2009 was a challenging year for the museum which, despite decreased funding and smaller tourist numbers, managed to pull through with some fun crowd-pulling events enthusiastically supported by Revelstokians of all ages.

The loggers’ breakfast was a feast to remember, while the art classes with Lorna Duncan and the ever-popular log-cabin building demonstrations by Brian Sumner provided some creative inspiration for those keen to try their hands at something new.

The two fifty-pound Super Twin chainsaws brought to life by the Museum’s volunteers at Timber Days was a highlight of the season. Sporting a seven foot cutting bar, the 1950s IEL Pioneer Twin was carefully brought back to operating condition by Rudy Bowolin, and in the arena spitting out wood chips the size of snowflakes, was Roy Abbott’s similar model with Al McInnes bravely handling the cutting end. The museum volunteers also risked their toes with some old time tie-hacking experiments with a broad axe.

On the curatorial-side of things, the museum is working on building its archival collection, with a particular focus on photographs.

The black and white photo featured was recently donated by one the museum’s founding board members, Alan McInnes. The photo was taken outside Revelstoke Lumber and Shingle Mills in about 1952 and the feet you can just make out belong to Mickey Olson, who hauled these 115 foot cedar poles from the Jordan River Valley, 13 kilometres from Revelstoke. Given the impressive length of this load, it is not too surprising that one log eventually made it to England to be used as a flagpole!

The Museum is seeking more photographs like Alan’s that tell the story of forestry in Revelstoke and the B.C. Southern Interior. Anyone wishing to donate photographs to the museum should contact Brian Sumner at (250) 837-3007. Your photo will play an important part in the preservation and interpretation of our rich forestry heritage.

The Forestry Museum may have closed its doors for the season, but the end of summer marks the start of a busy fundraising campaign for next year. Keep your eye out for those hard working museum volunteers this winter and help them ensure a strong season for 2010.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and expertise to our public programs this year and a special thank you to Gerry Gardner and Brian Sumner, whose tireless energy and dedication to the museum saw us through a tough but rewarding season.