Before you gasp in disbelief as City crews patch potholes on Water Street with asphalt, covering and replacing what look like historic cobblestone bricks, you should know that they are actually a product of an early disco era. The concrete pavers were put in place 40 years ago in an effort to preserve Gastown’s history, […]

It has been 84 years since Percy Williams of East Vancouver won two gold medals in track and field at the Amsterdam Olympics — a feat that has never been repeated by a Canadian. 1928 – Archives item# CVA 99-3631 & CVA 99-3638. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. As part of the King Edward High School track […]

Coming up with a theme for my weekly photo collection from the Vancouver Archives can be a challenge, especially when I realize that I’ve already published about 70 collections. I’ve featured old timey Beach Scenes, Picnics, Grouse Mountain, Bikes, Ice Cream, Summer Scenes, and Amusements. What left to represent summmer in Vancouver? With Pride Week […]

Playland is opening for 2012 this weekend so a look through the City of Vancouver Archives to find old amusement park photos seemed in order. 1929 – Entrance gate to the Vancouver Exhibition and Happyland on Renfrew. VPL#: 7925. Photographer: Leonard Frank. 1939 – Fair rides. Archives item# CVA 99 – 3131. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. […]

99 years ago, on April 16, 1913, Athletic Park was dedicated on Hemlock and West 5th. 1915 – Opening Day vs Victoria by the City of Vancouver Archives on Flickr. Archives item# PAN N14B. Photographer: WJ Moore. Chuck Davis writes: “The park was built by Bob Brown, who would come to be known as Mr. […]