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Turning Back the Pages: Golden gets organized

The following story was prepared for Golden Memories 2000 by Denise Shular.
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The attached picture was taken from the Golden Traffic bridge and shows the riverboat Marion tied up at the rear of the present Dollar Store. The river was wide enough that the craft turned around when it was finished loading or unloading and went back down river to the Columbia.

There are way too many groups and organizations in Golden. You can't possibly belong to them all, although some people seem to think you can, and many of the groups are duplicating services already provided. I think perhaps its time to get everyone together so that we can work in a more cooperative manner with each other as volunteers become fewer and fewer. Want to learn more about the non-profits in Golden and the work being done to bring organizations together then check out www.goldenloom.ca

I am a member of the Golden Junior Hockey Society, Golden Community Resources Committee, Golden Seniors and Parson Community Hall Society. The following story was prepared for Golden Memories 2000 by Denise Shular.

 

A headline in the Golden Star, June 8, 1961 reads, "Rock and Fossil Club Organized". The article continues, "Columbia Valley Rock and Fossil Club", was the name selected by a number of Rockhounds when they met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bergenham, Friday evening, June 21 to form the organization and to elect a skeleton board of officers. G. Burton was unanimously elected president; O. Bergenham, vice-president; and Mrs. Margaret McQuarrie, sect-treas. Mrs. K.K. Gibson was named publicity officer.

The members of the newly formed club jumped right into the business of rock hounding, planning field trips every couple of weeks over the summer in that first year. The tradition of field trips continues to the present day with several trips a year planned from April to late October (weather permitting).

A Junior Rock Club, for children 12 and over, was formed in 1962 and held joint meetings with the elder group. Several of these young members had a parent or parents who were not enthusiastic participants. Also in 1962 the first Rock & Hobby Show was mounted. The Columbia Valley Rock & Fossil Club sponsored the show for the next 8 years. The Golden District Art Council took over this show in 1971.

In April 1963, the club chose banded honey onyx, a type of rock found in the Golden area, as their emblem. They became members of the Lapidary, Rock & Mineral Society of B.C. This membership allowed them to  purchase insurance at reasonable rates to cover field trip mishaps. It also kept them in touch with other Rock Hounds in the province through a monthly newsletter which they still receive.

The first meeting were held in private homes but soon the Rod & Gun hall and IOOF hall were used. 1965 saw plans for an A-frame building as a permanent home for the club. Unfortunately this plan fell through but in 1969 a petition was made to the town requesting space in the Civic Centre.

On Feb. 10, 1970 it was announced that a lapidary workshop would be housed in a basement room in that facility.

The grinding wheel and polishing disc was purchased in 1964 and a second hand tumbler was purchased in 1967 & 1969 respectively were installed. In 1973 a polishing wheel and plates, and a fan to clear the air were added to the space. A facetor was bought in 1988, to increase the ability of the members to finish their specimens.

Club members attended shows in Calgary, Vancouver, and cities in the USA as well. The Dam Advertiser, May 10, 1967 reports. “Among the winners in the senior “Novice” classes at the Calgary Rock & Gem Show last week were two members of the Columbia Valley Rock & Fossil Club. Mr. Dave Hartley placed first for his fine collection of faceted stones. First place in novelties with a case of soapstone carvings went to Chris Schiesser.

The Annual BC Summer Camp was held in Golden, August 2-10, 1969. About 120 people attended from as far away as Oregon and Saskatchewan.

On October 14, 1970 it was decided to change the name of the group to more closely reflect its setting. The new name voted in was Golden Rock & Fossil Club. In 1980, a discussion about whether to start a group for 6-12 year olds know as Pebble Pups was held. At the time it did not seem feasible but now (2000) the plan is in the development stage.

Many different classes have been offered to the club members and the general public over the years. Lapidary and Silver smithing being the two most prominent.

Like most clubs in Golden, The Rock & Fossil Club has had its ups and downs but a few devoted members have managed to keep it going for over 50 years. They are encouraged by the fact that the Columbia Valley area is known worldwide for its many and varied rock specimens.