In the News

Okanagan Historical SocietyKELOWNA BRANCH

70th Annual General Meeting & Dinner

Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018

Place: Parkinson Recreation Centre 1800 Parkinson Way

Kelowna, BC

Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm Dinner served at 6:00 pm

Price: $35.00 eachIncludes dinner, branch membership and newsletters

Guest Speaker: Rick Euper (Fire & Life Safety Educator - Fire Inspector)

Topic: History of the Kelowna Fire DepartmentFor more information please call 250-862-2801

Tickets are Available At:Mosaic BooksThe Okanagan

Heritage Museum

Or by calling Chris Jennens 250-862-2801

In this issue:

President’s Welcome ................. 2

Okanagan HistoricalSociety Bursaries ....................... 2

The Historical Society with a Modern Touch ............................ 3

Our Weekly Column .................. 3

Membership Renewals ............ 3

A Christmas Tree Adventure for Families ......................................4

Okanagan Historical Society Picnic ........................................... 5

Fall Social................................... 6

Okanagan Historical Society, Annual General Meeting ..........6

We Will Remember Them ...... 7,8

OHSOkanagan Historical Society

KELOWNA BRANCH

Kelowna Branch ExecutiveAnn Bostock 236-420-0604 Cathy & Chris Jennens 250-862-2801 Domenic Rampone 250-764-8564

Colleen Cornock 250-868-3647 Don Ford 250-212-1440 Lois Marshall 250-762-6403

Evelyn Vielvoye 250-765-7220 Bob Hayes 250-763-8859 Dorothy Zoellner 250-764-4154

Margot Pridham 236-420-0708

Spring 2018

Page 2

Dear Membership,

I hope you’ve all had a wonder and Happy New Year! Mine was a quiet one spent at home with family and friends. To record the event, we took a wonderful family Christmas picture. This has become a bit of a tradi-tion in our home, and I look forward as I get older to look back on these photos and remember holiday’s past.

Now with spring approaching, I look forward to coming out of hibernation and attending community events. Please look through the newsletter and mark your calendars with our 2018 events – there are a number to choose from, including the upcoming Kelowna Branch Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 24.

I look forward to seeing you all in the year ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Lois MarshallPresidentKelowna BranchOkanagan Historical Society

President’s Welcome

Okanagan Historical Society Bursaries

The Okanagan Historical Society will again be sponsoring two bursaries through the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society (COBSS) THE BUCKLAND BURSARY. The Kelowna Branch OHS looks after this bursary. The funds come from the sales of the book called “Ogopogo’s Vigil” written by Frank Buckland Senior, a former Director and President of the Kelowna Branch OHS In the 1940s. The bursary is presented to a secondary school student going on to post seondary studies in history, geography or journalism. The interest from the sale of the book has been invested and pays for the bursary. THE KELOWNA BRANCH OF THE OKANAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARD. This award is presented to a grade 12 student pursuing further education, with preference given to someone studying history, natural history, journalism or geography at a local post secondary institution. We look forward to reading the applications and wish the students all the best in their chosen future studies.

Page 3

Dear Kelowna Branch Members:

Please submit stories for the Monday edition of the Kelowna Courier to:mvpridham@gmail.com or P.O. Box 22105, Capri P.O., Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 9N9.

Single articles to record your memories can be a maximum of 800 words. If more words are needed and hence a longer article, it can be published on two consecutive Mondays. A photo or diagram should accom-pany your work if possible, and will be returned to you.

Questions can also be directed to Margot Pridham, OHS Kelowna Branch Director at 236-420-0708. Thank you for your help in preserving our history!

See you at the AGM.

Membership RenewalsThe annual membership in the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society is included in the cost of the annual meeting and dinner held each year at the Parkinson Recreation Centre. Next meeting to be held on March 24, 2018.

If you are unable to attend the Annual General Membership meeting, you may send your annual member-ship fee of $10.00 to the Okanagan Historical Society (Kelowna Branch) at P.O. Box 22105 RPO, Capri Centre, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9N9.

A number of members have been carried for an additional year with the hope that they will pay or attend the AGM in March. These people will be contacted shortly to see if they wish to remain a member.

Kelowna Branch OHS Monday Newspaper Column

Submitted by Karen Coppock

It is my pleasure to announce the Okanagan Historical Society Kelowna Branch has taken a new approach to keeping its members and interested patrons up to date concerning upcoming events and relevant news. As of recently, the Kelowna Branch has begun a Facebook page that details forthcoming events and news in order to attract younger participants from those who are more active on social media than our traditional membership base. This new edition is meant to be an easily accessible news outlet that attracts newcomers and keeps both old and potential members up-to-date with all the happenings of the Historical Society. Additionally, the Okanagan Historical Society is considering the online retail service Amazon as a vending platform for its upcoming book sales to promote our material and reach a wider market of consumers. Should this happen, you can find the relevant link on the Facebook page, Okanagan Historical Society Kelowna Branch.

The Historical Society with a Modern Touch

Page 4

A Christmas Tree Adventure for Families

Submitted by Don Ford

Held in Mid-December, the 1st Annual Okanagan Historial Society Family Christmas Tree event was a great success. Enjoyed by all, it was an adventure for kids seeking that perfect tree. The hot chocolate and cookies proved a treat that went down well.

Next year the event will be expanded to two weekends.

Our thanks to Cliff and Lois Serwa for their donation of the trees and all those who turned out in support of the OHS.

Searching for the perfect tree

OHS Directors, (from left) Ann Bostock, Cathy Jennens, Don Ford and Lois Marshall

keep warm around the bonfire.

And the tree goes home for decorating

Page 5

Submitted by Lois Marshall

This year the Kelowna Branch is partnering with the Central Okanagan Heritage Society for our annual OHS Picnic.

Details of the event:Date: Sunday, July 15, 2018

Time: 2 – 4 pm

Location: Benvoulin Cottage Garden, 2279 Benvoulin Rd. Please bring a lawn chair

In recognition of our 30th annual Pioneer Picnic, we have changed locations and will be able to take advantage of the beautiful grounds at Benvoulin Heritage Church. The garden has evolved into an English Cottage Garden with lovely displays of perennial plantings, and the addition of a small water feature and a lovely bench has created a serene place within the park.

The Pioneer Picnic began in 1988 as an opportunity for local pioneers to meet and socialize. Over the years, pioneers from various OHS communities have been celebrated and acknowledged. We also encourage people interested in history, and in particular Okanagan history, to attend and meet your neigh-bours.

Tents and tables will be set up in the Benvoulin Cottage Garden (with Reid Hall available if the weather is not cooperating). Please bring your lawn chair and come for a visit. Ice-cream and cake will be provided.

Okanagan Historical Society Picnic

Submitted by Cathy Jennens

The 2017 Kelowna Historical Society Fall Social was held on Saturday October 28th at Missionwood Retirement Resort. Carolyn MacHardy was the guest speaker, talking about the history of Guisachan House. Roland Quessett serenaded us with his back ground music and a good time was had by all.

Many thanks to the staff and Chef at Missionwood Retirement Resort for the coffee, tea and goodies. Hopefully they will have us back again next year for this very successful event.

Benvoulin Heritage Church

Fall Social

Page 6

Submitted by Robert M. Hayes

On Sunday, April 29th, 2018 the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society will host the Okanagan Historical Society (Executive Council) Annual General Meeting and luncheon. Please note that this is not the Kelowna Branch OHS Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the Parkinson Recreation Centre (Kelow-na) on Saturday, March 24th, 2018. Each year, the OHS Annual General Meeting, traditionally held in late April, is hosted by an OHS branch. In 2018, it is Kelowna Branch’s honour to welcome the Okanagan Historical Society and its 8 branches:

* Oliver-Osoyoos * Similkameen * Penticton * Summerland * Kelowna * Vernon * Armstrong-Enderby * Salmon Arm

April 29th begins with an Optional Business Meeting in the morning, followed by free time to explore the nearby Lake Country Museum & Archives. A delicious, catered luncheon will be served at noon, followed by a short meeting and an informative Guest Presentation. This year, our Guest Speaker is Laura Neame, Lake Country Museum Archivist. Laura will speak about the history of the Rainbow Ranche, an important part of the history of Okanagan Centre and Lake Country. Laura is well-versed on this topic, having done much re-search, using many primary sources, into the history and development of the Rainbow Ranche.Information about the Okanagan Historical Society (Executive Council) Annual General Meeting follows:

Date: Sunday, April 29th, 2018Location: Okanagan Centre Community Hall, 11099 Maddock Avenue, Lake Country (Okanagan Centre), BCOptional Business Meeting: Business Meeting (approximately one hour) starts at 10:00 amLuncheon & Presentation: Noon to about 2:00 pmLuncheon: Two types of soup, assorted croissants (including vegetarian), vegetable platter, assorted squares and fruit platter, coffee and tea Guest Speaker: Laura Neame: History of the Rainbow RancheTickets: $30.00 per person, which includes lunch and guest presentationContact Information: Please contact Bob Hayes (250 – 763 – 8859) for information or if you wish to purchase tickets to attend this April 29th event

We hope to see members of the Kelowna Branch OHS in attendance on April 29 and know that everyone will enjoy this pleasant and informative Sunday activity in beautiful, historic Okanagan Centre, a ward of District of Lake Country.

Okanagan Historical Society (Executive Council)

Annual General Meeting & Luncheon

Page 7

Submitted by Robert M. Hayes

The Kelowna Branch OHS extends its condolences to the family and friends of these long-time Central Okanagan residents:

ALIMONTI, Judie Barbara, Dr: March 13, 1960 (Kelowna) – December 26, 2017 (Ottawa) Daughter of Dominico “Nick” and the late Sheila Alimonti Survived by her husband Alan Giesbrecht

AMBROSI, Dan: November 14, 1935 (Kelowna) – January 11, 2018 (Kamloops) Son of the late Vasile and Dora Ambrosi Predeceased by his wife Edith MacDougall

DUNCAN, Francis Nielson “Mike”: June 24, 1925 (Kelowna) – December 9, 2017 (Kelowna) Son of Okanagan pioneers, Andrew and Elizabeth Duncan Predeceased by his partner John Yorsten

FAZAN, Terence Allan: July 12, 1930 (Kelowna) – February 5, 2018 (Kelowna) Member of pioneer Joe Riche family, son of Daniel and MaryFazan Survived by his wife Marie Fazan

HUME, Audrey Frances (nee Baron): August 7, 1920 (Kelowna) – January 4, 2018 (Victoria, BC) Daughter of Ellison pioneers, John and Nora Baron Predeceased by her husband John Robert “Bert” Hume

JENNENS, Richard W: 1953 (Kelowna) – January 5, 2018 (Kelowna) Son of the late E. Gordon and Sylvia M. Jennens Survived by his wife Rosanne Jennens

KOENIG, Robert “Bob”: March 1, 1928 (Salvador, SK) – January 13, 2018 (Kelowna) Came to Kelowna in 1933, son of Victor and Margaret Koenig Survived by his wife Maureen Koenig

LINDAHL, Stanley: March 15, 1933 (Kelowna) – December 9, 2017 (Kelowna) Lifelong Kelowna resident, son of John and Evelyn Lindahl Survived by his wife Marion Lindahl

.....Continued on following page

We Will Remember Them

Page 8

MACINNIS, Denis Wendell: December 7, 1935 (Summerset, PEI) – December 30, 2017 (Kelowna) Came to Kelowna in 1956 Life Member of the Okanagan Historical Society and a strong advocate of local history Survived by his wife Stacy MacInnis

MELNICHUK, Maria (nee Werhun): November 12, 1921 (Ceblow, Poland) – January 29, 2018 (Kelowna) Moved to Ellison district in 1947 Predeceased by her husband Makar Melnichuk

NEID, Larry: February 14, 1926 (Beausejour, MN) – December 19, 2017 (Kelowna) Came to Kelowna as a young boy, son of Jacob and Helena Neid Predeceased by his wife Dede

SCHELL, Wima Dorrene June 28, 1924 (Rutland) – January 20, 2018 (Kelowna)(nee Grummett): Daughter of Rutland pioneers, George and Sarah (nee Petch) Grummett Predeceased by her husband Cliff Schell

SERWA, Helen (nee Charzewski): 1911 (Manitoba) – January 22, 2018 (Kelowna) Came to Kelowna in 1945 Predeceased by her husband Jack Serwa

TURRI, Nita Livia (nee Guidi): December 6, 1927 (Kelowna) – November 21, 2017 (Kelowna) Lifelong Kelowna resident, daughter of Emilio and Dolinda (nee Fusari) Guidi Survived by her husband Caesar Turri

WEISBECK, Daniel James: October 24, 1940 (Kelowna) – January 12, 2018 (Vancouver) Son of early Kelowna residents Manuel and Cecelia Weisbeck Predeceased by his wife Barbara Weisbeck

We Will Remember Them.. continued from previous page