BURSTLegend has it there are billions of dollars in solid gold nuggets the size of walnuts hidden in the mountains surrounding Pitt Lake.
Brian Antonson of Mission doesn’t know if the tale of Slumach’s gold is true, but he and his brother Rick Antonson, along with fellow writer Mary Trainer, are the co-authors of a bestselling book about the legend, and they claim their book separates fact from fiction.
Brian will be in Chilliwack signing copies of Slumach’s Gold: In Search of a Legend—and a Curse on Saturday, Nov. 29 at The Book Man.
The story has captivated people for more than 130 years.
“Our lifelong quest for the truth began in the 1950s,” Brian said. “We first heard the legend as kids – I was nine, my brother eight – and we committed to go hunting for the lost gold when we were adults. As we grew up, saner minds prevailed – dozens have died in their searches – so we decided to write a book with colleague Mary.”
Their first book was published in 1972 and was just 56 pages long. It sold 10,000 copies. When they sold the rights to B.C. publisher Heritage House, the company wanted the book updated as a 35th anniversary edition.
In 2007 the authors produced a 160-page book which sold 15,000 copies and spawned two TV series. The most recent series, History Channel’s Deadman’s Curse, stars Chilliwack resident Adam Palmer.
Then in 2024, the authors released their third edition, which they call the “capstone” version, Brian said.
At 224 pages, the newest edition has loads of full-colour photos and maps, new info about even more gold seekers, words about the TV shows featuring Slumach’s gold, international interest, and possible locations of the treasure.
“It’s as good as it gets for this intriguing legend… unless somebody actually finds the gold!” Brian said.
They’re on their second printing already of the newest edition, with more than 3,000 in sales in its first year.
The softcover book is eight inches by 10 inches and Brian calls Slumach’s Gold: In Search of a Legend—and a Curse a true “coffee table book.”
Folks can meet and chat with Brian Antonson, and buy a signed copy of the book, at The Book Man (45939 Wellington Ave.) on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It sells for $32.95.