Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Presbyterians and Black Sheep

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was given a permit to be built on this site at 121 East 12th Street  in 1933.  The architect was O. Ormrod.  The cost of the building was projected to be $2,500.  The first listing of the church in the City Directory was 1934. On  October 20, 1944 John Gibson and Dorothy Bissett were married there.  In 1950 the Pastor was the Rev. H. A. Berlis.

In 1955 it became a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall and remained so  until it was run as the Black Sheep Restaurant from 1976 to 2000.  The site is now that of a twelve unit apartment complex.

West side of Black Sheep Restaurant

August 3, 1940 Gladys Christianson and William Downie Jr. (See Blog Post December 22, 2010.)  were married in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.  Their's was a wedding with a very special guest.

Around the time of the wedding William's best friend, Dave Richie, had been part of the crew on the ship Ontario Light.  The ship was in Perambucal, Brazil when he became ill.  The captain called for a doctor to come from shore, but by the time he arrived on board Dave had died from a kidney  ailment. 

The day of the wedding William did not yet know of the death of his friend.  But he did know that the last time he had seen him Dave had said, "I'll have to dance at your wedding."

Dave's mother, dad, sister Grace, and Dave's dog Punch lived at 17 or 18^th and Grand Boulevard. Punch was mostly spaniel, black with a bit of white. Before they left to go to the wedding the family put Punch in the basement. 

While Gladys and William were in front of the church at the alter they could hear a scuffling.  Then the pastor, Rev. McLean-Bell said, "What do we have here?"

Gladys and William Downie, 1940

Gladys and William looked down and there was Punch between them. 

Grace left the wedding and took the dog home, but Punch had done his best to help Dave keep his word. (From research at the North Vancouver Archives and interview with Gladys Downie for the Year 2000 Project, Your House/Our Home.)

Demolition: The building was demolished in the year 2000.
Note: An apartment building was constructed on this site.

Photo: Top photo of the Black Sheep Restaurant taken in 2000 by SW. 

               Wedding photo of Gladys and William Downie Jr.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Demolished and Raised

It seems that the house at 654 West 15th Street has been demolished at least to the bare bones. (See photo below.)  The front steps and roof entrance have been demolished and moved.  The house has been raised and the lower floor windows seem to indicate the possibility of a basement suite.  The old structural wood seems possibly part of the original home.  The City web site (See Link 1.) indicates that a  $310,000 alteration was approved in 2009.

December 2010

There is no listing in the Building Permit Book at the North Vancouver Archives of the 654 West 15th Street address.  There is also no listing in the 1945 City Directory.  However, in the 1950 issue Alfred E. and Katharine Mason are listed as the owners. They are also listed as the owners in 1960, 1971, and 1980.  In 1960 Alfred Mason was employed at Burrard Dry Dock. Alfred Mason was also employed there in 1971 when he was working as a shipwright. And by 1980 he was an assistant dock master at BDD.

In 1991 the owner of 654 West 15th Street was P. Townsley.  And in 1995 D. MacArthur reported that he had owned the house for 4 years. D.H. MacArthur was also listed at that address in the 1999/2000 North and West Vancouver Phone Directory.

The web site BChomez.com indicates there is a second home on the 654 West 15th Street property.  This new 1231 square foot  home located at the back of the lot is for sale for $579,000.  The two storey home has 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a double garage. (See Link 2.)

Photos: Top photo taken as part of the Year 2000 Photography Project, Your

                 House/Our Home by SW. Bottom photo taken in December 2010 by SW.

Link 1:http://www.cnv.org/c//DATA/2/88/2009%20DECEMBER%20ISSUED%20BUILDING%20PERMITS.PDF

Link 2:http://bchomez.com/654-west-15th-street-north-vancouver-hamilton-v857357-homes-for-sale-vancouver-real-estate/

Friday, December 17, 2010
Grand Double Lot

The home on the double lot at 1420 Grand Boulevard was owned by the Millars for at least 58 years. The  white house stretches across the the expanse of the two lots.  It sits on the east side of the Boulevard.  Large  front windows with a view of Grand Boulevard are split by a wide brick fireplace.  Wrought iron work
decorates the front facade. 

John J. and Gladys I Millar owned the  home from 1950 to at least 1995/1996. At this time John Millar was the secretary-treasurer at Tahsis Co.  In 1960 John Millar was the secretary-treasurer at Gibson Brothers.  In 1971 John Millar was the sales manager for the Maui Lu Resort.  And in 1980 he reported that he was retired.  In 1991 only one owner was reported in the City Directory, and that was Mrs. Gladys Millar, retired.  Gladys I. Millar was not living alone in the house in 1995/1996, Susan Harvey was a resident.  Susan Harvey was an employee at Earl's Restaurant.

The web site of REMAX Realtors reports that the house was sold for $999,000.  The Rezoning Application Information Meeting Sign in front of  the house Grand Boulevard indicates  subdivision of land into 2 lots with a single unit with an accessory secondary suite to be built on each.


Photo: Taken in December 2010 by SW.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

St. Georges Duplex

The one storey duplex at  St. Georges Avenue sat on the corner with East 17th Street in the City of North Vancouver. Tall maple trees shaded the front and north sides of the home.  There is no listing for the duplex in either the Building Permit Book or the 1945 City Directory at the North Vancouver Archives.  However, by 1950  residents are listed at 1644 St. Georges Avenue which was the north end unit.  The residents were George W. and Lida A. Morgan.  George Morgan worked as a manufacturers agent at #24 441 Seymour St. in Vancouver.

In 1960 the north 1644 unit was reported "Vacant".  However the owner lived in the 1640 St. Georges Avenue which was the south unit. The owner was Mrs. A. L. Tussudowner.  She was the widow of G. B. Tussundowner.  In 1971 the 1644 residents were William J. and Mary E. Gannon.  William Gannon was an accountant at Canadian International Commercial.  At that time the residents at 1640 were Gemma J. and Peter Renardy.  Gemma Renardy was employed as a kitchen helper at Lion's Gate Hospital.  Peter Renardy was an iron worker at Riverside Iron Works.

In 1980 the 1664 resident was Mrs. Marg Trainer.  Marge Trainer was employed as a sales clerk at Grouse Mountain.  There was "No Return" to inquiries by the City Directory at the 1640 address.  Again in 1991 there was "No Return" to inquiries by the City Directory at the 1640 address.  However, the owners lived at 1644 St. Georges.  They were Jon and Christina Robertson.  Jon Robertson was the broadcaster for Post Haste.  Jon and Christina Robertson continued to own the 1644 duplex in 1995/1996, and Jon continued broadcasting for Post Haste.  The resident at the 1640 unit from 1991 to 1995/1996 was D. S. Kinar.

The photo of 1644 St. Georges Avenue was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed.  Approximately 800 of these were accompanied by some history from the present or previous home owner sometimes including personal photographs.  This was true in the case of 1644 St. Georges Avenue.  

Scheila MahManish and Hossein Behrooziniz moved into 1644 St. Georges Avenue in 1998 and this is the story they told for the Year 2000 Photo Project, Your House/Our Home.

"Scheila MahManish, Hossein  Behrooziniz , and their two children, Bita and Houman, moved int 1644 St. Georges Avenue when they came from Tehran, Iran two years ago.  The whole family is musical."Hossein (See Link.) is a professional flutist.  His most recent CD is "Midnight Sun".  Although Scheila doesn't play she made a traditional Iranian string instrument from wood.  Brita has played the piano and now plays the trombone.  Houman sings with the B.C. Boy's Choir 2000.

"Scheila is an artist who makes beautiful pictures of flowers and people with wood inlay.  Bita attends Sutherland Secondary School and is a medal winner for the Chena Swim Club.  Houman attends school at Queensbury Elementary."

In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 1644 St. Georges Avenue had been demolished and a new series of row houses had been built.

Photo: Taken for the Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home by
               SW and available at the North Vancouver Archives.
Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61480406890

Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The McPherson's Forever

The house with the enclosed entrance porch and the side picket fence was built at 823 East Keith Road in 1939.  The owner at that time was A. McPherson and the cost of the house $235.  In 1941 A. McPherson added a $75 garage.  He continued to live there for at least 56 years, at least until 1995/1996.

In 1945 Andrew M. and Mary M. McPherson were the owners.  At that time Andrew McPherson worked as a molder for W. McPhail and Sons.  In 1960 Andrew McPherson reported to the City Directory that he was working as a shipper at Canadian Pittsburgh Industry.  In 1971 his employment was that of a dock warehouse man at the same company.  And in 1980, 1991, and 1995/1996 Andrew and Mary reported that they were retired.

The photo of 823 East Keith Road was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

Demolition: Demolition Permit applied for in 2003.
Photo: Taken for the Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home by SW and available at the North Vancouver Archives.
Note: In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 823 East Keith Road  had been demolished and a new craftsman style home had been built.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard "was developed by the North Vancouver Land and Improvement Company as a high class residential enclave.  A number of grand houses were built, mostly on key corner lots, before the 1913 Depression halted further construction.  A number of more modest infill houses were built during the 1920's." (See Reference.) 

The  green strip boulevard  extends from East Keith Road to East 19th Street.   And from approximately 1908 to 1947 a street car traveled up the center of this boulevard carrying passengers from the foot of Lonsdale Avenue to Lynn Valley.

The house at 817  Grand Boulevard was built after the time of the streetcar.  There is no listing in the Building Permit book, but by 1955 it was listed in the City Directory. The owners of the home at that time were Roy H. L. and Dency M. Arnold.  Roy Arnold was the proprietor at Kiddies Shoeland.  In 1960  and 1971 the owners were Vernon R. and Kathleen R. Hill.  During these years Vernon Hill worked at solicitors Macrae, Montgomery, Macrae, Hill, and Cunnningham.

Rear of 817 Grand Boulevard

In 1980 the owners were Walter H. and Chao-Hwa Shui.  Walter Shui was employed as an engineer at Crippen Engineering.  Angela Shui, a student, was also a resident of the house.  The Walter Shui family also lived in the house in 1991.  Te and Joyce Wong bought the house in 1991 and were still listed as the owners in the City Directory in 1995/1996.

In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 817 Grand Boulevard had been demolished and a stately new single family home new had been built.  See below and the Link for more photo of this new home.

Link: http://realpro.ca/realestate/listings/show/+/817+GRAND+BV,+North+Vancouver,+Vancouver/291041

Photos: Top and middle photos taken for the Y2K Photography Project, Your House/Our
                 Home by SW and available for viewing at the North Vancouver
                 Archives. Bottom photo from Link.
Reference: City of North Vancouver Heritage Inventory 1994.

Monday, December 13, 2010
1927 Heritage Style Home

This heritage style home was built for $3000 in 1927 by C. G. Cooper.  By 1931 Gilbert W. Armstrong, a shipper at G. B. Gregg, was living in the house.  By 1940 Norah S. Armstrong was also a resident and Gilbert was working as a salesman at G. R. Gregg.  In 1945 and 1950 Gilbert Armstrong was the owner and was now working as a warehouse man at G. R. Gregg and Co.

There were new owners of 219 West Keith by 1960, Frank N. and Juliane Ofner.  Frank Ofner worked as a laborer for North Vancouver City.  In 1971 a student, Miss A. Zimmer was the only resident.  In 1980 there were again owners, this time Herbert G. and Doreen Toms.  Herbert also worked as a laborer at North Vancouver City, as had Frank Ofner.

In 1990 Jacoueline A. Wheelwright bought the house.  She owned it at least until 1999/2000.  In 1995/1996  Eva Conner also lived at 219 West Keith Road.

The heritage style house on the south side of Keith Road and across the street from Queen Mary Elementary School was sold in about 2003 for $439,000.  The real estate ad (See Link.) further describes the house as: having 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a wood fireplace, a new wood shingle roof, original wood windows, an open staircase and view of the city. The total square footage of the 2 storeys and the basement was 2,100 square feet.  Views of the interior can be seen on the Link.  In addition the ad indicates that the property could used for a triplex.

In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 219 West Keith Road had been demolished and a new side by side duplex  had been built.

Photo: Taken  for the  Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home
                      by SW and available at the North Vancouver Archives.
Link:http://www.iloveheritage.com/my_listings_219W_Keith.htm (Year unknown.)

Thursday, December 9, 2010
St. George's Stately Home

This stately corner home at 2048 St. Georges Avenue in the City of North Vancouver was built for $6,500 in 1946 by the owner M. E. Leighton.  The architect was J. Blackadder. The Blackadder name was well known in North Vancouver for being part of the architectural team with MacKay that built many homes in the early 1900's as well as the Dundarave Block on Lonsdale Avenue.   Several of these can be seen on the pages of the City of North Vancouver Heritage Inventory, 1994. (See Reference.) Many of these homes had the distinctive Tudor style front facade strapping, as did 2048 St. Georges Avenue.  Also note the leaded glass on both the first and second storey dormer windows.

James S. and Margaret E. Leighton continued to be the owners in 1950,  James Leighton worked as the manager of P. L. Christoper and Sons. 
By 1960 James McB and Muriel H. Ross were the owners of 2048 St. Georges Avenue.  James Ross was the manager of Ross Engineering.

By 1971 Arthur L. and Gwen H. Hardy were the owners of the Tudor style home.   They continued to own the home until at least their listing in the 1995/1996 City Directory.  In 1971 Arthur Hardy was the secretary/treasurer at Hardy's Lumber.  By 1980 Arthur and Gwen Hardy reported that they were retired.

The stately home at 2948 St. Georges Avenue was demolished soon after the year 2000. Two homes were built on the lot.  A larger one faces St. Georges Avenue and a smaller one  faces East 21st Street.


Reference: City of North Vancouver Heritage Inventory, 1994 pages 61, 77, 110,
                       115, 132, 154.
Demolition: Soon after the year 2000.
Photo: Taken  for the  Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home
                      by SW and available at the North Vancouver Archives.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

1904 Gross Residence

"GROSS RESIDENCE, 83 Chesterfield Avenue, circa 1904.  This was the home of Charles Gross, a Vancouver boot and shoe dealer who operated a store on Carrall Street.  The Gross Residence, whose builder was Albert Nye, is one of the earliest surviving homes in the City of North Vancouver, and as such serves as a reminder of the original residential nature of the area.  Although it has been altered during its conversion to restaurant usage, the form of the residence remains substantially intact." (See Reference.) 

This description and the 1904 photo below, of the Gross family on the veranda, are in the City of North Vancouver Heritage Inventory 1994.

NVMA Photo #2778

The City Directories indicate that in 1980 the house was owned by  the Japanese Village Restaurant (North Shore) Ltd.  And in 1991 the property was reported as "Vacant".  The photo above indicates that the restaurant was named the Ming Court at the time of its closer.  A North Shore Outlook photo caption indicated that the restaurant closed two years before September 2000, or in 1998.  It had been vacant since that time. (See photo and caption below.)



In September 2000 there was a fire at the Ming Court building at 83 Chesterfield Avenue.  The burned building was demolished in October 2000.

October 2000

Unique Properties real estate listed the property for sale in 2010.  Their description indicates it is a 9,000 square foot corner lot with approximately 23,400 square feet of buildable space.  (See Link.) It is on the south west corner of Chesterfield Avenue and West 1st Avenue with a view of Burrard Inlet.  The asking price is $2,495,000.

October 2000

Reference: City of North Vancouver Heritage Inventory, 1994, page 87.

Fire and Demolition: October 2000.

Photos: Taken as part of Suzanne Wilson's Year 2000 Photography Project,

                 Your House/Our Home, on file at the North Vancouver Archives.

Link:http://www.uniqueproperties.ca/system/files/46/original/BRO_CHESTERFIELD_RIGHTED_04NOV09.pdf?1259886867

Friday, October 22, 2010
Parish Property

The house at 2733 Western Avenue is also one of the homes that will be demolished to make way for a new Holy Trinity Elementary School playground. (See Blog Post October 21, 2010, 1911 Johnston House and Link.)  The first listing found at the North Vancouver Archives seems to be in 1955 when the owner was John F. Hayes, a chainman surveyor.  John Hayes also owned the house in 1960 and 1971.  During these years he reported that he was retired.

Norman E. and Maureen Petersen moved into 2733 Western Avenue in 1980.  Norman Petersen was a firefighter.  In 1991 and 1996/1997 the resident was S. Kervin.  He moved into the house in 1988.  Robert Parks also lived in the house in 1996/1997. A current web site lists North Shore Interlock, David Tapp and three employees working at this address.

In 2006 a $8,300 Demolition Permit was applied for by King Kubota Services Ltd.

The photo of 2733 Western Avenue was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.
Link:http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&rlz=1W1SUNC_en&q=Holy+Trinity+Parish%2C+North+Vancouver%2C+&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Thursday, October 21, 2010
1911 Johnston House

The house at 2725 Western Avenue was one of three homes at the north end of
Western Avenue.  This is the short street to the west of Holy Trinity Parish School. The one storey cedar shingled home was built for $900 in 1911 by owner W. Johnston.  In 1925 William Johnston, a carpenter, was given a $300 building permit from the City of North Vancouver for an addition to the house. In 1931 William Johnston was working as a carpenter for Burrard Dry Dock.  In the 1940 City Directory the owners were William and Katherine Johnston.  William Johnston was now working as a carpenter for the North Vancouver Ferries.

The owners in 1950 and 1960 were Miss Margaret M. and Miss Isabella P. Johnston.  Margaret Johnston was employed as a clerk by the North Vancouver District.  Isabella Johnston worked as a dressmaker.  In 1980, 1991, and 1996/1997 only Margaret Johnston, retired, was listed as the owner.  Edith M. Nicholson, retired, was also listed as living at the 2725 Western Avenue address in the 1996/1997 City Directory. That is at least 85 years that the Johnston family lived at 2725 Western Avenue.

In the year 2006 a $8,000 Demolition Permit was granted to King Kubota Services Ltd.

 A 2010 e mail indicated that the house is the property of Holy Trinity Parish.  The Parish will be building a new school and the land that the house was on will be part of the new playing field.

The photo of 2725 Western Avenue was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

Thank you: To Yolanda Newman for her 2010 e mail regarding Holy Trinity Parish.Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Longest Building Permit Pedigree
Greenhouses on Western
66 Years of Marten Family Living


There are so many things to say about the uniqueness of the house at 2621 Western Avenue.  First is its location.  The street runs north and south one block to the west of Lonsdale Avenue in the City of North Vancouver.  But it does that for only 5 1/2 short blocks: one block south of the Upper Levels Highway starting at West 23rd Street, and five and one half blocks above the Highway ending at just north of West 27th Street.

The second unique thing is the number of recorded Building Permits listed for 2621 Western Avenue; there are 11.  They start 1912 with a $250 building permit granted to E. A. Peers for a house addition. That same year E. A. Peers was granted a permit for a $500 stable at 115 East 4th Street. In 1916 E. Peers was given a $100 building permit for a garage at the 2621 Western Avenue address.  The 1916 City Directory lists Edwin Peers, a forest guard, as living not at the 2521 Western Avenue but at 2627 Western Avenue.

 1917 is the start of 8 building permits listed for J. Hastie at that same address:
                          in 1917 a $250 permit for glass houses
                          in 1920 a $500 permit for more glass houses
                          in 1921 a $500 permit to have glass houses moved
                          in 1922 a $500 permit for more glass houses
                          in 1924 a permit for root sheds
                          in 1925 a $50o permit for house repair
                          in 1927 a $1500 permit for a green house
                          in 1928 a $200 permit for a shed

The City Directory listings for J. T. Hastie living at 2621 Western Avenue seem to start in 1925.  That year he reported his employment being that of a nurseryman.  In 1931 he was reported as the owner of the home and the business J. T. Hastie and Son, florists, at the same address.  Robert N. Hastie is listed as living at the 2621 Western Avenue address and being part of the business as well.

The third unique thing about 2621 Western Avenue was revealed in the Building Permits and employment reports of J. T. Hastie.  They indicate there was an extensive nursery and florist business at this address.

The fourth unique thing about 2621 Western Avenue was the Marten family.  They lived in the house from at least 1940 to 2006/2007 as verified by the City Directories and North and West Vancouver Phone Directories.  Percy B. and Ada Marten were first living in the house in 1940.  They reported being retired at that time. In 1950 Mrs. A.  Marten was listed as the owner. Also listed at the 2621 Western Ave. address was Olive M. Marten. She was employed as a stenographer by Northern Pacific Railway.  In 1960 and 1971 the owner, Ada Martin, reported that she was the widow of P. B. Marten. In 1991 and 1995/1996 Olive M. Marten, now retired, was the owner.  Another resident in 1995/1996 was Margery E. Jackson, also retired.

The 2008 obituary of Olive Mary Marten appeared in the Vancouver Sun. (See Link.) "She (Olive) worked 40 years for the Burlington Northern Railway in the Vancouver Office, retiring in the early 1980's.  She was a long time member of the Vancouver Women's Transportation Club, a life member of Burrard Chapter #3 Eastern Star and a member of the Order of the Amaranth. She was very active in the B.N. Veterans Group, also she was a keen golfer.  She was predeceased by her father, Percy (1943) and her mother, Ada (1989)...She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Margery Jacklin..."


The photo of 2621 Western Avenue was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

The City of North Vancouver web site reports that a $4,000 demolition permit was granted for the 2621 Western Avenue home to Bestway Excavating and Demolition in 2008.

Demolition: Permit granted by City of North Vancouver in 2008.
Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.
Link: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/CAN-BC-OBITS/2008-08/1218776173

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Old and New Dental Detailing

Both the old home at 353 West 17th Street, in the photo above, and the new home built in 2004 feature dental detailing.  In the original home built for $2,300 in 1925 by owner W. McNeish the dental detailing decorates the front porch facia board.  The builder of this home was Friend and Kinnemont.

In 1931 the owner of 353 West 17th Street was salesman Bert Z. Noble.  In 1940 the owner was a retired man, George Strong.  In 1950 the owners were Richard and Christina Webster.  Richard Webster was employed as a welder at Pacific Dry Dock. He also owned the house in 1960 when he worked as a welder at B. C. Marine.  In 1971 the owner was S. A. Vignone.  Both Antonio and Sebastiano Vignone were listed as living at 353 West 17th Street.  Antonio Vignone was a machinist at W. Sakololf Manufacturing. Sebstiano A. Vignone worked as a bricklayer.

After this time a series of residents but not owners are recorded in the City Directories.  In 1980 the resident was a student, P. Seymour.  In 1991 the resident was David Towler.  And in 1995/1996 the residents were William G. Richardson and Beverly Bigham.  In 2010 the Internet reports North Shore Upholstery at the 353 West 17th Street address.

The photo of 353 West 17th Street was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

In the  year 2004 the City of North Vancouver web site reported a $6,000 demolition permit  was granted to Assertive Excavating and Demolition.  A building permit was granted to Tho Van Dao for a $294,000 single family home at the 353 West 17th Street address.  This home also had the dental detailing.


In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 353 West Street had been demolished and a new home with dental detailing had been built.

Demolition: Of 1925 home in the year 2004.
Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.

Monday, October 18, 2010
Harbottle's Jersey Product Salesman

The house at 404 West 27th Street is in the Upper Lonsdale area of the City of North Vancouver.  The house was built for $1,200 in 1930 by A. C. Marshall.  That was the year he also received a building permit for a $800 house addition and a $100 chicken house.  During that time there were many chicken farms in North Vancouver and trucks would come from Vancouver and deliver the feed. (Reference.)

By 1940 the residents of the house were John R. and Gerda H. Waghorn.  John Waghorn was a salesman for Harbottle's Jersey Products.  Below is a 1940  parade photo of a car with a sign advertising Harbottle's on the side and an ice cream Sunday on the top.

1940 Parade photo advertising Harbottle's Jersey Products

In 1950 the owner of 404 West 27th Street was Mrs. E. Wilson.  She was the widow of J. Wilson. 

By 1971 the Wilkinson family owned the 404 West 27th Street home.  Seth F. and Vivian L. Wilkinson reported they were retired.  They continued to report that they owned the house in 1980 and 1991.  In the 1995/1996 City Directory only Seth F. Wilkinson was listed at 404 West 27th Street.

Year 2000 ad for sale of $299,000 404 West 27th Street home

The photo of 404 West 27th Street was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed.  Approximately 800 of these were accompanied by some history from the present or previous home owner sometimes including personal photographs.  In the case of 404 West 27th Street the accompanying information was the year 2000 real estate ad for the sale of the house.  It was listed at $299,000. (See ad above.)


In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 404 West 27th Street had been demolished and new construction was underway. 

The City of North Vancouver web site lists a 2007 demolition permit for 404 West 27th Street at $5000 to All Star Excavating and Demolition.  It lists a 2007 building permit for a new $470,000 single family home to Saltani Construction.

Reference: From stories of riding in his dad's feed  truck from United Milling,
                       in his childhood by Alan Wilson.
Photos: Top photo taken in the year 2000 by SW. 1940 Harbottle photo
                       available at the North Vancouver Archives.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to
                       the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.

Link: http://memorybc.ca/23124;rad

Friday, October 15, 2010
House in the Back

The first mention of the 238 West 28th Street address at the North Vancouver Archives seems to be in the 1955 City Directory.  Then, not really the address just the designation "ns New House" is listed  between the 235 and 242 West 28th Street listings.  In 1960 the residents were Don P. and Muriel V. Fletcher.  Don Fletcher was employed as an office manager at the Hudson Bay Company.
In 1971 the owners were Leo J. and Claire A. Schaff. Leo Schaff worked as a mechanic for the North Vancouver District. 

By 1980 the owners were Ronald I. and Cindy Burrows.  Ronald Burrows was employed as a maintenance manager for Smart Coach Lines.  They continued to own the house in 1991 and 1995/1996.  In 1991 Ronald Burrows was a manager at B. C. Transit and in the 1995/1996 City Directory his occupation is listed as a manager of Perimeter Transportation Ltd.

The house at 238 West 28th Street is in the Upper Lonsdale area of the City of North Vancouver.  It is 1 1/2 blocks west of Lonsdale Avenue and 2 blocks south of Queens Road.  There is an out building at the back of the lot of approximately 850 square feet that was allowed because of the size of the original home and the size of the lot.  This was built around the year 2000.

The photo of 238 West 28th Street was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home.  2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed. 

In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project.  At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 238 West 28th Street had been demolished and a new single family home had been built.

The web site of REMAX Realtors has listed the property at 238 West 28th Street for sale at $1,549,000.

Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.

Friday, September 10, 2010

A Week of Black and White

1928 Canary Yellow

The bright yellow house that stood at 332 East 4th Street in the year 2000 was originally built for $2500 in 1928 by H. Earland. The architect was W. Earland. Previously, in the year 1923 H. Earland had built a $4000 Dancing Hall at 119 East 3rd Street. The architect for that building was T. Korner.

In 1931 the owner of 332 East 4th Street was W. E. Phillips, a laborer. Alex and Nancy E. Walton lived in the house in 1940. Alex Walton was employed as a teller at the Bank of Montreal. In 1950 and 1955 the owners were Ron W. and Lillian V. Stewart. In 1950 Ron Stewart worked as a salesman at General Truck Sales. By 1955 he was a sales manager at Volkswagon Pacific Sales. Mrs. I. and Guy E. Ellison were the residents of the house in 1960. In 1971 City Directory Jahura Begg was listed as the owner. And in 1980 again there was a new owner, this time it was C. Varney.

In 1991 Helen C. Donnelly moved into 332 East 4th Street. This is indicated by the title of "New Neighbor" in the City Directory. She was employed as a food and beverage supervisor at Grouse Mountain. She continued to live in the house and work at the same job in 1995. In 1995 Monahan Wesler was also listed as living at 332 East 4th Street.

By 2010 a new side by side duplex with the addresses of 330 and 332 East 4th Street had been built on the 332 East 4th Street lot.

A Week of Black and White

The Black and White photos of all the homes this week were taken in July of 2007 as part of the Demolition and Construction North Vancouver Archives Project by Suzanne Wilson. On notification of City and District applications for Demolition Permits the photos were taken and documented. Negatives and contact prints were filed at the North Vancouver Archives as part of their permanent photo collection. The project ran from 2001 to 2010.

A colored photo of the house at 332 East 4th Street is also included in the Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home on file at the North Vancouver Archives.

Demolition Permit: Applied for in 2007.

Photos: Year 2000 colored photo and black and white photo Demolition and Construction Project photo Roll # 85 Negative 22 on file at the North Vancouver Archives. (The photo above was taken of the contact sheet with a digital camera.)

Thursday, August 26, 2010
Christmas on William Avenue

William Avenue is in both the City and District of North Vancouver. Its southern starting point is East 14th Street in the eastern border area of the Grand Boulevard area of the City of North Vancouver. It is interrupted by Loutet Park and the Upper Levels Highway at East 18th Street. Then it continues to the East 29th Street border with the District of North Vancouver. Here it extends north to Princess Park and Tennyson Crescent.

And at 1533 William Avenue, in the photo above, it was Christmas. A fringe of snow graced the front yard, icicle lights decked on the house, and colored Christmas lights decorated the garden tree and bushes. There is no Building Permit reported at the North Vancouver Archives for this two level house with the living room and kitchen on the upper floor. The first City Directories to list the address are in about 1960. The owner at that time was W. A. Houghton. In 1971 the owners were Donald C. and Gloria E. Smith. Donald Smith was employed as a controller at Buckerfield's. In 1980 "No Return" was the only City Directory listing. And the last owner to be verified was Barbara Hamilton, a park control worker for the City of North Vancouver. That was in 1991.


The photo of 1533 William Avenue was taken by Suzanne Wilson as part of her
Year 2000 Photography Project, Your House/Our Home. 2000 photos of homes in the City of North Vancouver were photographed.


In the month of June 2007 Suzanne Wilson celebrated the City of North Vancouver's 100 birthday by distributing to their home owners copies of 1000 photos taken for the Y2K Project. At this time it was discovered that the home photographed at 1533 William Avenue had been demolished and a new home was under construction.


Photo: Taken in the year 2000 by SW.
Reference: The Year 2000 project was donated by Suzanne and Alan Wilson to the North Vancouver Archives and is available for viewing.