qathet Museum & Archives
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Surveyor's Compass

Object ID: 2001.41.B         

Surveyor's compass and "chain", dating from the early 1900's.  The "chain" is a measuring device inside the round metal case with a leather strap and brass parts. Surveying equipment like this item, would of been used in early exploration and surveys of qathet. 

The 1791-95 expedition of Captain George Vancouver (a British Officer in the Royal Navy), was one of the first European exploration of Pacific Coast. On June 26, 1791, he anchored off the shore of Hardwood Island and recorded his observations, which included the river at the mouth of Powell Lake. Spanish explorers were also in the area in the late 18th century, including José María Narváez.

The site of Powell River itself, was earmarked by the government as a site of interest for both its waterpower potential and as an ideal site for a pulp and paper mill, following an 1893 survey by Alfred Carmichael. In 1901, the BC Government took out a 21-year pulp lease in the region to encourage industrial development, which at the time had what appeared to be an unlimited supply of softwood lumber for paper --also a major draw. The area that was leased is part of the traditional territories of the Tla’amin Nation, who were relocated to the village of Sliammon (read more here). 


Picture
Surveying along a river, 1916. (ID 1967.1.231)
Picture
Members of a surveying team in the Powell River area. The men stand side by side, holding their equipment, 1920's. (ID 2007.50.14115)
Picture
Picture

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Hours ​
Tuesday to Saturday
10 am - 3 pm

(​Closed Statutory Holidays)
Contact Us
4790 Marine Avenue, Powell River BC
info@powellrivermuseum.ca
604-485-2222
All rights reserved 2022 - qathet Museum & Archives
​Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material on this website. Dates and times are subject to change. 
  • Exhibits
    • Current Exhibits
    • Forestry Building
    • Virtual Exhibits >
      • Symphonies of the Sunshine Coast
      • Capturing Mountains
      • Story of Cedar
      • Powell River Firsts
      • Rod LeMay Collection
  • Collections
    • Objects
    • Archives >
      • Research Requests
      • Indexes & Finding Aids
      • Archival Descriptions
      • Powell River Digester
      • Phone Books & Directories
      • Good Citizen
      • Record of Military Service
    • Local History Books
  • Programs
    • Public Programs >
      • Summer Camps
      • Museum In the Park
      • Plein Air Painting
      • Lasqueti Island Talk
      • ʔayʔaǰuθəm Workshop
      • Speaker Series
    • School Programs >
      • Educator's Survey
    • Online Programs >
      • Portal To the Past
      • The Coast Memoirs
      • A Taste of Powell River's History
      • The Crafty Corner
      • Dive Into the Archives
    • Historical Tours
    • Memoirs
  • Learn
    • Indigenous History
    • Place Names
    • Forestry History
    • Community History
    • Blast from the Past
    • Heritage Stops
    • Blog
  • Support
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Careers
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Name Change
    • Our Mandate
    • News & Reports
    • Staff & Board
    • Contact Us