Follow in Philip Timms' footsteps as he photographs historic Vancouver, BC in all its glory.
Much has changed since Philip Timms’ time. During the early 1900’s, he documented the history of Vancouver through significant photos, mostly of citizens doing everyday things in the changing landscape of the city.
Philip Timms
Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1874, young Timms was ambitious, musically inclined and had already opened his own framing, music and stationary store by the time he was 20 years old.
When his two older brothers had settled in Vancouver, BC on their way to cash in on the Klondike gold rush, Philip and his new wife joined them with the hope of prospering business opportunities. Between jobs, he learned what he could about photography and practiced the art daily.
Philip Timms’ Postcards: 1900-1910
Philip made $15 one day in Stanley Park for taking a photo of men and their horses. Thus began his quest “to record the city’s vistas of the days of its exuberant youth before it was all swept away” (Philip Timms’ Vancouver: 1900-1910, Heritage House).
Timms then jumped on the bandwagon of selling postcards, which were hugely popular at the beginning of the 20th century. What is now referred to as the “golden age of postcards," his much admired images from 1900-1910 are reproduced in Philip Timms’ Vancouver: 1900-1910 (Fred Thirkell and Bob Scullion).
The Hollow Tree in Stanley Park
The hollow tree was once a must-see attraction for all visitors to Vancouver. Horses and carriages would line up to have their pictures taken in the nook at the base of the tree. Although only a stump now, it’s still worth a photo or two, if only to continue the tradition. Follow the west side of Stanley Park Drive until you see it.
Hastings and Granville
Back in the early 1900’s, Hastings Street downtown was a thriving shopping district and what was called a “good address.” The corner of Hastings and Granville streets was always bustling with street cars, businessmen and those out for a stroll. Today is not much different.
Hastings and Main
Although now the corner of Main (formerly Westminster Avenue) and Hastings is notorious for drug deals and the homeless, in Timms’ time it was another busy hub with a public library, millinery shop and the still-standing Pantages Theatre. These days, a visit to this corner should be taken during the day. Make sure to step inside Carnegie Centre (the former public library) to see the interior of the building.
Main and Broadway
Farther south, the first suburb of Vancouver was called “Mount Pleasant.” Big hopes of making the corner of Main and Broadway the centre of activity were dashed as the area became mostly industrial. Visit there today and you’ll see the booming artistic culture, flock of fashion boutiques and many trendy cafes that now call the corner home. 100 years later, Main and Broadway has certainly become a major hub in the city.
Discover Historic Vancouver
For more historic photos to take you through present day Vancouver, pick up Philip Timms’ Vancouver: 1900-1910 as your guide. More than pictures, Fred Thirkell and Bob Scullion have fleshed out the city’s history as it relates to Philip Timms’ outstanding photographs.
The book also covers the Barnet Mills on Burrard Inlet (Burnaby), Port Moody, New Westminster, North Vancouver and Steveston (Richmond).
