There is a movement to have the new library on East Hastings named in honor of local resident Mary Chan. Mary was instrumental in organizing the Strathcona Community against urban renewal and the freeway. Her daughter Shirley says “Mary worked hard to canvas community support for the Strathcona Community Centre and as a former teacher… Continue reading The Mary Chan Public Library
Mountain View Cemetery’s latest video features the dedication of the new funerary burners unveiled in the Chinese Section. Water jet cut aluminum with a cloud pattern.
Interesting how people can try and justify their actions. From the proceedings of the Asiatic Exclusion League 1908 September 7, 1907, Vancouver, B. C. —This date marked the enactment of one of the most bitter race riots that ever took place upon the North American continent. A mob of more than 1000 (some said 10,000)… Continue reading It’s not my fault… honest
I’ve been reading the 1908 Proceedings of the Asiatic Exclusion League in San Francisco and came across this opening line under the above heading in their February report: “One of the chief reasons for the change of name of this League from “Japanese and Korean” to that of “Asiatic” was the knowledge that we have… Continue reading Hindoos, a deferred report
Great Beginnings (3) Originally uploaded by SqueakyMarmot Not just any neon sign, but something almost 50 feet tall hung from the Chinatown parkade at the corner of Quebec and Keefer. The official lighting of the sign takes place on Monday March 15, 2010 at 6:00pm. It’s gratifying to see my chicken scratches on paper show… Continue reading Chinatown gets a new neon sign
During the Olympics the Yue Shan Courtyard is open for various arts events and evening walking tours of Market Alley. This is the roof constructed for the opening.
Here are the fire insurance maps from the late 1920s showing Market Alley between Carrall and Main Street. Market Alley was once filled with a variety of businesses including restaurants, laundries, pawnbrokers and merchants. Despite what some publications say, there was no general curfew in Chinatown imposed by the authorities. Alleys such as Market… Continue reading Market Alley in the 1920s
I get a lot of e-mails asking about underground Vancouver and specifically Chinatown. Tunnel myths are found in almost every Chinatown in North America and their origin would seem to coincide with the rising tide of anti-Asian feeling in the late 19th century. In the popular press three common vices always ascribed to the Chinese… Continue reading There are no Tunnels in Chinatown
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 