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At the turn of the 20th century, the Arbutus Ridge area was a swampy marsh known as "Asthma Flats".  This planked road, now known as Trafalgar Street, was the main thoroughfare through the bog. The 1912 image was taken at what is now 18th Avenue, looking south. (1912 Major Matthews image from City of Vancouver Archives).

These 1912 pillars mark the ceremonial entrance to Burnaby's Central Park, where one of the first stations of the BC Electric Railway, connecting Vancouver with New Westminster, was built. The current Skytrain Expo Line follows the original track.  The park itself was originally a naval reserve source of masts and spars, and was named to honour the wife of one of Vancouver's mayors, who was born in New York City. (1930 Major Matthews image From City of Vancouver Archives).
  

Across the street from the Manhattan Housing Co-op is Joe Fortes Restaurant. The 1969 image shows the former occupant to be the Traveller Restaurant and Steakhouse (open 24 hours). In 1985 the corner building and its neighbours to the west were renovated extensively. (1969 Vancouver Planning Dept. image source City of Vancouver Archives).

Built in 1892, the Burr Block is one of only two buildings that survived a massive fire in 1898. The building was constructed by William Henry Burr, an early settler to the area (and an ancestor of actor Raymond Burr).  It is now home to the Met Hotel. (Photo courtesy of VPL  Historical Photographs Collections)

There once stood on this spot seven of the worlds tallest trees, known as the 'Seven Sisters'. Their branches spread a cathedral-like canopy over the ground. At one time they were as popular a park attraction as the Hollow Tree.  In the 1950s  they succumbed to disease and were cut down. Pauline Johnson described the grove in poetic detail, and wrote of a First Nations legend that was inspired by these impressive giants. I could be wrong, but it looks like one of them is still standing, judging by the burl on the tree at left. (Original photo courtesy City of Vancouver Archive)

This 1928 building started life as an Italian Cultural Centre called the Silver Slipper. Over the years the facility hosted a variety of social events, from sock hops to ballroom dancing. In the 1980s it was a popular venue for alternative music. More recently it was known as the Hastings Dance Hall, where you could learn Flamenco dancing or hone your table tennis skills.  It is currently owned by Chip Wilson and appears to be undergoing extensive renovations. (Original photograph copyright City of Vancouver).

Founded in 1907, Empire Stevedoring served the ports of Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Alberni and Prince Rupert. Today it is Western Canada's biggest grain stevedore, and continues to call this building home. You can say hi to them next time you are in for coffee at the Railtown Cafe. (1950 photo from the Jewish Museum Archives).

This interesting building was constructed in 1922 for the Vancouver & Victoria Stevedoring Company. In addition to its porthole-looking insets and other nautical features, the property has another claim to fame.  It was originally the location of a 'mansion' belonging to RH Alexander, manager of the Hastings Sawmill, whose home was the first to be hooked up to the city's new public water supply.  Over the years it has housed numerous commercial enterprises. Today the back half is used as a warehouse, and the front appears to be unused. It's not on the Heritage Register, so its future is uncertain. (1978 image courtesy of Vancouver City Archives)

This photograph shows a wartime parade in 1918 along the 100 block of East Hastings Street.  A couple of these buildings remain, notably the Irving Hotel, which currently provides supportive housing for people with physical mental and substance dependencies. The Smiling Buddha Cabaret was a landmark on this block for almost 60 years.

The sidewalk in front of these stores on East Pender Street is littered with paper from the "Victory over Japan" Day celebration.