This is my fourth annual Raise-a-Reader day and it’s something I look forward to each year. The streets of downtown become populated with members of the Canucks organization (past and present) and in exchange for a donation to the Raise-a-Reader program, you get a copy of the Vancouver Sun and the opportunity to meet said Canucks.
Raise-a-Reader is a national initiative to promote and support childhood literacy. In the Lower Mainland we have the Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader Program. Upcoming events include a Read-a-Thon which children can sign up for through their elementary school, as well as Word on the Street, taking place this Sunday.
This evening I was milling about the internet doing some research and I ended up on YouTube. Somewhere between the polka version of Katy Perry’s Hot & Cold and Artem Anisimov’s sweet goal I came across the channel of the City of Vancouver Archives. The Archives have been my resource for the Before & After photo series so I thought I would take a look around. What I came across was their own film called Since Yesterday from 1962 which is broken into 4 parts for online viewing.
“From 1962, this film documents the history of various modes of transportation (boat, horse and carriage, plane, streetcar, train) in Vancouver from 1887 to 1962. Subtitled “75 years of transportation: a 75th anniversary project of the Transportation and Customs Bureau of the Vancouver Board of Trade”. Produced by Art Jones. Entire film runs 32.5 mins.”
You can check out more on their YouTube channel which also has two “City Lights” features. I’m sure Mister and Misses Vancouver would appreciate this footage today, I for one I absolutely love it.
This Sunday Vancouver’s location of the world-famous Toni & Guy Salon will be hosting a “Pay What You Want” event with proceeds going to the David Suzuki Foundation. Participants will be able to select their choice of haircut from the new Toni & Guy Puritan Collection (images below) and they pay whatever price they like.
As this is sure to be a busy day at the salon so show up early to book your place; appointments will only be made on the day of the event. It’s a great time to get a new look for fall and also support the efforts of the David Suzuki Foundation. Find out more on the Toni & Guy blog or you can follow them on Twitter @ToniGuy.
We woke up at 5:30 in the morning on the day of our fishing trip, departing from Sonora Resort. The day before was action-packed for my sister and I so we were looking forward to getting out on the ocean for 4 hours of fishing (which translates to 4 hours of talking, hanging out, and eating snacks).
Our guide for the day was Kaitlyn, a knowledgeable fishing wonder woman who helped us learn the basics. Out on the water, us three girls had a great time as the sun rose, the fog lifted, and other boats (filled with testosterone) passed on by.
My sister had a great big fish on her line, which we referred to as “the one that got away” for the rest of the trip since the line snapped on us. We were a bit quicker to the next bite although when I reeled it in we had to release it since it was a wild Coho Salmon.
Despite only having a few nibbles, we did see some great action out on the water. The boat was lovely, our guide was great (and also went to school in Surrey – go figure) and we had some great fishing trip “bonding moments” to boot. I also enjoyed taking photos of the scenery, of which I’ll never tire.
You can view the rest of my photos from Sonora in my Flickr set. I have one more post coming up featuring our dining experiences, courtesy of Chef Matthew Stowe and the unbelievably nice staff.
Even though Vancouver is surrounded by water there are man-made aquatic creations placed around the city which each have a unique story to tell.
Salmon Fountain-Shrine – Water and Abbott
Installed in 1987, this fountain was designed by Sam Carter, an instructor at the Emily Carr Institute of Art. It was commissioned in honor of Samuel Leshgold, a “Gastown enthusiast”. His family had the work made featuring salmon since he loved to fish. [VancouverHistory.ca]
Fountain of the Pioneers – 500 Burrard Street
A popular lunchtime oasis for nearby office workers, the Fountain of the Pioneers at the Bentall Building was installed in 1965. Sculpted by George Tsutakawa it involves three elements, fire, earth and water.
Killer Whale – Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park
Sitting at the entrance to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Killer Whale fountain by Bill Reid is a welcoming site for visitors. This bronze orca was unveiled in 1984 in the presence of Lt. Gov. Robert Rogers.
Swedish Fountain – Van Dusen Gardens
Installed in 1975, the Swedish Fountain by Per Nilsson-Ost was donated by the Swedish community. “Eight bronze panels depict Swedish involvement in B.C. industry.” [VancouverHistory.ca]
King Edward VII Fountain – Hornby and Georgia
Tucked around the side of the Vancouver Art Gallery, this memorial fountain pales in size compared to the one on Georgia but it certainly holds a lot of history. It is a heritage monument in the City of Vancouver and when first installed in 1912 it featured bronze cups on chains. It was actually the main fountain out in front of the Gallery up until 1966, then it was removed. In 1983 it was “brought out of storage”. [City of Vancouver] Sculptor Charles Marega also did the Joe Fortes drinking fountain, the statue of George Vancouver at City Hall, and the pair of Lions that site at the entrance to the Lions Gate Bridge — just to name a few of his works around the City.
The final fountain I’ll highlight is one whose origins are currently unconfirmed, from what I can tell at least.
Jubilee Fountain – Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park
The fountain in Lost Lagoon or Jubilee Fountain is a year-round fixture in Vancouver. During the colder months it’s decorated with green and red lights to resemble a Christmas tree and when the hot summer heat is pummeling down it mists those passing by on the shore.
For some reason, ever since I found out that Pauline Johnson was the one to name Lost Lagoon, I’ve been more drawn to it than ever. Lately I’ve been tracking down the history of Jubilee Fountain, which was installed in Stanley Park to celebrate Vancouver’s 50th anniversary. Reports I’m finding are conflicting as some say it was an original structure and others say it’s a hand-me-down, coming from Chicago after being at the World’s Fair in 1934.
According to an article referenced on Wikipedia, “To build the fountain, Lost Lagoon was drained. Seventy piles were driven into the mud. On these a concrete mat was laid. The fountain was built upon this mat. The work was of necessity rushed; it was done in a month.” Harold Williams, engineer, of Hume & Rumble Ltd., supervised the work. Regardless of its origins, it’s certainly nice to enjoy its presence, power, and movement when you’re taking a stroll, watching the geese, or driving by on the causeway.
If you have a favourite fountain or sculpture around town, please feel free to share in the comments or add a photo to the Miss604 Flickr group.
