I was sorting through my collection of photographs this morning and thought I should write something about these family photos and their part in the development of Whatshan Lake Retreat at 645 Whatshan Lake Road, near Edgewood, B.C.

The Oglow Bros were raised at Glade, B.C. They learned the Carpentry Trade from their father who was a skilled artisan. In the beginning, they obtained their work experience by participating in projects undertaken by others. They then decided to work together and established a construction company, Oglow Bros. Construction Ltd. This followed with construction of a building to house a Building Supply Store, Oglow’s, in Castlegar, B.C. They supplied their construction operations as well as the public.

They are shown here, after retirement, when they travelled to Whatshan to encourage construction of the Retreat building and make a financial donation. William is in the front row on the left with Pete, Nick and Paul in order on his left.

Verigin brothers migrated from a farm in Saskatchewan and became involved in construction with a start of working on the Waneta Dam. They later formed a construction company, Verigin Construction Ltd and eventually purchased a Sash and Door Shop, Obal Glass. This operation was later converted into a Millwork Plant (supplying millwork to schools and hospitals throughout Western Canada) at Trail, B.C.

In the photo, Elmer is in the back row on the left, brothers Lawrence and Russel are in order to left of Elmer.

The partially completed Retreat as in the background.

Verigin started dealing with Oglows in the early years and thereby established a relationship that remained to the date of the photo in 1998. Oglows were very interested to see the Whatshan site where the Verigins were donating labour and expertise.

This photo is also unique in that Elmer, is the last remaining person alive at the tim eof writing this blog.  The “Last Moehican” we might say!

Florence (Aunty to Elmer and his family) and Andy Markin became interested in the Whatshan Lake Retreat project during their visits to their nephews living in the Kootenays. The Markins encouraged financial donations to the Whatshan Project.

In this photo, Florence invited much of her family to attend the Music Festival in the early 2000s and here they all are posing South of the Band Shell at Whatshan.

The names are too numerous to identify here.

Aunty Flo, organized as many of her family as she could, every year starting 2000 to attend the yearly Music Festivals until she passed on. Some members continue to attend every year.

Marilyn and I were habitually at Whatshan on every work party. In this photo, my immediate families came to visit us and see what it was that drew us to the project.

Front row left to right: Kara Chahley (Lori’s daughter), Kayla MacKinnon (Nona’s daughter), Garrett Kucher (Nona’s son), Nigel Burk (Tamara’s son), Allie Kucher (Nona’s daughter), Sean Chahley, (Lori’s son).

Second row left to right: Marilyn Verigin, Nona Kucher, Lori Chahley, Lora Verigin, Kim Verigin holding his daughter Abby, Tamara Verigin-Burk holding her son Solomon

Rear: Elmer Verigin, Larry Kucher, Kyle Burk holding his son Solomon.

To this day, every member of the family is still drawn to Whatshan where they continue to volunteer as well as enjoy the development. The family now numbers 33 including partners, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all try to attend scheduled Work Weekends as well as other occasions such as major events.

Completed and posted 1730 hours, July 20, 2020 EWV