City of Prince George 100 Years | 2 | 1916 - 2016
Prince George at 100 (Message from Mayor Lynn Hall) Lheidli T’enneh Welcomes You! (Message from Chief Frederick) Let’s Celebrate Prince George! (Message from Committee Chair, Murry Krause)
06
08
Are You One of the 75? The History of the Keeper of History Exploration Place Lheidli T’enneh Canada Day 1974 Paddling P.G. Style Northern Hardware Canoe Race
12
Tales of the Pioneers Parks & Trails Part of our Local History Some Museum Artifacts Know How to Pull Their Own Weight Creation of a Community
18
27
32
25 Years of Creativity A Walk Down Memory Lane A PG Icon Turns 55 103 Years of Exhibition Music Sweet Music Japanese Style Event Celebrating the City’s 100th
40
44
For more information check out PG100.ca visit us on Facebook or call us at 250 561-7600. On the Cover [Historical Photo]: George Street from City Hall, during the 1920’s. Photo provided by The Exploration Place
Northern Hardware’s Four Locations At Huble it’s 1915 Every Year Freeman of the City Exercises her Right Growing Together for Over 100 Years UNBC Celebrating 25 Years of Success
City of Prince George 100 Years | 3 | 1916 - 2016
PG 4 PG 4 PG 5 PG 6 PG 8 PG 10 PG 12 PG 14 PG 16 PG 18 PG 20 PG 22 PG 27 PG 28 PG 30 PG 32 PG 34 PG 36 PG 38 PG 40 PG 42 PG 44 PG 46
Message from Mayor Lynn Hall
Prince George at 100 During its 100th anniversary year, let’s take a bird’s eye view of the state of our home. Prince George is a beautiful, bustling city located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh and situated at the crossroads of Highways 97 and 16 at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. With a population approaching 80,000, Prince George is a vibrant, active, and diverse community serving as a strong hub and identity for Northern and Central BC. The community is known for opening its doors and showing visitors the beauty and magic of the region, a trait on full display during the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. Prince George’s thriving economy offers full opportunities for housing, employment, education, recreation, and the cultural life of residents. The community has amazing economic op-
portunities available downtown and throughout the City, as can be seen when travelling to Prince George along Highway 16 West, and at its intersection with Highway 97. The City is working hard to attract tourists as well as arts, cultural, and sporting events. Residents enjoy affordable housing, incomes above provincial averages, and an extensive range of quality services, cultural and sports events. Recreation opportunities are second to none and range from golfing, skiing, fishing and hunting to any team sport you can think of. Our world-class local educational facilities include the University of Northern British Columbia, celebrating its 25th anniversary, the College of New Caledonia, and School District 57. During our 100th anniversary year, there has never been a better time to call Prince George home.
Message from Chief Frederick of the Lheidli T’enneh
Lheidli T’enneh Welcomes You! Lheidli T’enneh welcomes everyone to their Homelands in collaboration of the 100th Anniversary for the City of Prince George On behalf of our Nation, we are honored to welcome guests and tourists from all of British Columbia, our neighboring Nations, Canada, and the rest of the world to our territory! The word Lheidli means “where the two rivers flow together” and T’enneh means “the people”. The history of our people is a big part of the history of the City of Prince George and the entire region. We are a proud group rich with culture that continues to thrive. Our elders, teachers, drummers, and other artists pass on these
traditions and teachings to the next generations, keeping our culture strong. Our hope is for you to participate in the many commemorative 100th Anniversary events acknowledging the shared history of Lheidli T’enneh and the City of Prince George. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR TRADITIONAL TERRITORY! “Ts’uhoont’l Whuzhade!” Respectfully, LHEIDLI T’ENNEH DOMINIC FREDERICK Chief
City of Prince George 100 Years | 4 | 1916 - 2016
Message from Committee CHAIR, Councillor Murry Krause
Let’s Celebrate Prince George! For over 100 years, volunteers have influenced and shaped our community, region, province, and country. As a resident, City Councillor, and as Chair of the 100th Anniversary Committee, I have had the rewarding privilege of witnessing Prince George’s volunteers build this great city and create pride in our community. From the Lheidli T’enneh and their dedication to their territory and people, to our many dedicated community groups who work tirelessly to improve the experience of living in Prince George, our commitment to seeing this city thrive is beyond compare. These partnerships are among the many reasons for this community’s success. They have helped shape our various centennial celebrations by using our shared experiences to help bring out the fun and spirit of living in Prince George. The 100th Anniversary Committee has been working with more than 40 community groups to plan and prepare for the commemoration of the City’s 100th Anniversary milestone. Some of the planned activities are new events, while others,
City of Prince George 100 Years | 5 | 1916 - 2016
such as our Canada Day celebrations, are already annual traditions that will add 100th Anniversary elements to their already exciting itineraries. We invite the whole community to experience all the many festivities, events, and activities—old and new—and to enjoy the celebrations booked throughout the summer and rest of the year. I would like to thank the members of the 100th Anniversary Committee, which include, the Mayor, the Lheidli T’enneh, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Prince George, Enhance PG, Prince George Heritage Commission, Community Arts Council, Community Foundation, North Central Labour Council, and the 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society. On behalf of the 100th Anniversary Committee, thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time to plan and execute these exciting celebrations and who have helped make Prince George the place that we know and cherish. Councillor Murry Krause, Chair, Prince George’s 100th Anniversary Committee
Are You One of the 75? The time capsule, seen here being lowered into the ground during the City’s 75th Anniversary will be unearthed during the City’s 100th Anniversary celebrations.. Photo by Citizen Photographer Brent Braaten
I
t was a Monday afternoon in 1991 when a cool, vacuum sealed metal box was lowered into the ground. The City’s 75th Anniversary time capsule was buried for a planned 25 years. The intention was to unearth the container for the City’s 100th Anniversary, which is being planned for this summer. Some of the treasures inside include a photo album, City flag and a phone book. Also entombed in the box are mementos from 75 youth between the ages of 2 and 16. Given the title “Time Capsule Guardians” they would participate in the opening of the capsule in 2015. Now in their 30’s, what has transpired for these children in the last 25 years, how have they grown up with the City? Are they still living in Prince George? Do they have their own children? Do they remember their mementos, sealed away in time? Most imporThe City’s 75th Anniversary tantly, who are these 75 time capsule was buried Guardians? Do you know for a planned 25 years. The one, are you one yourself? intention was to unearth the The 100th Anniversary Time Capsule committee and the container for the City’s 100th PG Construction AssociaAnniversary, which is being tion would like to involve all planned for this summer. the Guardians in the opening of the 75th Anniversary Capsule and the installation of a new 100th Anniversary capsule later this summer.
“
“
The Capsule committee is currently gathering keepsakes from 2015 for the people of 2115 to discover. One hundred years from now a cool vacuum sealed metal box will rise from the ground, revealing the secrets of 2015. Be a part of history, today. Submit your thoughts and suggestions to the 100th Anniversary’s Facebook page and you may find your ideas sealed for a new generation to discover 100 years from now. The opening of the 75th capsule will take place at the Library on July 10th at 3:45 pm. City of Prince George 100 Years | 6 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 7 | 1916 - 2016
The History of the Keeper of History
Exploration Place D Written by Tracy Calogheros
uring the early 1950’s Constance Cox of Hazelton, daughter of Hudson’s Bay Company man Tomas Harkin, donated her father’s collection of artifacts to the Rotary Club of Prince George. Mr. Harkin had amassed a collection of First Nations, placer mining and
Young people at the Fraser-Fort George Regional Museum on November 15, 1968 when it still had a palisade around it. Photo supplied by The Exploration Place
fur trade materials during his posting in Western Canada. In 1956 the Rotary Club assigned Dr. Ian Evans the task of establishing an Historical Museum Society that would undertake the conservation and exhibition of the Cox Collection and the telling of the Prince George story.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 8 | 1916 - 2016
The Prince George Citizen ran a story noting that some 900 people (including Granny Seymour ~ then 105 years old) attended the December 8th, 1957 opening of the temporary Museum in the old Civic Centre. In 1958 this Historical Museum Society became officially designated at the Fort George Branch of the BC Historical Association. In 1967, with the opening of the New City Hall, the Fort George Museum Association moved into the Council Chambers of the Old City Hall. Much research was done to develop the Museum as a tourist attraction, built as a reconstruction of Fort George on its original site in Fort George Park. Upon discovering that the original “Fort” consisted of two small log buildings, a trading post and a residence, committee members embarked on a more exciting (albeit fake) version containing a full stockade with two bastions based loosely on Fort Langley and Fort St. James.
youth. In 2000 construction started on a $4.7 million dollar expansion of the Fraser-Fort George Museum that would more than double its size. The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre was born, opening at March Break in 2001. The new building was conceived as a more sympathetic resident in Fort George Park; wooden beams reflect the mature trees, sandstone bricks and organic shapes mirror the cut banks. Since re-opening 14 years ago the Museum has hosted over 1,000,000 visitors to its galleries, events and programs. On July 1, 2015 local Firefighters will launch their new Prince George Firefighters history book in conjunction with a Firefighters exhibit at the Museum. EXHIBITS THEN... A display at the Fraser-Fort George Regional Museum, August 14, 1967. Photo supplied by The Exploration Place
Many stories have been told of the fire that destroyed the Museum around 3 am the morning of December 6th 1975, what is certain is that the fire broke out in the caretakers quarters and despite all attempts, took the entire building and collection to ashes, with the exception of the taxidermy collection which had been sent out for cleaning. After a lengthy reconstruction period, the new Museum opened on Dominion Day 1981. The primary focus remains to this day, the careful management of historical resources. Beginning in the 1980’s an emphasis was placed on the acquisition of aboriginal artifacts, which emphasis was tempered to respect the desire of the First Nations to have agency over their own heritage. Today the Museum acts as a repository for many local Nations and does what it can to assist in the development of First Nation operated heritage sites, museums and exhibits. As the Region matured, so too did the Museum Industry, with exhibits starting to reach beyond human history, embracing science and natural history with related educational programming and a focus on
EXHIBITS NOW... An exhibit from 2013 at The Exploration Place (Formerly known as the Faser Fort George Regional Museum) Showcased a rich and detailed image of the LHeidli T’enneh, their partners and their ancestors. Photo by Citizen Photographer Brent Braaten
City of Prince George 100 Years | 9 | 1916 - 2016
Lheidli T’enneh Wheni Lheidli T’enneh ts’inli
welcomes everyone to
National Aboriginal Day June 21, 2015
On June 21, 2015, Fort George Park comes to life with the sights and sounds of Lheidli T’enneh, First Nations, Métis, and Aboriginal community members and organizations coming together! This is an opportunity to witness the diversity of the culture, heritage, and entertainment of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. We invite you to participate on June 21, 2015 for a parade, opening ceremonies, entertainment, and festivities for the children and families! This is an excellent opportunity for intercultural exchange and understanding. Photo Left: Jocelyn Fennell, performed her solo dance with the Rainbow Dancers at the 2013 National Aboriginal Day at Fort George Park. Photo Right: Curtis Seymour with the Lheidli T’enneh drum group at Aborginal Day 2013 in Fort George Park.
For more information, you can find us on Facebook.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 10 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 11 | 1916 - 2016
Canada Day 1974 T
he year was 1974, Prince George is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada and is attracting people from all over the world. It was a shining example of the cultural mosaic that helped define Canada. With such a diverse attraction of cultures the seeds for the formation of the Prince George Multicultural Heritage Society were planted and eventually formed as an umbrella organization for various cultural groups. To celebrate their new home and pay homage to their individual cultures these groups chose Dominion Day (Canada Day) as a fitting time to showcase their music, dance, food and heritage. Not to be deterred by a cool cloudy morning on July 1, 1974, these world citizens set up food booths and a stage in Fort George Park. Then hundreds of Prince George residents poured into the Park to enjoy bagpipes, Filipino dancers, Ukrainian dancers and colourful regalia and costumes from India and First Nations participants. This first event called Folkfest’74 grew and eventually changed its name to the Celebrate Canada Festival. Today it attracts over 12,000 adults and children ready to enjoy a multitude of cultures and their heritage. The formula is simple: Good Food + Good Entertainment + Good Friends = Good Time. For over 40 years the Multicultural Heritage Society has delivered it all, for everyone to enjoy. On this the City’s 100th Anniversary, the tradition will continue with added entertainment. Canada Day opening ceremonies start at noon and include the serving of a huge 1m x 2.5m birthday cake. The main stage offers 6 hours of non-stop entertainment including a wide variety of culturally diverse performers. Ethnic food concessions offer a diverse range of dishes from around the world. Kids of all ages can have fun at the children’s activity centre, the playground and the spray park. Other attractions include Craft Fair Alley and Medieval Fighting demonstrations. No admission is charged to attend this family-oriented birthday party and the festival concludes at 7 pm. A spectacular fireworks display will close out the celebration like candles on a Birthday Cake.
Canaday Day 1974 Photos: People gathered in Fort George Park for Folkfest ‘74 to be entertained by pipers, dancers and colorful costumes that make up the diverse cultures of Canada. From the lonely piper practicing beside the Fraser River to the proud visages of East Indian and native Indians in native head dress to the Ukranian and Filipino dancers, everyone gave their most to show their cultures. Tuesday, July 2, 1974. Photos by Citizen Photographer Dave Milne City of Prince George 100 Years | 12 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 13 | 1916 - 2016
Paddling P.G. Style - Northern Hardware
Canoe Race
The 1962 Northern Hardware Canoe Race on the Fraser River, held during the Elks May Day Celebrations. Photo supplied by The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 14 | 1916 - 2016
“
It was an exciting time every year from 1960 to 1984 as pro racers and novices powered their canoes downriver from Isle Pierre to Fort George Park in an exciting 67.5 km downriver race
These rivers became the venue for the Northern Hardware Canoe Race. It was an exciting time every year from 1960 to 1984 as pro racers and novices powered their canoes downriver from Isle Pierre to Fort George Park in an exciting 67.5 km downriver race with spectators and sponsors watching the finish line. Racing canoes adorned with local business sponsor logos were splashed upon the front cover of the Citizen and sport pages showing community involvement and prestige this race brought to the city! No race was more exciting than the 1982 edition, where after a grueling 67.5 kms and hours of paddling the first and second place were only separated by less than a second.
part of the festivities at Fort George Park! Paddlers can enjoy a Salmon BBQ hosted by Integris Credit Union and Native Friendship Center along with cash prizes, awards and raffle prizes!
“
T
he City of Prince George owes its inception to its location at the intersection of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. Long before the City was incorporated, this area was home to the Lheidli T’enneh who recognized the uniqueness of their territory by calling their Nation “where the two rivers flow together”.
Fast forward 30+ years and the historic canoe race is back and will take place on Sunday, July 12, 2015. This is a great opportunity for paddlers of all categories and skill to take part in this celebration! There will be two categories to choose from. The original Isle Pierre to Fort George Park (Alexander Mackenzie Category) and Wilkins Park to Fort George Park (Simon Fraser Category). Distances are 67.5 km and 35 km respectively. The addition of the shorter Simon Fraser class will give beginners and novices a chance to participate and be a
City of Prince George 100 Years | 15 | 1916 - 2016
Come and enjoy the race as a participant or spectator. Meet alumni paddlers like local paddling legend and Prince George Hall of Famer, 4 time winner Bruce Hawkenson or 5 time winner Ron Williams. Race details, rules and registration are available at Stride and Glide Sports or check out the race’s Facebook page.
The following is an abridged version of January 30, 1920 Prince Gorge Citizen Article. A full version can be found on the Prince George Public Library’s website in the digitized Prince George newspapers. The article recalls the life of Metis pioneer Joe Merrienne.
T
Thapage believes that his father was one of the party, under Simon Fraser, on the historic expedition to the Pacific. They left Fort George on May 29th and reached the mouth of the river on July 1st, establishing the fact that the Fraser was a separate and distinct stream, and not the Columbia, as had been believed to be the case.
here are a great number of men in this country who came in with Thapage, as we will call Merrienne, was born at Fort George about the preliminary surveys of the G.T.P. about 1907, and there are the 70 years ago. He is not sure of his dates, but the writer thinks that he old settlers of lower Cariboo. These men may be called old-timers, is nearer eighty than seventy. He entered the but when we speak of pioneers let us go service of “the company” as a boy and worked back to the men who survive from the days of on the brigades which took the skins to Victoria the Cariboo gold excitement; the old servants Thapage believes that his over the river and trail routes which used to of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the pioneer father was one of the party, stretch between here and the seaport of the trappers and prospectors who remember the Company. On the return they would bring in Cariboo country when Gus Wright’s famous road under Simon Fraser, on food and trade goods. Sometimes, the terminacrossed the Fraser River canyon at Spuzzum. the historic expedition to tion of a long journey was Langley, in the delta. Such a one is Joe Merrienne, better known the Pacific. They left Fort In time, by reason of his strength and usefulness, here by the name of Sousa Thapage. This name Thapage became captain of a boat, and one of George on May 29th and clings to him from the days when Joe was a the right-hand men of the Factor. reached the mouth of the great boatman and packer for the Hudson’s Bay He can remember the days of the gold rush Company. It means “big packman” for he was river on July 1st. and of the Klondike excitement, when scattered once renowned for his strength in carrying great expeditions tried to go into the Yukon over the weights over the portages and at the unloading terrible trail of the Yukon Telegraph and the of the “brigades” when the boatmen would vie with each other in the carrying of heavy loads, for the physical prowess. Hudson’s Bay Company, which stretches for the hundreds of miles between here and Dawson. He was one of those who went out in search His father was a servant of the Northwest Company, under Simon of Sir Alexander Curtis, whom, in company with Mr. Roger Pocock, left Fraser, the explorer of the great river here which bears his name. Simon here bound for the Yukon many years ago. Sir Alexander Curtis was Fraser established the Northwest Company’s post here in 1808, and in never seen after the party had broken camp one morning on the trail the spring of the following year, accompanied by John Stewart, Jules near the Mud River. Maurice Quesnel, a crew of nineteen men and two Indians, they emSousa Thapage has never crossed the mountains. In the barked at this place in two well-furnished canoes to explore the old days the Edmonton Brigade would meet them on the unknown waters between this point and Fraser River in boats. In those days canoes were not used for the Pacific. transport. Big boats were built which were tracked up the river by many Indians. This method of transportation was in vogue even up to 1909 between Quesnel and Fort George, and in 1907 the writer made several trips with twenty Indians who tracked scows up the river from Quesnel to the Post here. The trip would take about fourteen days, and about 20,000 pounds would constitute a good load.
“
“
This abridged 1920 article is an example of the life many of the early Metis pioneers faced in building our community. On June 21, 2015 the Prince George Metis Community Association will be celebrating their local heritage during National Aboriginal Day in Fort George Park. Come and enjoy the foods and traditions of the nation’s Metis.
Top of page: The original headline and clipping from the ‘Tales of the Pioneers’ series that ran in the Prince George Citizen on January 30, 1920. Newspaper clipping courtesy of the Prince George Public Library Photo left: Men in a scow, battling the river current during the 1910’s. Photo provided by Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 16 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 17 | 1916 - 2016
Parks & Trails
Part of our Local History
A fresh morning walk along the river in Fort George Park on a December morning in 2014. Photo by Citizen Photographer Brent Braaten
City of Prince George 100 Years | 18 | 1916 - 2016
T
he history of a community’s park and trail system is often a history of the community itself. Prince George is no exception. The areas of Fort George Park and Cottonwood Island Park have historical significance dating back thousands of years. The area of Moore’s Meadow had its first written reference appear in the November 13, 1909 Fort George Tribune when it published a list of names of the settlers of the Nechako Valley. It states “L.M. Moore, 5 miles from Fort George on Stoney Creek trail. Has a meadow of 30 acres, horses, mowing machine, hay rake, wagon and other implements.” More recently, Ginter’s Meadow was the location of the former home of colourful local businessman Ben Ginter. Whatever their beginnings, these parks have become important community assets in Prince George. Using sidewalk connections, the Heritage River Trail and the Timberwolves trail a new trail project will be connecting all these parks in one 30 km loop. Thanks to the generosity of Husky Energy, this route will include
distance markers and interpretive signs. Parks and trails are the community’s most used recreation facility with 65% of the population using the system an estimated 700,000 times a year. These new interpretive signs and distance markers will enhance the experience of nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts and general recreation users of all ages Left Photo: One of the most expensive residences of the period, the Ben Ginter home in 1963, The Ginter home foundation is all thats left in what’s now known as Ginter’s Meadow. Right Photo: ‘Six Mile Mary’ at the age of 108 years, travels from her home on Tabor Lake to Miles Andrew’s cabin at Moore’s Meadow in Central Fort George to sell fish and berries. 1910. Photos provided by The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 19 | 1916 - 2016
Some Museum Artifacts Know How to
Pull Their Own
Weight
Main Photo: The Fraser River steamship Operator was filmed unloading the train locomotives (one of which is The Little Prince) that would play a key role in building local rail links. Those links ended the paddlewheeler era almost overnight. Photo provided by The Exploration Place Inset Photo: The Little Prince as it looks now, during a beautiful fall day in Fort George Park, October 2014. Photo by Citizen Photographer Brent Braaten
City of Prince George 100 Years | 20 | 1916 - 2016
Written by Frank Peebles
T
he 6,000-pound steam engine at Fort George Park has been hauling the history of Prince George on its back since the moment it arrived here in 1912 with its four identical friends. They came by paddle-wheeler and rolled up and down the temporary tracks transporting supplies, equipment and people between Tête Jaune Cache (Mount Robson area) and Prince Rupert until that rail link was permanent. When that happened, the days of the river ships were ironically done. The Foley, Welch & Stewart locomotive is known as The Little Prince today, but it was an ascent to royalty fit for a Broadway musical. He was abandoned at the age of three alongside his four brothers and sisters in the swampy waters of the Island Cache near the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. They might have rusted into the silt of time were it not for some foresightful volunteers who spotted the historic significance of the wood-burning Dinky machine. Between 1920 and ’26 these volunteers mechanicked away at the five little engines, stripping parts from those too far-gone and installing them on the one in best condition, until it was whole again. Only one was worth saving in that way, and it was set up on a display platform in front of the rail station that existed then at the intersection of 1st Avenue and about Dominion Street, right beside the telegraph signal building slightly to the east. There it sat until 1971 when still more foresightful volunteers arranged the ownership of the stationary engine to be the local public. Mayor Harold Moffat presided over the acquisition “for the use and enjoyment of the citizens, especially the children of the area.” Its days of making history were not finished after all. A small army of caring hands built a railroad track around the southeast end of Fort George Park until Canada Day, 1978 when it officially rolled out of Fort George Station as a passenger train – a role it has chugged through to this day. “We are the shortest railroad in Canada at 2.2 kilometres,” said Tracy Calogheros, executive director at Exploration Place, the caretakers of The Little Prince. It’s a wonderful trivia note in national culture but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. The locomotive and the tracks have to be officially certified several times a year for public safety; the people operating the engine and looking after the public must be properly licensed. It hasn’t always been possible. All the certifications required of the machine and its operators were too much, a few years ago. Repairs were required that were beyond the means of Exploration Place’s budget. Tom Centes, a senior manager with the Wood Wheaton Auto Group, rallied support and the work got done. It was operational for its 100th birthday in 2012. In 2014, the little engine gave more than 12,800 rides around those tracks. It ran for 124 hours on 31 dates. Each day it takes 4.5 hours to power up (160 pounds of steam pressure is required) and an eighthour day burns a cord of wood. (Most locomotives burn coal, but the railroad construction crews knew coal was scarce and wood abundant in this region, so the Dinky engines were converted to biofuel.) The 2015 year will be one of change yet again for the Little Prince. Exploration Place will, if the plans can roll out as hoped, need 69 cords of wood this summer. The idea is to charge slightly more for a ticket to ride, but the rides will be longer and the workdays will be more frequent and each one longer. “We have this rare machine and this unique opportunity,” said Calogheros. “Our Little Prince wears the city’s original green jacket (in reference to the beloved volunteer uniform of the recently held Canada Winter Games). We want that special place in local culture to be put to its best use.” Not bad for a spry 103 years old. City of Prince George 100 Years | 21 | 1916 - 2016
W
Creation of a Community
ith the arrival of the train in 1914 the railroad company engaged a Boston architectural firm to design this new city. The planned roads started downtown and ran straight to the Crescents neighbourhood, swooped around and headed you right back downtown. Dubbed with the moniker the “City Beautiful” it helped launch the development of many neighbourhoods in Prince George’s future. Some of these are the neighbourhoods within the Veterans Land
Act (VLA). The VLA began development and gained its identity in 1953 when the Prince George Legion successfully campaigned for a parcel of land to be dedicated for veterans to build houses under the Veteran’s Land Act. There was such demand that several more parcels were added to the original proposal and the neighbourhood grew to include land from 20th Ave to Wiens Road by the cemetery in Van Bien and from Highway 16 to the boundary of South Fort George. The veterans were great contributors to the city as they owned businesses such as barber shops and electrical companies, taught in schools, worked in the electrical companies and mills, or worked for agencies such as the Department of Fisheries. Many supported the Legion and the development of a strong community.
What started as large rural lots soon became part of the City of Prince George. Now the area is minutes from downtown and boasts amenities like a lovely nature walk along the Hudson’s Bay Wetlands which connects to Fort George Park. Join the Prince George VLA Enhancement Association to celebrate this unique part of our heritage at their 100th Anniversary Parade and BBQ on July 12, 2015. The community participatory parade starts at Diefenbaker and Oak at 11:00 am and ends at Milburn Park for the BBQ at noon. There will be prizes for the best decorated bike and stroller. Enjoy games, balloons and the bouncy house. Photo left: A homecoming parade for soldiers in 1947, after the end of World War II. Photo provided by The Exploration Place.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 22 | 1916 - 2016
On March 6th 1915 the City of Prince George was incorporated. The community came together to create something bigger than themselves. 100 years later, the community has grown into a strong and vibrant city. Enjoy these activities and please thank the many groups that make Prince George a wonderful place to live, work and play.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 23 | 1916 - 2016
JUNE 21
National Aboriginal Day
JUNE 28
100 years Growing Together (community BBQ) Sacred Heart Parish
44
Canada Day in the Park Launch Firefighters history book
12 26
JULY 1
12:00pm-7:00pm 9:00am-5:00pm
Fort George Park
More info on page 10
10:00am
Fort George Park Exploration Place
SUMMER CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS JULY 10
10:00am – 3:00pm 3:45 pm
JULY 11
10:00am – 3:00pm 10:00am – 4:00pm
JULY 12
8:00am 12:00 - 2:30pm 8:30am - noon 11:00 am 12:00pm 12:00pm - 2:00 pm
JULY 13 12:00pm
JULY 14
12:00pm 7:00pm 10:00pm
JULY 15 12:00 pm 7:30 pm
Kidz Art Days 75th Time Capsule Opening
Civic Plaza Library
27 6
Kidz Art Days Willow River Daze
Civic Plaza Willow River
27 26
Centennial Canoe Race Centennial Canoe Race finish and BBQ Guided Heritage Walking Tour - LC Gunn VLA Community Parade VLA Community BBQ Celebrating Accessibility Festival
Isle Pierre Fort George Park Fort George Park Diefenbaker and Oak Milburn Park 777 Kinsmen Place
14
Music in the Plaza “Socks and Shoes”
Canada Games Plaza
34
Music in the Plaza “Zavan Trio” PechaKucha PG
Canada Games Plaza TBA
34 36
Music in the Plaza “Circadian Rhythm” Journey - Live in Concert
Canada Games Plaza CN Centre
34
City of Prince George 100 Years | 24 | 1916 - 2016
26 22
For more information on the 10 check out PG100.ca, visit us on
JULY 16
12:00pm 7:00pm - 7:30pm
JULY 17
6:30pm 7:00pm- 8:00pm
Music in the Plaza MakerLab 2RG Photo Event
Canada Games Plaza Canada Games Plaza
More info on page 34 26
Music in the Plaza “The Pucks” and “Black Spruce Bog” Canada Games Plaza Shakespeare Unfolded (Live outdoor Theatre) Veterans Plaza (City Hall)
34 26
Huble Kids Carnival Huble Homestead Fort George Park Community BBQ Fort George Park Shakespeare Unfolded (Live outdoor Theatre) Veterans Plaza (City Hall) Outdoor Movie Fort George Park
40 26 26 26
11:00am-5:00pm 8:00pm -10:00pm 10:00pm
Summerfest Summerfest music night Fireworks
41 41
JULY 20
Bury 2015 and 1990 Time Capsules
JULY 18
10:00am - 4:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm - 8:00pm dusk (9:30 pm)
JULY 19
AUGUST 8
Veterans Plaza (City Hall) Veterans Plaza (City Hall) Connaught Hill
6
6:30 pm
Sound of Summer Concert ,
Fort George Park
AUG 12-16
BC Northern Exhibition
Exhibition Park
SEPT 18-19
PGSS 50-55 year class reunion- Students graduating between 1960 and 1965:
OCT 4
South Bowl CA Antique fair
OCT 31
Halloween Haunted House Blackburn CA – Blackburn Community Centre Halloween Fireworks College Heights CA – College Heights Secondary
00th Anniversary Celebrations Facebook or call 250 561-7600.
Roller Dome
City of Prince George 100 Years | 25 | 1916 - 2016
Willow River Days
Willow River is celebrating the anniversary of its neighbour to the west, Prince George, during its annual Willow River Days. Come and enjoy a bicycle parade, magic show, belly dancing, chili contest, farmers market and live music of Black Spruce Bog. It all takes place on Willow St. and Railway Ave in Willow River, 32 km east of Prince George, July 11 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Guided Heritage Walking Tours
The Caledonia Ramblers will take you on a walking tour of the City with a view from LC Gunn Park or through the Hudson’s Bay Wetlands. The vistas from LC Gunn will provide an opportunity for participants to learn where history has been made in Prince George. The Wetlands have a strong heritage value in the birth of the community. The LC Gunn hike is for walkers at a medium fitness level and the Hudson’s Bay Wetland offers a more leisurely pace. Both hikes start in the Exploration Place parking lot at 8:30 am on July 12th. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and comfortable sturdy walking shoes.
Celebrating Accessibility Festival
Spinal Cord Injury BC invites the whole community to a barbecue, children's events, outdoor activities and 100th Anniversary Celebration cake at 777 Kinsmen Place (beside the 5th Ave fire hall) on July 12 from noon-2:00pm. Meet local writer Larry Fielding, author of the children's series X-Tails. His book ""The X-tails Ski at Spider Ridge"" features a main character, Rhumba, who uses a wheelchair and ""rips"" down the hills on a sit-ski. Fifty percent of the royalties from this book will be used to purchase sport wheelchairs for schools in Prince George and area.
MakerLab 2RG Photo Op
If you would like to be involved with a community photo opportunity, join the Two Rivers Gallery at 7:00pm on July 16. They are looking for people form the shape of the number “100” for an aerial photo shot.
Firefighters
Look who is turning 100… it’s the Prince George Fire Services. For a century these local heroes have protected our community and created a safe place for us to live. The Firefighters have created a book chronicling their service to the community. On July 1 at Exploration Place you can buy one of these limited edition books and enjoy the museum’s new exhibit celebrating a century of firefighting.
Fort George Park Community BBQ & Outdoor Movie
Save-On-Foods, like Prince George, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. They have partnered with Canfor and Jim Patterson Broadcasting to invite the community to a free BBQ in the Park along with an outdoor movie at dusk on July 18. Enjoy a light picnic in the park and evening of entertainment. Music will be supplied by a DJ and local bands followed by a showing of the Disney classic “Emperor’s new Groove”. Bring a blanket and lawn chair, get comfortable and enjoy the evening. The BBQ starts at 5:00pm with the movie at dusk (approximately 9:30pm).
Summerfest
To celebrate the City’s 100th Anniversary, Summerfest is promising to be better than ever. On July 19th come and experience the flavour and hospitality of Downtown Prince George. The legendary Taste Pavilion will tempt your taste buds with samples from the best restaurants Prince George has to offer. This is your opportunity to savour the work of our community’s top chefs, all in one day. Don’t forget to also enjoy the Kids Zone and main stage entertainment. The events take place around Veterans’ Plaza (City Hall) from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Please remember to come back at 8:00pm for more live music and the 100th Anniversary Fireworks at 10:00pm. Those in attendance at Summerfest are invited to write a significant memory they've experienced in PG on a piece of paper which they will tie on one of the tree branches that line 4th Ave. As the branches fill up, the history of the community unfolds and we see a new cycle of life and growth as we enter our next 100 years.
Shakespeare Unfolded
A company of actors join forces to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Prince George through some of Shakespeare’s most beloved sonnets and love scenes. Set outdoors on the grounds of our historic City Hall, this hilarious midsummer-madness delight, told completely through Shakespeare’s words, brings together a community of players and audience alike, to celebrate and reflect on our history, our people, our natural landscape, and the human experience. Come and experience Shakespeare under the majestic elm trees of City Hall on July 17 &18 from 7:00pm -8:00pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy.
For more information on the 100th Anniversary Celebrations visit PG100.ca, call 250 561-7600 or check out City of Prince George 100 Years | 26 | 1916 - 2016
25 Years of Creativity In 1990 the Two Rivers Gallery hosted its first KidzArt Dayz and 25 years later it continues to grow in popularity. This well-loved event is Two Rivers Gallery’s way of bringing the community together by providing accessible and creative activities for people of all ages. The value of creative play, exploration and experimentation in everyday life is as important as ever. Over the past 25 years, BMO KidzArt Dayz has celebrated all types of creativity, whether through karaoke and live music or giant community doodles and easel painting. BMO KidzArt Dayz above all, seeks to encourage everyone to find the time in everyday life to play and create.
Participant contributing to a KidzArt Dayz community sculpture. Photo courtesy of Two Rivers Gallery
The year 2000 saw a big change for the event. The Art Gallery Association moved downtown and became the Two Rivers Gallery and the Civic Centre Plaza provided the much needed space for the expanding popular event. It has grown to touch over 5000 children and their families each year and 2015 promises to be the best ever at the newly renovated Canada Games Plaza. Thanks to the continuing generous sponsorship of the Bank of Montreal this popular event is completely free and offers families an opportunity to be creative in a fun and inviting environment. Come and celebrate the 100th Anniversary July 10 &11 and see what you can create.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 27 | 1916 - 2016
A Memory Walk DownLane Photo courtesy of The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 28 | 1916 - 2016
S
ince 2006 a popular guided tour of Prince George’s downtown core has been a hit with visitors, tourists and locals. The guided historic tour, hosted by the Prince George Public Library, reveals the sometimes ‘hidden history’ of Prince George. Interesting features and buildings are highlighted along with some great stories from the unique and often quirky early days of the city. Prince George’s roots, as narrated in the tour, start in situation on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh and extend through a colourful past informed by interviews with long-time residents as well as historic maps, telephone directories, photographs and the Citizen’s newspaper microfilms. Historical research helped project teams identify all the businesses on George Street and its cross streets as they existed in the 1930s and 1940s. Today those facts, along with the lively stories behind them, form the basis for today’s guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour. The route includes historic signs sponsored by the City of Prince George’s Heritage Commission, which provide the opportunity for self-guided discovery of Prince George’s civic history. The guided tours are a free drop in program that meet at the Information Desk of the Bob Harkins Branch at the Prince George Public Library every Tuesday and Thursday from early July through until the end of August. Private and seated tours are available for bookings any time throughout the summer months. Guided tours take one hour to complete and are easily walkable or accessible to mobility alternatives. New this summer, take the tour at any time with an exciting new app! In partnership with the City of Prince George and the 100th Anniversary Celebrations, this self-guided tour will allow any person with a mobile device to access a narrated version of the tour any time of day. The free app will be launched during the Summer Centennial Celebrations and will be available from your Apple or Android app stores. Search for it by app name, “Gyyde”. The Prince George Public Library is excited to bring this mobile excursion to residents and visitors alike. Check out the tour, discover the past and walk in the footsteps of some truly unique community builders.
Darci Smith, left, leads a walking tour of downtown Prince George on the morning of July 5, 2014, stopping at the location where the Prince George Arena was on 7th Avenue. Photo by Citizen photographer Brent Braaten
City of Prince George 100 Years | 29 | 1916 - 2016
A PG IconTurns
55
The first Mr. PG standing outside
the Simon Fraser Hotel to greet visitors and guests. Photo courtesy of The Explorat ion Place
Photo courtesy of The Exploration Place
T
he idea for Mr. PG was championed by Mayor Harold Moffat in the late 1950’s, who believed Prince George needed a mascot to promote the forest industry and represent the City. He approached Hans Roine, a local Rotarian and sawmill owner with the idea and the first Mr. PG was created in 1960. It was a one and a half meter tall wooden man that stood outside the former Simon Fraser Hotel downtown on Quebec Street. Due to his popularity, the City of Prince George built an 11.6 meters
tall Mr. PG on a parade float for the May Day parade. In 1961 he won first place in the Kelowna Regatta and second prize in the Pacific National Exhibition parade. Mr. PG attained national recognition when he appeared in the 1963 Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver. Over the years Mr. PG has found himself in many places. He was located downtown at 1st Avenue and George Street and later moved to the intersection of Highways 97 and 16. He has been celebrated in song and even appeared on a stamp in 2009 as part of Canada Post’s Roadside Attraction series. Mr. PG has his own Facebook page with over 5,000 likes! In the 1960’s the Lions club toured a 1 metre high rendition of him at events across the globe but he mysteriously disappeared only to be found again years later in the Scottish countryside. A kilt and sporran was added to his wardrobe and he was modified as a beer tap in a local pub. Nicknamed “Iron Jock”, this version of Mr. PG now lives at The Exploration Place Museum. Mr. PG was originally built of wood, however, after a few years he began to decay. In the early 1980’s, a new Mr. PG was constructed out of steel and fiberglass for durability and stands 8.13 meters (27 feet) high.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 30 | 1916 - 2016
The current Mr. PG in his most recent location at the corner of Highway 16 & 97 . Photo by Citizen photographer Brent Braaten
City of Prince George 100 Years | 31 | 1916 - 2016
103 Years of Exhibition Delbert Dillman gets his team, Jack and Fred, into position for the draft horse teamster wagon compition in the outdoor arena during the 2014 BCNE. Photo by Citizen Photographer Brent Braaten
I
n 1912, three years before the City of Prince George was incorporated, the first exhibition was held. According to Ted Williams, a notable local historian, “A few men met, had a few drinks, put their straw hats together and came up with the idea of a fall fair.” Over the years the Fair has hosted a variety of contests; some like the 4H auction have endured. Other oddities like 1915’s Best Developed (human) Baby under 1 year old contest with a prize of $25, have not lasted. The Fair is the region’s largest and longest running event. It ran for 100 years under the title of the Prince George Exhibition before changing
to the British Columbia Northern Exhibition in 2013. It has been bringing together rural and urban communities across this province while celebrating our unique northern spirit. Every year it hosts a diverse collection of events from barrel racing and a midway to best vegetable sculpture. The beloved fall fair has stood the test of time and has become one of Prince George’s largest and most popular events. This year the exhibition will be five days long (August 12th-16th) in commemoration of Prince George’s centennial. Congratulations, Prince George on 100 years. The Fair looks forward to celebrating the next 100 years with the City!
City of Prince George 100 Years | 32 | 1916 - 2016
The Prince George Exhibition Parade, August 1965. Photo provided by The Exploration Place
Cattle judging by members of the local 4-H Club continues to be a popular event at the Prince George Exhibition. Shown here in 1961. Photo provided by The Exploration Place
Winners at the Prince George Exhibition flower show contest were all men in 1961. Photo provided by The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 33 | 1916 - 2016
Music
Sweet Music
“
During the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Folkfest/ Coldsnap stepped up to produce the largest music festival ever held in northern BC.
“
Coldsnap attracts artists like international Blues sensation, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton and his banjo. Photo courtesy of Bill Bailey
City of Prince George 100 Years | 34 | 1916 - 2016
T
hroughout the last 100 years music has played an important role in Prince George’s community life. Musicians, volunteers and organizers have worked together to put the soul into the community. A wonderful example of that was the vision of local live music promoter and schoolteacher, Jo Beattie. In 2002 she saw great interest in nonmainstream music from Prince George’s music lovers. She dreamed of having an annual summer weekend live music festival in beautiful Fort George Park. The idea quickly gained the support of community leaders, and on September 18, 2003, Prince George Folkfest Society was formed. The mission was to bring high quality music from across Canada and around the world to Prince George, and to give the considerable number of talented northern BC musicians a place to connect with visiting musicians. The festival program ensures audiences are exposed to a wide array of cultures other than their own, and have opportunities to connect with many others in the community.
made the bold decision to change the format to a mid-winter music festival to be held over nine days, with ticketed and free concerts and workshops. In a few months, the 100% volunteer Society produced Coldsnap 2008, an outstanding success in our community. Since then, successive Coldsnap festivals have been met with enthusiastic and increasingly positive response from the community.
Folkfest presented four successful annual summer festivals with the tremendous support of its army of over 250 dedicated volunteers. Due to competition from other summer activities plus the unpredictability of Prince George’s summer weather, after the 2007 festival the Folkfest Board
During the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Folkfest/ Coldsnap stepped up to produce the largest music festival ever held in northern BC. The festival included 17 nights of outdoor mainstage concerts at Canada Games Plaza, secondary stages at Artspace and the Royal Canadian Legion, and daytime workshops. All shows were free of charge. The festival showcased over 50 bands and artists, with over 250 individual musicians representing almost every province and territory in Canada. The event was extremely exciting and unifying for the local community and the many visitors from across the country. For the 100th Anniversary they hope to continue their success with lunch hour music in the Canada Games Plaza July 13-16 featuring local bands and an exciting concert Friday night July 17 staring The Pucks and Black Spruce Bog.
Photo inset: The Juno nominated Alex Cuba captivated the Prince George Folkfest crowd at Fort George Park. The Havana born artist moved to Canada in 1999. Photo by Citizen photographer Dave Mah
City of Prince George 100 Years | 35 | 1916 - 2016
Japanese Style Event
P
Celebrating the City’s 100th
echaKucha is the art of concise storytelling. The concept began in 2003, with a group of Japanese architects who wished to share their creative projects with one another without having to sit through long, rambling lectures. The art of PechaKucha has since spread around the world to over 800 host communities and reached Prince George a few years ago and will be showcased at the 100th Anniversary celebrations.
July 14th from 7pm – 10pm. The theme of the evening will be the Prince George Identity: Past, Present, Future. A dozen speakers from across all walks of life will share personal stories on the subject.
The creative and ever-evolving nature of the local group has established a few of their own traditions for the event. Firstly, everyone has a story to tell, and anyone can be a storyteller, Each presentation is led by a storyteller as long as they have the courage and commitment to share their story Each presentation is led by a who provides 20 visual images, shown in PechaKucha style. Secondly, the storyteller who provides 20 visual for 20 seconds each, all together createvents will always be as barrier-free images, shown for 20 seconds each, as possible. Audience participation is all together creating a six minute and ing a six minute and forty second story. absolutely free, all ages are welcome forty second story. The challenge is to participate, and the group is always to ensure it is quick, entertaining and informative. During the course of an event a dozen storytellers gather seeking accessible stages and seating to open up participation to all members of the community. Lastly, the event is always changing. Each together around a central theme, showcasing a powerful evening event features a new theme, a new venue, a new storyteller roster, through PechaKucha. and a new artist to design the event poster. More info can be found at The 100th Anniversary PechaKucha Night will take place on Tuesday, pechakucha.org.
“
“
City of Prince George 100 Years | 36 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 37 | 1916 - 2016
Northern Hardware’s FourLocations Written by Valerie Giles
A
n existing company, the Northern Mercantile and Lumber Co. was purchased by A.B. Moffat and Frank Whitmore in January 1919. The business partners took out an ad in the March 19th, 1919 edition of the Prince George Citizen entitled “To the Buying Public.” It read:
We wish to announce that we have purchased the hardware business of the Northern Lumber and Mercantile Co. Ltd. Of this city. We carry a full line of Stoves, Ranges, Automobile Accessories, Builders’, Trappers’, and Prospectors’ Supplies, etc. and beg to take this opportunity of soliciting your patronage. Yours in anticipation, The Northern Hardware Co. A.B. Moffat F.W. Whitmore
Undated photo of The Northern Hardware Photo Provided by The Northern Hardware
The Northern Hardware ‘s first location was the building which had been owned by the Northern Mercantile and Lumber Co. on George Street. At the beginning, the business concentrated on hardware, furniture and appliances. Within a year, business had grown so much that a warehouse space was required. They had contractor A.P. Anderson build a 20 foot by 70 foot building on Third Avenue East.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 38 | 1916 - 2016
The core customers were the prospectors, loggers and farmers of the region. In 1921, The Northern became regional agent for John Deere farm implements. By 1928, the business responded to a growing demand for furniture. That year, the business became The Northern Hardware & Furniture Co. Ltd. The second location was at 345 George Street at Third Avenue – then considered the centre of town. The company leased a building at the north-west corner of Third Avenue and George Street. After renovations were completed, the store moved in to that location in the fall of 1934. A continent-wide economic depression had settled in and that had an impact on the operation of the business. Management salaries were cut in half and the store extended credit to its customers. As needed, The Northern operated on a barter system trading goods like farm produce or firewood for the supplies their customers needed. It was during the early Depression years that A.B. Moffat’s oldest son, Harold, began working for the store full time at that location. Harold Moffat started working in the store as a child of twelve in 1927. He began working for the business full-time in 1933 and continued well into his eighties. The third location was at 1303 Third Avenue (at Quebec Street). Large ads in the Prince George Citizen announced the official opening held October 30, 1937. There was a main floor with long display tables for hardware and building supplies. It was there where customers could also find large appliances, bicycles and sporting goods. Smaller electrical appliances and radios were displayed on the mezzanine level. The building had a full basement underneath for storage. At that location, Norm Radley was store manager and Harold Moffat and Frank Milburn served as the sales staff. It was common during the 1930s that The Northern Hardware stayed open late on Saturday nights until the last customer left. This was to accommodate those who had come from out of town. The move to the present location at 1386 Third Avenue (at Brunswick) came in the spring of 1940 on May 9th. The Northern occupied only part of the building at the start. The upstairs was rented apartments and the main floor level also had a post office and a customs office. Renovations were completed within five years to put the furniture department upstairs and to expand the appliances and giftware into the space which had formerly been used by the other offices. Plate glass windows installed in the walls facing Third Avenue and Brunswick opened up the store and provided attractive display space. A large addition to the premises of 40 feet by 110 feet was added by J.N. Dezell and Son contractors was planned in 1947. After it was completed, there was space to accommodate all the stock from the leased premises down the street. Altogether, it took a week to move the goods up the street. Consolidation of the two locations was completed in the last week of July 1948.
n Hardware Undated photo of The Norther Hardware n ther Nor The by Photo Provided
City of Prince George 100 Years | 39 | 1916 - 2016
At Huble it’s 1915
Every Year
At Huble Homestead its 1915 all year, every year! The Huble Homestead/ Giscome Portage Heritage Society has worked since 1984 to preserve and promote the history of the Huble Homestead, the Huble family, and the Giscome Portage region. Huble Homestead Historic Site, home to the oldest building in the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, features the history of Albert and Annie Huble and Edward Seebach. As some
of the earliest pioneers in the region, they are considered some of Prince George’s “old-timers,” and through their lives, Huble Homestead opens a window to the past in order that locals and tourists alike can get a glimpse at our pioneer heritage. Visitors learn about our history through stories from the early days, including when Al Huble was a bachelor at Giscome Portage with his business partner Ed Seebach, and when Annie Huble arrived in 1911 with her daughter, Ada. Everyone likes the stories of the Huble children, such as when Bertha was born at only two pounds and was kept warm on the oven door, the time Al Jr. accidentally drained all of the blackberry wine when he couldn’t close the barrel’s spigot, and Martha’s memory of the time her father rescued a baby moose, which they raised on a bottle and
Photo Left: Young Martha Huble feeding geese.Circa 1916. Photo Right: The Huble Farm during initial construction. Circa 1912. Photos provided by The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 40 | 1916 - 2016
would later pull the children on the sleigh and open the door of the house on his own! The stories visitors learn about the Huble family are from their time living at their homestead at Giscome Portage, so many people do not know that the Hubles actually lived for far longer in Prince George! Beginning in 1916, the older Huble children began boarding in Prince George during the school year. The two youngest children were born after the Hubles moved into town in 1919, and the family remained an important part of the growing community. Local newspapers throughout the years often make mention of the Huble children in dance recital reports and school honour rolls; they demonstrate that Al Huble remained an active businessman all his life, and that Annie Huble was remembered as a woman of true pioneer stock, with “a reputation of being able to shoot as well as any man.” Located within the Giscome Portage Regional Park, Huble Homestead opened in 1986 and sees thousands of visitors each year during the summer season. Costumed interpreters provide guided tours of the Huble house, built in 1912, the barns, cabins, and other exhibits. A walk along the river trail brings visitors to the First Nations Fish Camp. Constructed in partnership with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the fish camp was built to help preserve the history of the Lheidli T’enneh people in the area in the early 1900s. The Seebach and Huble General Store is open for business daily from Victoria Day to Labour Day, and a full schedule of public events is offered each year, featuring a variety of themed events for all ages. For Prince George’s 100th Anniversary the annual Kids’ Carnival will commemorate this milestone. The day will feature fun for the entire family, including magic shows, entertainment, crafts, story time, face painting, contests, heritage demonstrations, carnival games, and races and relays. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 and will also include a special anniversary treasure hunt, complimentary cake, and the opportunity for children to step back in time to have their photos taken on historic George Street. The event runs from 10:00 to 4:00 at Huble Homestead Historic Site, 40km north of Prince George, just off Highway 97 on Mitchell Road.
City of Prince George 100 Years | 41 | 1916 - 2016
Freeman of the City Exercises her Right
Moments before Shirley Gratton received Prince George’s highest civic honour, she had an inkling something was up.
Gratton has been invited to the Kiwanis bandshell at the Celebrate Canada festival under the auspices that she would help present an award, but soon realized she would be the one honoured. “I looked over on [the mayor’s] sheet and I saw my name there,” Gratton said. “I thought, what else could I win?” There have been no shortage of accolades for the long-time city volunteer and former city councillor, including being named Citizen of the Year in 2004. She was recognized for work over the years in everything from local
sports, to arts and crafts to community development.
“It is just a very prestigious award, I’m very humbled,” Gratton said. The Freeman award comes with a key to the city and is handed out only by unanimous consent of city council. Gratton began her civic involved as a teeenager in Salmon Valley, helping raise money for a community hall. Over the years she’s also help raise funds for a host of sporting pursuits, she has been involved with the B.C. Northern Exhibtion (formerly PGX) for 65 years and helped spur a number of community beautification projects. With a passion for history, Gratton has also been involved in a variety of local historical organizations like Prince George Hydro Power Pioneers and Huble Homestead. With so much to choose from, Gratton said the project closest to her heart was helping to get the ball facilities at Heather Park built. After a trip to Missouri, Gratton remembers being told by an American baseball official that Prince George would never be able to put on a top notch tournament. “When we built it [the official] said, ‘you’ll never be able to put on a tournament like we do.’ I said, ‘do you want to bet,’ “ Gratton recalled. “When the [minor baseball] commissioner from Washington came up kept talking about what a wonderful tournament we had.” Helping spruce up the city through projects like Communities in Bloom and hanging baskets are still special for Gratton. “There’s many things that continue to pop up,” she said. Gratton also had two stints on city council, from 1992 to 2002 and again from 2005 to 2008. As a former councillor, Gratton knows all about the Freeman award - even the obscure privileges which come with the honour. “I know in the rules of the Freeman of the City, you are allowed to graze your cow on city hall’s lawn,” she said, noting her grandfather used to do just that in the very early days of the city. “I don’t have [a cow], but I can can find one,” she said. She did just that, enlisting the help of the B.C. Northern Exhibition and the 4-H program to bring Daisy the cow for a photo op outside of city hall the week before the start of the 2013 BCNE. “It is an honour for me, and it’s my right, that I can graze my cow on city hall’s grass,” said Gratton.
Photo Above: Shirley Gratton exercised her right as Freeman of the City to graze a cow on the City Hall lawn to help promote the BCNE. August 6, 2013. Photo by Citizen photographer Brent Braaten City of Prince George 100 Years | 42 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 43 | 1916 - 2016
Growing Together
for Over 100 Years
City of Prince George 100 Years | 44 | 1916 - 2016
The following is an abridged version of a May 2008 Prince George Citizen article, which was republished by CNC Press in Dr. Valerie Giles’ 2015 book “Remembering… A celebration of Prince George’s storied past”. A full version can be found in this new book. Sacred Heart Cathedral celebrates 40 years as a diocese and cathedral church on June 5, 2008. Roman Catholic presence in British Columbia dates back to the early 1800’s through the work of the missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The first to visit Fort George was father Modeste Demers, who arrived from Fort Vancouver in 1842 traveling with the Hudson Bay caravan. Bring the sacraments and the pastoral services to the people was sporadic and infrequent until the settlement at Fort George grew to the point where a church was needed. The earliest regular Roman Catholic Masses were offered by Father Nicolas Coccola in 1912. With no church yet constructed, the faithful gathered at Birch’s Hall in South Fort George. Two years later in 1914, conditions improved with the arrival of Father L. Rivet on August 12th. He got construction underway and the first Roman Catholic Church, located south of the Millar addition, was blessed on September 27th. Within a decade, the growing population required a larger church to replace the first simple building. The site chosen was the corner of Patricia Avenue and Ontario Street (which has since been re-named Ingledew). That building was consecrated by Bishop Bunoz of Sacred Heart Church on Christmas Eve 1924. Surviving photographs show the design as a simple roofline fronted with a turret-topped tower at the entrance with a rose window over the main door and round-topped Gothic-style windows shaped “like fingers pointing to Heaven.” That white wooden –clad structure remained in use for six decades. It served as a Roman Catholic parish until 1959 when it was sold to the Orthodox Catholics. That congregation moved it to the corner of Seventh Avenue and Brunswick where it was used until 1985.
Prince George Architect Trelle Morrow was contracted in 1958 to design the parish hall for Sacred Heart Church and again in 1961 to design a new church building at 887 Patricia Boulevard. It certainly met the criteria for modern design of its day. Morrow recalls, “That was an interesting building…laminated timber was very popular… and that particular structural system is what‘s called a two-hinged arch.” Sacred Heart Church was consecrated to the service of God on April l5, 1961 by Bishop Fergus O’Grady, then Bishop of Prince Rupert. The High Mass was followed by a formal banquet attended by Archbishop Grace Jordan from Edmonton, Mayor Garvin Dezell, architect Trelle Morrow, and representatives from Narod Construction. This abridged 2008 article is an example of the growth of the Roman Catholic Church in Prince George. For the City’s 100th Anniversary, Sacred Heart Parish is celebrating100 years of growing together. On June 28th they invite the community to a BBQ. This annual potluck event has the Parish providing meat while participants are encouraged to contribute salads, desserts or finger food. There will also be balloons popcorn, cotton candy and games starting at 5:30pm.
Main Photo: The inside of the Sacred Heart Cathedral on February 24, 2014. Photo by Citizen Photographer Dave Mah Photo Inset Left: The new Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral at 887 Patricia Street in early May, 1961. Photo Provided by The Exploration Place Photo Inset Right: June 1953 the first communion ceremony at the Sacred Heart Church. Photo Provided by The Exploration Place
City of Prince George 100 Years | 45 | 1916 - 2016
UNBC Celebrating 25 Years of Success This story first appeared in the Sept. 13, 2002 edition of The Citizen: President of UNBC Dr. Charles Jago can’t wait until the year 2015 rolls around. His vision is that by that time UNBC will have graduated about 200 doctors, that’s half the number of doctors currently practicing in Northern B.C. Jago is eagerly awaiting the training of northern doctors in the new Northern Medical Program set to enroll the first 24 students in 2004. “The way I see it is, the students could graduate with medical degrees in 2008 and after two years of residency training go into practice.” Jago made the comments Thursday, which was the 10th anniversary of the first classes at UNBC. He said it’s a significant anniversary “when you think of those first classes downtown in rented premises and then look at this beautiful campus with students from across Northern B.C.” Jennifer Dionne was the first student to register for UNBC classes in 1992. “I had just come from the University of Victoria, and this was a great change to get the individual attention from highly qualified instructors who could have been working in any university,” said Dionne, who took her first classes in the French Canadian Centre in downtown Prince George. It was even more exciting to move to the new campus on Cranbrook Hill in 1994, Dionne said. “Everything was new, we had everything we needed and it was a chance to experience campus life,” said Dionne, who graduated in 1996. Dionne’s classmate Nicole Beach said, “The classes were small, but the near one-on-one learning was great.”
Professor Jon Swainger, the first of seven original professors hired in 1992, likes working at UNBC as much today as he did then. “This is such a wonderful place and dynamic campus, they’ll probably have to drag me out of here by my boots,” Swainger said. In the beginning, Swainger, who teaches Canadian, B.C. and crime history, was based at the Terrace regional campus where he worked with three students as well as 67 others in Prince George and Prince Rupert through distance and audio hook-up. Now he works at the Prince George campus where he marvels at how far the university has progressed. “We built it and they came,” he said, referring to the now 3,500 to 3,600 students in the six regional campuses. UNBC keeps on growing, said Jago, noting between 2000 and 2004, additions like the new lab buildings and the proposed medical training centre could value as much as $50 million. He predicts over the next 10 years that UNBC will remain a small university with 6,000 to 7,000 students. ‘My hope is that we’ll be adding new programs in professional and academic areas, and that we can strengthen our presence in northern communities outside of Prince George.”
Photo Top Left: Constructions of UNBC’s Prince George campus in progress Photo Top Right: Hery Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the official opening of UNBC. Photo Bottom: UNBC’s Prince George campus. Photos Provided by The University of British Columbia
City of Prince George 100 Years | 46 | 1916 - 2016
City of Prince George 100 Years | 47 | 1916 - 2016