Remember When: Harris Ruby Rush Days

A vignette from the Harris Ruby Rush Days plays out inside the rink due to poor weather in 1999. This scene takes place at the Commercial Hotel (now the Harris Hotel) when it was owned by the Graham Brothers and centres around the initial discovery of “rubies” in the Valley Centre area. Alex McCarthy, the miner who discovered the so-called rubies, knew the Graham brothers had mining experience and wanted their advice. Harry Gordon pulled him into the back for a discussion, though what exactly transpired there is not known. What is known is that news of rubies spread like wildfire and before long, Harris and the Valley Centre area were crawling with prospectors and hopefuls, searching for their fortune. The Ruby Rush Days were a staple of every Harris summer for years, involving community gatherings, events, and the famous vignettes performed typically outdoors around town. As we get closer to “museum season” in the province, I urge anyone with a free weekend to travel around and visit museums in neighbouring communities. There are always fascinating stories to be told if one takes the time to search for them.

ROSETOWN CENTENNIAL LIBRARY ARCHIVES