A column by Bruce Uzelman
Nelson, like so many British Columbia towns, was launched amidst the mining boom in the 1890s. It survived the inevitable depletion of the minerals. Others did not. Pheonix, Sandon and Yale prospered with the discovery of gold, silver or copper, only to disappear when the mines played out.
Meanwhile, magistrate GM Sproul laid out the townsite of Nelson. A lumber mill began operation, and frame buildings replaced the encampment. Lumber later became the area’s primary industry. In 1897, the City of Nelson was incorporated with an impressive population of 3000. Nelson was the commercial center of the region. John “Truth” Houston, who had established the town’s first newspaper, became the first mayor. He championed infrastructure for the city, defended the little guy and revealed corruption between the province and the CPR.
Nelson boasts a trove of architectural gems, the creation of resident, skilled architects, Alexander Carrie and Alexander Ewart. Beginning in 1898, they “dominated the profession in boomtown Nelson for the next three years, designing dozens of commercial and residential buildings in a distinctive Queen Anne timber style that is still evident today.” – Dictionary of Architects in Canada.
John Houston’s obituary was featured widely in the newspapers – while he was still alive. He responded in good humour, “Don’t be putting in any correction. I’ll make good on the promise.” And he did, just days later, the victim of pneumonia.
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