Remittance
Men
Arnica
flowers soap
Items such as this soap would have been frequently requested by Remittance
Men. Relatives would be asked to send such things since the finer things
in life were frequently not available in the Kootenays.
Beaver felt top hat
A fine hat was a real status symbol for the Remittance Man. Many
of the hats they chose, like this top hat, were highly impractical in
the Canadian West. While other settlers would have worried about protection
from the elements and durability, Remittance Men often were influenced
by the fashion trends of the day.
Binoculars
A high priced item, this fine set of binoculars would have greatly
aided in hunting and nature watching, both frequent pastimes of the Remittance
Man. Commonly beyond the means of most Canadians, these binoculars would
be an enviable possession.
Book - "Columbia-Kootenay Valley: Official Bulletin No. 26"
Kootenay land investors produced many promotional books and pamphlets
in order to draw immigrants to the region. With vast tracts of land available
in the Canadian West, competition for these new settlers was intense.
Remittance Men often made the decision to move to Kootenay based on the
information such booklets supplied. Common topics covered in these publications
were: the beautiful weather, abundant resources and the wonderful opportunities
the Kootenays provided.
Book - "How to Make an Orchard in British Columbia"
Fruit ranching was an occupation that drew many people to British
Columbia, including Remittance Men. It was seen as giving a good return
on a small investment, and was as gentlemanly as tea, opium and cotton
growing in other regions of the empire.
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