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Authority record

Bennett, W.A.C.

  • WB02
  • Person
  • September 6, 1900 - February 23, 1979

W.A.C. Bennett is the longest-serving premier in BC history. Born in New Brunswick in 1900, William Andrew Cecil Bennett began his BC career as a successful hardware merchant in Kelowna. First active in the provincial Conservative Party, he joined the Social Credit Party in 1951, and became its leader after a surprise election victory in 1952. During his 20 year term as premier, the province saw rapid economic growth and the ambitious expansion of highways, hydro dams, railways, ferry service and post-secondary institutions, SFU among them. After winning re-election 6 times in campaigns against the "godless socialists" of the CCF-NDP (his term), Bennett resigned his leadership a year after his party was defeated by the NDP in 1972. His son Bill Bennett assumed the leadership, and later become premier himself. Known as "Wacky" to his political foes, W.A. C. Bennett died February 6, 1979 in Kelowna.

Bracken, John

  • JB01
  • Person

John Bracken was born in England. He came to Squamish in 1905 with his two sons, Richard and Lance. He was a remittance man.

In Squamish he built an "everything" store and a post office. He was the first postmaster in Brackendale.

He built the Bracken Arms, a hotel with a store and a post office prior to 1908. It was located on the East side of Government Road, south of the present Brackendale store. He used to fine people 25 cents for learning back and resting a chair on its two back legs.

In Spring 1912, the Bracken Arms Hotel burned down when a patron in an upstairs room overturned a coal lamp. The chimney was all that ws left standing.

Brennan, Patrick Joseph

  • PB01
  • Person
  • August 29, 1918 - February 8, 1979

Pat was the first child born in Woodfibre on August 29, 1918. Pat's father Edward was manager of the mill for Whalen Pulp and Paper Co. He was one of 9 children, the others being: Edward, Jane, Alice, Ruth, Bob, Kirk, Billie, and Colleen.

Pat worked during the boom in Woodfibre and logged at Alta Lake, Powell River, and Lac La Hache. From 1939 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Second World War.

In 1946 he returned to Squamish and in July 1949 he married Tess Martin in St Joseph's Church. Father Gallo conducted the ceremony. They lived at the end of Judd Road on land that the Judds originally pre-empted.

In 1951, Pat and his partner John Drenka incorporated Squamish Mills Co. He also spear-headed the fight against Empire Mills' Tree Farm License. In 1956 he became the president of Squamish Mills.

In the 1960's Pat Brennan acquired a 56 acre site where Overwaitea, the medical clinic, and senior citizens home now stands as development land for Squamish.

Brennan died at age 60. He was survived by his wife Tess and children John Patrick, Kathleen Anne, Susan Alice, and Elizabeth Jane. Izzy Boscariol acted as mayor until the elections in November.

Brennan Park was dedicated on May 6, 1979.

In 1980, a public safety building was built. Its creation was largely due to Mayor Brennan.

Brightbill, Harry

  • HB01
  • Person
  • 1891 - September 24, 1976

In 1911, Harry Brightbill came to Squamish to work for Norton and McKinnon, a logging company operating at Cheekeye. In 1913 he worked as a brakeman on the Howe Sound and Pemberton Valley Northern Railway.

In the 1920's, Harry married Kamloops-born Jean Greatrix. They had 3 daughters, Alma (Mrs A.H. Cunningham), Katherine (Mrs W.A. Johnson), and Harriet.

His wife died at age 66 on June 9, 1965. Harry died on September 24, 1976 shortly after receiving an award for the best garden in Squamish Valley.

Brohm, William

  • WB01
  • Person

William was born in Germany. He moved near Cheakamus around 1894. He brought his daughter from Germany and she would later marry Johnny Smedley.

He built the Mashiter house around 1902.

Memorials: Brohm Creek, Brohm Lake, Brohm Ridge.

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