Heritage Rossland Publications

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Rossland Publications

The publications below can all be obtained at independent stores in the Kootenays: The Crockett Book Company in Trail, Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery in Nelson, Otter Books in Nelson, Trail Library gift shop and the Gold Rush Bookstore in Rossland. For July and August, each year, Gold Fever Follies will aslo be selling the publications.

Heritage Rosssland Publications Available at Crockett Book Company in Trail BC Heritage Rossland Publictions Available at Otter Books in Nelson BC Heritage Rossland Publications Available at Gold Rush Bookstore in Rossland BC

Rossland Heritage Commission - Publications

Rossland's Heritage Homes

Many Rossland buildings date back to the days when the City was the major gold mining center in Canada. When Rossland was incorporated in 1897, the population had risen to 7000, the original township laid out by Ross Thompson had been expanded and surveyed into streets and lots, two railways were serving the community, the mines were humming and electrical power was available for all. Schools were bursting at the seams as families became an important aspect of life in Rossland.

The mining era lasted 35 years, until the mines were closed in 1929 - testament to the tremendous underground wealth of Rossland’s immediate surroundings. Many homes were constructed in that time and some of them remain today as a visual reminder of the past.

“Rossland’s Heritage Homes”, is not selective. The homes identified vary in condition, grandeur and retention of the original design. What these homes have in common is their construction dates - mostly 1896 to 1916 - which reflect aspects of Rossland’s early social history.

Rossland Heritage Commission - Publications

Cemeteries of Rossland

Rossland has had four cemeteries during its lifespan from Mining Camp to City - a period of 125 years. Even before incorporation in 1897, there were three common burial sites; recognized, respected, and used by and for, the area’s citizens. Calvary Cemetery, on the Wagon Road to Trail was established by the Catholic Diocese of Nelson and first used in 1895. It still remains open today. In late 1899, the opening of the first Municipal Cemetery, Columbia Cemetery, located in Happy Valley marked the demise of two earlier common burial grounds, Laurel Hill and Sunnyside. We are fortunate to have documentation connected to both Calvary and Columbia Cemeteries.

“Cemeteries of Rossland”, is the culmination of years of research and reflects the efforts of many to document the history of these recognized burial sites within Rossland’s boundaries. It also contains the names of people known to be buried in both Calvary and Columbia cemeteries with as much information about each as could be found.

Rossland Heritage Commission - Publications

Rossland Built Heritage

Rossland has a rich history spanning more than 125 years. Despite the devastating fires of 1902, 1927 and 1929, Rossland retains many buildings from its earliest time period. This publication pays tribute to the value of these historic buildings, sites and neighbourhoods relating to its hard rock mining beginnings.

Rossland’s Built Heritage is a compilation of the 32 buildings, 13 sites and 6 neighbourhoods on the Rossland Heritage Register recognized by Heritage B.C. Each item on the heritage register has a Statement of Significance outlining the description, heritage value and character defining elements of that location. This includes both current and archival pictures where attainable. In addition, where possible, a section on history has been added to document interesting stories about events at the buildings, previous owners and rehabilitation work.

Heritage Rossland Publications

Chicanery, Civility & Celebrations

by Ron Shearer

This publication was written by Ron Shearer, a retired UBC economics professor who grew up in Rossland and has an interest in the early days of Rossland.

This book is a collection of essays about some characters, incidents and institutions of Rossland’s early days, both before and after incorporation as a City. The book is divided into four sections. Section one is concerned with characters and incidents from the years 1893 – 1897, when Rossland was still an unincorporated mining camp. The second section is concerned with the incorporation of the City of Rossland and the controversies that followed. The third section is a selection of essays about incidents and characters in the developing years of the Rossland. The final and fourth section deals with the problems created by the diminishing mine production, the closure of the mines and the various attempts to relieve unemployment in the 1920’s.

Heritage Rossland Publications

Ross Thompson

by Ron Shearer

This publication was written by Ron Shearer, a retired UBC economics professor who lived in Rossland in his youth and has an interest in researching the early history of Rossland and its many characters.

This book covers the life of Ross Thompson,the founding father of Rossland. He arrived in Rossland in 1891 and a year later at the age of 26, preempted the homestead that became the townsite of Rossland. The accepted story is that he planned to call his new town Thompson but the post office objected because there was another Thompson in BC, Thompson Landing on the Arrow Lakes. Hence it was decided to include the word “Ross” and Rossland was adopted.

The story goes on to describe his involvement in various mining developments, both successes and failures.

Heritage Rossland Publications

First History of Rossland BC

by Harold Kingsmill

The “First History of Rossland, B.C.” written by Harold Kingsmill and published in Rossland in 1897, provides a fascinating and detailed account of the early days of hardrock mining on Red Mountain and the boomtown growth of the mining camp to a city of 7,000.

The second section of the book, “Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Citizens, Firms and Corporations“, contains a wealth of information about prominent people and social, cultural and economic aspects of life at the turn of the century.

With limited copies of the original document available today, the Rossland Heritage Commission decided to reprint this book. The original format was difficult to read, so changes were increasing the font size and abandoning the three column format. Harold Kingsmill’s text is presented as written! Exhaustive research produced a number of relevant pictures from various sources that add to the reader’s interest.

A Review of Chicanery, Civility & Celebrations

A review of Chicanery, Civility, Celebrations written by Ron Shearer, and reviewed for the Ormsby Review by Ron Verzuh, who hails from Castlegar and is a specialist in Kootenay history.

Kootenay history buffs have long savoured the storytelling talents of Ron Shearer, a retired UBC economics professor turned amateur historian. Now, in a randomly presented selection of stories, he takes us back to the mining town of Rossland in its heyday. And deliciously intriguing stories they are.

Travelling back to the 1890s and early 20th century with Shearer as our guide makes for a joyous and eventful voyage. In short, readable vignettes, he returns to the pioneer times of his hometown using a cast of characters that rivals the celebrated TV series Deadwood.

Like all good storytellers, he keeps us guessing as we learn what life was like in this sometimes-wild mining camp, soon to be nicknamed “Golden City,” with its drunken brawls, a red light district called the “tenderloin,” and the occasional shooting."

We have reviews of the Chicanery, Civility, Celebrations publication. Ormsby Review – HERE is the link to the complete review.

We also have a review from Greg Nesteroff – a local writer and historian. It is as follows:

“I admire Ron Shearer’s tenacity, persistence, and meticulousness in opening a window on Rossland’s past. He rediscovers characters who have not received their due, or whose legacies have been clouded by mythology. Chicanery, Civility, and Celebrations is full of such tales. It's also fun to read!”

Contact

Heritage Rossland Commission,
c/o City of Rossland,
PO Box 1179
Rossland BC V0G1Y0

250.362.7396

info@heritagerossland.com

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Rossland Museum

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Rossland Arts Council

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