The injustice that was the Komagata Maru incident was one of the first things my teacher talked about in grade 11 social studies and the name has always stuck with me. In 1914 a Japanese steamship carried 376 passengers (all British subjects) from Punjab, India over to Vancouver by way of Hong Kong, Shanghai, and […]

As we make our way through Vancouver’s 125th anniversary year, many have been looking back to see how our city has grown. Thanks to the efforts of Vancouver’s first Archivist, Major Matthews, and photographers who took to documenting the ‘early years’ we can view glimpses of what Vancouver was like in its formative years. One […]

Keeping up with work and blogging while in Africa has proven to be a challenge (as can be expected) however all of the travel has inspired this week’s photo collection from the Vancouver Archives which has an airport theme. Year: 1946 Subject: Airline stewardess passing the “Vancouver, City of Destiny” film to a man at […]

February is Black History Month and in Vancouver, there’s a significant amount of history to share and celebrate. From the groundbreaking work of Emery Barnes to the life-saving Joe Fortes who was named the “Citizen of the Century” by the City of Vancouver. Settlers of African-American decent came from Victoria (and prior to that places […]

This morning it was announced that the Rosewood Hotel Georgia will officially open its doors on Saturday May 7th 2011, exactly 84 years to the day that the hotel first opened its doors in 1927. While it has been under construction and major renovations for the last few years, it was still an icon during […]

The anniversary celebrations and events for Vancouver’s 125th anniversary will launch tonight in partnership with the PuSh Festival. From now until the end of 2011, the City and various organizations will be hosting events, workshops, exhibits and more to showcase 125 years of Vancouver. My weekly history series will remain but have a “Vancouver 125” […]

At last night’s Vancouver Blogger Meetup I was on a panel with Robert Ballantyne who is a resident of Bowen Island. Just 20 minutes away by ferry, this Island community has been a recreation destination for decades making it a perfect feature for this week’s ‘Archives Photo‘ collection. Year: 1917 In this photo: The S.S. […]

I have profiled the Hycroft mansion before but have not had the chance to visit until this week. I was invited by the University Women’s Club who has occupied the luxurious and majestic heritage home since the early 1960s. 1927 – Vancouver Archives Item #Bu P688 Photographer Leonard Frank Found just off Granville & 16th […]

Today’s collection of archives photos come from museums and archives around Metro Vancouver. One theme throughout the various communities in our region is that they have bridges; crossing the inlet or an arm of the Fraser. Date: 1904 Description: Opening day celebrations on the first Fraser River Bridge (now the Fraser Railway Bridge). New Westminster […]

Since the PNE is in full swing this week, today’s archives photo is one of the fair’s lost buildings (and one of the most unique I’ve seen). The “Women’s Building” at the Vancouver Exhibition (now the PNE). Located on the Hastings fair grounds, this was originally called the Industrial Building in 1910. Year: 1918 Photographer: […]