Hedley BC				Back to the Current Issue Back to Features
	Ghost Town, Retirement Place, Tourist Destination, Gold Camp. Would the real Hedley please stand up?

Hedley, famous for the precious yellow metal since 1898 when gold was first discovered high above on Nickel Plate Mountain. From the very beginning when C.H. Arundel and F. Wolloston staked the Nickel Plate, amongst several other claims, the Nickel Plate became a bonanza claim and one of the first producing lode mines of the Similkameen Valley and one of the major gold mines of British Columbia.

As one drives into Hedley, or by it, you will notice how beautiful the area is: Hedley is bounded by mountains and the ever crystal shimmering waters of the Similkameen River. Looking to the north you will gaze upon the unique strata formation of Stemwinder Mountain, where mountain goats graze the steep slopes and craggy heights. Looking to the east you will notice the Mascot Mine Buildings perched high above the valley floor like an eagle nest waiting for the next tenant.

 

The lure of gold resulted in the planning of Camp Hedley, named after Robert Rist Hedley, a mill/mine manager in the Nelson area. Camp Hedley later became Hedley.

Hedley had its glory days. Miners with an envious jingle in their pockets spent their hard earned cash while the streets were filled with prospectors and every day folk. Those were the good times with May Day parades and playing golf. Life was wonderful, it was thought.

The closure of the mines, the Mascot in 1948 and the Nickel Plate in 1955, would spell the supposed end of Hedley. But it survived. The population has fallen to about 400 and Hedley is still thriving in its own way. Those who stayed behind after the mine closures and newcomers alike are proud to call Hedley home. Buildings and houses built at the turn of the century are still standing reminding us of the towns golden past. Hedley is rich with history dating back 100 years.

Yes, 1998 is our Centennial year so Hedley is celebrating its 100th birthday with a party and invites you all. We’ve planned the party for July 31, August 1 & 2.

Join us this summer and we Hedleyites will welcome you joyfully - friends, family and strangers from near and far.

For more information write to:

Hedley Centennial Committee
PO Box 190, Hedley BC V0X 1K0
Phone: 250-292-8422 Fax: 250-292-8101

PS: Word has it that the Mascot Mine Buildings will be made into a world class tourist attraction, bringing people from all over the globe into the Similkameen Valley. Who knows, Hedley may boom again.


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