Local history runs in the family
“Recently, while sorting through some files, I came across a vintage photograph. The raison d’être for this article, it appeals to my history-based passions.”
Teaching, local history, and genealogy (family history research) have long been three of my passions, occupying much time and energy. Ten years ago I retired from teaching, but my enthusiasm for local history and genealogy are stronger than ever.
Recently, while sorting through some files, I came across a vintage photograph. The raison d’être for this article, it appeals to my history-based passions.
My maternal Clement grandparents, Ernest Leslie (1882 – 1947) and Margaret Annie (1884 – 1962; nee Whelan), purchased the Winfield General Store in late 1934. On page 2 of the Dec. 6, 1934, edition of “The Kelowna Courier and Okanagan Orchardist,” it reports that:
“We were all surprised last week to learn that Mr. E.J. Winchcombe had sold out his business. Mr. E.L. Clement, of Ellison, has taken over the entire stock and commenced business on Dec. 1st. We are all sorry to see Mr. and Mrs. Winchcombe leave but will welcome the new owner, who is already to some extent known in Winfield.”
Prior to purchasing the store, Ernest and Margaret Clement lived in Ellison, on part of the Whelan family’s Cloverdale Ranch. Ernest was not a keen farmer and so, in late 1934, he was pleased to turn over the Ellison property to his son, Cliff, and move to Winfield. Their daughter Wilma (my mother) moved to Winfield in 1935.
Margaret Clement had deep roots in
Lake Country; her uncle and aunt,
Thomas and Nellie (nee Whelan) Wood, lived on the Winfield Ranch, founded by Thomas Wood about 1871.
Because of ongoing health issues, Margaret Clement was unable to take an active role in the store. She spent most of her days in her family’s apartment, above the store, leaving Ernest to run the business.
In 1935, Les Clement, the eldest of Ernest and Margaret’s three children, joined his father in running the Winfield General Store. Les’ store in Ellison – the Eldorado – burned to the ground on Dec. 1, 1934. Undaunted, Les joined his father at Winfield, forming a very successful partnership and serving the residents of Winfield for many years.
While still a student – attending high school in Oyama – Wilma worked in the Winfield Store. Ernest, Les and Wilma, along with several long-serving employees, kept the store running long hours, offering groceries, meat and dairy products, household goods, and seasonal giftware.
Ernest Clement was later appointed Winfield’s post master but he did not serve in this position, dying unexpectedly on Oct. 27, 1947. Les took over running the store, becoming Winfield’s post master... a post which he held for many years.
Wilma Clement and her father, Ernest, look very happy in the photograph, standing on the front porch of the Winfield General Store. That is its historical value. There is also a genealogical – family history – side to this circa 1946 image.
The other two people in the picture, not directly connected with Winfield or the Clements’ store, have a reason for appearing in this photograph; they were Wilma Clement’s in-laws, visiting from Fergus, Ont.
In 1943, Wilma Clement met James Herbert Lewis “Jim” Hayes, a private in the Canadian Army, stationed at the Vernon Army Camp. Jim – a native of Rochester, Kent, England – grew up in Fergus with his parents, Herbert Vincent “Bert” (1893 – 1953) and Harriett Elizabeth (1894 – 1977; nee Clarke) Hayes.
Jim Hayes came to British Columbia with the Canadian Army and met Wilma Clement – his future wife – at a war-effort fundraising dance in Oyama. After a whirlwind courtship – common in those war years – Jim and Wilma were married, on Dec. 23, 1943. The ceremony took place in the Clement residence, in the upstairs of the general store. The Rev. J.A. Petrie performed the marriage rites. Wilma’s brothers, Les and Cliff, signed as witnesses.
On the marriage registration, Jim’s place of residence was listed as “Prince of Wales Armouries, Edmonton, Alta.”
Newly-married, Jim returned to Edmonton and Wilma continued to live with her parents and work in the store. Eventually, Jim and Wilma were re-united and settled at Calgary. When Jim was sent overseas – having spent years in training – Wilma returned to Winfield and helped her dad and brother at the store.
In February 1946, several months after the war ended, Jim returned to Winfield, to resume married life and get to know his daughter Gaye, born while he was stationed in Europe. Jim worked with his father-in-law and brother-in-law – Ernest and Les Clement – in the general store.
When Jim’s parents wanted to see their son, daughter-in-law, and their family, they had to make the train trip from Fergus to the Okanagan. Bert and Harriett Hayes made this trip several times, planning to eventually retire to the Central Okanagan. This plan did not come to fruition, due to Bert Hayes’ death in April 1953, before his retirement from the office of Beatty Brothers Limited.
During their trips to the Okanagan, Bert and Harriett got to know Wilma’s parents and two brothers. Ernest Clement and
Bert Hayes – my grandfathers – got along very well, having political discussions, an interest which they shared. They had similar political views, adding to their enjoyment of these discussions.
The picture accompanying this article shows Bert and Harriett Hayes during their first visit to the Central Okanagan. Jim was probably the photographer, recording his wife, parents, and father-inlaw having a visit. Margaret Clement was not in the photograph, being confined to the apartment above the store.
This photograph appeals to my passions: local history and genealogy. It is a reminder of the role which my mum’s family played in Central Okanagan, including many years with the Winfield General Store and post office. It also appeals to my genealogical side, as a link between my paternal Hayes and maternal Clement families.
As such, this photograph has a special place in my family archives.
This article is part of a series, submitted by the Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Historical Society.