In 1916, George McLean enlisted to fight in the First World War with the 172 (Rocky Mountain Rangers) Battalion. When he reached England, he was transferred to the 54^th Battalion and sent to the front to eventually fight at Vimy Ridge where he would receive a Distinguished Combat Medal for his actions.

The citation on his DCM reads: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion when dealing with enemy snipers. Single-handed he captured nineteen prisoners, and later when attacked by five more prisoners, who attempted to reach a machine gun, he was able, although wounded to dispose of them unaided, thus saving a large number of casualties”.

The first competition held against competitors from outside Merritt was held on July 22^nd, 1925 when Merritt lawn bowlers faced off against lawn bowlers from Kamloops. It was described as being a well attended event, with a large gallery of people attending. Although the match had to be cut short due to a lack of lighting as the sun set, the teams from Merritt collectively defeated Kamloops 66-46. The game was followed by a luncheon held on the Bowling Green.

The stampede was a reported success with the Merritt Herald writing that approximately 2000 people packing Voght Park where the stampede was held both on Friday, August 3^rd and Saturday, August 4^th with people coming as far as Victoria and Calgary to attend. There were approximately 100 contestants competing in a variety of competitions from calf roping, steer wrestling, wild cow milking, broncho riding, and more. A total of 50 horses and 50 heads of cattle were used throughout the course of the rodeo.

The stampede did not just have competitions, there was a collection of other forms of entertainment throughout the two day affair, including the city brass band performing, a parade, a clown, a celebration of the early settlers, and a large parade!

The parade left at 11:45 that morning from the Merritt Public Schoolhouse, according to the Merritt Herald, and were met with hundreds of on lookers as they made their way to the old courthouse. There Mayor Boyd laid a wreath at the cenotaph to honour those who served and died for Canada, and G.B. Armstrong was given the honour of planting a maple tree. This ceremony is included in the photos below. From there the procession moved onto Voght park where proclamations made by both the Governor-General and Premier were read aloud. This was followed by a number of activities including a baseball game, a native horse race, a public dance, and a children’s matinee. The festivities continued onto the following day when a large picnic was held at Lake View Ranch in Nicola followed by the bicycle races, as well as track and field events.

The individuals in the cart are (I believe) some of the early settlers to the Nicola Valley: (in no particular order) A.R. Carringon, G.B. Armstrong, L. Quinville, Mrs. Quinville, Mrs. Philips, Mrs. Farr, Billy Smith, and Jas Smith.

Jolene Cumming will be giving a talk on her Great Grandfather, and early settler and pioneer, Joseph Castillou.

Admission is free

The NVMA will be having our Annual General Meeting on November 2nd at 7pm. It will be held at the Senior’s Centre at 1675 Tutill Court. There will be refreshments provided.

We are pleased that Carol Holmes will be giving a speech on the history of First Nations veterans from the Nicola Valley as well as talking about the new monument that was recently unveiled in Shulus.

Located in the heart of the Nicola Valley, Merritt has long been a hub for trade, transportation, and commerce. From its early days as a stop on the Cariboo Wagon Road to its present-day role as a gateway to the Okanagan and beyond, Merritt has always been a vital link in the economic and cultural fabric of the region.

But Merritt’s history is much more than just a story of commerce and transportation. The area has long been home to a variety of indigenous cultures, with the Nicola Valley serving as a vital trade and transportation route for many generations. In more recent times, the region has attracted a diverse range of settlers and pioneers, drawn to the area by the promise of gold, ranching, and other opportunities.

Today, Merritt and the Nicola Valley are home to a vibrant and diverse community, with a rich history that is celebrated and preserved at the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. Located in the heart of downtown Merritt, the museum offers visitors a unique look at the people, industries, and cultures that have shaped the region over the years.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, a visit to the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the rich history of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Nicola Valley, Merritt is an ideal place for groups to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore the rich history and culture of the region. And what better place to do all of that than at the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives?

Located directly adjacent to the Railyard Mall, the museum is the perfect place for groups to learn about the people, industries, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the valley over the years. From the gold rush days to the present, the museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of the region.

When visiting the museum, you can expect to see and experience what life was like in the Nicola Valley many years ago. And when it’s time to take a break, the Railyard Mall is just a short walk away, offering a variety of food and shopping options.

Tour bus operators and travel agents, if you’re interested in bringing your group to the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives, please contact the museum manager, Cameron Bridge, at 250 378 4145 or by email here.

And don’t forget, there’s plenty of parking for large buses at the Railyard Mall, with a convenient walkway connecting the mall and the museum.

We hope to see you soon!

Days and hours of operation:

Monday – CLOSED

Tuesday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday – CLOSED

Located at 1675 Tutill Ct, directly behind the Railyard Mall, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the people, industries, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the valley over the years.

On a tour of the museum, you’ll be able to explore exhibits showcasing the early settlers, pioneers, and indigenous peoples who have called the Nicola Valley home. From the gold rush days to the present, the museum offers a fascinating look at the people and events that have shaped this region.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts special events and displays throughout the year, offering visitors even more to see and discover.

So if you’re in the Merritt area and looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, be sure to visit the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. You’ll come away with a greater understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of this unique and vibrant region.

Berta Fraser’s parents first settled at Canford and then moved to Merritt in the 1950s. She worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Ottawa during World War II. After the War Miss Fraser worked at the Bank of Montreal, then the Nicola Valley Sawmill. Later, Berta Fraser worked for the City of Merritt City as treasurer for 16 years before retiring in 1977.

Berta Fraser was active with numerous charitable organizations, including the Cancer Society and Trinity United Church. She supported the “Berta Fraser Adult Day-Care”; Skalula; and a Bursary for Merritt Senior Secondary School students.

Garcia, Jesus (1832-1916)

Jesus Garcia, one of the earliest settlers in the Nicola Valley, was born in Mexico. After a stay in California, he came to British Columbia in 1859 during the Fraser River Gold Rush. He initially drove cattle and packed supplies to the gold miners of the Cariboo. He later operated a freight service and brought cattle over the Coquihalla Pass into the Nicola Valley.

Jesus settled in the Valley in the 1870s, where he established a ranch in 1872, which later became part of the City of Merritt. He married Mary Kroventko and they had fourteen children. Many of their descendants still live in the Nicola Valley.

Ghog, Tara Singh (1922-2002)

Tara was born in the village of Autholi, Punjab, India and came to Canada in his late teens. In 1948, Tara returned to India to meet his wife, Swarn Kaur. When he returned to Canada in 1952, he worked at a portable sawmill in Kamloops until he moved to Merritt in 1959.

Tara built a family forest industry business in the , Aspen Planers, of Merritt, B.C. which expanded to the coast. His sons continue to operate the business. Tara Ghog has also been involved in the community, helping with the Merritt Arena, the N.V.G.H., the Coquihalla-Gillis House, and the building of the old and new Gurdwara (Sikh Temple).

Gillis, Dr. J.J. (1881-1965)

John Joseph Alban Gillis M.D. was born 1881 in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, graduated in medicine from McGill, and came to Merritt in 1911. Prior to opening his own practice in the Valley in 1911, Gillis worked as a railway doctor for the Kettle Valley Railway.

In 1921, he persuaded his younger brother, Dr. Austin Gillis, to join his practice. J.J. Gillis served as Mayor of Merritt 1925-1928 and as MLA 1928-1952. Merritt Fox Ranch, located on Iron Mountain, was owned by Dr. J.J Gillis, and operated by Charles and Edgar Collett. The current Gillis House in Merritt is named after Dr. John Joseph Gillis.

Guichon, Joseph (1843-1921)

Born in Chambéry, Savoie, France in 1843, Mr. Guichon came to B.C. in 1862 during the Cariboo Gold Rush. After trying mining, he took up ranching. In 1894, Joseph Guichon introduced registered Hereford cattle to the Nicola Valley. Ten years later, he acquired the land on which stands the Quilchena Hotel, built in 1908, and General Store, built in 1913.

Joseph Guichon passed away in April, 1921. By 1923, more property, including the Beaver Ranch, at the north end of Nicola Lake, was acquired. In 1957, the assets of the ranch were divided. In 2014, the Douglas Lake Ranch purchased the Quilchena Cattle Company property.

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Note: Research by Nicola Valley Museum & Archives staff and summer students from Merritt Herald files and personal interviews. Editing by Michael Sasges & Murphy Shewchuk.