Heather Frank (right) laughs during the dedication ceremony at the Fairview kiosk site on May 4. Joining her at left is her sister Pat Borkwood from Penticton.
Lyonel Doherty photo
(The following is some history about the Fairview kiosk site and the special dedication to Isabelle and Carleton MacNaughton on Sunday, May 4).
On behalf of the Oliver Osoyoos branch of the Okanagan Historical Society I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Carleton and Isabelle (Buddie) MacNaughton to local history in general and specifically for all the time, energy and love they contributed to the acquiring and developing of this site.
This property, legally described as Lots 11 and 12 of Block 2L is part of the Upper Fairview Town Site plan filed on March 18, 1897.
The Fairview Presbyterian Church was built on these lots in 1899. It was bordered on the east by Washington Avenue, directly across from the Church of England which was built in 1897.
The Presbyterian Church was moved to Okanagan Falls in 1929 and is still being utilized as part of the United Church in that community.
In 1970 the Okanagan Historical Society purchased the two lots from the United Church. Carleton provided leadership in this process.
At that time there was a vision of relocating other old buildings from around the province and creating a pioneer mining town. However it was a big project requiring lots of money and it never materialized.
In 1985 the BC Assessment Authority made the decision that the property should lose its tax exempt status. Among other requirements the legislation stated that a property “must be of demonstrable benefit to the community” to be classified as exempt from taxation.
The BC Assessment Authority decided that a vacant undeveloped lot did not meet that requirement. The Historical Society unsuccessfully appealed this decision. However, we were told that if we made improvements to the property, it would be much easier to claim that the property was of benefit to the community as a whole.
This is where Carleton and Buddie really got involved. The site was cleaned up, native plants and trees were planted, picnic tables were put in place and a small kiosk with some signage was built.
A stone cairn with a steel cross was also constructed to mark the original location of the Presbyterian Church. Not only did the property regain its tax exempt status but the public began to visit and enjoy the site.
We maintained a guest book at the kiosk for many years and there have been visitors from all over the world.
The next significant development at the kiosk site occurred in 1996-1997 when the new kiosk was built. Joan and Vic Casorso provided leadership in this phase and it received strong support from all the Oliver/Osoyoos branch members as well as the whole community.
The murals of noted artist Glen Clark, illustrating local history, are one of the highlights of the replacement kiosk. More than 100 people were present on May 3, 1997 for the cutting of the ribbon at the official opening.
Our branch is very proud of this special site and very appreciative of the efforts of Carleton and Buddie MacNaughton for their vision and energy in helping to create it.
Larry Shannon
Special to the Chronicle
