The North Vancouver Archives are not the first place you would think to go to find a special present for a special person at Christmas. The kind of present you wouldn’t find for sale anywhere else, for that person who has everything. In fact, most people don’t even know where the Archives are located, or even what the staff does there.
Head north of the intersection of Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road (that’s along Lynn Valley Road toward the mountains, for those of us who are directionally challenged!) A block later, turn left at Institute Road. The Community History Centre is found immediately to your left at 3203 Institute Road in the old stone Lynn Valley Elementary School. The ground floor holds offices for the North Vancouver Museum and Archives; the museum itself is currently located at Presentation House at 209 West 4th and will soon move into a purpose-built new space near the waterfront. The North Vancouver Archives are on the top floor of the Community History Centre.
– courtesy NSMA
Why do people come to the Archives? To find information about property they may wish to buy, to delve into the history of that property, or that of North Vancouver City and District. The Archives have a wealth of information about the history of our area. They also have a collection of clippings, photographs, newspapers and books, all about North Vancouver.
The archivist is Daien Ide, and you will need to ask her where the information you require is filed away. However, if it is books you are after – stories and histories and photos of North Van – they are stacked on a shelf for you to browse. It’s quite a collection. There are nearly 20 different titles on display, mostly softcover, with subjects ranging from the old logging days to war stories and the part our neigbhours from the past played in the conflict. Some titles have only a handful of copies available, making them rare and, eventually, collectors’ items. Even better, there is no sales tax on books!
For more information, drop by or phone 604-990-3700 (ext. 8016). The Community History Centre is open from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Here’s a list of titles, starting with pioneer Walter Draycott’s irreplaceable history of our own neighbourhood. It’s a must for every bookshelf in Lynn Valley. Merry Christmas!
- Early days in Lynn Valley $26.25
- The Ambitious City $44.95
- North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Neighbourhood $24.99
- Tragedy at Second Narrows $22.95
- Conceived in war, born in peace $9.95
- Full line, full away $9.95
- The Saga of Burrard Dry Dock $39.95
- Pacific Great Eastern Railway $13.95
- The Boom Years $6.00
- The Green Necklace (Edward Mahon) $25.00
- Women’s contribution of the Labour Movement in BC $22.95
- Timber down the Capilano $9.00
- Rhymes of a western logger $16.95
- The Native Voice $24.95
- Where mountains meet the sea $39.95
By staff writer
