Local history comes to life in bigger, better book

OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN – One of the regions longest running traditions is back, bigger and better than ever before.

The Okanagan Historical Society Annual Report is a collection of essays that explores the varied and rich history of the valley.

David Gregory is the editor of the publication and he says the 78^th issue is one of their biggest yet.

“This is either the biggest or the second biggest book the Society has ever published,” he says. “It’s certainly one of the best."

The book, first printed in 1925, is a 276-page exploration of some of the untold stories of the Okanagan-Similkameen and its residents.

One of Gregory’s favourite essays follows the global contributions made by a man from Oliver.

“Ted Trump is an amazing story that hasn’t been told,” he says. “He helped invent the hydraulic cherry picker in Oliver and he morphed that into the snorkel truck for fighting fires.”

Trump also played a role in developing the insulated lift trucks used to work on high voltage power lines as well as a machine used to de-ice airplanes.

“These machines are still used around the world.”

There are also sections on First Nations, natural history, people and events as well as a tribute section devoted to residents who have made positive impacts on their communities.

The book is normally released sometime in October but Gregory says this year he wanted to find out if an earlier release would increase sales.

“I think making it available mid-September has worked well, actually,” he says. “The last two years we’ve sold almost all of them and I think this year there are so many more articles we should sell this one out.”

The OHS Annual Report is available at local museums in Summerland, Vernon and Penticton and at Mosaic Books in Kelowna for $25.

All money raised goes towards the Society.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.