1
Traders found the Hudson's Hope flat to be the perfect place to build trading outposts. The Northwest Trading Company became a part of the Hudson's Bay Company. The Hudson's Hope outpost of the Hudson's Bay Company sat on the south side of the river until Mr. Frank Beaton and his family arrived in the fall of 1898, and after one season, Mr. Beaton realized that the post would be better situated at the foot of the portage trail on the north side of the river. He had men dismantle the post and swim the building across the river and reassemble it on the north side of the river, almost exactly where it sits to this day, used as our Museum.2
Beatton, Frank, Mary with child, Mrs. Frank and Angus standing1906
Hudson's Hope, BC
3
The local natives would come to the area about three times a year, before Christmas, early April and again in early June. Along with a few "white trappers", this made up the main trade times.4
Gething, Vesta and Lloyd1910
Hudson's Hope, BC
5
This meant that the employees of the post could close up shop between June and September and head downriver, by boat, with the winters furs supply in tow, to Peace River Crossing to load up on winter supplies, catch up on the social events and ready themselves for another winter in the wilderness.6
Unloading Freight at the Hudson's Hope Landing1914
Hudson's Hope, BC
7
It was in 1905 that "Herbie" Taylor came with his family to the post at Hudson's Hope. Fortunately the family was a fair sized one so life at the outpost was not too lonely. They kept in contact with other people when an odd adventurer, prospector, or surveyor passed through, and of course, the seasonal trading times brought together many people at once.8
Taylor, Maggie, Harriet, Mabel, Walter, Dave and Herbie1911
Hudson's Hope, BC
9
The second trading post to come to Hudson's Hope was built by "Peace River Jim" Cornwall and his partner Bredin. The post was sold later that year to the French to be part of a string of posts called Revillon Freres.The third post to come to Hudson's Hope came about when a Mr. Drew, the factor of the Hudson's Bay post from 1912 - 1914, decided that the Bay should branch out into hotels and proceeded to build one next to the Hudson's Bay Post, when the inspector came in and found the company about to be involved in a business other that trade, the manager was replaced and the logs and funishings sold to Mr. & Mrs. Learmonth and "Curly" LeSage to build the Diamond "P" trading post on an adjacent piece of property, as seen in the next photo.
10
Unidentified Forest Ranger; Thomas, Jack; Learmonth,Mrs. and Mr.1915
Hudson's Hope, BC
11
There grew to be numerous "white trappers" as well, some of whom stayed to settle in the town for the rest of their lives. Bill Innes shows the bountiful and good quality furs that were in the area for the trapping. Bill trapped around the Halfway River flat.12
Innes, Bill1930
Hudson's Hope, BC
13
John Ardills' father Jack, settled for land about 20 miles east of town, on the river. He began by clearing land and farming in the summer and trapped and guided in the winter. John very much enjoyed the trapping and continued the tradition.14
Ardill, John1940
Hudson's Hope, BC
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