Peace Country Roots Group

Sue Johnson and Anne Haycock receiving the Proclamation for Heritage Week at City Hall. Monday February 11, 2019

February 8, 1948; Fire Destroys Co-op Store. The Co-op store surived the fire and explosion of 1943 only to burn down five years later. The Co-op store had moved in from the old town in 1931 and added to the building over the next 17 years. After the fire they rebuilt, the building still stands today and is occupied by Bing's Furniture & Appliances Ltd, on the corner of 102 Ave. and 10th Street. Photo from the Frederickson family.

'Mr. J. Niven had the honor of having the first building completed in the new town of Dawson Creek' in the news October 14, 1930. Mr. F. A. Walker of Rolla, acquired the Jewerlry and watch repairing business in July of 1933. This photo was taken between 1933 and 1940.

Richard Clare, Gerry Clare's father received this little Santa Claus on a Chocolate box for his second Christmas, in 1901. The Christmas ball beside him is also as old. Thanks to Nan Clare for saving and sharing these memories.

September 13, 1950, Fire Destroys four buildings at Rolla. The Rolla Store, Pioneer Hall, Ice House, and an empty store. The Pioneer Hall was erected in 1915, was the first home of the Peace River Block News when the paper commenced publication there in 1930. Hall on the far right of the photo

Sue Johnson and Anne Haycock receiving the Proclamation for Heritage Week at City Hall. Monday February 11, 2019

February 8, 1948; Fire Destroys Co-op Store. The Co-op store surived the fire and explosion of 1943 only to burn down five years later. The Co-op store had moved in from the old town in 1931 and added to the building over the next 17 years. After the fire they rebuilt, the building still stands today and is occupied by Bings Furniture & Appliances Ltd, on the corner of 102 Ave. and 10th Street. Photo from the Frederickson family.

Mr. J. Niven had the honor of having the first building completed in the new town of Dawson Creek in the news October 14, 1930. Mr. F. A. Walker of Rolla, acquired the Jewerlry and watch repairing business in July of 1933. This photo was taken between 1933 and 1940.

Richard Clare, Gerry Clares father received this little Santa Claus on a Chocolate box for his second Christmas, in 1901. The Christmas ball beside him is also as old. Thanks to Nan Clare for saving and sharing these memories.

September 13, 1950, Fire Destroys four buildings at Rolla. The Rolla Store, Pioneer Hall, Ice House, and an empty store. The Pioneer Hall was erected in 1915, was the first home of the Peace River Block News when the paper commenced publication there in 1930. Hall on the far right of the photo

City Loses Old Church Landmark. March 24, 1965 the Catholic church Our Lady of Perpetual Help was torn down. This church was the first catholic church built in Dawson Creek in 1931 on 10th St. and 104th Ave.

On November 11, 1961 Mayor John Wilcox unveiled the new cenotaph, which stands proudly by the City Hall. Photo by G. Dudley 1963.

Here is what was in the paper.

PRBN June 20, 1940 Thirty-Nine Acive Service Volunteers Leave From Dawson Creek and Pouce Coupe. This photo is one of the few that was taken when our men left for active service. Thanks to all that served.

October 16, 1968. Poppy Queen Perennial Poppy Day chairman, Mrs. Elizabeth sharp, has sold poppies on behalf of the Canadian Legion in the city since 1933 and is ready for Poppy Day this November 2nd. PRBN photo

From the Peace River Block News, December 30, 1930. The railway bridge across the Dawson Creek, the largest of the four large bridges on the railway extension from Hythe to Dawson Creek is now completed. photo by Day Roberts 1981

Clayhurst Ferry, May 26, 1938 ~ " A pontoon ferry, capable of handling two cars or one car and one truck, went into operation early this week at Clayhurst. Neil Vincent has been placed in charge." October 24, 1986 ~ "The Clayurst Ferry made its final run across the Peace River." First photo by Knute Ellingson taken in 1938 and the second by Day Roberts taken in 1986.

Chris Smith playing his bagpipes. Taken durning the 1992 Senior Games in Dawson Creek. Photo by Day Roberts

Here is one of our local bands that played at so many dances for many years. I would like to hear more about them. Alf Walsh and the Ramblers, Alf Walsh, Richard Wiebe, Claude Stubley, Vern Braaten, Albert Cameron, Ardith Corkery, Deani Rueb, and Ed Stefanyk. Photo donated by Jean Braden.

Hays School / Gundy Hall. The land was donated by Robert John Hay, and in October 1930, a one room log school Opened. The school was enlarged in 1935 and closed in 1950 when it was then used for a Hall. The Gundy area built a new hall, opening in 1988. Photo by David Hay.

The Original five Elevators that were built in 1930. Photo taken in July of 1978 by Day Roberts.

OK Corral & Ho-Le Chow, Dine and Dance opened in 2001 in the old MacLeods building at 932 103 Ave. Was lost in a fire a few years later. Photo by SPHS 2003

Someone left at set of keys at the South Peace Historical Archives in the Calvin Kruk Centre. If they are yours please check with the Archives.

"Blizzard Strikes Peace" August 17, 1973. PRBN photo

Dawson Creeks "Ranch Drive-In", located across from the Walter Wright Pioneer Villiage when it was near the Airport, on the road to Pouce Coupe. The Drive-in Opened on April 28, 1959 and ran its last movie on October 11, 1981. Photo by Day Roberts in 1987

Peace River Day Celebrations, July 9, 1960 to celebrate the official opening of the Peace River Bridge. Art Elliott, president of the Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce, congratulates Joe Walton as being the oldest white settler in the District while radio announcer Gary Albright looks on. PRBNews photo.

The Wally Byam Caravan, August 1971, about 240 Airstream trailers parked next to the Rotary Lake, where now is the Mile 0 Park and Pioneer Village. PRBN Photo; Courtesy of Kenn Borek Air Ltd.

1959 Parade, 102nd Ave. from 8th Street going west, showing the 900 block. The three buildings in the background, the bus depot, Leos Shoe Shope and the BC Hydro building, all gone now. The photo was taken from the top of the CJDC building and was given to the Archives by Rick Michaud from his fathers collection.

The first Fiesta of the North" was held on August 16, 17, & 18 in Dawson Creek. This was the brain-child of Jean and Curly Freeman. The Fiesta was based on the famous Spanish Fiestas. P On the stage Walter Schoen and Gail Dudley dancing a Spanish dance. hoto from the Walter and Ellen Schoen collegtion.

Pouce Coupe Barbecue July 1960, This saddle horse with Blair Cooper seven the rider and Greg Janzer holding the reins, was raffled off and won by Mr. J. McQueen.

Dawson Creek Fall Fair 1960. The Firemens prize winning float, a camping outfit, which was later raffled off and won by Earl Nordell of Dawson Creek.

CJDC Radio Celebrates its10th Year. In conncetion with their 10th anniversary, was the crowning of the King and Queen to reign during the festivities. The crowning took place at the Crest Theatre December 1957, Queen Barbara Jean Frost of Pouce Coupe, and King Sammy Pockett, Spirtit River who were both 10 years old. CDJC announcer is "Uncle" Lee Transem. Photo received from Rick Michaud, from his fathers collection.

Bonanza Days Ambassadors, in June of 1975 Mrs. Ann Halverson and Mr. Henry Wilford were declared Bonanza Bonnie and Bonanza Pete. They attended many functions in costume to promote Bonanza Days. This was one of costumes that Bonanza Bonnie wore.

Wilsons Grocery, opened in December 2, 1948, 102 Avenue next door east of Hartmans. Floyd Wilson was the owner. This photo was taken by John Wilson around 1956

Square Dancing at Bear Canyon Christmas Party. Decembe 18, 1991 photo by Allan Grayston