I’ve ramped up my history series lately including several little tidbits by request, which is always fun to research and scope out. This afternoon I was browsing VancouverHistory.ca (the ultimate source for archival facts, tales and anecdotes) and I decided to browse the “1909” section. Here’s a taste of what I found out about our city, 100 years ago.
1909…
Did you know the grey squirrels in Vancouver have American ancestors? In 1909, eight pairs were shipped over from New York City and placed in Stanley Park
Part of the Sinclair Centre, The Winch Building (757 West Hastings), was built in 1909
Completed this year, the Dominion Trust Building (across from Victory Square at Hastings and Cambie) was Vancouver’s first skyscraper
Construction started this year on the Hospital for the Mind, later renamed Essondale, now Riverview Hospital
The Cecil Hotel opened up on Granville Street
In June, the first moving picture theatre in North Vancouver opened at Larson’s Pavilion
In May, 9th avenue was renamed Broadway after the famous street in Manhattan, in order to be more appealing to American investors
In October, Surrey’s first bank branch opened up – it was a Bank of Montreal
Read more at VancouverHistory.ca and seriously consider sponsoring an entire year in Chuck Davis’ book. I tried to get my birth year but it was already taken, but I think it would be a fantastic investment.
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