17 replies to this topic

[slinkyo]

Here is a study of the building on the corner of Johnson and Douglas (The 7-11 is there now). Few people know that it is the same building, and unfortunately got the same treatment to rid it of character that many buildings received in the 50's.

As you can see, with so many changes, sometimes the only way to really identify these buildings now, is by comparing the number of windows, and how they are situated. Recently, they revealed a portion of the building in the mid-section that had been covered for many years, revealing old signage from the 70's or 60's. Wish I had taken a picture of what was under that!

[G-Man]

That is great slinkyo there is a great blog in Vancouver that has been doing similar comparisons of late:

http://changingvanco....wordpress.com/

[slinkyo]

Thanks to Glen Parfitt for the picture!
Also, notice that there is a building next to it that could possibly be the Odd Fellows Hall before the facade was covered up?

[G-Man]

Yes and the amazing Permanent Loan Building being built

[aastra]

From the "long gone greats" thread:

[G-Man]

Aastra lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Holden West]

Here is a shot I took of the interior of that upper floor, which has been the Oddfellows' billiard room for a very long time.

[Bingo]

Rose's Jewellers was in that building in the middle of the block in the 1960's.

My mother worked at the Majorette coffee shop in the late 40's, which was next door to Rose's. That restaurant was owned by Paul Arsens who was well know in the industry in later years.

[slinkyo]

I seem to remember that there was a old style cafe called Maple Leaf cafe in the same block for many years..

[G-Man]

Unless it moved at some point the Maple Leaf was in the next block down where La Dolce Vita is located now.

[slinkyo]

The cafe I remember was located in the bottom of the oddfellows hall near Douglas and Yates (next to the Scotia bank) building facing the street. There are still the old style black shiny tiles at the entrance. Maybe it was called something else?

EDIT: Sorry slinkyo I hit the edit button instead of the quote button. My comment is below.

[Sparky]

The cafe I remember was located in the bottom of the oddfellows hall near Douglas and Yates (next to the Scotia bank) building facing the street. There are still the old style black shiny tiles at the entrance. Maybe it was called something else?

Post #8 above by Bingo says it was the Majorette. I agree.

[slinkyo]

Post #8 above by Bingo says it was the Majorette. I agree.

If I am correct, you can still see on Google street view the original neon signage and entrance (under the HOPE KEY sign)

http://maps.google.c...s0HiXww5rgK2rIA

[Sparky]

The Maple Leaf was on the other side of Yates in the Fatburger block.

[Mike K.]

The photo of the Permanent Loan Building under construction is in itself an incredible find!

[Sparky]

The photo of the Permanent Loan Building under construction is in itself an incredible find!

I agree Mike, it makes one wonder what other photos Glen has tucked under his pillow.

[Nparker]

The photo of the Permanent Loan Building under construction is in itself an incredible find!

Agreed. What a loss the demolition of this building was to downtown.

[HB]

Before the 7-11 opened and they were doing the exterior reno there was an old style scrip with the name of a Pharmacy on the corner.
I wish I had taken a photo of it. It is still there just covered with stucco or something similar.

I however did have a camera when the Douglas Hotel was being renovated and do have a photo of the PRINCE GEORGE stone work above the Douglas St entrance. the Prince George words are now hidden behind the current name HOTEL RIALTO