Maple Ridge amateur historian Fred Braches has produced a book he hopes will preserve some local historical photos.
“Ruskin – Pictures from the Past” is dedicated to the late Charles A. Miller, who had an impressive collection of photos of the easternmost neighbourhood of Maple Ridge.
There are photos taken before there were roads, and paddle wheeler boats served the settlements along the Fraser River. It depicts and documents the earliest days of the local lumber industry, and the construction of the dam at Stave Falls. And it memorializes the early settlers and residents who built the community.
Braches, who was a historical columnist for The News, and also served as the editor of the B.C. Historical News, said he had 100 copies of the 102-page book printed. It was never intended to be a money-maker, but just to keep a collection of photos he considers important.
“I wanted to make sure they survive in some way,” said Braches.
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Miller’s daughter, Charmaine Schultz, gave him permission to use the photos for the publication.
There are full pages of text, but it’s about the historical photos.
“Pictures tell most of the story.”
He said anyone interested may still find a copy at a local book store.
Braches has been better known for the calendars with local historical photographs that he produces.
Now 93 years of age, he said it is likely his last book, and that was sad news to people who known him.
“He’s a local historian whose work is invaluable here,” said Shea Hendry, the executive director of the Maple Ridge Museum and Archives. “He’s the knowledge keeper of the Whonnock and Ruskin histories.”
“Fred is unique is his passion for history.”
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