1867 · North of Vernon
Historic O'Keefe Ranch: The Ranch That's as Old as Canada
In June 1867, three cowboys stopped at the head of Okanagan Lake. Two stayed, and built one of the valley's first cattle empires.
The stories of Vernon, B.C.
Heritage homes, old landmarks and the people who built this city, gathered and told by Tim Jones, a lifelong Vernon resident. Free for everyone who loves Vernon.
Latest stories
1908 · Downtown Vernon
Polson Park: The Man Who Gave Vernon Its Park
Samuel Polson gave Vernon the land for its hospital and its best-loved park in 1908. And then there is the old wishing well.
1912 · Mission Hill
The Vernon Cadet Camp: More Than a Century on Mission Hill
From a tent camp on Mission Hill in 1912 to two world wars and Canada's oldest continuously operating cadet training centre.
1898 & 1912 · East Hill
Campbell House and Urquhart House: Two of East Hill's Grand Old Homes
A Queen Anne landmark from 1898 and an Arts and Crafts bungalow from 1912, and the people who built them.
1908 · East Hill
The "Sawdust" Smith House: From Lumber Baron's Home to Music School
Built in 1908 for the man whose sash and door factory was Vernon's biggest employer. Today, it is full of music.
1946 – 1958 · East Hill
Vernon's "100 Homes": How Veterans Shaped East Hill After the War
After the Second World War, Vernon gave land for 100 small homes for returning veterans and their families.
1885 – 2019 · North Vernon
The Kin Race Track: 130 Years from Horse Races to the Active Living Centre
Believed to be Canada's oldest active racetrack, the Kin Race Track lands are now home to Vernon's new Active Living Centre.
Coming next
Tim is working on these now. Each one gets a video and a full story page.
Coming next · 1956
The Vernon Canadians and the 1956 Allan Cup
The hometown senior hockey team that won Canada's top amateur trophy, and the players who went on to the NHL.
Curated and sponsored by Tim Jones
Vernon History is a free community project. Tim Jones has lived in Vernon his whole life and has always been fascinated by its history. As the site's curator and main sponsor, he gathers Vernon's stories in one place so they are easy for everyone to find, read and share: families, students, teachers and visitors alike.