130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, December 1, 1894
A very special meeting of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen in Kamloops, and many local Revelstoke members attended. The meeting was in regards to discontinuing, or combining the two organizations of the order that existed in B.C., in both Donald and Vancouver, and instead forming one lodge with headquarters in Kamloops.
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, December 1, 1904
A Scottish Concert was given at the Opera House, under the guidance of the Willing Workers of St. Andrew’s Church. The evening was filled with a wonderful two hours of entertainment, including different styles of Scottish dances. A total of $115 was raised during the night, and the performers were very appreciative.
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, December 5, 1914
Good progress was being made on the five-mile long tunnel in Rogers Pass. At the time, more than two miles of the tunnel had been excavated. There was to be enough room in the tunnel for double tracks and it would be electric. At the time, the Rogers Pass tunnel project was coined as “the largest tunneling project ever attempted on the continent”.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 3, 1924
The first local fish and chip shop opened in town, delightfully called the Revelstoke Fish and Chip Shop. The shop was set to serve “a favourite Old English meal”, and was excited to be a part of the local culinary scene. The chippy was located one door east of the Union Hotel on Second Street, and eager customers were looking forward to a delicious treat!
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 7, 1934
The last performance of the season was given by the Revelstoke Band. Sponsored by the Citizens Christmas Cheer Committee, the band played at the Province Theatre to a very encouraging audience. A silver collection took place as well, and a delightful mix of Canadian songs and carols was performed by the band.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 7, 1944
Revelstoke was given special mention in an international journal. A fascinating article was published regarding the Columbia River, and Revelstoke was mentioned several times, including in images of the local bridges. The Junior Historical Journal published Pacific Northwest history and was used by 250,000 grade eight and nine boys and girls in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Alaska, and BC.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 2, 1954
A new air service was brought to Revelstoke, linking it not only to BC and Alberta, but also the Northwestern United States. Cariboo Air Charter Ltd of Kelowna would now be offering flights from Revelstoke, meaning that the planes would be available in Revelstoke only 40 minutes after a phone call to Kelowna. Excitingly, the company was also offering flight lessons to Revelstoke teenagers over 17 years old.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 3, 1964
The Revelstoke Knights of Columbus Council announced their intention to pledge $1500 worth of furnishings or equipment to the new Queen Victoria Hospital. It was stated that the pledge would be raised through the various functions of the Council. The hospital was in desperate need of new equipment so this announcement was widely celebrated.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 5, 1974
Revelstoke dogs were on show! There were 123 entries in the Revelstoke Secondary School’s Rodeo Teams Mutt Show, and the dogs were certainly up to par! It was held in the gymnasium and the proceeds were to go towards a new video tape camera for the school. Some examples of the prize winning categories included Bushiest Tail, Longest Ears, Laziest Dog, and Fattest Dog.
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 5, 1984
A Revelstoke student produced, directed and acted in a Greek tragedy. Student Nan Hamilton took over after the teacher had to step away, and produced a wonderful production of “Antigone”. Hamilton worked through a series of technical and artistic decisions to create the play, while also working alongside school administration and a talented student cast. The result was a beautiful 45 minute classical performance that was celebrated by all.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 2, 1994
Revelstoke was gearing up for its Christmas Bird Count. A team of excited birdwatchers was going to be counting all of Revelstoke’s birds as a part of a continent-wide birding event. Afterwards, there was going to be an after-count tally and a lovely social get together. Even those who had bird feeders were invited to join the count, right from their very own window!
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 1, 2004
The Revelstoke Junior Boys’ Volleyball team placed eighth out of fifteen teams competing at the Provincial Championships. They also won the hearts of the enormous number of residents who showed up to cheer them on. No matter where the team was playing, they could also count on Revelstokians to fill the bleachers and show support. The small school was competing against some tough competition and they were excited to bring home a win.
