Vancouver History: Man’s Best Friend
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Posted in: history, photos, vancouver
Tags: history, then and now
With Vancouver being such a dog-friendly city, complete with doggy day spas, dog bakeries, with a selection of off-leash parks and beaches, I thought it would be a great fit. Mind you, I might not have been able to find direct comparison photos (or appropriate “Now” images) but I thought I would still provide a glimpse into Vancouver’s dog-loving days of the past.
1890s
Not a sight you’re likely to see today. Three small boys who look like they have just returned from a hunting trip with their faithful companion.
Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # SGN 1734
1898
A man strolls along Granville (near Hastings) with his dog as they approach the original CPR train station.
Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # Bu P266
1900s
I’m not sure if Reuben Hamilton’s dog Cronje was a class pet or just a visitor but he was a welcomed edition to the Charles Dickens school photo nevertheless.
Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # Sch P68
1912
You wouldn’t believe how many images I have found in the Archives that show bears chained up in yards like dogs, or even playing with dogs. The image below is from Waterloo Street in Kitsilano.
Photographer: James L. Quiney, Item # CVA 7-21
1919
The photograph collection at the Archives has at least a dozen photos of military personnel posing with their dogs. Here is the group from Hastings Park C.S.E.F.
Photographer: Stuart Thomson, Item #CVA 99-704
1938
A view from the ferry terminal in West Vancouver, you can see a pup was there when the two bridge towers of the Lions Gate went up.
Photo credit: David Loughnan, Item # CVA 265-51
Should you have your own suggestions for the “Then and Now” theme, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Check out these photos and more information on the City of Vancouver Archives website, or in person at 1150 Chestnut Street in Kitsilano.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Clearly it comes as no surprise to you that this one’s my favourite in your wonderful series
November 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
My grandfather had a bear as a pet when he lived in England. I have the photos of it too! I should look at scanning them in one day.
Cool photos, like the one of the Lions Gate going up from Dunderave (that is dunderave right?)
November 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Great post, I love this stuff. I’ll have to look into what happened with that original CPR Station. They don’t build them like they used to!