A Poem for a Sawmill

24/05/201624/05/2016 John AtkinLeave a comment

Digging through the New Zealand newspapers for some research I came across this poem in the September 10, 1915 edition of The Star from Christchurch written by C. Fox Smith. C. Fox Smith is Cicely Fox Smith (1 February 1882 – 8 April 1954) an English poet and writer. Born in Lymm, Cheshire and educated at Manchester High School for… Continue reading A Poem for a Sawmill

In the Background: Ladies up High

29/03/201629/03/2016 John AtkinLeave a comment

It’s fun to poke around in the background of photographs. This section from a 1913 photo from City of Vancouver Archives shows the view east over downtown towards the False Creek flats. In the enlarged view – checking to see details of a building in the background – I noticed these three ladies with wonderful hats up… Continue reading In the Background: Ladies up High

History · urban design · Vancouver

Old Landmarks Going….

29/06/201529/06/2015 John AtkinLeave a comment

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation and the DVBIA unveiled the latest set of Places That Matter plaques on June 26, 2015. It was a great celebration. The five plaques focus on various aspects of the role West Hastings Street has played in the development of the city; finance, the port, parades, tourism and the early residents.… Continue reading Old Landmarks Going….

History · urban design · Vancouver

Lost and Found

16/01/201517/02/2015 John AtkinLeave a comment

The former Bank of Nova Scotia at 424 West Hastings is an attractive little building. Built in 1904 and designed by the firm of Dalton & Eveleigh this was the bank’s head office until their new office tower was constructed at the corner of Seymour and Hastings in 1910. At some point the… Continue reading Lost and Found

Chinatown · History · In The Background · Transportation · Vancouver

In The Background: Carpentry on Parade

04/01/201404/01/2014 John AtkinLeave a comment

There’s a parade finishing up at Hastings and Carrall c.1899 and this wagon features the products of the Royal City Planing Mill. The mill was at the foot of Carrall Street on False Creek and that might be where it’s going as it turns the corner onto Carrall. CVA 677-27

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In The Background At The Brunswick

17/12/201317/12/2013 John AtkinImageLeave a comment

There may have been a special occasion when the photo of the Brunswick Hotel on Hastings was taken since everyone is posing. Here’s a delightful woman in the upper floor window. City of Vancouver Archives photo: CVA 677-5

In The Background · Uncategorized

Caught in the Background

04/02/201319/03/2013 John AtkinLeave a comment

Hasting Street 1912 and the Archives photo (SGN1536) shows a busy street scene. Way in the background is this guy on his ladder repairing the illuminated sign for the Dick’s Clothing store. See this post on Changing City for more info on William Dick.