This page left intentionally blank

Transcription

1 This page left intentionally blank

2 This page left intentionally blank This page left intentionally blank

3 VOICES OF THE PIONEERS History of the Creston Valley This page left intentionally blank Canyon Street, 1933 Creston Museum

4 Disc 18: Memories of Yesteryear Track 1: Jack Wigen Prominent local businessman Jack Wigen shares details from his ancestry, as well as his journey through childhood in one of our outlying communities, Wyndell, through the 1950 s. Phil Thomas is a long time resident and volunteer within the Valley. He is dedicated to preserving the history of the Creston community Creston Valley Public Library Photos courtesy of the Creston Museum

5 Disc 17: Lakeshore History Track 1: Luanne Armstrong Local writer, Luanne Armstrong shares her experiences growing up as a self-described wild cowgirl on the lakeshore. She speaks about her work, as well as the importance of preserving the history of a community. Rarely these days do we remember the good guys and gals who have made a positive contribution to the human race (the villains seem to dominate world history!) However, in a small community like Creston, residents have the opportunity to leave their positive mark on the evolution of our beautiful valley. It would be a shame if these memories were to disappear. Special thanks to those who made this project possible: Andrew Feltham, expert technician; Bronwyn McKenna, dedicated volunteer; and Jessa Morris, student intern. Finally, thanks to our multi-talented Chief Librarian, Aaron Francis. Kootenay Landing, Phil Thomas, Production Host

6 Disc 1: Creston s First Settlers Track 1: Mick Huscroft & Dawn Sommerfeld Dawn and Mick share memories of their grandparents, William and Jane Huscroft, who were the first white settlers in the Creston Valley. Disc 2: The J.H. Huscroft Legacy Track 1: Mick Huscroft & Dawn Sommerfeld Track 3: Babs Jones Babs Jones speaks about her grandparents who settled in Canyon around She remembers her days attending the 2-room schoolhouse in Canyon. Track 4: Sweyn Gartland Sweyn Gartland s parents emigrated from Norway, and moved to Canyon in He shares his memories of attending school in Canyon during the war years. Track 5: Ron & Ila Nearing Ron and Ila reminisce about the community spirit of Canyon, where they used to attend picnics and ball games. In a second session with Mick and Dawn, they share stories about their father J.H Huscroft, and his legacy in the Valley. Disc 3: Growing Up in Huscroft Track 1: Mick Huscroft & Dawn Sommerfeld Mick and Dawn tell stories of their childhood growing up in Lister, which they called Huscroft at the time. Tie making camp, Yahk, BC

7 Disc 14: High School Memories Track 1: Dick & Vera Staples Dick and Vera talk about the war years and their memories of high school during the second World War. Disc 15: Memories of War Track 1: Norm Husband Norm Husband, a prominent businessman in the valley during the 70 s, shares his personal memories of deployment during WWII. Disc 4: Huscroft Generations Track 1: Nellie Hrisook Nellie Hrisook (nee Huscroft) speaks about growing up in a family of 9, and recounts her memories of Huscroft family picnics, reunions, and hikes. Track 2: Ken Huscroft Ken Huscroft shares memories of his childhood and school days in Creston. He also speaks about his pilot training during the war and taking over the family business. Disc 16: The History of Canyon Track 2: Henri Roberts Henri Roberts became interested in the history of Canyon after researching the home he bought in the community, and has since become a board member of the Canyon Association. He discusses the early history of the Canyon area spanning from its settlement through the depression years. Original Residents of Camp Lister, 1919

8 Disc 5: The History of Erickson Track 1: Sharon Brennan Sharon was instrumental in organizing the Erickson Homecoming, an event celebrating the history of the Erickson area and its first settlers. She shares her first memories of Erickson, including her experiences attending school during the 40 s and 50 s. Track 2: Carole Speaker Carole s grandparents settled in the Valley in Carole grew up in Kimberly, but moved to Erickson in She discusses her return to the Valley. Track 3: Dean Wong Dean Wong shares the history of Sun Kee Farms, which was established in the 1950 s by his grandparents. Dean chronicles the changes the orchard has undergone since its creation until now. Track 4: Marge McFadden Marge McFadden recounts her childhood in Erickson, and her years attending high school in town. Marge s father was a supporter of the flyway in Creston, and his efforts to keep it open served as a precursor to the development of the Wildlife Centre we know today. Track 2: Miriam Standen One of the oldest members of the local Legion, Miriam Standen shares her experiences growing up on a farm, and making it through the depression years. At 99, Miriam also shares her secret to living such a long life. Disc 12: The Standens Track 1: Dorothy & Harold Standen Dorothy and Harold, son and daughter of Miriam Standen, discuss their memories of growing up in town. Track 2: Dorothy & Harold Standen In a second session, Harold and Dorothy share memories of attending school, and working around town. Disc 13: Childhood During the Depression Track 1: Dick & Vera Staples Dick and Vera talk about how they entertained themselves as children during the 30 s, from sledding down Canyon Street to playing practical jokes around town.

9 Disc 10: Life in Town Track 1: Harold Floer Harold speaks about growing up in Alice Siding, and working on the highway pass between Creston and Salmo. Disc 11: Life in Town Cont. Track 1: Bill Constable Disc 6: Life in Erickson Track 1: Ed Gatsky & Elizabeth Schuler Ed Gatsky and Elizabeth Schuler (nee Gatsky) emigrated from Germany to Canada with their parents. They discuss daily life in Erickson during the depression, as well as the family s adjustment to life in a new country. Track 2: Elizabeth Schuler Elizabeth returns to discuss some of the difficulties she and her brother faced as children of German dissent during the Second World War. She also shares her memories of high school in Creston. Bill Constable shares stories of his family s history in the Valley, as well as his memories of childhood in Alice Siding. Grade 9B, Creston High school Aerial view of the Erickson Schoolhouse

10 Disc 7: Life in Erickson Track 1: Ian Currie Ian Currie s grandparents settled in Erickson in 1933, and Ian currently serves as board member at the Creston Museum. He discusses his memories of the Erickson schoolhouse during the 1950 s, including an accident he had on his first day of school. Track 2: Lew & Iva Truscott Lew and Iva Truscott discuss how they met on a blind date, as well as the history and politics of fruit farming in Erickson during the 50 s and 60 s. Disc 8: Industry in Erickson Track 1: Ralph Moore Ralph Moore shares the struggles he faced during elementary school as a child with Attention Deficit Disorder. He also discusses his successful career in the logging industry. Track 2: Ralph Moore Track 1: Introduction In a second session, Ralph shares his views on the future of logging, as well as stories from his hiking expeditions in the Creston area. Track 3: Imma Askevold Imma speaks about her husbands candle making enterprise in Erickson. Disc 9: The Village of Creston Track 1: Bob & Ethel Vigne Bob and Ethel discuss how the Village of Creston became the Town of Creston, by examining how the landscape of the town has changed since the 1930 s. Erickson Orchards