Content area
Full Text
Helmi Braches, ed. Clayburn Village Community Society, 2001. 181 pp. Illus., maps. $25 paperback. (Clayburn Village Community Society, c/o Cyril Holbrow, 4176 Seldon Rd., Abbotsford, BC V2S 7X4)
REVIEWED BY DAPHNE SLEIGH
The large-format family history book appears to be as popular as ever, with communities all across British Columbia enthusiastically recording their history in this form. But the task of the community historian today is no easy one.
Twenty-five years ago, when a community wished to record its history in a book, it might have been sufficient merely to assemble a collection of family histories, arrange them in alphabetical order, add plentiful illustrations and-almost as an afterthought-some miscellaneous information on local buildings and local industries. There was often no historical overview, no attempt to explain the local scene in terms of the broad picture. Documentation might be lacking, sources unnamed. Maps could be sketchy and inadequate. This is not to underestimate the value of the community histories of an earlier period. They were of strong historical merit in recreating the atmosphere of bygone times-the daily life, the dialogue, the humour, the pathos, the value system that prevailed in that community. They imprinted their district with a distinct historical identity. Additionally, they were of importance in adding to the new groundswell of enthusiasm for the cause of heritage preservation.
Nevertheless, there is undeniably more pressure today on community historians to produce...