Originally the property of Russian immigrants David (1870–1922) and Annie Schuldies Bay.
Bay Farm (sometimes spelled Bayfarm), located immediately south of Slocan City in the West Kootenay region, was originally the property of Russian immigrants David (1870–1922) and Annie Schuldies Bay, from whom the camp took its name. During World War II, over 1,300 Japanese Canadians were forcibly relocated here under the War Measures Act. Families were given scarcely more than 24 hours to pack before being transported east, and upon arrival, they faced harsh living conditions in hastily built, uninsulated shacks, often heated with oil drum stoves. Winters were severe, frost formed inside walls, latrines were shared outdoors, and communal meals were served at distant locations such as the local hockey rink, three kilometres from the camp.
Despite these challenges, the Bay Farm community exhibited remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. Residents organized school concerts, community sports days, and women’s sewing clubs to preserve cultural traditions and create a sense of normalcy. Education was a priority, and Pine Crescent School became a cornerstone of daily life for children in the camp. Among its notable attendees were architect Raymond Moriyama, environmentalist David Suzuki, and author Joy Kogawa. Individuals whose later achievements underscored the enduring impact of education, even under the difficult circumstances of the camp.
Following the war, Bay Farm was subdivided and reintegrated into the surrounding landscape. Today, few physical traces remain, but the name endures in local memory, serving as a reminder of both the adversity faced and the resilience demonstrated by the internees.
