difference

At long last
A community of firsts
By Susan Young de Biagi
What small British Columbia community inspired a host of
innovations and inventions, with a significant impact on
BC and the world beyond?
If you answered Powell River, you are correct.
It can be argued that historians have been somewhat slow to
recognize Powell River and Texada Island’s well-deserved place
at the very centre of BC history. But all that will change between
May 5 and 8, when people from across the province will gather
at the annual conference of the British Columbia Historical Federation
(BCHF).
The organizing team is comprised of the Powell River Historical
Museum and Archives, the Townsite Heritage Society, the
Texada Island Heritage Society, Powell River Genealogy and the
City of Powell River.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the
history of the region,” says museum coordinator Teedie
Kagume. On May 6, she will join Dr. Elsie Paul, Mayor
Stewart Alsgard, Maynard Harry of Tla’Amin, and Ann Nelson
of the Townsite Heritage Society to host “Voices of
Tla’Amin First Nation.” In addition to profiling the history
of Tla’Amin, the presentation will outline the development
of the historical accord signed between Tla’Amin and Powell
River in 2003.
This presentation will be followed by “Dr. Henderson’s Amazing
Plan,” focussing on the first scheme to offer medical benefits
to mill employees by payroll deduction. It concludes with a visit
to Dr. Henderson’s historic Townsite home, currently being restored
to become a living museum.
Presented by BCHF, “Taking Your Story to Print” will appeal to
those eager to share their personal history with the world. Other
conference events include a banquet prepared by local chef David
Bowes, and featuring live entertainment. Local authors and
booksellers will have the opportunity to profile their work at the
conference book fair.
For the full list of conference events and online registration,
visit www.powellrivermuseum.ca, and click on the BCHF conference
link or contact Teedie Kagume at 604 485-2222.
First in BC, Canada & the world!
First in BC
• Medical Plan for millworkers (1911)
• Dial phones (1921)
• Credit Union (1939)
• Extended Care (1968)
• Totally wheelchair-accessible lakeside campsite – at
Inland Lake (begun in 1983)
• Powell River also boasts the oldest operating movie theatre
in BC, entertaining us since 1913 AND the third shortest
river in the world.
First in Western Canada
• Pulp and paper mill (1910).
First in Canada
• Forestry fire lookout tower, on Mt Pocahontas
on Texada Island (1924).
First in the World
• First Academy Award for choreography, created for
Powell Riverite, Onna White, for her outstanding work
on the musical Oliver (1969)
Extraordinary Events
Party & Event Planning Service • 604 414-4460
Kimberley Murphy
• Weddings • Funerals • Anniversaries
• Bridal Showers • Groom’s Parties • Baby Showers
• Sweet Sixteen • Fundraisers • Trip Organization
• Family Reunions • Carnivals • Block Parties
• Adult/Children Theme Parties
extraordinaryevents@shaw.ca • extraordinaryevents.shawwebspace.ca
Brandy Peterson
with more
happy clients.
Let’s talk! 604 485-4231 office • 604 344-1234 direct
1-877-485-4231 toll free • coastrealty.com • brandypeterson@shaw.ca • 4760 Joyce Ave
Powell River Living • april 2011 • 35