Two years ago I wrote about our award-winning airport, recognized as one of the best in the world and the best on the continent. As a frequent traveller, I outlined some of the reasons why I love Vancouver International (“YVR”) so much and my list included its size and layout, its beautiful public art collections, its accessibility, and amenities like free Wi-Fi.
Another reason to love YVR airport is actually its social media management, which I also profile in 2013. The communications team is still going strong, providing updates for travellers, but also teaching me a few things about local history.
This morning I posted about Burkeville, a community on Sea Island that was established in 1943 as a part of the Dominion Government’s Wartime Housing Plan. The federal government built 328 cottages for employees of Boeing, naming the development after Boeing’s president at the time, Stanley Burke.
Within minutes they posted this image, dropped the mic, and – as the kids say – won the internet for the day:
So, thank you @YVRAirport for not only giving us global bragging rights as being the best departure or arrival point in our fair region, but for also having a wonderful sense of humour.
Vancouver’s skyline is constantly evolving and while we still have some heritage gems, like the beloved Marine Building or Dominion Building, all that remains of some fantastic, extinct, architectural structures can fit in the palm of your hand. RENEW Gallery’s “Period Lighting and Decorative Accessories” collection contains some of these artifacts, which are being featured leading up to the City of Vancouver’s 129th birthday on April 6th.
RENEW Gallery Period Lighting and Decorative Accessories
Home to an exceptional inventory of restored antique lighting, fine décor and architectural elements, RENEW’s collection includes pieces from Vancouver’s storied early years, flaunting the magnificent grandeur of days past:
Hotel Georgia Lantern Fixture circa 1927
This completely restored polychrome lantern was rescued from the grand lobby of the original Hotel Georgia, which opened in 1927.
1930: Hotel Georgia. Archives# Hot P2.
Many fixtures of this kind greeted guests as they descended upon the hotel, which was very progressive in its time, welcoming all guests regardless of race. For this reason, Hotel Georgia became a favourite of some of the jazz greats passing through Canada’s West Coast.
» More details and price available here «
E.A. Morris Tobacconist Window circa 1905
E.A Morris Tobacconist is one of Canada’s oldest tobacconists, serving as a rare example of early 20th century retail in North America.
Though the company continues to operate an outpost in Victoria (still located on its original site, opened in 1892), this leaded, beveled and stained glass window was part of E.A. Morris’ store in Vancouver, and formed the basis for a noted employee dispute – legend holds that an employee stole the window when he caught wind of his manager’s plans to remove it.
» More details and price available here «
Original Hotel Vancouver Monumental Mission Slag Glass Light Fixture circa 1915
This piece is from the second Hotel Vancouver (1916-1949), not the third (1939) which stands today on Georgia and Burrard. This spectacular, large-scale arts & crafts style fixture was sourced from the hotel before its demolition in 1949, after the building’s use as a government administration outpost during the second World War.
1917: Second Hotel Vancouver. Archives# CVA 677-20.
This fixture’s style is reminiscent of the hotel’s grand Italianate revival style, which contributed to its consideration as one of the great hotels of the British Empire.
» More details and price available here «
If I had the budget and the rooms to showcase these antique fixtures packed with local history, I’d scoop up each one. However, if you are looking for the perfect finishing touches for any project, these rare items might just catch your eye. They can be viewed in (and purchased from) RENEW Gallery’s antique collection, located at 5 East 5th Ave in Vancouver. The gallery is open for walk-in visits Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
There are so many charming and scenic parts of the “604” that I’ve decided to go beyond my recent 12 Photos of Steveston and feature another area through photography this week. From freshwater lakes like Sasamat and parks like Rocky Point, to the shores at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, historic Port Moody is full of beauty that goes beyond its “City of the Arts” slogan:
Royal City Musical Theatre presents My Fair Lady at the Massey Theatre from April 9th until April 26th, 2015. This lavish production of a musical comedy masterpiece has been called “the perfect musical” and NY Times critic Brooks Atkinson named it “One of the Best Musicals of the Century”.
Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner; Music by Frederick Loewe; Directed by Max Reimer; Musical Direction by James Bryson; Choreography by Suzanne Ouellette.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is the story about Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from Professor Henry Higgins so that she may pass as a lady. This award winning musical was a long running Broadway show and was then made into what has become an iconic film.
Royal City has assembled a talented creative team with Max Reimer making his directorial debut with the Royal City Musical Theatre Company. The stellar cast includes Tracy Neff as Eliza and Warren Kimmel as Henry Higgins in the lead roles, supported by a talented ensemble. Musical Director, James Bryson conducts a live 22 piece orchestra that brings this fantastic score to life with sensational choreography by Suzanne Ouellette.
Tickets range from $26 to $47, with showtimes at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and they can be booked online via the Massey Theatre website or by calling the box office at 604-521-5050. They are also hosting a Family Matinee on April 12th where you can get two free child or senior tickets when you purchase two adult tickets.
Win Tickets
Thanks to Royal City Musical Theatre, I have 4 tickets to give away for the performance on April 15th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
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RT to enter to win tickets to @RCMTheatre’s #MyFairLady from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/L5wMO
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The Massey Theatre is located at 735 Eighth Ave in New Westminster. Follow Royal City Musical Theatre on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
This month’s offerings for Friday Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre include the Canada-blaming South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (April 3), Kevin Bacon and Reba McEntire dodging pesky Graboids in Tremors (April 10), Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne tackling the terrors of space travel in Event Horizon (April 17) and Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn and more in the hilarious murder-mystery Clue (April 24).
Tickets are available online in advance or at the door for $8 or $6 if you come in costume for the midnight shows. These 19+ screenings can be complimented with a beverage from the theatre’s full service bar as you enjoy a night out with friends.
Friday Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre
Friday, April 3, 2015
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (Trey Parker, 1999)
The creators of South Park (Matt Stone, Trey Parker) scored a surprising hat-trick with the feature-length version of their hugely popular animated TV series: It was a box office hit, the critics loved it, and they scored a much-deserved Best Original Song Oscar nod for Blame Canada.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Tremors (Ron Underwood, 1999)
Remember the time that Kevin Bacon, Reba McEntire, and the Dad from Family Ties were in a monster movie together about strange seismic activity and weirdo underground creatures that killed people in their small town…? Of course you do! Because that movie was Tremors, and it’s awesome. Also… even more Bacon! Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Event Horizon (Paul Anderson, 1997)
Join the Rio for director Paul Anderson’s (Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil) solid (yet sorely under-appreciated) sci-fi horror story about a rescue crew investigating a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole that’s now returned…with someone or something new on-board. Starring Sam Neill, Laurence Fishburne, Kathleen Quinlan and Joely Richardson.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Clue (Jonathan Lynn, 1985)
Based on the popular board game Clue, this comedy received mixed reviews upon release but has since taken on a whole other life of its own, growing into a total cult movie – perfect for midnight screenings! Starring Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Madeline Khan, Christopher Lloyd, Leslie Ann Warren, and Michael McKean. Six guests are invited to a strange house and must cooperate with the staff to solve a murder mystery.
Miss604 is a media partner of the Rio’s Late Night Movie series.
The Rio Theatre is an independent art and movie house located at 1660 West Broadway, at Commercial Drive, and is easily accessible by transit. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for more film screenings, comedy showcases, and special event information.
Two years ago I wrote about our award-winning airport, recognized as one of the best in the world and the best on the continent. As a frequent traveller, I outlined some of the reasons why I love Vancouver International (“YVR”) so much and my list included its size and layout, its beautiful public art collections, its accessibility, and amenities like free Wi-Fi.
