After browsing the Vancouver archives for our previous history post on Old Photographs of Cars in Vancouver from 1900-1920, I thought I would do a similar post with boats. As there were so many amazing images dating back to the 1800s, I once again will be splitting them up, with the first instalment of images dating up until 1920.
1920-Path toward a dock with a boat tied up
As a coastal city, boats have always been a part of life in Vancouver. It is wonderful that we have these historical archives to showcase what life was like centuries ago on the west coast. It always amazes me how dressed up people were back then to do the most mundane things, let alone go boating. Boating attire for me would probably be rubber Native shoes a swimsuit and a t-shirt, yet these people at the turn of the 20th century are out here in 3 piece suits and ball gowns.
1893-picnic group on the boat Burt. Inscribed on the verso lists the boat going from Vancouver to Bowen Island [but likely instead be at Gibson’s Landing]It is also interesting to see the surrounding landscapes and how they have been formed or been left the same over the years. Waterfronts, industry and natural landscapes have all been modified over the years to accommodate a developing nation.
What observations can you make from these images? Let us know on social media what you discover.
1920?-View of Hastings Sawmill from the float at the foot of Gore Avenue1920?-A small boat delivering goods1920-Yachts – passing judges boat during race?1920-S.S. Princess Patricia [passing through First Narrows]1920-police patrol boat docked in front of the New England Fish Co. building1920-Open boat from naval vessel with crewmen and passenger at dockside – Vancouver harbour1920-Boat in Burrard Inlet1920-Bathing beach, English Bay, Vancouver, B.C.1919-Vancouver boat approaching landing stage at Rock Bay1918-Two men on a boat1914-Submarine (or torpedo boat) in local waters1914-Police Patrol Boat1914-Polarine Boat1913-Power boat race on Burrard Inlet1913-An officer and civillians on a small boat at the dock1911-A boat burned during the fire at Wallace Shipyards1910?-Vancouver Rowing Club [two man boat]1910?-The boat Alice with a bicycle laying on its roof1910?-Photograph shows a boat up the North Arm of Indian River near Granite Falls1910?-North Vancouver ferry Leonora at dock1910?-Group of people being transported from boat to shore in canoe1909-Mail boat Belcara [Belcarra] Gibson Landing B.C.1909-Mail boat Belcara [Belcarra] Gibson Landing B.C.1905-Boats In English Bay – Photograph shows the tower of the Denman Arena and a boat identified as the Summer1902-Robertson and Hackett Sawmill and Wallace boat yard at the south foot of Granville Street in False Creek1902-Photograph shows Major J.S. Matthews’ three children in a small boat on False Creek, with the Leamy and Kyle Sawmill in the background. J.S. Matthews’ notes with print or negative in Archives.1900?-The boat Annie being washed onto shore1899-Men and women in boat at Andrew Wallace’s boat building shed next to Granville Street Bridge1898-New Westminster, B.C. from the waterfront1898-[H.M.S. Sparrowhawk, torpedo boat in Burrard Inlet]1891-S.S. Beaver, Pioneer Boat on Pacific Coast-view taken from the city wharf at the foot of Carrall Street of the boat loaded with oxen and supplies1890?-View of English Bay beach looking west-Photograph shows Joe Fortes seated on the far left and Roderick F. MacKenzie standing behind boat on the right1890?-Unidentified man in boat with fish1890?-The celebrated Johnson-Gaudaur boat race in COal Harbour1890?-Swimming baths and boat rental floats in Burrard Inlet at the foot of Bute Street
To check out the Vancouver Archives and their incredible gallery of old photographs and documents, visit their website HERE.
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