The Daring Thieves

Today, I am going to do something different. I follow the blog,Grandview Heritage Blog and Jak King recently published something very interesting. It is an article in the January 10, 1910 edition of The Vancouver Daily World newspaper.  I am going to print the article here for you to read.

"A daring attempted holdup was made on a laundry driver Saturday night at 6 o'clock, when three men pointed three revolvers at S. Robinson and ordered him to hold up his hands. The driver's presence of mind stood him in good stead, and whipping his horse, drove off at a furious gait amid a fusilade of revolver shots.

At the time of the attempted holdup Robinson had $87 on his person, much of it in silver. It is evident that the would-be highwaymen had been following the movements of the rig and its driver for some time, as at this particular point most of his parcels had been delivered and consequently he carried more money. The point of the hold up is at a dark place on Third Avenue, and is frequented by pedestrians but very little.

Owing to the darkness and in his hurry to escape, the driver was unable to learn much regarding the description of the men. He states that the three men are of medium height and build, while one of the men wore a brown slouch hat. Later on in the evening as Robinson was finishing delivering his load of laundry on Park [Commercial] Drive he saw three men who looked very much like those implicated in the attempted holdup get into a buggy and dfrive rapidly down Park Drive towards Venables Street.  Owing to the snow, which was falling thickly at the time, Robinson was unable to state whether the rig turned east or west when reaching Venables.

Within twenty minutes the police were at the scene of the holdup, and although they searched the neighbourhood thoroughly, no trace of the men could be found ... The theory advanced by the police is that a band of desperate characters are camping in the vicinity of the city in Hastings making nightly visits to the city while they spend the day in seclusion in the fastness of the forest somewhere in Hastings townsite.

This is the fourth occurence of this nature within the city within the past three weeks.Two were unsuccessful, while $8.75 were taken from a young man on Victoria Drive under a street light last month, and more recently two masked men succeeded in robbing a street car conductor at the point of revolvers at the terminus of the Powell Street line last week."

I hope you find the beauty around you.

No Cars Allowed

Ten years ago, a movement started on Commercial Drive and has spread to other neighbourhoods in the city. That would be 'Car Free Days'.

On June 15, 15 blocks from Venables to Grandview were blocked off from traffic. Instead, the streets were lined with rag tag bands, musicians, roller derby, lots of food stands and almost anything else you could think of. Even the rain - and it did rain - couldn't keep the people away.

This festival is run by volunteers and I am certain they are setting up for 2015 Car Free Days as I write this. This festival is a chance for the people to reclaim the streets of the community. It is an opportunity for businesses to interact with the people in a way they don't usually. More importantly, it is fun.

While I was walking the 15 blocks this year, I saw petitions and booths for non-profit organizations. I talked to the woman with Wholly Noggin Bars (they look interesting and taste pretty good) and I talked to a couple of people from the Vancouver Coop Radio. Of course, I made a special stop at the Grandview Heritage Group booth and spoke with Jak King. No wonder it took me over two hours to walk those blocks and back! Of course, I did stop and buy some vegetables at Donald's Market as well.

I enjoy walking through festivals like this because of the things I see. These headpieces are gorgeous! In the next set of photos, I will show you one of a model wearing one.

One year, I was strolling along the street for Car Free Days when I saw the actor Mark Hamill. I didn't recognize him at first, I only noticed him because he was asking someone not to take his photo - I think he had children with him. This year I saw a giant frog but I couldn't get a clear photo of him. Or her.

I realize this isn't the usual sort of entry I post on the Vancouver Vagabond but I hope you enjoyed it. History is great, I have always loved learning about the past, but we have to remember to live in the present too. And have some fun sometimes! Events like this don't cost anything - I never bring money with me since it would be gone so fast - but it gives people a chance to get out of their homes and mingle. Maybe even experience something new?

I hope you find the beauty around you.

Car Free Days II

Here's some more information on the Car Free Day on June 19 on the Drive. First I am going to show you  photos of the main reason I don't bring money with me to these events.

Doesn't the sight of that luscious fruit just make your mouth water? It sure did mine as I was walking by.

The Portuguese Club pulled out their old style barbecues and were serving smoked fish.

An Indian restaurant on the Drive had tempting looking cuisine as well.

And there were some healthy snacks as well for those who like something salty.

And there was good old gelato too of course.

Rooted, a cafe on the Drive that is part of Commerical Drive's Only All Organic Grocer - Eternal Abundance - had samples of their vegan, organice cookies.

Just down the block, Drive Organics, also had samples outside. So a person doesn't need money to munch out at these things.

I also find some of the people that attend events such as this to be interesting.

And one thing I have discovered over the years is that the more unique a person looks, the friendlier they are.

I also had the opportunity to meet fellow writer Jak King. Mr. King has published a book entitled The Drive which tells some of the history of Commercial Drive.

I intend on ordering it in the next month and I hope that you might take a look at it as well. If you are interested but can't purchase it right now, then check the library.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, Car Free Days, Vancouver,The Drive,Jak+King,History,music,food