What’s In A Name
Trends in first-name popularity can offer a glimpse into the social and cultural changes taking…
19th century
Lady Aberdeen and the Early History of the Golden Retriever
April 2, 2026 She is best known for her contributions to women’s rights, both locally…
A Spoonful of Sugar: The Origin of Sugar Lake’s Name
Sugar Lake is a familiar name in the North Okanagan today, but its English origin…
Vernon’s Early Mayors: Part Two
This second article in a two-part series looks back at Vernon’s earliest mayors.
From City Hall to Headlines: Vernon’s Early Mayors
This two-part series explores Vernon’s earliest mayors.
The History of Peaches in Vernon
Peaches reached the southern Okanagan Valley in the 1890s and were soon introduced to Vernon…
Vernon’s First Dentists and the Path to Safer Dentistry
Before dentists set up offices in Vernon, toothaches were serious business—and sometimes, deadly.
Camping Through the Ages
Camping has been a beloved summer tradition for generations, but it looked quite different over…
Pedal Pioneers: The Origins of Cycling in Vernon
Bicycles made their appearance in Vernon in 1893 and caused quite a stir.
Wedded Bliss in the Pages of the Vernon News
In the early days of the Vernon News, matrimonial events were reported with notable care…
A Look Back at the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vernon
The story of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vernon begins in 1887.
Vernon’s First Car: A Steam-Powered Curiosity
By approximately 1902, Judge Spinks became the first person to bring an automobile into the…
The Early Days of the Bank of Montreal in Vernon
The year 1892 marked an important milestone for the young town of Vernon and the…
An Archduke Visits the Okanagan
In the fall of 1893, the Okanagan Valley welcomed an unusual guest: Archduke Franz Ferdinand,…
Thanksgiving in Canada: A Rich History of Harvest and Tradition
Thanksgiving remains closely tied to food and the celebration of the harvest.
The Origins of Coldstream: Uncovering the Name
Why is the district municipality located about two kilometers southeast of Vernon called Coldstream? What…
Brick and Wood: The Passage of Time Incarnate
The Vernon Courthouse has served as a reliable landmark for both residents and newcomers for…
Vernon vs. the Mischievous Meat Shop
In the summer of 1911, a meat shop called P. Burns & Co. Meat Merchants…