English Country Garden

Vancouver Vanishes recently covered the demolition at 3548 West 26th, where mention is made of the English country garden. Because the house sat in the corner of a large lot of 50 by 130 feet, there was a large area for the garden. On February 28, 2016, there were daffodils and crocuses!

There was enough room at the far end for a shady garden of ferns and rhododendrons. Think of all the little creatures that lived there.

But in mid December 2016, the garden was clear-cut. Where did all the little creatures go?

(photo from Vancouver Vanishes used with permission from Caroline Alderson)

As for the house itself, it was built in 1928 and enjoyed numerous additions over its 88 years.

 

This stained glass window was a creative touch on one of the additions.

Because the house could barely be seen on West 26th Avenue, a little directional sign was helpful.

 

The old house exhibited a lot of character and individuality, so people are sorry to see it disappear. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that the replacement house will not last 88 years.

Disappeared Stongs has Reappeared!

Around noon on December 4, 2016, the new Stongs unofficially opened. Word soon got around, and by late afternoon, the store was crowded. Dunbar Street became more lively, after a too-quiet summer and fall without this major anchor store.

Do you remember the old Stongs? 

According to The Story of Dunbar (edited by Peggy Schofield, Ronsdale Press, 2007), Stongs moved from a downtown location to Dunbar in 1955. Dunbar residents are pleased to welcome Stongs back!

West of Dunbar Street

This modest house was built in 1940, with some nice touches of that era. Note the framing of the large front window and the corner entrance. The front door had the typical knocker/peek hole. I still have ours somewhere in the basement. The hanging lamp is probably also original. The house was sold in May 2014 and again in January 2016.

When I walked by on the evening of November 7, 2016, the house had disappeared. Yet another little classic home gone. Is bigger better for our neighbourhood? Vancouver Vanishes also featured this home.