Chronology

1909 is the first year with so many events that we gave it its own separate file. Further analysis might show that Metropolitan Vancouver took a giant leap forward this year: many prominent buildings were erected, and there seemed to be a heightened sense of excitement at the promise of the city.

February 9 A Vancouver banker, Ewing Buchan, had his version of O Canada sung at a meeting of the Canadian Club. Buchan’s lyrics will be very popular in BC, but will eventually be supplanted.

January 1 Hastings Townsite, the residents of which had voted to be annexed by Vancouver, became part of the city. (Today’s Glen Drive was the western edge of the townsite.) As well, a small chunk of CPR property called “No Man’s Land” was annexed by the city.

January 30 The Native Daughters of B.C. was formed in Vancouver. The group’s objective was to pay tribute to the pioneers and history of the province. Today, they operate the Hastings Mill Store Museum at the north foot of Alma Street.

January 31 Prisoner Joseph Smith, who had killed guard J.H. Joynson in 1912, was executed at the B.C. Penitentiary, the first and only hanging there. (Most executions occurred at Oakalla.)