Bowen's community archives are looking for volunteers to explore the island's history. Here's why. The stories and anecdotes collected from early settlers by the historians of the 1970s formed a key part of the material used by Irene Howard to write the lively island history Bowen Island: 1872-1972. In recent years, volunteers have added more interviews to the earlier treasure trove and new volunteers are sought to continue the process.
Conducting interviews is a pleasant task because they relate to a person, a family or a subject area in which the interviewer is interested in. Moreover, they're done at a pace, style and place comfortable for both parties. Some volunteers tape the interview, transcribing the material at another time. Others take notes which are written up later. One volunteer worked directly on her computer with the interviewee close at hand.
Whatever the basic technique, the interview is put on paper and reviewed with the person interviewed. Then an index will list the topics covered. At that point, a final copy goes to the interviewee and another into the archives.
A number of islanders have already helped in this fascinating process and new volunteers are warmly invited. In recent years, Irene Wanless has been the champion. She has interviewed Eileen Schmidt, Peter Schmidt, Charlie MacNeill, Stella Meal, Rene Bird, Nancy Bourdet (granddaughter of Jacob Dorman), Dolores Wallace and Ross Carter.
Dannie McArthur interviewed Odd Ytrri, Mary Selman and edited the fascinating Ellen Dorman video material. Trish McGeer interviewed Monte Marler about scouting on Bowen between 1918-1933, Diane Marshall helped to research the history of the Stan James development of the 1970s and worked on an extensive interview with Hans Behm. Lois Meyers-Carter has worked with Bruce and Evelyn McLeod, Maude Arundel-Ross, Buster Rouche, Dave Moon, Martin Clarke, Peggy Punnett and Auriel Howarth. Art specialist Betty Dhont created a marvelous multi-volume set of artist biographies and gallery records. Linda Cuthbert researched the history of golf courses on Bowen Island.
People who are interviewed often have significant photographs to share that are scanned and added to the photographic database. Lastly, as detailed information becomes available through interview sources, relevant portions are added to the biographical database.
Bowen Island has a wide array of interesting people and topics to be explored. Is there a role for you? For more information, phone Lois Meyers-Carter at 947-2440 or e-mail [email protected].
