09/01/2026
Historical Homes: Almond/Orris Home built in 1900
Sidney Almond, born in England in 1855, arrived in Canada in 1873. After traveling the country for 10 years, he came to the Grand Forks area in 1884 alongside Ernest Spraggett, becoming the 4th and 5th settlers in the area. The two owned land they used for cattle ranching on land now known as Almond Gardens. In 1890 Sidney married Francis Olivia and the two later moved into town after Sidney was appointed mining recorder in 1897 where they later moved into this house. In 1904 Sidney was appointed as the 1st Government agent in Grand Forks, and he later served as the treasurer and secretary of the School board for four years. In 1940, he passed away at the age of 85.
The next residents of this home a few years later were Stanley Orris, wife Orma, son Milton, and daughter Dawn. Stanley took over as the editor/owner of the Grand Forks Gazette in 1943 and was later appointed by the RCAF as a Civilian Recruitment Advisor for the war. Stanley also dabbled in politics, running for MLA as an independent in 1949 and as a Liberal in 1952. Additionally, Stanley was president of the GF board of trade, and in 1945 elected president of the Associated Boards of Trade of Eastern BC. Milton was an excellent student and speaker, attending public speaking competitions around the province and gave the commencement speech at his graduation. The paper was briefly sold in 1970, though bought back by the family after a year where it was later sold to Dawn and her husband in 1986.
Photo 1: Almond/Orris Home in 1998
Photo 2: Portrait of Stanley Orris in the 1960's
Come learn more at the Boundary Museum open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm at 6145 Reservoir Rd, Grand Forks BC
