August 1, 2026
Joseph Marriott Edgar (1884–1962) was not only believed to be Vernon’s first permanent electrician but was also an award-winning actor—a true Renaissance man.
Known to friends and family as Joe, he came from an exceptionally talented theatrical family. Both of his parents were actors, while his older brother, George Edgar—better known by his stage name, Marriott Edgar—was a British poet, scriptwriter, and comedian, best known for writing many of the famous monologues performed by Stanley Holloway, particularly the Albert series. Joe’s grandmother, Alice Marriott, known professionally as Mrs. Marriott or Miss Marriott, was a celebrated nineteenth-century British stage actress renowned for her portrayal of Hamlet. She was among a growing number of women who took on the traditionally male role during the Victorian era, reportedly first stepping into the part after finding her leading man less than satisfactory.
As a young man, Joe studied music and singing but ultimately decided against pursuing a career on the stage. At the age of 23, he emigrated from England to Canada and eventually settled in Vernon. He worked for the Okanagan Telephone Company, helping install the first telephone line between Vernon and Armstrong. In the early 1920s, he established his own electrical business and is believed to have become Vernon’s first permanent electrician.
While living in Vernon, Joe married Ethel Paulden, the maternal aunt of well-known Coldstream artist Joan Heriot. The couple settled on a property overlooking Kalamalka Lake, initially living in what they described as a “summer camp”—essentially a tent with, ironically, no electricity. Although intended as a temporary arrangement, they later built a permanent home on the site, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Ethel was also reportedly the first person to own a motorboat on Kalamalka Lake.
Although Joe chose not to pursue acting professionally, he never lost his love of the theatre. He became one of the founding members of the Kalamalka Players, later known as the Vernon Little Theatre Association. Over the years, he also served as chairman of the North Okanagan Drama Festival Association and president of the Vernon Operatic Society. In 1960, he received the Canadian Drama Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Individual, the highest honour presented by the association.
Nine years after Ethel’s passing, and only a short time before his own death, Joe was delighted to receive one final visit from his beloved niece, Joan Heriot, and her mother, who travelled from England to see him.
Archives Manager, Gwyneth Evans