Granite Creek Preservation Society

The rain abated on Friday, September 21 at 11 am for the Granite Creek Preservation Society’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the BC|Canada 150-funded Walking Tour at Granite Creek. From Gold Town to Ghost Town, Granite Creek was once again alive with music and camaraderie. Approximately 50 people celebrated the placement of interpretative signs that tell the story of the 1885 Granite Creek Gold Rush and the town that once housed 2,000 people.

Visitors were delighted with the appearance of guests of honour, Eric Goodfellow and Barrie Cook. Sixty years ago Eric unveiled the cairn and plaque celebrating Granite Creek. It was thrilling to have him once again assist with the ceremony. Eric’s son, Chris Goodfellow also attended. He was just a toddler when he helped his father with the original unveiling. Barrie Cook is the grandson of Granite Creek merchant Foxcrowle Percival Cook who arrived at the town in 1885. F.P. was responsible for keeping Granite alive until his passing in 1918. Barrie and Eric held the ribbon as Granite Creek Preservation Society Chairman, George Elliott made the cut to open the ceremonies.

Historians, authors and folk music stars of the Tulameen, Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat, entertained visitors with renditions of old ballads written by prospector Bill Frew who lived at Granite Creek in the 1950’s. Everyone joined in as Jon and Rika led them in song. The Granite Creek Preservation Society is very grateful to this dynamic duo for participating in the celebration.

Jamie of Kal Tire kindly drove in Kal Tire’s huge mobile barbecue and then cooked burgers and hotdogs for everyone to enjoy. Donations were collected to thank Jamie for her hard work but she then generously re-donated the money to the Granite Creek Preservation Society. Thank you Jamie and Kal Tire for your outstanding community support.

Thanks also to the Princeton and District Museum and Archives for their donation of bottled water and to Tamara Malanchuk for her contribution of delicious cookies for all to savor. Finally, a special thank you to Granite Creek Preservation Society’s Director, Dawn Gardner and Chairman, George Elliott, for organizing this auspicious event.

It is heartwarming to know that the memory of Granite Creek, the big town on the small plateau, is still alive today. If you haven’t participated in the walking tour, please do so. Granite Creek is located 19 km west of Princeton, through Coalmont, across the Tulameen River, and 1 km east on the Blakeburn Road. History is waiting to be rediscovered at Granite Creek.