A Brief History of Jewel Lake, by Gladys Floyd.
A trip to Jewel Lake can give you a small taste of the history of what we know as Boundary Country. This small, charming lake was discovered in 1895 by a prospector named Louis Bosshart. The lake appears on old maps as "Long Lake". After Louis Bosshart sold his claim, the "Jewel", and the mine was operating, the workers referred to "going up to the "Jewel" meaning the mine. Over time the accepted name of the lake assumed the name of the mine. In 1899, Arthur N. Pelly, following his return from the Klondyke, acquired a large tract of land abutting the south and south western part of the lake, part of which he had surveyed into townsite lots. He was known as Lord Pelly, however, the title was not accurate. He built the log cabin on Jewel Avenue signed "built 1899". Pelly may have been responsible for stocking the lake with trout some years before George White, caught by gaff, two fish in 1913 on of which weighed 48 pounds and the other 56 pounds. A second stocking of fish took place in the 1920's by George White and Cecil Floyd. Fish of similar size to those caught by George White were taken after 1930, however, none have been seen for many decades. The Jewel Mine, a gold producing property, closed near the end of World War One, but has operated from time to time since, possibly most successfully in the 1930's under the name of Dentonia while the mill was in use above the pile of tailings at the foot of Pelly Mountain. The mountain to the west of the lake is Roderick Dhu. Several mines were also worked on the slopes of this prominent feature, but not long term in any case. A Forest Service Lookout, atop Roderick Dhu with a panoramic view of many square miles, has protected our forests for many years. Logging, tie cutting and sawmilling have all been part of the work carried out here. Campgrounds are located at both ends of the Lake. The one on Jewel Avenue is privately owned with some cabins, whereas, the one at the north end of the lake is part of the network of Provincial Parks. |