[image error] Jean ‘Cataline’ Caux in his later years.

When I was doing research for “Cataline: The Life of BC’s Legendary Packer,” I was at the Quesnel & District Museum & Archives and stopped in at their gift shop and found two postcards and one card. Of course I bought them, took them home and propped them up on my desk as inspiration during the writing and editing process.

[image error] This is the back of the above postcard. It says it was printed by Pioneer Postcards, Kelowna, BC.



[image error] Writing on the front of this card says “H.B.C.’s mule train, freighting from Hazelton, BC

Cataline used to pack for the Hudson’s Bay Company, and correspondence from that time showed he frustrated the straight-laced Company’s men with his unique and somewhat casual approach to business and financial matters.

[image error] Back of the above H.B.C. mule train postcard

I also picked up a few pen and ink printed greeting cards depicting local (Quesnel and Barkerville, BC) historical events and people. I love this little card that depicts Cataline:

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There is an anecdote inside:

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And the back of the card says “The Barkerville Trail HastiNotes” which were printed by Spartan Printing, Quesnel:

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Whenever I’m doing a research project or research for a book or article, I always scour local stores or online sites like eBay for related ephemera. It makes the past so much more real and alive.