At the Boundary Museum, we're so excited about our history that we just had to take it beyond the museum walls and share it on the web!  Each month, this page will feature a different article about people, places, and events that helped shape Boundary history.

If you've ever driven through Grand Forks at night and looked to the mountain tops, you have likely seen a star sitting high up on a mountain. Have you ever wondered why?

   High on the top of Observation Mountain, an illuminated star welcomes visitors to the Sunshine Valley. It is the welcome home as you sweep around the brow of Spencer Hill from the west or approach from the east.

   It was not always a star. It was first erected in 1935 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V, and was officially turned on May 6th.

   The crown was 16’ x 16’ (5 m x 5 m) and had 25 large lights to symbolize his 25 years of reign. Smaller lights completed the outline, with red lights representing jewels. The original idea came from John A. Hutton, Grand Forks city clerk.

   Over the years, the crown fell into disrepair and was replaced by a star erected by Emerson Reid and Rupert Sullivan in 1958 for the Centennial of the birth of British Columbia.

   Again in 1972 the attraction was resurrected under Mayor J.A.H. Goddard. William Euerby, Dave Matthews and others helped. This familiar landmark is currently under the care of the City Public Works Department.

The Boundary Museum wants to help you speed up your search for information about people, places, and events that happened in Grand Forks, BC and surrounding areas. Please contact us and ask to speak with our archivist for specific inquiries regarding family history, newspaper articles, and photographs.