In The Background: Powerhouse Pin Up
In 1893 the employees of the Electric Railway’s powerhouse at the foot of Barnard (Union) Street brightened up the boiler room with the charms of their pin up girl. Archives photo: Bu P123
Author: John Atkin
John Atkin is a civic historian, author, and walking tour guide in Vancouver.
In The Background: Try a Hot Bovril
In 1921 at the Tram News Stand you could get a light luncheon or hot drinks while waiting for the train at “Marpole’s popular lunch counter”. Drinks range from Hot Bovril, Ginger Wine to Oyster Cocktails all for 10 cents. Spend big and get their hot coffee and sandwich deal for 15 cents. CVA 99-3549
A Bit of a View of Shore Street
Shore Street was just a short bit of road on the west side of Main Street that disappeared when the Georgia Viaduct was constructed in 1914. Here the tops of a house and a couple of rooming houses poke above the northern edge of the deck of the new viaduct. The street gained notoriety when… Continue reading A Bit of a View of Shore Street
Wood for Telephone Cable
In 1922, BC Telephone is working on Georgia Street and they’ve got a pile of wooden conduit to lay their wires in. And at this time, Georgia is still paved in wooden blocks. CVA 99-3496
Chinese Methodist Mission Church, Chinatown
The Methodist church was the first to minister to the Chinese community in Canada, there was a mission school in 1876 in Victoria and in Vancouver in 1888. From its original Hastings Street location the Mission moved to a building on Dupont Street (Pender) in 1889. In 1900 the mission moved to a purpose built… Continue reading Chinese Methodist Mission Church, Chinatown
Fruit Trees for Vancouver Streets
“The city council board of works regards as impracticable a proposal to substitute fruit for ordinary shade trees on the streets. The presence of the small boys is a fatal objection to the scheme.” Interesting note from 1897 found in the Colonist newspaper.
We don’t often get to see Shanghai Alley like this. Taken in the 1940s this Archives image shows the west side of the alley looking north and the tenements built in 1905 by Yip Sang which helped establish the alley. CVA 586-4593
In The Background: Good Deal on Pie & Coffee
The Alhambra Cafe offering coffee and pie for 5 cents, meals start at 15 cents. 1916 prices. CVA 371-757
5926 EARLES Street, Vancouver – $998,000
One of the best mid-century modern homes in Vancouver is for sale. http://www.realestatevancouver2010.com/homes/5926-earles-street-vancouver-east-killarney-homes-v996158/
Check out Bow Haus
Interesting project launched for King Ed heritage house! http://changingcitybook.com/2013/04/01/587-west-king-edward-avenue/
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 