Plateau
Press

This new collection of original writing and historic photographs covers a surprisingly broad range of topics. In Kamloops History: Fictions, Facts, and Fragments, local historian Wayne Norton presents some fresh perspectives, takes a second look at a few familiar themes, and offers impressions of Kamloops as once it was—not so very long ago. Fictions, facts and fragments—there is plenty here to interest anyone curious about the history of Kamloops.

Released in August 2002, this impressive collection of original writing and historic photographs sets out to assess the history of the Crowsnest/Elk Valley region from fresh perspectives. By examining a wide range of social and political topics, A World Apart recalls how the small southeast corner of British Columbia and the equally small southwest corner of Alberta together formed a society that was unique.

When noted Canadian journalist Bruce Hutchinson wrote about his visit to the Ashcroft area of British Columbia in the 1950s, he said the scenery was "for the strong eye only." His opinion was that the harshness of the landscape could please but few observers. With this collection of historic articles and photographs, Pat Foster proudly steps forward as one who delights in that landscape.

The Crowsnest Pass and the Elk Valley are part of a geographic region that stretches from Calgary, Alberta to Cranbrook, British Columbia to Spokane, Washington. Yet the economy, politics and social structure of the region have always set it apart from its neighbours in Alberta, the United States and the rest of British Columbia. Consequently, the often unique historical experience of the area is usually neglected by writers of B.C. history

Just a few miles north of Nelson, British Columbia, a settlement of predominately British farmers was established after the turn of the twentieth century. Believing the area to be ideal for growing fruit, the settlers sought to establish themselves as gentlemen farmers. It was in this district that Reginald Dawson—encouraged by his family, local real estate agents, and his own vision of a genteel life—purchased his forty acres near the shores of Kootenay Lake in 1906.

For more than fifty years, victims of tuberculosis in British Columbia received treatment at the Tranquille Sanatorium near Kamloops. Once regarded as amongst the finest hospitals of its kind in North America, the facility closed when drug therapies made its combination of rest, sunshine and fresh air seem out of fashion. Today, as the abandoned buildings continue to fall into disrepair, their demolition seems imminent. Already, the history they represent is largely forgotten by historians, the medical community and the residents of Kamloops.