| BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTISTS |
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The Art Gallery is now displaying an unusual exhibition of water-colors
by the late L.A. Hamilton of scenes in the early
days of Vancouver. The collection is shown through courtesy of Major J.S. Matthews, V.D., city archivist, who has provided interesting printed data under each exhibit. Many of the sketches were made by Mr. Hamilton, C.P.R. Land Commissioner and member of the first City Council, whilst surveying the street system for the first City of Vancouver. Striking contrast to present-day Vancouver is shown in a watercolor entitled "Forest Near Victory Square and Trail, Now Cambie Street, 1884." This sketch of dense woods and undergrowth was made a few yards east of the Cenotaph. Among many interesting views depicted by the planner of Vancouver in the forest is "Granville, 1883," with subtitle of "Gastown Near Water Street." This was drawn from a bedroom window of "Gassy Jack's Hotel." There is also a picture, of historic memories, of "A Floating Wharf at Granville, 1883," looking north. HERE CITY BEGAN Another view of exceptional interest is the painting of a one-storey wooden building near the water and with background of forest. The picture is described as "Here Vancouver began. The old Hastings Hotel, Hastings Townsite, Christmas Day, 1885. Variously known as Hockings, Brighton, Hastings, Maxies, the end of the road and the most fashionable watering-place in British Columbia." Apparently this modest building contained Vancouver's first post, customs, revenue, telegraph and police offices. It was also the first townsite and later the C.P.R. offices. |