Item T0786:0001 - Neptune Grimmer interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-10-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Neptune "Nep" Grimmer recalls his life on Pender Island. His father, Washington Grimmer, was born in London, England, grew up in Australia, and came to BC in 1877. He then worked in the Cariboo with sheep before settling on Pender in 1882 and marrying Elizabeth Auchterlonie in 1885. Neptune Grimmer describes some of the early island settlers, including David Hope, Mr. Buckley, the Hope family, the Auchterlonie family, and the Davison family. He describes the type of small boats used for transportation; fishing and farming on the island; and his parents operation of a guest house; from 1910 to 1920. Neptune Grimmer was born in a boat while crossing Navy Channel; his older sister was the first white child born on Pender. He recalls childhood activities; schooling and the family; farm. In 1908 he attended the Agricultural College at Guelph; the family exhibited at the local agricultural fairs and supplied cream to the Salt Spring Creamery. He describes the evolution of farming on the island from sheep to dairy and later beef cattle. There is discussion of the early fruit farming and land settlement on the island. [TRACK 2: blank.]