Clinton, BC – A ranch in the South Cariboo has received a BC Century Farm Award in recognition  of its contribution to the provincial agriculture industry…

The Coldwell Ranch was officially registered by Henry (Harry) Coldwell and his brother, Robert, in 1914, in what was then known as the community of Mountain House.  Harry and his wife, Louise, had arrived a year earlier from England and the family began raising cattle and chickens on the land.  In 1919, Mountain House was officially renamed to Jesmond, after the English town where Harry was born.  The Coldwell family operated the Jesmond post office until the 1960s and owned a store and gas station until 1970.

Coldwell Ranch is now owned by Harry's grandson, Charles.  The third-generation rancher has approximately 100 cattle and 25 horses on the 480-acre ranch.  He continues the family tradition of ranching, guiding and trapping and is involved in the Clinton Agricultural Society.

Area MLA Jackie Tegart says pioneer farm families are such a big part of BC history.  In presenting the Century Farm Award, Tegart says, "I want to congratulate and thank the Coldwell family on 100-years of ranching in our local community, your dedication is admired and appreciated."