1

In 1927, CN decided to move the Swift Creek railway station and name it Valemount, the 'valley in the mountains.' The second schoolhouse was built in 1935, and housed meetings and worship gatherings of all kinds. Valemount did not receive power until 1958. Valemount homes received running water in 1964, when all the individual outhouses and wells were perceived as a potential danger. Valemount was incorporated as a municipality in 1962, with its first mayor Alistair (Sandy) McLean.

2

Katherine Blackman, Betty Cox, Mrs. Minnard and Mrs. Couture outside Swift Creek station
1924
Swift Creek (Valemount), British Columbia, Canada

3

William and Katherine Blackman and their children came to Canada in 1912. In 1915, William decided to take up a homestead in Swift Creek. William had a plan to clear the land in 10 years, but he passed away in 1918 at 38 years old leaving his wife and 10 children. He was buried on the homestead. Katherine and the older children had to earn their livelihood. Katherine resided in Valemount until she was 90 (1965) and she died at the age of 93. The Blackman children were Tracie, Kathryn, William Jr., Henry, Theodore, Agnes, Charles, Frank, John, Olive.

4

Blackman Brothers: Frank, John and Charles
1922
Swift Creek (Valemount), British Columbia, Canada


Credits:
Andy Orason

5

William and Kathrine Blackman and their children came to Canada in 1912. In 1915, William decided to take up a homestead in Swift Creek. William had a plan to clear the land in 10 years, but he passed away in 1918 at 38 years old leaving his wife and 10 children. Katherine resided in Valemount until 1965 when she was 90. She died at the age of 93.

The Blackman children were Tracie, Kathryn, William Jr., Henry, Theodore, Agnes, Charles, Frank, John, Olive.