Argenta is asettlement inBritish Columbia. Located on the west side of thePurcell Mountains, on the northeast shore ofKootenay Lake, it was founded during asilver mining boom in the 1890s. Argenta was given its name by the Argenta Mining Company from the Latin word for silver, argentea.[1]
In 1952,Quakers settled in the town. Primarily from California, they first established the Delta Co-operative Association in 1954. They then went on to found and operate the Argenta Friends School, a boarding school, from 1959 to 1982. Students studied academic subjects, as well as gardening, how to milk cows, chop wood, pig sheering, and cook on a wood stove.[2]
In the 1960s, Argenta attractedanti-war protesters, as well ashippies,back-to-the-land residents, and members of thecounter-culture.
With a population of just 100, many residents have gone on to great things. Among others, Nancy Herbison changed her name toNancy Argenta and became a well-known opera singer based in London.[3]
Argenta has its own anthem 'Caravan of Love' by the Housemartins.[4]
50°09′58″N116°55′19″W / 50.166°N 116.922°W /50.166; -116.922