It is always interesting to consider what people coming to the early colony of British Columbia experienced in their travels - where they stayed, what they ate, how they moved from one place to the next, what they did to pass the time, what "world" news they knew of, what they found strange or comforting. This list goes on.
We are frequently thinking of themes to use for potential historical fiction projects and identifying things that happened here. Some recent pieces of information paint a picture of a very small portion of life in early New Westminster centred on shelter and food.
Arriving in this city in 1862 with some funds to pay your way, you had a few choices of accommodation. William Clarkson had a boarding house at Columbia at Sixth Street where room and board could be had for between $9 and $10 a week, or perhaps the hotel just up the street was a bit better. Up near Lytton Square, the Columbia Hotel was newly established by Hugh Burr, and it was noted as being "fitted up in excellent style, to afford accommodation and comfort."
If you wanted a bit more you would have been aware that Mr. R. Cameron had recently taken over the boarding house that had been successfully operated by Mrs. C. Lawless. This place, near the dock run by Mr. Harris, was being advertised as not only the largest but also "the best and cheapest house in British Columbia." This was the Mansion House with other "branches on Antler and Lightning creeks, Cariboo."
Near the New Westminster waterfront, this building was a favourite and even offered a rarity for the time and place with "two No. 1 bowling alleys - for the use of its patrons." They also offered a service: "Hunting par-ties made up, with Indian guides, and plenty of sport guaranteed."
For some, there were many food choices, as well. There were always the meals provided by the boarding houses, with Clarkson's offering single meals at 75 cents each or $7.50 per week. There was also J.T. Scott's Pioneer Saloon, where one could quench one's thirst as well as get something to eat with what Scott considered to be "as good as can be produced in the colony."
For a bit more "class" there was the recently opened Hardie's restaurant in Mr Hick's building which also offered a number of "sleeping apartments." Hardie's advertised "meals at all hours" and the best wines and liquors. For food this just might have been the place to go as "the proprietor (has) secured the services of a first class French cook, (and is) prepared to meet the wants of the public."
French cooking and a bowling alley next to the muddy roads of the early Royal City - wonderful image.
