I Came Back!

I haven't written for the last two days. Monday my brother was visiting from Calgary.

Ain't he just so adorable? He doesn't look like that any longer, he is a grown man in his fifties. I could have written about my brother, some of the things he has done in the past are quite interesting but I don't think that would be a good idea. Have to protect the innocent you know.

Today I just wandered. I took in my bottles and then walked along Powell street to Clark Drive. I took a few pictures of things that looked interesting. Like this place.

What caught my attention was the year it was started. This business is only thirty years younger than the city itself. Interesting.

At the end of World War I there were about fifteen organizations to help veterans. Unfortunately the efforts of these groups were fragmented and not very successful. So in 1925 The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League (BESL) began in Winnipeg. At that time the objective was to provide a strong voice for WWI veterans and to advise the government on issues that veterans face. The legion has been instrumental in protecting the rights and ensuring that those who have fought so that we can live the life we do are taken care of.

In 1960 the Queen gave permission for the word 'Royal' to be added to the title and the name has been adjusted to 'The Royal Canadian Legion'. But most people refer to it as 'the Legion'.

The legion has changed with the times and is known for its community involvement as well as the service to veterans. Perhaps the legion is most well known for the Poppy campaign every November. That is when citizens of Canada donate money and where a fake poppy as a remembrance of those who died in war. The monies raised go to help veterans and their families.

Many of us remember learning the poem by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae,  In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row,. Little did McCrae know in 1915 when he penned In Flanders Fields that his little poem would be recited for decades to come and would ensure that the sacrifices of those who have gone to war would not be forgotten.

This bowling alley was opened in 1947 by Louis Marino and is still a family operated business. They offer 5 pin, 10 pin bowling as well as Black Light (glow) bowling. I like the bowling pin on top. It must look great at night.

For the past weeks I have  been walking around and something is going on. I see this message painted on walls etc.

Now I am not in favor of graffiti.Someone has to pay to paint over it and monies supplied by either a business or the local government can spent on better things. But I wonder if this message is being spread across the city by a lovelorn soul or someone is letting everyone know that they are loved. There are worst things that could be painted on buildings.

One of the best things about walking around,taking photos and learning about Vancouver is the people I meet. Today I met a First Nations artist by the name of Bruce Morrisseau. He allowed me to take photos of his tattoos for a feature I want to on tattoos. I enjoy it when the bearer of these designs tells me a little bit about the history.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Royal Canadian Legion, graffiti,In Flanders Fields,Grandview Lanes,Walk,history,

One Hundred Years and Counting

That sign says it all. The PNE is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year. I don't live far from the grounds and walked up today to take some pictures of what is going on around. Within a few streets the atmosphere around me changed. People and cars were everywhere.

Some were running although I didn't see anyone getting pushed. I didn't understand at first what the rush was -after all the fair does last two weeks - but I later found out that it was free admission before noon. After noon the regular admission price of twenty dollars kicked in.

In 1910  then Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier opened the fair which was then called the Industrial Exhibition. Back then it was a show for agriculture and such. Though there is still the remnants of an agricultural show there, this non profit fair has exhibitions of animals, performances, numerous stalls and shops and, of course, the draw for the PNE show home. Yes, the lucky winner wins a house.

For the last century the PNE has been held at Hastings Park, except for the years of 1942-1946. There was talk about moving the fair and Playland to Surrey but, fortunately for we Vancouverites, the fair is staying put. Numerous upgrades have been done to buldings - some torn down then replaced while others have been upgraded. It looks like the PNE may just be there for another 100 years.

Part of the fun of going to the PNE is to go to Playland.

This is the oldest amusement park in Canada and it is the home to The Coaster. Designed by Carl Phare and built in 1958, this thrill ride has a speed of up to 48 mph and a maximum drop height of 75 feet. No thank you.

The Coaster was featured in the 2004 movie, Riding The Bullet which was based on a novella by Stephen King.










Another ride I cannot see myself on is this one.

The log carrying the people up to here doesn't look so bad. It is the next part that I don't like.

From there they go down! But the line up waiting to get on it was long.

Every year Playland replaces two of its rides with two new ones. As well they maintain the older ones. Playland is open from April to the end of September and reopens from mid-October to the Halloween weekend. But during the PNE extra rides are provided by Westcoast Amusements.

The PNE also attracts music. Bryan Adams and Michael Buble have already performed this year. Free with gate admission are such performers as Cindy Lauper, Huey Lewis, Wayne Newton, Kevin Costner and Michael Bolton.

 I admit that all my photos are taken from the outside looking in and there are reasons for that. 1.) At this time I have other areas that are more needful of my finances. 2.) I don't really have a lot of interests in the rides although seeing some of the exhibitions might be enjoyable. But the main reason I am not attending this year is that I don't like the crowds. Seeing them from a distance for a short period of time is okay but actually being in the midst of them all is not too appealling. Especially when I walk with a cane.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Hastings Park, Pacific National Exhibition,Playland,100 Years,Walk,history,

The Stanley and Neighbours

In 1930 Frederick Guest, the owner of a chain of theatres in Southern Ontario, visited Vancouver. And fell in love with the city. He decided that he had to have a theatre here so he hired Henry Holdsby Simmons, a Vancouver architect, to design one. Hence the Stanley was born.

On December 5, 1930 the theatre opened with a screening of One Romantic Night, Lillian Gish's first talkie. The Stanley was the place to go, the only theatre where on a Saturday a young movie goer could catch two matinees for the high price of a dime. The Stanley also held live entertainment shows during it's early days.

In 1941 the theatre was sold to Famous Players and the neon sign was installed. During World War II fundraisers for the war effort were held. Also during the forties the Stanley would hold surprise screenings on Thursdays and the place would be filled.

During the 1950s and 60s though, with the introduction of television, attendence dropped. To try to combat the decline, the Stanley would bring in blockbusters and, for a price, seats could be reserved. The theatre also installed high-performance sound and projection systems as well as refurbishing the seats during the seventies and eighties. But sadly the doors closed in 1991 and it looked like this piece of Vancouver history was destined to decay and disappear.

But in March of 1997 the old dame was purchased and, with a little help from Granville Street merchants, reborn. Now it is home to live theatre and there are times I see crowds of people lined up outside. If I squint really hard, I bet you I could see the ladies and gents there for the grand opening that winter night 80 years ago.

This fine old building used to be the home of the Pittman Business School. Now the sign reads Kaplan and it seems like it is an office building. With food and drink on the lower floor.

This area is known as south Granville and it is a premiere shopping area. The buildings, as you can see, are majestic and imposing. Some are very old, some are new. Some are block style buildings like here whereas others present a more interesting architectural view.

Looking at buildings, the way they are shaped, the loving care they've had, or haven't had, can take up a lot of time. Take a look at this one.

It is a fine bulding that appears to have been well taken care of. Too bad we can't say the same for all the older buildings in town.

The above photo was taken downtown just off of Hastings Street.

The effects of time, poverty and perhaps lack of interest can be seen. Just like a person these old buildings need care and love.

I hope you see the beauty around you.


TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, South Granville, Stanley Theatre,Lillian Gish,Pittman Business School,Walk,history,

Red Lights

Take a little walk along E Pender. Head west and go until you pass Carrall Street. You will see this building.

Just past it is a very important sign.

This is a historical area in Chinatown. It is one of the first streets and was the center for the arts and merchants. I also read somewhere that there were a few bordellos here as well which would make sense because one of the main areas for the Red Light district wasn't far from here. It had the posh houses where lawyers, judges and other notables would go.

Look at how small this street is. It curves.

With all the people in there visiting shops etc it must have been a tight fit.

Another alley that veers off from Shanghai Alley is Canton Alley. Cute anecdote. I met up with a fellow who said it should have been called 'Shangri La Alley'.

In the middle of the curve in Shanghai Alley is a replica of a bell that was unearthed in China. The original is over two millenia old.

Also in the center of this curvy street are sign boards put up by Heritage Canada that pay tribute to the history of the area. I took a photo of what it used to look like. A photo of a photo.

Most of the buildings are new but there are two at the beginning of the alley that look dated.

Not too far over yet more than likely a world away from Shanghai and Canton Alley was another house of ill repute. This one is located at 504 Alexander Street.

This was a bordello but the reason it looks so good now, so austere and presentable is that, after the ladies of the night moved on, it became a hospital.

These restricted districts made many people uncomfortable. The madams would pay off the police for protection and things went uneasily along for a while. Then in 1906 The Daily Province newspaper did a probe and discovered the bribes. Chief Constable Sam North was fired for his part in the corruption. And then in 1910 there was an order to remove to red lights.

The funny thing is that prostitution is legal in Canada. However solicitation, owning or running a bawdy house, living off the earnings from prostitution are illegal. Interesting.

While walking along Alexander Street I happened to look up at one of the older buildings and got a start. It was misty rain and I had to blink to make sure this wasn't real.

The First United Church at 320 East Hastings Street has been there for 125 years. It helps those in need by providing meals, shelter and counselling. Until today I never notice the artwork at the top of the building.

It was an enlightening walk through the rain today. But now the sun has come out and everything is shiny again.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, 504 Alexander Street, Red Light District,Shanghai AlleyCanton Alley,Walk,history,

VPL and others

I wandered down to the Vancouver Public Library today to do some research. And wait until you see this building.

From a distance it is an impressive building. And close up it is even more awe inspiring.

This building was designed by Moshe Safdie. It was the most unique design yet the most beloved by the public. Standing at 350 West Georgia the library is nine floors and contains over 2.25 million items. You should be able to find what you want in here.

I suppose that this isn't really history since it was built in 1995 but it contains a lot of historical facts. And is a good place to go. Just for those who are curious it also cost about 107 million dollars to build.



Across the street is the Canada Post building.

At one time this was the largest welded steel structure in the world. And this is interesting. In 1954 the federal minister of public works got the city to build a tunnel from the CPR station to the new post office for mail transfer. Mail began being transferred by air not long after that so the tunnel was never used. But the tunnel was built - it cost 1.6 million dollars and is two kilometres long. I wonder if it is still there. I see the makings of a great novel here. This building was completed on March 14, 1958.

This is the Seymour building located on Seymour Street. Named I guess because of Sir Edward Hobart Seymour. However I haven't been able to find that much information yet.

These houses are in the Strathcona area and I took the picture on Saturday. They represent the colors of the time, as well as the style.There is a grant program where someone will some out and scrape down through the layers of paint  to find the color the house was originally. If the present owner does not find those appealing they can have house painted in colors that represent the era the house was built.

These row houses, once again in the Strathcona area, were built probably around 1906. They have been rebuilt and stayed as true to the original style as possible.

To be honest I had a few photos of another segment that I was anxious to share but they didn't transfer for some reason. So I will have to go back and take them again.

I hope you see the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Vancouver Public Library, Georgia,Canada PostStrathcona,Walk,history,