The Vancouver Historical Society was established in 1936 to stimulate public interest in Vancouver’s history, to encourage historical research and publication, and to promote the designation and preservation of historic sites. It is incorporated provincially as a non-profit society and registered federally as a charity. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month (except… Continue reading February At the VHS: Curt Lang’s Vancouver
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
The Vancouver Archives full resolution images are great. It makes for all sorts of discoveries. Here’s 132 W. Hastings and the detail. The photographer and his camera set on a tripod are visible in the reflection.
In the background of this photograph of the Glasgow Hotel from the Vancouver Archives (#HOT-P84) taken in1891, is one of the only views of the houses that once lined Pender. Until 1906 this was also part of the city’s restricted district, the polite term for the red light district.
“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
On the 30th of October, at 7:00pm I am presenting a talk Catalogue Shopping for Houses at Hycroft. It’s part of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Fall lecture series. Here’s their write up: Many early homes in Vancouver were bought from housing catalogues, then shipped as kits to a buyer’s house site where a buyer could… Continue reading A House From A Book
This is a favourite link. It’s such a wonderful collection of alternate reality – sadly they missed a chance to include the mysterious Chinatown Tunnels. http://www.travellady.com/Issues/March07/3972WalkingWithGhosts.htm
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 