between Charlie Armstrong (from the Reserve) and my dad," recalls son Edgar. Daughter Muriel speaks of the trust between the two men. "Charlie stayed with the family when he had to go to the doctor in Penticton, and once to take care of the children when Bill and Sadie had to go to Vancouver on business with (Fenton) Smythe- Parker." 130 MARRON VALLEY ,.-'■■.''-..■■■ " ^Jf:::''" ': V.J£C J Charlie Armstrong and Bill Jackson. Photo courtesy of Muriel Jackson Muriel remembers day-to-day life. "We had 14 milk cows before pasteurization. Dad delivered milk daily in glass bottles door to door with our Model T Ford over 14 miles each way of washboard gravel road. After pasteurization closed us down, we turned the cows out and bred beef cattle. We grew two to three acres of strawberries, sweet turnips, corn and potatoes, which, along with beef, pork and chicken were delivered to Penticton homes and groceries. We logged fir, pine and birch trees, had a sawmill and cut railway ties. With our two-ton flatbed we hauled firewood, topsoil or manure; anything anyone wanted." About 1940-41, Bill Jackson built a home in Penticton so his children could go to school. He commuted daily to his ranch until he sold it in order to make a living hauling fruit from the orchards to the cannery and packing houses. "We all worked in the orchards, cannery and packing houses," says Muriel. Weldon Phillip Keller purchased both lots from Jackson in 1959. Phillip was passionate about nature, and named the property Bear Claw Ranch. Although he never lived at the ranch, Phillip stayed in the post office building periodically over the next six years. Phillip's first wife Phyllis, together with their son and daughter and family friends, camped with him in the building in the summer. The floor was so uneven that some chose to sleep on the ground outside.10 131 MARRON VALLEY Phillip drew inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounded him to hold Bible study meetings and write books about nature and interpretations of the Bible." It was his dream to give the property to the Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, to use as a Christian retreat. Phillip was very disappointed when the Institute preferred to receive proceeds from selling the property, saying it was too far away to be practical. Herman Frank Menke acquired title to both lots in 1974, after being introduced to Bear Claw Ranch by his friend and local farmer, Jim Leir. As an entomologist and conservationist, Herman fell in love with the biodiversity of Marron Valley and wanted to preserve his portion in its natural state. Herman and his wife Genevieve raised a close-knit family of five boys, and spent time every summer in the old post office (a one-room cabin), refurnishing it with six bunks and an old large wood-burning stove, all on uneven floorboards. "Dad was cerebral and physically fit," says Anthony Menke, the oldest son. "He... (had) great expertise in outdoor living. Our family loved to walk across Marron Lake dam and along the east shore to the rock outcropping. There we built a campfire and caught many beautiful trout in the deep spot just offshore. While Dad owned Bear Claw Ranch he instituted conservancy techniques by establishing plantings to prevent erosion and developed small conduits for water to pass to avoid erosion on the hilly road." During the winter of 1976-77, unknown persons broke in, ate the stored canned goods and burned the historic cabin to the ground.12 Stone foundations marking the outline of this once-important building are all that remain today. Phyllis Jmaeff 2010. Photo courtesy of Lesley Jmaeff 132 MARRON VALLEY In 1991, Herman and Genevieve sold the lots to Phyllis Elaine Jmaeff, who was drawn by the beauty and serenity of Marron Valley. She wanted to "live with nature and be self sufficient." She established a certified organic farm and named her property Mountain Springs Nature Retreat. In 2005, Phyllis began welcoming visitors to enjoy the Marron Valley on nature walks, and in 2009 she added a bed and breakfast and a retreat facility. In 2010, Phyllis was designated a Wildlife Habitat Steward with The Land Conservancy. How amazing that this heart-felt passion for Marron Valley continues — echoing the sentiments of all those from years gone by who also knew its magical pull. Footnotes 1 Okanagan Historical Society Report, 1948. 12:211. 2 Schmiddem's telephone interview with Doreen Olsen, Friends of the Marron River, 2011. 3 Schmiddem's telephone interview with Muriel (Alder) Jackson, eldest Jackson daughter, 2010. 4 Authors' interview with Jim Leir, 2009. Jim purchased the Marron Lake damsite about 1963 from the Kaleden Irrigation District, and sold it to Phyllis Jmaeff about 1991. 5Melvin, George H. [1972]. "The Post Offices of British Columbia 1858-1970". Vernon: Wayside Press. Limited edition #378 of private publication for stamp collectors. 6The Penticton Herald, March 3,1932. 7 The Penticton Herald, March 3, 1932. 8 Authors' interview with Richard Armstrong, Penticton Indian Band, 2010. 'Manuel's interview with Gordon Kickbush, 2009. Gord traveled by schoolbus past the Parker ranch. 10 Schmiddem's telephone interview with Lynne Holder, Keller family friend, 2009. "Schmiddem's telephone interview with Ursula Keller, Keller's second wife, 2009. 12 Schmiddem's telephone interview with Anthony Menke, 2010. References The Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia, Kamloops Land Titles Office. Acknowledgement Phyllis Jmaeff has been most generous in sharing her records and photos, encouraging exploration of the historical sites on her property, and welcoming those with stories to tell of past connections to her land. 133 "HERB" CAPOZZI TRIBUTES HAROLD PETER "HERB" CAPOZZI April 24,1925 - November 21, 2011 By Sheena Capozzi Sheena Capozzi is Herb's youngest child. She has followed in her father's footsteps and works in the financial industry, which she has done since working with him right out of high school when he was a stock promoter. She lives in North Vancouver, not far from the family's old West Vancouver neighbourhood. Once in a very rare while, a person is born who excels at everything they do. On April 24, 1925, Harold Peter Capozzi was born in Kelowna to Maria and Pasquale "Cap" Capozzi and did just that. The second of three boys, Herb went to school with his brothers, Joe and Tom, as boarders at Vancouver College where he excelled at basketball and football and got his lifelong nickname of Herb. The story goes that it was originally "Here," as in Hercules, but that it somehow transformed into Herb. Herb was inducted into the Vancouver College Hall of Honour in 1995. Herb Capozzi at home in Kelowna. Photo taken at the Pandosy Mission by Gary Nylander. Photo courtesy of Paula (Capozzi) Humphries As Herb's older brother Joe went off to serve in World War II, Herb was unable to enlist due to flat feet, which is surprising since they never slowed down his sports career. Instead, Herb went to the University of British Columbia on the BC Sugar Scholarship, where he was unanimously elected class president in his freshman year. He 134 "HERB" CAPOZZI became the UBC Chiefs Intermediate "A" basketball team's top scorer and tied a UBC scoring record in 1945, also being named the league's Most Valuable Player. He set a new record in the 20-yard freestyle at the UBC Intramural Swimming Championships and also won the heavyweight division in his first entry into the UBC Wrestling tournament. When football returned to UBC after the war years, Herb excelled in defense as a lineman, being named to the All-Conference team and becoming team captain. Herb earned a B.A. and B.Comm. Herb was inducted into the UBC Hall of Fame in 1993. Herb was offered a professional football contract by the New York Giants but turned them down to go to Italy on a Rotary scholarship to get his teaching degree at the University of Perugia. While there, he played basketball for the Italian University National Team against the Harlem Globetrotters. He also acted as a correspondent in Italy for the local Kelowna newspaper (The Daily Courier), sending back stories of his travels in Italy in the post-war era. In 1952, Herb resumed his football career with the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for the Montreal Allouettes and Calgary Stampeders. While in Montreal working as an Italian speaking correspondent for the CBC in 1956, he met and married his first wife, Dorothy Skelton, a former Lady of the Lake and stand-in for Marilyn Monroe. He also caught the eye of the BC Lions organization; in 1957, the Lions appointed Herb to General Manager of the then failing team, at the young age of 32. Herb and Dorothy moved to West Vancouver where they raised four children during their 24 year marriage. By 1963, the Lions appeared in their first Grey Cup and they won it in 1964. Herb also introduced the Club's first medical plan and brought in players like Joe Kapp and Willie Fleming, and performed some legendary promotional stunts; he became known as the "Voice of the CFL." His nine seasons as GM of the Lions is one of the longest in team history. Herb was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. After leaving the Lions in 1966, Herb became a Social Credit MLA, representing Vancouver Centre in the BC Legislature and served for seven years. During this time Herb introduced the Tenants Rental Grant and the Independent School Grant; he also proudly established three scholarships a year to be awarded not to the fastest or the smartest, but for the candidate with the "highest mountain to climb." He was always rooting for the underdog. It was also during this time that he helped his good friend George Tidball start the Keg Restaurants and bring McDonald's to Canada. Always knowing how to market, when his oldest daughter Paula's school class visited the legislature 135 "HERB" CAPOZZI one day for a school field trip and McDonald's had just started, Herb bought McDonald's meals for the entire class, making him look like a hero and introducing a large group of potential consumers to the product. In 1971, when the future of the Canucks was in jeopardy, Herb put together almost $4 million in just a few days and worked out a deal with their then US owners to keep the team owned and operated in BC. He proudly came home and said, "I just bought a hockey club today!" - only to have his twelve year old son, Greg, attempt to correct him, "Dad, it's called a hockey stick!" One of Herb's proudest and most well-known achievements was starting the original Vancouver Whitecaps in 1973. Although the true story is that Herb's good friend and first Whitecaps manager, Denny Veitch, came up with the name after crossing Lions Gate Bridge one day, Herb preferred to tell the story that they were named after his pearly white smile. Herb served as owner, president, and board chairman for the team. Under his ownership, the team won the North American Soccer League (NASL) Soccer Bowl title in 1979. He came up with some wonderful promotional ideas to fill the stands of Empire Stadium. One of them was to promise all the fans their money back if the Whitecaps didn't win. Unfortunately, the Caps didn't win that night and the club returned all their money! Herb was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in the Builder category in 2007. As Herb's second daughter, Sandy, eulogized, his motto was "always go big or go home". One of Herb's wonderfully colourful exploits was to parade down Hornby Street to The MARC (the first racquetball club in Vancouver that he also started) in a chariot dressed as a gladiator, to battle Nelson Skalbania in a racquetball game that had a $10,000 bet on it for charity. He had his entourage wear shirts that said "Skalbania is just a poor country in the Balkans." Herb lost that game, but won the Canadian Masters and Canadian Golden Masters championships in 1974 and 1981 respectively. Herb must have had a thing for parades, as when he discovered his wife, Dorothy, had not arranged a 50th birthday party for him, he managed to get the Beefeater band to march around his West Vancouver neighbourhood playing "Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble" - one of his favourite theme songs. His third wife, Alixandra Ydo, whom he met in 1992, a former model and more than 30 years his junior, did a much better job organizing his surprise 67th birthday shortly after they had met. She got her hands on his "little black book" and invited almost everyone in it. Herb always seemed to get great press from the usually critical financial reporter David Baines, likely because of his surprising invite to Herb's birthday party filled with Baines' usual Howe Street victims. On Herb's 75th birthday he realized a dream of his and skydived out of 136 "HERB" CAPOZZI a plane; it earned him a letter from President George Bush Sr. He did a second skydive shortly after his 86th birthday. Alix and Herb were married in 1995 and she was with him until the end. Herb's speaking skills served him well during his political career, public relations for the Lions and Whitecaps, and also as a paid public speaker. His speeches at roasts and similar events were legendary. It was always a curse to have to follow Herb Capozzi; in fact at one event, several imported professional speakers actually stood and waved their napkins in surrender at the thought of having to follow his act. Herb was also a director ofthe highly successful Expo '86. One ofthe greatest stories, which I only heard recently, was the trick he played on Jimmy Pattison, who always complained about Herb's lack of punctuality. Herb had a history of showing up late for things, including one of Pattison's birthdays on his yacht which left without Herb. Never one to be sidelined, Herb managed to somehow get a helicopter to give him a lift and landed on Pattison's boat in the middle of English Bay. Well, it seems that Jimmy had started the practice of locking the doors on the Expo director meetings to deter Herb's tardiness, and so Herb worked with his long-time friend Peter Brown to get back at Jimmy. There was a dinner meeting scheduled at Peter's house and as usual, Herb was late. After waiting half an hour, Pattison instructed that, as usual, the doors be closed. Only a few minutes after everyone was seated they heard the sound of a chain saw motor on the other side of the door. Herb cut a hole right through the door and stepped into the meeting. Herb and the Capozzi family's Kelowna accomplishments are well known. They started the first Okanagan winery with Calona Wines, which was also the first provider of sacramental wine for BC. They built the first hotel and shopping centre in Kelowna with the Capri Hotel and Shopping Centre. Through Dabbers, Kelowna's first professional bingo parlour, they raised millions of dollars for charity. Herb was a recipient of the Order of BC in 2008, in which they called him an "Ambassador for British Columbia;" his letters of recommendation came from all walks of life: Grace McCarthy, Jim Pattison, Bob Lenarduzzi, Peter Brown and Senator Larry Campbell. I was happy to be able to present him with the news of this achievement at a lovely Tuscan villa in Italy on a family vacation where we were also able to re-read and trace the articles he had sent back to Kelowna in his 20's. 137 "HERB" CAPOZZI Herb Capozzi received the Order of B.C. in 2008. Photo courtesy Paula (Capozzi) Humphries Herb passed away on November 21, 2011, at his home in Kelowna, after beating oral cancer. His body, with flat feet and an arrhythmic heart, served him so well, but at some point everyone has to retire. The Herb Capozzi Fund was set up at the Central Okanagan Foundation. The aim ofthe Fund is to have it disbursed to athletes and students who are not necessarily the fastest, strongest or smartest, but who show the most enthusiasm and commitment in their field. 138 DENIS MARSHALL Denis Marshall - a Dedicated Historian By Deborah Chapman, Curator!Archivist at the Salmon Arm Museum at RJ Haney Heritage Village. My husband, Dennis Zachernuk and I came to Salmon Arm in 1989. We raised three children, enjoying the rich and healthy lifestyle our small community has to offer. I have worked at the Salmon Arm Museum since 1990 and volunteer with the Shuswap Community Foundation, Archives Association of British Columbia, Community Heritage Commission, and the City of Salmon Arm's Grants-in-Aid program. History has been consuming me since 1964 when I went on a field trip to the Kamloops Museum and met its Curator, Mary Balf. When Denis Marshall moved back to Salmon Arm with his wife Joan in 1993, he brought gifts of, for, and to local history. At that time I had only recently begun work as the local museum curator and I had no idea how important and beneficial their arrival would be for the development of our local history. Two decades later, Denis passed away and I was asked to write this tribute. It is a daunting task. Denis was a major force in local history, and his many and varied contributions will remain important for a long time. And of particular concern to me, Denis the editor is not available to sharpen Denis Marshall. Photograph courtesy of his red pencil and improve my work Joan Marshall Denis first moved to Salmon Arm in 1944 when his parents, Frank and Laura Marshall, purchased the Salmon Arm Observer. He was eleven and began attending Salmon Arm Elementary School. He was an only child and led a life which was, by Salmon Arm standards, privileged. They acquired a boat, their own "camp" on Shuswap Lake, and lived on Harris 139 DENIS MARSHALL Street -or mortgage heights as it was later known. Years later, after I had become acquainted with Denis, I learned about the boat and, having an active imagination, one day I suggested to Denis that he might have been a bit of a playboy. His response didn't give much information but it might afford some insight into the man. As usual, he was brief. "Well, I had a car [too]. Not many did." After graduation Denis was sent to Toronto for post-secondary education. He attended Ryerson School of Journalism for two years and returned to work at the family business full time from 1953 to 1976. When Frank Marshall passed away in 1964, Denis became the Publisher. Denis and Joan Marshall By all accounts the Observer was the hub of community communication. Denis developed relationships with Village and Municipal District Councils, the RCMP, and every other important source of news. Observer Print Compositor, Gene Leduc remembers Marshall as a good man to work with: both a concise and precise writer. Denis, like all journalists, was writing a contemporaneous "first draft of history ", and of course the daily demands of producing the newspaper and overseeing its production gave him long practice at the historian's necessary skills of writing and editing. The Marshalls sold the Observer to Ian and Lynne Wickett in 1976. Denis and Joan exchanged small town life for the big city. They moved to Victoria and Denis became a salesman of newspaper supplies until he retired. By his account it was a plum job. When Denis and Joan returned to the Shuswap, they picked up the relationships they'd left behind, built a house, and began enjoying Salmon Arm's four seasons. They skied in the winter and spent many summers "at camp" and golfing. But it wasn't all fun and games. His family's long connection with the area and his own local knowledge and editorial skills prompted the Okanagan History Society's Board to ask Denis to edit five editions of the OHS Report. This was a natural niche and progression, but the work also connected to his 140 DENIS MARSHALL passion for our history. His influence extended further and led to more contributions. He had an innate creativity and curiosity and life-long interests in the history of things local, and in particular forestry and railroading. There were subsequent OHS endeavours. After he retired from the editorial chair, he wrote four books: Salmon Arm's Historic Routes and the People Behind the Names, Fleeting Images of Old Salmon Arm, Photographic Memory - Salmon Arm's Past in Essays and Pictures, and Sawdust Caesars and Family Ties in the Southern Interior Forests. All agree that Denis' books were impeccably researched. They will provide our museum with exhibit storylines for decades. He identified people in photographs and turned over his hard copies to the museum. The proceeds of his books, one at a time, enabled the Salmon Arm Branch of Okanagan Historical Society to contribute to several historically related projects in the community. A plaque was placed on the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union building recognizing the planting of the first apple orchard, new doors were custom built for the SAGA Public Art Gallery and a plaque installed marking its historical significance as the former Post Office building, and a seat was purchased in the new Sun wave Centre arena. Then Denis donated cash to expand the archives at the Salmon Arm Museum, purchase rolling shelving, and create a wonderful work place. Book sales also funded the purchase of a microfilm reader-printer and microfilm issues of the Salmon Arm Observer from 1907 to 2005. With four books published, Denis changed directions again. He recognized the Salmon Arm Observer as a valuable resource, but realized that it was virtually inaccessible to researchers for lack of an index. After some thought, he offered to index the Salmon Arm Observer. His knowledge of the community made him the perfect man for the job. So in 2009 Denis began recording by hand the reporter's Five Ws: the who, what, when, where, and why that made up the Observer's stories. Denis read the paper standing up, writing notes on foolscap, the old fashioned way. The work was consuming. He wanted to index from 1907 to 1950. He made it to 1948. Denis delivered his notes to the archives room at the Salmon Arm Museum. A pool of volunteer secretaries was recruited to enter his longhand 141 DENIS MARSHALL notes in a database for easy searching. Rosemary Blair, Janice Darbyson, Marion Williams, and Rosemary Wilson all worked on the project. All were convinced of the value of the work they were doing. The "Denis Marshall" index is going to make the Salmon Arm Museum better able to serve its patrons. It is an invaluable research tool and will assist future historians. In his own words, writing the history and indexing the Observer were his life's work. The reward for his efforts was small. Denis received a honourary life-time membership in the Executive Council and the local branch of the OHS. In 2010 a research desk was dedicated to him at the Salmon Arm Museum and in 2012 he had an exhibit dedicated to his memory at SAGA Public Art Gallery. Joan Marshall tells of times when she and Denis ruminated on how fortunate their decision was to return to their Salmon Arm roots. They never regretted and indeed enjoyed the time in Victoria and Vancouver, but being back in Salmon Arm became a wonderfully fulfilling time for Denis. And we, the community of Salmon Arm's cultural institutions, also benefited. Thank you Denis. Denis Marshall with his daughter and grandson 142 GIFFORD THOMSON GIFFORD WAKLEY THOMSON October 17,1924 - September 8,2011 By Brenda (Butler) Thomson Brenda Thomson was born in Westwold, BC, a descendant of the pioneer Duck family of Holmwood Ranch near Monte Creek. Her parents retired to Okanagan Mission in 1945. She married Gifford in 1951, and they raised seven children. She has a strong conservation interest and belongs to the Central Okanagan Naturalist Club and Friends of Mission Creek. Colin Gifford Wakley Thomson was born in Kelowna on October 17, 1924, son of Wilberforce and Gladys (nee Wakley) Thomson. Gifford grew up, along with his sister Marjorie, and brother Ken, on the farm at 4193 Gordon Drive, established in 1898 by his grandparents. The farm was jointly operated by his father and his uncle, Jock Thomson. Wilber died in 1934, leaving Gladys with three young children. Tough years followed through the depression and Gifford learned at an early age the responsibility of helping his mother. He got his drivers license at age 14 as his mother could not drive. Gifford served in the RCAF in Canada and overseas from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, Gifford had to take over the farm because of his uncle's failing health. The collapse ofthe vegetable industry, an industry which had been the mainstay of the farm in the forties, meant Gifford had to look for other opportunities to make a living. He decided that the farm, too low-lying for fruit, would make an ideal dairy farm, which would also provide the stability of a cheque every month. Ken was now of an age to take part and Thomson Brothers partnership was formed. They salvaged the Dr. Boyce barn, rebuilt it and set about the establishment of a dairy herd. A set-back occurred to begin with, as the first cows purchased had a disease and had to be destroyed, but hard work and perseverance resulted in a successful dairy farm which operated until the extension of Gordon Drive in 1979 shut them down. The barn was in the direct path of the route. They continued farming with a beef and hay operation. Gifford and I were married on May 12, 1951. Seven children were born over a period of 18 years: Stephen, Gillian, Margot, Kirsty, Diana, Elizabeth and Colin. It was a great time to bring up a family, with the freedom of those days to walk or ride a bike to school, hot summers at the beach after the chores were done, sleeping on the verandah, kick the can around the barn, a home made skating rink in the winter, family gatherings, the Easter Sunday ball game and the odd barn dance. Gifford was a devoted father through all those years of childhood, school, sports, graduations and weddings, and a 143 GIFFORD THOMSON devoted granddad to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our sixtieth anniversary was celebrated on May 12, 2011, on the farm with family, relatives and old friends. Now another generation is growing up on the farm. Gifford died on September 8, 2011. The funeral was at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Okanagan Mission with burial in the cemetery there. Many tributes were received by his family and the recurring theme was his good heart. He would have been astounded to learn of the lives he touched. History of NOCA (Beryl Wambolt 1965): "Mr. Thomson says when he gets a chance to, he likes to play bridge, go fishing and argue. Fortunately for SODICA shippers he does argue on our behalf." Libbie Tassie, OHS: "...let you know our gratitude to Gifford for his kindness when I was a new treasurer. If it had not been for him I would have thrown in the towel. At our gatherings of the finance committee we would enjoy conversations that had little to do with finance. At the board meetings Gifford would give a quiet report that all was well and the meeting would carry on." Gwen Chorney (nee Smalldon): "I would go with my mother to visit Mrs. Thomson (Gladys). Gifford would take time to play catch with me in the yard; how much has changed since then." Jim Spencer, RCAF WW II: "Although we spent a relatively short time together I remember it vividly. I have wonderful memories of the time Giff and I spent together in training and overseas. We visited a number of English families in their homes, and as well had a weekend outside New York City with an American family. Giff was such a dashing, handsome guy which I am sure opened many doors for the two of us." Malcolm Gray, nephew and one of the city cousins: "Gifford was a wonderful uncle, an understated hero who never let you down. I owe him a great deal for providing an exemplary role model back in those teenage summers I spent on your farm." Gifford Thomson c 1972 144 STANLEY DICKSON E. Stanley Dickson (nee Tait), formerly Bertram February 5,1913, to September 15,2011 By Diana (Bertram) Denny Stanley's parents were Reg and Kathy Tait. Kathy was the daughter of Frank and Millie Harrison, who along with son Jim were very early (1909) settlers in Kaleden. They were from England via the Seychelles Islands and Jamaica where they grew vanilla. Reg Tait was from Montreal. He came out west to run Lord Shaughnessy's orchard in Summerland. After WWI they formed, with others, the nucleus of original citizens of Oliver in 1921. Stanley learned to play tennis on the grass courts built by her father and others at their homes. They played golf on the wild grass and sand at the Oliver Golf Club (now "Fairview Mountain Golf Club") which was built by hand by her parents and their friends. Stanley played on the expanded 18-hole course until she was over 90, using a cart only the last few years. VHHH Stanley had strong memories of making 54, six-hour trips on the Sicamous up the lake from Penticton to Stanley Bertram 1955 attend St. Michael's School for Girls in Vernon. She Oliver B.C. loved her time there and maintained friendships with some of the 'girls' throughout their lives. Stanley went to Montreal in 1932 to visit her paternal grandmother where she married Alex Bertram and bore 4 children: John, Nora, Diana and Jamie. In 1947 the family moved to Oliver where Alex ran the Taits' orchard. Stanley packed fruit for many years at Mabee's and the Oliver Co-Op, while also nourishing her family with a wonderful garden of vegetables and flowers. She sang in the Oliver Choral Society and was a dedicated St. Edward's Anglican Church member. 145 STANLEY DICKSON One of her great, practical skills was in keeping everyone, including neighbours' and friends' children dry and warm in the winter. She and Alex welcomed people from far and wide to their lovely home on the orchard. Many remember their kindnesses to this day. Reg Tait lived with Stanley in his old age, after both Kathy and Alex had died. After Reg died, Stan married Ted Dickson, a long time fruit inspector in the Oliver area, originally from Vernon. Twenty-three years after Ted died, at nearly 95 years of age, as her health was failing, Stanley was persuaded to move to Victoria to live with Diana. She spent nearly four years happily meeting and talking with everyone as she explored the neighbourhood with her wheeled walker. They all loved her as she presented herself with a wonderful smile and kind words. She lives on in all our memories, one of the sunniest of Okanagan Girls! Stanley Bertram's first home: Lord Shaughnessy's (C.P.R. President) orchard home in Summerland. Photo courtesy of Summerland Museum 146 JOAN CHAMBERLAIN JOAN ELSIE CHAMBERLAIN January 2,1921 - October 1,2011 By Trevor Chamberlain and Patty (Chamberlain) Mcintosh Trevor Chamberlain and Patty Mcintosh are the son and daughter of Joan Chamberlain. Patty lives in Kelowna, while Trevor lives in Rockwood, Ontario. They were both born and brought up in the Mission Creek district of Kelowna. Trevor and Patty share a keen interest in the history of Kelowna, most of which they learned from their parents, Fred and Joan. Joan Chamberlain, September 4,2011 Born in Vancouver, B.C., Mum came to Kelowna with her parents, Aubrey and Elsie Matthews, and older brother, Richard, when she was four months old. The family travelled to Penticton on the Kettle Valley Railroad, and then on the S.S. Sicamous up the lake to Kelowna. Their first home was a rented one, owned by the Clement family, whose daughter Wilma became a lifelong friend. In 1922, the Matthews family moved to their own home on Richter Street, across from the old junior high school, where our grandparents grew beautiful flowers and lived until 1975. Mum's childhood memories of Kelowna were those of an idyllic place, where neighbours helped each other and no one was ever turned away. During the Great Depression, when the unemployed and homeless wandered from town to town, Mum recalled how men would show up at the Matthews' door with nothing but a small knapsack over their shoulder. They would always be invited in and given a meal before being sent on their way, often with a few 147 JOAN CHAMBERLAIN coins or a packet of sandwiches in their pocket. Mum started school at Dehart Avenue School in 1927 and, thirteen years later, graduated with her "senior matric" (Grade 13) from the old high school, which later became Glen Avenue School. Until her ninetieth year, every September Mum hosted a get-together of the members of her high school class. Following Grade 13, Mum attended the B.C. Normal School in Victoria, to study to become a teacher. When she returned home in 1941, she learned from a neighbour, Mr. A.S. Matheson, who happened to be the School Inspector for the Kelowna district, that Mission Creek School had an opening for a primary teacher. Though barely three miles distant, Mum had never heard of Mission Creek School. Nonetheless, she applied for the position and was invited for an interview. On a warm summer's evening, she rode her bicycle out to Mission Creek to meet with the members of the school board (in those days the rural schools had their own school boards). The interview consisted of the three gentlemen comprising the board sitting on a bench outside the school (with their hats on), while Mum stood in from of them and answered their questions. To her great delight, she was offered the job, at the princely salary of eight hundred dollars a year, and thus began a teaching career, which only ended when Mum retired in 1985. Mum had only been teaching a short time when she met her future husband and our dad, Fred Chamberlain, a member of a Mission Creek farm family. Mum and Dad were married in 1943, and moved to their first home on Benvoulin Road. Mum continued to teach until her first child, Trevor, arrived in 1950, followed by Bonnie in 1952 and Patty in 1958. Although she was mainly an "at home" mum while we were young, often when the phone rang early in the morning, it would be a school principal calling to ask if Mum could come in to "substitute" for the day. Mum enjoyed teaching and would usually say yes. Then it would be a mad scramble to get us off to school or arrange for our care for the day. In 1962, Mum returned to full-time teaching, first at Dr. Knox Secondary, followed by Raymer Avenue, Mission Creek and Glen Avenue schools, and then A.S. Matheson School, where she was the school librarian until retiring in 1985. Mum spoke fondly of her teaching days, especially her time at our neighbourhood school, Mission Creek, and always enjoyed the cards and phone calls of her many former students. Mum had a strong sense of community, and contributed in many ways over the years, from supporting a host of charities, to door-to-door canvassing, and working as a member of the St Michael's and All Angels Altar Guild. She was an active member of the Kelowna Kinette Club, serving in a variety of roles, including Club President, and sang in the Kinette Choir. Mum was also active in the Dr. Knox Chapter of the IODE, again taking on a number of duties, including Chapter Regent and, in 2011, was recognized as a Life Member, after sixty years of service. Until just before her ninetieth birthday, 148 JOAN CHAMBERLAIN Mum worked each week in the IODE's "Superfluity Shop" on Ellis Street in downtown Kelowna. Mum's fond memories of growing up in Kelowna were accompanied by an immense store of knowledge of the history of the district. She was a member of both the Okanagan Historical Society and the Retired Teachers Association and, among other projects, co-edited a history of rural schools in the Okanagan. She also contributed articles about local history to a variety of outlets, and was often consulted by others seeking information about the history of the Kelowna district. In retirement Mum enjoyed travelling, first with Dad until he passed away in 1996, and later, with family and friends. Her particular favourites, especially after arthritis began to make walking difficult, were ocean cruises. In November 2010 she travelled 17 hours to catch a ship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a 12-day Caribbean cruise. The trip back was 17 hours too! As a child, at Christmas Mum would receive beautifully illustrated children's books from her many aunts and uncles. Among her favourites were the works of Frank L. Baum, creator of the series beginning with the "Wizard of Oz." Mum delighted in these books and, as an adult, returned to them, adding to her collection and becoming a member of the International Oz Club, making new friends among its members. Mum was also a lifelong movie buff. In her youth she followed the careers ofthe great stars ofthe 1930s and 1940s: Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and her all-time favourite, Gary Cooper. In recent years one of her greatest joys was Channel 35, the vintage movie channel. If Mum had a snooze in the afternoon, it was probably because she had been up until the wee hours watching Gary Cooper in a high noon showdown, or Fred Astaire sweeping Ginger Rogers off her feet. Mum had many friends and enjoyed their company. She was a gracious host. It was never too much trouble for her to host a meeting, luncheon or gathering, and she always ensured that everyone was well fed. Mum loved to cook, and especially to bake. Everyone had their favourite, whether it be gum drop cookies, bread and butter pudding or her much-loved warm scones dripping with butter and Rogers golden syrup. No one ever went home from Mum's house with room for more. A loving, kind and generous daughter, mother and grandmother, Mum loved family get-togethers. Her three children and ten grandchildren were a very important part of her life. She loved them dearly, took pride in their accomplishments and looked forward to their visits. Daughter Bonnie, who passed away in 2004, was deeply missed. Mum is lovingly remembered by her children, Trevor (Elizabeth) and Patty (Cam), and grandchildren, Shawn, Robin (Daniel), Amy, Colin, Hayley (Scott), Laura, Graham, Brendan, Heather and Hayden. We miss you, Mum. 149 MARG JACKSON Margaret Ivy Jackson (nee McEwen) July 11,1916 - February 26,2012 By Mary Hickman Mary Hickman is a member ofthe Salmon Arm Branch ofthe Okanagan Historical Society and has been the group's secretary for four years. She is an RM. and has known Margaret Jackson and her family for over 40 years. This is her first contribution to the OHS Report and she looks forward to serving her community further by writing other pieces in the future. Margaret Ivy Jackson (nee McEwen) was born at Grindrod, B.C. July 11, 1922 and died at the age of eighty-eight in Salmon Arm, B.C. after a long, productive life. With her death, Salmon Arm lost a significant healthcare provider, not only to the hospital but also to the broader community. In addition to a full professional life she was a mother to four children, a farm wife and an active member of the Salmon River Valley community. Margaret was born into a hard-working farm family of the Grindrod area. Her father, George Duncan McEwen, arrived to settle there in 1907. He was born in Quebec and came to B.C. via Pincher Creek, Alberta. He first worked on the Coldstream Ranch at their Upper Meadows in Lumby. He had trained in Vernon as a member of the B.C. Horse Cavalry in 1913 and after being called up in 1914 trained further in England. His unit was then changed to the "Second Canadian Mounted Rifles". Margaret's mother was a military nurse who met her father while he was recuperating from a significant upper leg wound received while fighting in the trenches in the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Margaret was the eldest of three McEwen children, having two younger brothers. Their life was that of a farm family working a small farm, with their father going out to work in the pole industry to pay the bills, moving cedar poles either by horse team or by rafting on the Shuswap River. Margaret's caregiving life began early as her mother died in a freak accident when Margaret was only six years old. It happened that their father was late returning from work one day, leaving their mother to get the milk cows in for evening milking. Her mother, who was pregnant with her fourth child, tripped in a gopher hole and as a result she lost the baby and died of the complications. After a series of housekeepers, Margaret's aunt Ivy (her mother's sister) came from England, leaving a nursing career, to assist her brother-in-law with his young family. Within six months Margaret's father and her Aunt Ivy were married. 150 MARG JACKSON While in her teens, Margaret was chosen to represent Grindrod for the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Vancouver in 1939. She stayed with a family in Shaughnessy, and for a young farm girl from a small Interior community this must have been an exciting and significant event. Margaret McEwen graduates from nursing training, 1944. Photo courtesy of Jackson family 151 MARG JACKSON In the fall of 1939, in preparation for her nurses's training, Margaret attended Victoria College, then housed in Craigdarroch Castle. Margaret attended her nurses' training at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, graduated in 1944 and began her nursing career at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. When her stepmother suffered a series of strokes in 1946, Margaret took a six-month leave and returned to Grindrod to care for her. It was during this time she met Bob Jackson, a farmer from the Mt. Ida area of Salmon Arm. Her stepmother (her Aunt Ivy) passed away early in 1948 and with her stepmother's blessing, Margaret married Bob Jackson in May of that year. They went to live on the Jackson family farm in the same house where Bob was born and grew up, in the Mt. Ida farming community. Margaret's eldest son Doug and his wife Liz still live and farm there today. Margaret and Bob had five children, one son dying early in 1955. Margaret stayed home with her young family, working on the family farm by her husband's side and raising their surviving children, Barb, Betty, Doug and Garth. Occasionally she would "special" a patient, looking after them in their home, much like the current Home Care Nursing program. Her family relates it was obvious these "specials" became very attached to Margaret and appreciated her care, as one of these young patients brought Margaret a Christmas gift each year for quite a number of years. As the children grew up, Margaret began to work back at the hospital. This as Doug put it, was just how it was: "Those were the good old days of much slower paced lifestyle than we have today. After all, all Mom had to do back then was milk cows, fix fences, do housework, raise four kids, and then head off for a shift of nursing. Later she would return home to be come mediator in a somewhat tumultuous household and then start the day all over again. She somehow found the time to prepare cinnamon buns or rice pudding, which often awaited us when we returned home from school, when she worked her "3 to 11 shifts". It was a shift that often saw her arriving home well past midnight, as she would have sat talking and listening to a terminally ill patient after hours. " Margaret was also involved in a variety of community activities. She was active in the United Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. Both she and Bob believed in sharing with those less fortunate, and they often worked together on fundraising drives to fight cancer and diabetes. In addition, they were generous in donating food at Christmas. 152 MARG JACKSON Margaret Jackson. Photo courtesy of Jackson family In 1973 the "Eden Fire" burned the family's dairy barns so Bob decided to sell their dairy herd and buy beef cattle. This allowed Bob, for the first time, some freedom to "see the world". He was not the usual retired traveler, content to travel to Mexico or Florida for the winter; he wanted to challenge himself and thus he and Margaret travelled to destinations like China, India, Russia, 153 MARG JACKSON Australia, Central America and the Amazon. Margaret retired from her beloved nursing in 1975 and this allowed her to share more time with Bob. The farm was sold to Doug and Liz in 1981 and Margaret and Bob moved to a rental house at the back of the farm property. They were then free to travel to more exotic destinations and enjoy the family cabin at Annis Bay. In 1990 Bob passed away and Margaret and Betty (one of Margaret's two daughters) continued with more travel, to visit family and friends in the British Isles and across Canada. At home Margaret took to a slower pace of life, enjoying her roses and music. Only when her health began to fail did Margaret move to Piccadilly Terrace and finally to Arbor House. Margaret passed away at the age of 88 on February 26, 2012. A close workmate described Margaret as: "One super-dedicated nurse, very gentle, exceptionally kind and caring to patients and peers. She really loved maternity patients and always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face no matter the situation". Margaret was an excellent example of those pioneer women who are often forgotten and not given adequate tribute. Her family states in her eulogy: "Mom was a kind, thoughtful person who gave tirelessly of herself, never expecting anything in return, a woman who had an amazing calmness in the face of adversity. She was one who saw the best in everyone and was always willing to forgive and forget, taking only enough time for herself to enjoy her music, her roses, and her family." It is hoped that this tribute will not only highlight Margaret's contribution to her family and community, but remind us all to treasure and practice those values that Margaret lived daily: caring for others; optimism and calmness in the face of adversity. 154 MARION BEWS MARION BEWS August 12,1918 - December 8,2011 By Shannon Bews Croft Shannon is the daughter of Marion and Jack Bews, and is a life-long resident of Kelowna - only away from Kelowna for seven years. She has two children living in the lower mainland. She was President ofthe Kelowna Branch ofthe Okanagan Historical Society from 2010 to 2012, and is an OHS Executive Council member. Marion Bews c 1930 (courtesy Shannon Bews Croft) Marion Lee was born in Kamloops in 1918, the third of five children born to Charles and Marion Lee, who hailed from England and Ireland. The family lived in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Myrtle Point and Nanaimo before returning to Kamloops in 1932. Marion's first job was with the Kamloops Sentinel as a stenographer and court reporter. She moved on to CFJC radio for three years before being lured to the Okanagan Valley in 1943. "Big Jim" Browne, the founder of CKOV radio in Kelowna, needed a confidential secretary and Marion filled the bill, thus starting her 34 year career with CKOV. She worked for all three Brownes: "Big Jim," Jim Jr. and Jamie, and formed a close friendship with them and their families that lasted her life-time. Marion became one of the first women in British Columbia to have her own radio program, "Cy and I," a 15 minute chat with guests, and live music from the auditorium of CKOV. Being live, it was always a challenge to cover up the giggles when other staff members pulled pranks. "Coffee Break" 155 MARION BEWS followed - again live, this time from the stationary room of the station as staff gathered for coffee to discuss the headlines of the day. This program always garnered a lot of interest, as topics also included notes received from folks up and down the valley. At one time Marion helped put together a "Radio" newsletter that included local advertising, tips and notes from listeners. People would sign up to receive this newsletter and it would be sent out on a frequent basis to listeners up and down the valley. Often in a radio station, you do more than one job, and Marion was no exception. For a time, in addition to being "Big Jim's" secretary, she wrote copy for 15, 30 and 60 minute programs. There was no room for the announcer to add his own thoughts as they had to stick closely to the script. Marion met Jack Bews at CKOV (he was to go on to become News Director - "Jack Bews with the News" was a well known phrase) and they were married in Kelowna in 1948. Their wedding reception was held on the lakefront grounds of "Big Jim" and Mrs. Browne's home on Abbott Street. As the corporate secretary to Mr. Browne, Marion became involved as well with Okanagan Broadcasters, who brought the first television station to the Valley. That was an exciting time, and I am sure everyone has their fond memory of their first television. As CKOV grew, so did the staff, and they became a family. A recent comment from a former employee was that Marion was the "Mother" at the station - who knew pretty much everything about you, and was not about to let you off the hook for anything. She would offer advice, as well as consolation if it was needed. In the mid-forties, Marion helped Mary Pack start the Kelowna Chapter of the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society (CARS), now known as the Arthritis Society. They had met when Marion was on holiday in the Gulf Islands. She was their first Kelowna secretary and helped promote CARS through radio interviews with Mary. Mr. Browne Sr. put full 156 MARION BEWS promotional support of CKOV behind the effort to get the program started locally. The station and its support played a large role for chapters across the province. Marion Bews, August 2011. Photo courtesy Shannon Bews Croft Marion was a member of the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary for over 50 years, and was their president in 1961. She also volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross and CNIB. It was important for her to give back to the community that had been so good to her. Marion lived in Kelowna for 68 years, and passed away in December 2011. 157 MARJORY SMITH MARJORY IRENE (EVANS) SMITH September 5,1916-May 7,2011 By Gail Capostinsky Gail (Smith) Capostinsky is the eldest daughter of Marjory Smith. She is a retired nurse who lives in Clearwater, B.C. Marjory Irene was the fourth of ten children, born to Herbert and Martha (Timpson) Evans, a pioneering family of the Shuswap. Marj was born on September 5, 1916, at Annis, B.C. (near Canoe). When Marj was four years old, the family moved to the farm in the Salmon River Valley. She went to school at the Salmon Arm Valley School, and then to grade ten at the Salmon Arm High School. When Marjory was 15, she was crowned May Queen in Salmon Arm. She spent the summer holidays picking strawberries and raspberries. Before she was married, Marj worked for two seasons from April to September at Paul Lake Fishing Resort, north of Kamloops. She also worked in the fruit packing-houses in Salmon Arm, sorting and packing apples, and later was promoted to be a 'checker', earning a much better wage. On January 25, 1939, Marjory Irene, age 22, married Oliver John Smith, age 24 youngest son of Margaret Rebecca Smith and the late William Joseph Smith, at her parents' home on the farm in Salmon Arm. Her attendants were her cousin Belle (Isabella) Evans and sister Ada Evans. Ollie's best man was Ross McLeod of Salmon Arm. Marj and Ollie lived in Salmon Arm in the house on Piccadilly Road (10th Street SW) that Ollie had built in 1937, next door to his brother Bill. They had three children, all born in the Salmon Arm (Shuswap Lake) General Hospital: Neil Barrymore (Barry, born April 22, 1943), Lorraine Gail (Gail, born December 02,1944) and Martha Evelyn (Martie, born January 22,1946). The years went by quickly. Ollie worked in the mines in Wells, BC where he learned how to handle dynamite and later obtained his 'blasting ticket'. He worked on numerous road construction projects around the province as a powder man and as a blasting foreman. As Ollie worked out of town so much, the raising of the family was left mainly for Marj to handle. She was an 158 MARJORY SMITH excellent gardener and always had the best raspberry patch. She learned to drive a car in the 1950s, and the lessons could not have been easy with the three little critics in the back seat. Marjory Evans and Ollie Smith 1938. Photo courtesy of Gail Capostinsky In addition to caring for her children and extended family, Marj frequently did baking for Bill Hill and "Curly" Cochrane, who were the neighbourhood bachelors. After the children were grown, Marj worked occasionally at the Salmon Arm Creamery (working with sister Muriel Barillaro and long-time friend Marg Cameron) until Ollie retired in 1974. As well as keeping busy in the garden, preserving fruits and vegetables, making jams and pickles, etc., 159 MARJORY SMITH Marj excelled in crocheting and made many tablecloths and doilies for family and friends. The Smiths celebrate their 40th Anniversary January 25,1979 Photo courtesy of Gail Capostinsky After Ollie had a fatal heart attack in 1991, Marj continued to live in the house that she and Ollie had lived in since their marriage in 1939. She had the support of family and friends, with many of them living in close proximity in Salmon Arm. There were people coming and going at the house all the time. In January 2005, Marj decided to sell the house and she moved into a Seniors' Assisted-Living Residence on Piccadilly Road, just down the road from the home where she had lived for 64 years. After her 90th birthday, she moved in with Martie and Russ for a few years before spending her final year and a half in the care of Bastion Place. She passed away at the age of 94 XA, having lived in the Salmon Arm area her entire life. 160 JUNE OSBORN JUNE (TRYON) OSBORN June 15,1912 - April 26,2010 By Diane Toth (daughter) and Andrea Toth (granddaughter) "There are some people whose enthusiasm for life sets them apart. There are the ones who glow with an inner fire, who exemplify dedication to an ideal, whose dreams are all-consuming and who achieve goals the rest of us are afraid to attempt. And there are the gentle souls, the people who simply make you feel good when you 're around them. They 're gentleness and kindness personified. And once in a very long while, you meet someone who is all of these combined in a fascinating woman - June Osborn of Vernon."1 June was born on June 5th, 1912 in Whelprigg Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale, England, the fourth child of six of Robert and Esther Tryon (nee Bromley). She moved with her family to Vancouver Island in 1914 to the new home her father had built at French Creek near Parksville. Sadly her father died when she was only four, but it is said that she took after his adventurous spirit. He travelled extensively, having had a tea plantation in Ceylon, and fought in the Boer War as a member of the First Canadian Mounted Rifles before marrying June's mother. Horses became June's great love from the age of four, when she was left on the back of a pony by her brothers, and she told stories of riding her pony to school in Qualicum by herself from the age of seven. She said that they didn't always get to school as there were too many adventures to go on along the way. This was also due to June's great difficulty with school as she had dyslexia, which was little understood at that time. 1 Despite this she was always a great advocate of education and learning, I in contrast to her own experiences. In her teens, June formed a I lifelong friendship with Mada June Osborn. Photo courtesy of her daughter Diane Toth 161 JUNE OSBORN (Moilliet) Rendell and often visited the family sheep ranch in Vavenby, BC on the North Thompson River about 150km north east of Kamloops. From the beginning, June became involved in the ranch work, including care of the 2,000 head of sheep. June and Mada packed supplies on horseback to the summer sheep camps on Foghorn Mountain above the ranch. One winter, after completing high school at Shawnigan Lake Girl's School on Vancouver Island, the two girls stayed in a rustic cabin on the mountain, caring for the entire flock, hauling hay by team and wagon from a haystack located about eight kilometers away. In 1936, June was invited to teach riding at a summer camp in New Hampshire, USA, for six months and thoroughly enjoyed her travels and adventures. It was when she returned to BC to visit with Mada, now married and living in the Coldstream, that she met Bill Osborn. Bill and June were married in Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island on June 12th, 1937. When they were first married they lived in the Osborn family home at Turl's Hill in Lavington, raising four children, Bob, Ted, Diane and Peter and running the mixed farm of orchards, dairy, chickens and pigs. In 1953 they moved to the Coldstream Ranch where Bill took up the position as General Manager until his retirement in 1975. June's children were so very important to her, but also extended family and family friends - so many remember coming for visits as children. These visits began lifelong relationships with Bill and June, but also for several, a passion for horses. June always believed in being involved in and contributing to her community and was a good example for all of the family. From her work in the Girl Guides, which she had grown up in, and as an adult involved in the Trefoil Guild and a Life member; to the Lavington Ladies Work Group (she and Jean Freeman were founding members); and then after moving to the Ranch, a dedicated member of the Coldstream Women's Institute (WI), again a Life Member. And many memories of WI teas, dinners and events not to mention the Vernon Winter Carnival Parade which June participated in for 42 years with the Women's Institute. She never missed an opportunity to dress up for these occasions, the more outrageous the better. Horses were a great passion and joy for June, from her horses growing up in French Creek, riding in the wild flower meadows above Vavenby, hunting to hounds in England and in the early days in Vernon, teaching in New Hampshire, show jumping, competing for over 50 years at the Armstrong Fair, breeding and training Welsh Mountain Ponies at the Coldstream Ranch and later Binns Road and enjoying riding with all the family and all the girls and a few boys that came and rode for her and with her for many years. In 1949 while living in Lavington she famously rode her favourite horse, St. George, all the way to the Armstrong Fair, where she won Light Horse Grand Champion, after which she sold her horse and arrived home with just the saddle and bridle. 162 JUNE OSBORN A dream came true in 1957 when she ordered six Welsh Mountain mares in foal from Wales, all of which travelled by ship through the Panama to Vancouver. As well as purebreds, June bred Welsh-Arab and Welsh- Thoroughbred ponies that excelled as jumpers, hunters and saddle ponies. Over the next 25 years, Turl's Hill ponies became synonymous with superior quality and versatility. These ponies excelled in show rings across BC and Alberta. In 1971, while showing at the Cloverdale Pony Show, June was presented with the special honour of "Great Breeder" by the Canadian Pony Society of BC. At one point she had a herd of up to 40 ponies, and she probably gave away more than she sold, because she always wanted them to go to the right home and rider. June was one of the founding members of the Vernon & District Riding Club and the Vernon Pony Club in which several grandchildren participated. After Bill's retirement and their move to Binns Road in the Coldstream, and with the help of others, her participation with the North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association began. Bill built the riding ring on their property, ramps and lifts were designed and appropriate horses found. It was a huge success and after several years it was moved to a larger location. June remained involved into her early nineties and continued to find and approve horses for their trustworthiness for many children and adults. June and Bill enjoyed their home on Binns Road, Bill with his extensive garden and June with her horses. They especially enjoyed their children and grandchildren, and eventually their great grandchildren. They also enjoyed travelling together and with family and friends, and volunteering in the community. In the mid-1970s June made annual horseback trips into the back country. They became known as the "Granny Rides" as the members were all grandmothers, except one. Accompanying June were Mada Rendell, Marjorie Hall, Mary Campbell-Brown and often Mary's husband, Dr. Hugh Campbell- Brown. They rode much of Southern BC including the Douglas Lake, Guichon and Gang Ranches, Tunkwa Lake, the Galloping Hills and the Ashnola country. They had so many stories and adventures that they produced a booklet to share with family and friends. In the mid 1980s June continued her trail riding adventures with the Great Cariboo Ride, receiving the Best Trail Horse and Rider award in 1987 (at the age of 75). In 1995 she was honoured in Vancouver as the "Horse Person of the Year for British Columbia" - for her lifetime contributions to the equestrian community. June continued to ride into her later years and was thrilled to ride her newest horse, Java, on her 97th birthday! 163 JUNE OSBORN June Osborn 1992. Photo courtesy of her daughter Diane Toth Following Bill's death in May of 2000, June continued to enjoy travelling as well as having her home as a hub for family and friends to come and share a cup of tea and stories. Along with her continued interests of the WI and her horses, she was an active bridge player, enjoyed reading and attending the theatre and concerts. In her later years, June was grateful to have Madeline Moilliet (a niece of Mada Rendell) living with her and also having family nearby to give her a hand. June lived life as fully as possible until she passed away on April 26,2010. June is survived by her four children, Bob (Maureen), Ted (Carolyn), Diane (Geza) Toth, and Peter (Cherry), also nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Endnotes 'an excerpt from a story in HORSE ACTION, September 1991 by Margaret Madsen. 164 RAY BOSTOCK RAYMOND BOSTOCK January 7,1927 - July 11,2011 BC's 1952 Athlete ofthe Year By Sarah Roberts (nee Bostock) Sarah is the eldest of Ray and Ann's four children, with three younger brothers who all live in Kelowna. Sarah has four children and six grandchildren, who also live in this area. Ray Bostock at the presentation ofthe Athlete ofthe Year Award for B.C., 1952. Photo courtesy Ann Bostock "Ray is in Kelowna to stay," Ken Bostock (Ray's older brother) stated when my dad, Ray Bostock, became BC's Athlete of the Year and was awarded the Hector McDonald trophy on January 24, 1952. This was a huge accomplishment for the small town of Kelowna. Over several weeks, 33,000 sports fans voted to choose the winner of the prestigious Athlete of the Year award from among 50 of BC's renowned athletes, including well known golfers, soccer players, boxers and runners. The newspapers were filled with articles featuring these athletes, and how the day's votes had been cast. Dad's sport was rowing. He practically grew up on Okanagan Lake. He first tried paddling in the war canoes at the age of 14, and then moved on to 165 RAY BOSTOCK the Rowing Club where he was a natural, spending all his spare summer hours on the lake. At the time that Dad was named BC's Athlete of the Year, he was Pacific Northwest junior singles champion, Pacific Northwest senior singles champion and a partner with Russ Ensign in the BC senior doubles. He was also on the Okanagan Lake championship team and on the BC senior fours championship team (for four years running) as well as a member of the Lake Okanagan senior four squad that had recently beaten the University of Washington Huskies' team for the first time. Embarrassed by all the publicity, Dad responded to the press by saying, "It's nice to know that so many people think so much of my ability, but it was nothing. I like rowing for the sport." Rowing was a huge sport in Kelowna in those days; the shells were built by "Jen-Craft" owned by Gordon Jennens. Gordon received the order to build the Canadian shells to be used in the 1952 Olympic Games. As the finishing touches were being made to the shells, disaster struck and fire broke out, demolishing the shells. Half an hour after the fire trucks left, Jennens and his employees were clearing out the debris and beginning to rebuild the shells. Gordon worked 20 hour days over the next week in order to have the shells ready for the games in Helsinki, where he attended to maintain the Canadian shells. Dad used to place the decking on the bow and stern of the racing shells for Gordon - after he finished his regular day's work. Ray Bostock in his Single Shell on Okanagan Lake 1952. Photo courtesy Ann Bostock 166 RAY BOSTOCK During this same time period, The Kelowna International Regatta was a huge event for Kelowna, bringing competitors and tourists from far and wide. This event, which began as the "Kelowna Fall Fair" in 1886, became a summer event in 1909 and grew into a multi day event featuring a parade, a midway, and many water competitions, as well as the annual Lady of the Lake pageant. The Kelowna Aquatic Centre, located in City Park on the lakefront, housed the Rowing Club, the War Canoe Club, The Swimming and Diving Clubs, the lifeguards and swimming instructors, a restaurant and dance hall, as well as the grandstands and balconies overlooking the pool and diving tower. In 1952, nine beautiful candidates ran for the honour to represent Kelowna at events across Canada. Cathy Archibald was chosen to be the reigning Lady of the Lake (and was later named Miss Canada). Her two "mermaids" were Ann Paterson and Carol Henderson. Ann turned out to be Dad's mermaid as well as they began dating later that year and were married in 1956. Dad worked for O.L. Jones Furniture Store for a number of years, where he was trained to install floor-covering (linoleum and carpets). In 1957, Dad and Bob Parfitt started their own business, "Superior Floors." Bob left after a short while to become the local Standard Oil Agent. Dad continued with the business, operating out of our family home. He was so busy that he was concerned that he did not have quality time to spend with his family. When I was twelve, he was finally able to purchase a cabin at Oyama Lake, where we spent so many happy week-ends and holidays together. In the winter, my brothers and I would "draw straws" to see who could go snowmobiling up to the mountain lakes and ice fishing with Dad. Even though a lot of other fathers brought their sons, I loved going with Dad every opportunity that I had! I also loved fishing with him on Oyama Lake where he would always teach us to call "fishy, fishy, fishy" if the fish weren't biting! In later years, he and Mom took the grandchildren up to the cabin for weekends, both summer and winter. He made sure that his love for nature was passed on to future generations. Dad also loved practical jokes; he took great pleasure in watching the reaction of someone who was not familiar with his joking around. "Oh Ray!" they would say as he broke into hysterics after telling a story like, "the cherries are so sweet on my trees because I place a five lb. bag of sugar around each trunk every spring!" And stay in Kelowna he did; born in Kelowna on January 7,1927, my dad remained in Kelowna his whole life. In fact, he lived in the same house he purchased when he and Mom were married in 1956. And although Dad had won such a prestigious award at the young age of 25, those who knew him will remember him more for his practical jokes, his incredible sense of humour, his smoked salmon and his gentle, kind manner. 167 BOB DEMARA ROBERT CHARLES (Bob) DeMARA August 13,1927 - June 29,2011 By Bernice DeMara Bernice was born in Viking, Alberta. Her early years and schooling were in Alberta and North West Territories. Bernice graduated as a teacher, and taught in various localities in Alberta and British Columbia, including Lakeview Heights and West Kelowna. In 1967 she moved to Westbank and in 1977 she and Bob were married. She has three children. Bob DeMara was born in the Kelowna Hospital on August 13, 1927. He was delivered by Dr. W.J. Knox, in the original frame building. His father was Charles DeMara, son of Albert Herbert and Madeline DeMara, who arrived in Kelowna in 1917. Bob's mother was Marjorie (Mam), daughter of David and Rachel Leckie, who arrived in Kelowna in 1904 and built, in 1912, the Leckie Hardware store, which is still standing on Bernard Avenue. Bob's brother, Monty, was born in 1932, five years after Bob. Bob's first home was at the corner of McDougall Street and Lake Avenue. This house is still standing on its huge corner lot. The DeMara family had a huge garden, and one of Bob's first jobs was selling the vegetables in a little stall in front of the family home. Bob and Monty DeMara had many friends in their neighbourhood: Jennens, McDougalls, Hampsons, Kerrs, Landers, Weddells, Capozzis and David Seath. Playing was their job, and they excelled at it. They caught frogs, salamanders and snakes, and dug tunnels in the sawdust piles. In the winter, they skated on Mill Creek and Okanagan Lake. Their first toys were wagons and tricycles and, later on, model airplanes. Of course, there were many games, including "cops and robbers." It was a very happy and active childhood. Charles was a wonderful father, and he often took his sons fishing and hunting. As Bob and Monty grew, the house became too small, and so Bob's dad and his friend George Hanlon built a tent frame in the yard, near the back door. It had a wooden floor and walls that were six feet high. It had a tent roof, a canvas fly, coal oil stove and an electric light bulb. Bob and Monty had a crystal radio, and they liked to listen to CKOV. The brothers slept in that tent for two years. Eventually, Charles and Marn DeMara bought the flat-roofed, white, Spanish-style home (built by Don Loane) at 1858 Abbott Street. They lived there for many years. 168 BOB DEMARA In their teen years, Bob and Monty mowed lawns and carted firewood into the neighbours' basements. Many of Kelowna's men were away at war, and so the DeMara brothers kept very busy. Bob worked for Stewart Orchards, pruning and thinning. He also worked in a local packinghouse and at the Courier. The DeMara family was very musical. Bob's parents both played the piano, and Charles DeMara also played the organ and the mouth organ. Bob took clarinet lessons and he also played the saxophone. He played in a number of local bands: the Kelowna City Band, the Kelownaires, the Ambassadors Band, and the Army Cadet Band. Bob DeMara 2007. Photograph courtesy of Bernice DeMara 169 BOB DEMARA Bob's grandmother, Madeline DeMara, built the Willow Inn, the Willow Lodge, and the nearby cottages. She was a businesswoman ahead of her time, and she could see the benefits of a coffee shop and a hotel at the spot where the Okanagan Lake ferries docked. Interest rates were enormous - and who ever expected a woman to succeed? - but succeed she did. Bob had many happy memories of the wonderful food that was created in the kitchen of the Willow Inn. The DeMara family used to gather at the Willow Inn with the Days - Auntie Olive and Uncle Cameron, and Mary and Don (their cousins) - for Christmas parties. After the huge meal, Charles would play the piano, and everyone gathered around and sang carols. After high school, Bob attended Herbert Business College in Kelowna, where he learned to "keep books," balance cheque books, and type - a skill which served him well when computers came along many years later. Bob joined his grandfather (Albert Herbert DeMara) and father Charles in the insurance business. It became his life career, until his retirement in 1984, at the age of 57 years. Monty also joined the family business, following his career as a peacetime photographer in the air force. Monty remained in the business until his death in 1982. After his retirement, Bob and his wife Bernice travelled extensively. In 1998 - 1999, they travelled around the world; they were a group of only two people, and they were away from home for five and a half months, always moving westward. In his lifetime, Bob was a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the Gyro Club (photographer), the Probus Club, the Central Okanagan Naturalists Club, and a Life Member of the Kelowna Yacht Club. Bob was instrumental in setting up Bear Creek Park, on the west side of Okanagan Lake. In order to promote this park, he hiked up above the area, took some photos, and sent them off to Bill Bennett, who was leader of the Opposition at the time. Bill liked the idea, and Bear Creek Park came into existence. It is heavily used all spring, summer and fall. The last year of his life, Bob spent many hours compiling a book about the various boats on Okanagan Lake, starting in the early 1900s. He talked to hundreds of boat owners, and was constantly working on the computer. The album that he produced is now in the Okanagan Heritage Museum (Kelowna). Bob loved Kelowna, including the history of his city. He was especially proud of his deep Okanagan roots and his ancestors who lived here. Bob DeMara died in the hospital where he was born, on June 29,2011. 170 ALAN CLARIDGE Alan Claridge April 13,1924 - August 3,2011 By Richard Rolke Alan was born on a British ship off the coast of Brazil. Later his family moved from Britain to Oyama where Alan's father had a job lined up working on an orchard. In October 1947 Alan married his sweetheart Elsie Tyrell of Oyama. They had three children Alana, Don and Candice. Allan and Elsie purchased their first orchard in the early fifties and later added two more orchards. Claridge has been a key figure in the Okanagan fruit industry since the 1950s. He was a member of the Agricultural Land Commission for numerous years. He was also on the BC Fruit Growers Association executive. In 1970 Claridge was president ofthe Canadian Horticultural Society. The BC Agrologists Institute named him Agriculturalist of the Year in 1971. Claridge also served as the BCFGA's ombudsman. Along with his family and orcharding Alan's other great passion was Oyama, where he was an avid community booster and tireless volunteer. He sat on the Oyama Community Club executive and was an avowed defender of the way of life his family and others had enjoyed in Oyama for decades. Alan spoke out against the closure of Oyama elementary school and against Oyama becoming a part of Lake Country municipality. His convictions led him to join an ultimately unsuccessful legal challenge against incorporation. Like many others of his era he didn't mind providing people with a bit of a geography or history lesson. Alan was a keen and knowledgeable boxing fan all of his life. Alan was also interested in the well being of others in his community and country. He worked hard all of his life with his wife Elsie at his side. She became ill in early March 2010 and passed away three weeks later. They had been married for 62 years. Alan was a man of strong principles. The Claridge Family 2003 (L-R) Alana, Don, Alan and Elsie 171 ELIZABETH NIELSON Elizabeth Verna Nielson March 27,1918 - June 6,2010 By Mary Ellison Bailey Mary Ellison Bailey is her cousin. Mary Ellison Bailey who has written about the lives of the Ellison family as well as many other Oyama and Armstrong tributes. Mary is Past President of the Vernon Branch OHS. Elizabeth, always called Beth, was the second daughter of Bishop and Mrs Arthur Sovereign and the granddaughter of pioneers Price and Sophie Ellison. She was born in Vancouver, one of three sisters and a brother. Beth grew up in the communities of Dawson City and Peace River. She was an attractive blond known for her kindness and faithfulness to friends. She was full of fun with a bubbly personality. Beth had a great passion for the Okanagan, and especially Kalamalka Lake. She graduated from the University of Alberta (BA 1939). Beth later received her diploma in Teacher Training from the P University of British Columbia in 1940. She taught in White Rock and Kelowna. ! Beth met Dr. Jack Nielson on a blind date. In 1947, they were married in All Saints Anglican Church in Vernon, BC. Jack's career in dentistry took them to Edmonton, Seattle and Winnipeg. She was determined to move to Vernon after the retirement of her husband from the position of Dean of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba. No one was surprised when they moved to a house overlooking Kalamalka Lake. Beth had a multitude of friends and loved having them visit the Okanagan so she could show them all of her favorite spots. Her skill as a hostess for groups was legendary! Beth was very proud of her heritage and kept in touch with all of the family, near and far. Throughout her life graciousness and love of family prevailed. She was an enthusiastic cook, gardener, bridge player, golfer, and church woman. Beth had a great love of the outdoors, both in summer, and in winter; she passed this passion along to her family Kathy (Supreme Court Justice), John Arthur (Social Worker), and Barb (Medical Doctor). They in turn have done the same for their children. 'Beth' Nielson 172 ELIZABETH NIELSON Throughout her life Anna Fulton Cail was her special friend. Their mothers Thekla Reinhart Fulton and Ellen Ellison Sovereign, were girlfriends, and neighbors when the two girls were growing up on Pleasant Valley Road in Vernon. Even though distance separated them for many years they found it only natural to correspond and too visit whenever possible. During their times together there was always room for hikes, picnics, swimming, and birthday parties at the families' lakeshore cabins on Kalamalka Lake. On August 3rd and 4th, 2002 Beth helped organize the Ellison family reunion for 35 adults and 15 fifth generation descendants of Price and Sophie Ellison. An extensive display of Ellison family artifacts in the Vernon museum took months to prepare. Beth provided many old letters and photographs which were amongst her mother, Ellen's treasures. These photographs provided a record of Sophie Ellison's first year in "Forge Valley" (now Vernon BC). Beth inherited the Ellison family generosity and hospitality gene from her mother Ellen Ellison Sovereign. For many years Beth was a member and supporter of the Vernon Branch of the OHS. She was last mentioned in the annual report of 2010 page 258. She claimed that all organizations needed regular people to maintain their membership. Throughout her life Beth was known for the friendship she gave and for the peace she brought to many. She enjoyed good health and a long and rich life filled with trips and family visits. She died after a brief illness and was buried in the Ellison family plot in the Vernon Cemetery on Pleasant Valley Road. Nielson family (L-R) John Arthur, Dr. Jack, Kathryn, Beth and Barb 173 SEYMOUR HASSEN MATTHEW ("MAT") SEYMOUR HASSEN May 8,1915 - February 7,2012 By: Mat R. Hassen Matthew Robert Hassen was born and raised in Armstrong and completed his B.Ed, at UBC and his M.Ed. and Ph.D. at the University of Alberta. After a 38-year career as an educator and administrator in BC, he retired to Osoyoos in 2005. Mat is carrying on a family tradition through his active involvement on the Boards of both the Osoyoos Museum and the Osoyoos Desert Societies. On Tuesday, February 7th, Matthew Seymour Hassen passed away just two month's short of what would have been his 97th birthday. This marked the end of an almost hundred-year association of the Hassen family with Armstrong- Spallumcheen area. All things considered, it was a pretty good run. With several minor exceptions - that is if you consider the Second World War as one of those exceptions - Mat S. Hassen (Mat, the 3rd) lived his entire life in the Armstrong-Spallumcheen area. He was born in 1915 and grew up with his older brother, Romley, and his two younger sisters, Eileen and Daphne. After he graduated from high school, he went to Olds Agricultural College in Alberta to pursue his first, and perhaps greatest, life-long interest. He also worked for a time at the Douglas Lake and Harper ranches but always returned to Armstrong and the family real estate, Mat Hassen (courtesy of his son Mat R Hassen) insurance and auctioneering business. Like many others in the area, he joined the Rocky Mountain Rangers Militia in the late-1930s because it provided a small amount of income and exempted males over the age of 21 who did not own property from the municipal poll tax which was set at $5.00 - an amount equal to a week's wages at that time. When the Rocky Mountain Rangers were called up in 1940, his life changed. In between service in New Westminster and the Queen Charlottes, he met and married Rose Rice in Vancouver. Their first daughter, Sharon Rose, 174 SEYMOUR HASSEN passed away suddenly in 1941 when she was only 2 months old just prior to Mat being shipped overseas for the first time. Overseas, he ended up doing what so many Canadian infantrymen did which was to drill, to train, to wait, or to be sent to other regiments as replacement troops. It proved frustrating for many Canadian servicemen who felt somewhat discounted and ignored as a result. After a brief leave back in Canada in 1942, he returned to England to more of the same. Rose Hassen relocated to Armstrong where their son, Mat (the 4th), was born in 1943. Also in 1943, Mat was promoted to the rank of Major but shortly thereafter the Seaforth Highlanders needed a volunteer Captain to go into action in Italy so he decided to take this opportunity. After the Italian campaign, his unit boarded a troop transport ship and headed west. They were convinced they were bound for the Pacific, but the ship turned north at Gibraltar and they became part of the liberating forces in Northern Europe. His unit landed in Belgium, headed east to just inside the German border and then north before turning west into Holland. From there, they fought their way toward Amsterdam. Mat was part of the lead unit of the Seaforth Highlanders which officially liberated Amsterdam and that marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with a number of Dutch people. He forged a special bond with the so-called "Dutch Seaforths" who visited back and forth over the years and, to this day, stay in regular touch. In fact, there was an informal dinner gathering in Diemen, a suburb of Amsterdam, in late-March to acknowledge his passing and toast the memory of their Canadian friend. After the war, Mat planned to write the civil service exam and work with for the BC Department of Agriculture. He had his reference letters and his invitation to sit the exam. He also harboured thoughts of becoming a lawyer and those who knew him well can readily understand why he might have been drawn to the legal profession. On arriving back in Canada, his plans changed when he discovered that his father, Mat (the 2nd who always insisted on a period after his familiar name because, after all, it was an abbreviation!) was experiencing some significant problems. Mat abandoned his original plans and decided to stay in Armstrong where he rejoined the family business and bought a farm through VLA. It wasn't easy after the war for many veterans. The war had clearly left its marks, the economy faltered and Mat found himself trying to build up a run-down 100 acre farm as well as work 6 days a week in the family business. Mat was also an accomplished auctioneer and, along with his father, practiced the ancient art at cattle and fat stock shows and sales in places like Lytton, Kamloops, Merritt, Okanagan Falls, Williams Lake and Quesnel back in the heyday of such events. He was also a Director of the BC and Canadian Hereford Breeders' Association for many years. In 1947, their second daughter, Patricia was born. In 1948, Davis Creek which ran through the middle of the farm flooded and dumped tons of gravel on the surrounding fields. In 1955, his father passed away but not before seeing the hastily-erected dedication sign in 175 SEYMOUR HASSEN his name on the Memorial Arena. With his father's passing, Mat then took over the family business, sold the farm and gave up further thoughts of a career in agriculture, or law. He did, however, seize the opportunity to become a Notary Public - something that occupied a good deal of his work time over the years. And then there was the Interior Provincial Exhibition. Starting in 1914, his father became the Secretary-Manager and remained in the role until he passed away. After the war, Mat became increasingly involved with "The Fair" because it was something very close to his agricultural heart. In 1955, he took over as Secretary-Manager and oversaw a number of major changes before he stepped down in 1972, thereby ending a 59 year family history with what is now the largest, most successful, Class B agricultural fair in Western Canada. As if the war were not enough, on several other occasions in his life Mat was "sent for but chose not to go" until February 7, 2012. In 1958, he was on his way home from Salmon Arm and in the late-afternoon dusk when he hit the back corner of a stalled lowbed with a 45 ton rock crusher on board. His left femur was entirely shattered and his neck was broken. Had Dr. Roy Haugen, Armstrong's remarkable community doctor, not been in the next car to come along, it's fairly certain that Mat would never have survived. But he did. Then when he was in his early 1970s, he was alone at the family retreat at Canoe Point on Shuswap Lake which is across from Sicamous. He turned sideways on the dry, grassy bank and his upper left leg snapped. Somehow he got himself back in the 5-speed pick-up truck and drove over 40 miles home to Armstrong via back roads using only his right leg to shift, brake and accelerate. He pulled into the driveway in Armstrong and leaned on the horn until Rose came out where he instructed her to take him to the hospital. When asked why he did what he did, he said simply that he didn't want to get stuck in the Salmon Arm hospital and have to leave his vehicle there!! As tough as he sounded and acted at times, Mat was actually a very private, sensitive soul when it came to young things - birds, animals and, especially, his beloved dogs. His family recalls several times when he brought distressed, new-born lambs into the house and nursed them back to health in the kitchen or watching him spend the better part of an hour cleaning oil from the feathers of a young robin which had fallen from the nest into a barrel of used oil in the implement shed, giving it water with an eyedropper and getting up several times during the night to see if the baby bird was still okay. And a year ago, his first great grandchild, Maggie, arrived and you just had to see them together to understand the soft side Mat chose to keep hidden most of the time. And Mat had a marvelous vocabulary although he tended to restrict himself to a somewhat smaller set of words on frequent occasions, many of which had only a relatively few letters and were often delivered with a certain passion and energy. But when he needed to, or chose to, he was an eloquent, 176 SEYMOUR HASSEN articulate speaker and writer who was insightful, knowledgeable and well informed. Mat was thoroughly committed to the prosperity and welfare of the area and did so without thought of personal profit. For example, he played a key role in the establishment of the Industrial Park established south of Armstrong because it represented a needed diversification of the area's economy. When Valley Dairy closed its doors, leaving the famous Armstrong Cheese brand in limbo, he helped attract Dutch Dairy to the area and take over. He fought to retain the local hospital, but without success, and was part of a core group of local Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 35) members including Tom Sidney and Vern Flatekval who managed to spearhead the redevelopment of the cenotaph site in Memorial Park which included the World War II Veterans' kiosk and the annual candle-lighting ceremony. In 1979, the community recognized Mat and Rose as Citizens of the Year and that was considered to be more than fair recompense. The rest is now history. And speaking of history, the community will always be grateful to Shirley Campbell and those who helped her capture the knowledge and recollections of Mat as well as a number of other Armstrong-Spallumcheen residents regarding the area and the Interior Provincial Exhibition which for 59 years, seemed kind of like part of the family business. The books - "Pull up a Chair", "Pull up Another Chair" and "Our Fair: The First 100 Years"- are wonderful, first-hand records and we are ever so glad Shirley and her researchers were able to record so much information before it was lost forever - something which has happened far too often in communities everywhere. During their 60+ years of married life, the real family workhorse was Rose, a thoroughbred wife and mother. She worked on the farm, worked in the office, worked on the Fair, raised a family, maintained a house as well as extensive vegetable and flower gardens and played a role in numerous peoples' lives in Armstrong. When she passed away 11 years ago, there was no service, so we would like to offer a few words on her behalf. Rose was a 5'2" dynamo who stood 6' tall on most occasions and was a wonderful counterbalance to Mat. While he might be a tad prickly from time to time, Rose was soft and affable. While he was quick to judge on occasion, she was tolerant, compassionate and forgiving. While he was sometimes single-minded and focused, she was a master multi-tasker before being able to multitask was considered an asset. She was an excellent cook, a passionate gardener (especially when it came to her namesake roses), a wonderful dancer (particularly the Old Time dances), considerate, helpful, patience, dependable, loyal and a fierce fighter for what she believed as those who sought to make changes in the local watershed and close the local hospital discovered. Rose was a conciliator, protector, conscience and supporter. Her two children used to refer to her privately as "the Duchess" until one day, she overheard the reference and asked, "Who is the Duchess?" We looked at one another, hesitated, and then said, "You". She paused, gave us "the eye" (as only Mom 177 SEYMOUR HASSEN could do) and then went on about her business. We will never forget "the eye" ... as it was something she did from time to time and, believe me, words were never necessary to convey her meaning when you got "the eye"! Mat valued Armstrong-Spallumcheen and no one was a stronger advocate for the area as a great place to live, work, raise a family, or retire. Although the community has changed dramatically over the years - and will continue to do so - Mat often reminded folks to take a moment, regularly, to appreciate the benefits of living in the community, and the Okanagan Valley in general. Mat. S. Hassen was part of its past - but we who remain have a very important role too in its future. Rose and Matt Hassen Mat. S. Hassen was a contributor to the Okanagan Historical Society Annual Reports, authoring three articles: "Farm Youth Clubs in Armstrong Spallumcheen District" Report #46: pp97- 102 " 100 Years of History of the Spallumcheen Lodge" Report #52: pp 150-153 "Armstrong and Spallumcheen in 1925" Report #64: pp75-80 178 LIVES REMEMBERED Lives Remembered - 2012 ALLAN, Elizabeth "Beth" (nee Gellatly); (b)14 September 1920, Kelowna, BC (d)06 December 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Gordon, survived by daughters Lynn McKenzie, Jean Smith, Taylor Sinclaire (Bill Acheson), Judy Kenzli and Claire (Alan) Ewbank. She was a member of pioneer Gellatly family, a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 26 and the BC Dragoons Whizzbang Assoc. Beth was the bookkeeper of the family business Comet Delivery Service. ARTHURS, Lenora Eva (nee Kavalinas); (b)01 September 1944, Salmon Arm, BC (d)30 April 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Survived by husband Ken, sisters Anna Lund, Ena Rudakas, Betty (Dan) Unterschultz, brothers Vic, Stanley and John (Joyce), and sister- in-law Dorothy Kavalinas. Educated in Salmon Arm and Vernon, she worked for IBM in Calgary, and with Ken had a Canadian Tire franchise in Ontario, before returning to Salmon Arm. She was Executive secretary to Eugene Casavant at Shuswap Lake General Hospital for twelve years, then successfully ran her own fashion store, Lenny's Clothes Closet. She was very active with the Daybreak Rotary Club and the S.P.C.A. ASHLEY, Lawrence Stirling; (b)18 November 1919, Macklin, SK (d)29 September 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Sharon, survived by sons Greg, Bob, and Chris (Jenn). He came to Kelowna as a young boy, and attended Central Elementary and Kelowna High Schools. Lawrence served with the Royal Air Force in World War II and later worked as an accountant. BARZ, Arthur Edward; (b)12 December 1915, Germany (d)16 February 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by son Gordon, daughter Shirley Jamieson, three grandchildren, and sisters Helen Kohler and Ella Winterhalder. He is survived by wife Joan (nee Bland), daughter Eileen (Hank) Hackett, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and four brothers, Ernie, Harry, Paul and Billy. He trapped in the Yukon for five years, then came to Salmon Arm in 1941, where he met and married Joan. They ran a poultry farm in the valley for thirty-five years. BEDFORD, George Victor (Vic); (b)19 April 1915, Salmon Arm, BC (d)02 February 2012, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by wife Nina (nee Mobley), sister Margaret Keeling, and brothers Albert, Doug, and Max. Survived by daughters Barbara (Mike) Dagneau, Melanie (Bob) Ashton, and grandchildren. The son of Albert Bedford, Salmon Arm's first druggist/optometrist, he first studied engineering at UBC. In 1945 he graduated with honours from the School of Optometry at the University of Toronto with numerous medals and prizes, but chose to return to the Shuswap for his entire professional career. He enjoyed building his own vehicles such as ice-boats and speed boats, and studied and conducted research into early childhood vision. BEGGS, Aimee Catherine Amez-Droz (Eckersley); (b)18 August 1915, Vancouver, BC (d)26 April 2011, Summerland, BC. Aimee was predeceased by her husband Gordon James Beggs (Rotary Beach Park) in 1994. Survived by their 179 LIVES REMEMBERED children Ann (George) Yelle, Joan Ellis, Ken (Linda Palmer), Joe (Judith), Janice (Gerald) McLeod and Lee (Fred) Parent. Aimee had 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. At age 6, she arrived in Summerland aboard the Sicamous steamer. The family resided in Summerland (now Lakeside) and later lived on an orchard around Giant's Head. She and Gordon farmed and operated Beggs Fruit Stand for many years. She was a long-time member and treasurer of the Order of the Eastern Star. BEWS, Marion Edith (Lee); (b)12 August 1918, Kamloops, BC (d)08 December 2011, Kelowna, BC. Tribute OHS Member BIEBER, (nee Bawtree) Noelle Elizabeth Grace; (b)25 December 1928, Enderby, BC (d)30 January 2011, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband Clarence, survived by her children Ken, Ron, Bernice, Anita and Allan. Noelle grew up in Ashton Creek, near Enderby and moved to the Stepney area of Spallumcheen when she married. She was a very active individual who participated in sports, dancing and travel. Noelle was the historian for the Armstrong Curling Club, worked for 4-H, the Branch 35 Royal Canadian Legion and the local Senior's clubs. BOSTOCK, Raymond; (b)07 January 1927, Kelowna, BC (d)l 1 July 2011, Kelowna, BC. Tribute. OHS Member BULL, Mary; (b)06 August 1919, Troon, Scotland (d)29 October 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by brother Tony. Mary lived in Kelowna from the early 1920s. She was a well known Kelowna artist. OHS Member CACCHIONI, Tommaso; (b)07 December 1923, Blairmore, AB (d)26 February 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Dorothy, survived by son Mark (Dianne), and daughters Joy (Art) Kendall and Janet Cacchioni. Tommaso moved to Kelowna in 1928. He joined the RCAF, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. CAPOZZI, Harold Peter "Herb"; (b) 24 April 24 1925, Kelowna, BC (d)21 November 2011, Kelowna Tribute. CHAMBERLAIN, Joan Catherine Elsie; (b) 02 January 1921, Vancouver, BC(d)01 October 2011, Kelowna, BC Tribute OHS Member CHAPLIN, Harry; (b)17 February 1915, Kelowna, BC (d)14 December 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Betty, survived by daughters Blanche (Doug) Nishi, Marjorie (John) Beales and Mary (Bruce) Thompson. Harry was a grandson of Harry Raymer, Kelowna's first mayor. He worked for S.M. Simpson Ltd (later Crown Zellerbach). CLARIDGE, Allan; (b)13 April 1924, on a British Ship (d)03 August 2011, Vernon, B.C. Allan was predeceased by his wife Elsie and survived by their children Alana, Don, and Candice. Allan was the son of Oyama Pioneers William and Anna Claridge. Both Allan and his parents were orchardists. Allan was president of both BC Fruit Growers Association and the Canadian Horticultural Council. As well, he was a 180 LIVES REMEMBERED member of the BC Land Commission. Allan contributed to his local community through the Oyama Community Club and the Cemetery Committee. Tribute CULLING, (nee Becker) Genevieve Bernice; (b)20 April 1923, Armstrong, BC (d)28 February 2012, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband John William and survived by her son Cameron. Genevieve grew up in Armstrong as a member of the prominent pioneer Becker and Clinton families. She worked as receptionist at the GLA mine in Falkland until the mine closed, and then moved to Calgary. In 2003 Genevieve retired back to Armstrong where she became an important volunteer at the Armstrong Museum and Archives. CULOS, Reno; (b)25 July 1926, Kelowna, BC (d)19 September 2010, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Elizabeth "Betty." Reno will be remembered for his faithful service of over 30 years driving the school bus for the Joe Riche area. OHS Member DAIS, Norman; (b)15 January 1926, Alberta (d)02 November 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Shirley and children Jim (Tracy), Jeffrey (Linda), Jason (Kim), Jarret (Krista), Keith (Jacquie), Lloyd Auch (Wendy), Leslee Auch (Corinne) and Sherry Auch (Bart). Norm moved to Kelowna as a child and graduated from Rutland High School. Norm was an avid cattleman and horseman. DANALLANKO, Arthur "Art"; (b)19 January 1924, Consort, AB (d)24 September 2011, Armstrong, BC Predeceased by his wife Shirley (nee Becker) and survived by his daughters Shirley-Ann Asay, Linda Aspinall, Wendy Schrauwen and Becky Leister. Art grew up in Armstrong, joined the R.C.A.F. and served overseas in the latter part of World War II. Art returned to Armstrong and became very involved in the community. He worked for various Dairy companies and spent many years delivering milk to the town's businesses and households. Art was a city councillor from 1976 to 1979, was active in sports, especially lacrosse, the Kinsmen Club, Masons and Branch 35, Royal Canadian Legion. DAVIDSON, Neil Anderson; (b)23 February 1916, Stettler, AB (d)16 January 2010, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by his wife Isabel and survived by his children Diane, Barbara, Margaret and Gordon. Neil moved to Vernon in the 1920s where the family's sheep operation overlooked Okanagan Lake. He graduated from the University of Alberta Law School, served in the Air Force in WWII, and on his return to Vernon practiced many aspects of the law. He was the Mayor of Vernon for 2 years, took leading positions in Silver Star Park board, Water Conservation Board, Social Planning Council, Chamber of Commerce, Community Music School and the United Way. He founded the Concerned Citizens for College Education in the 1960s. In 1997, he was awarded the Keys to the City and received two Queen Elizabeth Jubilee awards for contributions to the country. de BOER, Siemen (Simon); (b)21 June 1927, Tjerkwerd, the Netherlands (d)l 1 August 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by son Harry, daughter Susie, granddaughter Charlotte Anne and nine siblings. Survived by wife Elsie, daughters Yvonne (Gary) Weintz, Sandy (Barry), Fimmy (Edward) Ganshorn, Cathy (Peter) Pachmann, Corry 181 LIVES REMEMBERED (Raymond) Stuart, Evelyn (Bruce) Quibell, and Michele (Larry) Larson, sons Garry (Lea) and John (Holly), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and five brothers. He was active in the farming community and the Salmon Arm Fall Fair, and served 23 years on the board of the Regional District of Columbia/Shuswap, many as chairman. DeMARA, Robert Charles (Bob); (b)13 August 1927, Kelowna, BC(d)29 June 2011, Kelowna, BC. Tribute. OHS Member DENDY, H. D'Arze; (b)25 August 1917, Kelowna, BC (d)12 October 2010, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Marion, children Hugh (Christine), Tom, David and Jean (Doug) Needham. He was a member of an East Kelowna pioneer family and a long-time teacher and orchardist. DILLON, Chester Milton; (b)13 December 1924, Kelowna, BC (d)13 January 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Carol (nee Curts) and sons Ken and Keith (Tanja). Member ofthe pioneer Dillon family. Following service in WW II, he worked at Beaver Lake Resort and then in the family trucking business, Dillon and Son. OHS Member DRINKWATER, Michael; (b)22 September 1922, Vernon, BC (d)01 October 2010, Edmonton, AB. Survived by wife Joan, sons Jim, Ken and their spouses. Parents James and Dorothy Drinkwater emigrated to Oyama from England in 1919. Michael graduated from Kelowna High School in 1940 and joined the Canadian Navy. OHS Member DROUGHT, Henry Robert (Robin); (b)08 August 1917, Kelowna, BC (d)12 December 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Kate (Kitty), son Brian, and daughters Lorraine Trudgian (Michael), Sharon Harrison (Bill), and Jennifer. Robin's parents Albert and Edith Drought came to Peachland in 1904 and moved the family to Westbank in 1920. He served in World War II as a wireless air-gunner. DUNSDON, Stephen Harvey; (b)29 March 1919, Summerland, BC (d)19 September 2011, Penticton, BC. Survived by wife Ruth and children, Clifford (Margaret), Patricia Horner (George), Joan Gladwin (Lee), Kenneth (Jolene) and Meredith Salama, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Steve was a veteran of World War II. He was president of Branch 22, Summerland Royal Canadian Legion in 1960; President of the Pacific Command of the Legion, and president of the Dominion Command of the Legion from 1982-1984. People called him Mr. Legion. DYSON, Peter Spencer Dampier; (b)06 February 1926, Kelowna, BC (d)06 April 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Peggy and son Steven. Survived by daughters Helen (Delbert Radomske) and Kate Virginia (Bryan Gregoire). Peter was an orchardist in East Kelowna much of his life. ELLIOT, Beatrice (nee Vanidour); (b)03 February 1921, Kelowna, BC (d)05 June 2010, Kelowna, BC. Survived by husband Alan and son David. She was a long time member of the Kelowna Golf & Country Club. 182 LIVES REMEMBERED FAZAN, Eric Gordon; (b)21 February 1931, Joe Riche, BC (d)15 May 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by his first wife Mona (nee Rooney). Survived by wife Claire; daughters Cathy Fazan, Jeannette Fedorchuk, and son Allan (Sharon). Eric was a member of a long-time Joe Riche family. FENTON, Bertha "Estella" (nee Webber); (b)13 September 1908, Cochrane, AB (d) 03 June 2010, Kelowna, BC, at the age of 101 years. Predeceased by husband Cliff and son Max. Survived by daughter Darlene Sandbulte and son Bruce Fenton. She was born to pioneers of Westbank, John and Bertha Webber, and moved to Glenrosa in 1910. FIELD, Edna; (b)04 November 1926, Regina, SK (d)23 January 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Edwin. Edna arrived in Kelowna in 1937 with her parents, sisters and brothers. She married Edwin M. Field in 1947. FLATEKVAL, Earl Vernon "Vern"; (b)29 June 1922, Regina, SK(d)03 March 2012, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by his wife Laura (nee Graves), survived by daughter Carol McGrath. Vern left Armstrong in 1942 to join the R.C.A.F. where he served as a Tail Gunner in Lancaster bombers. He returned to the town to take up many different jobs such as mail route person, school bus driver and insurance salesman. In retirement Vern worked hard through the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to guarantee that all the veterans from both World Wars would be remembered. He was instrumental in projects at the Memorial Park such as the Veteran's Kiosk and the Candle Light Ceremonies. FOORD, Thomas James (Tom); (b)08 May 1922, Instow, SK (d)12 April 2012, Vernon, BC. Tom joined the RCAF in 1939 and was posted to Newfoundland where he met his future wife Norah Davidson, a sergeant working on the tele-type machines. They married in 1944 and later moved to Norah's hometown of Vernon where they raised five children, Jean, Colin, Nancy, Janet and Robert. Norah predeceased him on 25 February 2012 in Vernon. Times were tough so Tom worked on the family sheep farm, sold vacuum cleaners door-to-door, drove delivery trucks, delivered oil, until eventually he was able to purchase a Home Oil gas station in Vernon. Tom had a great business sense and he soon began a new company, Kai Tire, which was so successful that today is known internationally. Tom was involved in many local projects and was recognized by a variety of institutions for his contributions to the improvement of his community. FOWLER, Alfred "Alt" George; (b)12 October 1945, Armstrong, BC (d)28 May 2011, Enderby, BC. Survived by his wife Wanda and stepsons Doug and Darryl Durocher. Alf was a direct descendant of Armstrong's pioneer Fowler family. He grew up on the family farm and was active in 4-H and the Interior Provincial Exhibition. Alf transported Armstrong school children for over thirty years as their school bus driver. Alf was also a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Fish and Game club and a director of his local Water District. OHS Member GAGNON, Rosie Mary (nee Kornberger); (b)07 April 1917, Regina, SK (d)28 June 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Abel. Survived by daughters Thelma 183 LIVES REMEMBERED (Dave) Bruce, Reba (Don) Hawthorne, and sons Rod (Jean) and Don (Evelyn). She was active in St. Joseph's Church, the Catholic Women's League and the Royal Canadian Legion. GRAYSTON, Joyce Belle (nee Wright); (b)01 June 1921, Silver Creek, BC (d)27 May 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Daughter of a pioneer Silver Creek family, she was predeceased by parents Ivan and Louise Wright and brothers Laurie and Hugh. Survived by husband Eric, daughters Lynne Dickson and Pam Lang, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Joyce graduated in nursing from Kamloops, and nursed in Salmon Arm. In 1955 polio left her confined to a wheelchair, but her patient work to improve her disability led to her receiving her driver's license in 1967. She was very involved with her family and her church. GREENWOOD, Ian; (b)12 August 1926, Victoria, BC (d)28 May 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Lucille and eldest son Glen. Survived by sons Bruce and Scott (Judy). Ian worked for Sun Rype for 30 years, many as General Manager, and in 1971 he was appointed President of BC Tree Fruits. He served on the UBC Senate, was appointed by the BC Cabinet to the Board of Governors, was founding Chairman of the BC Press Council, and was on the Board of the BC Science Council. He was active in the Rotary Club, and published works related to the history of the tree fruit and processed fruit industries in the Okanagan and British Columbia. OHS Member HASSEN, Matthew "Mat" Seymour; (b)08 May 1915, Armstrong, BC(d)07 February 2012, Armstrong, BC. Predeceased by his wife Rose in 2001 and daughter Sharon Rose in 1941. Survived by his son Matthew Robert and daughter Trish Findlay. Tribute. HAWLEY, Kathleen (nee Reed); (b)ll November 1918 (d)01 December 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Russ and son Ken. Survived by daughter Marian (Harry) and daughter in-law Doreen. HIKICHI, Shoichi; (b)02 December 1920, Kelowna, BC (d)27 October 2010, Kelowna, BC. Survived by daughter Grace (David) Weber, and sons Barry (Shannon) and Dan (Donna). Sho was a long-time orchardist in Okanagan Centre. He married Teru Tamaki (also born in Kelowna). HOKAZONO, Aji; (b)30 October 1914, Kyushu, Japan (d)22 November 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Mary Mitsuko, and daughter Eileen Toyoko. Survived by sons Ken (Gloria), Roger (Nicki), and Lloyd (Ali), and grandchildren. Aji came to Kelowna as a sponsored agricultural labourer in 1933, went on to become a successful vegetable farmer and orchardist. HOSHIZAKI, Alma (nee Bergen); (b) Ukraine, 1929(d) 21 December 2010, Kelowna, BC. HOSHIZAKI, Norman; (b) 1928 Kelowna, BC(d) 21 December 2010, Kelowna, BC. Alma came to Winfield in 1948 and married Norman. They were predeceased by son James. Survived by daughters Teresa (Derek) Weisgerger and Nadine (Rick) LaPlume and son Dan. 184 LIVES REMEMBERED HOYTE, Phyllis Margaret (nee Berry); (b)28 August 1922, Vernon, BC (d) 30 April 2011, Vernon, BC. Phyllis was a granddaughter of early Vernon family C.F. Costerton and daughter of Albert and Doris Berry. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Mort. Phyllis is survived by their sons Ted and Dave. Phyllis contributed to the Outreach programmes of All Saints Anglican Church and was very involved with Girl Guides. She belonged to several historical organizations where she was a helpful resource. OHS Member HUBBARD, Violet (nee Woods); (b)09 December 1918, Kelowna, BC (d)22 March 2012, West Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Don and survived by sons Wayne and Mike (Trudy). Violet was a life-long resident of Kelowna. INABA, Masamitsu "Sam"; (b)10 March 1923, Kazone, Yamanashi, Japan (d)07 March 2011, Summerland, BC. Predeceased by wife Toshiko Inaba. Survived by daughter, Kazuko (Junichi) Hamada and sons, Shinji (Kaoru) Nagata and Yoshihito Inaba, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sam came to Summerland in 1972 and first worked at Barkwill Cannery, renting (and later purchasing) a parcel of land on Huddleston Rd. He worked over 35 years in the orchard growing corn, tomatoes and other vegetables. Sam also made tofu and Japanese-style pickles as a hobby. He was a very active member of the Tenrikyo faith. ITO, Mieko "Mae" (nee Mori); (b)29 March 1935, Kelowna, BC(d)16 March 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by husband Ken, daughter Kim Ito (Peter Dyck) and sons Ron and David. The Mori family came to the Central Okanagan in 1920 to farm. JOHNS, Alfred Norman; (b)08 June 1919, Kelowna, BC (d)15 March 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by brother Sid and sisters Rosemary and Nancy. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He and his family's legacy will continue on through his generous gift of park-land to the Central Okanagan Parks and Wildlife Trust. JOHNSTON, Clara Alice (nee McNeil); (b)ll August 1910, Rivers, MB (d)20 January 2012, Salmon Arm, BC. Tribute in Okanagan Historical Society report # 75. OHS Member JOHNSTON, Lloyd; (b)16 March 1927, Edmonton, AB (d)08 July 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Survived by wife Joy (nee MacLeod) and sons David, Lome, Kent, Ewen (Sandy) and Chris (Darcy), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He grew up in Alberta and joined the R.C.M.P. at 18, becoming a member of the Musical Ride. Heading the Salmon Arm detachment for four years led to his retiring here and a second career as Personnel Manager at Federated Co-op in Canoe. He served as a town councilor and was active in Rotary and with several sports. JORDON, Lorrilee Jean (nee Ruschkowski); (b)16 September 1945, Gull, SK (d)01 February 2012, Vernon, BC. Survived by her husband Dave and children Sheldon, Trenna Luttmerding, Shanda Gaetz and Jacinta. Lorrilee was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women's League of Canada serving as the Armstrong president, the Kamloops diocesan president and being involved at the British Columbia/Yukon level. For years 185 LIVES REMEMBERED she was employed at the Armstrong Advertiser and volunteered at the Interior Provincial Exhibition and the Armstrong Photo Archives. KING, Harold; (b)26 August 1926, MB (d) 25 December 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by his wife Joan and survived by children, Kathy, Diane and Ron. Harold was a South Okanagan resident for 80 years where he was an orchardist. The environment was his passion and he became a member of the Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists Club in 1978. He was a warden of the Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve since 1980; a director of the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society for 20 years, and was chair of the RDOS Area "C" Advisory Planning Commission until he was 85. He was a recipient of BC Nature's Elton Anderson Award in 2010. OHS Member KOBAYASHI, Junko "Jean" (nee Koyama); (b)19 February 1921, Kelowna, BC (d)04 September 2011, Langley, BC. Predeceased by husband Matt, survived by daughter Lynn, and sons Richard (Barbara) and Ross (Catherine). Member of a pioneer Okanagan family, Junko (Jean) grew up on the family farm at Winfield. Following her marriage, she and her family lived many years on their Okanagan Centre orchard. Jean was very involved in her community. KOYAMA, Motoy "Mots"; (b)22 June 1923, Winfield, BC (d)19 March 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Michi (nee Taiji), daughters Karen and Janice and son David. KOYAMA, Paul; (b)01 August 1931, Winfield, BC (d)25 August 2011, Vernon, BC. Survived by wife Sayuri. Member of a pioneer Okanagan Centre family. Paul attended school in Winfield and Rutland. For many years he worked in various Okanagan sawmills. KURODA, Barbara Lynn; (b)01 February 1954, Penticton, BC (d)ll January 2011, Penticton, BC. Survived by parents Frank and Marjorie Kuroda; brother Ken (Berva) and nephew Brayden Kuroda; aunts Amy Yamabe and Kathleen (Junji) Yukawa; uncles Roy Kuroda and Richard (Marianna) Yamabe. She was employed at Revenue Canada for 23 years and last worked at the Penticton and District Society for Community Living. She volunteered at the soup kitchen and retirement centre for many years. LAITINEN, Elsie (nee Sundmark); (b)13 March 1921, Salmon Arm, BC (d)30 October 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by husband Edward, daughter Barbara, and son Kenneth. Survived by daughter Eileen (Al), sons Gerry (Janette) and Jim ( Linda), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters Evelyn and Selma, and brothers Elof and Erick. Daughter of local pioneers, she worked at Boeing Aircraft in Vancouver during WWII, but the Shuswap was her lifelong home. She was an advocate for many causes in the community, and was known for her sewing, needlecraft and beautiful gardens. 186 LIVES REMEMBERED LAITINEN, Stewart Matthew (Bud); (b)29 March 1929, Salmon Arm, BC (d)26 February 2012, Kamloops, BC. Son of pioneers Albert and Vera Laitinen, predeceased by first wife Marianne, sister Yvonne Ross, nephew Norman Cunningham and granddaughter Jamie-Lynn Robertson. Survived by wife Caroline, daughters Maureen(Ron) Lefebvre, Sharon McBeth, and Vicki (Roman) Gehring, step-sons Rob( Nan), Chad, Kenny, and Ian (Kelly) Robertson, grandchildren, sister Lois Cunningham and brother-in-law Don Ross. He made his career with the B.C. Forest Service, and enjoyed a long retirement with summers at Shuswap Lake. LANSDELL, Ed; (b)10 October 1923, Wrentham, England (d)13 October 2011, Penticton, BC. Survived by wife Joan; children Candace and David, stepchildren Mike and Sean Madill; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ed was in the RAF until retiring in 1946. He was active in Summerland for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, the museum and the Canadian Cancer Society. He helped start the Summerland Air Cadet Corp and then helped with the Penticton Sea Cadet Corp. OHS Member LEACH, Mary Erica (nee Willis); (b)23 March 1917, Kelowna, BC (d)ll October 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband James "Jim", survived by daughter Karen. She was a well-known local artist. Her mother Grace Willis was also a local artist, and her uncle, G.H.E. "Huddy" Hudson, was one of Kelowna's first commercial photographers. LEAMING, Kathleen (nee Spall); (b)06 July 1928, Kelowna, BC(d) 05 November 2010, Summerland, BC. Tribute in 2011 OHS Annual Report. LEIGHTON, Arthur Alexander; (b)17 April 1927, Brechin, Scotland (d)27 December 2011, Vernon, BC. Survived by his wife Betty, daughters Garnet Schaal, Isla Vandelaar and son Garth. In 1970 Arthur arrived in Armstrong as the Manager of the large Buckerfield's operation. He served the community as a city councillor from 1988 to 1996, as a Director of the Armstrong Credit Union and as an active member of the Lions Club. LONGLEY, Isobel Kathleen (nee Bartley); (b)1917 New Westminster, BC (d)16 July 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Bert. Isobel was the daughter of Charles and Sophia Bartley, pioneer Westside orchardists, who purchased property in 1922. She attended a one-room school in what is now Lakeview Heights. Isobel had a great love for the land which she farmed and all the creatures which lived on it. MACDONNELL, George Augustus; (b)16 April 1915, Kelowna, BC (d)12 November 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Laura, survived by sons Bryan (Lorraine), La Verne (Rita), and Jim (Fran). Son of Ellison pioneers "Gus" and Minnie (nee Whelan) Macdonnell, his Central Okanagan roots go back to the early 1870s. George was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in World War II. He was General Manager of Kelowna Growers Exchange. 187 LIVES REMEMBERED MARSHALL, Denis Paul; (b)06 April 1933, New Westminster, BC (d)08 October 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Tribute. OHS Member MARTIN, Margaret; (b)29 September 1916, Mission City, BC (d)23 January 2011, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband Jack and survived by her daughter Heather. Margaret was a highly respected and innovative teacher in Vernon for 36 years. In retirement, she volunteered tirelessly for the Naturalist Club, University Women's Club, The Social Planning Council, Cancer Society, and the Water Stewardship committee. In 1990 she received the City of Vernon's Most Valuable People Award for her outstanding contribution to her community. OHS Member MAXSON, Margaret Ann (nee Pritchard); (b)01 November 1928, Kelowna, BC (d)27 June 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by daughter Christyanne Maxson. Margaret's parents were pioneers Richard and Marjorie Pritchard, who moved to the area in 1919. She attended the two-room school in Westbank, where she was taught by her mother. McIVER, Bernard Bryan; (b)14 May 1924, Kelowna, BC (d)08 December 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by son David. Survived by wife Trudy, son Bryan, and daughter Pat (Dave). He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War. McKEE, Ken; (b)27 February 1925, Chicago, IL (d)19 August 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by wife Lillian (nee Deschamps). Survived by sons Douglas (Vicki) and Clifford (Kathleen), daughter Vivian, grandchildren, and siblings Barbara Ann (Harold) Beck, Ruth (Bob) Steeves, Muriel (Ben) Sawatzky, and Stanley McKee. A WWII veteran of the R.C.A.F., he was discharged honourably in 1952 when he contracted polio, which left him without the use of one arm. Ken was active in the community, with the Elks, Credit Union, Toastmasters, Shuswap Drug and Alcohol Committee, and Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. He was an avid golfer and wrote the "Box 166" column for the Salmon Arm Observer, as well as serving on council and as Reeve of Salmon Arm. MCLACHLAN, Ross; (b)29 September 1921, Summerland, BC (d)10 June 2011, Summerland, BC. Survived by wife Nina and children, Anne, Maureen, Neil, their families, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. After two years in Prisoner of War camps during WWII, he returned to Summerland and became the local postmaster before changing careers to become an English teacher in Penticton. He spent several years as a member of the School Board and president of the Summerland Legion, Branch #22. He was a key player in developing Summerland's memorial parks and was the catcher during the grand opening of the Living Memorial Athletic Park on May 24, 1948. MORTON, Alan; (b)02 May 1924, Vancouver, BC (d)16 March 2011, Lethbridge, AB. Predeceased by wives Minna Winkler Morton, and Irene Morton, and daughter-in - law La Rae Morton. Survived by sons Art and Mark, grandchildren, and stepsons Ron, Tom and Bob Estrada. In WWII he piloted a Lancaster Bomber, and retired in 1969as a Captain. After taking over the family home in Salmon Arm, his second career as a realtor and appraiser continued until 1983. He moved the brick family home where his 188 LIVES REMEMBERED aunt, Queenie Jones, had taught piano, from its location on the TCH to Auto Road, where it remains a landmark. He was an active member of the Legion until moving to Alberta in 2006. NAITO, Tomio "Tom"; (b)12 September 1925, Kelowna, BC (d)18 May 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by first wife, Keiko (nee Ito). Survived by daughters Diana Arthur, Janice Rogers, Wendy Trenn and wife Helen (nee Matsuda). Tom lived in the Glenmore area and worked in the orchards and later drove for Country Freight Lines. OSBORN, June (nee Tryon); (b)15 June 1912, Lonsdale, England (d)26 April 2010, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband Bill and survived by their children Bob, Ted, Diane and Peter. As Bill was manager ofthe historic Coldsteam Ranch from 1952 until 1976, June was able to pursue her love of horses. She was an active volunteer for the Girl Guides of Canada, the Lavington Ladies Work Group; the Coldstream Women's Institute, a founding member of the Therapeutic Riding Association, the Pony Club and was a life member of the Vernon Riding Club. In 1988, she received the Gold Medal for Community Service from the Government of Canada. Tribute OVERTON, Russel Ora; (b)08 July 1919, Alliance, AB (d)06 March, 2011, Okanagan Falls, BC. "Russ" was the son of Fairview pioneers Charles and Nell Overton, he authored "Holdup of Steve Mangott of Fairview," "I Remember Keremeos Way Back When!" and "Madden's Mill" in Okanagan History. POTHECARY, Charles; (b)30 March 1921, Wilton, Wiltshire, England (d) 19 May 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Ethelyn (nee Millard) and survived by daughter Sandra Dalgleish and son Robert Pothecary. Charles immigrated to Oyama in 1924. PRICE, Dr. David John; (b)07 January 1928, BC (d)19 December 2010, Vernon, BC. Survived by his wife Sherry, children Orene, Laurel and Paula. The family farmed on the Commonage property south of Vernon. He was a Dr. of Veterinary Medicine and spent most of his working years researching food production through animal agriculture. On his return to the Okanagan in 1987, he started the Okanagan Polo club and became involved in local government. He authored "A History of the Okanagan Commonage: Where the Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence. OHS Member RADOMSKE, Eveline (nee Tscharke); (b)12 December 1923, Neuendorf-Hoehe, E. Prussia (d)26 August 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Roily and son Ross. Eveline's family moved to Canada in 1930, settled in Westbank and later Okanagan Mission. She worked at Simpson's Saw Mill and occasionally the Kelowna Packing House. OHS Member REECE, Nelson Richard; (b)21 November 1921, Crandell, MB (d)ll March 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Patricia and sons Richard and Patrick. Nelson came to Westbank in 1922. Nelson worked in fruit growing and packing until 2002. REECE, Patricia Jean (nee Pentland); (b)27 September 1921, Summerland, BC (d)03 February 2012, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Nelson, survived by sons 189 LIVES REMEMBERED Richard and Patrick. Patricia worked for B.C. Tree Fruits, C.E. Sladen Accounting, and B.C. Hydro in Westbank. REEDMAN, Dorothy Mildred (nee Jones); (b)02 November 1915, Salmon Arm, BC (d)10 October 2011, Kamloops, BC. Predeceased by husband Lenard, sister Eileen Hooker and brother Monty Jones. Survived by daughters Lenore (Dave), Joan (Larry), and Diane (Tom), and sons Norman (Evelyn) and Brian (Nona). Daughter of Canoe pioneers Frank and Mildred Jones, she was very active in the Blind Bay community. REYNOLDS, Mamie Margaret (Halliday, Dods, nee Hill); (b)29 April 1922, Salmon Arm, BC (d)19 May 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by husband Wilf, survived by sons Steve and Lome Halliday, daughter-in-law Deb Halliday, and grandchildren, she was the last of eleven children born to Finnish pioneers in Gleneden. She worked in the Salmon Arm Farmers Exchange packinghouse until she married and moved to the coast to raise her family, returning to Salmon Arm in 1978 to the land her parents had owned in Gleneden. Always active in bowling, curling, golf, skiing and gardening, she loved to preserve the Finnish traditions. ROBERTSON, Gwen (nee Snowsell); (b)21 January 1922, Kelowna, BC (d)21 October 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Lloyd and son Bruce. Survived by sons Brent, Kelly (Donna), and Dave (Marie). Member of a pioneer Glenmore family. Her parents, Henry Snowsell and Hilda Willoughby, were married at Bankhead (Glenmore) in 1915. RUTH, Lillian Jean Clare (nee Leach); (b)02 August 1924, Vancouver, BC (d)03 December 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by husband Donald, sons Gerald and Derek, grandson Scotty, and brother Bob. Survived by son Robin (Joyce), daughter-in- law Donna, grandsons and great-grandchildren. In 1943 she married Don, son of Salmon Arm pioneer Percy Ruth, but both were in the armed forces for the duration of the War. They then worked together to establish an apple orchard and built Salmon Arm's first fruit stand, with its trademark totem, erected in 1959. (The restored totem is now standing on the Fall Fair grounds.) Sons Robin and Derek and their families continued the business as Pedro Gonzales Fruit and Garden. SARSONS, Geoffrey; (b)27 June 1919, Kelowna, BC (d)24 September 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by wife Clarice, survived by daughters Roberta Withers, and Judy (Andy) Grierson; sons Jerry Sarsons and Rod (Donna) Sarsons. Geoffrey grew up in the Okanagan Mission and was the manager of the Okanagan Mission Water District. SETTER, Barbara; (b)12 April 1940, Vancouver, BC (d)04 September 2011, Vernon, BC. Barbara was predeceased by her husband John and survived by their children Ken and Cindy. She was a community volunteer at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Schubert Centre. She served the Girl Guide organization for over 40 years from Leader to District Commissioner. She was instrumental in turning Tillicum Ski Hill into a Girl Guide Camp. SHANNON, Catherine (Cay) Ann (nee McRae); (b)05 February 1920, Penticton, BC (d)01 February 2012, Oliver, BC. Predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) and is 190 LIVES REMEMBERED survived by her three sons, Bob (Naidene), Ross (Colleen), and John (Mickee). Cay's father J.F. (Jack) McRae was Chief Engineer on the S.S. Sicamous and the S.S. Naramata, after the Sicamous was removed from service. Cay moved to Oliver to work as a schoolteacher in 1938, married, raised her family and spent the rest of her life there. She was honoured as Oliver's Good Citizen in 1986. Cay was actively involved in the Oliver United Church, the Oliver Hospital Auxiliary and the Activity Club among other organizations. She also golfed and enjoyed recreational cross-country skiing. SHELLEY, Gilbert Arthur "Bud"; (b)05 February 1937, Kelowna, BC (d) 28 October 2010, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Joyce, daughters Violet (Gary) and Shelly (Manning). Bud was a member of the Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society, and the Army Navy Club Unit 376. OHS Member SHILLAM, Robert Barry; (b)19 February 1922, Vernon, BC (d)ll April 2012, Vernon, BC. Bob is survived by his wife Kory and a family of daughters. When Bob's father Percy died he was asked to run the family business, Shillam's Garage in Vernon.. He responded to the shortage of affordable housing in Vernon by starting up Mayfair Trailer Sales and Vernon Mobile Homes and later owned Foremost Sales where he called himself a "Carchaeologist - someone who digs up old cars". He was an active member of the Vintage Car Club of Canada, president of the Kinsmen Club and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He was a dedicated member of his community. SHOWLER, Birt; (b)20 May 1926, Vancouver, BC(d)27 February 2011, BC. Tribute in OHS 2011 Report. Kelowna, SIMPSON, Herbert Edward "Herbie";(b)1932, Central Okanagan (d)26 February 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Joan and daughters Roberta (Fred) Simpson- Alec, Maureen (Curtis) Ziprick, Leona Simpson (Sylvestor Arana), and Karen Simpson. Herbert was a Band Council Member for the Okanagan Indian Band. He was a member of the pioneer Simpson family of Ellison and Duck Lake. SLADEN, Gwendolyn (nee Dodd); (b)20 December 1911, Vancouver, BC (d)09 October 2011, Kelowna BC. Predeceased by husband Cecil and son David. Survived by children Gordon (Katie), Marilyn Hinchey (Grant), Elaine, and Victor (Linda). Gwen attended school in Salmon Arm. She was very active in the First United Church, Rebekah Lodge, and The Order of the Eastern Star. SMITH, Marjory Irene (nee Evans); (b)05 September 1916, Salmon Arm, BC(d)27 May 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Tribute. STOCKS, Peter: D.19 May 2009. Eldest son of pioneer Penticton photographer Lumb Stocks and his wife Marion. Attended Vernon Pre School (1928-1932). Active in Uplands Golf Course and proud achiever of four holes in one. STOLZ, Edith Marie; (b)02 January 1919, Grand Forks, BC (d)18 March 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Roy, survived by children Don (Jayne), Diane (Wayne) Lougheed and Darlene Shelton. Edith and Roy started Paramount Music. 191 LIVES REMEMBERED SWAISLAND, Phyllis (nee SARSONS); (b)25 November 1915, Kelowna, BC (d)26 November 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by first husband Jerry Purslow and second husband John Swaisland. Survived by daughter Anne Cubitt, and sons Gerry, Peter and Ian Swaisland and their families. Phyllis grew up on her parents' dairy farm and orchard. She was an active member in the community life of Okanagan Mission. SWITE, Mary Jane (nee Bonneau); (b)1928, Head of the Lake, BC (d)06 July 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by husband Raymond, daughter Maureen Marchand (Ted), and sons Wilbur (Theresa) and Jim. Mary was the daughter of Okanagan pioneers Jimmy and Sarah (nee Musgrove) Bonneau, local farmers and ranchers. TANAKA, Sachiko (nee Tomiyama); (b)05 February 1922, Kelowna, BC (d)29 June 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Yukihisha "Roy." Survived by children Reiko, Keiko (Gary), Peggy (Rick), Herb (Cheryl), and Dorothy (John). As a member of Kelowna's Tomiyama family, while growing up she worked on her family's vegetable farm in the Mission. TANEDA, Kazui (Kaz); (b)1927 Rutland, BC (d)22 August 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by wife Mary, children Randy (Julia), Dean (Lynne), Terry, and Tami. Kaz grew up in Westbank and worked in the fruit industry, and as manager of the Westbank Co-op. He later sold stocks and bonds with Pemberton Securities. Kaz was very involved with his community, including Lions, Rotary, Masons, Shriners, and St. Paul's United Church. TANEMURA, Kiyoe (nee Kitaura); (b)22 September 1933, Rutland, BC (d)14 October 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by husband Ken, survived by son Ryan (Julie), daughters Terry Lynn (David) Durrer and Heather Tanemura (Sean), grandchildren and step-grandson. She worked with Ken and his extended family raising strawberries, and was devoted to her family. Always active in sports, she became a Master Bowler and coach, as well as a champion golfer. Her artistic accomplishments included sewing, knitting, crocheting, oil painting, potting and gardening, all done with expertise and a sense of beauty. TAYLER, Alfred Maxwell; (b)24 July 1917, Kinistino, SK (d)14 October 2011, Penticton, BC. "Fred" was a key founder of the SS Sicamous Restoration Society in 1987, and was actively involved in some facet of Sicamous restoration almost daily for over two decades until his death. TAYLOR, Nigel Cunningham; (b)13 July 1920, Kelowna, BC (d)18 October 2011, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by daughter Mary-Lou, sons Robin and Rodney. Survived by wife Margaret and children David (Andrea), Stephanie Geis, Gordon (Joanne), and Barbara. He was a member of the British Columbia Dragoons and served in World War II. Nigel Taylor was well known in the local fruit growing industry. THOM, Lillian Eileen Orrisa (nee Hembling); (b)29 October 1907, Didsbury, AB (d)21 December 2009, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband Archie, and survived by their sons Donald and Murray. Lillian moved to Oyama with her family in 1971. She graduated from Vernon Jubilee Hospital Nursing Training School in 1929 and for many 192 LIVES REMEMBERED years was the Matron and Director of Nursing. She was an avid traveller, bird hunter, and fisherwoman. She was a member of the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club; Vernon Country Club and took an active part in the Friends of History. THOMAS, Becky (nee Gore); (b)16 January 1916, Kelowna, BC (d)21 August 2011, Kelowna, BC. Survived by children Lesley (Thomas) and Paul. Becky was the last surviving child of Phyllis and Stanley Gore who came to the Okanagan in 1904 and operated the Kelowna Steam Laundry. THOMSON, Gifford Wakley; (b)17 October 1924, Kelowna, BC(d)08 September 2011., Kelowna, BC Tribute. OHS Member VERITY, Beatrice (nee Fisher); (b)15 November 1921, Kelowna, BC(d) 24 June 2010, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Norm. Bea was born to pioneers of the Benvoulin District, Jim and Mabel Fisher. She worked in Browns Pharmacy on Bernard Avenue. WEBBER, Jean Patricia (nee Browne); (b)10 July 1919, Medicine Hat, AB(d)17 April 2012, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Bernard and survived by children Rosemary Spendlove (David), Philip (Miriam), Elizabeth Daley (Andrew), Christopher (Marie), and Jeremy (Carolyn). She had a lifelong involvement in education, and supported the arts. Jean served on the executive ofthe Okanagan Historical Society, was Editor of the OHS Annual Report for six years, and wrote many articles for the Society. A detailed tribute is planned for next year's Report. OHS Member WYLIE, Flora Stilwell (Blackbourn); (b)20 June 1918, Kamloops.BC (d)07 January 2012, Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her husband Carl and survived by their children Anne, Carol, Don, Eleanor and Shannon. Flora was the grandchild of early settlers in the Nicola Valley. Flora and Carl were instrumental in developing Silver Star Ski Club and Sovereign Lake Ski Club in Vernon. She continued to race well into her 80's. YAMAOKA, Suteo (nee Hirai); (b)15 January 1912, Shigaken, Japan (d)07 July 1911, Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by husband Shotaro, survived by son Nobuo "Nobby" (Tomoye). Her Canadian-born husband came to Japan, where they were married. They came to Rutland in 1935, settling on property on Swainson Road. YATES, Sydney;(b)17 October 1917,SK (d)15 June 2011, Salmon Arm, BC. Predeceased by son Geoffrey, survived by wife Betty, children Sheila (Stacey), Debbie (Gary), Wendy, Tom, Gary (Jackie), and Jennifer (Gord), grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. A WWII veteran, he was employed at Federated Co-op as he and Betty raised their family in Canoe. He served eleven years as Alderman; was active in the Knights of Pythias; was a volunteer fireman; coached minor baseball as well as being involved in several sports. 193 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OKANAGAN HISTORICAL jnLlViY%JAJLi IxJzi•¥ \JMx. £ BUSINESS & .JT111, /ill \^l,r\JLj STATEMENTS 194 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Officers of the Executive Council 2012-2013 President: Alice Lundy Vice President: Randy Manuel Secretary: Joan Cowan Treasurer: Robert Cowan Editor: David Gregory Directors to the Executive Council Armstrong-Enderby: Don Moor, Robert Dale, Jessie Ann Gamble Kelowna: Tracy Satin, Colleen Cornock, Bob Hayes Oliver-Osoyoos: Larry Shannon, Ken Favrholdt, Gayle Cornish Penticton: Dave Morgenstem, Dan Reilly, Maggie Ricciardi, Suzanne Schmiddem Salmon Arm: Rosemary Wilson, Dorothy Rolin, Diane Ambil Similkameen: Brenda Gould Summerland: David Mallory, Mary Trainer Vernon: Mary Ellison Bailey, Peter Tassie, Ken Waldon Directors-at-Large Digitization Project: Shannon Bews Croft Essay Contest: Diane Ambil Father Pandosy: Alice Lundy Historic Trails: David Gregory and Peter Tassie Index: Dorothy Zoellner Website Manager: Joan Cowan 195 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Branch Officers 2012-2013 Armstrong-Enderby President: Don Moor; Vice President: Craig McKechnie; Secretary: Joan Cowan; Treasurer: Eleanore Bolton; Editors: Jessie Ann Gamble, Robert Cowan; Directors: Robert Cowan, Robert Dale, Jessie Ann Gamble, Jean Lockhart, Peter Vander Sar; Greg Wiebe. Kelowna President: Tracy Satin; Past President: Shannon Bews-Croft; Secretary: Colleen Cornock; Treasurer: Cathy Jennens; Editor: Ann Bostock. Directors: Don Ford, Paul Harborne, Bob Hayes, Chris Jennens, Judy Johnson, Lois Marshall, Susan Rogers, Evelyn Vielvoye, Dorothy Zoellner Oliver-Osoyoos President: Larry Shannon; Vice President: Gayle Cornish; Secretary: Mary Englesby; Treasurer: Mary Roberts; Editor: Ken Favrholdt; Directors: Audrey MacNaughton, Paul Alaric, Dan Roberts, Andrea Flexhaug, Fred Wylie and Joyce Thomson. Penticton President: Vacant; Vice President: Dave Snyder; Past President: Dave Morgenstern; Secretary: Enabelle Gorek: Treasurer: Jeanette Beaven; Editor: Suzanne Schmiddem; Directors: Karen Collins, Hartley Cleland, Dave Morgenstern, Marylin Barnay, Maggie Ricciardi, Dan Reilly. Salmon Arm President: Rosemary Wilson; Vice President: Dorothy Rolin; Secretary/Treasurer: Pat Ogden; Editor: Diane Ambil; Directors: Ineke Hughes, Marilyn Kernaghan, Ralph Kernaghan, Alf Peterson, Mary Wetherill, Mary Hickman, Robin Hickman, John McLeod, Pat Parsons. Summerland President: David Mallory; Vice President: Doug Power; Secretary: Colleen Power; Treasurer: David Gregory; Editor: Mary Trainer; Directors: Sandra Johnson, Enabelle Gorek. Vernon President: Vacant; Past President: Mary Ellison Bailey; Secretary: Jan Waldon; Treasurer: Herb Thorburn; Editor: Bill Dunsmore; Directors: Ken Waldon, Mary Bailey, Peter Tassie, Myrtle Miller. 196 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST GOAL: To encourage the research and writing of Okanagan history •>>' P°8S secondary students. ELIGIBILITY: Students currently in any post-secondary institution PRIZE: $ 1000.00 (one thousand dollars) Possible publication in the Society's Annual Report GENERAL CRITERIA: the essay must Depict history which occurred in the geographic area encompassed: by the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen Valleys Be suitable for publication in our Society's Annual Report Be submitted on a CD and typed double spaced on 8.5 X US inch white paper d. Be a minimum of 1500 words to a maximum of 2500 words e. Include a cover letter which shows, the student's name and registration number, name of the institution, telephone number, mailing address, c- mail address and title of the essay JUDGING CRITERIA: a. Historical Accuracy; The degree to which the writer has gathered accurate information in different ways; has insightfully selected essential information; and has interpreted or synthesized that information b. 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 e. 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 thinking about the historical content which demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the historical issue (s) d. Writing: Demonstrated level of organization, correct sentence structure, usage, grammar, diction, mechanics, bibliography and footnoting DEADLINE: March 15* of each year SUBMIT TO: Diane Ambil hipnitchigshaw.ea 197 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT STUDENT VIDEO CONTEST Okanagan Historical Society Student Historic Video Contest Goals To encourage research and the creation of historic videos. Students will be ancou raged to work with iocal archive collections, museum personnel and members of ih8 OHS white gathering their research. Eligibility Currently enrolled in any post-secondary Institution. Prtzs $500 {five hundred dotes), notification in OHS annual report, and possible installation on OHS website. Criteria Video must depict history which occurred In th© geographical area encompassed by the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen valleys. Video should be no longer than 10 minutes In length. Evaluation Video will be Judged on historical accuracy, creativity, and clarity of presentation, Judges will be determined by the video contest chairman. Deadline March 16th of each year Submit to David Gregory, video contest chairman 110 Sumac Ridg* Summerland, B.C. VOH 1Z6 198 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Business of the Okanagan Historical Society NOTICE OF MEETING THE OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 88th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-2013 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Okanagan Historical Society will be held at: Centennial Hall Complex (IPE Fairgrounds) ARMSTRONG B.C. Sunday, April 28th, 2013 at 10 a.m. Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Theme: "Lacrosse in a Small Town: Armstrong's Game " All members and guests are welcome to attend 199 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Okanagan Historical Society Annual General Meeting 2012 Minutes Schubert Centre, Vernon April 29, 2012 CALL TO ORDER: The president, Randy Manuel, welcomed 37 members and guests to the 87th Annual General Meeting of the Okanagan Historical Society. NOTICE OF CALL: The secretary, Joan Cowan, read the Notice of Call as printed in the 75th Annual Report. MINUTES: Motion: That the minutes of the May 1, 2011 meeting be adopted as published in the 75th Report. K. Waldon/R. Dale. Carried BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: None CORRESPONDENCE: Letter received from Mr. Joseph Rivere of La Seyne-Sur-Mer, France congratulating the society for an interesting book and praising the commemorative sculpture project by Crystal Przybille. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: a) President - Randy Manuel b) Secretary - Joan Cowan c) Treasurer - Bob Cowan d) Editor - David Gregory Motion: That the Financial Report be accepted as presented. B. Cowan/L. Shannon. Carried Motion: That Cecil Schmidt be appointed auditor for the next year. B Cowan/E. Gorek. Carried 200 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT BRANCH REPORTS: a) Armstrong / Enderby - Don Moor b) Vernon - Mary Bailey c) Oliver / Osoyoos- Larry Shannon d) Salmon Arm - Rosemary Wilson e) Penticton - Randy Manuel f) Kelowna - Tracy Satin g) Similkameen - David Gregory for Brenda Gould h) Summerland - David Gregory for David Mallory SPECIAL COMMITTEES: a) Father Pandosy - Tracy Satin for Alice Lundy b) Index - Dorothy Zoellner c) Student Essay Contest - Joan Cowan for Jessie Ann Gamble d) Finance - no report e) Website manager - Joan Cowan f) Historic Trails - David Gregory g) UBC Digitization Project - Randy Manuel for Shannon Bews-Croft Motion: That we allow the president and vice-president to approach a legal person to look at the 6-page document and offer a legal opinion on the contract with UBC. B. Cowan/E. Gorek. Carried UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: 201 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Peter Tassie awards Mary Ellison Bailey with our Society's Life Membership ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Enabelle Gorek presented a slate of nominations for the 2012-2013 executive council. After asking for further nominations, she declared the slate accepted as presented. President - Alice Lundy Vice President - Randy Manuel Secretary - Joan Cowan Treasurer - Bob Cowan Editor - David Gregory COMPLIMENTARY RESOLUTIONS: That the Vernon Branch be thanked for hosting the annual general meeting. R. Manuel/R. Dale. Carried That the membership thank the Executive and the Branch Societies for their work over the past year with special thanks to Jessie Ann for her efforts with the Student Essay Contest. D. Gregory/B. Cowan. Carried ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Salmon Arm Heritage Advisory Commission is hosting a Heritage Tea and Tour of eight houses as a fundraiser to add to an established heritage inventory, Sunday June 3, Salmon Arm. 202 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT The Queen is coming to Vernon on June 23. Mackie House is hosting a garden party in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 60th year of reign, and the Queen, aka Christine Pilgrim, will be in attendance. The 2013 annual general meeting of the Okanagan Historical Society will be held in Armstrong Centennial Hall, Sunday April 28. Guest speakers, including members of the 1950 Junior B Provincial Champions, will share stories of lacrosse. The next regular meeting of the Executive Council will be held July 8 at 10 a.m. at the Water Street Seniors Centre, Kelowna. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Helen Inglis at 11:30 a.m. Following the annual general meeting, the Vernon branch hosted a luncheon for members and guests. Guest speaker Ron Candy spoke about Allan Brooks, ornithologist, artist, and wildlife illustrator. Members were invited to the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives after the presentation. REPORT OF THE OFFICERS President's Report - Randy Manuel The year has been a good one in terms of positive change. We have seen us move into the 21st century with a new partnership between ourselves and the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. This partnership will see our Historical Society Reports available "ONLINE" for researchers as well as the general public. This project will have a "delay" of five years from the most recent hard copy issue of the Report. With an active vibrant University in our valley we can look forward to more potential partnership programmes in the future. We also had a change in our Report's editor. Darryl MacKenzie, editor for the past three reports resigned after moving to the Lower Mainland in September of 2011. Dr. David Gregory of Summerland has taken up the pen and paper to create and publish Report Number 76. Congratulations to all branch editors for the hard work that it takes to put together our Annual Report. Articles have been wide-ranging and very interesting. New, well researched and never before written stories are what make our book unique. 203 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT I have been able to visit all of the branches with the exception of Salmon Arm, attending many of the branch AGMs. In the fall Ken Favrholdt, Director-Curator of the Osoyoos Museum and Archives, and I conducted a lecture tour commemorating the 200th anniversary of European contact in the valley. This tour followed in the footsteps of the early fur traders who had travelled up the valley from the confluence of the Okanagan and Columbia Rivers. The tour was in conjunction with Okanogan County Historical Society and Border Lands Historical Society (both in Washington State) and our Society. In British Columbia we visited and gave lectures in Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna, Falkland, Kamloops, and lastly in November, at the Vernon Branch of the OHS. Field trips took place in Okanogan County as well as Oliver, White Lake, Summerland and Bradley Creek. All branches are doing well, with Kelowna being the largest and very active with Pandosy Mission as well as helping with the UBC book project and general branch activities. Thanks always to Kelowna for booking the Seniors Centre for our meetings, and to Alice Lundy for hosting the finance meeting at her home. Kudos to all who travel great distances in winter weather to attend meetings. Similkameen branch has gone "on leave", with the good possibility that the new executive will be regrouping. They hope to be active by fall 2012. Jon Bartlett of Princeton did a fine job of getting Similkameen restarted. Health issues dealt a blow to Jon, and so there needed to be some quiet time for Similkameen to regroup. To all of you, from Salmon Arm to Osoyoos, and Similkameen, you have all done well. Respectfully submitted, Secretary's Report - Joan Cowan I have carried out the regular duties of the secretary: agendas prepared and distributed, minutes of meetings recorded and distributed, reports from the annual general meeting and lists of branch officers submitted to the editor, and all correspondence answered. 204 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT The executive council has officially added the duty of maintaining the membership list to the secretary's list of responsibilities. I recommended we change the membership cards to include a line for the member's full address, in order to satisfy the requirements of the B.C. Society Act. It was formally approved, so members will notice a different format to the cards this year. Your full address will not appear in the report, but it will be retained with the society's records. Respectfully submitted, Treasurer's Report - Bob Cowan See Financial statements on page 216-217 Editor's Report - David Gregory I became the editor of the Annual Report of the Okanagan Historical Society at the fall Executive Council meeting. I chaired two Branch Editor meetings this spring. These meetings clarified some unresolved issues with respect to content and writing style in our Annual Reports. There is one issue that the Society needs to resolve. As the amount of obituaries increase in our Annual Reports, there had been considerable debate about the role of this item. One side ofthe debate argues that obituaries are part of our local history. The opposing side has taken the position that obituaries have become part of the mandate of local museums and genealogy societies. The majority of the Branch Editors believe that obituaries should remain in the Annual Report for this current year, 2012. This fall, following consultation with Branch Societies, this debate will be re-visited. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic decline in the sales of the Society's Annual Reports. It wasn't too many years ago that the Society published 2500 copies per year. The membership should be aware that this year the Executive Council made the decision to reduce the publication to 800 copies. Respectfully submitted, 205 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT BRANCH REPORTS Armstrong/Enderby - Don Moor The Armstrong Enderby Branch held its annual general meeting in the Enderby Museum April 1, 2012. Members present voted to donate $500 to each of the Enderby and Armstrong museums, and to commission the application of pheromones to pine trees in the pioneer Lansdowne Cemetery, as a protection against pine beetles. Neal Brookes, director of the Kingfisher environmental center and fish hatchery, recounted the remarkable founding and growth of that leading salmon research organization. All members of the executive survived the annual election; none being opposed and none declining to continue. The care of the Lansdowne Cemetery was duly completed under the able supervision of Bob Cowan and George Hawrys. We hope that all members of the Society are looking forward to the 2013 AGM in Armstrong at Centennial Hall. For the coming year the hall will bear an appropriate name, that year being the centennial of the incorporation of the City of Armstrong. The gathering will celebrate some of the community's proudest moments with the theme, "Lacrosse in a Small Town". Respectfully submitted, Vernon - Mary Bailey In July 2011, the Vernon OHS nominated Peter and Libby Tassie for the Paddy Mackie Heritage Award sponsored by the Vernon Heritage Society. It was given not only for maintaining their 1910 home on Coldstream Creek Road but for significant other cultural, historical and environmental activities. A fine picnic was held on their verandah and large lawn, after which an engraved plaque was presented. In August 2011, at our Pioneer Picnic in Coldstream, Peter Ward gave a humorous account of his family from Lumby. After the picnic the four Chilly Creakers entertained us with lively music. At our November 6, 2011 fall meeting, Randy Manuel and Ken Favrholdt proved the history of Okanagan is 206 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT alive and well with their fine presentation celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Okanagan Brigade Trail. At our March 25, 2012 spring meeting, Bill Dunsmore told about his research on his uncle Fred McCall, who was a World War I flying ace after whom McCall Field in Calgary was named. On April 29,2012 the AGM of the Okanagan Historical Society was held at the Schubert Centre, in Vernon when Ron Candy, Vernon Museum Curator, spoke on the Vernon wildlife artist Allan Brooks from Okanagan Landing. Respectfully submitted, Oliver/Osoyoos - Larry Shannon On Aug. 7, 2011, the Oliver Osoyoos Branch held its first branch picnic in many years, at Molson, Washington State. It was a success and it is our intention to have another picnic in 2012. On September 23, 2011 our Branch co-hosted a fur brigade trail presentation by Randy Manuel and Ken Favrholdt. The following day we helped with a field trip to view the route of the trail and I led a short side trip to view the remains of the old 1890s Tinhorn Creek stamp mill and mine shafts. On September 25, 2011 we co-hosted a field trip to Oliver's Balancing Rock. This balancing rock is part of Oliver's heritage. Dr. Murray Roed joined us on this field trip and shared his knowledge of the local geology. This event was very well attended and we received positive feedback from the community. The latter two events were co-hosted with the Oliver and District Heritage Society. Our Branch held its semi-annual meeting on November 20, 2011 in Oliver. The guest speakers were Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat. They gave our group a presentation on the Social History of the Similkameen Valley through Verse and Song. It was enjoyable and well received. Our Branch held its Annual General Meeting on March 25 2012 in Osoyoos. Larry Shannon, Gayle Cornish, Mary Roberts and Mary Englesby are returning as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary respectively. The guest speaker was Mr. Ken Favrholdt. His presentation summarized 150 years of history at the Port of Osoyoos. 207 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT On April 22, 2012 we had a productive work party, cleaning up the Fairview Kiosk site. We removed two truckloads of brush and also completed some re- staining of signs and picnic tables. The primary project for the branch continues to be the old Fairview Cemetery. We now have a Victoria resident, with a personal interest in the history of the South Okanagan, who is volunteering her time at the B.C. Archives, doing additional research for us. Needless to say, it is important that we discover and verify as much information as possible before proceeding to design a plaque. Respectfully submitted, Salmon Arm - Rosemary Wilson The 23rd AGM of the Salmon Arm Branch of the OHS was held on April 1. Our guest speaker was Ken McLeod. He gave us a history lesson on his family. They have resided in the Salmon Valley since 1912. The McLeods also were our honoured pioneer family. I think we have had a very fruitful year. We purchased a video camera in June to do interviews of pioneers. Mary and Robin Hickman did the initial interview so that the rest of us could learn from their experience. Then it was decided that in order for us to have the capability of transferring the interview to a disc, we had to purchase a computer. So far we have completed four interviews and also the December meeting with Colleen Mounce, who spoke on the William Blackburn family. After the fire at the Chase Museum, it was felt that we would like to help them and so it was decided that we would donate $250 towards a secure fireproof storage area for their archives. Our own Museum also benefitted with the purchase of the last of the Observer files on microfilm. The Observer is now digitized. I have attended the meetings of the Executive Council in Kelowna. There are usually three of us from this Branch. We had a very successful book sale in Piccadilly Mall at the end on November. We are preparing for a Heritage Tea and Tour of heritage homes in the Salmon Arm area. It will be held on Sunday, June 3rd. Respectfully submitted, 208 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Penticton - Randy Manuel Penticton held three meetings plus its AGM in the 2011-12 fall-winter season. Book sales and exhibits of an historical nature were done for Christmas sales at the mall as well as Heritage Week. We have sold more books this term than in previous years. The AGM in March saw the retirement of secretary Skip Broderick and president Randy Manuel. All other directors remain the same. The directors will appoint a president and secretary at its next meeting. President Manuel joined with Ken Favrholdt on the 200th anniversary of the First Europeans in the valley, reported elsewhere in the AGM reports. Penticton Branch will recognize Julie and Rick Valenti for their restoration of Penticton's oldest house. Known now as the Ellis Street Cottage, this early 1890s home has undergone over one hundred thousand dollars in stabilization and restoration. An event later this spring will recognize this hard-working couple. Respectfully submitted, Kelowna - Tracy Satin As always the Kelowna Branch OHS has had a very active year. As most of you know we hosted the 2011 Executive Council AGM, which was a great success. It was wonderful having members from other branches join us for a tour of the Pioneer Cemetery and Dan Bruce, our guest speaker, is always a very interesting presenter. As far as branch business goes, to begin with we began to look over our finances. We would like to have a balanced budget with additional options for fund disbursement. We are a very creative group and have some new and innovative ideas to engage our membership and support the communities we encompass. The branch holds two bursaries with the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society. The winner of the 2011 Kelowna Branch OHS Bursary was Megan Tomniuk-Gagnon from George Elliot Secondary School and the winner of the 2011 Buckland Family Bursary was Adrienne Houlihan from George Elliot Secondary School. As part of our budget review the group 209 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT decided to double our OHS Bursary for the 2012 year. The increase in funds will help support students who are passionate about history in continuing their education. This year we also decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Stewart Bros Nursery at our OHS Family Picnic. In support of this the Stewart Bros donated $250 to help augment costs. Fun was had by all and this coming year we are hoping to celebrate Glenmore's 100th anniversary as part ofthe picnic as well. Wanting to do something new and educate a different crowd on our mandate, the Branch decided to host the October 6, 2011, Neighborhood Nosh at the BC Wine Museum. Wines from Sperling Vineyards were out for the visiting public to taste. To accompany this, savory and sweet treats, sponsored by the group, were purchased from Pioneer Country Market. Both the Vineyard and the Market are associated with Kelowna pioneers and over 100 people came to taste, sip and learn. Our Fall Social and Light Lunch, a favorite event, took place on October 15, 2011 at the First United Church. Entertainment was provided by the Kelowna Secondary School Jazz Band - Take Whatever You Can Get and the guest speaker was Wayne Wilson of the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Wayne spoke to the group on a recent canoe trip he had taken tracing David Thompson's voyage down the Columbia River. To end the year off we had to change the venue of our branch Annual General Meeting. The meeting was held at the Historic Laurel Packinghouse and Dr. Duane Thomson gave a very interesting talk on the Metis. Everyone enjoyed the talk and the venue was a big hit. Many of our members remember the Laurel Packinghouse as an important functioning part of the community and they were happy to be able to spend time there at our AGM. Respectfully submitted, Similkameen - Brenda Gould The Similkameen Branch have been reorganizing their membership over the past couple of months. The Branch had planned to submit two articles in this year's Annual Report but unfortunately these articles have been delayed. On June 3rd 2012 the Branch will host its Annual General Meeting. The meeting begins at 2 pm and will be held at the Snazalst Centre, in Hedley. The meeting is open to all Society members. Respectfully submitted 210 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Summerland - David Mallory The year 2011 was a busy one for heritage and history in Summerland. This community celebrated the 200th anniversary of the origins of the fur brigade trail with the creation of one large downtown mural and the installation of three heritage signs describing fur brigade history. Total costs for these four items exceeded $16,000. Special thanks goes to the Okanagan-Similkameen Parks Society for their generous donation. Also thanks to Sharon Stone, our hard working curator, for her fund raising skills and also to Larry Hunter our mural specialist. The Branch hosted a special fur brigade presentation last fall. Guest speakers were Randy Manuel, Ken Favrholdt and Bob Hamilton. The highlight of the evening was Hamilton's presentation. He is a descendant of Alexander Ross, one of the most prominent early fur traders. He showed the audience the family Bible that dated back to Alexander Ross. Each year the Heritage Advisory Commission acknowledges a heritage building. The selected heritage house for 2012 is Sir Edward Clouston's Summerland home. Clouston was the national General Manager of the Bank of Montreal. Of his many accomplishments perhaps his involvement with Canada's Bank Act is most noteworthy. This spring one of our community's heritage buildings is endangered. The building in question is the Darke house. With municipal roadway improvements, the building will have to be moved or demolished. Darke Lake Provincial Park and Darke Lake are named after this family. Respectfully submitted, SPECIAL COMMITTEES Father Pandosy - Alice Lundy Another year for the site has come and gone. As always it has been an eventful year. Late last fall, the McDougall house was re-roofed with a grant from the Kelowna Heritage Grants Program. This completed the new roofs for all of the buildings on the site, a great accomplishment! Also, last fall, a new gate 211 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT entrance was erected by Monte Sandvoss and Henry Johnson. It is a wonderful improvement to the entrance to the site. We again have received a grant from the City of Kelowna's Arts, Cultural and Heritage Operating Program to cover our operations budget for 2012. The Regional District has also granted some money towards our operations budget for the site. With these grants, we will be able to hire a student this season. The student is of great importance to the summer caretaking of the site. Along with the regular maintenance, greeting bus tours and visitors, he/she will do some research of the historical site and work with the local museum on this. Our work party to clean and tidy up the site was held on April 21, 2012. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm day. We had 48 participants from the Knights of Columbus, CWL ladies, Kelowna Branch of the OHS, and the Okanagan Antique Power Club to rake, mow, saw, cut branches on the grounds and clean of the inside of the buildings. The site is a historical showpiece for the early years of the valley. The St. Charles Gamier CWL provided a sumptuous lunch for everyone. The day's volunteer efforts were a saving of over $2,000.00 for the committee. The Okanagan Antique Tractor Show is slated for the first weekend in June. It is always a grand show of refurbished old farm equipment. Their group have not only moving farm machinery, but several stationary displays that intrigue the old and young alike. The 1915 Case steam tractor always draws a large crowd when it "shows off with a drive around the site. They also have refreshments and soft drinks for sale during the day. Each morning they have a pancake breakfast and they serve hamburgers at lunch. The Kelowna Branch of the OHS help at the entrance to the show. We are anticipating that the Father Pandosy bronze statue done by Crystal Przybille will be unveiled in May of 2012 on the Father Pandosy Mission site. The committee is looking forward to another interesting year for the site. Respectfully submitted, Index - Dorothy Zoellner There are only a few printed copies of the Index available for sale. Initially, the committee had printed 125 copies. We have more than paid for our printing costs of $4,881.23. 212 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Recently, while working with new researchers and students, I have found our Index to be an excellent introduction to the O.H.S. and its recording of our history. Whether printed or on-line, the Index has proven to be invaluable. Indeed, we have received many compliments from researchers as to its usefulness. For keeping the Index up-to-date as each new yearly Report is produced my thanks to Joan Cowan for her invaluable work! The last Report contents printed in the Index was that of #71. I would like to see a set number of an Index Addendum printed regards #72 to #76 inclusive- i.e. the last five Reports. Even among those researchers who use the computer, many still prefer to have a printed copy. I ask you to please consider this publication request for the coming winter. Respectfully submitted, Student Essay Contest - Jessie Ann Gamble After nine wonderful years of chairing the Okanagan Historical Society's Student Essay Contest, I have submitted my resignation. As a result of the contest, I have had the privilege of meeting and interacting with many talented young people — it has been good fun! Bob Dale presents award to Student Essay Contest winner Brian Stephenson The young students and their writings have brought wider dimensions to our annual "Okanagan History" books and we are fortunate to have their academic contributions in our publications. 213 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT In addition to thanking the many students who have submitted their essays over the years, I would like to thank numerous judges and the various Editors for their contributions in sustaining the Student Essay project. Our Society can be proud of its financial help to so many students over the years. It is part of the Society's legacy of recording local history. Respectfully submitted, Website Manager - Joan Cowan The society's website has been updated three times this year to change the contact information, to announce the Student Essay Contest winner, and to advertise and highlight articles from the new report, #75. We continue to receive requests for information and for photocopies of articles from past reports, based primarily on the online index. Respectfully submitted, Historic Trails - David Gregory/Peter Tassie This past year has been busy for the members of the Historic Trails Committee. The year 2011 marked the 200th anniversary of the origins of the Okanagan Fur Brigade Trail. In 1811, David Stuart and members of the Pacific Fur Company journeyed as far as present-day Kamloops. The fur companies established trails through the Okanagan Valley that accelerated trade and eventual development. There were numerous bicentennial celebrations throughout the Okanagan Valley. The Westbank Historical Association hosted a two-day event. This was very well attended by the public, which included over 250 grade five students. Representatives of the Westbank First Nations and especially Delphine Derickson assisted with the event. On the second day of the event there was a dramatic arrival of seven fur traders on horseback, fully laden with trade goods. Summerland's Betty Hewlett narrated this reenactment of the fur trade, to the delight of a large audience. Trails Committee members Randy Manuel and Ken Favrholdt conducted a series of lectures from Pateros, Washington State to Kamloops. The 214 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT presentations were well received and enhanced the public's understanding of our history. Summerland Brigade Mural. Courtesy Summerland Museum ' In Summerland a large mural was created on one of the building walls in the downtown area depicting the fur brigade. Museum curator Sharon Stone successfully raised funds for the project. Larry Hunter painted the mural. In addition, the Okanagan-Similkameen Parks Society provided funding for three fur brigade trail signs that were installed at Priest Historic Park and the Fur Brigade Trail Linear Park. Bicentennial celebrations took place at O'Keefe Ranch. This was part of the O'Keefe Ranch Cowboy Show, which featured Rob Dinwoodie. Respectfully submitted, Digitization Project - Shannon Bews Croft In 2011, the Executive Council was approached by UBC Okanagan, with an opportunity to digitize our Annual Reports and put them online. At our July meeting, Barbara Sobol from UBC Okanagan Library made a presentation to the Council with the merits and requirements of accepting their 'at no cost' offer. Subsequently, the Executive Council voted in favour of moving ahead with this project. This project will move the Historical Society ahead and allow a greater audience - one that stretches around the world, to view our reports and learn of Okanagan history. There will be a five-year holdback of reports that will not be available online and this will be moved along each year. A full set of reports has been forwarded to UBC (with thanks to Randy Manuel and Bob Cowan) and in due course the process of scanning the books into the computer will begin. At this time, UBC has forwarded a contract to the Executive Council and it is now being scrutinized. Once we are satisfied with the wording the project will begin. An anticipated completion date will be the end of 2012. Respectfully submitted, 215 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2011 DISBURSEMENTS 2011 2010 Expenses Editor $ President Secretary Treasurer 73.60 30.0.00 49760 S S 871.20 148.33 22.12 512.88 $ 68333 Expenses Regarding Sales O.H.S. Reports: Editor's Honorarium Printing Shipping 2,500 00 11,351.20 929.89 14,761.09 24,080.75 350,00 280.00 1.000.00 500.00 1,131.00 441.80 75.00 297.11 1,450.00 304.24 140.00 2,000.00 11,782.40 967 97 420.00 6,325.00 14.750.3? Donations and Transfers to Branches Kelowna Father Pandosy Mission Committee Salmon Arm Annual Meeting Fee Advertising Essay Contest Father Pandosy Mission Committee Insurance Internet and Websile Memberships Office and Bank Charges Professional Fees Rentals - For Meeting Rentals - Post Office Box 100.00 23.930.75 50.00 147.44 156 80 6,745.00 163 77 15120 385.00 1.000,00 500.00 1,131.00 441.30 75.00 262.00 850.00 304.97 Sundry 178.40 TOTAL OiSBURSSMENTS 5 45,702.19 $ 27,306.87 GENERAL ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Federal Government • H.R.D.C, $ City of Kelowna Okanagan Historical Society Regional District of Central Okanagan Donations On Site Kelowna Heritage Society Knights of Coiumbus & Cathoiic Women's League Other G.S.T. Rebate 2,953.00 10,000,00 500.00 6,405.00 $ 4,489.68 4,483.00 2,830.50 2011 19,858.00 11,903.08 1,767,74 S 3.682.00 500.00 2010 $ 4.182.00 7,397.69 6,687.00 5,000.00 19,084.69 1,033.67 TOTAL RECEIPTS 33.528.82 24.300.36 DISBURSEMENTS Advertising Insurance Rentals Repairs - genera! Repairs - buildings and grounds Security Supplies and office Utilities Wages and benefits 150th Anniversary 168.00 2,633.00 1,436.96 5,560.85 6,720.00 390 88 1,925.48 3,311.42 6,361.54 28,508.13 325.50 2,633.00 1,184.62 2,459.99 10.934.14 378.82 1,730.79 3,122.11 5,711.84 459.33 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 28,940.04 DEFICIENCY OF RECEIPTS OVER DISBURSEMENTS J 5,020.69 S (4,639.68) 216 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT SOCIETY ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31,2011 OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 CURRENT ASSETS Cash Operating Current Deferred Investments $ 20,410.09 32.483.91 34,597.31 87,491,31 S 8,186.43 45,600.00 46,980.06 100,776.49 PREPAID DISBURSEMENTS (Note 4) 45,681.84 10,725.00 PROPERTY Land (Note 2) 1.00 1.00 $ 133,174.16 $ 111,502.49 NET ASSETS DEFERRED REVENUE (Note 4) $ 78,165.75 $ 56,325.00 INVESTED IN PROPERTY 1.00 78.166.75 1,00 56,326 00 UNRESTRICTED Balance, beginning of year Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements: General Father Pandosy Mission Committee 55,176.49 (5,189.78) 5,020.69 59,341.89 474,28 (4,839.68) Balance, end of year 55,007.40 55,176,49 $ 133,174.15 S 111,502,49 NOTE: The complete financial statements are available to members upon request to the editor 217 SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT Life Members Bailey, Mary, Vernon Hayes, Robert, Kelowna Bork, Elizabeth, Kaleden Lewis, Dorothea, Osoyoos Casorso, Joan, Oliver Lundy, Alice, Kelowna Cowan, Joan, Enderby MacDonald, David, Penticton Cowan, Robert, Enderby Maclnnis, Denis, Kelowna Dale, Robert, Enderby Manuel, Randy, Penticton Dallas, Lionel, Osoyoos Marriage, Robert, Kelowna Ellison, Kenneth, Oyama Morrison, Jack, Vernon Finch, Charles, Keremeos Roberts, Dan, Oliver Finch, Hildred, Keremeos Tassie, Elizabeth, Vernon Gamble, Jessie Ann, Armstrong Tassie, Peter, Vernon Gorek, Enabelle, Summerland Zoellner, Dorothy, Kelowna Society Members Abel, Don, Westbank Blackburn, Ed, Salmon Arm Ablett, Doug, Kelowna Bodden, Deanne & Clarence, Vernon Adam, A.C, Kelowna Bolton, Bruce & Eleanore, Enderby Agar, M., Vernon Bosomworth, Ruth, Armstrong Albas, Charles, Kelowna Bridger, Steve, Richmond Allen, B., Langley Briscall, CM., Vancouver Allen, Herb, Penticton Brooke, Gary, Salmon Arm Ambil, Diane, Salmon Arm Bryan, Jim & Anthea, Penticton Anderson, Dr. Robert & Linda, Bulach, Eleanor, Kelowna Kelowna Burns, Jim & Judy, Vernon Appel, Jack, Kelowna Burns, Larry, Armstrong Armitage, Darnella, Princeton Burtch, Jose, Winfield Arsenault, Theresa, Westbank Campbell, Shirley & Kevin, Atkins, Dave & Fay, Vernon Armstrong Baird, Norm, Maple Ridge Cannings, Bette, North Vancouver Barber, Louise, Tappen Carbert, Gordon, Ponoka, Alberta Barillard, Judy, Salmon Arm Catchpole, Diana, Delta Barman, Dr. Jean, Vancouver Chamberlain, Trevor, Rockwood, Baron, Peter, Kamloops Ontario Bawtree, Alfred, Magna Bay Charman, Barbara, Kelowna Bayliss, Pat, Vernon Christensen, Rod, Royston Beaton, Mr. & Mrs. J., Melville, Clark, Jean, Kingfisher Saskatchewan Codd, Maxine, Tappen Beaven, Jeanette, Penticton Coe, Rita, Kelowna Bennett, Beth, Armstrong Collett, Basil & Brenda, Kelowna Berges, Sunni, Salmon Arm Collins, Lynne, Enderby Berry, Marguerite, Kelowna Cooney, Carol, Armstrong Bigney, Jeanette, Enderby 218 Cornock, Colleen, Kelowna Cox, Shirley, Penticton Crane, Margaret, Vernon Crerar, Richard, Lethbridge, Alberta Cunningham, Lois, Salmon Arm Dale, Marion, Kingfisher Davies, William, Keremeos Davison, Bob & Dora, Vernon Davison, Rob, Enderby Denesiuk, Connie, Summerland Denison, Betty, Vernon Denison, Janet, Vernon Dettwiler, Pamela, Salmon Arm Deuling, Leslie, Lumby Devonshire, Lidia, Naramata Dewdney, Jim & Connie, Penticton De Young, Audrey, Armstrong Donnelly, Finn, Lethbridge, Alberta Dornian, Mike, Kelowna Doyle, Michael, Kaleden Dreaper, D.W. Vernon Duyvewaardt, E.E. & D.B., Kelowna Edwards, Vince, Enderby Eichinger, Paul & Louse, Enderby Enns, Dr. Peter, Kelowna Evans, Jean, Oliver Evans, Lorraine, Penticton Everest, Louise, Armstrong Fallow, Herb & Dawn, Kelowna Fairies, Amanda & Robert, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Favali, Mr. & Mrs. M., Kelowna Ferguson, Patti, Armstrong Festel, Claire, Penticton Fleming, Bill & Pauline, Kelowna Fleming, John & Mary, Vernon Forbes, Kenneth, Oliver Forster, Beryl, Summerland Foster, Terry, Kelowna Fouracre, Linnea, Victoria Fournier, Naomi, Ashton Creek Fraser, Hugh, Vernon Freeman, Heather, Armstrong Gaddes, D. Boyce, Victoria Gamble, Bruce, DePere, Wisconsin Gamble, Jen, Salmon Arm Gamble, Len, Armstrong Garrison, Keith & Elena, Calgary Ab Gaudard, Emilie, Salmon Arm Georgeson, Joanne, Vernon Gillard, David, Nepean, Ontario Gillard, Irma, Enderby Glen, Kim & Paul, Okanagan Falls Goodfellow, Eric & Ruth, Princeton Gordon, Jim, Abbotsford Gourlie, Michael, Edmonton, Alberta Graham, Dave & Marie, Vernon Grauer, Peter, Kamloops Green, Eleanor, Lake Country Green, Vicki, Vernon Greene, Ronald, Victoria Greenhough, Loretta, Scotch Creek Gregory, David, Summerland Grierson, Andrew, Kelowna Griffin, Merle, Westbank Guttridge, Bill, Peachland Haddad, Martha, Salmon Arm Hagardt, Elinor, Enderby Hainstock, Lynn, Lake Country Hanson, Valerie, Kelowna Harborne, Paul, Kelowna Harkness, Percy, Salmon Arm Harris, Elizabeth, Lumby Harter, Jeanne Noble, Armstrong Hawrys, George & Nora, Grindrod Hay, Joanna, Lumby Hay, Muriel, Endery Hayes, James, Kelowna Hayhurst, Ron & Joanne, Armstrong Heaton, Judy, Armstrong Hickman, Robin, Salmon Arm Hobkirk, Erin & Bruce, Armstrong Holt, Dianne, Armstrong Hooge, Herbert, Summerland Hornick, Pete & Lynn, Vernon Hoyte, Ted, Vernon Hudson, Faith, Enderby Hudson, Pat, Armstrong Hughes, Ineke, Salmon Arm Hustad, Allan, Kelowna Inglis, Helen, Spallumcheen Ingraham, Janet, Vernon Ivans, Betty, Kelowna Jackson, Betty, Salmon Arm Jackson, Sheila, Quesnel 219 SOCIETY MEMBERS James, Lois & Garry, Ottawa, Ontario McMillan, John & Sharon, Armstrong Jamieson, Dawn & Jack, Armstrong Merchant, Vivian, Vernon Johanson, Karen, Armstrong Moffat, Robert, Kelowna Johns, Jill, Okanagan Falls Mohr, Mike, Armstrong Johnston, Clara, Salmon Arm Molyneux, Jean, Naramata Johnstone, Gwen, Armstrong Monford, Ken, Grand Forks Kasnik, Mr. & Mrs. C, Vernon Monteith, Doug, Penticton Kermode, Dale, Vernon Moor, Marilyn & Don, Armstrong Kernaghan, Ralph & Marilyn, Salmon Morgenstern, Dave, Penticton Arm Mori, Min, Kelowna Kettles, Faye & Andy, Vernon Morrison, E., Vernon Kinloch, Leslie, Coldstream Morrison, J., Vernon Kirk, Penny, Armstrong Morrison, Mr. & Mrs. J., Edmonton, Kirkland, Carmen, Coldstream Alberta Koersen, Ben, Taber, Alberta Mould, Stuart, Kelowna Koersen, John & Susan, Spallumcheen Mounce, Colleen, Salmon Arm Koroscil, Paul, Naramata Mulvihill, Colleen, Kelowna Lamont, Eain, Kelowna Murphy, Margery, Salmon Arm Land, Anne, Okanagan Centre Nahm, Gerry & Irene, Vernon Landon, Richard, Toronto, Ontario Nahm, Tilman & Mae, Grindrod LeDuc, Barb & Burt, Kamloops Naylor, E.E., Victoria Lehman, Joan, Kelowna Neave, Carney, Kelowna Lendrum, Sue, Armstrong Neave, Greg, Fort St. John Lewis, William, Okanagan Falls Neave, Paddy, Duck Lake, Lodermeier, Lois, Salmon Arm Saskatchewan Lodge, Terry, Vernon Neden, Ron, Armstrong Lutes, Bernie, Vernon Neid, Larry, Kelowna MacCrimmon, Sonja, Lake Country North, Jay, West Kelowna MacDonald, El vie, Penticton Ogden, Patricia, Salmon Arm MacNaughton, Audrey, Oliver Ohs, Judy, Kelowna MacPherson, Don & Jean, Enderby Oswell, Michael, Victoria Maki, Richard, Salmon Arm Out, John, Enderby Mallory, David, Summerland Parker, Malcolm & Molly, Salmon Mallory, Margaret, Vernon Arm Marshall, Alma, Armstrong Parsons, Pat, Salmon Arm Marshall, Lois, Kelowna Paull, Glen & Lynn, Armstrong Mason, Gladys, Coldstream Pavelich, John & Abby, Enderby Mason, Joan, Penticton Peacock, Paul & Margaret, Armstrong Mason, Tye, Coldstream Peebles, Jack Rutherford, Salt Spring McCann, Leonard, Vancouver Island McCoubrey, Patricia, Winfield Peters, Ken, Vernon McKechnie, John, Armstrong Peterson, Alf, Salmon Arm McLachlan, Dianne, Armstrong Phelps, Arlene, Oliver McLarty, Lorainne, Kelowna Powell, Eileen, North Vancouver McLaughlin, Kathleen & Dal, Price, Alex, Kelowna Princeton Procter, Falkland McMaster, Denis, Salt Spring Island Rablah, John, Armstrong McMechan, Paul, Lake Country Raboch, Alvin & Margaret, Enderby 220 Reilly, Dan, Penticton Reimer, Reuben, Armstrong Ricciardi, Maggie, Penticton Ritchie, Glennys, Cawston Rivere, Joseph, La Seyne-Sur-Mer, France Roberts, Mary & Dan, Oliver Roberts, Peter & Clara, Enderby Roberts, Tony, Kelowna Robertson, Al, Kelowna Rolin, Ken & Dorothy, Salmon Arm Ross, Bob, Armstrong Runacres, Malcolm & Elizabeth, West Kelowna Salter, Gail, Armstrong Samland, Linda & Wayne, Armstrong Sanborn, Kathleen, Enderby Sansom, John, Salmon Arm Satin, Tracy, Kelowna Scheltens, Loretta, Bellingham, Washington Schley, Ernie, Vernon Schley, Robert & Vicki, Vernon Schmiddem, Suzanne, Ok Falls Schmidt, Cecil, Vernon Schneider, Mr. & Mrs. D, Kelowna Schreiner, John, North Vancouver Schultz, Marg, Chase Sengotta, Gerry, Vernon Sengotta, William & Antonia, Vernon Shannon, Elaine, Oliver Shannon, Larry & Jan, Oliver Shaw, Lena, Oliver Shaw, Pearl, Langley Shepherd, Jean, North Vancouver Showier, Marj, Kelowna Simard, Mary & David, Enderby Sinclair-Watson, Jean, Salmon Arm Small, Bryan, Kelowna Smith, Arlene, Vernon Smith, Doreen, Keremeos Smith, H. Neil, Abbotsford Smith, Mr. & Mrs. M., Edmonton, Alberta Smuin, Sharon & Lyle, Penticton Snell, Cyril & Beryl, Rawdon, Leeds, England Southward, Mr. & Mrs. A., Kelowna Spendlove, Rosemary, Ottawa, Ontario Sperle, Elizabeth & Andrew, Kelowna Standing, Keith, Kelowna Stanyer, Barbara, Vernon Stewart, Alison, Armstrong Stiel, Margaret, Deep River, Ontario Stocks, David, Penticton Stratford, Betty, Armstrong Stuart, Jim & Anna, Kelowna Sturt, Mary Ann & Arley, Armstrong Sugars, John, Gibsons Sullivan, Mr. & Mrs. D., Victoria Sutcliffe, Ross, Kelowna Sutherland, Doug, Kelowna Svenson, Gayhle, Armstrong Svenson, Stephen, Waterloo, Ontario Swales, Kathy & Ted, Penticton Tassie, Mary, Vernon Taylor, Lois & Ron, Lake Country Thomas, Gordon, Kelowna Thompson, Gordon, Armstrong Thompson, Sharon, Okanagan Falls Thomson, Carol & Duane, Oyama Thomson, Joyce, Oliver Thorburn, Herb & Lorna, Vernon Thorneloe, Robert, Kelowna Tipple, Judy, Saturna Tobler, Evelyn & Willy, Victoria Todd, Neil, Enderby Toth, Geza & Diane, Vernon Townsend, Vicky, Armstrong Trainer, Mary, Summerland Tremblay, Denise, Vernon Truswell, Byron, Wenatchee, Washington Turner, Tom & Phyllis, Oyama Tutt, Keith, Chilliwack Urae, David, Langley Ure, Sherry, Kaleden Vielvoye, Evelyn, Kelowna Walker, Harvie, New Westminster Walters, Anita, Sorrento Ward, Steven & Eileen, Penticton Wasylyszyn, Terry, Coldstream Watts, Sheila, Victoria Weatherill, Bob & Lil, Vernon Weatherill, Brian & Lilo, Calgary, Ab Weatherill, Dave & Joanne, Vernon 221 SOCIETY MEMBERS Weatherill, Don, Vernon Weatherill, Gary & Monica, Vernon Weatherill, Gordon & Shelagh, Vancouver Webber, Christopher, Ottawa, Ontario Webster, Garth, Richmond Weddell, Thomas, Vancouver Welbourn, William, North Saanich Wells, Don & Irene, Grindrod Welton, Harry, Salmon Arm Wetherill, Mary, Salmon Arm Whitaker, Beatrice, Armstrong Whitham, Gordon, Calgary, Alberta Whitting, Ivan & Maud, Bromley, Kent, England Wiebe, Greg, Grindrod Wilson, Guy, Penticton Wilson, Maria, Okanagan Falls Wilson, Rosemary & Alan, Salmon Arm Winkler, Don, Kelowna Young, Mary, Salmon Arm Zimmermann, Sandy, Kelowna Pictograph showing the important mythical figure coyote (senklip) on left side Photograph courtesy of Summerland Museum 222 In the summer of 2011, the Westbank Historical Society hosted a two day celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the first recorded visit of fur traders to the Okanagan Valley. Photograph courtesy of the Westbank Historical Association 223 SOCIETY MEMBERS Institutional Members Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana Armstrong-Spallumcheen Museum & Arts Society, Armstrong Burnaby Public Library, Burnaby Diocese of Nelson, Nelson Douglas College Library, New Westminister Enderby & District Museum, Enderby Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City Utah Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts Hedley Heritage Museum, Hedley Highland Park Elementary School, Armstrong Historic O'Keefe Ranch, Spallumcheen Hollico Group, Penticton IGA Marketplace, Enderby Kamloops Museum, Kamloops Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois Okanagan College, Kelowna Okanagan Mission Secondary School, Kelowna Okanagan Regional Library, Kelowna Penticton Public Library, Penticton Princeton Museum & Archives, Princeton Salmon Arm Museum, Salmon Arm Salmon Arm, Sr. Secondary School, Salmon Arm Summerland Museum, Summerland Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma Washington Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops Toronto Reference Library Toronto, Ontario Touchstones Nelson Archives, Nelson Trinity Western University, Langley UBC Okanagan, Kelowna UFDA Investments, West Kelowna University of BC, Vancouver University of Northern B.C., Prince George University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario University of Victoria, Victoria University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Washington State University, Pullman, Washington Westminster Abbey Library, Mission Yale University, New Haven Connecticut YBP Library Services, Contoocook, New Hampshire 224 MAP WAS PUBLISHED BY WORLD RENOWN CARTOGRAPHER JOHN ARROWSMITH IN 1859. ACCORDING TO ARROWSMITH THE MAP SHOWS THE OKANAGAN'S FIRST SETTLEMENT: PRIEST In this Edition First Nations: Native Plant Use Salmon Restoration Place Names ECOmmunity Okanagan Dance Natural History: Silt Bluffs Bird Populations Salmon Restoration Max Lake People and Events: A.C. Anderson B.C.'s Pathfinder Hiram Walker Distillery Pen High 100 Years Old SOSS Burns Naming Naramata Transshipping Fruit Marron Valley Families of Notch Hill Naming an Apple Tributes including Herb Capozzi m fl^H ■ CT ***** (Ar"v''»Pfc m m: &M ■ . ;^ :i w <'* V Jr3 J, * «rv ; I -» tqa?qayisxan s^uknaqin Okanagan Pictograph Published annually by the Okanagan Historical Society