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Oliver
OLIVER Once a crossroads for the fur trade and mining, Oliver is still a hub of activity in the South Okanagan. Oliver was named for John Oliver, premier of British Columbia in the early 1900’s. The museum contains many reminders of its early history and the changes brought about by "the Ditch" with its life giving waters. Irrigation has turned the desert into one of Canada’s lush valleys, growing tree fruit and vegetables and providing a tourist playground amid lakes, orchards and vineyards. The long, hot, summer days give way to cooler evenings and blossoms scent the air. The hike and bike trail is the perfect way to get to know this beautiful area. The Community park has a swimming pool to cool you off and is a great place to play ball, fly a kite or pitch horseshoes. Golf is available right in town and nearby Tuc-el-Nuit Lake has picnic spots and beaches to enjoy a swim and the sun. This town of contrasts is a must for your stay in the South Okanagan. A Tidbit of History South Okanagan Mines Although many areas of the interior of British Columbia had their start with mining, the South Okanagan was not especially well known for its mineral reserves. As a matter of fact in a few short years ranching, not mining, was the staple of the valley. But one area in the South Okanagan did make a name for itself because of its rich mines. Fairview started out as a mining camp and for twenty years, starting around 1887, hard working men toiled away in mines with colourful names such as Stemwinder, Morning Star, Evening Star, Rattler, Wide West, Brown Bear, Tin Horn, Smuggler, Black Diamond, and the Wild Horse. A large amount of American and English capital had been invested in these mines situated a few miles to the west of present day Oliver, but by 1906 the mineral veins had petered out and the larger companies had moved their outfits to other boom towns. With little mining, the town that once boasted a population of about 500, eventually shrivelled up and disappeared. Camp McKinney, another prominent mining area near Oliver was actually one of the earliest lode gold camps in the province. This camp was built around rich claims, one of them being the renowned Cariboo-Amelia mine that was distinct for the very fact that it was the first lode mine in the province to pay dividends. By 1901, the population of the area was around 250 and it supported several hotels, three general stores, a drug store, a real estate office, a butcher shop, a school and a church. For a full decade, gold bullion shipments were made regularly by stagecoaches of the Hall Line from Fairview and other towns. Again the gold didn’t last forever, and by 1904 the veins disappeared and what once was a strong operation melted into the pages of local history. Copyright � 2001 Desert Sun Publishing B.C. All rights reserved.
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