The B.C. Liberal government recently recognized Coldwell Ranch in Jesmond, near Clinton, and its 100 years of ranching in British Columbia with a Century Farm Award.
Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart presented the award that thanked the Coldwell Family for its strong contribution to the provincial agriculture industry and its history.
"Pioneer farm families are such a big part of our British Columbia history and the Century Farm Awards are a great way to recognize their achievements. I want to congratulate and thank the Coldwell family on 100 years of ranching in our local community; your dedication is admired and appreciated."
The story began in 1913 when the Coldwell family first arrived in B.C. from England. Henry (Harry) Coldwell and his wife, Louise, settled in what was then known as Mountain House. Their land was officially registered to Harry and his brother, Robert, in 1914.
In the early years, the Coldwell family raised cattle and chickens and tended to a large garden.
In 1919, Mountain House was officially renamed to Jesmond after the English town where Harry was born. The Coldwells operated the Jesmond post office until the 1960s and also owned a store and gas station until 1970.
Coldwell Ranch is now owned by Harry's grandson, Charles Coldwell, and the third-generation rancher has approximately 100 cattle and 25 horses on 480 acres of land. Charles continues the family tradition of ranching, guiding and trapping and he is involved with the Clinton Agriculture Society and the Clinton Rodeo.
Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer, as well as pioneers whose farms and ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.