The ferry here is the only mode of transportation available in or out of Glade. As such, all who enter Glade may notice this hand made, hand carved, wooden sign.
In the autumn of 1909, a Russian pacifist group, the Doukhobors, purchased this forested river valley to fulfill their vision of living a peaceful life in a spiritual community. They named this land "Plodorodnoe" for its "fertile soil".
In 1911, the first of these settlers arrived from Saskatchewan to begin construction of a ferry, sawmill and two large communal village houses.
In the spring of 1912, more members of the Doukhobor community arrived to clear the forests and work parties began constructing nine additional village homes. By fall, approximately 1200 members had transformed the land into the farming community now known as Glade.
The Doukhobor community continued to grow and prosper throughout the years. Along the northern shores of Glade, work parties constructed a flour mill, linseed oil press, clover seed press and a packing house for farm produce. The sawmill was expanded to include a lumber planer.
The fertile soils were tilled and planted. Vegetables and grains were harvested in abundance and tree fruits were transported to the community's jam factory in Brilliant for processing.
Over time, communal lands turned to private holdings and Glade became a blended community. In 1992, the residents of Glade completed construction of a wharf and boat launch facility. This facility is named in commemoration of long-time resident Ron Campbell for his tireless dedication and enduring contributions to this community.
In 2007 Campbell's Landing was upgraded with a new launch and safer wharf through contributions by Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust.
Today, this unique community of approximately 350 residents remains accessible only by ferry. The pastoral river valley that once shaped the lives of their predecessors continues to provide tranquillity, fertile soils and year-round recreation for the benefit of all who call Glade home.
From another sign across the river