Landmark anniversaries are popular occasions on which to note changes over time, and to honour the longevity and service of companies, businesses or institutions that have succeeded over a significant number of years. The following is not meant to be comprehensive, just some examples from our local community.
There have been a few significant anniversaries this year, and 2012 already looks like a particularly intriguing year for anniversaries. A well-known legal company, Cassady and Co., was recently honoured by the local Chamber of Commerce for having served its clients and the area since 1911. That was also the year in which a favourite downtown shoe store, Copp's Shoes, began taking care of New Westminster's footwear needs.
Both these companies have had close ties to downtown New Westminster through the many changes that have occurred there. Both trace back to just a little over a decade after the city's Great Fire, and have been in operation through wars, a flu epidemic, the introduction of the automobile, a street car system on Columbia St., and a century of change in store names and buildings.
Another firm that celebrated a 100-year anniversary this year is Fraser River Pile and Dredge, which has become a highly recognized member of the industrial life of the Fraser River. Very recently, a piece of this company's equipment drew much attention on the waterfront as it dredged the area occupied by the Samson V Maritime Museum. As part of its anniversary celebration, we were honoured to write a book on the company's history, and the end result was well received. You might check with company to see if they still have copies for sale.
Next year is shaping up to be a special year with a number of 100 -ear festivities, at least one 125 year event, and even a couple of 150 year celebrations.
We already know of a number of home owners planning to mark their houses' 100-year birthdays and some Royal City schools such as Richard McBride, Herbert Spencer, and Queensborough, opened their initial structures in 1912, including the long gone, but always remembered, Duke of Connaught High School.
Queen's Park traces its beginning to a time 125 years ago when its lands were set aside for public use. Over the ensuing years, the park has evolved to meet the needs of the local citizens for various recreation spaces and amenities. The park remains very busy just as it has been since it was first named on June 14, 1887. The year 1862, a century and a half ago, marked the arrival of the first Presbyterian minister in this city as well as the creation and opening of a venerable public institution - Royal Columbian Hospital, and next year will see many celebratory events for the hospital and local Presbyterian churches. Anniversaries can be fun and they are great motivators to learn a bit more community history.
