THE KÜTNE READER

It was once common for newspapers to fancifully refer to certain people (well, men) as the mayor of a place that wasn’t incorporated. Sometimes this was because they were the only resident (e.g. Sandon, Phoenix, Bannock City). Other times it just indicated they were the town’s chief booster. Eholt had two imaginary mayors, plus a third contender. Ainsworth and Waterloo had three unofficial mayors each. Bealby Point, Carson, Rock Creek, and Kuskanook each had two. Carson annou

During its 22 years as a bona fide city, Sandon had seven mayors — and four receivers. Sandon city hall was built in 1900 following a fire that consumed much of the downtown. Today it’s the Prospector’s Pick. Sandon was incorporated under Section 20 of the Speedy Incorporation of Towns Act (the same legislation that granted city status to Nelson, Rossland, Grand Forks, and Greenwood). However, the letters patent is confusing. It’s dated Dec. 30, 1897 but says Sandon “shall, f