Walter and Mary Johnstone interview [sound recording]

Summary: Vol. 1: Walter Johnstone came from England to Ontario in 1903 to do survey work for the railroads. He rambled across the United States doing a variety of jobs until landing in Rossland around 1910. He recounts incidents at Rossland and some of the other settlements on the way to the Arrow Lakes: Shield, Renata, Deer Park, Killarney Bay and Edgewood. He married and settled in Edgewood around 1911. In those years Edgewood was considered "the gateway to Fire Valley", and descriptions of the town, mining activity, and farming, are included. Mr. Johnstone recalls many local characters of the area: Olds, Morrison, Bill Williams, the Scaia Brothers, Corteana, Jimmy Kelly, Arthur Burton, Clark Watt, Bill Plant, and Mrs. Moore. The interview continues with stories of the retired doctors who lived in this fruit farming community: Dr. Greenwood, Dr. Yeld, Dr. Kelso, Dr. Church and Dr. Hardington. J.W. Ford had a business building new houses for the settlers, who were having a hard time trying to make a living off the land. Mr. Johnstone recalls his experiences trapping and traveling the lakes. He recalls stories of the paddle wheelers, tugs, Bill Fraser who was a CPR captain, and settlements along the lakes. Tales of the original log ferry at Needles, run by Mr. Kraft are recalled, as well as stories of Mike Grady and St. Leon.