Interview - Harry Kruisselbrink, Bill, and Bill Jr talk on the Messner's connection to Smithers and the Babines.

"As his sons were young boys they spent much time with their grandfather Dewitt...listening to the stories of the mining venture in Smithers. These stories were filled with such rich history...that they left you with an inspiration of wanting to go to this beautiful area...and see for yourself how they lived back in the 1920's". - Bill Messner's genealogical essay, The Silver King: The Mining Fever of the 20's.

Endnotes

Click here to browse the Bulkley Valley Museum's holdings pertaining to the Messners, including some candid shots of their family in and around Smithers during the 20s and 30s.

Morgan Hite's historical map of Babine Provincial Park is an excellent visual addendum for any discussion of the park's history.