A Legend Carved in the Slopes: The History of the Grey Mountain Grind
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A Legend Carved in the Slopes: The History of the Grey Mountain Grind

The Grey Mountain Grind, commonly called “The Grind,” was a ski race introduced during the latter years of WWII and held annually from 1943-46, helping to reinvigorate the passion for ski racing in Rossland. Although only a short-lived tradition, the legend of the gruelling 6-mile course was carved into the slopes we ski today.

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History of the S.S. Rossland
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History of the S.S. Rossland

The S.S. Rossland was a steam-powered sternwheeler that operated on the Arrow Lakes and Columbia River from 1897 to 1916.  The standout in a fleet of Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) steamships, Rossland was widely-known for her beauty, elegance, and, most importantly, speed. 

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The Rossland Club
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The Rossland Club

The Rossland Club was an exclusive gentlemen’s club that existed in Rossland from 1896 to 1969. Boasting a membership of leading professionals and a reputation known within British Columbia and beyond, the club’s activities consisted mainly of socialising, gambling, and drinking.

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Thor Heyerdahl
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Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl, famous for the Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947, was once a resident of Rossland and an employee of the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company in Trail. For a brief period in 1941, Heyerdahl, his wife, and two children lived in Rossland. In the city, Heyerdahl gave at least two known speeches to the Junior Board of Trade and the Golden City Club.

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The "Spanish Flu" in Rossland
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The "Spanish Flu" in Rossland

With Germany’s surrender to the Allied Powers, World War I finally ended on November 11, 1918, but the flu was just getting going in Rossland. From late October 1918 until February of 1919, nearly everyone got the flu. Almost 50 people died in five weeks - five weeks of absolute hell. Those that could continued to help, just as Rosslanders always do. From October 25 until the end of November, 47 people died. The last three people died in January and February. The majority of victims who were in their prime, between 20-35 years of age. Everyone who had it either recovered completely, experienced cognitive, respiratory effects or died, but ultimately herd immunity was achieved probably in February 1919 when the virus appears to have dissipated.

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The Rebekahs
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The Rebekahs

The Deborah Rebekah Lodge #13, a fraternal order and service organization associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), was instituted in Rossland on April 12, 1899. Over their 121 years of service in Rossland, the Lodge has made numerous contributions to the community, supporting local, provincial, national, and international causes such as health care, the war effort, the 1908 Fernie fire survivors, the 1948 Trail flood cleanup, and a local scholarship program. In the late 1970s, members of the Lodge started what would become the legendary Rebekah Rhythms, or the "Granny Band," which brought smiles and laughter to countless Rosslanders for over 30 years.

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Alice Jesse Weber - "Old Lady Jess"
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Alice Jesse Weber - "Old Lady Jess"

Alice Jesse Weber found herself in Rossland in the boomtown days of the late 1890s. She was raised in Kansas, and set off on her own as soon as she could. She headed west and rode the wave of gold rushes from California to Alaska. She married a Mr. Weber in Seattle and had a beautiful daughter; a picture of her daughter was one of her greatest treasures. According to Jess, her husband had not treated her well, and she left her family and drifted across the border to British Columbia, eventually settling in Rossland.

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The Flying Steamshovel
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The Flying Steamshovel

How Could They Forget the Flying Steamshovel?

There has been, and still is, considerable controversy surrounding this peculiar story. As you read on, just keep in mind:

  • The Wright Brothers’ first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flights took place in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; and

  • Paul Cornu is credited with the first free vertical ascent in a helicopter in 1907, France

Meanwhile, the Flying Steamshovel is reported to have flown in 1901! SO, should the Golden City be acknowledged as the true birthplace of man’s conquering of gravity?

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