Showing 153 results

authority records
Reinhard, William
MS 53 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Person · 1851-1922

Dr. William Reinhard was Salmon Arm's first resident doctor. Born Georg Theodore Adolf Wilhelm Reinhard in Bavaria (1851-1922), known now as Melsungen, Germany, William Reinhard studied medicine at four prominent universities in Europe, including Berlin, Baden, Munich, and Zurich. Dr. Reinhard specialized in studies of the ear, eye, nose and throat. In the early 1880s, he moved to Wisconsin to join his brothers. He married Marie Buchbinder in 1883 and practiced medicine there for a short while. The couple had four children while living in Wisconsin, two boys and two girls: Oscar, Anna, Thekla and Gus. In 1886, the family was joined by Caroline (also known as Lina or Lena). Lina came to Wisconsin to help her sister with the large family and to take care of her younger brother Carl.

In 1888 the family moved to Ladner's Landing in British Columbia, Canada where another son, Wilhelm, was born. Marie died in Ladner's Landing in 1891, at the age of 31. Lina assumed the mother role to the young children. The family moved to Vernon to purchase an already-established practice. Since Dr. Reinhard considered it improper to live with an unmarried woman, he moved to Barkerville for a year and became house physician there. By 1893, he had returned to Vernon and had married his sister-in-law, Caroline Buchbinder.

Dr. Reinhard came to practice medicine in Salmon Arm in 1906. In 1910 he purchased the Orange Hall and remodelled the building for offices. The Salmon Arm practice was sold in 1913 when Dr. Reinhard became seriously ill. He returned to Salmon Arm in 1916 and practiced for a year. Dr. Reinhard also moved his practice to Armstrong and Nelson, while his family remained in Vernon. In 1907 he bought and built a pre-fabricated house on the East Hill of Vernon. Eventually, Dr. Reinhard practiced medicine in the logging camps on the Queen Charlotte Islands and then became the director of the government hospital in Bella Coola. He died of a heart attack in 1922 and is buried in Vernon alongside of his wife, Lina, and his sons Gus and Oscar.

Richards (family)
MS 54 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Family · 1897-1986

Norman Sydney Richards (1897-1986) was born in Bristol, England. He was the youngest brother of the Rt. Honourable Lord Milverton. Richards was educated at Clifton College, Bristol, and immigrated to Salmon Arm in 1914 with his widowed mother, Amelia, and her travelling companion, Miss South. Richards purchased land with the goal of developing an orchard. He had heard of the Salmon Arm area through his mother, who met a friend of the Ehlers family in Bristol, England.

Richards returned to England to join the war effort, leaving his mother behind to supervise the completion of the family home. Richards went to France in 1917. His mother returned to Bristol.

Richards was injured in 1917 and he spent the next two years recovering. He met and married Pearl Cullimore of Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Miss Cullimore had been working as a VAD while Richards was recuperating from his war wounds. Richards and his bride, "Peter", relocated to Salmon Arm in 1919. The couple had two daughters, Pam and Esme.

Lack of water resulted in Richards giving up the orchard. He took poultry correspondence courses and opened a hatchery operation. He took a partner, F. Frank, for a few years but the relationship dissolved by 1930.

In 1929 Pearl returned to England for surgery, taking the two girls with her. They remained for a year, the daughters attending a school for young ladies.

The hatchery closed in 1962. Richards continued to sell vegetables, cherries and flowers. In 1981 the land was designated as residential and taxes increased.

Richards was admitted to hospital in 1983 and died in 1986 at the age of 89. Richards enjoyed fishing and tennis. He was a charter member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 62.

Pearl Cullimore (1899-1991) was born in Berkeley, Gos., England. She married Norman Richards in 1919 and immigrated to Canada as a wartime bride. Mrs. Richards worshipped at St. John's Anglican Church in Salmon Arm. She was secretary-treasurer of the Altar Guild for many years. Pearl enjoyed tennis, boating, camping, and gardening.

Ruth (family)
MS 55 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Family · 1883-1981

Percy A. Ruth was a pioneer in the conifer tree seed business in British Columbia and particularly in the Salmon Arm area of Shuswap.

Percy Ruth first came to the Shuswap from Carman, Manitoba in 1907 at the age of 24 years, to visit his sister and brother-in-law. His parents, Mr and Mrs A.R. Ruth moved from Carman to Salmon Arm in 1908 and established a retail business. Subsequently, Percy returned to Salmon Arm to assist in the family business, and in 1913, married Lyla Margaret McDiarmid. Their children were: Dorothy Margaret b. 13 October, 1914; Donald Frederick b. 19 May, 1918; Douglas Stewart b. 11 September, 1932.

Lyla McDiarmid was born in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. Her parents Stuart and Catherine McDiarmid, moved to Salmon Arm in 1909. Lyla was the second eldest of nine children. She was very active in the United church and sang in the choir. She loved skating and long walks and her family was very important to her.

At the outbreak of WWI, Percy joined the Rocky Mountain Rangers and became a sergeant in the Military Police stationed in Kamloops. Following the war, a few years were spent working in various jobs at the coast, but prior to 1922, he returned to Salmon Arm. In that year, the Dominion of Canada Forestry Branch Department of the interior established the first seed extraction plant in New Westminster. Four years later, the forestry office in Salmon Arm received a request from the Dominion Forestry Branch for conifer seed.

Percy Ruth welcomed a new business challenge and the promising source of extra income and in 1927 became a seed supplier. His son, Douglas R. Ruth wrote the history of the Conifer Seed Business and dedicated it to the Secwepemc, the First People of the Shuswap who were major contributors to the business with their knowledge and skills.

MS 56 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Person · 1879 - 1932

Mr. Eustace Claude Savile was born in England. He was educated in Bristol at Clifton College. He took his B.A. at Cambridge University. He spent time in a Swiss Sanitorium for his health and reportedly came to Canada for his health.

Mr. E.C. Savile and his wife arrived in Salmon Arm in 1910. He purchased forty acres from Mr. William Campbell in South Canoe. He contracted Gibbard and Boutwell to build a home for he and his wife.

Mr. Savile planted an orchard. While it was maturing, he decided to return to the practice of law and wrote the B.C. Bar Admissions in 1912. He opened an office in Salmon Arm, practicing as a solicitor. Later, by newspaper accounts, Savile also acted as a barrister.

During the winter months Savile commuted by horse and sleigh to Salmon Arm. The journey was difficult in winter time. When the orchard matured enough to produce, Savile sold the land and built a brick house near Bastion School.

Savile practiced law for twenty-two years. In his legal capacity he acted for the District of Salmon Arm. Mr. Savile was also well respected by the Kamloops Bar.

Savile's community service work was varied and included membership in the Board of Trade, treasurer of the library, honourary advisor to the hospital, president of the Salmon Arm Golf and Country Club, and a warden of St. John's Church.

Savile was a keen fisherman and drowned in a fishing accident at Little River near Adams River in 1932.

MS 57 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1905-

The District Municipality of Salmon Arm was incorporated in 1905. It used a ward system to allocate public funds. The first District Council included J. Harbell, R. Hobson, W. Baker, D. Sinclair, J. Johnson and H. Donnelly.

On March 12, 1912, the City of Salmon Arm was incorporated. R.K. Scales was the city's first mayor. Aldermen were: W.L. Gibbard, J.E. Lacey, F.C. Haydock, G.M. Warren and W.R. Greenaway. The District continued to be governed separately.

With the incorporation of the City, the District Municipality lost part of the territory it originally controlled and many taxpayers. The city boundaries did not include one complete ward of the district.

The municipality and city were reunited on September 1, 1970 with the governing council of the new District of Salmon Arm. The members of both councils completed their terms of office and a complete council was elected.

MS 58 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1898-

Salmon Arm Agricultural Society was formed in 1898 with the mandate to hold an Annual Fair and Cattle Show at Salmon Arm. The first fall fair was held in 1897. A search for permanent fair grounds was actively discussed in 1908. In 1910 a committee recommended the purchase of five acres at an estimated cost of two thousand dollars, the committee further recommended that a skating rink and exhibition building be built at a cost of three thousand dollars.

The Association received its certificate of incorporation in 1911 and then issued twenty-five dollar debentures to raise funds to build a hall. The building was opened in 1912. The fair was cancelled in 1914, for lack of stock sheds. The necessary sheds were completed and the fair was held in 1915.

MS 60 · Corporate body · 1952-1966

The Salmon Arm Elementary Parent-Teacher Association was formed to promote the welfare of children and youth in the Salmon Arm Elementary School. The group raised funds, gave awards and scholarships, sold calendars, sponsored graduation and teachers' banquets and held dances.

Salmon Arm Elementary School
MS 60 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1922-2003

The first Elementary School in downtown Salmon Arm opened in August, 1898 in a building on the north side of Front Street, on the site of the present (2004) Lordco business. Between 1898 and 1908, classes were held in various locations, but in August, 1908, a new four -room school was opened on Harris street (2nd Avenue NE). This school, known as City School, was destroyed when fire broke out in the basement, shortly after 10.00 a.m., January 31, 1917. The building was evacuated in an orderly fashion. The loss of this building once again necessitated classes being conducted in buildings around town until a new school on Harris Street was completed in January, 1919.

By 1922, the need for more Elementary School space, plus an increased demand for High School classrooms, saw the construction of a new High School which later became the Salmon Arm Elementary School.

Throughout the 1940s, overcrowding forced classes once again to be held in temporary quarters such as City Hall, and repeated by-laws for new schools were defeated by the public. Finally, in June 1949, another plan which called for the construction of a new Junior-Senior High School (J.L. Jackson) and conversion of the High School to an Elementary School was presented to the rate-payers and was approved. In September 1950, the Minister of Education, Hon W. T. Smith, opened the two schools

By the 1990s, the elementary school boasted eleven divisions from kindergarten to grade seven and a full and part-time staff of 20-25 people. However, the late 1990s saw the effects of a declining birth rate, a change in demographics, and the government's decision to consolidate enrolment in fewer classrooms. In 2003, despite strong protests from parents, students, and educators, Salmon arm Elementary closed its doors.

MS 61 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1928-

The Salmon Arm Golf and Country Club was formed in 1928. Shares were sold at $25 each. The first officers elected were Messrs. Curor, Metford, Naylor, Richards, Pangman and Jephson. Land was purchased from the municipality.

Memberships were set at $10 for men and $5 for ladies. Dues for the season were $6 for men and $3 for ladies and minors.

The club laid out six holes, grass was mowed, grounds were excavated and sand was hauled in for the greens. The club was officially opened on June 20, 1928. By August of the same year there were 83 shareholders and fifty playing members. A horse drawn hay mower was purchased the same year to keep the grounds.

Salmon Arm Joint Water Board
MS 62 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1943-1970

In 1943 a Joint Committee of three members from the City and District Municipal Councils (Salmon Arm, B.C.) met to pursue obtaining costs and information on a joint water scheme. Mayor H.W. Scales, Alderman T.H. Elliott and Alderman W.K. Smith were delegates for the city. District representatives consisted of councillors Farmer, McMulland and Stoner.

In February 1944 a petition of 110 property owners was presented to the Salmon Arm District Council requesting that property owners from Broadview, North Canoe and other sections in the eastern part be serviced by the District water system. Three Broadview Water Board representatives present at the meeting were C. Darrell, J.G. Campbell and A.G. Laitinen.

It was recommended to the City and District Councils that all accumulated data be turned over to Mr. Wade, a consulting engineer from Kamloops. The committee met with C. Varcoe, engineer of the Water Rights Branch at Kamloops and M.L. Wade, a consulting engineer for the committee to discuss forming a water district. Wade was retained as engineer.

In 1946 the Broadview Water District resolved that the Broadview Waterworks District with all its rights and powers be transferred to the District Municipality of Salmon Arm with the proviso that the Broadview Waterworks District retain all its assets and profits until the new system is ready to supply water to its owners.

The Board continued until amalgamation of the village and district. In 1970 it was moved to dissolve the Salmon Arm Joint Water Board.

Salmon Arm Lawn Bowling Club
MS 63 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1975-

Salmon Arm had a history of lawn bowling, but the pitch was destroyed in the 1948 flood at McGuire Grove. An group gathered to build a new green. The people interested included: Laura Hunter, Ed Blanc, CP Nelson, Gordon and Hazel Robertson, Ernest Hilker, Otto Young, Gordon Sissons, Dave Fawcett, Bill Lilly, George Reynolds, Albert and Evelyn Smith, Joe and Connie Howard, Ray and Hylda Jcacob, Mr. And Mrs. H. Le Clair, Norman and Ruthe Phillips, Grace van der Meer, Ken Kyles, Ed Clarke, Andy Tilley, Alma Dobie, and Bill and Ann McKilvington. The group applied to the British Columbia Lottery Fund and the Salmon Arm Lions Club for funds, commissioned a plan, and worked with local and provincial contractors to complete the project.

MS 64 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1939-1946

A meeting was held December 27, 1939 at the home of Mrs. A.D. Meek to create the "Salmon Arm Little Theatre Association." Officers elected included President Tom Prescott, Vice President Lois Aitcheson, Secretary-Treasurer E. Doe. D. Thomson was responsible for scenery and Elsie Buchan for costumes. The group practiced in the local high school. Performance proceeds were donated to the Canadian Red Cross Society. The group was a member of the BC Drama Association and the UBC Play Lending Library. A set of bylaws titled "Rules and Constitution" was adopted in 1941.

A group of interested people met in 1946 to consider the revival of the former Little Theatre Association. The executive included T. Prescott, Fred Gorse, Miss H. Chambers, H.M Bigwood and Mrs. Yerburgh. The purpose of the club was to produce dramatic, operatic and musical plays and sketches. Members re-drafted a constitution and by-laws.

MS 65 · Corporate body · 1921-2002

Formed in 1926, the Old Time Dance Crowd was the result of a private birthday party. Participants at a dance at the Finn Hall enjoyed the old time dances so much, they continued to meet every three weeks, dancing to the music of A. McPhail. In 1928, the group elected an executive, drafted rules and regulations and moved their dances to the Salmon Arm Womens’ Institute Hall.

In the late 1930s the name was changed to the Salmon arm Old Time Dance Club and rules of behavior were officially adopted.

A very successful 75th anniversary dance was held in March, 2001 in spite of a drop in membership from 120 to about 50. The club enjoyed many of the same dances over the seventy-five years. Waltzes, quadrilles, minuets, two-steps, seven-steps, the Jersey, schottische, Log Cabin, reels, polkas, Lancers, Veleta and Bon Ton were all dances done in the 1930s. In 1959, the one-step, Ranger’s, Waltz, Ranger’s Polka, Lili Marlene, the Roberts, Varsoviana and Casey Jones were added.

Following the 75th anniversary party, the club decided to become inactive for a year. It folded in November of 2002 and the assets were disbursed .

Salmon Arm Sonnet Contest
MS 66 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1984-1998

In October, 1984, an advertisement appeared in Reader's Digest and Chatelaine: "More people in Canada drink Martini Extra Dry than compose sonnets in Salmon Arm...just". Alderman Don Rogers took up the challenge with the help of Okanagan College Instructor, Les Ellenor and created the Salmon Arm Sonnet Contest.

The popular competition ran yearly until 1998. Dignitaries such as Provincial Premiers, CBC and newspaper personalities and prominent educators were asked to promote the contest nationally and even participate if so inclined. There was radio, TV and newspaper coverage throughout Canada. Entry fees initially were $2.00. These increased to $5.00 and $6.00 eventually. Entries were limited to two per person. Local sponsors offered the following prizes: 1st. - $500.00 and a week in Salmon Arm; 2nd. - $250.00 and a week-end in Salmon Arm; 3rd. - Canadian books from Okanagan College.

S.A.F.E. Ltd.
MS 67 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1913-1976

The Salmon Arm Farmers’ Exchange operated a shipping organization that expanded into the retail market. Local retail merchants objected to the expansion and petitioned the C.P.R. (Canadian Pacific Railway) to control the activities of its leaseholder, The Salmon Arm Farmers’ Exchange. In 1913 the C.P.R. served the Exchange with a notice demanding the organization vacate the premises within thirty days and cancelled the lease. The Exchange was in violation by operating a retail business. As a result, The S.A.F.E. Limited, Salmon Arm’s first co-operative retail store was created. On April 30, 1914 shareholders appointed Robert Turner, Frank Black, James Evans, W.J. Andrew, and G.G. Barber as Directors. G.G. Barber was made Manager.

In response to the eviction, a lot was purchased by The S.A.F.E. Limited August 3, 1914, for $1700, located across from the Salmon Arm Farmers’ Exchange on Shuswap Street. The lot was cleared, except for the R.K. Scales Store. The Salmon Arm Farmers’ Exchange financed the construction of The S.A.F.E. Limited building. In 1914, a $900/year lease agreement was drawn up between The Salmon Arm Farmers’ Exchange and The S.A.F.E. Limited. The retail operation boomed. Purchases were made in cash. No credit was issued. On July 18, 1917 an agreement was drawn up between the two associations detailing commodities carried, sales practices and procedures. On March 1, 1918 an agreement to rent to own was drawn up. August 29, 1933, The S.A.F.E. Limited fulfilled the agreement. The ownership of the building transferred to The S.A.F.E. Limited.

August 25, 1956 saw the store levelled by fire. The building was reconstructed during the winter of 1956-57 by Mackie and Hooper Construction Co. Ltd. of Vernon, B.C. and opened November, 1957. Unanticipated construction costs combined with opening delays, drained The S.A.F.E. Limited financially. Shareholders entered into an agreement with the B.C. Co-operative Wholesale Society for sale of assets of The S.A.F.E. Limited. On November 21, 1959 the newly incorporated Shuswap Consumers’ Cooperative Association bought the equity of The S.A.F.E. Limited.

The S.A.F.E. Limited Holding Society was incorporated January 6, 1961 Ato safe guard the interests of the former shareholders of The S.A.F.E. Limited and to maintain contact between such former shareholders as part of the payment consisted of debentures to run for fifteen years@. The board consisted of President D.F. Marshall, Secretary Treasurer Ernest Doe, and Directors C.C. Barker, E.C. Turner, Hjalmar Peterson, and S.F. Hanna. Annual meetings were held until there were no outstanding debts, liabilities, or obligations. The S.A.F.E. Holding Society surrendered its charter July 15, 1976. The history of Salmon Arm’s first retail cooperative came to an end.

MS 69 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 2003-2006

With the centennial of the community of Salmon Arm approaching, a steering committee was formed to co-ordinate celebrations. It first met June 2003. As it was a short term venture, the committee did not apply for non-profit status.

The Steering Committee reported to the District of Salmon Arm. It met weekly and hosted a monthly community meeting with different organizations (such as the Salmon Arm Museum at R.J. Haney Heritage Village). The office was at the Salmar Classic Theatre, 362 Alexander Street, Salmon Arm (V1E 4P2).

Committee members included:
Louise Wallace, Volunteer Co-chair (private citizen)
Warren Welter, Volunteer Co-chair (private citizen)
Duncan Myers, Salmon Arm Museum
Patrick Allwood, Town Crier
Allan Finch, Treasurer
Tony Burge, Sunwave Centre
James Young, Promowest Promotional Products
Sandy Shepherd, Co-ordinator, Shuswap Recreation Society, and
Doug Lagore, District of Salmon Arm (replaced by Carl Bannister after Lagore’s move to Alberta).

The committee received its mandate from the District of Salmon Arm. It was to help groups co-ordinate their own centennial events. The committee organized three main events: The New Year Eve Celebration, the City’s official birthday party on May 15, and the 10-day Homecoming Celebration in July. The May celebration noted a change in the community’s status. The mayor Colin Mayes read a proclamation announcing the creation of the City of Salmon Arm.
Community volunteers ran the events with help from Katimavik workers.

Each of the days of the Homecoming had a different theme:
Saturday: Heritage Day
Sunday: Cultural Day
Monday: Agri-tourism Day
Tuesday: Pioneer Day
Wednesday: Market Day (with the Wild West show in downtown Salmon Arm)
Thursday: Forestry Day
Friday: Railway Day
Saturday: Wharf Day, and
Sunday: Reunion Day.

Funding was a partnership between the District of Salmon Arm, Community Futures, Twin Anchors, the new car dealers of Salmon Arm, Prestige Inn, and gold, silver and bronze sponsors.

The celebration was promoted in parades throughout the province and the Calgary Stampede. The float was designed to look like a paddlewheeler and carried the mascot, Patrick Allwood, the Town Crier.

Events included:
Fall Fair, Fifties Block Party, High School Reunion
Heroes and Rogues Exhibit by Craig Pulsifer
Party of the Century (May 15/05)
Fiber Alive exhibit and fashion show,
Heritage Ball
RCMP Musical Ride
Antique Appraisal Day at Haney Heritage Park
Homecoming (July 1-10)
New Year’s Eve Centennial Extravaganza
Taste of the Shuswap
Scavenger Hunt
Lantern Festival
Shuswap Writers Centennial Competition
Wild West Show
Town Crier Competition

Merchandizing included Books, DVDs and a coin.

MS 70 · Corporate body · 1979-2019

Gordon and Gladys Thompson started a square dance group in 1979 at Shuswap Lake Estates Hall under the name of Estate Squares. The couple were experienced and had called at the Y.M.C.A. in Vancouver. They offered lessons for a couple of seasons and operated the caller-run club until 1984. Interest grew and, as membership increased, the group moved to the Blind Bay Hall. The first class of dancers graduated on April 28, 1981 and the club adopted the name of Ta’Lana Twirlers of Blind Bay.

Graduation played a big part in the growth of the club. A square dance candlelight service ensured that new members were encouraged to join.

In 1984 the club started hosting an Easter Bunny Dance on Easter Monday at the Sorrento Hall with a special guest caller. The club had attempted to have an Easter Hat Parade, but dropped the idea for lack of interest. In 1985 Audrey Rinas designed the club badges and banner. The same year the club joined the Thompson Valley Square Dance Association.

Presidents of the Association include:
• Gordon and Gladys Thompson (1979-1984)
• Joe Abear 1984-1986
• Ken Morrison 1986-1988
• Ed Strome 1988-1990
• Alf Ames 1990-1992
• Denis Benson 1992-1994
• Bob Stewart 1994-1997
• Ted Vlooswick 1997-2002
• Dennis Benson 2006-2008
• Darcey Venables 2009-2010
• Bud Schaffer 2010-2012
• Graham Bickle 2013-2014
• George Alison 2014-2019

Club callers include:
• Gordon and Gladys Thompson
• Ed and Darlene Wagstaff
• Gerry Lander
• Laurie and June New
• John Collier
• Art and Dot Poirier
• Peter and Carolyn Weel
• Rene and Joan Bourget
• Don Heichert
• Fred Adams (Cuing help Gerry Lander)
• Mariann Sanford

Salmon Arm Pioneer Society
MS 70 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1977-2004

An organization meeting of interested people gathered January 25, 1977 with an aim to establish a Pioneer Rest Home in Salmon Arm. After much discussion, The Pioneer Lodge Society accepted in principal the idea to build a joint facility for intermediate care.

After an extensive search for property, a proposal was created for the Shuswap Lake General Hospital to jointly administer Pioneer Lodge on hospital property in 1980. The architectural firm Gardiner Thornton Partnership of Vancouver created the plans. In 1981 the society borrowed monies, not in the excess of $3,364,778, for the purpose of constructing a Long Term Care Facility. In March construction contracts were signed, with a ground breaking March 18. The following year, May 27, 1982, the first resident arrived. That fall, September 11, 1982, an official opening took place.

At the opening the board consisted of: Margaret Doe, President, Nancy Irwin, Vice-President, Margaret Lund, Hazel Robertson, Shirley Stewart, William Cawsey, Ivy Ford, Janet Cloutier, Joan Mitchell and Alf Ames, Provincial Government Appointee. Adam Yuzwa was the Administrator and Doris Ringer the Director of Resident Care.

The provincial government closed Pioneer Lodge sometime between 2004 and 2005. The Good Samaritans successfully bid on the operation. They remodeled the facility, changing it from a 74 bed plus one respite bed residence to a 30 to 35 residence for assisted living.

Salmon Arm 4-H Club
MS 71 · Corporate body · 1961-1991

According to the BC 4-H Club website, the Boys and Girls Club came into being in 1914. In the first year, over 200 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 were involved in competitions sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. The first clubs focused on potatoes, but later expanded to poultry in order to attract more young people and widen the influence of progressive farming practices on the BC farming community (see footnote below for source). When a local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club was formed in Salmon Arm is not known, but the Club was first mentioned in the Salmon Arm Observer in 1917.

The Boys and Girls Club was renamed 4-H in 1952. The name stood for the 4-Hs were: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The Four objectives of the 4-H are:

  1. To train the heads and hands of the boys and girls.
  2. To give them broad and big hearts.
  3. To improve their health by giving them an interest in outdoor life.
  4. To encourage, on the part of all Canadians, a strong and more intelligent interest in agriculture.
    The objectives are accomplished by competing and exhibiting at Fall Fairs.

The motto of the club is “Learn to do by doing.”

Oddly, the first mention of the 4-H Club in the Salmon Arm Observer was in 1951 as members of Armstrong, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Lumby 4-H Clubs joined together to attend
the PNE in Vancouver.

Over the years there were multiple branches within the Club including Beef, Dairy, Horse, Goat, Honey Bee, and Clothing Clubs. A 4-H District Council served the area from Sicamous, Mara, Grindrod, Deep Creek, Salmon Arm and Sorrento.

Footnote: History of BC 4-H Club https://www.4hbc.ca/contact/history

MS 72 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1959-1986

S.A.F.E., a business parented by the Salmon Arm Farmers' Exchange, was the first retail co-operative store in Salmon Arm. When its buildings on Front Street and Shuswap Avenue were destroyed by fire in 1956, the business viability was threatened. At a special meeting , November 21st, 1959, it was resolved to liquidate the assets to the newly formed Shuswap Consumers' Co-operative Association which was incorporated in 1958.

The 1960s was a decade of operational disappointments for the new association and at a special membership meeting in January 1970, amalgamation with the Revelstoke and Shuswap Consumers' Co-operative was presented.

On September 1st, 1971, Shuswap Consumers' Co-operative Association, by special resolution, became Mainline Co-operative.

The next five years realized sufficient growth to encourage the association to consider expansion. Feasibility studies were done and in 1976, the decision was made to build and develop a shopping mall on the perimeter of Salmon Arm.

On September 15, 1977, the Mainline Co-operative opened the Cedarvale Centre at the corner of 10th Street S.W. and 10th Avenue S.W. It operated at this location until 1986 when it closed its doors.

MS 73 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Corporate body · 1990-2008

Sivertz and Company was formed in 1990. The law firm is a descendant of the private practice of Eustace Claude Savile. Mr. Savile began a practice in Salmon Arm in 1912 and operated it until 1932 when he died.

Stirling (family)
MS 74 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Family · 1857-1945

Charles James Robert Stirling (C.J.R. Stirling) was born in 1857 in Bath, England. In 1874, at the age of 17, he was commissioned in the Imperial Army and joined his regiment in India where he served for a number of years.

After returning to England, he emigrated to Canada in 1881 and involved himself in various business ventures in Ontario and Montreal. In 1885, he married Miss Frances Strathey (b. 1860) of London, Ontario. We know that one of their daughters, Ethel Marie-Louise, was born in Montreal in 1892.

The family returned to England in 1900 and remained there for ten years, but in 1910, Mr. Stirling emigrated once again to Canada. This time he headed to British Columbia and eventually settled in Salmon Arm where he bought the original McGuire Ranch, but soon sold it and bought the Barr Fruit Ranch on Lakeshore Road. It wasn't until 1913, when he was settled in Salmon Arm, that Mrs. Stirling and the children joined him. Although they travelled back to England for extended visits, the family made Salmon Arm their permanent residence. Their children were Elvira, Ethel (Mrs. R. Belli-Bivar), Mrs. Luard Carveth-Wells, Mrs. John Freeman, and an only son, Gordon, who was killed in WW I in France.

Earl Tomyn
MS 75 · Person · 1932-2003

Earl Alvin Tomyn was born 10 April, 1932,on a farm in Margo, Saskatchewan to Mike and Anna Tomyn. One of ten children, Tomyn is of Ruthenian descent. His parents immigrated to Canada from Austria, through Ellis Island in 1910.

Tomyn began elementary school at the age of 8 in 1940, completing his public school studies in 1951. He worked in a variety of jobs including the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company in Flin Flon, Manitoba (1952), the oil fields in Leduc, at Canadian Equipment Sales and Service Co. in Edmonton (1953) and in a pharmacy in Lucky Lake, Sask. (1954). Tomyn then worked as a reporter for AThe Post@ in Fairview Alberta (1954) and for Fairview Photo (1955). Wanting further training, Tomyn enrolled in the Falk School of Professional Photography in Maryville, Missouri, graduating in 1956. His jobs included working at Heath Photography in Melfort, Sask, then Fairview Photo Studio 1956-1957). In 1957 he worked at Edstrom Studio in Winona, Minnesota. Tired of the wages, Tomyn moved back to Flin Flon, Manitoba to work for Mid West Diamond Drilling as a relief driller and timekeeper. At Mid West he created a commissary for other employees.

From 1958 to 1960 Tomyn owned and operated Earl=s Photo Studio at Leader Saskatchewan. In 1960 he moved to Edmonton, working for Goertz Photo Studio, as a contracted photographer for the Edmonton Journal. In 1961 he moved to Camrose, to work at Langbell=s studio. During 1963 Tomyn moved frequently, working in the resource and construction sectors in Clearwater, BC, Pinepoint, NWT and Little Fort, BC.

In 1965 Tomyn moved to Avola and worked as a driller for Emil Anderson Construction. He and his family moved to Salmon Arm, where he worked for Federated Cooperative in Canoe. From 1969 to 1976 Tomyn operated Earl's Photo Studio in Salmon Arm. From 1976 to 1993 Tomyn returned to work at Federated Cooperative as a forklift driver and watchman.

While in Salmon Arm, Tomyn took an active interest in First United Church, The Salmon Arm Fall Fair Board, The Lions Club, Salmon Arm Light Horse Academy, and Salmon Arm Museum. In 1980,he wrote the The History of Margo Sask ,a 400 page volume encompassing the history of the area and it=s people from the early 1900's . He also compiled a phonetic language dictionary of English to Ruthenian.

On November 5, 1966 Tomyn married Marjorie Kernaghan [1937-1991]. The couple had two children, Michael Walter, born Aug. 8, 1967 and Anne Marie, born March 10, 1969.

Earl Tomyn died at his home in Blind Bay, BC with his family around him on 13 October, 2003.

Turner, Eddie C.
MS 76 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Person · 1909-1971

Edward Charles Turner [1909-1971] was born in Salmon Arm and attended school in the community. His parents, Robert and Maude Turner were pioneers to the area and arrived in Salmon Arm in 1892. The family ran an orchard and packing house. Edward was the eldest of four children.

Eddie Turner married Eileen M. Hazel (nee Stewart) in the late 1940's. Eddie adopted Eileen's only son, Richard. The couple had no children of their own. Richard and his new bride Lynda (nee Thurston) were tragically killed in 1966 at Lytton, returning from their wedding in Vancouver.

Following Robert Turner's death in 1950, Eddie took over management of the family fruit growing and packing operation. The packing house closed in the fall of 1950 following the big freeze of 1950.

Eddie Turner was interested in the Non-Permanent Active Militia. In 1939 he was commissioned lieutenant in the Rocky Mountain Rangers. He served in Kamloops at the outbreak of W.W. II. Later he was the officer in charge of the army munitions dump north of Kamloops. He was honourably discharged in 1941 for medical reasons.

Eddie was elected Reeve in May of 1952. He headed district council for ten years, stepping down in July 31, 1961.

Eddie's interests included hydroplane racing and collecting Canadian stamps. He was an active Liberal, serving as president of the local party organization for fifteen years. He was a member of the Salmon Arm Masonic Lodge and interested in Legion affairs.

Eileen Mabel Stewart [1912 -1987] was born in Vancouver. According to June Turner, she married a Mr. Hazel and lived in Vulcan, Alberta. The couple had one son, Richard in 1944. When Eileen relocated to Salmon Arm she worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Turner, Edward Charles
MS 76 (Salmon Arm Museum) · Person · 1909-1971

Edward Charles Turner [1909-1971] was born in Salmon Arm and attended school in the community. His parents, Robert and Maude (nee McGuire) Turner were pioneers to the area and arrived in Salmon Arm in 1892. The family ran an orchard and packing house. Edward was the eldest of four children.
Eddie Turner married Eileen M. Hazel (nee Stewart) in the late 1940's. Eddie adopted Eileen's only son, Richard. The couple had no children of their own. Richard and his new bride Lynda (nee Thurston) were tragically killed in 1966 at Lytton BC, returning from their wedding in Vancouver.

Following Robert Turner's death in 1950, Eddie took over management of the orchard and packing operation known as R Turner and Sons Ltd. The packing house closed in the fall of 1950 following the big freeze of 1950. The company remained active as the original land base, along the highway and McGuire Lake, became subdivided for school, hospital and medical office buildings as well as residential holdings.

Eddie was interested in the Non-Permanent Active Militia. In 1939 he was commissioned lieutenant in the Rocky Mountain Rangers. He served in Kamloops at the outbreak of WW II. Later he was the officer in charge of the army munitions dump north of Kamloops. He was honourably discharged in 1941 for medical reasons.

Eddie was elected as Reeve of the District of Salmon Arm in May of 1952. He headed district council for ten years, stepping down in July 31, 1961.

Eddie's interests included hydroplane racing and collecting Canadian stamps. He was an active Liberal, serving as president of the local party organization for fifteen years. He was a member of the Salmon Arm Masonic Lodge and interested in Legion affairs.

Eileen Mabel Stewart [19 -1987] was born in Vancouver BC. According to June Turner, she married a Mr. Hazel and lived in Vulcan, Alberta. The couple had one son, Richard, in 1944. When Eileen relocated to Salmon Arm, she worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.