Sir Thomas Shaughnessy’s Summerland Development Company built Summerland’s roads, water and electrical systems.
From 1903 to 1910, each year, Shaughnessy visited Summerland. The Oct. 18, 1907 visit, was proclaimed a half-day municipal holiday.
The 1907 visit was the origin of our Fall Fair. By 1909, Summerland was the most progressive community in the Okanagan Valley.
Satisfied with its progress, Shaughnessy sold the road, water and electrical systems to the District of Summerland.
The development company closed a year later.
This 1908 photograph shows Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, CPR president,visiting to Okanagan.
This photograph is courtesy of the Barkwill family.