From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

August 13, 1897 – British Columbia News
(Kaslo)

In his eagerness to advance copper and gold prospects near home, the Rykerts correspondent of the Spokane Spokesman Review indulges in some romancing about Slocan, nearly 200 miles away from him. It would have been easy to obtain truthful facts rather than relying on imagination. This attempt to build up one section of the country by tearing down another is not only silly and childish but extremely harmful. 

The International Navigation and Trading Company has a very attractive Sunday outing that is recommended. On Saturday night at about 9:30 p.m., passengers board the steamer and retire to a comfortable state room. Upon rising the following morning, they are now well up the Kootenay River within the US state of Idaho and reach Bonner’s Ferry at 10 a.m. Passengers can wander around the town and must be back on the steamer by 1 p.m. for the return trip. They progress rapidly down the river assisted by the light current and enter the lake around sunset. The evening trip up the lake is made by twilight and they are returned to Kaslo wharf by 10 p.m. 

Electric energy is now being retailed like milk in New York, empty cans being collected and replaced by full ones. The size of the cans varies with the uses to which they are to be put. The smallest, which are about the size of a box of cigarettes, are those carried by ballet girls to supply the electric lights they wear. The pocket batteries worn by cyclists will light a bicycle for ten hours. 

August 11, 1902 – Morning Telegram (Winnipeg)

King Edward, eldest child of Queen Victoria, was crowned on August 9th at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony went off without hitch or harm and in all respects it was carried out with perfection of detail and lacked the accidents that often characterize such displays. Only six-weeks ago, Edward lay in danger of death and most are thankful he pulled through.

A few days ago the incorrigible Maggie Spence was allowed to go under a suspended sentence with the understanding, by her own proposition, she would leave the city and stay away for an entire year. She did leave, but its blandishments were too strong and the dusky maiden returned and is once more back in her accustomed place at the police station. 

A group of soldiers recently returned from South Africa arrived in Winnipeg a few days ago. Six of them went out on the town and had, according to one, a real good time. As a result, all six were relieved of their money and valuables once they were in an inebriated state. One spoke to the Telegram but none have made reports to the police as they were in no condition to identify those they chose to drink with.

August 11, 1911 – The Granum News

William Werth returned from his homesteading trip to Montana and did not find the state as good as had been rumoured. One farmer offered to sell him his farm, stock, machinery and household goods, including the organ, for $1,500. Billy said he would take the farm but would need to return to Granum for an organist. 

If the wet weather continues, those smiles on the farmers are likely to turn into frowns. 

During a recent storm in Gladstone, Manitoba, lighting struck a house where a family were sitting at supper. The bolt apparently came down the chimney, crossed the table, struck a lamp on the sideboard, jumped to the ceiling and moved a joist a foot out of place, then passed out the keyhole in the door, snapping the key to pieces during its farewell exit.