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
“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.
The Alhambra Cafe offering coffee and pie for 5 cents, meals start at 15 cents. 1916 prices. CVA 371-757
My colleague Andy Coupland found this mislabelled post card the other day. The station was tracked down in Quebec City as seen in the colour shot from the 1960s . http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/jan2012via.htm.
In 1958 Vancouver’s old City Hall met the wrecker’s ball. This was the city’s second city hall after the 1886 fire and was once home to the public market and a theatre. The old hall was replaced with a short lived public market building. Archives photo 2010-006.155
The Star Theatre was on the site of the old police station on Main Street. Unlike many of the theatres at this end of town it only showed movies. Here’s a sandwich board guy letting everyone know what’s on. He’s standing in front of McDonough Hall on the southeast corner of Hastings and Columbia. It’s… Continue reading In the Background: Movies at the Star
Here’s a shot of the corner of Main and Keefer showing the Hotel Mayo. The corner building dates from the 1890s and its neighbour is probably of the same era. This Vancouver Archives photo (CVA 447-308) shows both buildings before they were pretty much demolished and rebuilt as one structure using the original bricks which… Continue reading Hotel Mayo, Keefer and Main
Open London just blogged this: Today RemBrand developers, the Town of Schijndel and MVRDV complete the Glass Farm, a multifunctional building in the village square. The building with a total surface area of 1600m2 contains shops, restaurants, offices and a wellness centre. The exterior is printed glass with a collage of typical local farms; a monument… Continue reading Glass House, Really
“The majestic and ornate interior of our church has been lovingly maintained over many years by the members of our parish community, never asking for outside help. Presently, the outside of our church building, known by some as a neighborhood “onion domed jewel”, has come to a state of dire need. Given the constant changes… Continue reading Strathcona’s Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church Needs Your Help
Recent Projects in the Eastern Downtown On this walk John and Andy will take a look at a few of the new additions to the Gastown, Chinatown and Hastings Corridor. On the walk you’ll discover some interesting and contemporary restoration/renovation projects, new residential infill and a couple of surprises. Meet at the NW corner of… Continue reading Walking Tour with Andy and John
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 