Huble Homestead Historic Site located on the Fraser River, 40 km north of Prince George just off highway 97. It is operated by the Huble Homestead-Giscome Portage Heritage Society.
Crossing the Arctic Continental Divide, which separates the Pacific and Arctic watersheds, the Giscome Portage provided a short overland link for north and south water-bound travelers.
The Portage, which means, "to carry", was first used by the Lheidli T'enneh as a trade route and for harvesting plants and animals. The Lheidli T'enneh referred to the trail as Lhdesti, which means the "shortcut". In 1863 a guide from the Lheidli T'enneh led two Black miners across the trail, John Robert Giscome of Jamaica and Henry McDame from the Bahamas. These two men originally came to North America for the California Gold Rush, but arriving near the end of the rush they headed to the gold fields of the North. The trail now bears the name of Giscome as the first non-native to travel it.
The trail has since been used by many different entrepreneurs for freighting, guiding and access to the Gold Rushes of the North. In 1905 Al Huble and his partner Ed Seebach pre-empted the lots at the south end of the portage and opened up a small trading business. This business grew to include freighting, guiding boats through the Giscome rapids, and selling goods to the homesteaders in the area.
Besides operating a General Store, Huble and Seebach traded for furs, operated a blacksmith shop, did survey work for homesteaders, and guided travellers through the Giscome Rapids (just downstream from the Homestead). As well, the men re-established the overgrown road across the portage and built a warehouse at the Summit Lake end to enhance their freight business.
In 1911 Al went back to Ontario for Christmas and returned with a wife, Annie. The first Huble baby was born the following year, weighing merely two pounds. Mrs. Huble, knowing she had to keep her baby warm, wrapped her in blankets and placed her beside the stove. Amazingly, baby Bertha survived, becoming the oldest of seven Huble children.
The site today includes the original 1912 dovetail log house, general store, blacksmith shop, barns and other heritage buildings.
Enjoy a tour of the site with costumed interpreters and explore pioneer lifestyle, atmosphere, and animals. With stunning natural surroundings, the Huble Homestead Historic Site is the perfect place to bring a picnic.
Events are planned for every summer season. Visit www.hublehomestead.ca or call 250 564-7033 for more information.
