A Musical History of the qathet Region
Early Days
In the very early days of Powell River, everyday life was tough. Until the Powell River Company began to build houses for its employees in 1910, the landscape was dominated by muddy ground from logging, shacks, and tents. For many, music brought a sense of joy and community to a life which was otherwise taxing, and Mill workers held impromptu jam sessions which evolved into community dances. Entertainment and music made pioneer life just a bit more bearable.
In this photo of the first organized band in Powell River, photographer Rod Lemay called them “The World’s Most Famous Band”. They played on the steps of the McKinney house which was located behind the Rodmay Hotel.
The First Piano
In the year 1911, the Powell River Company pulp and paper mill construction workers enjoyed playing harmonicas and listening to music in the cook shack. However, they regrettably didn’t have a piano, so they took up a collection to purchase a piano, which was the first piano brought to the Powell River district. It was played for the first dances, held in the finishing room in the mill and the second Central Hall. Later, it became the Henderson School piano.
The Pearson Piano Accordion
In the early 20th century, this artifact was owned and used by musician Peter Pearson, who arrived in Powell River in 1927 to work at the Powell River Company pulp and paper mill. Peter had an old button accordion and wished for a piano accordion. His wife Astrid saved up $500 and bought it for him. His music gave much pleasure to many, especially to his two sons Tommy and Rudy.
Logging Camps
Between 1880 and 1910, many different forestry companies operated out of the region and hired labourers to work in remote locations. To entertain themselves, some workers living in camps brought instruments from home. In this photo is a Chinese labourer playing a bamboo flute at what is thought to be Stillwater.
The Powell River Pipe Band
The Powell River Pipe Band began in the years following the First World War, when Scottish mill workers gathered to play music from their home country. By 1930 the group had evolved into an organized pipe band, and in 1939 they were sponsored by the Powell River company. Prior to this, however, the band had only played recreationally. With the support of the PR Co., the pipe band was able to afford new uniforms and instruments, and also gained the means to travel, advertising Powell River paper wherever they went.
Members of Powell River’s Pipe Band became local celebrities, and the band performed frequently. The pipe band was awarded the key to the city of San Francisco in 1956, and onlookers even approached them for autographs. Throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s The Pipe Band travelled all over Canada and the United States performing at various shows and competitions.
The Powell River Company Pipe Band had earned a reputation as one of the finest in the nation
Powell River Company Digester, 1955
The Tartan
The Powell River Pipe Band’s original uniform included the MacGregor tartan in honor of band manager John MacGregor, and in 1940 the first new set of uniforms was purchased by the P.R. Co. These uniforms never did arrive however, as they were onboard the SS Athenia which was sunk by a German U-boat later that year. The tartans were reordered, and this time successfully made the journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow, and across the Atlantic.
In 1960 when MacMillan Bloedel acquired the Powell River Company, the band changed its uniform to the MacMillan tartan, reflecting its new sponsor.
Mid-Century Melodies
Following World War II and into the 1950s, the sheltered little town of Powell River began to see some excitement in the music scene. During this period, famous musicians such as jazz pianist Hazel Scott, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and many more performed for eager crowds. In the fifties, music was became more diverse, and rock and roll was increasingly popular with younger residents. The town was bustling with activity, and on weekend evenings, one could attend a western style dance at Oddfellows Hall in Cranberry, listen to modern dance music at Wildwood Hall, or hear an orchestra play at Dwight Hall all in the same night.
School Programs
The end of the Second World War brought a renewed sense of hope for Canadians, and at the same time the government realized the importance of supporting the country’s youth by investing in schools. By the 1950s, schools were allocating more funding to arts programs, and Powell River students had the opportunity to take part in band, choir, and drama activities. Dedicated teachers such as Travis McDonough, Jon Stromquist, and Charles and Nancy Stowell guided countless students to reach their full potential, and during the 1980s, bands from Powell River schools won first place at eight different music festivals held throughout the province.
Church Choirs
In the community, churches facilitated worship and faith, but also allowed people to socialize and take part in activities. Music and song have always been an important component of most church services in Powell River, even before instruments such as organs and pianos were available. Due to the intertwinement of faith and music, many of the local churches formed choirs, with one of the earliest being at St. John’s United Church.
St. John’s Church Organ
This old pump organ, made of wood, is the first organ of St. John’s Church in Powell River. It was built in Ontario, 1914, and was shipped the same year. Moreover, the pump organ is a reed type organ.
The Community Band
Powell River’s first community band made its debut performance at a ball game on a spring day in 1926, but by 1951 had disbanded due to lack of membership. The band was revived in the 1960s and has been a a staple of the community ever since.
Buescher Trombone
In 1934, this unique trombone, “Buescher” trombone, belonged to the late Carl Whitney who was the first barber in Westview. He was a musician who played for the first community band of Powell River, founded in1932. The community band, named the Powell River and Region band, accepted any members who could play an instrument of their own. The band specified that boys over 12 had to have a written letter, signed by their parents, to be able to play in the band.
The Ethel Eason Singers
The Ethel Eason singers were a women’s choral group who won top honours at the Powell River Music Festival, and went on to perform on CBC Radio.
It was a mutual love of music that brought these women together; their rehearsals were only held monthly due to their busy schedules, but it was evident that they were talented. In 1947 the group decided to enter the upcoming Powell River Music Festival, and named themselves after their first conductor Ethel Nuttall, whose maiden name was Eason. Their practice paid off, and the Singers were awarded the Foley Cup for receiving the highest score out of all Festival participants.
Due to their success and notoriety among the community, the group was invited to perform on CBC Radio’s Parade of Choirs. The talent and dedication displayed by the Ethel Eason Singers allowed them to make a name for themselves during a time when the local music scene was male dominated.
The Powell River Academy of Music
The Powell River Academy of Music was formed in 1981 in order to strengthen music education in the community. The Academy operated out of multiple buildings before settling in to the former J.C. Hill School in 1966. Among the many individuals who were instrumental in the success of the Powell River Academy of Music through the years were instructors and accompanists Don James, Harold Carson, Susan Hoekstra, and Brenda Yirka. Over the years the Powell River Academy of Music choirs have performed internationally, serving as ambassadors for Powell River. As a result, Powell River has become renowned for its festivals and music programs.