Knighton, Harry Reginald

Harry Reginald was born in Market Harbor, England on November 8, 1898 to Henry and Roseanna (Rosina or Roseana?) Knighton. Harry came to Princeton with his parents in 1919. He came with five years experience in the Old Merchants Bank of Canada. In 1926, he married Betty Williams, born in Llanrus, Carnarvon, North Wales on December 24, 1904.    Pr. Star Feb. 13, 1920. Came to Princeton from Central Park nr. Vancouver. Talented young pianist. Diploma R. Academy /Music London, Eng. Toronto Cons. Music. Harry Knighton took over management of Princess Theatre on death of J.M. Dignan. Sim. Star Dec. 21, 1923. They had two children: Elizabeth Diane, born in 1927 and William (Bill), born in 1939. While in Princeton, Harry had an orchestra, called “Knightons”. Later it was changed to the “Commanders”. The Orchestra played at the opening of the Copper Mountain Hall on May 28, 1937 and at many of the local dances.  For fifteen years Harry worked in the local Post Office as assistant to the Post Master, Mr.Rotherham. He, then took three years off and did some farming. Harry became the first manager of the National Employment Office when it opened in Princeton in 1941. 1941 Operated a woodworking establishment Dir. 1946 – cabinet maker. Sim. Sp. March 14, 1956 Office & Living Quarters completely demolished by fire at the Pines Motel (Highway 3 East). The establishment was the old Knighton home before being converted a number of times, last by W. Hoover, owner of Pines Motel. Reprinted March 1981  They were on a baseball team, the team piled 68 victories and nine defeats in a three-year stretch. After ten years with the Employment Service, Harry retired and purchased Highway Motors, Shell Garage and Service Station. He operated it until they left Princeton in 1954 when they moved to Mount Vernon, WA, USA. They owned and operated the “Y” Cafe west of Mount Vernon.  Harry passed away in Mount Vernon Hospital on November 4, 1966.