Art Rogers Arrives in the Okanagan

In 1920, seven-year old Art Rogers and his family arrived in Kelowna. They had travelled by train on the Canadian Pacific Railway from Viceroy, Saskatchewan, to Okanagan Landing in British Columbia. Art’s family then boarded the S.S. Sicamous for the boat trip down Okanagan Lake to Kelowna. It was a long trip from Saskatchewan to British Columbia, but finally they arrived in the Okanagan Valley. Many people called this valley the Garden of Eden because of the hot summers, mild winters, and great growing conditions. Art and his family were ready to start a new life in the Okanagan Valley.

Art’s involvement in the apple industry began shortly after he arrived in Kelowna. When he was just eight years old, he worked for an East Kelowna orchardist. His job was to pick up apple tree prunings. Art and his family lived in a house that was located on the orchard. In exchange for Art’s labour, the orchardist charged the family less rent.

Art Rogers at 4 years