THE CEMETERY:
A tiny plot of land no larger than a couple parking spaces, this is one of the most unique cemeteries in BC. This site is in a strategic location, nicely improved, and is in the dead center of its own town. The cemetery also has its very own Tourist Info Center, washrooms, park, statue and an old film set across the street.
In 1910, upon the death of his wife Charlotte, George Gibson donated land on his homestead for the construction of Gibsons Methodist Church and to start a family cemetery here. It is believed that the roses on the grounds started from slips from Charlotte Gibson's favourite rose bushes.
THE CACHE:
The Cache is not difficult to find but this is a VERY HIGH muggle area. Please do not disturb the landscaping. THE CACHE IS NOT LOCATED IN THE CEMETERY. Please be sure to replace the cache where it was found to avoid it being muggled.
INTERESTING TOMBSTONES/PERSONS:
Many towns in BC are named for people who had little or nothing to do with their founding - Vancouver (early explorer), Victoria and Prince Rupert (Royal Family), or various railway investors and employees. In rare cases, the founders lend their name to the whole place.
In 1886 George Gibson and his two sons, seeking shelter from a storm, sailed into the protection of this natural harbour in his hand-built sloop Swamp Angel. Gibson, at age 58, immediately claimed 160 acres and his sons each claimed another 160 acres close by. George's wife, Charlotte, and six daughters arrived from Ontario on the first train to travel west on the new CPR track.
The Gibsons discovered natural springs around the bay and rich gardening soil. George applied his knowledge of market gardening to grow vegetables then used his background in the British Navy to sail or row his garden produce to market in Vancouver. George became the first postmaster and magistrate in the new settlement. Four years after Gibson’s arrived, the first school was opened with 10 boys and 13 girls.
Of course there were no roads or ferries in those days, so Gibson built a wharf very close to the site of the present wharf. The movement of supplies through the wharf resulted in a community developing here.
Those who knew them said that George and his wife Charlotte were hard-working, intelligent and community-minded. They encouraged others to settle here and took pains to see that a community developed to serve their needs. Charlotte died in 1910, George in 1913. They are buried in the Gibson family cemetery (now part of Pioneer Park) located at the head of the wharf where it all started. Today bronze Gibson still keeps watch over his wharf, dressed for any weather.
Many thanks to http://www.gibsonsbc.ca/visit/history.php where much of this info was found. There is more interesting history on this site as well so check it out.
THE SERIES:
Please do not use the BC Spirit Quest name without coordinating with us first to prevent confusion. Credit for the idea to SixDogTeam, Half-Canadian and the other Spirit series hiders. Thank-you and enjoy the history.
NOTE TO BOATERS: In the spirit of the Gibson's seagoing ways, this cache is very boater friendly. A short walk up from the wharf.