Our 2010-2011 Speaker Series opens with Charles Demers, a Vancouver-born writer, comedian and activist. His book of essays,

Vancouver Special, was short-listed for the Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize at the 2010 BC Book Prizes. Universally well-received, the book

“examines the who, what, where, when, why, and how of Vancouver, shedding light on the various strategies and influences that have

made the city what it is today (as well as what it should be).”Charles is a regular performer on CBC Radio One’s The Debaters, a former co-host of Citytv’s comedic panel show “The Citynews List”, and has been featured nationally in every form of media imaginable. He has been described as witty, intelligent, hilarious, sympathetic, unsympathetic, honest, unflinching, and a sharp social critic with an eye for detail, history, and humour.For his topic this evening, Charles will

describe a few of the constants he sees within Vancouver’s history, aiming to confront the idea that such a young city as ours can have

set characteristics – all the while making the case that despite the fact Vancouver is an evolving city, there are certain traits and preoccupations that have been with us since the very earliest days after settlement, and even before colonization!

Accompanied by the beautiful and thoughtful photos of Emmanuel Buenviaje, this presentation is not to be missed!

Scott Anderson

Making “Vancouver Special”

ISSN 0042 - 2487 September 2010 Vol. 50 No. 1

Vancouver Historical SocietyNEWSLETTER

September Speaker: Charles Demers

Next Meeting: 7:30 PM, Thursday, Sept. 23 at Museum of Vancouver

Author Charles Demers

The days are getting shorter, the mornings and evenings a little chillier, and my wife Amber has that desperate expression that comes each year as she realizes another PNE is quickly drawing to a close – it must be September. I hope everyone enjoyed the summer break!

Thanks to all that participated in our two summer field trips this year, of Gibson’s Creek and the PNE. I thought both were very interesting and enjoyable, and thanks must be given to Dan (our creek guide), and Laura, Debie, and Peter (our PNE hosts) for treating us so well.

There was a bit of excitement (and frustration) over the summer when we found out our historical sign in Devonian Park had been stolen, presumably for the metal! Bruce Watson worked relentlessly with the Parks Board to have it replaced, and I am pleased to report a new (and better-secured) sign is back on site. Thank you very much, Bruce!

(Speaking of Bruce, over the summer he published an amazing three-volume set of books on the fur trade, including a massive section of related biographies. While not directly related to Vancouver history, it is well worth checking out. And, while I like physical books and purchased print copies, the entire book is also available for download online, for free! For information, visit: blogs.ubc.ca/liveslived).

In addition to the fantastic line-up of speakers and field trips we’ve arranged for the upcoming season, your executive has been exploring several new project possibilities to take on, now that the flurry of activity surrounding our award-winning City Reflections documentary has started to wane. There will be more to come on that topic over the next few months.

We also have some exciting volunteer opportunities coming up (including an opening on the Board for the Treasurer position), for any member that wishes to get further involved in the activities of the Society – our strength continues to be our volunteers, and I encourage anyone interested in “going deeper into the rabbit-hole” to call or email the info-line!

Scott Anderson, President

Looking for Vancouver MemoriesPreznotesThe VHS newsletter is looking for your Vancouver story. Every so often, we would like to include a short “slice of life” story in the newsletter.

Perhaps you recall a particularly memorable evening at the Cave or any other of Vancouver’s long gone nightclubs. Who were the entertainers? How did you get there? Streetcar, taxi or car? What did things cost? Do you have any photos or memorabilia like matchbooks or drink coasters that we can use?

Do you remember going shopping at Spencer’s Department Store on Hastings? What was on each floor? What was the one item you really wanted? How were people dressed? Did they have a toy department? Were there elevator operators?

Do you remember watching television when it first came to Vancouver? Was it a U.S. channel or the CBC? What was the program? What were some of the other programs? Do you recall any local programs or local advertisers?

Did you see Bill Haley and The Comets at the Kerrisdale Arena?

You don’t have to be a life-long Vancouverite. You don’t even have to go back that far.

After all, if you arrived in Vancouver in the 1970s, that’s already over 30 years ago and many things have changed. Long distance trains no longer call at the old CPR station on Cordova. The bus station is not at Larwill Park anymore either. And the airport looks very different than it did 30 some odd years ago. Even if you drove into the city, the skyline has greatly changed from the days when the Marine Building and Hotel Vancouver were easily seen from a distance. What were your first impressions? What fascinated you most? What was most unique about the city for you?

The stories should be no more than about 450 words as counted by your computer (or manually). Photos or other illustrations would be very welcome.

We would love to hear from you. Even if your story is not long enough for 450 words, we may still be able to use it in a compilation of memories.

Send your story to the newsletter editor: jmcgraw@vancouver-historical-society.ca

The VHS invites everyone (including non-members) to attend our monthly talks. The talks are free and are held at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street (close to Vanier Park) at 7:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of every month except June, July, August, December). Special events may be held at other times for which there may be a fee.

Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 7:30 pmWreck BeachSpeaker: Carellin BrooksAuthor Carellin Brooks will visit us in October to discuss the cultural history of Wreck Beach. This fascinating slice of coast has been in threat since its inception, and not always for the reasons you’d think. Erosion, UBC expansion, arrests and ill-judged attempts at preservation are just some of the sandbars Wreck Beach faced down to become what it is today.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 - 7:30 pmUncovering 1886 VancouverSpeaker: Lee HendersonAuthor Lee Henderson will describe how he uncovered (and played with) Vancouver in 1886, just after the fire, for his award-winning novel The Man Game.

Thursday, January 27, 2011 - 7:30 pmVancouver at Work and PlaySpeaker: Colin PrestonOur good friend, CBC Archivist Colin Preston will return in January with some examples of Vancouver at work and at play in the 1950s and 1960s, selected from the CBC Vancouver vaults. Some time with the touts at Exhibition Park, anyone?

Watch this space in future newsletters for the rest of our 2010-2011 speaker series.

Upcoming Speakers & EventsThe VHS Needs You

Welcome New MembersZana Gordon Philip Swartz

School Days in Vancouver’s Early Days

The VHS is looking for someone — perhaps you — to become our Treasurer-in-Training who would then be prepared to take on the role of Treasurer by May 2011.

Paul Flucke has been the VHS’ very effective and diligent Treasurer for the past 10 years. He would now like to hand over the position to someone else. Paul has agreed to stay on for another term to be able to train his replacement.

You don’t have to have an accounting background for this position but you must have good organizational skills and an attention to detail. Over the years, Paul has set up a computer template that works very well for the job and simplifies many of the tasks.

If you are a member of the VHS, we ask that you consider applying for this important position. The VHS can only exist as a healthy organization through the efforts, talent and commitment of our members.

If you have an interest in this position, please let us know through the info-line (604-878-9140), by e-mail (info@vancouver-historical-society.ca), by regular mail (P. O. Box 3071, Vancouver, B. C., V6B 3X6) or talk to one of the Executive at our monthly meetings.

Teacher Julie Eldridge and her class (approx. 1897) on steps of Central School at Pender and Cambie.

Photo: Vancouver Archives CVA 677-260

VHS Members Enjoy Summer Field Trips

Gibson Creek

About 30 VHS members joined local; guide Dan Fass on July 4th for an excellent walking tour to trace the route of Gibson Creek through the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.

One of the many highlights was a stop at Gibby’s Field — three lots owned by the city that remarkably have never been developed, with the contours of the creek bed still clearly visible. The site was threatened with development in 2000-2001, but a group of residents raising awareness of the historical and ecological value of the site succeeded in having a moratorium declared. Currently, Gibby’s Field Subcommittee is working to gain support for turning the area into a viable community green space. For more information about Gibson’s Creek, Moses Gibson, and Gibby’s Field, please visit the Gibby’s Field Subcommittee at vcn.bc.ca/gibbys.

Behind the Scenes at the PNE

With parking provided, a guided tour through the grounds before the public gained access, a generous gift bag of goodies at the end, and an invitation to spend the rest of the day enjoying the Fair, our visit to the 100th edition of the PNE on August 25th was an absolute treat!

Many thanks go to Laura Ballance, our public relations host, for arranging the tour and keeping our group on track and on time! (We finished at the historic wooden roller coaster just as the Fair was opening, and almost got trampled by the mob running to get in line!) The tour was filled with facts, as the “unofficial archivist” of the PNE, Debie Leyshon, rattled off dates and names to assist Laura in filling out historical details. And Peter Male, the Vice President of Sales for the PNE, was a great source of information, ranging from the variety of performers that have entertained the crowds through to the evolution of the business of the PNE.

Scott Anderson

EXECUTIVEPresident Scott AndersonVice President (Programs) Bruce WatsonTreasurer Paul FluckeRecording Secretary Jean WilsonDirector Chuck DavisDirector (Memberships) Elizabeth HawkinsDirector Jean MannDirector (Newsletter Editor) Jim McGrawDirector Larry Wong

APPOINTED POSITIONSWebmaster Quasar Data ManagementArchivist Elizabeth HawkinsInfo Line Barbara Coles

CONTACT INFORMATIONVancouver Historical Society Information Line: 604-878-9140Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3071 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X6 Website: www.vancouver-historical-society.caNewsletter Editor: jmcgraw@vancouver-historical-society.ca

Vancouver Historical Society Leadership - 2010 - 2011 (Elected May 27, 2010)

VHS tours Gibson Creek area on July field trip. Photo: Amber Anderson

VHS members get preview of PNE and Playland in August as the Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Photo: Amber Anderson