Marilyn Boxwell
The final summary describing the Nakusp and District Museum displays and exhibitions, follow in this week’s column.
Boat Room:
This display features detailed, scaled models of the S.S. Bonnington and the S.S. Rossland, crafted by historian Mel LaRue. Note that steamships such as these were the only way to negotiate the area along the Lake, both in or out, for a long period of time. Thus, they became the lifeline of the community during this period.
Hardware Store:
This room features sewing machines, clothing and other goods, which Mr. Rushton’s hardware store might have stocked during the pioneer era.
Mining Room:
Located across from the hardware store features a diorama of a pack train along with various mining implements. Included in the mining display is the story of Alice Jowett, a widow who came from England to Canada and bought the Windsor Hotel in Trout Lake. She staked mining claims and was a successful trapper.
Farming Room:
Situated next to the hardware store, this display features farming implements used by local pioneers including seeders made by locals, which are mounted along the left wall. Once home to the orchards and other forms of agriculture, competition emerged from within the Okanagan. Loss of lands by the flood has all but eliminated the industry in Nakusp these days.
Forestry Room:
Logging and forest conservation continue to be an important aspect of farm life in the area. Notice the two-man Swedish saws on the wall along with the cross section of a tree which was 277 years old when hued.
Trapper’s Cabin:
This display features examples of local animals and interesting objects to be found within any trapper’s cabin. Take notice of the maggot factory!
Thank you for visiting the Nakusp Museum. The display staff and dedicated volunteers hope you have enjoyed the tour throughout the museum and have found this guide listing useful.
The museum is open daily during the summer months from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., switching during September to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group/school tours are available by appointment.
For more information call 265-0015.
