Our Blog And Links

Building & Restoration Committee report - March 2012

03/15/2012 15:20:00

Building and Restoration Committee report - March, 2012

The work party at the woodworking shop was very productive with all the Walter Reis carvings accessioned, cleaned and put on shelves. Dennis made some more shelving brackets for one more shelf so we can spread the carvings out a bit. The woodworkers will also find a way to display the plaques to better advantage.

Work is progressing on both the stagecoach and the drag saw. Re-skinning the exterior of the coach has become a rather formidable challenge as the thin plywood has to be bent to a compound angle which is very difficult to do successfully. However we will eventually succeed and it is a learning experience for all of us. The undercarriage is nearing completion but we will need to deal with brakes, the metal and canvas work plus moldings and varnish so there is still a lot of hours to put into these projects.

As soon as the snow goes we can start on projects at Fructova. We need to fix the pad at the oven house, finish the gable ends and put siding on the oven house, the walls in the new storage room need some sort of paneling and the wiring needs to be completed.

If we intend to use the oven house for serving we can take out the window and install a serving platform before we do the siding. Also the kitchen in the basement needs to have a counter installed etc.

Sue and I met with the Granby Wilderness Society and the Garden club last week and they are keen on putting in a garden. The next step is for us to supply them with some site plans and then we can see what needs to be done. It would be good if both the garden project and the grapes could be started this year.

Once the weather clears up we should be able to start 4-H dog classes here on Monday nights. It would be nice to be able to obtain some permanent agility equipment. I would love to see Fructova be home to 4-H.

So I think we need to keep plugging away and eventually we will get most everything done.

Bob

Restoration Updates: December 2011

12/30/2011 19:58:00

Concord Stagecoach

Work is progressing on the Concord stagecoach with David Bevan starting work on the leather upholstery. The seats are tufted button leather, so it was necessary to manufacture about 80 leather buttons, which David has manufactured from scraps. It was decided to try and complete the interior of the coach before the new veneer is applied to the outside as it is easier to access the rather cramped interior with the veneer off.

Lawrence Radford, the president of the Boundary Museum Society, has been doing research on the Concord coaches and has discovered some interesting facts. Apparently the original Concord coaches made in Concord, New Hampshire, had the coach suspended on rawhide straps which provided a more comfortable ride for the passengers. However, on extremely uneven ground, like mountain passes, the coaches tended to tip over. Consequently, another suspension was used for uneven ground. One of the main manufacturers of the rear wheel suspensions was the Studebaker carriage works, who were the fore-runner of the Studebaker automobile.

While Les Braden was re-packing the front wheels, he discovered a stamp on the front axle which said, “Concord Express". This would indicate that at least the front suspension was done by Concord itself. Therefore, there is then a good possibility that the rear suspension was either built by Concord itself, or supplied by Studebaker who built a great many of what they called the Studebaker Mountain waggons.

The painting of the undercarriage and wheels is nearly complete. Several of the woodworkers have pitched in to complete this rather onerous task, especially Dan MacLean who shows up in his painting clothes every Saturday Morning. We are putting the finishing touches on several projects, and after the holidays we will give the coach our undivided attention.

Furnishings

The wood workers have completed restoration of a 1940's era wooden school desk complete with ink well that I picked up at a yard sale. It had a decided tilt to it but Stuart and Les got it straightened out, and Stuart did a very nice job of sanding and replacing the finish.

We have also completed a bank stand-up desk, which originated from Greenwood. The woodworkers have restored the piece, while The Boundary Museum Society and Irene Perepolkin, our area D director and a staunch supporter, picked up the bill for supplies. The Sargeant family of Grand Forks has since generously given the desk to the Greenwood Museum where it belongs.

The woodworkers, mainly our router wizard, Dennis Hansen, Stuart Soles, and myself, are putting the finishing touches on three bookcases and a cabinet for use in the new archives located in the basement of the Grand Forks City Hall.

Signage

We have completed a sign for Selkirk Security, who very graciously donated six fire extinguishers for the workshop. Another plaque was made to showcase the awards won for the "branding" of the Boundary area by Community Futures. This plaque will reside in the regional district offices, and features the logo for the Boundary Country. The logo was borrowed from a cow brand and is a backwards B, a normal C in a circle. You really have to see it!

Both signs had many contributors starting with Karen Radford, who cut stencils for the lettering, and Dana Novotny, who did some great laser engraving. David Bevan, then took on the carving of the letters, while Dennis Hansen did the router work. I, Bob DeMaertelaere, did the logo and finishing. There were also many others who helped with sanding etc.

So, you can see we have had a very busy fall! Hopefully we will make similar progress on the coach after the holidays. Best wishes to all!

Restoration of 1800's Stagecoach Begins

11/09/2011 18:56:00

The Boundary Museum Society has a Concord style stagecoach in its possession. This community artifact would date back to the late 1800's and was used to move people with their luggage and express items from

Grand Forks, BC to Bossburg,Washington

and return.

The coach was in the Gyro park outdoor display area in Grand Forks. The undercarriage (including metal) had many coats of yellow paint and the coach itself had coat upon coat of red paint. There was no lettering visible as it had been painted over many times.

The partnership between the Boundary Woodworkers and the Museum and the use of a large workshop owned by the city and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary made it feasible to try and restore this coach. The latest restoration was in the 1950's and much of the veneered surface of the coach was failing. The undercarriage is in excellent condition and needed the many layers of paint removed. The metal will be painted with an authentic, for the period. asphalt based black paint. It is highly unlikely that the undercarriage is the original that the coach started off with but until an authentic Concord undercarriage can be sourced it will do very nicely. The wood on the running gear and the wheel rims and spokes will be repainted in wagon yellow.

Some of the coach had been covered with a light canvas material to hide the peeling veneer. On close inspection one of our woodworkers thought he could discern some lettering on the doors under the red paint. Many layers were carefully removed and the number "6" appeared. Below that the word coach and below that Grand Forks and below that Bossburg. On the coach itself the word "lines appeared. The whole thing was a bit of a mystery as now you had" 6" on the door with" lines" on the coach body. However when we removed the canvas covering the rear panel of the coach body the word "red" appeared painted directly on the original mahogany wood veneer. The "red" lettering is completely different from the other lettering.

It would seem that this coach started life as the "Red" Coach Lines. At some point it became "6" coach lines. It would also prove that the original coach was not painted. Research shows some coaches in natural varnished wood with painted trim. As the original veneer is beyond repair, new mahogany veneer will be applied to the coach body and several coats of marine quality spar varnish will be used to seal and protect the veneer.

It would be feasible to include all of the lettering that was found on the coach as long as it is pointed out that the "6" is likely a later addition. It will be interesting to see if any information can be found on the "Red" and "6" as it is very possible that they were two separate operators of the coach line.

The metal work on the roof and luggage platform were very likely added in the 1950's as concrete reinforcing rod was used to replicate the original round bars. Visser Machining of Grand Forks has very kindly donated some round steel stock which will be used to manufacture the metal work as closely as possible to original Concord Coach design.

All of the leather on the coach has deteriorated to the point where it must be replaced. The original seats are completely gone and were replaced ( likely in the 1950"s restoration) with plywood benches. Leather seats will be made to replicate the original seats and all leathers replaced with new.

This restoration is very time consuming and as there is so very little information on it to be found the best the restorers can do is bring it back as close as possible to "a" Concord coach. While it is difficult to predict a finishing date on this project we feel it could be finished by spring of 2012. The Boundary Museum Society and the Boundary Woodworkers Guild would like to thank the many contributors to this exciting restoration and encourage the reader to patronize the commercial supporters of this project.

If anyone has any knowledge of the history of this coach or any other item of historical importance please and share your information with us.

Pie in July a Scrumptious Success

07/20/2011 13:05:00

Over 120 people attended our first ever Pie in July event held last Saturday at our new location: the Fructova Heritage Site.

The concept of Pie and July was conceived last summer by our summer students, Allie and Stepan. The idea began when the students were trying to think of a way to utilize the traditional Doukhobor oven located on site at the museum. When the students learned that the our new location, “Fructova”, meant “of the fruit” in Russian, they quickly combined the idea of fruit, baking, and famous Doukhobor hospitality into Pie in July!

The idea was brought to life this year by our staff and many dedicated volunteers. Although the traditional oven was not in operation, visitors still enjoyed a variety of fruit pies, which were on sale as a part of a museum fundraiser. There were many activities for Kids including the “Find the Pie” challenge, face painting, apple bobbing, and the Credit Union’s Success by 6 fish pond.

Guests were also treated to live entertainment by Brown Bag Theatre and musical guests, Phase 4. Rivers’ Edge Theatre gave lessons on theatre swordplay, which entertained participants and spectators alike. However, some of the best entertainment came from the watermelon and pie eating contest sponsored by Overwaitea Foods. Six participants ages 4 -23 had two minutes to eat as much watermelon as they could in order to qualify for the pie eating contest. All the participants did so well that everyone moved on to the pie round. In the end, Will Kaufman was the first place pie-guzzler receiving a gift basket donated by the Grand Forks Credit Union. Tate Kaufman and Thomas Hecht followed close behind receiving second and third place respectively.

Unlike the pie-eating contestants, judges of the official Pie in July baking contest got to savour their slices as they carefully judged the 12 entries based on qualities such as appearance, texture, creativity, and taste. The four judges, who included Grand Forks City Council Members and one of our staff, ultimately declared Tom Bader’s apple-cinnamon pie the winner. Mary Makortoff took second place and Shelly Grandy third. These three finalists each received a museum membership and their very own lawn chair in recognition of their baking expertise.

We had such fun that we hope to make Pie in July an annual affair. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the donors and volunteers that made the event a scrumptious success! Donors included:

Grand Forks Credit Union

Overwaitea Foods

All Hit KBS

Pharmasave Grand Forks

Thistle Pot Gifts

Rilkoff's Store

Grand Opening Celebrations a Success!

06/23/2011 13:07:00

Russian songs echoed across the valley at the traditional Doukhobour prayer meeting began the museum’s Grand Opening celebrations. Visitors were invited to experience and ask questions about this Doukhobor ritual.

Following the prayer meeting, museum board members and community partners such as the USCC, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, the City of Grand Forks participated in a Tree Planting Ceremony. Representatives of each organization took a turn planting a lilac tree to symbolize the continuing support, friendship, and good will, between the Boundary Museum and its partners.

After the ceremony, everyone was invited to partake in the Strawberry Social. Visitors spent the sunny afternoon enjoying the new shade shelter, and were treated to strawberry shortcake donated by Buy-Low foods, refreshments, and other homemade treats.

Did you miss this event? Visit our events page for photos and information about our next event!

Pioneer Profile of the Month- June 2011

06/09/2011 15:42:00

'Stuart Sisters'

My visit to Boundary Museum on May 19, 2011 was most enjoyable and enlightening. A Stuart family history document authored by a cousin, Jessie Stuart, came into my possession a number of years ago through a genealogist in Cornwall, Ontario. I have always wondered who Jessie Stuart was, where she found the information in the document, and why she and her family ended up living in Grand Forks. The document Jessie typed in a chart format is extensive showing that our Stuart descendents are connected to the Earls of Moray and Robert the Bruce, extending as far back as 639 A.D. I learned a great deal about Jessie and her younger sister, Edna Stuart during my visit at the museum.

A number of retired teachers from the Grand Forks area were invited by museum staff to share their stories about the Stuart sisters. Edna Stuart had taught several of them in Grade 2. They remember Edna as a tall, slim, well dressed teacher who possessed a very dignified manner. A past student recalled that when Edna walked by her desk she would reach out to touch the fine fabric of her dresses. Another past student mentioned that Edna was strict but never raised her voice in the classroom commanding great respect from both students and parents. Another past student in attendance was Alice Glanville. She authored a book in 1991 entitled, "Schools of the Boundary 1891 - 1991". In her book she writes about Edna Stuart.....

"One of Boundary Country's true pioneer teachers was Edna Stuart who came to this valley in 1898. She received her public school education in Grand Forks, went to Normal School in Vancouver and began her teaching career in Gilpin in 1915. She taught in the district for 42 years. She retired in 1957 and died in 1988 in Grand Forks (age 93). Her many years of service to education and to the community are remembered and appreciated by at least 3 generations of her students." pg. 34

Edna's older sister, Jessie, was also a teacher. It was interesting to learn that Jessie was a painter. In Boundary Museum her paint box is displayed with the following write up....

"JessieStuart was born in Elora, Ontario. She lived in California for a few years as a child and the family moved to Grand Forks in 1899. She was a very clever girl and graduated from Grand Forks High School and was the highest standing graduate in B.C. Jessie and her sister Edna became teachers and taught for many years in Grand Forks. Jessie loved to paint and her first paints were a gift from her Uncle John Simpson. He was a professor in Eastern Colleges for many years. Her father, Edward Stuart, made the box that she used and treasured for all her life. She died in Grand Forks in June 1985, one day before her 97th birthday."

A close neighbour and friend of the Stuart sisters, Michele Caskey, gave the eulogy at Edna's funeral. She recalled Edna always walked upright and spritely, never seeming to age. Apparently, Edna read extensively and had a shed full of books including hundreds of National Geographic magazines. The Stuart sisters were very close and in Edna's final days she told Michele that Jessie was near by waiting for her. According to Michele, Edna left a very generous donation to the United Church and family documents were sent on to B.C. Royal Museum in Victoria.

I want to thank all those who still honour the memory of the Stuart sisters and for sharing their stories with me. I will continue to search for more information about their family through the B.C. Royal Museum and other sources available.

Elizabeth Stuart

March 22 2011- Photo of the Little School Desks and a Quick Update

05/05/2011 10:12:00

As promised here is a photo of the little school desks that were cleaned up and restored to useable condition. Thank you David Bevan for the photo and thank you to Lorne Smithson for putting it on the web page. Lorne has done most of the web page set up along with our indomitable administrator Sue Adrain.

Today was clean up day at Fructova and Lorne, Cliff, Lawrence and myself loaded up Lorne's trailer with a full load of garbage that seemed to grow over the winter.

Work on displays is progressing and once they are a bit more advanced we may give you a sneak preview. I think they are going to be spectacular.

The woodworkers took delivery of an old CPR railway toolshed today. The Trails Society want it restored and it will be situated in a patio like site along the trail. We hope to have it restored and ready for display by the end of May.

The grounds at Fructova are nearly dry and would you believe that the Schubert chokecherry trees are getting ready to leaf out. Cliff and Shirley Schuh have pruned all of the trees that were planted a year ago last fall. They should look great this year.

Well enough for now, talk to you soon!

Cheers,

Bob

P.S. Send us your comments, we would love to hear from you!

March 17, 2011 - Meet Bob De Maertelaere

05/05/2011 10:07:00

This is my first entry into our new web page. My name is Bob De Maertelaere and I am a director with the Boundary Museum Society. It is my hope to use this web page as a means of keeping our members and visitors informed of what is happening at our community museum. Of course this time of year is beginning to get very busy as the staff and volunteers are preparing displays and shining everything up for a May 1 st opening.

The Boundary Woodworkers Guild has just finished a complete restoration of a Pat Burns meat delivery wagon and we will be posting pictures soon. Also we just cleaned up three little school desks marked as 5 and 6 which I would imagine would be the ages of the children who were meant to use them. What a find and they are as cute as a bugs ear.

As soon as the weather warms up we will be pouring the concrete floor in our new outdoor classroom/shade house. We also need to finish installing some decorative support braces and nail some siding but we will be ready May 1st. Thats it for today but I will be posting updates on a regular basis so come back often

Cheers,

Bob

Link to a partial collection of Boundary Museum Photos

04/26/2011 08:10:00

http://whazit2u.multiply.com/photos/album/140/GRAND_FORKS_1898_..._historical

1940's film on Seed Production - Grand Forks

03/18/2011 19:26:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDOiIYzRFbQ

Grand Forks and The Kettle Valley Were Famous For Seed Growing In The 1940's