Books!
Those magical portals to new worlds, ideas, and histories.
Yesterday, April 23, marked World Book Day, a global celebration of reading, authors, and the joy of stories, organized by UNESCO to promote literacy and the cultural value of books.
But as any book lover knows, every day is a good day to dive into a great read.
In the spirit of this celebration, picture a cozy scene from 1944 at the first Rossland Public Library, housed in the historic Collins Hotel on Washington Street.
Opened in 1939, the library served as a literary hub for a decade, welcoming readers like the gentlemen captured in a timeless photograph, perhaps engrossed in a local classic.
One book they might have been flipping through?
The First History of Rossland: With Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Citizens, Firms, and Corporations, penned by Harold Kingsmill in 1897; the very first book published in Rossland.
Kingsmill, fondly remembered as “Rossland’s first historian,” chronicled the city’s meteoric rise from a rugged mining camp to a bustling boomtown of 7,000 souls.
His work captures the grit and ambition of a community forged in the heart of the Trail Creek District.
Today, this historical gem is freely accessible in the public domain.
Readers can explore it online through the University of British Columbia’s Open Collections or grab a paper reprint from the Rossland Heritage Commission.
World Book Day may have passed, but Rossland’s literary heritage invites readers to turn the page on history any day of the year.
So, consider picking up Kingsmill’s book and step back into the vibrant story of a town that struck gold in more ways than one.
Do you have original photos capturing the rich past of Rossland?
The museum welcomes contributions.
Photos can be digitized for preservation and originals retained.
