The Past
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Ethnic Groups
~ Chinese
~ Czechoslovakians
~ First Nations
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~ Finnish
~ ~ Mara and the Finns
~ ~ Early
records
~ ~ Koskimakis of
Mara
~ Ukrainians
Geography
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Transportation
Mara and the Finns
The community, Mara, extends from Mara Lake southward for some three and
a half miles to the Rockbluff on Highway 97A. Late 1800's and early 1900's the Finns began
to come there. The CPR was built from Sicamous to Okanagan Landing in 1891. Many Finns and
also some Swedes were building the railway and then they decided to stay in Mara doing
farming or logging. Also numerous Finns came from Trinity Valley to Mara to farm.
The first Finlander to arrive was Samuel Putula. He married Lisa Wiitala
whose family soon after Mr.Putula had arrived in Mara. Mr.Putula was to farm his land for
over thirty-three years, and made a great success of agriculture. He also introduced the
community the European steam baths.
William Wiitala, Sr., was also one of Mara's successful farmers. He took
over the Mara Sawmill in 1894. In 1909 it was followed by his son Victor Wiitala until
1938.
The Koskimaki and Makela families
were also successful farmers in Mara. Mr.August Anttila was one of the earlier Section
Foremen on the CPR.
These Finnish residents of Mara through the years proved a hard working and industrious
people. They did much to improve the land and conditions.
There were at least six families of Finnish descent in Mara during its primary days that
were in turn to have families but, for the most part, have moved on to their respective
calling. However, some have stayed or returned to their birthplace.
Ulpa Pullekinen
ALF School 1989