Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday Church Feature

St. Catherine's Anglican Church,
North Vancouver, B.C.

St. John's Anglican Church  in North Vancouver  sponsored the building of 5 other Anglican Churches in North Vancouver: St. Clement's in  1908, St. Agnes' in 1909, St. Thomas in 1910 that changed its name to St. Martin's in 1919, St. Catherine's in 1948, and St. Richard's in 1950. (Reference 1.)

Sanctuary

In 1948 St. John's Anglican Church acquired new property in Capilano Highlands that would become that of the new St. Catherine's Anglican Church at 1958 Ridgewood Drive.  Architect Paul Hollingworth presented sketches of a proposed parish hall.  On June 13th fifty people sat on logs in front of the rough-hewn outdoor altar with St. John's loaned pump organ and choir for an open-air service on the grounds of the planned church.  Construction of a temporary structure called the "tar paper shack" began on Sept 18, 1948.  It was 24x48 feet and accommodated roughly 40 people and a wood stove.  The church met there for 3 years.  In 1949 the congregation decided to name the church "Church of The Holy Cross". (Reference 2.)

Memorial Window on east side of sanctuary

The second building, the permanent Hollingsworth designed structure,  to accommodate a larger congregation cost more than $30,000 and was completed in 1951.  A third building was designed by the architectural firm Sharp and Anderson and built in 1962.  The cost of this building was $175,000. To build it necessitated demolishing  the Hollingsworth church since the same land was to be used.  Some of the items in the Hollingsworth church were installed in the new 1962 building: the pews, altar and rail, and cross in the chapel and  some pews in the sanctuary.  The new church sanctuary featured giant laminated beams and a balcony.  Other church features of today's church are the stained glass window on the east side of the sanctuary, three  tapestries at the back of the sanctuary, and exposed organ pipes in the balcony. (Reference 2.) (See photos below.) 

Rear of sanctuary, tapestries,  and organ pipes

North of the present church sanctuary is a hall leading to the chapel, church
office, and church hall. 

The congregation of St. Catherine's Anglican Church has recently welcomed the members of St. Richard's Anglican Church that was decommissioned early in 2010. (See Blog Post, Sunday Church Feature, St. Richard's of Norgate, January 3, 2010.)

Thank you: To the Rev. Christine Rowe for * and additional information.

References: 1. Faithful People of God, 1999 by Beth Lawrence.

                         2. *Journey of a Family, 1993 by Janet Morris.

Demolition: Of the 1951 building to make way for construction of 1962
                         building.

Photos: Taken in October 2010 by SW.

Saturday Travel Feature
1914 Clallam  County Courthouse
Port Angeles, Washington

"The Clallam County Courthouse was built in 1914 and is located in Port Angeles, Washington. The court house has a bell tower containing a bell which was shipped from Boston all the way around the horn. The building has had at least one addition since it was built. The building uses 126 solar panels, which were installed in 1979, to produce an estimated 20 percent of the electric power needed for the building. (Link 1.)

"Since it was officially established as the location of the Custom House in 1861, Port Angeles has had a long and colorful history. But its history started long before that when the Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe used what is now called Hollywood beach as a fishing village. This site is now frontage for the waterfront trail and City pier.

"Don Francisco de Eliza discovered the deep-water harbor in 1791. All trade in and out of Port Angeles came through the harbor and today the Port of Port Angeles still maintains a vigorous harbor for trade and commerce.
Port Angeles was established as a townsite by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 by executive order which led the Board of Trade in 1890 to call it the "Second National City", Washington DC being the first. Most of the land was held as a military reserve until 1894. Pioneers "jumped the Reserve" in 1890 and congress agreed to sale of lots in 1894. Tributes to Lincoln's influence are found in the naming of Lincoln Street in the heart of town, Lincoln school, and Lincoln Park.

"The forest and fishing industries played major roles in the boom and bust economy of Port Angeles. The regenerative forest around Port Angeles supplied the building materials for Seattle, San Francisco and beyond. Trees of mammoth proportions were shipped through the Port as old-fashioned saws cut down the forest. Salmon was king of the Strait and plentiful for all to fish. Commercial fisherman, charter boats, and sport fisherman took their limits easily and returned year after year just as the salmon did. Both industries have slowed some, as concerns over habitat for bird and salmon are analyzed and protective zones and regulations have been developed.

"Olympic Forest Reserve was established in 1897. In 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt established the Mt. Olympus National Monument. Olympic National Park was established in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Generations of tourists and travelers have come to the Olympics for rest and rejuvenation. Two hot springs in Olympic National Park were touted for their medicinal value early in the 1900s and folks from Seattle made the 3-5 day journey by boat and wagon to spend a week at Olympic and Sol Duc Hot Spring Resorts. They would arrive in Port Angeles or Port Crescent on the "Mosquito Fleet" (independent ferries that were the major transport in Puget Sound) and then travel by wagon through the forest." (Link 2.) 

A-Port Angeles, Washington (Mapquest)

The Blackball Ferry Connects Port Angeles, Washington, USA with Victoria, B.C., Canada. The Blackball Ferry line has been going for 50 years.  The trip from Port Angeles to Victoria on this older picturesque ferry takes 90 minutes. (See Link 3.) At Christmas time Santa may even be on board.

Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clallam_County_Courthouse
Link 2: http://www.portangeles.org/history.html
Link 3: http://cohoferry.com/main/

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