South Peace Historical Society
10401 V1G4T6 Dawson Creek, BC, Canada

Butch and Nan Webb celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary April 1954, their grandson Jack Webb marries Betty Johnson in September 1959.

Former MLA Jack Weisgerber and his wife Judy were married on June 30, 1961. City Furniture owner Ted Sandhu and his wife Bhaji were married on December 15, 1971. The grandparents of former Peace River Block News Publisher Heinz Goldbach were married in 1899, Czechoslovakia.

Former Dawson Creek Mayor Sid Cooper married Garnet Tibbets from Rolla, B.C. on September 4, 1943. Their attendants were Dorothy Hollingshead and Blake Tibbets. Former Mayor Bob Trail married Lee Dalke on December 16, 1950.

Remember the Grandview Store, Mel Marcel owned that store for many, many years. Mel and his wife Hazel were married on August 1, 1959. Dennis Gilbert from Rolla marries Marcia Lawrence on January 30, 1964.

In November 1995 a concerned citizen called the RCMP and the PR Block News and reported the Mile '0' Post stolen, a pickup was pulling a trailer with the 'Post' - it went around the block and parked in front of the Alaska, and then, she said - the guy went in to the Dew Drop Inn. Upon further investigation it turned out the driver just popped in to use the phone - to get help with a flat tire. Marg Forbes South Peace Historical Society

It began in 1882 when the Dorset Orphanage needed clothing for the children in their care. A small sewing circle known as the London Needlework Guild ensured the orphanage a total of two items of clothing per year for each child. In WW I the focus was changed to reflect the needs of the troops, the guild was then renamed Queen Mary's Needlework Guild. You can read the complete history on the attached. Comrade Bud Melin gave me this card many, many years ago. I have always bee...n intriqued with it's origin - it took a bit more time then I expected but a bit of research and here we are - a story more beautiful then I ever would have dreamed. SP Historical Society member Nan Clare is busy changing out the display cases at KPAC, time for Honoring our Vets, Remembrance and the Poppy Campaign. Once in awhile I need to reflect away from the sadness of War and put something forward that's a bit different, perhaps even comforting, if that can be done. This beautiful piece was stitched by Queen Mary's Guild, Ontario, Canada. Upon completion it was deemed to be so beautiful that they made a screen print and produced thousands of cards - posters and invitations to raise money for "King and Queen - United Empire WW I." Stop by KPAC or visit downstairs at the Archives to see the original of this plus many more items that Nan has been gathering up for this years display. "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them." Marg Forbes See more

Christmas Tree Light Up, Dawson Creek, B.C. November 26, 1993 and November 25, 1994. (Stay with me folks, I am having a very difficult time uploading, I live out of town and this heavy, heavy snow is playing havoc with my internet connection.) Marg Forbes

I was doing a bit of research for a friend - of a political nature and came across these articles from July 1944. We at the Archives are completely non-partisan but since we are in the middle of a provincial election I thought some of you might enjoy the articles on the CCF Party. I am posting the full pages on these as there is some other news that's very interesting.

I was doing a bit of research this afternoon and although there were not many pictures in the papers back in 1944, they really, really reported an unusual amount of news. There are many interesting stories on this page, 'Dawson Creek no longer a boom town' and the 'Foundress of St Joseph's Hospital.' PRB News July 13,1944.

And so it begin in 1992, one of the most exciting traditions we celebrate in the City of Dawson Creek, B.C. The annual taking down of the beloved and renowned Mile '0' Post, replaced by a huge Christmas Tree and all the celebrations, glitz and glamour that go with such an event. A big thank you to the South Peace Oilmen's Association, they have gathered, delivered, installed, decorated and lit this always magnificent tree of several species for eighteen years. We at the Archi...ves hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane. Marg Forbes South Peace Historical Society See more

The Future After Discharge, PRB News October 5, 1944. John Watson and John Chamberlain die during World War II and some interesting news from Coleman Creek. PRB News, Dawson Creek, B.C. October 12, 1944. Happy Thanksgiving to our troops and all First Responders.

Who is this soldier? The lady that shared it is from the Dawson Creek area (possibly Groundbirch). Wouldn’t it be something if we could identify him.

Russ Gilbertson, John Beaulne and Frank Squires - and their grandchildren. Thank you for your service.

The Kiskatinaw curved bridge is a spectacular landmark in our area and a favourite spot for those who feel like an inspirational Sunday drive on a lovely autumn... afternoon. These photo's, taken by Drew Nicholson, illustrate the beauty of the South Peace and are a welcome reminder of stopping to take a breath and truly appreciate your surroundings. https://www.facebook.com/drew.nicholson1 #tourism #autumncolors #Kiskatinawcurvedbridge #tourismbc #tourismnorthernbc #DawsonCreek

Another find from Kathie. Rolla Elks Hockey Team 1935 - 36. A throwback picture featured in the PRB News, February 1966. Thanks Kathie Braden LaForge.

Hi everyone, Kathie Braden Laforge was kind enough to send this picture - leading back to the Braden's of Rolla, B.C. and the Peck's from the area of and around Fort St. John, B.C. Thank you for messaging this Kathie. "Here is another "find." It is a pic of my Grandma Sadie Shepherd Braden and her sister, Kathleen Shepherd Peck coming across the Edson Trail in 1915. Not sure who the other people are. According to my information Shepherd family arrived in Canada in 1912 so not sure where they would have been coming from on this trip but presume the destination was Rolla BC, where they lived. - Kathie Laforge."

EDIT: It'd be super cool if this reached his friends/family, or someone who knew him/ knows of him. I'd assume most connections would live in Pouce Coupe. "He l...eft his young wife Grace and son John. After the war, they moved to Pouce Coupe and lived with Keith’s parents. Grace died in Pouce Coupe in 2005. Mount Merrick and a street in the town of Tumbler Ridge, BC are named for Corporal Merrick." You know what they say ... third time's a charm? Finally found a good route and made the push to the summit of this mountain between Chetwynd & Tumbler Ridge, despite the snow, rain, wind, and slick slopes/rocks. Ever since I laid eyes on Mount Merrick, I knew I had to hike up to the peak. The draw of the alpine and the small lake feeding a creek ... it was irresistible to me. When I started planning the trip, I thought I should take something to the peak. Then, during a little digging into how the name came about, I found out it was named after a WWII veteran from Pouce Coupe, who was killed in action in Italy ... What better thing to leave at the top than a plaque in honor of the fallen soldier? https://www.tumblerridgegeopark.ca//tumbler-ridge-world-wa So, I contacted Joe Elliott with OSI Special Section - Royal Canadian Legion and Charnwood Creations in Fort St John for some insight and to have the plaque engraved. Check out how well it turned out! If you're interested in reading more about Cpl Merrick and his life and sacrifice, take a look at these articles: https://cmea-agmc.ca//cpl-keith-warren-merrick-10th-fd-sqn https://www.veterans.gc.ca//canadian-virtua/detail/2609442 Now, a little about the hike itself ... I made it from my trailhead to the peak in about 4 hrs, and back down in about 3 hrs. Minimum elevation: 1110m. Maximum elevation: 1731m. Total distance: about 14.5km. Very little seismic lines or wildlife trails exist; it was likely the longest, toughest, and steepest hike I've done. However, what it took to hike pales in comparison to the sacrifice Cpl Merrick made in Italy, and that's what I want the focus to be on. Nothing I did, but on Keith. If anyone is interested in doing this hike themselves, I would love to share the tracking, route info and way points, as well as the elevation profiles, etc., etc.

Hi all, this is a wonderful story about Mount Merrick in Tumbler Rodge, B.C., also two links with information on Corporal Keith Warren Merrick of Pouce Coupe, B.C. Corporal Merrick married Grace Thompson in Dundee, Scotland on April 10, 1943, they had one son - John. Corporal Merrick was killed in action on May 25, 1944, Grace and John returned to Pouce to live with Keith’s parents, Grace passed in 2005. Thank you for service Corporal Merrick.