A Rich and Fruitful Land
Description
Contains Photos, Maps, Bibliography, Index
$36.95
ISBN 1-55017-197-6
DDC 971.1'5
Publisher
Year
Contributor
Nora D.S. Robins is co-ordinator of Internal Collections at the
University of Calgary Libraries.
Review
Since 1925, the Okanagan Historical Society has been recording
significant events as well as the experiences of the pioneers in its
annual report. A selection of the articles, essays, letters, diaries,
memoirs, and observations that first appeared in that publication form
the basis of this book.
The Okanagan Valley lies approximately 400 kilometres east of
Vancouver. It extends 180 kilometres between the U.S.–Canada border in
the south and the Trans-Canada Highway in the north. It is a landscape
of low hills and oblong lakes with a hot, dry, sunny climate. Its lush
orchards and fertile croplands make it Canada’s fruit basket. Tourism
is also a key element, with visitors attracted by the memorable scenery,
warm summers, and freshwater lakes.
A Rich and Fruitful Land takes the reader on a journey though the
history of the region from early geological times to the present. First
peoples, fur traders, missionaries, stagecoach drivers, teachers,
miners, and settlers all have stories to tell about the Okanagan and its
links to the Shuswap and Similkameen. This is a consistently interesting
and readable collection. The editor’s commentary accompanies each of
the selections and greatly adds to the reader’s knowledge and
understanding. Black-and-white archival photographs accompany the text
on every page. The book concludes with a bibliography of publications
consulted and an indispensable index.