Surveying Northern British Columbia

Considered one of British Columbia’s most famous pioneer surveyors, Frank Swannell surveyed much of northern BC for the provincial government between 1908 and 1914, taking many striking photographs of the area and its people. Together with his journal, these images constitute the best record of the region during this period of enormous transition. His photos include portraits of the First Nations people, settlers and other well-known people in the region, plus images of well-known historical routes such as the Grease Trail and Yukon Telegraph Trail. The many modes of transportation of the time, including sternwheelers and stagecoaches, are also chronicled through Swannell’s masterful lens. Author Jay Sherwood has culled the best photographs and journals from both the BC Archives’ collection and that of the BC land surveyors to create Surveying the North, a vivid illustration of northern BC from 1908 to 1914. With an engaging text that brings the era to life, Sherwood creates an accessible and entertaining saga for the modern reader. Says Sherwood about Swannell’s work, ＂His photographs appear in most books that cover the BC Interior in the early 20th century, yet he is seldom given more than passing credit.＂ Surveying Northern British Columbia sets out to correct this oversight by recognizing--and celebrating--Swannell’s important place within the history of British Columbia.

Jay Sherwood spent several years working as a land surveyor before he began teaching in Vanderhoof, BC, where he was president of the Nechako Valley Historical Society. It was during this time that he became familiar with the rich Swannell collection. Sherwood currently lives in Vancouver, where he works as a teacher-librarian