NOVEMBER, 2003 NEWSLETTER

Peakfinder Updates
 One of the interesting little mysteries in the history of the Canadian Rockies relates to the naming of Mount O'Rourke in the High Rock Range. During the period 15/17 August, 1917 at Hill 60 near Lens, France, Private O'Rourke of the British Columbia Regiment, who was a stretcher-bearer, worked unceasingly for three days and nights bringing in the wounded, dressing their wounds and getting them food and water. During the whole of this period the area in which he worked was swept by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and on several occasions he was knocked down and partially buried by enemy shells. His courage and devotion in carrying out his rescue work in spite of exhaustion and incessant heavy fire inspired all ranks and undoubtedly saved many lives.

The peak that has carried his name ever since the publication of Part I of the Interprovincial Boundary Survey atlas in 1917 is a relatively low feature lying entirely in British Columbia. A much higher feature on the Continental Divide, just 1.6 km to the southeast was left un-named. There are varying opinions as to whether this was an error on the map or if this was really the way the surveyors meant it to be. A photo showing both features has recently been added to the Mount O'Rourke page.

I'd be interested in hearing any opinions visitors to the site might have regarding this ongoing controversy.

If you have a favourite mountain photo or any information about the peaks of the Canadian Rockies that you would like included in Peakfinder please contact <dave@peakfinder.com>.

Please note that all of the previous newsletters have been archived and are available on the site. If you're interested in other esoteric lists, unusual mountain names, etc. browse through the earlier issues. 


November's Unusual Canadian Rockies Name

CHRYSLER PEAK
Named by Ben Rosicki in 1936, the mountain was named by an American hunting party after what was, at the time, one of the tallest building in New York City.
Enter "Chrysler Peak" in the Finding Peaks search box to learn more about this mountain. 

Look who's honoured in the Canadian Rockies

BILLY WARREN
 Born in Sussex, England, Billy Warren completed his education at St. Mary’s College prior to serving with the Imperial Yeomanry during the Boer War. He arrived in Banff in about 1903 after working as a clerk in London. Tom Wilson hired him as a packer but he soon demonstrated enough proficiency that after one season he became a guide, taking clients on short trips to build up his experience. He guided Mary Schaffer and Mollie Adams to Moraine Lake and this led to a long-term association with Mary, both professionally and personally. In 1905, Warren led these two ladies on a trip to the Ptarmigan Valley and the following year they ventured north as far as Wilcox Pass. Together with Sid Unwin, Billy guided their legendary trip in search of Chaba Imne (Maligne Lake) in 1907 and then the successful one to the lake and beyond in 1908. Mary Schaffer named Mount Warren in her guide’s honour during the exploration of the lake.

Billy continued in the guiding business, operating out of Field in Yoho National Park. Each year he took Mary Schaffer to a new area and their relationship evolved into marriage in 1915 when they settled in Banff. By 1919, Warren had left the outfitting business and became one of Banff’s leading businessmen, establishing the Cascade Garage and Banff Motor Company. The following year he acquired the Alberta Hotel and in 1921 founded Rocky Mountain Tours and Transport. He became one of Banff’s most prominent citizens.

Recalling the naming of Mount Warren in 1908, wrote, "Next rose a magnificent double-headed pile of rock, whose perpendicular cliffs reached almost to the shore...It was its massiveness, its simple dignity which appealed to us so strongly, and we named it Mount Warren, in honour of 'Chief,' through whose grit and determination we were able to behold this splendour." Regarding his skills as a guide she wrote, "There are older ones (guides), there are better hunters, perhaps, with wider experience in forest lore, more knowledge of the country, but for kindness, good nature (such a necessary adjunct), good judgment under unexpected stress, he had no superior."
For information about Mount Warren enter the name in the "Finding Peaks" search box on the main page.

November's Esoteric List

MOUNTAINS NAMED IN 1903
Mount Bosworth, Mount Weed, and Mount Huber who are the only peaks recorded as being named one hundred years ago.
For information regarding any of these mountains enter the name in the "Finding Peaks" section on the front page.

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