27

The world demand for metals to fuel post war recovery required the CM&S to construct new lead and zinc facilities to replace the outdated and small smelter built by Heinze in the 1890s. Construction of the new plants was unprecedented and with that came an enormous demand for labour.

28

Zinc plant, with large stack, under construction
1925
CM & S, Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

29

The influx of immigrants to Trail from Canada and Europe swelled with each expansion of the smelter operations. In 1921, the population of Trail was approximately 8000. It increased a further 2000 by the start of World War II. By 1945, the CM&S employed 2,359 employees.

30

Crowd at annual CM & S picnic in Nelson
Circa 1940
Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

31

A study of family stories contained in Trail of Memories 1895-1945 and oral histories conducted over the past 18 months, shows that 66% of the immigrants taking part in both the publication and this project arrived in Trail between the two world wars. Of these, 25% were native Canadians, 33% were British and 26% were Italian. Further analysis shows 63% of these immigrants arrived from other communities in Canada, 14% directly from Great Britain and 12% directly from Italy. The majority of the British immigrants came from England and Scotland. Even Trail's earliest residents and families were of American descent, including founding fathers, Eugene Sayre Topping and his friend and business partner, Frank Hanna and his family.

32

Grave marker: "In Memory of Frank Hanna"
1895
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail Museum

33

So, why Trail? A review of the family stories and oral histories of those who immigrated to Trail in the first half of the century shows 66% came to find work at the CM&S smelter. This number reflects the growing need of labourers and skilled workers at the smelter as it expanded to meet the demand of metals in the North American and world markets.

34

Workmen posing for photograph at the BC Smelting and Refining Company in Trail
1896
CM & S, Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

35

Many interviewees recounted learning about the CM&S from either recruitment agents or employees while in other parts of the country and indeed the world. Trail had the employment, but could it sustain a rapidly growing demographic?

36

With an influx of almost 5000 people in ten years, the availability of housing in the City was bursting at the seams and landlords could afford to be picky.

37

Doreen Cusator on seeking accomodations.
24 January 2008
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Doreen Cusator
Rose Calderon
Greg Nesteroff

38

Doreen Cusator on seeking accomodations while pregnant.
24 January 2008
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Doreen Cusator
Rose Calderon
Greg Nesteroff

39

Older subdivisions on the mountainside of West Trail began to fill up quickly with new houses.

40

Downtown Trail, showing upper bench above town. Soon, these hills would be dotted with homes.
1911
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives