A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1955
February 8, 2010
Streetcar lines being built back in 1889. In 1955, the streetcars would run for the last time. Item # Trans P77.
As a new era in rail travel began, this city also saw the last streetcar run in 1955. It was also a year that saw a scandal rock the police force.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1954
February 1, 2010
The old Granville Street Bridge, photographed here in 1936, was replaced in 1954 by the current bridge. Photo by W.J. Moore. Item # Br N53.
1954 was a good year for sports fans in the city. This year saw the CFL come to town with a brand new stadium and the British Empire Games were held, featuring a couple very memorable events.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1953
January 25, 2010
An interurban car in 1953. Photo by Walter Edwin Frost. Item # CVA 447-1664.
The first local TV station broadcast, the end of an era for interurban travellers, two aviation records and a shocking Stanley Park murder were just a few of the fascinating events that took place in Vancouver in 1953.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1952
January 18, 2010
Princess Elizabeth in 1948, who became Queen in 1952 after the death of King George VI. Item # Port P1160.
In 1952, “the most powerful person at City Hall” started his reign and a comment from a visiting performer brought about cold war tensions.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1951
January 12, 2010
Princess Elizabeth plants an oak sapling in Queen Elizabeth Park, Oct 20, 1951. Photo by Art Jones. Item # Tr P38.1.
In 1951, there was a royal visit, baseball fans had something to cheer about and something called the “drunkometer” made its debut.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1950
January 4, 2010
British Columbia Police Highway Patrol officer standing next to his car. Photo by Jack Lindsay from the 1940s. Item # CVA 1184-2696.
It was the end of an important career in Vancouver tourism and also the end of the B.C. Provincial Police in 1950.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1949
December 21, 2009
Demolition of the Hotel Vancouver, August 26, 1949. Photo by Walter Edwin Frost. Item # CVA 447-60.
An earthquake, flooding and a sensational murder; 1949 was definitely an interesting year in our history.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1948
December 14, 2009
Aerial view of Fraser River flood and surrounding areas, 1948. Photo by Art Jones. Item # Air P80.4.
A terrible flood happened in 1948 that caused death and millions in damage. The city also lost a couple prominent citizens, including its second mayor in as many years.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1947
December 7, 2009
A studio portrait of Mayor Gerry McGeer in the 1930s. Photo by Steffens Colmer. Item # CVA 677-738.
In 1947 the city lost its mayor, there were some important radio debuts and something strange was spotted in the skies.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
A Year in Five Minutes: Vancouver 1946
November 30, 2009
Service of remembrance at the Cenotaph at Victory Square in November, 1946. Photo by Jack Lindsay. Item # CVA 1184-3604.
The war was over, but a housing shortage was a big problem for the vets. The city also lost one of its most popular mayors this year.
By Chuck Davis, The History of Vancouver
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Archives
