Pigs to be raised in Stanley Park?
In 1918 there was a suggestion that pigs should be raised in Stanley Park. No reason was given why this was a good idea.
Author: John Atkin
John Atkin is a civic historian, author, and walking tour guide in Vancouver.
Looking at Trees
There are places that we pass by every day and don’t really pay attention to. But if we just take the time to take a closer look we might be surprised. I had the priviledge of taking a delightful Jane’s Walk on Sunday with Joe Thompson in Thorton Park in front of the old Canadian… Continue reading Looking at Trees
False Creek in Chinatown
As part of the research into the development of Chinatown along Pender Street I’ve been looking at False Creek and its changing shorelines. this quick sketch shows the original and early 1900s shorelines before fill pushed the shoreline out to its present location. When the Great Northern Railway set up its station in 1910 at… Continue reading False Creek in Chinatown
Ghost Buildings
An interesting post on the Daily Undertaker regarding architecture and loss… “There is a kind of afterlife that exists in our physical world. Our actions and experiences continue to resonate long after the situations they were born in are gone. Whether our loved one is with us, in another place, or dead, these experiences make… Continue reading Ghost Buildings
More Great Moments in Park Board History
In 1910 crows in Stanley Park became targets.
The Human Fly
We often hear about Harry Houdini doing his escape act at the Sun Building on Pender Street in 1923, where he was suspended from the third floor and wriggled free from a straight jacket. But before him was Harry Gardiner the “Human Fly” who visited Vancouver in Novemebr 1918 to scale the walls of the… Continue reading The Human Fly
Joe Fortes – The Book
Joe Fortes was a well-loved Vancouver humanitarian, who provided lifeguarding services and swimming instruction at English Bay beach during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lisa Smith and Barbara Rogers have studied Joe’s life for the last eight years and have compiled a thorough account of his life history including his many adventures both… Continue reading Joe Fortes – The Book
Hastings Mill Fundraising Event
Charles Hou Given The Vancouver Historical Society’s Award of Merit
The Vancouver Historical Society held its annual Incorporation Day lunch at the University Golf Club on April 15th. Along with a great presentation from guest speaker Colin Preston who showed some gems from the CBC archives, the highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the society’s Award of Merit to Charles Hou. Charles is… Continue reading Charles Hou Given The Vancouver Historical Society’s Award of Merit
Hotel Vancouver Under Construction
Click on the image. Construction progress photograph showing signs for E.J. Ryan Contracting Company and for Dominion Bridge and the roof of Wesley United Church, part of the Court House grounds and the west side of the 700 Block of Hornby Street. City of Vancouver Archives Photo 99-3669
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 