Memories of Hillcrest Lumber Co.

Well, another year and another reunion have gone by.

The 23rd reunion for the former employees of the Hillcrest Lumber Co., in fact.

Coincidentally, I and friends recently paid a return visit to the Chinese cemetery at Hillcrest, Sahtlam, to take more photos of this little-known Cowichan Valley landmark. Of the Hillcrest Lumber Co. Itself, however, little survives other than the two-storey concrete vaults which stand beside the driveway at the entrance to a modern private residence.

But the story of Carlton Stone’s pioneer lumber company lives on, not only in the memories of former employees, but thanks to the gifted ‘pen’ of local historian Ian MacInnes who wrote the story of Hillcrest Lumber 15 years ago.

Next week, the Chronicles recall Hillcrest as it was in its glory and as it is today.

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PHOTO: Jennifer stands at the entrance to the little-known Chinese cemetery at Hillcrest, Sahtlam.