Okanagan Explosion
Brady Kroeker Blk G
The Development of Early Agriculture
- Main suppliers of fruit in Canada
- In 1886 Charles Ora Card spent several weeks travelling through the Boundary Country of the Okanagan
- The valley had perfect sights because the Orchard fields, they had good soil and drainage.
- First fruit trees planted in 1857
- In the late 1890s and early 1900s, there was a boom of the fruit belt of the Southern Interior
- The climate is perfect for growing fruit. The summers were hot and dry and the winters complimented the trees
- Machinery was first introduced to the fruit industry in 1921
- Revolutionary agriculturist, J. W. Hughes, got the great business going again in 1928
- Eugene Rittich from Hungary performed a different test on black mountain using 40 varieties of grapes. Only 11 survived
Early European Profile
Thomas W. Stirling
Early history
- came to the Okanagan in 1894
- was a wealthy retired navy lieuntenant-commander
- formed a marketing company in 1908 with W. R. Pooley and opened an office in London, England in 1910 to sell land in East and South Kelowna
- formed the Bankhead Orchard Company in 1911 with L. E. Taylor
Reasons for settlement in Okanagan Valley
- wanted to settle down
Early Accomplishments
- Resigned at the age of 27 and travelled to B. C. in 1894
- Became a navel cadet at thirteen
Accomplishments in Okanagan Valley
- was president of the B. C. Fruit Company in 1905
Legacy Today
- K. L. O. M. S. : Kelowna's Land Orchard Middle School
- K. L. O. : Kelowna's Land Orchard Company
Interesting Facts
- Bought and sold his land to others in need
- Served in the navy for fourteen years