The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) is pleased to announce the successful reception of its latest publication, Forgotten Kimberley, A Photo History of Early Kimberley & District, in partnership with Kimberley Heritage Museum (KHM) and Wild Horse Creek Press (WHCP).

“Forgotten Kimberley is a local bestseller,” said WHCP Publisher and co-author Keith Powell.

Powell collaborated with co-authors Erin Knutson and Derryll White, under the careful guidance of KHM Administrator Marie Stang, to produce the second installation in a series of Forgotten books that began with the sold-out Forgotten Cranbrook A Photo History of Early Cranbrook & District in 2022, which will be looking at a re-print in 2024.

According to Powell, who has been busy re-stocking stores in Kimberley and Cranbrook, Forgotten Kimberley is flying off the shelves.

“This is a keepsake book showcasing the development of a community from its earliest years – with a special focus on the people and their activities. Kimberley has a vibrant history, and it was a privilege to document and present the highlights in Forgotten Kimberley,” he said.

Powell and his team, Knutson and White, thank the many supporters who helped bring this book to life.

“I want to acknowledge the support of the business community who helped make the publishing of Forgotten Kimberley possible, along with the enthusiastic retailers who have been doing a great job selling the book – Arrow and Axe, Old Crow Emporium, Bavarian Home Hardware, Kimberley Art Gallery, Huckleberry Books and Pages Book Emporium,” said Powell.

Forgotten Kimberley is a keepsake book showcasing the development of a community from its earliest years – with a special focus on the people and their activities.

“Kimberley has a vibrant history, and it was a privilege to document and present the highlights of Forgotten Kimberley,” said Powell.

Don McCormick, mayor of Kimberley, received the publication warmly on behalf of the city and its residents and said, “Now I know where the name Blarchmont came from.”

The section in the back is dedicated to the origin of Kimberley Street names, rounding out a well-researched and thorough representation of the city.

“I want to congratulate Marie Stang and her directors at the Kimberley Heritage Museum and CBIRH, who have done a wonderful job preserving the images of early Kimberley,” said Powell.

As for Knutson, co-author, journalist and CBIRH executive director, working with Powell and White has been a treasure.

“I hope I bring a different perspective and female representation to a traditionally male-dominated discourse,” she said.

Showcasing the best of CBIRH’s archives in partnership with KHM through this publication ensures that a vast demographic will enjoy and see the importance of preserving these images, according to Knutson.

“As climate change progresses and threats like wildfire stand to destroy historical artefacts, preserving them on a digital platform and through on-site and cloud storage will help to protect history and legacy,” she said.

More than ever, people have migrated to the virtual world. According to Knutson, preserving and exhibiting history on a digital platform has become common in a few short years following the pandemic.

“The CBIRH started its mission to digitize artefacts two decades ago (the 20th Anniversary of the Institute is slated next fall), with the vision of CBIRH founder Derryll White, who made this book possible with his keen insight 20 years ago,” said Knutson.

As for White, a lifelong historian who worked as chief curator at Fort Steele for three decades – this book and its accuracy, attention to detail, and timeline were strengthened by his presence on this project and his knowledge.

“Examining the records of community growth, listening to the stories, and viewing the photographs of Kimberley area old-timers has been our pleasure. We have worked hard and struggled to give a true and honest accounting of Kimberley’s rich history. We hope our work makes Kimberley’s citizens proud and filled with joy,” said White.

Copies of the book are available at the retailers listed above and through the CBIRH’s online store at www.basininstitute.org. Please enjoy and watch for the third in the series, which will arrive later this year: Forgotten Fort Steele – A Photo History of Early Fort Steele & District.

Lead image: Keith Powell presents City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick with a personal copy of Forgotten Kimberley. Photos submitted

CBIRH Executive Director (Submitted)

Erin Knutson

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