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Reg Cook in Photo
with Angus Horne
PHOTO CREDIT: BLUE RIVER CAMPGROUND |
Blue River has
an interesting history!
The Hudson's Bay Company established a post
at Kamloops in 1812. A short while later
another post was established at Little Fort.
Canadian Aboriginal people were the first to
use the North Thompson route followed later
by a party of settlers who, after leaving
Jasper, travelled a route by land to
Kamloops. After their safe arrival, they
became known as the Overlanders.
Angus Horne
PHOTO CREDIT: BLUE RIVER CAMPGROUND |
Prior to the establishment of the town of
Blue River, a large forest fire engulfed the
valley. Therefore, the forest surrounding
the town of Blue River is all second growth.
In 1890, Frank Bowen was one of the first
settlers known to have trapped in the Blue
River area. Later settlers were Dan Crowley
in 1909, the Lawson brothers and their
partner Wilkins in 1910. In 1910, J. Maher
arrived in the area. He set up a cabin 11
miles east of Blue River, which is still
visible today near Highway 5. Other settlers
who arrived to the area around the same time
were Austin Cook, Smith and J. Dales. Mt.
Cook was named after Austin Cook's son.
Stanley Harrison (Doc) arrived in 1912 with
Angus Horne.
Together
they acquired an area of land, which
included Goose Lake, Doc later had a
daughter who was the first Caucasian child
born in Blue River and Goose Lake was then
named Lake Eleanor after her. Lake Eleanor
is at the centre of Blue River and is
admired by locals and tourists alike. It is
a great spot for recreation especially
swimming, fishing, and picnics.
When the
Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) connected
the east and west in 1914, Blue River became
a divisional point. Each week two trains
passed through Blue River. As the many small
railways across Canada became unified in
1923, Blue River became part of the Canadian
National mainline. The first section foreman
was Billy Davies. A wagon road was built
during the construction of the railway. The
total number of families living in Blue
River at that time was seven! Dave McLaren
established the first store in 1922 across
from the railway station. Johnny Kuffa built
the first hotel.
There
were many other long time residents
including: Mrs. S. Harrison, 1919; Mr. J.
Jones, 1923; Mrs. T Barron, 1924; Mr. H
Bilton, 1924; and Mrs. M. Nelson 1928. We
cannot forget the many other pioneers along
the way who have contributed to the
development of the North Thompson Valley, as
well as the local community members who
continue to make Blue River the beautiful
place it is today.
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF
BLUE RIVER CAMPGROUND
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