END OF MONTH INDEX 

SEPTEMBER 2010

Arranged by Subject and Address, Country, State/Province, City, Street,

 East, Alphabetical, West

CANADA

British Columbia

City of North Vancouver

332 East 4th Street, A Week of Black and White, 1928 Canary Yellow, Friday

            September 10, 2010.

454 West 6th Street, A Week of Black and White, Cement on West 6th,

            Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

332 East 13th Street, North Shore Hospice, Friday, September 17, 2010.
419 East 15th Street, Typical 1950's, Thursday, September 23, 2010.

741 West 20th Street, West of Fell, September 21, 2010.

North Vancouver District

761 East 12th Street, "Oliver, Smith, Forbes, Wetzler", Monday, Sept. 20, 2010.

910 Beaumount Dr., "A Week of Black and Whie, Capilano Highland's Stucco",

            Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
1098 Canyon Blvd., "Blue at the Mountain's Base", Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010.
1640 Dempsey Road, "Shake Clad House on Dempsey", Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010.

925 Glenora Avenue, "Glenora in the Capilano Highlands", Wednesday,

            September 15, 2010.
954 Hampshire Road, "The Street It Is A Changing", Monday, Sept. 27, 2010.

4142 Mount Seymour Parkway, "A Week of Black and White, Since 1946 in Deep

            Cove", Monday, September 6, 2010.

872 Orwell Street, "Orwell Street, Where Are You?", Tues., September 14, 2010.

2568 and 2579 Panorama Dr., "Under the Green Tarp", Wed., Sept. 1, 2010.
2901 Paisley Road, "The Swing in the Tree", Friday, September 24, 2010.
887 Premier Street, "On the Way to the Dump", Monday, September 13, 2010.
452 Tempe Crescent, "53 Years on Temp Crescent", Wednesday,
            September 22, 2010.
4375 Underwood Ave., "A Week of Black and White, Westlake and Marshall",
            Thursday, September 9, 2010.
1152 Wellington Drive, "Lynn Valley Wellington", Thursday, Sep. 2, 2010.
739 Westmoreland Crescent, "A View of the Word", Friday, September 3, 2010.

UNITED STATES

Washington

Concrete, Washington, Saturday Travel Feature, Concrete Grade School,

            Concrete, Washington, Saturday, September 18, 2010.

Concrete, Washington, Sunday Church Feature, Mount Baker Presbyterian

           Church, Concrete, Washington, Sunday, September 19, 2010.
South 1st Street, Rockford, Washington, Saturday Travel Feature, 1916 Pump
           House, Rockford, Washington, Saturday, September 25, 2010.
217 South 1st St., Rockford, Washington, Sunday Church Feature, Rockford
          United Methodist Church, Sunday, September 26, 2010.

Wisconsin

720 Bay Beach Road, Saturday Travel Feature,  Heat Your Home With Corn,

           Green Bay, Wisconsin

413 St. John's St., Sunday Church Feature, St. John's the Evangelist Catholic

          Church, Green Bay, Wisc.

Tobacnoir and Oviate Streets, Special Birthday Feature, Happy Birthday

          Suzanne, The Frank Compound, Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Lakefront, Milwaukee, Saturday Travel Feature, Milwaukee Art Museum by

          Calatrava, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 11, 2010.

1023 Russell Avenue, Sunday Church Feature, Immaculate Conception

          Catholic Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

FEATURES

Saturday Travel Features

Concrete, Washington, Saturday Travel Feature, Concrete Grade School,

            Concrete, Washington, Saturday, September 18, 2010.
South 1st Street, Rockford, Washington, Saturday Travel Feature, 1916 Pump
           House, Rickford, Washington, Saturday, September 25, 2010.

720 Bay Beach Road, Saturday Travel Feature,  Heat Your Home With Corn,

           Green Bay, Wisconsin, September 4, 2010.

Lakefront, Milwaukee, Saturday Travel Feature, Milwaukee Art Museum by

          Calatrava, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 11, 2010.

Sunday Church Features

Concrete, Washington, Sunday Church Feature, Mount Baker Presbyterian

           Church, Concrete, Washington, Sunday, September 19, 2010.
217 South 1st St., Rockford, Washington, Sunday Church Feature, Rockford
          United Methodist Church, Sunday, September 26, 2010.

413 St. John's St., Sunday Church Feature, St. John's the Evangelist Catholic

          Church, Green Bay, Wisc. September 5, 2010.

1023 Russell Avenue, Sunday Church Feature, Immaculate Conception

          Catholic Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 12, 2010.



Photo: False Creek Aquabus, Vancouver, B.C. taken in 2006 by SW.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blue at the Mountain's Base

This blue and white home at 1098 Canyon Boulevard is typical of the homes built in the District of North Vancouver in the 1960's.  The features include the lower level garage cut into the front slope of the yard, the living area on the upper floor, a double opening front door, and a fireplace in the living room.
The house at 1098 Canyon Boulevard is in the block of Capilano Road just two blocks south of the Cleveland Dam and Park. 

"The original building permit for the construction of a one storey single-family dwelling and carport for the property at 1098 Canyon Blvd. was issued in June of 1965." (Elaine Oakes.) In  1971 owners were Stanley W. and Mildred I Mac Pherson.  Stanley worked as a salesman at Westgate Supplies.

In the mid 1980's Alan K. and Barbara Holton became the owners of 1098 Canyon Boulevard.  They were also the owners in 1995.  Alan Holton reported in both the 1991 and 1995/1996 City Directories that he was a Toronto Dominion Bank bank manager.   Alan Holton was also listed in the year 2000 North and West Phone Directory as still living at 1098 Canyon Boulevard.

In April 2002, a subdivision application was received, to create two lots, demolish the existing single-family residence and construct two new houses each with basement and an attached single garage.  The subdivision conditions letter for this application expired April 2003, and no request was made for an extension.  A building permit was issued in 2003 for an addition to the house, a secondary suite and detached garage.  A subsequent subdivision application has been received in May of this year,2010. (Elaine Oakes)

Thank you: To Elaine Oakes, Records Management Clerk at the District of North Vancouver for her research on Demolition Permits.
Demolition: Permit applied for  from the District of North Vancouver in Sept. 2010.
Photo: Taken in September of 2010 by SW.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Shake Clad House on Dempsey

The two storey shake clad house at 1640 Dempsey Road was built for $1500 in 1938 by J. Greenwood.  The is no listing of the 1640 Dempsey Road address in the 1940 City Directory.  However, the house is indicated by the notation "ns Greenwood J." as the owner.  In the 1945 City Directory the address is listed, and J. Greenwood is still recorded as living there. 

However, by 1948 the owner was Mrs. K. A. Vaughan, the widow of E. W. Vaughan.   In 1940 Edgar and Cathy A. Vaughan had been the owners of a home on the north side of the 1200 Mill Street in North Vancouver.  Edgar Vaughan was a cartoonist.  Mill Street is two streets north of Dempsey.  So Mrs. Vaughan's move from Mill Street to Dempsey after the death of her husband, was not a big one.  Mrs. Vaughan continued to own the house at 1640 Dempsey Rd. at least until 1971.  Over the years her name was listed in the City Directories as Mrs. K. A. Vaughan, Cath A. Vaughan and in 1971 as Molly Vaughan.

In 1981 Gunter Karl Essinger was the owner of the 1640 Dempsey Road house.  Gunter Essinger worked as a maintenance man at Delta Smelting and Refining. In 1991 the City Directory reported that Ralph, Karen, and Patrick Essinger as well as Pfiel Jens were all residents of the house.  Ralph and Patrick Essinger were both employees at the Spaghetti Factory.  Karen Essinger's employment was Scandal's Bar and Grill Restaurant.  In the 1995/1996 City Directory Ralph and Patrick Essinger were reported as living in the house.  Other residents at least from 1991 to 1995 were Harold and Marie Scott.  In 1995 Ralph and Patrick Essinger were still working at the Spaghetti Factory.  Although, Karen was not listed as living at 1640 Dempsey Road, her employment was reported as president of My Place Cafe.  Ralph Essinger was listed in the 2006/2007 North and West Vancouver Phone Directory as still living at the 1640 Dempsey Road address at that time.

Patrick Essinger adds," My father Gunther Karl Essinger  passed away in the house in 1989.  The house was left to his sons Ralph Peter Essinger and Patrick Carsten Essinger. The house had a renovation to the basement to make it livable.  Both brothers lived in and out of the basement for a few years.  Ralph married S. Essinger and lived in the house til early 2000. They had one daughter S. N. Essinger.  Patrick Essinger took sole possession of the house in 2004.  Patrick a City of Vancouver Firefighter and his wife J. A. Essinger a Registered Nurse at Lions Gate Hospital lived in the house until 2010 with their daughter N. G. Essinger. " They will be  demolishing the existing home and building a new heritage style home.

Dempsey Road and Mill Street are in the northern part of the Lynn Valley known as Upper Lynn.  This is at the base of the North Shore Mountains where the hikers park before heading up the trails.  The house at 1640 Dempsey Road is also just up the street from Kilmer Park.


Thank you: To Patrick Essinger for his contribution to the history of the home at 1640 Dempsey Road.
Demolition: Permit applied for to the North Vancouver District in September of 2010.
Photo: Taken in September of 2010 by SW. (Actual house color is a brown tone.)

Monday, September 27, 2010
The Street, It Is A Changing

The 900 block of Hampshire Road, nestled at the base of the North Shore Mountains (See photo above,) is changing from a street of cosy 1950's one storey ranch style homes to a street of new large two storey palatial homes.  The house at 954 Hampshire Road is one of the 1950's homes that will be demolished to make way for a new larger home.  It is following what has already happened to several of the homes on this street.

The three bedroom rancher with a carport at 954 Hampshire Rd. was built in 1954 for $14,000 by T. Hall.  The house sits on a level 80 by 100 foot lot with views of Grouse Mountain. It features a stone planter box across the front exterior of the house and a fireplace with a broad chimney in the living room. It appears to have originally had a garage at the east end of the house. The garage area has since been filled in to provide another room.  It also has was given its own door to the exterior.  In January of 2010 the house at 954 Hampshire Rd. was listed for sale for $961,000.

There is no entry in the 1955 City Directory for the house at 954 Hampshire Rd.  But H. Roberts is listed as the owner in the 1960 and 1965 publications.  Hesketh and Ruth H. Roberts also owned the house in 1971.  During all these years Hesketh was employed as a surveyor for Vancouver City. "Another building permit was issued in December 1974, for an addition."(Elaine Oakes.) Perhaps this was the filled in garage area.  In 1980 the owners were Michael P. and Kirsten S. Smith. Michael P. Smith was an employee of the Royal Bank of Canada.

In the 1991, 1995/1996 City Directories and the year 1999/2000 and 2006/2007 North and West Vancouver Phone Directories David Faulkner is listed as living at 954 Hampshire Rd.  David D. and Phyllis Faulkner were the owners during this time and had been since the mid 1980's.  David Faulkner was employed as a salesman at Vancouver Auto and Phyllis Faulkner was a counselor employed by  the North Vancouver School Board.  In 1995 Peter Faulkner, a student, was also living in the house.

The year 2010 REMAX Real Estate ad said, "Move in and enjoy it (the house) as it is."  Since a Demolition Permit was applied for in September 2010, it looks like this suggestion was not taken.


Thank you: To Elaine Oakes, Records Management Clerk at the District of North Vancouver for her research on Demolition Permits.
Demolition: Permit applied for in September 2010.
Photo: Taken in September 2010 by SW.

Sunday Church Feature
Rockford United Methodist  (Episcopal) Church
Rockford, Washington


At 217 So. 1st Street in the center of Rockford, Washington and across from the Pump House, a Methodist Church has sat since 1879.  Today called the Rockford United Methodist Church the church building in the photo above is the third church built on the site. 

The church congregation originally met in the home of Mrs. Charles Farnsworth.  The first church building was to be built in 1880 as a gift from the Farnsworth Lumber Company. This first Rockford Church building was very small and primitive with hand hewed slabs for pews.  It was torn down in 1883 and a larger church built on the same site in 1884. (See photo below.)

The 1884 Rockford United Methodist (Episcopal) Church

Note: The parsonage is on the left and the Rockford School in the background.

"The sanctuary Rostrum was carpeted with "Red Ingrain" carpeting...  The room was  heated with  a large wood burning heater near the back of the room. There were two aisles going from the back to the Rostrum,  with one wide tier of pews from back to front, and a narrow tier on either side which were fastened to the sides of the structure walls.   There was room at the side of the Altar for the Choir to sit and room for a nice organ of the foot pump variety. (Marie Pratt Lee Reference.)

"When  the Armistice was signed in 1918, the church bells were rung all over the land.  It had been thought that our bell had been rung  too vigorously, which weakened the tower and the roof structure, which the heavy snow of 1922 proved its undoing and it had to be torn down." (See Reference Marie Pratt Lee.) In 1922 this building was condemned and torn down.   The present church, the one in the top photo, was built in 1923.  During the demolition and new construction the congregation met in the Presbyterian Church.

The present minister Rev. David Lura is also the past minister.  Rev. David Lura served the congregation of the Rockford United Methodist Church 1980 to 1984.  Then he was called to serve "on the other side of the mountains".  This September, 2010, in his retirement, he has again become the minister of the Rockford United Methodist Church. 

The Rockford Community Methodist Church is also presently used as for performances. "August 21st 7pm--Free Piano Concert by recording artist John Nilsen @ Rockford United Methodist Church" (See Link 2.) 

Note: For more about Rockford, Washington see blog post September 25, 2010, Saturday Travel Feature, 1916 Pump House, Rockford, Washington.

Thank you: To Rev. David Lura and Ester Hemken for information regarding the Rockford United Methodist Church. To Paul Gillespie for e mailing the reference information and the photo from the Rockford Museum collection.

Demolitions: Of the approximately 1880 church in 1983.
                 Of the 1984 church in 1922.
Photos: Top photo taken in 2007 by SW. 
                 Bottom photo from the Rockford Museum collection.

References:  Historical Sketch of Rockford United Methodist (Episcopal) Church, 1879-1979, One Hundred Years of Methodism in Rockford, Washington.  Historical Sketch from the Dedication Bulletin, the Rockford Methodist Episcopal Church, November, 1923, by Marie Pratt Lee.

Link 1:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockford,_Washington
Link 2:http://rockford-wa.blogspot.com/

Saturday Travel Feature

1916 Pump House
Rockford, Washington

Rockford, Washington is a small, .7 square miles, town in the rolling hills south of Spokane, Washington.  As of the census of 2009 there were 513 people residing in the town. (Paul Gillespie.) It is an old town,  officially incorporated on June 18, 1890.  (See Link 1.)

The most predominant old building in Rockford, Washington is the bright red brick 1916 Pump House on 1st Street.  The building was originally built by Washington Waterpower as a pump house for the town's water system.  In the 1980's it housed the Rockford Museum. And in 1989 they provided the new red metal roof as part of the town and state centennial celebration. However, the building proved to be too small to house the Museum collection.  The building is presently not used for anything, but it is an interesting feature in the center of town. (See Link 2 for photo of the Pump House.)

This  very weekend  the annual South East Spokane County Fair will be held in Rockford, Washington. All 413 residents plus guests from the Spokane area will be there to join in the festivities. The fair kicks off with a local parade in the town center, up West Emma Street to 1st Street.  The town's people decorate floats and throw candy to the crowd.  Children decorate their bikes.  Preschoolers walk with their moms.  The town's fair grounds near the corner of West Emma Street and 1st Street provides the setting for a petting zoo, farm animals on display, food stands, a covered eating area, a stage with bleacher seating, the Ag Building with displays, booths selling books and homemade crafts, and a few carnival rides.

Thank you: To Evelyn Fricke and Paul Gillespie for information
                         on the Pump House.
Photo: Taken in Rockford, Washington in 2007 by SW.
Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockford,_Washington                      
Link 2: http://rockford-wa.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 24, 2010

The Swing in the Tree

Paisley Road runs from Capilano Road  to Edgemont Boulevard where it changes its name to Sunset Boulevard.  At the bend in the road where it intersects with Elizabeth Way and  is across from Murdo Fraser Park  sits  the house at 2901  Paisley Road.  This area of the District of North Vancouver is called Lions View in the 2007 Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley MapArt book.

The house at 2901 Paisley Road with the large side yard was built for $6,800 in 1949 by Capilano Properties Ltd.  The next year, 1950, the owners were Don E. and Juanita D. Allan.  Don Allan worked as a clerk for Imperial Oil.  In 1955 the owner was David H. Warner, an employee of Canadian Pacific Communication.  In 1960 the owners were Morley W. and Mabel A. Horton.  Morley Horton was employed as a transmission layout party chief for International Power and Engineering Consultants.  in 1971 the residents were Robert F. and Miriam E. Dyck.  Robert Dyck was employed as the officer in charge at the Salvation Army.

By 1980 the owner was Gerda G. Weissenberg, retired.  She was also reported as the owner in the 1991 and 1995/1996 City Directories.  Annette Chernin was also reported as a resident in 1995/1996.

Can you find the swing?

The large side yard at 2901 Paisley Rd. must have at one time been the play area of a youngster.  In memories of those days the child's swing is now hung  up in the branches of the tree.

Demolition: Permit applied for from the District of North Vancouver in September 2010.

Photos: Taken in September 2010 by SW.





Thursday, September 23, 2010
Typical 1950's

This typical early 1950's home is not listed in the Building Permit Book or the 1945 City Directory at the North Vancouver Archives. The three windows in the front door,  the black wrought iron railing on the cement steps, the large living room window to one side of the front door and the high bedroom windows to the other side are all signature features of this time period.   The 1950 City Directory does list 419 East 15th Street.  The owners were Grant and Elizabeth Allen.  Grant Allen was a boat builder at a company on the Low Levels Road in the City of North Vancouver.  The Allen's continued to own the home in 1955 when Grant Allen was the proprietor of Allen Boatworks.

In 1960 the residents of 419 East 15th Street were  Francis D. and Amelia M. Pink, a retired couple.  By 1971 the owners were Kenneth and Helen B. Yetman.  Kenneth Yetman worked as an engineer technician for North Vancouver District.  In 1980 the owners were Ray and Kathy Hawkins.  And in 1991 and 1995/1996 City Directories K. M Eriksson lived in the house.  In 1995/1996 E. M. Eriksson was listed as a student.

As of September 2010 the Internet reports the 419 East 15th Street address being the home of Digger Dicks Contracting Ltd, oil removal.

Demolition: Permit applied for in September 2010.

Photo: Taken in September 2010 by SW.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010
53 Years on Tempe Crescent

Tempe Crescent is one of three Crescent shaped streets south of East 29th Street in the City of North Vancouver.  The crescent streets, Somerset Street, Brand Street, and Tempe Crescent, start and end on East 29th Street.  The house at 452 Tempe Crescent is just about at the most southern point of these three crescent streets.

There is no entry for the 452 Tempe Crescent address in either the Building Permit Book or the 1950 City Directory at the North Vancouver Archives.  However, in the 1955 issue Rex W. and Gwen M. Johnston are listed as owners.  They are also listed as the owners in the 1960 issue.  During this time Rex Johnston was a branch manager at the Royal Bank.  

In 1964  the Knowles family bought the house.  The move was an easy one since for the previous 7 years they had lived just a few door away at 440 Tempe Crescent. In fact, in 1960 Allan R. and Wilhehmina Knowles were reported as the owners of the 440 Tempe Crescent home.  By 1965 they were listed as the owners at the 452 Tempe Crescent residence.  During  this time Allan Knowles was employed as an accountant at the Bank of Nova Scotia. In the 1971, 1980, 1991, and 1995/1996 City Directories the owner was listed as Mrs. Wilhelmina Knowles.   In 1991 and 1995/1996 Wilhelmina (Billie) Knowles was employed by  North Shore Home Support Services.  Two other residents listed in the 1995/1996 City Directory were Samuel C. Knowles, a gardener, and Akiko Takemoto, a student.

Billie Knowles continued to live at the 452 Tempe Crescent address until September 2010.  Although she will still be living on the North Shore the move will be more extensive than the one from 440 Tempe Crescent in 1964.  She has had to pack up not only her possessions but family heirlooms.  One of these was  the 1869 Christening dress of her grandfather Charles Wood Rogers.  Her grandmother's wedding dress has previously been donated to a museum.

With the 7 years the Knowles lived at 440 Tempe Crescent and the 46 years they lived at 452 Tempe Crescent, their total time on the street was 53 years.

Demolition: Permit applied for from the City of North Vancouver in Sept. 2010.
Photo: Taken in September 2010 by SW.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

West of Fell

The grey stucco and green cedar clapboard house behind the fence at 741 West 20th Street was built up the hill from Capilano Mall in the City of North Vancouver.  It is also just a couple blocks to the east is the lower end of the extensive Mosquito Creek Park.  Mosquito Creek Park eventually stretches all the way to the mountains above the District of North Vancouver.

There is no entry in the Building Permit Book at the North Vancouver Archives for this home.  There is also no entry of the 741 West 20th Street address in the 1950 City Directory.  But in 1955 Paul and Alvele M. Dahl are listed as owners.  Paul Dahl worked as  a millwright at King Lumber.  The Dahls continued to own the house in 1960.  But now, Paul was listed as working as a millworker at King Lumber. In 1971 Arthur and Florence Munro were owners of the house.  They reported that they were a retired couple.  The owners in 1980 were Danny G. and Ann E. Keeble.  Danny Keeble was employed as an electrician at Vancouver Shipyards.

About 1988 John G. Morrison started living in the house on West 20th Street.  The City Directories and  North and West Vancouver Phone  Directories seem to indicate he lived there until at least 2006.  John Morrison's place of employment at least during 1991 and 1995/1996 was The Goalnet, a sports and marine equipment company at 1624 Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver.

Demolition:  Permit applied for in September 2010.
Photo: Taken in September 2010 by SW.



Monday, September 20, 2010
Oliver, Smith, Forbes, Wetzler

The title says it all.  The City Directories reveal little about the ownership of the  interesting house at 761 East 12th  Street. The Building Permit book at the North Vancouver Archives starts out strong listing G. Oliver at the owner when the $5000 house was built in 1953.  He was also the owner for the building of a $400 addition and $400 garage in 1955.

After 1955 the City Directories seemed to have collected little information.  In 1960 R. C. Smith was the resident.  In 1980 Rory J. Forbes a broker at The Permanent was living in the house.  And in the 1995/1996 edition S. Wetzler reported that he had lived there  for 4 years.

In the 1955 City Directory there is no entry for the address.  In 1971 there is "No Return" listed.  And in 1991 the house at both 761 and 760 East 12th Street are  listed as "Vacant".

The 1955 addition may be the one that is on the rear of the house and prominent in both the photos in this post. It almost doubled the size of the original single storey house and added a second storey at least in the addition portion.  The large windowed rear wall and veranda both look out onto the back yard.  In September of 2010 what looked like renovations to the garage seem to be started, with a glass wall facing the back yard.

The Remax Real Estate web site listed the house for sale at $670,000

Addition on Back of House

Demolition Permit: Applied for from the District of North Vancouver in September 2010.

Photos: Taken in September of 2010 by SW.

Sunday Church Feature

Mount Baker Presbyterian Church

Concrete, Washington

"Concrete is a town located in north-central Skagit County, Washington, United States. At the time of the 2000 census, the town's population was officially at 790 residents within the town-limits. The town of Concrete is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area." (See Link.)

Mount Baker Presbyterian Church "Built in 1908 with a log-hewn outer structure. The church's first minister, Reverend L.C. Michaels did most of the carpentry work and assisted in bringing the logs for the construction down from the surrounding hills on horseback. Originally built for a capacity of 310, the full-basement houses a kitchen, restrooms, and meeting area. The building has been since remodled and some of the original log-structure no longer visible." (See Link.)

Photo: Taken in Concrete, Washington in September 2010.

Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete,_Washington
Note: For more about Concrete, Washington see Blog Post September 18, 2010
"Saturday Travel Feature, Concrete Grade School, Concrete, Washington."

Saturday Travel Feature

Concrete Grade School

Concrete, Washington

"The town of Concrete has undergone several incarnations, the earliest being a settlement at the northwestern junction of the Baker and Skagit Rivers, known as "Minnehaha". Amasa "Peg-Leg" Everett was one of the earliest settlers and in 1890, the townsite was platted by another settler, Magnus Miller. Shortly thereafter, a post office was established and the town name changed to "Baker". In 1905, a settlement across the Baker River came into being due to the building of the Washington Portland Cement Company and was named "Cement City". After the Superior Portland Cement Company plant was built in Baker in 1908, it was decided to merge the two towns.Inhabitants of the new community settled on the name "Concrete" and the town was so christened and officially incorporated on May 8, 1909....

"On April 27, 2008 at approximately 1:45 p.m., the historic Concrete grade school building was reported to be on fire and according to fire officials, was fully engulfed in flames within twenty minutes. Despite the efforts of five fire departments (including Concrete, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley and two rural fire districts), the building was a total loss. Not able to enter the intensely heated building, the firefighters could only contain the fire within the concrete exterior walls in order to keep it from spreading to the adjacent buildings and trees that are located around the structure's perimeter.Demolition: Demolition began on August 4, 2009.

"After investigation by the ATF, Skagit County Fire Marshall and the Skagit County Sheriff's office, officials determined that arson was the cause of the blaze. According to the Skagit County Sheriff's Department in a press release, three pre-teen boys admitted during an interview that they had been playing with lighters and set a mattress left inside the building on fire. The boys maintained that they believed the fire they started had been extinguished before exiting the building.[12]


"The twenty-year owner of the property had initially intended to remodel the exterior of the building with a castle motif. This plan, however, was abandoned sometime in the 1990s, and the property sat uninhabited and the remodel incomplete for an extended period of time. In the years before the fire destroyed the landmark, the building had become known to out-of-towners and locals alike as an eye-sore. Since the fire, the building has been slated for complete demolition. As of August 4, 2009, the long-awaited demolition of the buildings damaged by the fire began under the direction of Lautenbach Industries." (See Link.)

Demolition: Started August 4, 2009.
Photo: Taken in Concrete, Washington in September 2007.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete,_Washington

Friday, September 17, 2010
North Shore Hospice

Several houses in the 300 block of East 13th Street and 14th Street have been demolished to make way for the North Shore Hospice. "The 1,400 square metre (15,000 square foot) hospice is being built on Lions Gate Hospital land located one block east of the hospital on East 14th Street in the City of North Vancouver.

"It will contain 15 spacious and comfortable private rooms and shared gathering areas including a living room, kitchen, a healing garden and a sacred space. The hospice features leading-edge design by award-winning architects, engineers and consultants and will be consistent with standards set by Community Care Facilities Licensing. " (See Link.) As of September 2010 the Hospice was still under construction.


One of the houses demolished for the Hospice was at 332 East 13th Street. There is no record in the Building Permit Book at the North Vancouver Archives as to when it was built. There is also no listing in the 1940 or 1945 City Directories of that address. But by 1950 the owners of 332 East 13th Street are listed as Thomas A. and Dorothea A. Cummings. Thomas Cummings was employed by Wrigley Printing.


In 1960 the owners were Nels and Ethel Oie. Nels worked as a carpenter. In 1971 the owner was Gemma V. Phillips. Gemma Phillips was a secretary for Freeman Freeman Silvers and Koffman. The resident in 1980 was Thomas Gillis, a laborer for Pacific Elevators. In 1991 the City Directory reported that the house was "Vacant". Richard A. Campbell must have moved in the next year. For in the 1995/1996 City Directory he reported living there for 4 years. In 1995/1996 Alysa Golden also lived at the 332 East 13th Street address.

In the photo above is a streetscape of the 300 block of East 13th Street. It was a series of typical 1950's stucco homes.

Demolition Permit: Applied for from the City of North Vancouver in 2007.
Photos: Black and White taken by SW in 2007 as part of the Demolition and Construction Project for the North

Vancouver Archives, Roll #85 negative 24 and 28. Colored digital photo taken in August 2010 by SW.

Link:http://www.vch.ca/about_us/news/media_contacts/news_releases/construction_begins_on_north_shore_hospice

Anton Frank in Front of Original Grocery Store

on Tobacnoir Street 1908

Special Birthday Feature

Happy Birthday Suzanne

The Frank Compound

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

The Frank Family Compound started in 1888 when Peter Frank and his family moved from Sherwood, Wisconsin to Kaukauna, Wisconsin and he and his son John purchased the grocery store on Tobacnoir Street.  They not only owned and operated the store until 1907, but bought a family home around the corner at 806 Oviate Street. 

In 1908 Peter Frank moved to Shawano, Wisconsin and sold his co-ownership to his son Anton Harold Frank.   Anton Frank is pictured in front of the store in that year. Then Anton Frank also purchased the house on Oviate St. from his brother and father.  Anton, his wife Dorothea, and their children, Emmet, Orville, Harold, Geneafava, Elaine, and Dorothy May moved into the house.

Original Store on Tobacinoir Street Converted to Apartment Building

In 1926 a red brick grocery store was built on the corner of Tobacnoir Street and Oviate Street. The symbol on the second floor above the front doors states the 1926 date. On the ground at the front doors was the name "Frank" in mosaic tiles.  The original red brick store had two large front store window and the check out counter was in the center. In 1930 when his father Anton Frank died, Harold Frank became the store manager. He ran the store for his mother Dorothea Frank until she died in 1968 and the store was sold.  By 1994 the building housed a laundomat.

1926 Grocery Store On Corner of Tobacnoir and Oviate Streets

The Frank family home originally had brown siding. There was a large glassed in porch all the way across the front of  the first floor and a porch on the second floor. The back of the house was also a glassed in porch. Inside on the first floor of the house was a living room on the right, a dining room on the left and behind it a kitchen and small bedroom. In these rooms is where Orville Frank and Hazel Juergenmeyer (Suzanne (Frank) Wilson's parents) were married. Between the living room and the dining room was a large center stairway with an open railing on the livingroom side. Other bedrooms were upstairs. After Anton died, his wife Dorothea (Suzanne (Frank) Wilson's grandmother) "took to her chair". A lift was installed on the center stairway and from then on she greeted her grandchildren and twisted colored foil onto wheat seeds on stalks to make bouquets from a chair next to a table in the living room.

Frank Family Home at 806 Oviate Street

The large flower garden between the 1926 red brick store and the family home completed the compound.

Photos: Top-Old family photo of Anton Harold Frank, grandfather of Suzanne
                           (Frank) Wilson 1908 in front of first Frank Grocery Store on the
                           100 block of Tobacnoir  Street in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
                2nd-Store from 1908 now turned into a building with apartments. 
                          Sold in 1968.  Photo taken in 2006 by SW.
                3rd-1926 Frank Grocery Store.  Sold in 1968. Photo taken in
                         2006 by SW.
               Bottom-Frank family home at 806 Oviate Street.  Sold in 1968.
                         Photo taken in 2006 by SW.
Note: Suzanne(Frank) Wilson is the daughter of Orville Carlton Frank, the
              granddaughter of Anton Harold Frank, and the great granddaughter of
              Peter Frank.
Thank You: To Karen (Frank)  Hull for family history information.
       

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Glenora in the Capilano Highlands

This white single storey home at 925 Glenora Avenue is in the Capilano Highlands area of the District of North Vancouver. Glenora Avenue is a short street that crosses Highland Blvd. but both to the east and west soon terminates, in Vale Court and Dudley Rd. The house was originally built in 1949 for $6000 by M. Anderson.

By the next year, 1950, the owners were J.H. and Mildred Garner.  In 1955 the Garners built a $350 addition to their house and a $250 carport. They continued to live there in 1960 during which time J. Garner worked as the B.C. representative for Wallaceburg Brass.

In 1971 the resident was Brian J. Woodward who was employed as a mortgage accountant at Montreal Trust. In 1980, 1991, and 1995/1996 City Directories lists Brian J. and Patricia Woodward  as the owners of 925 Glenora Avenue. During these years Brian Woodward was employed as a trust officer at Montreal Trust. Brian Woodward is also listed at the 925 Glenora Avenue address in the 2008/2010 North and West Vancouver Phone Directory. So that means that Woodward's  lived in the house for almost 40 years.

The three bedroom ranch style house is 1,400 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a fireplace. It sits on a 8050 sq. ft. lot. For interior photos see the Link below.

Demolition Permit: Applied for August 2010.

Photo: Taken in August 2010 by SW.

Link: http://www.teamclarke.com/925glenora.html

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Orwell Street, Where Are You?

The answer to that question is easy if you read yesterday's blog, especially for 872 Orwell Street since its backyard seems to be adjacent to that of 887 Premier Street. But the reason the question was even posed is that there is no record for this address in the Building Permit Book or the 1950, 1960, 1971, or 1980 City Directories. In fact, even Orwell Street isn't listed in the 1950 or 1960 City Directories. (Update: E. Oakes revealed in 2011 that there was a 1980 Building Permit issued to R. J. Pearce with an occupancy permit issued in 1982.)

And then the Pearce family appears. In 1971 Mrs. Evelyn Pearce owned 887 Premier Street. Then in 1985 Revell J. Pearce and Evelyn Pearce, both retired, are listed as living at 872 Orwell Street. They are again listed as residents and retired in the 1995/1996 City Directory. R. J. Pearce reported that he had been living at that address for over 9 years, so that means he moved into 887 Premier Street in the mid 1980's, also confirmed by the 1985 City Directory.

The 2008/2010 North and West Vancouver Phone Directories record the Pearce family continuing to live at 872 Orwell Street until  recently.  The 1999/2000 issue lists R. J. and Evelyn Pearce at that address. The 2006/2007 and 2008/2010 issues list Colin Orwell at the 872 Orwell Street address.

The house at 872 Orwell Street is unique for many reasons. It is at the end of a cul de sac. It is across the street from the path going to Inter River Park. Its construction looks like two houses. One is a red brick clad entrance with a fireplace chimney. Attached behind that is a Tudor trimmed white stucco rectangular building with windows facing the west. The Link from yesterday's post on 887 Premier St. seems to indicate that multifamily housing will be built on this lot. This side of Orwell Street has already undergone this transformation and is now a series of row houses.

Demolition Permit: Applied for August 2010.

Photo: Taken in August 2010 by SW.

Note: See September 13th, 2010 blog post "On the Way to the Dump" regarding 887 Premier Street.

Update: Thank you to Sharon Proctor and E. Oakes for this information.