Book: 42 Head – Frank Xavier Richter’s Similkameen Story

Description

This fantastic book details the history of one the BC Interior’s early settlers, Frank Richter from a unique point of view– Frank’s great-granddaughter, Olly Sumner-Richter.

From the author:

“There is much written on my Great-Grandfather Frank Richter; his name is scattered throughout most history books written on the Interior or BC. However, much of the information is just that–scattered and sketchy and more importantly, much of the information is incorrect. Ten years ago, I set out to do some research. I hung out at museums, in relatives’ and strangers’ kitchen, and shared countless cups of coffee. I sat for hours going through old newspapers in cold basements, read a myriad of history books and met relatives who up to that time I knew in name only.

I also became acquainted with my aboriginal history through elders who were willing to take the time and had the patience to share with me their stories and memories. Great-Grandmother Lucy Simla was from the Head of the Lake band but by the mid 1860s was living in the lower Similkameen.

Many of the numerous relatives, pioneers and history enthusiasts that I have met had known my Grandfather Edward, one of the five sons of Frank and Lucy. They opened their hearts and their homes and generously shared their memories, undocumented stories and photos with me. I was searching for information not in the history books, but anecdotal stories not widely known and most of all I wanted to get to know the man who had played such a huge part in BC’s past.”