130 years ago: The Kootenay Mail, December 8, 1894
A lovely sale of work and conversation was held in the Revelstoke Presbyterian Church. Refreshments were sold, and a short programme was also presented. The highlight of the evening was a cake contest, in which cakes were awarded to the young ladies who had gotten the largest number of votes at the sale. A fabulous time was had by all!
120 years ago: Revelstoke Herald, December 8, 1904
Many local stores were advertising about their delightful displays of Christmas novelties. Residents were being encouraged to shop locally, and it was said that “never before in the history of Revelstoke has there been such large stocks of goods nor anything to compare in quality”. The Christmas goodies were said to have been magnificent and the very latest in style. Christmas was officially on its way!
110 years ago: Revelstoke Mail-Herald, December 12, 1914
Locals were enjoying a wonderful winter activity of skating on the Columbia River. Many skating parties had been entertaining themselves, and campfires were kept warm all around the river for the comfort of the skaters. Hot soup and coffee were sold at a small price, and skates were also sharpened. Mr. L.W. Wood and Mr. Cecil Atkins were in charge of the ice and kept everything arranged for the convenience of the skaters.
100 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 10, 1924
St. John’s church bazaar, held at Selkirk Hall, was a great success. It was very well attended and the tables were full of lovely Christmas gifts for every age. The fish pond was a highlight for the children, with fantastic prizes being presented to each child. The weather was perfect, and the whole event was full of many happy customers.
90 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 14, 1934
At a general meeting of the Revelstoke Ski Club, a decision was made to drop its affiliation with the Western branch of the organization. Instead, it would become affiliated with the Canadian Amateur Ski Association, which operated under a Dominion charter and had full authority over matters pertaining to ski-sport from coast to coast. The previous multitude of groups had been very chaotic, so this decision hoped to bring some organization to the club.
80 years ago: The Revelstoke Review, December 14, 1944
It was announced by the Prices Board that the butter ration was being reduced. It was decreasing from seven ounces a week per person to about six ounces beginning on January 1st. The reason for the adjustment in consumption was due to low supply production.
70 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 9, 1954
The Revelstoke Scout groups were planning for a big jamboree. More than 20 interested residents, including members of the group committee and scouters met to enjoy several films on scouting and to speak about the upcoming 1955 World Jamboree. This event was to be held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first to ever be held in Canada, and the Revelstoke troupes were looking forward to attending.
60 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 10, 1964
A wonderful Christmas tree sale was happening at Walter’s Store on First Street West. Customers were able to stroll along and take a look at all of the beautiful trees on both Fridays and Saturdays, all December long. Any proceeds collected by the sale were donated to Kinsmen charities.
50 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 12, 1974
A spectacular concert of Christmas music was presented by the Intermediate and Senior bands of Revelstoke Secondary School. The band was led by Gary Willison, and both bands played a merry assortment of songs for a cheerful audience. Many Christmas favourites were played, and admission was completely free!
40 years ago: Revelstoke Review, December 12, 1984
Revelstoke held a wonderful Christmas parade. According to the Festival Society, there were about 27 float entries for the parade. The Elks and Revel Rousers won best overall float, and Parks Canada won for the best commercial float. The Revelstoke Brownies took home best children’s float and RSS Grad won for the best group. Tom Walters, CHBC anchor man, served as Grand Marshall for the parade.
30 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 9, 1994
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Revelstoke Lions Club thanked local residents for their support of the club’s 1994 fundraising campaign. The campaign was on behalf of the CNIB and a total of $2,752 was raised. The money was to be used to help provide services to 19 Revelstoke residents who were either blind or had severe vision problems.
20 years ago: Revelstoke Times Review, December 8, 2004
The annual reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was set to take place at Revelstoke’s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The dramatic reading was going to feature CBC journalist Raphi Vigod, along with a group of locals, including the mayor. Revelstoke residents were greatly looking forward to this event, as it helped to ring in the Christmas spirit.
