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authority records
Jacques Jewellers
MS 300 · Corporate body · 1889-2007

Jacques Jewellers was the first jewellery and watch repair shop established in the Okanagan Valley. The shop was founded by Frederick Bainton "Fred" Jacques and his wife Hannah Maria "Annie" Jacques (nee Reeve). Fred Jacques was born in Flesherton, Ontario on September 5, 1865 to Methodist Reverend George Jacques and Sophia Jacques (nee Hind) of Lincolnshire, England. The Jacques family were descendants of French Huguenots and retained the French spelling of their surname, but the pronunciation was adapted to "Jakes" in England.
Fred apprenticed as a jeweller, clock and watch maker in Toronto in 1885. There he met Annie while rooming in the same boarding house on Church Street. The couple married on December 19th 1889 in Calgary. Soon after their wedding Fred left for British Columbia, leaving Annie in Calgary until he had found a place for them to settle. After no luck in Vancouver, Fred settled in Enderby in 1890. He set up his first workbench in the Enderby hotel lobby, where Annie soon joined him. They relocated to Vernon two years later, as expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway promised greater prosperity for Vernon. Fred rented a store (present-day 3200 block of Barnard) as the first location of F.B. Jacques Jewellers. Fred also worked as a CPR watch inspector, and performed weekly maintenance on the Vernon city clock (which can be seen on display in the Vernon museum). In 1894, the family bought and began construction on a new, permanent store location in the 3100 block of Barnard Avenue.
The new shop consisted of a storefront, run by Annie, and a watch, clock, and jewellery repair in the back where Fred worked. The merchandise sold included old clocks, tie pins, rings, and watches. As business grew, the shop evolved to include more types of clocks, pottery, glassware, and silverware. The upstairs, originally the family's apartment, was converted into additional store space to accommodate the growing collection. The family moved to a new home on 32nd street.
In 1921 Fred's youngest and only son, George Jacques, became a partner in the business at age twenty-one. The store was renamed F.B. Jacques and Son Jewellers in celebration. Fred soon retired from the store, though continued his work as a CPR inspector until his death. Fred Jacques died in 1938 and the store became the sole property of George. George, having no children, was assisted by Don Harwood, whom his father had hired right out of high school in 1936. In 1947 Charles "Chuck" Troyer was hired and the two men became associates in the business alongside George. The store was renovated in 1953 over the course of 15 weeks to enlarge and remodel.
George died in 1963. Don and Chuck purchased the store as co-owners, and it was eventually renamed to simply "Jacques Jewellers." The shop continued to prosper, and Chuck was placed in charge of the dinnerware and table settings for Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Vernon in 1963.
Ownership of the store was passed on to Don's daughter Kathryn "Kath" Harwood and Michael Gorman, a nephew of George and grandson of Fred. Kath eventually purchased Jacques Jewellers outright in 2002. Five years later, in 2007, Kath retired and chose to close the store for good. She had worked there for thirty years. Jacques Jewellers was in business for one hundred and eighteen years.

Jacques Jewellers
MS 300 · Corporate body · 1889-2007

Jacques Jewellers was the first jewellery and watch repair shop established in the Okanagan Valley. The shop was founded by Frederick Bainton "Fred" Jacques and his wife Hannah Maria "Annie" Jacques (nee Reeve). Fred Jacques was born in Flesherton, Ontario on September 5, 1865 to Methodist Reverend George Jacques and Sophia Jacques (nee Hind) of Lincolnshire, England. The Jacques family were descendants of French Huguenots and retained the French spelling of their surname, but the pronunciation was adapted to "Jakes" in England.
Fred apprenticed as a jeweller, clock and watch maker in Toronto in 1885. There he met Annie while rooming in the same boarding house on Church Street. The couple married on December 19th 1889 in Calgary. Soon after their wedding Fred left for British Columbia, leaving Annie in Calgary until he had found a place for them to settle. After no luck in Vancouver, Fred settled in Enderby in 1890. He set up his first workbench in the Enderby hotel lobby, where Annie soon joined him. They relocated to Vernon two years later, as expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway promised greater prosperity for Vernon. Fred rented a store (present-day 3200 block of Barnard) as the first location of F.B. Jacques Jewellers. Fred also worked as a CPR watch inspector, and performed weekly maintenance on the Vernon city clock (which can be seen on display in the Vernon museum). In 1894, the family bought and began construction on a new, permanent store location in the 3100 block of Barnard Avenue.
The new shop consisted of a storefront, run by Annie, and a watch, clock, and jewellery repair in the back where Fred worked. The merchandise sold included old clocks, tie pins, rings, and watches. As business grew, the shop evolved to include more types of clocks, pottery, glassware, and silverware. The upstairs, originally the family's apartment, was converted into additional store space to accommodate the growing collection. The family moved to a new home on 32nd street.
In 1921 Fred's youngest and only son, George Jacques, became a partner in the business at age twenty-one. The store was renamed F.B. Jacques and Son Jewellers in celebration. Fred soon retired from the store, though continued his work as a CPR inspector until his death. Fred Jacques died in 1938 and the store became the sole property of George. George, having no children, was assisted by Don Harwood, whom his father had hired right out of high school in 1936. In 1947 Charles "Chuck" Troyer was hired and the two men became associates in the business alongside George. The store was renovated in 1953 over the course of 15 weeks to enlarge and remodel.
George died in 1963. Don and Chuck purchased the store as co-owners, and it was eventually renamed to simply "Jacques Jewellers." The shop continued to prosper, and Chuck was placed in charge of the dinnerware and table settings for Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Vernon in 1963.
Ownership of the store was passed on to Don's daughter Kathryn "Kath" Harwood and Michael Gorman, a nephew of George and grandson of Fred. Kath eventually purchased Jacques Jewellers outright in 2002. Five years later, in 2007, Kath retired and chose to close the store for good. She had worked there for thirty years. Jacques Jewellers was in business for one hundred and eighteen years.

MS 302 · Corporate body · 1965-present

The University Women’s Club - Vernon is a chapter with the Canadian Federation of University Women, which was founded in Canada in 1919. The CFUW is part of the International Federation of University Women. Founded following the industry boom of World War I, the CFUW advocates and takes action on advancing the statuses of women in both professional and private life. Dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and accessible education for women, they also encourage lifelong learning through adult education and assisting those in poverty. Club members are expected to apply their unique sets of skills in the public life on both a national and international scale. The Vernon chapter was founded in 1965.
CFUW Vernon currently possesses approximately fifty members between Vernon and Salmon Arm, eight of whom are elected to the club Board. The club meets every month to discuss current projects and welcome new members. In addition, the executive board meets once per month and the club hosts an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Their fiscal year lasts from May 1st to April 30th the following year. Membership is open to any women who embody CFUW’s mandates. Membership fees are $90 per year, or a discounted $40 per year for students.
The organization played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Okanagan College Vernon campus, bringing accessible higher education to the North Okanagan. Presently, CFUW Vernon offers two $1500 annual scholarships to female Okanagan College students. As CFUW encourages lifelong learning, the club also helped establish and sponsor the annual or bi-annual Capsule College event. Capsule College is a series of public lectures offered in conjunction with Okanagan College Department of Adult Education. The Vernon chapter also provides support for the Women’s Transition House each Christmas. Operated entirely by volunteers, fundraisers and events are often held to assist in sponsoring their projects.

MS 304 · Corporate body · 1956-present

The BC Old Age Pensioners Organization was founded in 1932 and is a community of seniors throughout British Columbia that identifies and supports issues of importance to seniors. Vernon received its charter in 1956, becoming the 6th branch of the organization. This branch was founded by Henry Oke, the president of the Penticton branch, vice-president of the provincial organization, and official organizer of the Okanagan Valley branches.
The Vernon chapter works to raise awareness for the needs of Vernon pensioners and elderly, such as senior housing, better pension payments, and senior tax exemptions. The club provides a federal voice for all seniors, and resolutions passed by the organization are forwarded to ministers of the ruling government and to members of the opposition parties. While the main priority is to give a voice to the senior population, the Vernon branch also volunteers within the community. The Vernon Winter Carnival is a favourite of many members, with some earning certificates of appreciation from the carnival organization. Annual handicraft shows, turkey dinners, picnics, bazaars, and Christmas parties are organized by the club for their members and the community. Every Canada Day, the branch will make a donation to the "Canada Day baby," the first baby born on July 1sst in the city.
The first president of the Vernon branch was Ben Sauder. The original members met at Elks Hall, but later relocated to the Schubert Centre where the club continues to meet. An annual convention is hosted in different cities each year for all club branches to met and network.

MS 306 · Corporate body · 1951-present

The North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club was founded in 1951 out of want for a Natural History Society in Vernon. The constitution was drafted and a public organizational meeting was held in the elementary school library. The constitution was edited, and a committee of five officers were elected, with the first president being Dr. D.A. Ross, and the club was born. Its objects were “to provide an opportunity for persons interested in Natural History to meet and exchange information; to foster an interest in Nature among young people; and to encourage naturalists to record their observations in suitable journals.”
The club is ongoing and is a member of BC Nature, the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists. In Vernon, the NONC works to preserve and maintain natural environments, such as Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and the Swan Lake Nature Reserve. In addition, the NONC identified seven ecological preserves were established in conjunction with the federal government. The club’s dedication towards environmental preservation has led to many petitions and reports sent to government bodies. These reports are drafted by club members who specialize in botany, ornithology, entomology and other environmental disciplines. Nearby ecological reserves are taken care of and monitored by NONC members, reporting directly to the Ministry of Environment.
The NONC also dedicates its time towards education. Members often speak to North Okanagan school groups and lend their expertise to any who wish to learn. Club membership is not limited to age, and many families and youth actively participate in club activities. Overnight field trips, nature walks, camping trips, and bird watching are all activities the club routinely partake in. Monthly meetings are held in Vernon, with guest speakers presenting to members on diverse topics. Members also take additional courses in environmental sciences. In addition, a monthly “newspacket” is distributed highlighting the club’s activities and achievements.
Bird watching is one of the club’s largest activities, and the members participate in an international bird census. The annual Christmas bird count in one of the NONC’s most important traditions. The province relies on the NONC to keep track of bird populations in the North Okanagan. In 2020-2021, the Swan Lake Observation Tower was erected with funding from the Regional District of North Okanagan and the NONC. It offers a 360 degree view of wetlands and grasslands for hikers and bird enthusiasts.

Corporate body · 1954-2008

The Silver Star Chapter of the IODE was formed in 1954 by former Chrysler Chaper members Alice Kinnard and Estelle Fitzmaurice at a point when when the Chrysler Chapter was facing the prospect of disbanding. The Silver Star Chapter mainly undertook educational work by providing supplies and equipment to isolated schools in Labrador and Northern B.C. and by funding several bursaries for highschool and college students. The chapter also supported other charities and causes locally and internationally. They donated supplies to nursing stations in Northern Canada and glasses to people in developing countries, and locally in Vernon they supported the Upper Room Mission, various senior's programs, and ran the Baby Think It Over program (a program that taught teens about infant care). The Silver Star Chapter disbanded in 2008, at which time they donated $35,000 to various organizations in order to close out their accounts.

Corporate body · 1916-1982

NOCA (the North Okanagan Creamery Association) was a dairy co-operative, and later a dairy brand, in the North Okanagan from 1916 to 1982. The dairy industry began in the North Okanaganwhen the first creamery was established in Armstrong in 1900. NOCA was formally established in May of 1916 when the Armstrong creamery was re-organized as a co-operative to collect milk from dairy farms from Mara Lake southwards to Vernon. The headquarters was in Armstrong, and the first board of directors was made up of: W.H. Keary, A. Morgan, T. Skyrme, Chas. Patten, RJ Coulthard, and M. Hassen. NOCA ran into difficulties in the early 1920’s and in 1925 its members voted to sell to P. Burns and Co.. On July 1 1925 this sale went through, and NOCA became the Okanagan Valley Co-operative Creamery Association (though the NOCA brand name was still used). Everard Clarke was brought in as the manager, and remained in this position until 1970. In 1927 NOCA began to publish a monthly newsletter titled The Cream Collector. NOCA later also published NOCA Farm News and the NOCA Pictorial.
More changes came to the organization in 1947. NOCA merged with the Salmon Arm Creamery and officially changed its name to the Shuswap Okanagan Dairy Industries Co-operative Association (SODICA). Once again, the NOCA brand name was still used. In the following decades SODICA expanded its operations in the North Okanagan and outwards to the Kamloops area. In 1952 their plant in Kelowna opened, and in 1967 a new plant in Vernon opened.
In response to the dairy industry moving towards larger conglomerate companies, SODICA merged with the Fraser Valley Milk Producer’s Association in April 1982. At this point the NOCA brand switched to FVMPA’s brand Dairyland. In 1992 the FVMPA became Dairyworld after a merger with two Alberta co-operatives, and in 2001 Dairyworld was bought by Saputo. In 1996 the Vernon plant was closed and production was moved to the upgraded Armstrong facility.

Powerhouse Theatre
Corporate body · 1937-

The Powerhouse Theatre is a theatre company in Vernon, BC that seeks to provide opportunities and facilties for the advancement of interest and knowledge of the dramatic arts, literature and music through the operation of a community theatre.
The Powerhouse Theatre began life as the Vernon Little Theatre, founded by Flora Nicholson in 1937. The first production was a one-act play called “Lusitania." Following on this success the theatre produced a 3-act play called “Night Must Fall” in 1938. Productions ceased during World War Two, but the company resumed activities after the war with a series of informal workshop plays in 1945. In 1947 the Vernon Little Theatre staged its first full production post-war - “Rookery Nook,” and in 1949 they expanded their activities to producing radio plays on CJIB. As the Vernon Little Theatre did not have its own space, early productions were held in the Empress Theatre, the Capital Theatre, and the Scouts Hall. In 1957 productions were moved to Vernon High School in Polson Park. The inadequacies of the venue soon became apparent and a committee was established to look into the possibilities of a building for the Vernon Little Theatre. A fund was set up with an initial $100.
The theatre company acquired their current location at the old BC Hydro powerhouse (2901 35th Avenue) in 1962. BC Hydro wanted to dispose the property, and seeing a good opportunity for a dedicated theatre space The Vernon Little Theatre Society submitted a proposal to the City of Vernon to take over the powerhouse. After some negotiation it was agreed that the Vernon Little Theatre would lease the building through the City of Vernon at $1.00 per annum plus taxes for fifteen years with the opportunity to renew. A separate non-profit society called the Vernon Theatrical Arts Centre Society was formed to support the renovation of the building into a theatre, and a fundraising campaign was started by G. Silver and W. Malcolm. Construction began in 1963 on the 150 seat theatre designed by Vernon architects T. Gower, D. Huggins and A. Allen. In November 1963 the Vernon Little Theatre put on its first production in the new theatre - “The Madwoman of Chaillot” directed by Paddy Malcolm.
In 1971 the Vernon Little Theatre changed its name to the Powerhouse Theatre, and in 1973 the theatre was renovated to expand seating to 191. 1973 was also the 10th anniversary at the Powerhouse theatre, and was celebrated with a production of “A Flea in the Ear.” Special guest was the renowned Canadian actor Bruno Gerussi. The theatre was upgraded again in 1990 with the help of a B.C. Lotteries Fund grant, which made the theatre safer, more accessible, and more flexible artistically.
Over the years the Powerhouse Theatre has received many awards. Both the company and individual members have won Theatre BC’s Eric Hamber Award several times for their contributions to community theatre in BC– 1969, 1970 (Doug Huggins), 1975 (Paddy Malcolm English) and 1997 (David Jones). In 1988 the Powerhouse Theatre won the Canadian Drama Festival with “Play Memory,” and afterwards travelled to Monaco to showcase the production for the 1989 World Drama Festival.

Corporate body · 1917-[1930]

The Vimy Ridge Chapter was founded in 1917 in Vernon. During the First World War this chapter ran a tea room in the Okanagan Grocery, raised funds for soldiers in Europe, and supported local schools with donations of books. After the war they continued their work, which also included fundraising for local organizations like the Scouts and supporting local people in need with donations of groceries, books, household supplies, and help with household chores. The chapter disbanded in February 1930, and it is probably their work was then subsumed by the Chrysler Chapter.

Corporate body · 1915-1965

The Chrysler Chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (No. 477) was established in 1915 in Coldstream and was active until 1965. During the First World War the chapter primarily worked to raise funds to support soldiers fighting in Europe. After the war until their disbandment, the Chrysler Chapter also fundraised for the Vernon Golden Age Club and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and ran programs that supported veterans, children and families in need, new Canadians, and children with special needs.

In 1930 it is probable that the Chrysler Chapter took over the work of the Vimy Ridge Chapter, which had disbanded in February of that year.

CJIB Radio
Corporate body · 1947-

CJIB Radio was the first radio station to broadcast out of Vernon BC, premiering on September 22nd 1947. It was founded by brothers Edward and Bernard Schroter under the name Interior Broadcasters, and had its original studio located on the south shore of Swan Lake in the old Crowne and McCubbin brokerage office. In the early years the programming on the station was varied – they broadcast 6 news casts per day, sports coverage, teen programs, music, and Sunday church services. By 1959 the station had moved to Barnard (30th) Avenue, and in 1961 it was sold to Selkirk Broadcasters. Over the years the station became very involved in the Vernon community, hosting many community events and fundraisers. By the time the station celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 1982 it had grown to 33 staff members from an original 9. In 1989 it was sold once again to Rogers Broadcasting Ltd, and in 2001 the station switched from AM to become 107.5 Kiss FM. The station is now located at 3313 32nd Avenue, and broadcasts music and local news.

Coldstream Women's Institute
Corporate body · 1931-2013

In 1931 a group of women established a branch of the Women's Institute in Coldstream. Women's Institutes began to appear across the country in the 1890's to provide rural women and families with home management and leadership skills, develop friendships, encourage community cohesion, and initiate charitable activities. The inaugural meeting of the Coldstream branch of the Women's Institute was held on February 11th, 1931 at the home of Mrs. E.L. Nicholson. The initial objectives of the group were to build a community hall for Coldstream, and to provide sweaters and sports equipment for Coldstream School students. Initial fundraising efforts included card parties, lectures, dances, and a flower show, providing the school with tennis rackets and nets, plus one dozen wool football sweaters.
Under the leadership of Mrs. E.L. Nicholson, the first president, $100 was raised to purchase a half acre of property, and a bank loan was obtained for the building of the hall. Construction began in November of 1933, with estimated costs of about $800. Measuring 26 x 50 feet, the hall was opened on January 17th, 1935. Seventy people attended the opening ceremonies and dance. The hall quickly became a gathering place for the community, filled with wedding celebrations, baby showers, bazaars, educational and recreational activities for Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, Christmas parties and community teas. Catering services were offered for receptions, banquets, and dances, to fund the operation of the hall, but the use of the hall was free for non-profit groups and community functions.
In the early days the Coldstream Women's Institute hosted sewing classes, dance classes, flower shows, card parties, quilting bees, harvest suppers, and baby clinics. They also wrote and performed many plays, sang at local seniors' homes, provided an annual float for the Winter Carnival parade, and managed the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Coldstream memorial.
During the second world war the Coldstream Women's Institute contributed to the war efforts with shipments of homemade jam, clothing, and wool comforters. Since the war they have assisted many organizations in the community and beyond, sponsoring scholarships for high school and OUC students, donating funds to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Transition House, Hospice House, Noric House, Mental Health, Venture Training, the Health Unit, Vancouver Children's Hospital, and Queen Alexandra Hospital, to fill a variety of needs.
Over the years hundreds of women have served as Coldstream Women's Institute members, but numbers have gradually declined, reaching a low of 14 members in October of 2014. Unable to continue with the upkeep of the hall, it was sold to the District of Coldstream in early 2014. Meetings are now held in member's living rooms, but the activities of establishing friendships, providing education to women in the community, and raising funds for charities in the North Okanagan continue on.