Books in print and digital form

This book is about the lifestyles of the people who have chosen to live in the North, Central, and South Okanagan, Lower and Upper Similkameen, Tulameen, and Boundary regions. Whenever possible the lifestyle of the early settlers, or contemporaries, is documented from the people who lived, worked, and enjoyed life in any particular era. Also included are chapters on airports, communications, transportation, roads, and rodeos. It is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

ISBN 978-0-919773-14-1, 600 B&W and colour photos.

This book highlights the recollections and experiences of over 200 residents of Penticton over the past 100 years. Penticton's rich history, sense of community and the temperaments of its varied residents come to life in this beautifully crafted book. Those who were there tell it best!

ISBN 978-0-919773-13-4, over 600 B&W and colour photos.

Ranching: Now, Then, and Way Back When... features the reminiscences of over 200 "experienced" and current stockmen and ranchers, and a wealth of early ranching photos. The publication is eclectic, in that it includes the reminiscences, activities, ranch building, and general experiences of pioneer stock men. It features all ranching areas of British Columbia, the Similkameen, Okanagan and Nicola Valleys, the Thompson-Kamloops, Cariboo-Chilcotin, Boundary-Kootenay, the North and Peace River, and Colony Farm in the Fraser Valley.

ISBN 0-919773-12-5, 600 black-and-white photos.

The Nickel Plate Mine was one of the oldest, longest producing gold mines in British Columbia. The Hedley Mascot Mine, high on the cliffs above Hedley, was one of our richest producing gold mines. The mining methods used at these mines is the history of hard rock mining in Southern British Columbia. This is the story of the people who lived and worked at the mines.

ISBN 978-0-919773-11-0, close to 300 B&W photos

Raised during Canada's depression years, Edward Patterson travelled with his family across Southern Alberta and BC, in a cavalcade of three covered wagons and a team of horses hitched to a 1928 Chevrolet truck, all followed by 250 head of unbroken range horses, the foundation stock for a new start in BC. The book also describes life in Southern Alberta in the 1930's.

1988, ISBN 0-919773-06-0.

In 1793 Captain George Vancouver delivered the first cattle, California Longhorns, to King Kamehameha on the big island of Hawaii. From that foundation stock Hawaiian ranching and stock raising has grown to become one of the major industries on each of the main islands. The Parker Ranch on the island of Hawaii is one of the larger ranches in the United States. This book documents the unique development of the ranching methods and challenges experienced by the island ranchers.

An historical look at the South Okanagan and Similkameen. This book, which contains a wealth of historical photos, covers the geography, legends, early settlement, mining, cattle raising, ranching, logging, and orcharding. The publication also covers the early settlements in the region.

1987, ISBN 0-919773-04-4

The SS Sicamous was the finest and last of magnificent steam powered "sternwheeler" ships to be built for use on Okanagan Lake. Launched in 1914, at the start of WW 1, this 200 foot shallow keeled ship was able to dock at the numerous wharves around the lake or run up on the beach to pick up passengers or freight. A white flag during the day and two fires during the night was a signal for the giant sternwheeler to put into shore. This is the story of the "Queen of Okanagan Lake" and the wharves of call on her daily tour of Okanagan Lake.

1995, ISBN 0-919773-10-9

This is a guide which will direct the history enthusiast on six tours designed to explore the heritage of the South Okanagan and Similkameen, with illustrated maps of each excursion. Suitable for armchair or auto tours.

1991, ISBN 0-919773-07-9

This publication features the best of the historical photos featured weekly in the Penticton Western newspaper. It contains 180 photos and captions relating to Penticton, the South Okanagan and Similkameen, and the Tulameen Valleys. The book covers early roads, lake boats, railways, ranching, logging, mining, and the early fruit industry. The early settlements in the valley are shown, including Coalmont, Tulameen, and Blakeburn in the Tulameen River Valley.

1992, ISBN 0-919773-09-5

In 1927, Frank Hunter, a Manitoba youth, ventured to the Peace River country of British Columbia, then one of the last frontiers of Canada. This is an account of his lifelong adventure as he surveyed for the Northern Alberta Railroad, hauled freight for the Alaska Highway, and wrestled a farm from the unforgiving north.

ISBN 0-919773-08-7