First Contact
Canada's only exhibit of first contact
between the Original Peoples and first European Settlers
The Okanagan is unusual in that it wasn't settled by Europeans until the turn of the century. In many parts of Canada immigrants had come with very little except their hands, skills and a determination to make a new life in a new land, and while the Okanagan had its share of these determined but poor settlers, it also had an astonishing number of people arriving with money and goods that moved into well-built and often luxurious homes. These settlers were well educated, and took books, fine furnishings, and china tea sets for granted.
Among these settlers was Henry Cecil Mallam. Born in England, he came to Canada in 1903. His father, a doctor, had given his son a good education, then sent him out to seek his fortune in "the Colonies". In 1904 he bought property in Okanagan Mission Kelowna from Gus Anderson who had preempted it in the 1800's. On the land was a fine new two story, hand hewn log house built in 1897. Romance was waiting for Henry in the new world. He met and married Giffortina Thomson, daughter of Gifford R. Thomson. He and his bride moved into this substantial home which was sited near a spring. The spring ran year round and still does. The Mallams were active in the community and like many settlers, Henry Mallam joined the army and served in World War I.
The Mallam House was a busy place. With doctors spread scarcely over the area, the women of the Mallam family were "on call" for midwife duties. Peter Mallam, a descendant of the Mallam family recalls "there always seemed to be babies in the house". Obviously young mothers-to-be knew to come to this house, which was a haven during this anxious time.
In the gully next to the Mallam house is an authentic Kikuli. This inspiring natural structure of earth and logs was built by members of the Westbank nation, and is a re-creation of the traditional Winter home of Kelowna's first people.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery honours the history of the land with this "First Contact" representation, and guests are welcome to visit both the Kikuli and the Mallam House. The nature area to the immediate left of the site is a beautiful bird sanctuary with a natural spring, so don't forget to bring your camera! Please ask a wine shop staff member for information on visiting this site while at Summerhill.
*Re-creation of the Mallam House interior by Ursula Surtees, retired director of the Kelowna Museum.
**Please note the original Kikuli burnt down last year in an unfortunate fire. It is currently being rebuilt.