RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-05-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ben Switzer recalls his early years in Arrowhead, Galena Bay and Comaplix. He journeyed from Ontario to Arrowhead in 1905, and discusses the region, the people and the town including the Kaley brothers, Ed Machechern, Harry Johnston, Russell Evans, sports days, log burling and races. He continues with recollections of Comaplix, Beaton, the Mundy Lumber Company, Bowman Lumber Company, Arrow Lumber Company, and Ludgate Lumber Company. He discusses his position as yard boss and his relations with other employees, and the East Indians. [TRACK 2: blank.]

The item consists of a reel of reversal film footage from 1973. It shows conditions on Arrow Lake reservoir (at low water) at Shelter Bay and Galena Bay, caterpillar tractors clearing and piling forest debris on beaches, the Dept. of Highways ferry, tug and boom collecting water-borne debris, Corra Lynn Dam and the beginning of excavation of a canal.

Correspondence re acquisition and disposal of land in Arrow lakes area of Kootenay district, 1907-1914, in partnership with A. Simmers and J.H. Parkhill; various agreements, 1906-1907; by-laws and petition for charter of incorporation of Fruit Lands of Kootenay, Limited (minutes of directors' meetings filed at start of correspondence).

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1964-09-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. David Sutcliffe discusses the Kootenay Lake steamers including the "Nasookin" and the "Kootenay". He describes the competition between the two companies; shipping horses on the "Nasookin"; Kootenay Landing; the tug boats; passenger service; mail delivery; freight; the "Kokanee" running aground near Riondel; social life and customs: the chivaree; the maiden voyage of the "Nasookin"; ;a boat called the "International"; the Bluebell Mine in 1910; problems with a new pump system; the shafts; use of candles and lime dust. TRACK 2: Mr. Sutcliffe continues by describing the Pilot Bay, Smelter and Galena Bay. Then he returns to discussing steamers such as the "International" and the "Alberta". He came to Riondel to work on a fruit farm in 1910. He describes the mine mill; Pilot Bay; independent miners; the beginnings of Riondel; the name 'Bluebell' was given by David Douglas in 1834; early history of the Bluebell Mine to 1905; Riondel in 1910; an anecdote about Ainsworth BC; working conditions; the Kirby Mine; more anecdotes; more about Riondel; nationalities of the miners; and more about the Kirby Mine.

Collected for the 1958 Centennial, this material consists of typescripts, newspaper clippings, photographs and signatures. The collection addresses most aspects of early life at Nakusp and district including railway construction and maintenance, recreation, sawmills, steamboats and church history. The focus is on the people of the district with lists of residents and thumbnail sketches of individuals and families.