Today in Local History

On January 6, 1908, the Pantages Theatre at 152 East Hastings opened. Find out what else happened in January…

On February 1, 1969—39 years ago today—the Nine O’Clock Gun in Stanley Park was “kidnapped” by UBC Engineering students, who returned the 1,500-pound cannon for a “ransom” which was given to the Children’s Hospital. Find out what else happened in February…

Vancouver-born Karen Magnussen won the World Women’s Figure Skating Championship, held in Bratislava in what was then Czechoslovakia, on March 3, 1973. Find out what else happened in March…

On April 2, 1978, the Vancouver Parks Board voted to rename Capilano Stadium after Nat Bailey. Find out what else happened in April…

On May 2, 1940, the first sod was turned in the construction of “the new Shaughnessy Military Hospital.” World War Two would ensure this was to be a busy place. Find out what else happened in May…

On June 2, 1916, The Buzzer, that little publication you get on the trolleys and SkyTrain in the lower mainland, produced its first issue. Find out what else happened in June…

On July 1, 1938, the First Avenue Viaduct was opened to traffic. Find out what else happened in July…

On August 1, 1952, New Brunswick-born William Andrew Cecil Bennett became premier of BC. He would serve to September 15, 1972, just over 20 years, making him our longest-serving premier. Find out what else happened in August…

On September 1, 1945, visiting movie actress Yvonne De Carlo (born September 1, 1922 as Peggy Middleton in Vancouver) celebrated her birthday at the Hotel Vancouver’s Panorama Roof. Find out what else happened in September…

On October 1, 1940, the Province’s Claude Dettloff took the famous Wait For Me, Daddy photograph. It became the most reproduced Canadian picture from World War Two. Find out what else happened in October…

On November 1, 1995, the first West Coast Express commuter train pulled into downtown Vancouver (over CP Rail tracks) from the Fraser Valley. Find out what else happened in

On December 1, 1936, Vancouver’s new city hall opened for business. The building’s architects were Townley and Matheson. Each lock plate on the outer doors displayed the Vancouver Coat of Arms, and each door knob bore the monogram of the building. Find out what else happened in December…