Vancouver's envied water supply became a reality on this site on March 26, 1889 at 1:00 a.m. Cold, clear water poured from a pipe which stretched 10 miles from the Capilano River through canyon and forest and under the harbour
In 1879, after the completion of False Creek Bridge (Main Street) George Black established a slaughterhouse. Spurred by C.P.R. developments, industries such as Sweeney's Cooperage and the Gas Works lined the creek to Granville Street, where in 1897 Alfred Wallace built a shipyard.
Vancouver's postmaster, Jonathan Miller, hired four mail carriers to commence delivery in the city. Citizens were instructed regarding proper numbering and service began February 1, 1895, from the main post office at the N.W. corner of Granville and Pender.
This used to be known as Greer's Beach, after squatter Samuel Greer, who built a cabin here in the mid 1880's. He gained notoriety during an 1891 arrest and trial for shooting a sheriff who came to evict him.
The most beautiful stained glass made in turn-of-the-century British Columbia came from this studio, created by James Bloomfield, assisted by his brother and father. Heraldry figured prominently in James' art; he designed Vancouver's coat-of-arms in 1903.
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1857, Louis Denison Taylor arrived in 1896. Liberal and progressive, “L.D.” played a pivotal role in Vancouver, first as a newspaperman and publisher of The World, later as mayor, serving a record eight terms. He died in poverty in 1946.
TUTS began in 1940 by presenting two Shakespearian comedies and an operetta. It later turned exclusively to operettas and musical comedies – giving early performance opportunities to many future stars, including Don Garrard and Robert Goulet. The original TUTS disbanded in 1963.
Of many streams feeding False Creek, the most important was Brewery Creek (located near today's Scotia Street). Providing fresh water and power, it drew industry and settlement. In 1867 it was dammed to supply Hastings Mill. After 1887 breweries became the principal users.
The name Wreck Beach dates from 1927. Freighters built during World War I and later converted into lumber barges were no longer needed for that purpose. Their hulls were towed to the beach and scuttled in order to provide a breakwater for log booming grounds.
Built in 1927 by Frank Patrick, this venue hosted sports events, political rallies and dance marathons. In 1949 it was remodeled as a concert hall and featured such artists as Danny Kaye, Jack Benny and Arthur Rubinstein. It was demolished in 1959.
August Jack Khahtsahlano (1877-1967), whose grandfather's name was transformed into “Kitsilano”, was born near here in the Salish village of Snauq. His reminiscences are an important record of the life of his people, as Vancouver changed around them from lumber village to metropolis.
Pioneer sports, especially baseball, soccer and lacrosse were played here. The field was also used for rallies, circuses and parades. During World War I it was a centre for training recruits. It became a bus depot in 1946.
