From railway disasters and robberies to mycology and mountain biking twelve authors tell true stories of Cumberland BC that highlight the diverse and eclectic history of the vibrant village.Established as a coal mining camp in the late nineteenth century and now reborn as a centre of arts culture and outdoor recreation in Vancouver Islands Comox Valley Cumberland has long fostered a strong sense of community that has attracted residents from all over the world. In this collection of riveting historical accounts touching personal memoirs and engaging creative nonfiction essayscomplemented by more than two dozen historical and contemporary photosampamp8212writers with ties to Cumberland and the Comox Valley reveal lesserknown aspects of the regionampamp8217s colourful past.We hear about Joe Naylor the unsung mentor to celebrated labour activist Ginger Goodwin and the immigrants from countries like China and Italy who crossed oceans to work in the mines and build a new life. The story of the Ogaki family active in the logging industry until their forced relocation to internment camps during World War II demystifies the origins of the JapaneseCanadian comfort dish Cumberland Chow Mein.