February 25, 2002 For Immediate Release

The E-bay online auction is a well-known source for all sorts of collectibles, but a number of Prince George residents interested in local history have discovered that it can also occasionally be a source of valuable historical information.

The information purchased online all dates from 1913 and 1914 and includes three maps of Fort George and area, about a dozen photos of the area, and nine letters from a former resident of the area (Jack) who was in a business partnership with his father in England. All of the materials are being donated to the Northern BC Archives at UNBC for cataloging, storage, and future public access.

"Apparently, this material was found in an old law office in England when the office was being cleaned out," says Ernie Kaesmodel of the Prince George Oral History Group who discovered the materials online. "At first I was out-bid by an antiquarian book dealer in Indiana but when I explained to him where I live and that the information should be accessible to the people of this area, he agreed to sell the material to me. A number of local residents interested in local history have kindly contributed to the cost of acquiring this material and it's exciting that it will be accessible to people through the Archives at UNBC."

Members of the media are welcome to view the materials on Wednesday afternoon at 1pm. Ernie Kaesmodel and UNBC Archivist Ramona Rose will be viewing and sorting through the new acquisition.