THE BASIN RECORD The official newsletter of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 0 8 N O . 2 #2227.0034: Transporting Christmas Trees from Roosville. (Left to right) Doug & Jack McDonald, Sam Phillips, and Mike White ca. 1930 - Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History In the 1930s, tree harvesting for the holiday season was profitable for the people of the South Country in British Columbia. Forests were ripe with luscious fir, pine, and spruce trees waiting to be plucked for the occasion of welcoming Old Saint Nick. The Canadian tradition continues today, with the highly anticipated arrival of the forest's whimsical and delightfully aromatic gems into homes around Christmas. Christmas trees originated in Germany in the 1600s, and German settlers brought the tradition to Canada when they immigrated from abroad. By the mid-1800s, the Christmas tree became a staple for the British Royal Family and soon gained traction overseas in Canada and the United States. The tree is symbolic of evergreen, of which the province of B.C. boasts plenty. In addition, it is thought to possess magical qualities, especially during the winter months. Pagan in origins, the tree remains a fixture in December despite its initial clash with the Christian Church. Canada is responsible for over $64 million in tree sales, including exports of close to two million trees to the U.S. annually. Tree farming is dominant in Quebec, and the east coast, with B.C. a great contributor to the fresh-cut Christmas tree business. Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree - Your branches green delight us. O Christmas Tree
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 0 8 N O . 2 #2409.0015: Ernie Desrosiers breaks a horse ca. 1963. Bottom photos left to right: #2409.0007 Desrosiers cattle and #2409.0015 Desrosiers with his horse ca. 1963. Images courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History Two old Waldo Stockbreeders' Association members, Dennis Dilts and Jack Cutts come to life in 'Cowboy Memories' written by Dilts. Jack is a legendary Elko horse trader, cowboy, and storyteller, and Dennis is an author, cowboy, bush worker, and owner of the WD Ranch. The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History is currently working with the Waldo Stockbreeders Association on a new online exhibit to document the Stockbreeders' organizational history and membership since 1939. Association members continue to produce a large volume of cattle for local and broader distribution. Dilts in 'Cowboy Memories' very aptly catches the essence of these men and women still on the ranches of East Kootenay. His horse inspired the poem 'Billy Bay' featured in the book. Dennis Dilts Remembers
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 0 8 N O . 2 Jack Cutts brought him by the Rockies. From out Alberta way. For no particular reason, He called him Billy Bay. They said he was a reject, Not worth the wasted time, So they gave him to old Jack, For not even one thin dime. As soon as I laid eyes on him, I knew this little horse was fine. I couldn't help but dream, Of the day that he'd be mine Now old Jack, he's a horse trader. He knew I wanted him bad, So he wasn't really satisfied, 'Til he took every nickel I had. I took him home and fed him, And gave him some TLC, It wasn't very long, Until he became friends with me. I finally got him broke, It sure was a fight. But, the pleasure it was riding him, Filled my heart with pure delight. He could walk along so graceful, And run like the wind blows. He never lost a single race, As far as anybody knows. He sure was a neck reiner One of the best out on the range. He could turn on a nickel, And give back a little change. I must have rode him a million miles, Over mountains, hills and plains, And to think that I had spoiled him, You'd have to be insane. Now, I've rode a lot of horses, But none near as fine, As the one they called a reject. That little bay of mine. Jack has a reputation: The best horse trader in the land, But I got the best of that deal, when God dealt me the winning hand. Then one day, God up and took him, To his pastures far away. And I wouldn't be surprised, If He's riding Billy Bay. Ode to Billy Bay #2409.0052: The last of the horses from Ernie Desrosiers ranch. Bottom right photos (descending): #0102.0118 Alem and Minnie Dowker on a horse-drawn wooden sleigh ca. 1935 and #2409.0017 Desrosiers' untamed horse - Images courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History and Valemount Historical Society
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 0 8 N O . 2 Good tidings to all #0518.0011: The Maxwells enjoy a day of dog sleighing at Fort Steele with their son Patrick and beloved companion Don, Feb. 1913. Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History While wishing you and yours a delightful holiday season, the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) would like to share some year-end tidings. 2021 has been fruitful, and we have enjoyed numerous changes, including an office move. Board Vice President Linda Anderson has been instrumental in donating many artifacts to the CBIRH, which have been added to our collection and have greatly enriched our resources. Lending his creative expertise and discerning eye, Gert de Groot has worked on several projects with our team, including the panel project for the Triangle Women's Institute. As a result, it received additional funding to complete the entire collection of 20 panels, culminating in a museum-style exhibit in the Pioneer Hall in Grasmere in 2021/2022. To view our latest project with the TWI, please visit:www.trianglewomensinstitute.ca. Our work with the South Country has resulted in a great partnership while also providing a healthy funding supply. Board Chair Chris Johns continues to be an invaluable asset to the Institute, bringing both contracts and connections with School District No. 5 (SD#5) and No. 6 (SD#6). These partnerships have solidified a significant funding source for the CBIRH as we collaborate on projects realized this year and are bringing to fruition in 2022.
#0146.0297: Kimberley Museum volunteers Fran Cormack and Kay Oliver enjoy tea near the Christmas Tree - Photo by Charles Wormington. Image courtesy of the Kimberley District Heritage Society and CBIRH Johns facilitated the creation of a digital display for the new Kootenay Learning Campus in Fernie in partnership with SD#5, with the screen provided by an anonymous donor and with content supplied by the CBIRH. An extensive series of images from the Elk Valley are currently cycling at the entranceway. Special thanks to Anna Majkowski for her expertise and guidance with the exhibit. A partnership has also been formed with First Perk Coffee House in Jaffray. We will be placing a digital display projecting historical views of the South Country. The exhibit will also highlight our work with the Triangle Women's Institute in Grasmere and the Waldo Stockbreeders' Association. Our goal is to boost the profile of CBIRH and bolster sales. Keeping with our mandate to promote history beyond the Basin, Miho Takeuchi from a Japanese production company approached the CBIRH to purchase a photo titled 'An Overview of Cranbrook,' B.C. for a documentary series to be aired in Japan. International interest is an excellent demonstration of the global footprint of the internet for both us and our partner, the Cranbrook History Centre. Special thanks to Ron Beamish for your expertise with eBay and a special shout out to all of our board members, volunteers, patrons, and partners for helping us to realize our vision and continue to keep the doors open. Let's have a fantastic 2022, and thank you from all of us here at CBIRH!!! Have a safe and merry holiday season!!! Celebrating good works this year
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