In the early 1900s a Russian immigrant, Alexander Zuckerberg, came to the Castlegar BC area of British Columbia as a teacher for local children, some from families of the Doukhobor coemmunal living homes nearby, some not. He noticed a lovely little island a few feet from shore in the Columbia River and tried to purchase it for a home.
When he initiated purchase procedures, the provincial government said there was no such island Zuckerberg assured them the island really existed, and authorities sent to the site were amazed. He obtained the necessary papers and built the lovely little home above for his wife. Zuckerberg linked the island to shore with a small bridge and constructed a charming house in a Russian style. manicured The industrious teacher manicured the woods around him with paths, gardens, and sculptures, irrigating the whole creation with a waterwheel to bring water from the river.
The two gentle people lived happily ever after on this unnamed island until his beloved wife died in 1960 and his attachment to their property waned. Today the small park is open to the public and monitored by the local Rotary Club, a haven of peace just a few steps offshore over a suspension bridge -- and now has a name of Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park.
Just one of the interesting tidbits about life, love and commerce from the 2013 book, The Columbia River, by JoAnn Roe
