history

Originally the Summerland Reservoir was a glacial lake formed from surrounding groundwater. Former names have included Barclay Lake and Balcomo Lake. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum.)

Summerland’s reservoir was once a glacial lake

Water supply has had many names over the years.

 

This is a photograph of the 1909 to 1910 Garnet Valley School students. The teacher was Miss Ballantyne on the left and her assistant Miss Sherk. In today’s classrooms, ventilation with fresh air will be a important part in containing COVID-19 infections. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum.)

A century ago, Summerland had small schools

Outlying communities each had their own schools in early 1900s

 

In 1907, Summerland’s first council consisted of five people, all elected by acclamation. In the top row from left are reeve J.M. Robinson, R.H. Agur and J.R. Brown. In the bottom row are J. C. Ritchie at left and C.J. Thomson. (Photos courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Summerland’s first council was elected by acclamation

Reeve and four councillors were elected in December, 1906

 

To guarantee water supply in 1933, Summerland’s Dominion Research Station (now Summerland Research and Development Centre) installed its own Okanagan Lake pumping station. Today, all communities on Okanagan Lake use lake water to supplement their water systems, except the District of Summerland. (Photo courtesy Summerland Museum)

Dominion Research Station once drew water from Okanagan Lake

In 1930s, facility in Summerland used lake water to have a guaranteed supply

To guarantee water supply in 1933, Summerland’s Dominion Research Station (now Summerland Research and Development Centre) installed its own Okanagan Lake pumping station. Today, all communities on Okanagan Lake use lake water to supplement their water systems, except the District of Summerland. (Photo courtesy Summerland Museum)
The early years of Rosedale Avenue dating back to 1911. Rosedale Avenue in Summerland has gone through many changes since this picture was taken in the early 1900s. In the background is St. Stephen Anglican Church. To the left, is the newly built home of Judge Kelley. This home still exists. It is the central portion of the Providence Funeral Home. Judge Kelley named the street Rosedale Avenue. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Rosedale Avenue in Summerland dates to 1910

Some early buildings in the area still remain

  • Oct 20, 2020
The early years of Rosedale Avenue dating back to 1911. Rosedale Avenue in Summerland has gone through many changes since this picture was taken in the early 1900s. In the background is St. Stephen Anglican Church. To the left, is the newly built home of Judge Kelley. This home still exists. It is the central portion of the Providence Funeral Home. Judge Kelley named the street Rosedale Avenue. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
The community of Summerland was affected by a diphtheria outbreak in 1911. (Summerland Museum image)

Diphtheria outbreak affected Summerland in 1911

Contagious bacterial infection had 10 per cent fatality rate

The community of Summerland was affected by a diphtheria outbreak in 1911. (Summerland Museum image)
This photograph shows Rutherford Avenue with Prairie Valley Road in the distance. R.H. Agur, future reeve (mayor) of Summerland, inspects the new orchards. The home to the right is Sir Edmund Osler’s orchard home. Osler was the national president of the Dominion Bank (later TD bank). (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum.)

Prominent Canadians once owned orchards in Summerland

Area around Rutherford Avenue included an orchard owned by Sir Edmund Osler

This photograph shows Rutherford Avenue with Prairie Valley Road in the distance. R.H. Agur, future reeve (mayor) of Summerland, inspects the new orchards. The home to the right is Sir Edmund Osler’s orchard home. Osler was the national president of the Dominion Bank (later TD bank). (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum.)
Amanda Hope was 14 when she wrote her note in a bottle. It was 31 years before anyone read it. (Contributed)

Okanagan woman shocked by return of letter in a bottle, after 31 years

‘I honestly didn’t think it would get past the beaver pond.’

Amanda Hope was 14 when she wrote her note in a bottle. It was 31 years before anyone read it. (Contributed)
You might have the entire museum to yourself and your group this fall with small bookings in order to adhere to public health guidelines. (Greater Vernon Museum and Archives)

Fewer people, but more visits added to North Okanagan museum

‘Often, you may have the entire museum to yourself and your group, which could be very cool.’

You might have the entire museum to yourself and your group this fall with small bookings in order to adhere to public health guidelines. (Greater Vernon Museum and Archives)
Members of the Okanagan Historical Society have asked Summerland council for help in preserving an old cabin. One suggestion has been to dismantle the cabin and have it relocated to another site. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Okanagan Historical Society requests action from Summerland

Three heritage projects have been presented to municipality

Members of the Okanagan Historical Society have asked Summerland council for help in preserving an old cabin. One suggestion has been to dismantle the cabin and have it relocated to another site. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)
Columbia Park Elementary in under renovations. (Liam Harrap/Revelstoke Review)

40-year-old treasure map unearthed in Revelstoke school during renovations

‘I hope there won’t be too many holes to fill before school starts’ says Columbia Park principal

Columbia Park Elementary in under renovations. (Liam Harrap/Revelstoke Review)
The Okanagan Historical Society’s 84th annual report includes several items about Summerland’s history. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Summerland’s history featured in Okanagan Historical Society’s annual report

Three local historians have contributed articles to 2020 publication

The Okanagan Historical Society’s 84th annual report includes several items about Summerland’s history. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
In 1905, Summerland was the first community in the Okanagan Valley to generate its own electrical power. The small square building in the centre of this picture was Summerland’s Electric Light Plant. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Summerland had first electrical system in Okanagan Valley

Community’s electrical utility was created in 1905

In 1905, Summerland was the first community in the Okanagan Valley to generate its own electrical power. The small square building in the centre of this picture was Summerland’s Electric Light Plant. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
Summerland’s first wedding took place June 1, 1904, when Harry Dunsdon married Annie Stevens. The wedding took place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Giants Head Road. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

First wedding in Summerland was held in 1904

Harry Dunsdon and Annie Stevens were both from Middlesex, England

Summerland’s first wedding took place June 1, 1904, when Harry Dunsdon married Annie Stevens. The wedding took place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Giants Head Road. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
In June 1978, crews were in Summerland to film a movie. The movie filming included a parade along Main Street. Around 2,000 Summerland residents were part of the parade. This included a marching band, led by John Tamblyn. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Movie was filmed in Summerland in 1978

Who’ll Save Our Children was aired on CBS Dec. 16, 1978

  • Aug 18, 2020
In June 1978, crews were in Summerland to film a movie. The movie filming included a parade along Main Street. Around 2,000 Summerland residents were part of the parade. This included a marching band, led by John Tamblyn. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
The Darke Lake area is a popular hunting area. In 1910, hunters from Summerland and Peachland built three cabins. Their names were Ken Hogg, Robert Hogg and Hamilton Lang. Because of their names, the area became know as the Piggeries. One of these hunting cabins still exists. (Photo courtesy of Al Tinka)

Hunting cabins were built west of Summerland

Area around Darke Lake was once known as the Piggeries

The Darke Lake area is a popular hunting area. In 1910, hunters from Summerland and Peachland built three cabins. Their names were Ken Hogg, Robert Hogg and Hamilton Lang. Because of their names, the area became know as the Piggeries. One of these hunting cabins still exists. (Photo courtesy of Al Tinka)
The S.S. Okanagan’s maiden voyage was on April 27 1907. The ship had a capacity of 250 passengers. These ships not only transported people. They were also used for freight and especially important to tow train cars loaded with Okanagan fruit destined for Calgary and other eastern destinations.(Photo courtesy of the Okanagan Archive Trust Society)

Sternwheelers once plied Okanagan Lake

Vessels once transported passengers and goods along the Okanagan Valley

The S.S. Okanagan’s maiden voyage was on April 27 1907. The ship had a capacity of 250 passengers. These ships not only transported people. They were also used for freight and especially important to tow train cars loaded with Okanagan fruit destined for Calgary and other eastern destinations.(Photo courtesy of the Okanagan Archive Trust Society)
Okanagan geologist Murray Raod examines the steep cliffs of Crater Mountain or mkʷiwt quell quell sta, a volcano at Trout Creek Canyon from the Summerland Golf Course. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Active volcanoes in South Okanagan

Crater Mountain is one of 16 volcanoes of the Penticton Group of Volcanoes

Okanagan geologist Murray Raod examines the steep cliffs of Crater Mountain or mkʷiwt quell quell sta, a volcano at Trout Creek Canyon from the Summerland Golf Course. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
According to the 1909 provincial assessment records, Summerland was the most prosperous Okanagan community. This section of Shaughnessy Avenue is now Lakeshore Drive. The last building in the row is the Summerland Hotel, promptly built following the founding of Summerland in 1902. The location of the hotel is now the vacant lot across the street from the present day trout hatchery. Next in the row of buildings is Empire Hall with the Summerland Supply Company using the lower floor. Next is the Lakeshore Telephone Office (prior to expansion) and the post office, followed by George McWilliams’s real estate office. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Summerland Museum to hold walking tours

Community’s past will be explained during series of summer tours

According to the 1909 provincial assessment records, Summerland was the most prosperous Okanagan community. This section of Shaughnessy Avenue is now Lakeshore Drive. The last building in the row is the Summerland Hotel, promptly built following the founding of Summerland in 1902. The location of the hotel is now the vacant lot across the street from the present day trout hatchery. Next in the row of buildings is Empire Hall with the Summerland Supply Company using the lower floor. Next is the Lakeshore Telephone Office (prior to expansion) and the post office, followed by George McWilliams’s real estate office. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
Mohawk Council of Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon discusses the current situation and actions relating to the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

30 years after Oka crisis, Kanesatake land claims remain unresolved

Serge Simon, the current Grand Chief of Kanesatake, vividly remembers the events of July 11, 1990

Mohawk Council of Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon discusses the current situation and actions relating to the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick