History of Oliver

Oliver's beginning as the office of the South Okanagan Lands Project, called "The Ditch" was built between 1919 and 1927. This big project was the brainchild of Premier John Oliver, who was seeking projects for returning World War 1 veterans. This 25-mile gravity-run irrigation system was originally designed for 22,000 acres of semi-arid land that was to be turned into an agricultural opportunity. This entire community still depends on the benefits of this system today.

This arm of the irrigation canal runs by our campground.

Pioneers working on the Ditch also planted orchards in the area. Starting with ground crops such as tobacco, zucca melons and cantaloupes they made their living until their fruit trees matured. They then began growing primarily tree-based fruits. Over time, the area became famous for its cherries and later grape production.

 Officially named a Village in 1945, Oliver grew and was upgraded to a Town in 1991, with a population of almost 5000. Oliver is now known as the Wine Capital of Canada with over 40 wineries within its borders.

There are many vineyards/wineries in the area. This is a demonstration row of grape vines.

We estimated that there were 1000 barrels of wine in this wineries cellar.

There seem to be various ways of planting apple trees. These are spaced  about 1 1/2 feet apart and stabilized by four horizontal wires.

We have really enjoyed the apples and pears here in Oliver. Here is the fruit schedule for those who might want to travel there sometime.
Cherries - Late June - Late July
Peaches - Mid July - Mid August
Apricots - Mid July - Mid August
Pears - Mid August and on
Apples - Mid August and on
Prunes and Plums - Mid August and on
Grapes - Mid August and on

This produce stand is a block away from the Gleaners and is the generous donor of the peppers that were picked.

 On Thursday Jim and I and three others went to a nearby farmer's field to glean peppers. The farmer had finished picking for the season and was allowing the Gleaners to come and pick. We picked about 500 lbs. of peppers in 1 1/2 hours. Friday a school group (Grades 6, 7, 8 and 9) with about 30 people came and picked 6 bins totalling about 3000 lbs. of peppers in approximately 2 hours. The teachers challenged the students as to which grade could pick the most.

 It was a joy working with the brightly colored peppers.

When we arrived here at the Gleaners, the campground was nearly full with 11 sites occupied. Now only two weeks later only two sites are occupied. So these two weeks we have gone from being the rookies, to being in charge of changing out the product in the dryer in the evening because there are so few on site volunteers. The board is raising funds to replace their oldest dryer with a new efficient one. These units run up to 20 hours per day six days a week. If you can't come to help, your financial support would be appreciated.

On a day outing to Osoyoos the town south of us, we saw a miniature railroad museum. What an amazing creation by an elderly couple. The hour we spent was not enough to see all the details.

Thought to ponder - I used to think knowing God was like going on a business trip with him, but now I know He's inviting me on an adventure instead.