Thynne, John Grenville “Jack”

The Thynnes lived in the Nicola Valley for two years before selling his interest in the ranch and becoming a special constable under John Clapperton. This didn’t last too long however because Thynne found it too monotonous and dull. They then moved to Fort McLeod, Alberta for a couple of years to try ranching there but their venture failed. Following their time in Alberta, the Thynnes moved to Otter Valley, approximately eight miles north of Tulameen. John Thynne built a log cabin and then sent for his wife and daughter to move there. At the time there was no road, only trails between Nicola and the Otter Valley and they were forced to travel and transport all of their belongings via pack horse for miles over the hills.  The residents of Otter Valley began petitioning the provincial government for a road to be built between Nicola and Granite Creek (A gold rush community near Tulameen, the namesake of Granite Avenue here in Merritt). They were eventually successful after years of petitioning, and the Thynnes built a two (or three?)-story stopping house along the road for the stagecoaches that ran between Granite City and Nicola twice a week. This stopping house soon became a very popular location for travelers, the house was decorated with portraits and paintings of England, a large grand piano, and a fireplace. In the evenings it was common for Mary to play the piano as John would play the violin or banjo and the guests would sing along. Mary’s reputation as being a very hard working and very friendly host helped the stopping house’s reputation as well. They even at one point reportedly had a visit from the notorious train robber, Billy Miner, who spent some time at the house. During the First World War the Thynnes would host an annual dance at their house for Belgian Relief. People would come from the surrounding areas, such as Tulameen, Granite Creek, Coalmont, and Princeton. People would arrive for supper and leave the following day after breakfast. They eventually left for Penticton in 1943 due to John’s failing health. He passed away November 9, 1943 at Penticton General Hospital.

The Thynne name is found on maps of the area from Thynne Mountain with start of Thynne Creek, which ends in Thynne Lake.