News Headlines in Nanaimo: 1874 - 1934

In 1934, to mark Nanaimo's 60th Anniversary, the Nanaimo Free Press published a special Jubilee Edition which featured selected headlines from 1874 to 1934.  Researchers interested in reading more should consult the Free Press on microfilm at the Vancouver Island Regional Library or at Vancouver Island University.

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1874
April 6

Black Diamond Lodge, No. 5. I.O.O.F [International Order of Oddfellows]., inaugurated

1874
April 15

Nanaimo Free Press commences publication

1874
April 15

Indian woman and son murdered near Douglas Pit

1874
April 22

Nanaimo Militia Company formed

1874
May 19

Gabriola Island census recorded 19 settlers

1874
May 23

First ballad concert here

1874
May 25

Queen's birthday celebration; sloop races in harbor and horse racing on Comox Road

 

1874
June 3

Mr. T.E. Peck appointed Collector of Customs

 

1874
June 8

John Meakin rescued a Chinaman who accidentally fired Douglas Pit.

 

1874
July 1

Wesleyan Methodist Dominion Day picnic at Protection Island

 

1874
July 8

Point Atkinson lighthouse completed

 

1874
July 28

Vancouver Coal Co. miners' strike on doctor question

 

1874
Aug 5

Miners' strike settled

 

1874
Aug 5

Nanaimo schools re-open with 90 pupils attending

 

1874
Aug 19

Coal struck at Harewood MIne

 

1874
Sept 18

First plank sawn at Robertson and Co. sawmill, successor to Hudson Bay Co. mill, opened in 1851

 

1874
Sept 30

Richard Haslam killed by fall of rock at Newcastle Mine

 

1874
Oct 3

Nanaimo River Bridge completed, and tested by yoke of oxen, dragging ton load

 

1874
Oct 21

New Masonic Lodge dedicated by Ashlar Lodge, No. 3

 

1874
Oct 24

Nanaimo Indians terrified by moon eclipse

 

1874
Nov 25

Gold discovered at north of Island

 

1874
Dec 24

Nanaimo created municipality with mayor and seven councillors

 

1875
January 2

William Earl appointed post master, vice J. Harvey

 

1875
January 19

Mark Bate elected first mayor; Councillors elected: J. Bryden, R. Brinn, R. Nightingale, J. Pawson, W. Raybould, J. Dick, J. Hirst

 

1875
January 20

Harbor frozen solidly to Protection Island

 

1875
Feb. 1

C. N. Young appointed first City Clerk

 

1875
March 13

Survey party completed preliminary work on proposed E & N Railway

 

1875
March 23

Several houses levelled by terrific gale

 

1875
April 7

Sloop Ringleader sank in harbor

 

1875
April 14

Coal struck in Dunsmuir bore at Departure Bay

 

1875
April 16

Brewery commenced operations on Mill Street

 

1875
May 19

Hudson Bay Co.'s "Old Stone House" converted into city jail.

 

1875
May 24

Queen's birthday celebration lasted three days.

 

1875
June 30

Court Nanaimo Foresters' Home inaugurated; James Knight first Chief Ranger.

 

1875
Sept. 15

J. Bryden elected to Provincial House

 

1875
Oct. 9

Postmaster Earl laid first sidewalk here, on Church Street.

 

1875
Oct. 27

James Knight, Nanaimo, elected D.C.R. for A.O.F., Columbia District

 

1875
Oct. 30

Ravine Street bridge completed; 292 feet long and 40 feet wide.

 

1875
Nov. 4

Several Nanaimoites were drowned when steamer Pacific foundered

 

1875
Nov. 27

Steel rails for E & N arrived.

 

1875
Dec. 23

Quen-es-ton, chief of Nanaimo Indians, passed away.

 

1875
Dec. 29

Municipal voters numbered 142

 

1876
Jan. 12

Mayor Bate re-elected for second term as Chief Magistrate.

 

1876
Jan. 18

Coal struck at 500 feet by Vancouver Coal Co.

 

1876
Jan. 26

Entire harbor frozen solid.

 

1876
Feb. 2

1875 records showed 36 births, 12 marriages and 16 deaths.

 

1876
Feb. 18

Diver Lake Hotel burned to the ground.

 

1876
Feb. 25

Two hundred and eighty-eight and a half tons of coal hoisted at Douglas Pit.

 

1876
Feb. 26

Two locomotives of 10-ton hauling power tested at Wellington.

 

1876
March 1

Illicit traffic of liquor to Indians caused 97 per cent of court cases in 1875.

 

1876
March 18

Locomotives replaced mules at Wellington.

 

1876
March 21

Coal transported over aerial tramway from Harewood to Cameron Island, distance of 2 14 miles.

1876
March 22

Steamer Grappler sent aground on Beacon Rock.

 

1876
March 28

Steamer Beaver, first steamer to enter Pacific, also first one to moor at Hirst's new wharf.

 

1876
April 12

Suspension bridge built from peninsula to Cameron Island.

 

1876
April 22

Caribou Fly made trial run.

 

1876
April 29

Entrance Island light-house completed.

 

1876
April 29

First coal shipped from Harewood mine.

 

1876
May 31

Sixteen-ton locomotive purchased for Wellington mines.

 

1876
June 1

Court Western Star, No. 6194 A.O.F. [Ancient Order of Foresters], inaugurated at Wellington.

 

1876
June 14

First bricks in district made at Sabiston farm.

 

1876
Aug. 1

Miners ended strike at Wellington.

 

1876
Aug. 24

Earl and Countess of Dufferin visited Nanaimo.

 

1876
Sept. 26

Mr. J. Planta organized Base and Foot Ball Club.

 

1876
Oct. 7

Coal struck at Cornish farm, Wellington.

 

1876
Oct. 14

Chute erected on Albert St. for local users of Harewood coal.

 

1876
Oct. 25

First baseball game, Nanaimo lost to Wellington.

 

1876
Nov. 2

Comox Road site chosen for cemetery.

 

1876
Nov. 22

Robert Gray, Gabriola, chosen keeper of Entrance Island light.

 

1876
Dec. 13

Telegraph line survey from Victoria completed.

 

1876
Dec. 13

John Bryden, M.L.A. [M.P.P. Member of Provincial Parliament] resigned.

 

1876
Dec. 17

Wellington Methodist Church dedicated.

 

1877
Jan. 8

Mark Bate re-elected as mayor for third term.

 

1877
Jan. 19

D. W. Gordon elected to Provincial House.

 

1877
Jan. 28

Nanaimo Hospital established.

 

1877
Feb. 10

Sash and Door Factory opened on Mill Street.

 

1877
Feb. 13

Wellington miners strike for increased rate.

 

1877
Feb. 18

Nanaimo River rose 13 feet in single day.

 

1877
March 2

H.M.S. Rocket arrived to quell strikers.

 

1877
March 1

R. Dunsmuir withdrew libel suit against G. Norris, the Free Press editor, who sympathized with miners.

 

1877
April 4

Miners evicted from their homes at Wellington.

 

1877
April 24

First two dollar bills seen here.

 

1877
April 30

St. Ann's Convent School, Wallace Street, opened.

 

1877
June 6

Strike ended at Wellington.

 

1877
July 17

Stationary fire engine secured by Brigade.

 

1877
Sept. 14

Two-ton block of coal raised to surface at Wellington.

 

1877
Sept. 19

E. Quennell and A. LeClaire discovered gold at Boulder Creek.

 

1877
Sept. 29

Old Commercial Street [bridge?] demolished and new one commenced.

 

1877
Sept. 29

Two earthquake shocks recorded here.

 

1877
Nov. 11

Samuel Gough, Princess Royal arrival, wed to Miss Elizabeth Woodward by Rev. C. Bryant.

 

1877
Dec. 25

Catholic Church opened by Father Lemmens.

 

1878
Jan. 14

Mayor Bate re-elected for fourth term.

 

1878
Feb. 6

Coal discovered near Oyster River

 

1878
Feb. 20

South Wellington Mine opened by Francis and Nicholas.

 

1878
March 23

James Abrams completed Bridge Street tannery.

 

1878
April 6

Schooner Experiment ran aground on Gabriola Island.

 

1878
April 20

Several Commercial street stores razed by fire.

 

1878
May 4

Mayor Bate organized first fire brigade.

 

1878
May 11

George Thomson appointed postmaster at Wellington.

 

1878
May 22

D. W. Gordon re-elected to Provincial House.

 

1878
July 20

Sun eclipse witnessed here.

 

1878
Aug. 11

Town had two narrow escapes from bush fire.

 

1878
Aug. 16

Pecks' Synagogue, Departure Bay, burned to ground.

 

1878
Aug. 27

Edward Prior appointed sheriff.

 

1878
Sept. 11

C.C. McKenzie, new Superintendent of Education replaced E. Jessop, resigned.

 

1878
Oct. 2

Fire brigade purchased new pumper.

 

1878
Nov. 6

A. Bunster defeated D. W. Gordon in Dominion elections.

 

1878
Dec. 9

Record output of 504 tons of coal at Wellington.

 

1878
Dec. 11

James Abrams wed to Miss Georgina Wenborn.

 

1879
Jan. 14

Mayor Bate re-elected for fifth term.

 

1879
Jan. 17

Mayor Bate received and tested first street lamp.

 

1879
Jan. 22

Three thousand Indians attended Cowichan Jim's potlatch at local reserve.

 

1879
March 1

Newcastle quarry is re-opened.

 

1879
March 27

Lt. Col. C. Houghton wed to Marion, third daughter of R. Dunsmuir.

 

1879
April 17

Eleven killed in explosion at Wellington.

 

1879
May 15

First message received over telegraph lines from Victoria.

 

1879
June 25

First cargo of coal shipped from South Wellington Colliery.

 

1879
July 23

Telegraph line opened for business with Miss McCarthy as operator.

 

1879
Sept. 6

Gallows Point selected by military authorities as site for Nanaimo Battery to protect harbor from invasion.

 

1879
Sept. 10

First meet of B.C. Rifle Ass'n held in Nanaimo, opened at Nanaimo Rifle Butts by Mrs. Robert Dunsmuir.

 

1879
Oct. 11

Oddfellows' Hall, Commercial Street, dedicated.

 

1879
Oct. 15

Dunsmuir and Diggle purchased all interests in Wellington Colliery.

 

1879
Nov. 15

South Wellington Mine sold to Dunsmuir interests.

 

1880
Jan. 10

Municipal revenue for 1879 was $5,844.43 with expenditure of $5,819.65

 

1880
Jan. 12

John Pawson elected as mayor by acclamation. M. Bate declined to run

 

1880
Feb. 21

First Caledonian Society formed here with R. Dunsmuir, J. Bryden, D. Urquhart, J. Crossan and R. Gibson as chieftains and H. Adams as warden.

 

1880
March 11

$20,000 fire destroyed machine and blacksmith shops of V.C. [Vancouver Coal] Company.

 

1880
April 10

V. C. [Vancouver Coal] Co. miners ended strike

 

1880
April 14

Old landmark, trading post of Hudson Bay Co., erected when Nanaimo was but a primeval forest, demolished.

 

1880
April 26

First shipment via rail of coal to Departure Bay from Wellington Colliery.

 

1880
May 13

J. Korter killed by explosion of old 70 pound shell on Commercial Street opposite Masonic Hall.

 

1880
May 29

M. Bray appointed Government Agent, vice E.G. Prior, resigned.

 

1880
June 9

Prof. LeClaire ascended 2,000 feet in balloon ending trip in waters near coal wharves.

 

1880
July 3

Wellington sports brought to a standstill by fire in stable of Wellington Hotel where a shackled prisoner was burnt to death.

 

1880
July 3

The American freighter Thrasher sunk on reef off Gabriola Island.

 

1880
Dec. 1

Steamer Grappler ran aground at Nor'west Bay but soon refloated.

 

1880
Dec. 4

Large public meeting held by residents to discuss Island railway question.

 

1880
Dec. 21

Harry Jones drowned in Diver Lake, Wellington

 

1881
Jan. 5

Monthly coal output for B.C. broken at Wellington Colliery which put out 21,000 tons.

 

1881
Jan. 10

M. Bate, back in field, acclaimed as mayor.

 

1881
Feb. 6

"Coal Tyhee", [Tyee] the Indian who discovered coal which made Nanaimo famous passed away.

 

1881
Feb. 12

Great fire at Chase River Mine, controlled later in month.

 

1881
March 19

Branch Lode of A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] instituted in Nanaimo.

 

1881
May 10

Rich seam of coal, leading under the harbor from Commercial Inlet, struck by prospectors.

 

1881
May 21

William Stewart, Nanaimo, appointed Indian Agent for Nanaimo, Cowichan and Comox District.

 

1881
June 4

Ten-foot seam struck in Wellington shaft.

 

1881
Sept. 14

Sinking of No. 1 shaft, Esplanade, commenced.

 

1881
Oct. 5

Two workmen injured at No. 1 shaft when bucket fell 50 feet.

 

1881
Oct. 15

Population of Vancouver Island 12,700; Vancouver less than 5,000.

 

1881
Nov. 5

New community hospital on Franklyn street completed and handed over to managing boards.

 

1881
Dec. 27

John Frame installed as W.M. of Ashlar Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 3.

 

1882
Jan. 9

Mayor Bate re-elected by acclamation.

 

1882
Jan. 18.

Construction of E and N under speculation.

 

1882
Jan. 21

Two-roomed lockup built by convict gang at Departure Bay.

 

1882
Feb. 1

Buoys in harbour forced out of position by ice.

 

1882
Feb. 2

Brannan claim, adjoining Dunsmuir interests, bought by American firm.

 

1882
Feb. 15

Mrs. D. W. Gordon, wife of M.P., passed away.

 

1882
Feb. 28

553 names recorded on Nanaimo Provincial voting list.

 

1882
March 8

Princess Royal celebrated return to Nanaimo for first time since first arrival by running aground at Jack's Point.

 

1882
March 29

Newcastle Mines closed indefinitely.

 

1882
March 30

Elijah Ganner, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1882
April 1

Government franchise to construct Victoria-Nanaimo Railway within two years, granted to Dunsmuir and Diggle.

 

1882
May 3

Coal prospecting commenced on Westwood estate.

 

1882
May 4

City shaken by heavy earthquake shocks.

 

1882
May 6

American firm bought the Harewood Mine.

 

1882
May 20

Fine seam of coal struck at 40 feet on Westwood estate.

 

1882
May 21

Shaft No. 2 begun on Esplanade.

 

1882
May 24

New hospital threatened by bush fire.

 

1882
May 30

Preparations for laying of new water main begun.

 

1882
June 4

Coal lands at Cedar purchased by James Harvey.

 

1882
June 4

Four men injured by gas explosion at Wellington Mine.

 

1882
June 11

Coal struck at 350 feet at South Wellington.

 

1882
June 18

South Field coal discovery.

 

1882
June 21

Steamer Idaho caused extensive damage at Johnston's wharf.

 

1882
July 26

First water main laid on Commercial Street.

 

1882
July 26

W. Raybould and R. Dunsmuir elected to Legislature.

 

1882
Aug. 4

W. Gordon elected as Federal member.

 

1882
Aug. 31

"The Nanaimo", the first sea-going vessel built in B.C., launched by C. Carpenter on the Millstream.

 

1882
Sept. 16

John Hirst, pioneer business man, passed away.

 

1882
Oct. 20

Marquis of Lorne, Governor-General of Canada, visited Nanaimo.

 

1882
Nov. 8

East Wellington Mine shaft sinking commenced.

 

1882
Dec. 9

Record depth reached by two mines in district.

 

1883
Jan. 8

Mayor Bate re-elected by acclamation.

 

1883
Jan. 20

Rev. J. B. Good, first rector of St. Paul's Church here, again rector, after a lapse of 16 years.

 

1883
Feb. 3

Nanaimo electors numbered 651.

 

1883
March 16

Harmony Lodge, I.O.O.F. [International Order of Oddfellows], instituted at Wellington.

 

1883
April 14

Two inches rain fell during storm.

 

1883
April 30

No. 1 shaft hoisting engine, "Samuel M. Robins", installed.

 

1883
May 12

R. Dunsmuir purchased entire interests of Wellington Colliery, Steamship Line and San Francisco real estate from Diggle for $700,000.

 

1883
Aug. 11

Wellington miners on strike.

 

1883
Aug. 16

R. Dunsmuir signed contract for construction and maintenance of Island Railway.

 

1883
Aug. 16

Mr. Mark Bate, Jr., wed to Miss Amelia Planta.

 

1883
Aug. 25

South Field-Nanaimo railway over Chase River completed.

 

1883
Sept. 18

Barque Nanaimo sold for $18,000 at auction.

 

1883
Oct. 10

Marshall Bray, Government Agent, wed to Miss Sarah Randle.

 

1883
Oct. 26

Coal struck at No. 1 Esplanade at depth of 635 feet.

 

1883
Nov. 14

Wellington strike ended after three months layoff.

 

1883
Nov. 15

Sinking of No. 1 shaft completed.

 

1883
Dec. 15

William McGregor appointed mine manager of Vancouver Coal Company, vice James Beaumont, resigned.

 

1883
Dec. 15

Workmen commenced driving levels at No. 1 mine.

 

1883
Dec. 24

Output at No. 1 mine totalled 50 tons.

 

1884
Jan. 4

Andrew Hunter, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1884
Jan. 9

Dominion Public Building, Front Street, completed.

 

1884
Jan. 14

Mayor Bate re-elected by acclamation.

 

1884
Jan. 26

Jno. [John] Shaw appointed teacher here.

 

1884
Feb. 17

Coal struck at No. 2 shaft, Esplanade, 80 yards from No. 1.

 

1884
Feb. 22

Explosion in No. 1 shaft; Samuel Harris and Joseph Guthro later died of injuries.

 

1884
April 19

Fine bell installed at Roman Catholic Church.

 

1884
April 23

Campbell power press installed at Nanaimo Free Press.

 

1884
April 30

Brickyard opened near Millstream by George Mitchell.

 

1884
May 7

First spike of E & N Railway driven at Esquimalt.

 

1884
May 13

M. Manson's warehouse, Wallace street, burned to ground.

 

1884
June 1

David Hopkins, pioneer, passed away.

 

1884
June 11

Miss L. Mebius appointed to teaching staff of local schools.

 

1884
June 25

Steamer "Amelia" made first call at Nanaimo.

 

1884
June 30

Explosion at South Wellington; 23 men killed.

 

1884
July 12

Chinaman killed in No. 4 shaft at Wellington.

 

1884
July 16

W. McGregor and W. Wall injured in wreck on South Field railway.

 

1884
July 21

Sammy Eaton, Nanaimo Indian chief, passed away.

 

1884
July 22

Trail between Harewood Mine and Nanaimo Lakes commenced.

 

1884
July 30

Construction of new bridges over Millstone and Nanaimo Rivers commenced.

 

1884
Aug. 2

Street sprinkler used for the first time in Nanaimo.

 

1884
Aug. 5

Worst thunder and lighting storm in 22 years caused extensive damage.

 

1884
Aug. 16

Cage plunged 300 feet down No. 4 shaft at Wellington; none injured.

 

1884
Aug. 20

Chinese Commission arrived in Nanaimo to hear complaints.

 

1884
Aug. 23

Lumber yard established on Commercial Inlet by Croft and Angus.

 

1884
Aug. 30

Wonderful 13-foot seam struck at No. 5, Wellington

 

1884
Aug. 30

Henry Edwards killed in Esplanade shaft.

 

1884
Sept. 3

Trail from Harewood Mine to Nanaimo Lakes completed.

 

1884
Sept. 10

B. H. Smith appointed Collector of Customs for Nanaimo.

 

1884
Sept. 17

Dave Stephenson, policeman, obtained novel 54-inch wheel bicycle.

 

1884
Sept. 20

White laundry established on Skinner Street by W. Morris.

 

1884
Sept. 24

Contract for 25 miles of Island Railway, from Nanaimo to Chemainus awarded.

 

1884
Oct. 4

Nanaimo Equitable Pioneer Society formed.

 

1884
Oct. 5

Alexandria shaft abandoned because of temporary flood.

 

1884
Oct. 15

Three injured by gas explosion at South Field Mine.

 

1884
Oct. 19

Rev. S. Robson held first religious service at Departure Bay.

 

1884
Nov. 28

William G. Old accidentally killed while hunting in the vicinity of Harewood.

 

1884
Dec. 29

Royal Order of Temperance Lodge instituted in Nanaimo.

 

1885
Jan. 3

Great fire at No. 3 and No. 4 shafts, Wellington Collieries; two men lost, mine sealed.

 

1885
Jan. 15

Mayor Bate re-elected for tenth term by a 75 majority.

 

1885
Jan. 24

Wellington Mine flooded to stop fire.

 

1885
Jan. 24

John Dick struck coal at Alexandria bore.

 

1885
March 30

Eleven earthquakes felt in Nanaimo.

 

1885
May 6

Defense of Nanaimo mines, in case of war, mooted.

 

1885
May 25

Nanaimo won baseball match with Wellington, 8-3. Tully, Nanaimo pitcher, supplied feature of game by curving ball to right or left.

 

1885
July 2

Sixty canoes of Alberni Indians arrived for grand potlatch of Nanaimo chieftain, Quenam, whose daughter was married.

 

1885
July 29

Samuel Drake appointed sheriff.

 

1885
Aug. 8

Preparations for E and N railway station at Nanaimo commenced.

 

1885
Aug. 15

Survey began of 800 acres comprising Newcastle Townsite.

 

1885
Aug. 28

Unity Encampment No. 3 I.O.O.F. [International Order of Oddfellows], organized at Wellington.

 

1885
Sept. 21

Steam fire engine tested; hose unable to stand pressure.

 

1885
Oct. 12

Governor General Lansdowne visited Nanaimo.

 

1885
Oct. 13

Five Chinamen killed at East Wellington Mine when car ran 250 feet down chute.

 

1885
Oct. 19

Manson and Co. furniture warehouse, Church street, destroyed by fire.

 

1885
Nov. 16

James Dick, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away.

 

1885
Nov. 18

Nanaimo Encampment No. 4, Black Diamond, I.O.O. F. [International Order of Oddfellows], organized.

 

1885
Nov. 28

Departure Bay Road washed away by exceptionally high tide.

 

1885
Dec. 11

Council of Order of American Legion of Honor formed here.

 

1886
Jan. 11

Mark Bate elected for the eleventh term as mayor by 35 majority over R. Gibson.

 

1886
Jan. 30

New school, between Victoria Road and Nicol street, for high and public school classes, completed.

 

1886
Feb. 10

Grand Lodge I.O.O.F. [International Order of Oddfellows] convened in Nanaimo for the first time.

 

1886
Feb. 20

A. Haslam and A. Lees purchased Nanaimo sawmill.

 

1886
Feb. 25

Rails of Island Railway laid to Nanaimo depot.

 

1886
Feb. 27

Contract for formation of Nanaimo Gas Works signed.

 

1886
Feb. 28

Entire population witnessed arrival of No. 1, first locomotive to enter Nanaimo over E and N; Indians in awe exclaiming "okook, hyas tyhee".

 

1886
March 24

Phil Gable opened Nanaimo Cigar Factory.

 

1886
April 3

Excellent seam of coal struck at first level of No. 1 mine.

 

1886
May 20

Second Lodge of A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] organized in Nanaimo

 

1886
June 2

Nanaimo Marble Works opened on Front street by A. Henderson.

 

1886
June 5

W. Gibson, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1886
July 7

R. Dunsmuir and W. Raybould elected to Provincial House.

 

1886
July 28

A. Henderson awarded the contract for building Earl Block.

 

1886
July 29

Explosion of coal dust on SS Queen of Pacific at coal wharf injured 12 men; eight died of injuries.

 

1886
Aug. 13

Sir John A. Macdonald, premier of Canada, accompanied by Lady Macdonald, visited Nanaimo; Sir John drove last spike of Island Railway at Shawnigan.

 

1886
Aug. 14

First through train on Island Railway left Nanaimo for Equimalt at 10:30 am.

 

1886
Sept. 14

Nanaimo Gas Works started erection of buildings.

 

1886
Oct. 13

Arrangements made to pipe water from Chase River to Nanaimo.

 

1886
Oct. 23

Brewery erected at Nanaimo River Bridge; by Preece and James to bring district's total to three

 

1886
Nov. 19

Dr. Cluness, mine physician, passed away.

 

1886
Nov. 24

Dr. L. T. Davis appointed mine physician.

 

1886
Dec. 3

W. Raybould, M.P.P., accidentally killed by fall, at back of the old Oddfellows' building.

 

1886
Dec. 5

Akenhead's two storey building between long and short bridges, Commercial street burned to ground.

 

1887
Jan. 3

George Thomson elected to Provincial House, taking vacancy caused by death of W. Raybould.

 

1887
Jan. 4

Charles Drummond and Robert Beck drowned when rowboat capsized.

 

1887
Jan. 5

Nanaimo schools re-opened with 263 pupils attending.

 

1887
Jan. 6

John Malpass, of Wellington, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1887
Jan. 9

Nanaimo Gas Works opened.

 

1887
Jan. 12

No. 1 output up to 800 tons daily.

 

1887
Jan. 13

Richard Gibson elected mayor.

 

1887
Feb. 7

Occidental Hotel, Fitzwilliam St., opened.

 

1887
March 7

Branch of Bank of British Columbia opened here.

 

1887
March 23

D. W. Gordon re-elected to Federal House

 

1887
April 16

W. Akenhead, city pioneer, passed away.

 

1887
April 19

T. Harris killed in No. 1.

 

1887
May 3

Frightful explosion at No. 1; 148 men (96 whites and 52 Chinese) killed.

 

1887
July 20

No. 1 Mine activities resumed for first time since explosion.

 

1887
July 27

Work commenced on No. 1 reservoir.

 

1887
Aug. 6

New fan installed at No. 1 shaft.

 

1887
Aug. 22

United Order of Honor Branch, Star of the West Lodge, No. 119, instituted.

 

1887
Aug. 25

Postmaster General Hon. A. W. McLellan and Minister of Justice Hon. J.S. Thompson visited this city.

 

1887
Aug. 31

Clearing for Court House, Front St., commenced.

 

1887
Sept. 17

Worked commenced on erection of Globe Hotel, Front St.

 

1887
Oct. 2

Fire destroyed Pioneer Livery Stable.

 

1887
Oct. 11

East Wellington second shaft commenced.

 

1887
Nov. 3

Douglas seam struck by miners in No. 2 shaft, Esplanade.

 

1887
Dec. 8

Mrs. Mary Van Houten, 1849 arrival from Scotland and first white child on Vancouver Island passed away.

 

1887
Dec. 10

J. H. Hawthornthwaite, U.S. Vice-Consul at Nanaimo.

 

1887
Dec. 29

S. M. Robins officially opened Nanaimo waterworks system.

 

1888
Jan. 12

Mark Bate elected Mayor with 12 majority in 322 votes over R. Gibson.

 

1888
Jan. 24

Explosion at No. 5 Wellington; 31 whites and 37 Chinese killed.

 

1888
Jan. 29

Joseph Westwood, veteran of Waterloo, and pioneer of East Wellington, passed away.

 

1888
Feb. 13

Strike at East Wellington settled when officials agreed to employ no Chinese underground.

 

1888
Feb. 15

T. D. Jones struck coal on "West Estate" of V.C. Co. [Vancouver Coal Company]

 

1888
Feb. 15

Miners on strike at East Wellington because of Company's failure to abide by Chinese agreement.

 

1888
Feb. 20

Blasting for removal Nicol Rock from harbor begun.

 

1888
Feb. 27

East Wellington miners resumed work with no Chinese underground.

 

1888
March 17

John Hill appointed postmaster at South Cedar.

 

1888
March 30

William Rich, 1852 arrival, passed away.

 

1888
April 16

Nanaimo Building Society formed.

 

1888
May 5

Monument to Samuel Hudson, hero of No. 1 disaster, unveiled at Cemetery.

 

1888
May 10

Attempt to stage illegal prize fight under gas lamps on Wallace St., stopped by appearance of Constable T. O'Connell.

 

1888
May 15

Corps. of Salvation Army organized here.

 

1888
May 22

Eighty-foot flag pole, highest in city, erected in front of Nanaimo hotel.

 

1888
June 2

Building boom experienced in Nanaimo.

 

1888
June 15

Output of local mines increased to 1,000 tons daily.

 

1888
May 15

Thomas Wall opened Wellington Hotel.

 

1888
June 2

Seven per cent dividend declared by Nanaimo Gas Company.

 

1888
June 29

Miss Margaret Gibson won Governor-General's medal.

 

1888
June 30

Nanaimo Lodge, No. 4, K. of P. [Knights of Pythias] instituted.

 

1888
July 25

T. and J. Dobeson prepared Comox Road site for erection of foundry.

 

1888
Aug. 4

Record output of 40,158 tons of coal in 26 vessels at ports of Nanaimo and Departure Bay.

 

1888
Aug. 11

No. 2 dam completed.

 

1888
Aug. 16

Corporation workmen strike because of remarks made at Council meeting.

 

1888
Aug. 25

Nanaimo Rovers rugby team formed.

 

1888
Sept. 12

Contract awarded for erection of two-storey brick building on Front St. for Bank of British Columbia, present Elks' Home.

 

1888
Oct. 6

Nanaimo Rugby team, Rovers, in initial match draw with Victoria, at Capital City. Score one goal and one try each.

 

1888
Oct. 27

Work began on erection of Palace Hotel, Skinner Street, present Herald Block.

 

1888
Nov. 7

Bank of British Columbia building completed.

 

1888
Nov. 15

Nanaimo rugby team defeated Victoria, in return match at Beaven's ranch, by two goals and one try to nil.

 

1888
Dec. 1

Nanaimo Rovers, proud of success, accepted match with New Westminster.

 

1888
Dec. 2

New Presbyterian Church opened.

 

1888
Dec. 4

First issue of Nanaimo Free Press as a daily.

 

1888
Dec. 12

Sinequar, West Coast Indian, hanged at Nanaimo jail for murder.

 

1888
Dec. 15

Bank of British Columbia moved to new quarters.

 

1888
Dec. 20

First issue of Nanaimo Morning Courier appeared.

 

1888
Dec. 22

George Irvine, defeated William Stokes in 10-mile return road race from Newcastle Hotel to Wellington Hotel. Irvine went the distance in one hour and 10 minutes.

 

1889
Jan. 2

Wellington miners strike for increase in wages for pillar work.

 

1889
Jan. 2

Construction of new boat house commenced by Campbell and Foreman.

 

1889
Jan. 6

Eighteen-round "slugging" match between two youths on Green ended in a draw; editorial comment on brutality of spectators for encouraging such a fight.

 

1889
Jan. 9

Wellington miners held out for 10 per cent increase.

 

1889
Jan. 15

Wellington strike settled.

 

1889
Jan. 15

McGee and McCann, two Nanaimo "sluggers" and 25 supporters left Nanaimo on boat for San Juan Island for boxing match, which went 43 rounds to draw.

 

1889
Jan. 15

Ex-Ald. Joseph Webb, Princess Royal arrival, passed away in San Francisco.

 

1889
Jan. 17

Mark Bate won mayoralty race from John Hilbert by eight votes.

 

1889
Feb. 13

Carpenter's Wharf, Front St., dismantled.

 

1889
Feb. 14

Arrangements made for construction of present Wilson Hotel Block.

 

1889
Feb. 23

City residents excited by Texada Island gold stories.

 

1889
Feb. 27

Methodists decided to build $6,000 structure on Wallace St.

 

1889
March 2

Steps taken to form cricket clubs in Nanaimo.

 

1889
March 8

Nanaimo Morning Courier suspended activity; taken over by prominent city men.

 

1889
March 9

Mainland won first game for Greyhound Cup, donated by Mr. H. Cole, from Island in rugby match at Vancouver.

 

1889
March 13

W. Stokes defeated G. Irvine in 15-hour "go as you please" race. Stokes covered 77 miles, Irvine 71.

 

1889
March 16

Plans for erection of Nanaimo Opera House by Ald. John Mahrer, adopted.

 

1889
March 23

Palace Hotel opened.

 

1889
March 23

Nanaimo Junior Brass Band organized with Joseph Lowther as leader.

 

1889
March 27

Nanaimo Rovers beat Comox rugby team, playing in hollow off Albert St.

 

1889
April 5

Spencer and Perkins opened store on Victoria Crescent.

 

1889
April 10

Telephone in demand, and lines strung to many business places and residences.

 

1889
April 12

Hon. R. Dunsmuir, the "coal king", passed away in Victoria.

 

1889
May 3

G. H. Frost secured contract for erection of new Methodist Church.

 

1889
May 4

K. of P. Lodge [Knights of Pythias] instituted here.

 

1889
May 6

Nanaimo Board of Trade formed with A. Haslam chairman.

 

1889
May 12

Nanaimo Nine Baseball Club formed.

 

1889
May 13

Railway line between Northfield and Departure Bay surveyed.

 

1889
May 21

Herbert Green and Harry Lester drowned off Snake Island.

 

1889
June 4

S. M. Robins laid cornerstone of new Methodist Church.

 

1889
June 11

First cricket club formed here with S. M. Robins as president.

 

1889
June 14

A. Haslam elected to Provincial House vice R. Dunsmuir.

 

1889
June 22

First cricket game played, single men beating married men.

 

1889
June 26

James Galloway, first Nanaimo High School pupil to win Governor-General's bronze medal.

 

1889
June 29

Dan McLeod, seconded by J. A. Caldwell, threw W. E. Johnson in straight falls in the first pro appearance, to take a side bet of $500.

 

1889
July 2

Lawn Tennis club formed.

 

1889
July 8

Milton St., between Albert St. and Comox Road, opened.

 

1889
July 17

East Wellington Cricket club formed, with W. S. Chandler as president.

 

1889
July 18

First Baptist Church organized here.

 

1889
July 21

Nanaimo cricket team beat Vancouver by five runs.

 

1889
July 25

Thomas Bradley, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1889
July 28

Nanaimo "Bradfords" won baseball match from Gabriola, 29-10.

 

1889
July 31

Coal seam struck in Northfield shaft.

 

1889
Aug. 13

Eli Harrison appointed as first resident County Court judge in Nanaimo.

 

1889
Aug. 22

Dan McLeod won in straight falls from Schumaker for $1,000 side bet.

 

1889
Aug. 24

East Wellington pithead destroyed by fire.

 

1889
Sept. 15

Nanaimo Athletic Association Football club formed, with W. McGregor as president.

 

1889
Sept. 16

Mrs. J. Harvey, 1852 arrival, passed away.

 

1889
Nov. 5

Governor-General Stanley visited Nanaimo.

 

1889
Nov. 13

Plans adopted for construction of Crescent Hotel.

 

1889
Nov. 13

Dan McLeod beat Cameron at Victoria and Nanaimo backers cleaned up $10,000.

 

1889
Nov. 19

New wing of Windsor Hotel completed.

 

1889
Dec. 5

Mrs. John Thompson, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1889
Dec. 13

Mr. J. Guffalo, proprietor of Italian Hotel, Haliburton St., opened a bowling alley 60 feet long and eight feet wide.

 

1890
Jan. 2

W. Hunter appointed principal Nanaimo High School.

 

1890
Jan. 7

City held banquet for Dan McLeod, presenting him with gold watch and diamond tie pin.

 

1890
Jan. 12

Wallace Street Methodist Church dedicated.

 

1890
Jan.16

John Hilbert elected mayor by 126 majority.

 

1890
Jan. 31

H. Good appointed station agent and operator at Nanaimo.

 

1890
Feb. 13

E. W. Bickle appointed postmaster at Wellington.

 

1890
March 13

W. H. Philpott opened New Criterion Restaurant.

 

1890
March 29

Oddfellows' Building completed.

 

1890
April 3

Hamilton Powder Company decided to build plant at Northfield.

 

1890
April 31

Y.M.C.A. formed in city.

 

1890
May 5

$50,000 loan bylaw for street improvements passed.

 

1890
May 12

Jack Dempsey, "The Nonpareil", middleweight boxing champion gave three-round demonstration with Paddy Gorman at Opera House.

 

1890
May 17

Nanaimo and Wellington miners held mass meeting at Wellington.

 

1890
May 20

Miners at Wellington strike when eight-hour day is refused.

 

1890
May 21

Inkerman Lodge, Sons of St. George, organized in Nanaimo.

 

1890
May 26

Miners' demands refused by Wellington operators.

 

1890
May 30

Thomas Keith elected by acclamation to Provincial House for Nanaimo City.

 

1890
June 7

J. H. Hawthornthwaite resigned U.S. consulary agency in Nanaimo.

 

1890
June 13

T. Forster and C. C. McKenzie elected to Provincial House for Nanaimo district by majorities over Dr. Walkem.

 

1890
June 17

Newcastle Quarry re-opened.

 

1890
June 30

Mr. A. H. Horne appointed Nanaimo postmaster, vice W. Earl resigned.

 

1890
July 2

Nanaimo fire hose team won Vancouver tournament.

 

1890
July 17

K. of P.'s [Knights of Pythias] held Grand Demonstration.

 

1890
July 18

Chief Constable Stewart re-organized Nanaimo Fife and Drum Band.

 

1890
July 28

Young and Bickle construct first store at Northfield.

 

1890
July 30

Plant of Hamilton Powder Co. erected at Northfield.

 

1890
Aug. 1

Perseverance and Nanaimo Lodges, A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] amalgamated.

 

1890
Aug. 4

Prof. W. J. Spears formed Philharmonic Society.

 

1890
Aug. 5

"C" Battery sent to Wellington, scene of strike.

 

1890
Sept. 3

New Fire Hall under construction.

 

1890
Sept. 12

Historic Baston moved to site where it now stands.

 

1890
Sept. 15

Nanaimo carpenters organized.

 

1890
Sept. 20

Nanaimoites celebrated Labor Day for first time.

 

1890
Sept. 29

Union of mechanics and engineers formed.

 

1890
Oct. 6

Newcastle Quarry shut down.

 

1890
Oct. 17

Shaft at Protection Island commenced.

 

1890
Nov. 1

Damon Lodge, No. 8 K. of P. [Knights of Pythias] formed at Northfield

 

1890
Nov. 14

Nanaimo Brewing Co. commenced construction of new brewery.

 

1890
Nov. 15

George Stupaisky [Stupayski?] drowned in harbor.

 

1890
Nov. 19

New school room constructed at St. Paul's Church.

 

1890
Nov. 19

Sons of England and Benevolent Society instituted.

 

1890
Nov. 21

Athletic Association opened gymnasium in Oddfellows' building.

 

1890
Nov. 22

First powder shipped from plant at Northfield.

 

1890
Nov. 26

James Marshall murdered at Italian Hotel.

 

1890
Dec. 11

Skating pond made when Ravine dyked.

 

1890
Dec. 12

Crescent Hotel completed.

 

1890
Dec. 15

Tide reaches floor of Hirst's wharf.

 

1890
Dec. 25

David F. Fee, East Wellington merchant, murdered in Victoria.

 

1891
Jan. 4

Bank of British Columbia established first Bank Savings Department.

 

1891
Jan. 9

St. Paul's Institute Hall completed.

 

1891
Jan. 11

Baptist Church formally opened by Rev. M. L. Rugg.

 

1891
Jan. 12

Mayor J. Hilbert re-elected by acclamation.

 

1891
Jan. 12

Preliminary work for construction of new Union Brewery commenced.

 

1891
Jan. 22

Steamers Elton and City of Pueblo collided in harbour.

 

1891
Feb. 26

D. W. Gordon elected by acclamation to Federal House.

 

1891
March 9

Fifteen Wellington strikers arrested for intimidation.

 

1891
March 11

Magistrate J. P. Planta read Riot Act at Wellington.

 

1891
March 21

Dan Dailey opened barber shop.

 

1891
March 28

Mines adopted fort-nightly pay.

 

1891
March 30

Giant Powder explosion, which caused extensive damage but killed no one, occurred on Victoria Road

 

1891
April 6

All-night telephone service established.

 

1891
April 10

Hugh Morrow injured in No. 3 shaft.

 

1891
April 14

Independent Order of Foresters instituted.

 

1891
April 30

Malaspina Red Granite Quarry Co. incorporated.

 

1891
May 4

Gas Works bylaw endorsed by voters.

 

1891
May 19

T. E. Peck, former Collector of Customs in Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1891
May 22

James Wilcox, prominent citizen, passed away.

 

1891
June 22

M. Wolfe laid cornerstone of St. Alban's Church, Victoria Road and Nicol Street.

 

1891
July 3

Nanaimo Glee Club organized.

 

1891
July 7

Juvenile Cricket Club formed.

 

1891
July 21

Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 3, instituted.

 

1891
July 22

Lacrosse Club formed.

 

1891
July 25

Three burned in gas explosion at Wellington shaft.

 

1891
Aug. 29

Nanaimo's population 4,595.

 

1891
Sept. 9

Several burned in gas explosion at No. 5 Wellington.

 

1891
Sept. 18

Tug Estelle launched by Andrew Haslam.

 

1891
Sept. 30

Nanaimo Electric tramway mooted.

 

1891
Sept. 30

Nanaimo hose team won championship at Victoria.

 

1891
Oct. 24

William Sloan wed to Miss Flora Glaholm.

 

1891
Nov. 7

Football Association formed by local clubs.

 

1891
Nov. 13

Wellington strike ended.

 

1891
Nov. 14

Dan McLeod challenged Bob Fitzsimmons, heavyweight boxing champion, to wrestling match, stating he would throw him five times in one hour.

 

1891
Nov. 23

Electric lights used on Nanaimo streets for the first time.

 

1891
Nov. 26

D. H. Beckley took over Wenborn Meat Market.

 

1891
Nov. 30

Thompson & Scoville opened new I.X.L. stables on Chapel Street.

 

1892
Jan. 9

Coal struck at depth of 651 feet in Protection Shaft.

 

1892
Jan. 14

Andrew Haslam defeated R. Hilbert in mayorality race.

 

1892
Jan. 16

Dr. G. A. B. Hall and J. R. McKenzie elected president and vice-president respectively of football association.

 

1892
Jan. 22

No. 1 and Protection Island shafts connected.

 

1892
Jan. 27

Mrs. John Mahrer, prominent citizen, passed away.

 

1892
April 4

Nanaimo and Union Breweries amalgamated.

 

1892
April 13

Coal struck in lower levels of Protection shaft.

 

1892
April 26

King M'Bora, of Baritari Isles, visited city.

 

1892
May 18

Electric locomotive tried at No. 1 pit.

 

1892
May 20

Union Brewery made first lager beer in B.C.

 

1892
May 25

Mrs. A. Haslam formally opened new Nanaimo rifle range at Beaven's ranch.

 

1892
June 1

Six o'clock closing adopted by merchants.

 

1892
June 4

Nanaimo Rangers won B.C. Challenge soccer cup from Northfield, 3-2.

 

1892
June 14

Centennial Lodge, No. 20, I.O.O.F., [International Order of Oddfellows] instituted; E.G. Cavalsky charter member.

 

1892
June 23

Grand Lodge Masons convened in city.

 

1892
July 8

Dr. McKechnie elected as Northfield resident doctor.

 

1892
July 26

Doric Lodge, A.F. and A.M., established.

 

1892
Aug. 2

First shipment of coal from Protection.

 

1892
Aug. 30

St. Phillip's Church consecrated.

 

1892
Sept. 10

Clearing of Wakesiah Park [known as Company Farm] commenced by V. C. Co. [Vancouver Coal Company]

 

1892
Sept. 28

Murder of John Cavellero at Northfield.

 

1892
Sept. 29

Peter Sabiston, 1858 arrival, passed away.

 

1892
Oct. 6

Nanaimo's new pilot ship named "D.W. Gordon".

 

1892
Oct. 10

J. C. Hardy killed in fall from roof of North Ward school.

 

1892
Oct. 28

Nanaimo Amateur Athletic Club formed.

 

1892
Oct. 29

Nanaimo Electric Light Works sold at auction for $40 over encumbrances.

 

1892
Nov. 10

Gun Club organized.

 

1892
Nov. 14

John Collishaw's home, Five Acres, burned to ground.

 

1892
Dec. 3

C. H. Barker opened law offices.

 

1892
Dec. 12

Initial meeting of Juvenile Foresters.

 

1892
Dec. 31

Nanaimo won international soccer match from Seattle, 3-1.

 

1893
Jan. 12

Mayor A. Haslam re-elected.

 

1893
Jan. 14

Nanaimo Hornet Rugby Club formed; J. Dixon, captain; J. Neen, vice-captain.

 

1893
Jan. 16

Taragnello and Sing Kee, murderers, hanged at Nanaimo jail.

 

1893
Jan. 18

George Bird made first bicycle trip from Alberni to Nanaimo in 13 1/4 hours.

1893
Jan. 18

Town stirred by kidnapping of several sailors from steamer Bawnmore.

 

1893
Feb. 9

Fifty-two and a half inches of snow fell between Jan. 28 and Feb. 8.

 

1893
Feb. 19

D. W. Gordon, Federal Member, died at Nanaimo home.

 

1893
March 14

Mrs. J. Bevilockway, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1893
March 25

Hornets won their first rugby match, defeating Vancouver.

 

1893
April 19

New Institute Hall opened at Cedar.

 

1893
April 19

Santos Grocery Store levelled by fire.

 

1893
May 2

Andrew Haslam elected by acclamation to Federal House.

 

1893
May 16

Excavation work on Gibson Block commenced.

 

1893
May 16

Northfield population 928.

 

1893
May 31

Wilson Hotel interests purchased by Walter Wilson.

 

1893
June 1

Nanaimo rifle team won provincial honors at Goldstream shoot.

 

1893
June 8

Gibson Block foundation laid.

 

1893
June 10

Northfield A.A.C. [Amateur Athletic Club?] opened new cinder track.

 

1893
July 13

Ben Keddy, Reid Island murderer brought to Nanaimo.

 

1893
July 18

Cornerstone of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, at corner of Fitzwilliam and Richard Streets laid.

 

1893
July 20

East Wellington miners went on strike because of 20 per cent reduction in wages.

 

1893
Aug. 3

East Wellington strike ended.

 

1893
Aug. 12

Nanaimo defeated by New Westminster in first lacrosse game played here.

 

1893
Sept. 20

John Foster, Gabriola pioneer, passed away.

 

1893
Oct. 10

Henry Elliott, steward on S.S. City of Nanaimo, drowned in harbor.

 

1893
Oct. 30

Hon. A. R. Angers and Hon. George Foster, Federal ministers, visited city.

 

1893
Nov. 3

Nanaimo branch of Pythian Sisters organized.

 

1893
Dec. 15

Ald. J. H. Cocking and Geo. Norris formally opened new Fire Hall.

 

1894
Jan. 2

Alex McKinnon appointed new Chief of City Police.

 

1894
Jan. 4

Magnus Edgar, 1853 arrival at Gabriola Island, passed away.

 

1894
Jan. 8

E. Quennell elected mayor by acclamation.

 

1894
Jan. 20

Nanaimo Hornets won B.C. championship, going whole season without defeat and were only scored against in final fixture.

 

1894
Jan. 23

Parsonage of Wallace St. Methodist Church completed.

 

1894
Feb. 8

Branch of Ladies' Loyal Orange Benevolent Association instituted in Nanaimo.

 

1894
Feb. 11

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church completed.

 

1894
March 13

Home of Wellington Colliery Superintendent dynamited.

 

1894
April 10

Nanaimo branch of W. C. T. U. [Women's Christian Temperance Union] organized.

 

1894
April 12

Commander of H. Booth, son of founder of the Salvation Army, visited Nanaimo.

 

1894
April 14

Nanaimo Rangers lost B.C. soccer title to Victoria Wanderers.

 

1894
May 7

Several business houses, including McKenzie's furniture store, Craig's factory, Electric Light Works , wiped out in $65,000 fire.

 

1894
May 18

Ald. Ralph Craig passed away.

 

1894
June 2

Tully Boyce nominated as candidate for South Nanaimo.

 

1894
June 20

Perseverance Lodge, No. 28, I.O.O.F., [International Order of Oddfellows] instituted at Northfield.

 

1894
June 21

Friendship Lodge, No. 29, I.O.O.F., [International Order of Oddfellows] instituted at Nanaimo.

 

1894
July 7

James McGregor elected to Provincial House.

 

1894
Sept. 28

Royal and Nanaimo Hotels, old Fire Hall, Stephenson's store wiped out by fire; Patrick Magee burned to death.

 

1894
Oct. 6

Nanaimo Agricultural Society held first exhibition.

 

1894
Oct. 29

William Martin and A. Smith drowned in search for Charles Martin and Dr. Curry.

 

1894
Nov. 9

Governor-General Lord Aberdeen and Lady Aberdeen visited city.

 

1894
Nov. 11

Alexander Mayer, 1860 arrival, passed away.

 

1894
Nov. 12

By-law to fill in Commercial St. passed by electors.

 

1894
Dec. 13

Legislature voted $25,000 for construction of Nanaimo Court House.

 

1894
Dec. 21

Arlington Hotel, Nanoose, opened by J. A. Thompson.

 

1895
Jan. 4

General W. Booth, founder of Salvation Army, arrived in city.

 

1895
Jan. 17

Ex-Mayor E. Quennel re-elected.

 

1895
Jan. 25

B. Bologni killed and two others injured in No. 1 shaft.

 

1895
Feb. 28

Louis Stark found dead at Cedar District.

 

1895
March 2

Nanaimo Hornets won B.C. rugby title.

 

1895
March 8

Council voted $25,000 for Tramway Bylaw.

 

1895
March 16

Nanaimo Rangers won B.C. football title.

 

1895
March 21

Cedar Lodge, No. 35, I.O.O.F. [International Order of Oddfellows] instituted.

 

1895
March 30

East Wellington Mines purchased by R. Dunsmuir and Sons.

 

1895
April 30

Nanaimo entered provincial baseball league.

 

1895
May 29

Woodmen of the World organized lodge in Nanaimo.

 

1895
June 2

Thomas Welsby drowned in Mill Stream [Millstone] after fall from E and N trestle.

 

1895
June 8

Jesse Smith killed by explosion in his cabin at Wellington.

 

1895
July 5

John Kelly, of Nanaimo, drowned off Seattle excursion boat.

 

1895
Aug. 29

Residence of Percy Good on Five Acres destroyed by fire.

 

1895
Sept. 28

Water Works Purchase Bylaw defeated by nine votes.

 

1895
Nov. 27

Donald Smith, pioneer of the city, passed away.

 

1896
Jan. 16

Jeff Davison elected mayor with 12 majority over E. Quennell in largest vote, 843, ever polled in city.

 

1896
Feb. 6

William Bray, one of original workers on Protection Shaft killed; first killed at Protection.

 

1896
Feb. 29

All interior work on new court house, Front Street completed.

 

1896
March 6

Nanaimoites started trek to Klondike.

 

1896
March 11

Dr. McKechnie donated cup to B.C. Rugby Union.

 

1896
March 24

Mah Sue and team were drowned in Nanaimo river.

 

1896
April 6

Central School opened.

 

1896
April 9

Austin Stevenson killed by explosion on Departure Bay road.

 

1896
May 13

Ship Elwell broke sailing record between Nanaimo and San Francisco.

 

1896
May 26

Point Ellice Bridge disaster at Victoria.

 

1896
June 23

W. W. B. McInnes elected to Federal House.

 

1896
July 18

Pithead and buildings at No. 2 shaft, East Wellington destroyed by fire.

 

1896
Aug. 25

Capt. J. W. Glaholm invented device for unloading coal from freighters.

 

1896
Sept. 1

C. H. Barker won prize in rifle shoot in Ottawa.

 

1896
Oct. 22

East Wellington mines on fire.

 

1896
Nov. 4

Mrs. H. Smithers drowned at Johnston's Wharf while boarding Princess Louise.

 

1896
Nov. 20

Tragic death of Marcus Wolfe, esteemed pioneer.

 

1896
Nov. 21

Federal Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Hon. H. L. Davies visisted Nanaimo.

 

1896
Dec. 12

Home of C. S. Bryden on Haliburton St. razed by fire.

 

1896
Dec. 19

Federal Minister of Railways, Hon. A. G. Blair visited Nanaimo.

 

1896
Dec. 31

Output of coal at local collieries for year totalled 845,269 tons.

 

1897
Jan. 14

Mayor Davison re-elected.

 

1897
Feb. 12

Frank Rowbottom, proprietor of Union Bakery, died.

 

1897
Feb. 13

Nanaimo Hornets won B.C. championship

 

1897
Feb. 15

Youth killed when tree fell across Zella home.

 

1897
April 7

City Police inquiry opened.

 

1897
April 21

Tar Flats won junior soccer championship.

 

1897
April 21

Nanaimo smelter propostion discussed at public meeting.

 

1897
April 30

Nanaimo Yacht Club was formed, Capt. Locke first commodore.

 

1897
May 4

Mrs. M. Bate, resident for 38 years, passed away.

 

1897
June 17

Charles Paul killed in Protection Mine.

 

1897
July 5

Home of R. Pollock, Robson Street, destroyed by fire.

 

1897
July 12

Great celebration by Orangemen.

 

1897
July 18

William Sloan and John Wilkinson returned from Klondike, former with $85,000.

 

1897
July 20

Nanaimoites smitten by gold bug.

 

1897
Aug. 14

Mrs. Fanny Westwood, a pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1897
Aug. 23

Three Nanaimoites drown in Alaskan waters.

 

1897
Sept. 7

Sinc Swanson won five-mile pro bike championship; C. H. Barker one mile pro championship; W. Hunter one and five mile amateur titles; Theo. Bryant one-half mile amateur title.

 

1897
Sept. 16

No. 4 mine, at Wellington on fire.

 

1897
Oct. 9

Old Courthouse converted into headquarters for Nanaimo A. C. [Athletic Club]

 

1897
Oct. 26

Dan McLeod brought fame to city by defeating Farmer Burns, and winning world's wrestling championship.

 

1897
Dec. 15

Hamilton Powder Co. made first shipment at Departure Bay.

 

1898
Jan. 10

M. Bate elected to mayoralty by acclamation.

 

1898
March 11

A. E. Booth appointed operator at C.P.R. telegraph here with inaugruration of night service.

 

1898
April 11

Joseph Lawless, member of Nanaimo's first pioneer band, died.

 

1898
April 30

Nanaimo Thistles lost out in final for B.C. intermediate soccer championship.

 

1898
June 17

Wages of miners raised 10 per cent at Wellington and strike ended.

 

1898
July 9

Dr. McKechnie elected to Legislature.

 

1898
July 11

James Michaelson drowned in Departure Bay.

 

1898
July 17

Alligator caught at Protection Island by tourists.

 

1898
Aug. 15

James Reid, pioneer, passed away.

 

1898
Aug. 17

Ald. Richard Nightingale killed when train went through bridge near Courtenay.

 

1898
Sept. 11

Home of Thomas Haggart, Wellington, sank into old colliery workings.

 

1898
Sept. 28

Prohibition voted down here by 93 majority.

 

1898
Oct. 3

White Rose Lodge No. 121, Daughters of St. George, formed at Wellington.

 

1898
Oct. 8

Angus McLeod killed in Protection Mine.

 

1898
Nov. 12

Manager W. McGregor, J. Price, H. Shepherd, G. Lee, P. Hygh, D. Ferguson, F.Hurst, and E. Edmunds severely burned by gas at No. 1; Lee and McGregor later died.

 

1898
Dec. 12

Thomas Russell appointed mine manager.

 

1898
Dec. 23

Winfield Crescent scene of big cave endangering buildings.

 

1899
Jan. 9

M. Bate and Council elected by acclamation.

 

1899
Feb. 27

Work ceased at Alexandria Mine.

 

1899
April 16

F. O. E. [Fraternal Order of Eagles] Nanaimo Aerie, formed.

 

1899
May 14

A.O.F. [Ancient Order of Foresters] Court General Kitchener instituted here.

 

1899
June 6

Thomas W. Glaholm, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1899
June 16

W. Parkin, pioneer, passed away at Comox.

 

1899
July 15

John Wilson, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1899
July 22

Nanaimo Herald made its first appearance as a semi-weekly.

 

1899
Aug. 5

Mrs. Elizabeth Gough, a Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1899
Aug. 7

Benjamin Greenway killed at No. 5 Wellington.

 

1899
Aug. 10

Mrs. Alex Galloway, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1899
Aug. 15

C. C. McKenzie, former M.L.A. and prominent resident passed away.

 

1899
Aug. 22

John Biggs, a Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1899
Oct. 11

David McNiven killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1899
Oct. 13

Nicholas Milburn killed in Protection mine.

 

1899
Nov. 29

Coal struck in Protection shaft.

 

1899
Dec. 15

Fire destroyed home of R. J. Wenborn, Wallace Street.

 

1900
Jan. 8

Mayor Bate and council elected by acclamation.

 

1900
Feb. 2

Alexander Dunsmuir, first white child born in Nanaimo, passed away in New York city.

 

1900
Feb. 11

Richard Kenyon, William Zelle and John Cordell drowned in Nanaimo River.

 

1900
March 1

Town jubilant over General Butler's relief of Ladysmith, South Africa.

 

1900
March 3

Post No. 3 Native Sons, organized.

 

1900
April 5

New V.C. [Vancouver Coal] Co. purchased first ambulance on coast north of Portland.

 

1900
May 5

New Chemainus Hospital opened.

 

1900
May 7

Arbitration Board decided Nanaimo should pay $112,000 for water works system.

 

1900
May 18

Relief of Mafeking celebrated by residents. [Boer War]

 

1900
June 9

Ralph Smith elected to the Legislature.

 

1900
June 13

Empire Brewery burned.

 

1900
June 18

W. J. Ritchie rescued child as home of Daniel Martin, Townsite, burned.

 

1900
Aug. 1

Burns Society formed.

 

1900
Aug. 15

Nanaimo Rifle Club won second place in Canadian Rifle Association shoot.

 

1900
Aug. 16

Constable Dave Stephenson transferred from Wellington to Ladysmith.

 

1900
Aug. 28

Premier [James] Dunsmuir and parliament members visited city.

 

1900
Aug. 30

Lord and Lady Minto paid official visit to city.

 

1900
Sept. 29

Operations resumed at Nanaimo Shoe Factory.

 

1900
Nov. 8

Ralph Smith elected to the Federal House.

 

1900
Dec. 24

Joseph Randle, prominent pioneer, passed away.

 

1901
Jan. 7

Western Star Lodge, No. 1676, L.O.L. [Freemasons?], formed at Extension.

 

1901
Jan. 7

William Manson Jr., elected Mayor.

 

1901
Jan. 31

James Hall killed in Extension mine accident.

 

1901
Feb. 15

Sixty men entombed in explosion at No. 6 shaft, Cumberland.

 

1901
Feb. 18

J. H. Hawthornthwaite elected to provincial house.

 

1901
May 17

Lodge of Canadian Order of Foresters instituted here.

 

1901
June 19

Water Works Co. sold water system to city.

 

1901
July 17

Departure Bay gold quartz claims staked.

 

1901
July 20

E. Harrison killed in Protection mine.

 

1901
July 30

Strike at Extension mine settled.

 

1901
Aug. 9

Adam G. Horne, Nanaimo's greatest pioneer, passed away.

 

1901
Sept. 30

Fire at No. 2 mine, Extension, killed 17 men.

 

1901
Oct. 2

Railroad to Harewood mine completed.

 

1901
Nov. 25

Miners went on strike at South Wellington.

 

1901
Nov. 29

Deputy Minister of Labour W. L. Mackenzie King settled South Wellington strike.

 

1901
Dec. 12

Telephone communication to Victoria established.

 

1902
Jan. 6

George Norris, founder of Nananimo Free Press and one of the city's most esteemed residents, passed away.

 

1902
Jan. 16

Mayor Manson re-elected.

 

1902
Feb. 26

Bodies of victims in Extension mine disaster recovered.

 

1902
March 11

City Council decided to test out asphalt sidewalks.

 

1902
March 25

City's first concrete side walk laid in front of Bank of Commerce Building.

 

1902
April 17

Pilot John Sabiston died.

 

1902
July 2

Record between Nanaimo and San Francisco broken by Steamer Titania.

 

1902
July 11

Body of John Williams, expressman, recovered in harbor.

 

1902
Oct. 3

Sole ownership of Wellington Collieries and E and N Railway taken over by J. Dunsmuir.

 

1902
Nov. 8

Albert Cornfield killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1902
Nov. 26

Mat Stobbart and Isaac Greenwell drowned on tide flats off Nanaimo River.

 

1902
Dec. 14

Frank Kennedy (Frank Gotch) thrown in wrestling match at Opera House by Tom Davies.

 

1902
Dec. 15

Parker Williams defeated in Wellington provincial by election by Hon. W. W. B. McInnes.

 

1902
Dec. 17

John Pawson, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1902
Dec. 18

Western Fuel Co., San Francisco, bought Nanaimo Collieries from Vancouver Coal Co.

 

1902
Dec. 20

Ralph Smith resigned as secretary of Nanaimo Miners Union.

 

1903
Jan. 14

James Fulford and George Simonettie killed in explosion at the Northfield Powder Works.

 

1903
Jan. 15

Mayor Manson re-elected.

 

1903
Feb. 7

Explosion of dynamite at Extension killed Walter McAlpine.

 

1903
Feb. 25

Agreement on safety lamp allowance and tonnage rated reached by employees and officials of Nanaimo mines.

 

1903
Feb. 28

Samuel Robins, retiring superintendent of V.C. Co., feted by employees and officials.

 

1903
March 12

Miners at Extension refused to work until reinstatement of officers of local union.

 

1903
March 16

Ladysmith miners organized; mines closed down.

 

1903
April 21

Fight to the finish with Dunsmuir interest declared by Western Federation of Miners.

 

1903
May 12

John Lawson killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1903
May 20

Labor conditions in district investigated by Dominion Labor Commission, with Mackenzie King, which visited Nanaimo.

 

1903
May 24

Richard Christmas killed in shooting accident.

 

1903
June 18

Newcastle Quarry purchased by Mr. Emery, of San Franciso.

 

1903
July 2

Extension strike called off by Ladysmith miners.

 

1903
July 15

Explosion at No. 6, Cumberland, killed 15 Chinese.

 

1903
Aug. 16

Two Japanese murdered at Cedar District.

 

1903
Aug. 20

Cumberland strike called off when miners accpeted company's terms.

 

1903
Oct. 3

J. H. Hawthornthwaite is elected to Legislature.

 

1903
Oct. 28

Maida found guilty of murder of two Japanese.

 

1903
Dec. 5

Fire destroyed Jervis fish curing plant.

 

1903
Dec. 26

Joseph Ganner, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1903
Dec. 28

Mrs. Joseph Ganner, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1904
Jan. 1

John Pawson Ward at Nanaimo Hospital dedicated.

 

1904
Jan. 14

Mayor W. Manson, Jr., re-elected in race with Ald. A. E. Planta.

 

1904
May 13

Fire destroyed Nanaimo sawmill, causing loss of $70,000.

 

1904
May 18

Chief Provincial Constable William Stewart passed away.

 

1904
May 21

Coal struck in No. 4 shaft, Northfield.

 

1904
May 28

Dan McLeod unable to throw Bob Swanson five times in an hour.

 

1904
May 29

Fire destroyed pithead at No. 1 mine.

 

1904
June 11

Crown grants for lands known as Settlers' Rights received by D. Hoggan and J. McGregor.

 

1904
June 21

Officials closed Harewood mine.

 

1904
July 2

Nanaimo sawmill re-opened.

 

1904
July 8

Nanaimo River yielded body of F. Fields.

 

1904
July 12

Thomas Stockett appointed manager of local collieries.

 

1904
Aug. 17

Number of houses and Walls' old hotel at Northfield destroyed by fire.

 

1904
Aug. 18

James Haddow killed in Extension mine.

 

1904
Sept. 6

Permission sought by City of Nanaimo from Government to secure water from Long Lake at Wellington.

 

1904
Sept. 24

Opening of new pithead at No. 1 celebrated by great barbecue on Green.

 

1904
Sept. 26

Descent of No. 1 mine for first time since fire made by miners.

 

1904
Nov. 4

Voters elected Ralph Smith to Federal Legislature.

 

1904
Nov. 14

James J. Jeffries, heavy weight champion of the world, appeared at the Nanaimo Opera House.

 

1904
Nov. 26

J. P. Planta, prominent pioneer and city official, passed away.

 

1904
Dec. 10

Mine Workers Union organized in this city.

1905
Jan. 6

Resignation of entire police force.

 

1905
Jan. 11

Mary Jane Jones and Gwennie Rogers, two young children, lost in woods near Southfield swamp.

 

1905
Jan. 12

A. E. Planta elected mayor.

 

1905
Jan. 18

Steam yacht, Kootenay, purchased by Capt. A. F. Yates.

 

1905
Feb. 1

Fire destroyed Japanese canneries at Departure Bay.

 

1905
Feb. 13

Walter Hunter, esteemed principal of Nanaimo High School passed away.

 

1905
Feb. 15

C.P.R. purchased E & N Railway.

 

1905
Feb. 17

B.C. Telephone Co. took over local telephone company.

 

1905
Feb. 17

Resignations of Nanaimo police force withdrawn.

 

1905
March 14

Torpedo boat purchased by local fisheries company.

 

1905
March 28

New Custom House completed.

 

1905
June 8

Nanaimo miners on strike.

 

1905
June 17

Miners refused to accept company's offer of one dollar per month for transportation to Protection.

 

1905
June 20

Fire destroyed home of Richard Gibson, pioneer.

 

1905
July 24

William Manson defeated Hugh Aitken in Legislature elections at Alberni.

 

1905
July 31

Miners tendered applications to re-open Brechin mine.

 

1905
Aug. 18

W. H. Morton installed new heating apparatus at Nanaimo Hospital.

 

1905
Sept. 26

Rolling clock invented for Dominion Fair at New Westminster by Joseph M. Brown, local watchmaker.

 

1905
Nov. 2

Mrs. Hosannah Wall [?], pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1905
Nov. 7

Haslam's sawmill purchased for $72,450 by Ladysmith Lumber Company.

 

1905
Dec. 12

J. H. McMillan, popular resident, passed away.

 

1906
Jan. 2

Cledi Hills, of Nanaimo, fatally injured on U.S. battleship.

 

1906
Jan. 6

Hospital officials decided in favor of nurses' training school.

 

1906
Jan. 15

Mayor A. E. Planta re-elected by acclamation.

 

1906
Jan. 29

William Hunter, oldest living native son of B.C., and first white child born on Vancouver Island passed away.

 

1906
Feb. 12

New Brechin Methodist Church opened.

 

1906
March 5

Operations commened at South Wellington sawmill.

 

1906
March 10

Capt. Mikkleson, Artic explorer, visited Nanaimo.

 

1906
March 26

Body of James Haslam, local resident, found on beach near Qualicum.

 

1906
April 4

Mrs. J. P. Planta passed away.

 

1906
May 5

Thomas O'Connell appointed special Indian officer.

 

1906
May 8

Cowie machine, new gasoline engine, invented by John Cowie.

 

1906
May 15

Erection of Biological Station at Departure Bay commenced.

 

1906
June 16

Local fishery patrol secured steamer North.

 

1906
June 19

Move to decrease number of aldermen from nine to six defeated by Council.

 

1906
June 30

Haslam residence, Wallace Street, sold by auction.

 

1906
July 6

E & N bridge over Millstream repaired prior to filling in.

 

1906
July 8

W. F. Co.[Western Fuel] sold Athletic Club building to members.

 

1906
July 14

City sweltered under greatest temperature ever recorded, 92 degrees.

 

1906
July 21

Mary Jane Dalton murdered at South Wellington.

 

1906
Aug. 6

Cornerstone of old St. Paul's Church opened when building torn down.

 

1906
Aug. 15

James Tunstall in No. 1 mine.

 

1906
Aug. 29

Dave Stephenson appointed as Chief of local Provincial Police.

 

1906
Sept. 17

Underwriters raised Nanaimo insurance rates 20 per cent.

 

1906
Sept. 26

Cornerstone of new St. Paul's Church laid.

 

1906
Sept. 27

Governor-General Earl Grey visited city.

 

1906
Oct. 3

Nanaimo rocked by earthquake.

 

1906
Oct. 12

Property of Nanaimo Lumber Company sold to Winnipeg interests.

 

1906
Oct. 17

Nanaimo Fisheries sold to Bell Irving Fisheries, of Vancouver.

 

1906
Oct. 24

Featherstone found guilty of murdering Mary Jane Dalton.

 

1906
Oct. 28

William K. Keighton, prominent pioneer Nanaimo business man, passed away.

 

1906
Nov. 22

Option on Cedar District coal lands secured by A. C. Flummerfelt.

 

1906
Dec. 8

Nanaimo branch of Patterson Shoe Company sold to E. Kermode.

 

1906
Dec. 12

Featherstone, murderer of Mary Jane Dalton, hanged at Victoria.

 

1906
Dec. 24

Morgan Harris, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1907
Jan. 17

Mayor A. E. Planta re-elected by acclamation.

 

1907
Jan. 19

Western Fuel employee receive 10 p.c. increase in wages.

 

1907
Feb. 1

J. H. Hawthornthwaite elected to Legislature.

 

1907
Feb. 18

W. Nicholas killed in S. Wellington mine.

 

1907
March 2

George A. Fletcher and Dr. Hogle bought Oldsmobile cars, first autos owned in city.

 

1907
March 8

Livery stable opened on Wallace Street by Akenhead and Bennett.

 

1907
April 6

Steamer Midge bought by Ladysmith Lumber Co.

 

1907
May 9

Fire destroyed St. Phillips Church, Cedar.

 

1907
May 18

Sum for Departure Bay Biological Station appropriated by Federal Government.

 

1907
May 20

Binoculars presented to J. M. Greenshields, James Noury, John Barber and Thomas Wilson for heroic life saving.

 

1907
July 9

Whaling station opened at Lagoon.

 

1907
July 15

Nanaimo Cafe opened.

 

1907
July 29

Sawmill to supply mines with timber opened at Harewood by W. F. Co.[Western Fuel Company]

 

1907
Aug. 5

James Kier Hardy, British labor leader, visited Nanaimo.

 

1907
Aug. 14

Work commenced on Alberni railroad.

 

1907
Aug. 14

Thomas Budge, of Wellington, scaled Mt. Arrowsmith and proved that Theodore Bryant and Ben McKenzie, first white men known to have accomplished the feat, had attained the highest peak in 1904.

 

1907
Aug. 29

West Wellington Collieries bought by British interests.

 

1907
Sept. 14

Work completed on new Convent building, Wallace street.

 

1907
Sept. 21

Record made at No. 1 mine when 1771 coal cars hoisted.

 

1907
Sept. 28

W. H. Philpott purchased Nanaimo Cafe.

 

1907
Oct. 15

St. Cecelia Ward opened in hospital by Macabees.

 

1907
Nov. 6

Hoisting record of 1565 tons made at No. 1 mine.

 

1907
Dec. 16

Voters approved $755,000 Waterworks Loan Bylaw.

 

1907
Dec. 23

Explosion at powder plant caused $20,000 damage and demolished buildings.

 

1908
Jan. 17

Mayor Planta re-elected.

 

1908
Jan. 19

Nanaimo Brewery sold to Winehurst Brewing Co., Portland.

 

1908
Jan. 20

Jno. Shaw appointed Internal Revenue officer.

 

1908
Feb. 27

Unemployed addressed by Mayor Planta.

 

1908
March 4

Relief work for unemployed given by City Council.

 

1908
May 15

Provincial soccer title is won by Nanaimo United.

 

1908
June 22

South Forks pipe line started.

 

1908
July 13

St. Henrietta ran aground on Protection Island.

 

1908
Sept. 5

Stevens Hotel [Temperance], Bastion St., opened.

 

1908
Oct. 26

Steamer Iroquois sank in waters off Jack Point.

 

1908
Oct. 27

Ralph Smith elected to Provincial Legislature.

 

1908
Nov. 6

Steamer Quessant, largest of its type ever to enter Nanaimo harbor, took cargo of coal.

 

1908
Dec. 25

William Samesett, Indian lost while hunting in Nanoose woods.

 

1909
Jan. 2

Thomas Hodgson won mayoralty race from A. E. Planta.

 

1909
Jan. 5

William Johns disappeared while hunting at Nanoose.

 

1909
Jan. 30

Pacific Coast soccer championship won by Nanaimo United.

 

1909
March 22

Remains of William Samasett found at Nanoose.

 

1909
April 12

Corner of Bastion and Commercial streets scene of big cave in.

 

1909
July 18

Rod Standen defeated Lauder in boxing bout at Athletic Club.

 

1909
July 23

March defeated Rowan in 12 mile foot race on Cricket Field.

 

1909
Aug. 24

James Dowd (Mickey Dillon), noted character in Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1909
Sept. 14

Murder of Gus Carlson

 

1909
Oct. 2

South Forks pipe line opened.

 

1909
Oct. 5

Twenty-five miners killed in Extension mine explosion.

 

1909
Nov. 26

J. H. Hawthornthwaite returned in Provincial elections.

 

1910
Jan. 8

C. Rumming, of Rumming's Bottling Works, killed when a team of horses bolted.

 

1910
Jan. 11

A. E. Planta captured the mayoralty race.

 

1910
March 4

A. R. Johnston's wharf purchased by C.P.R.

 

1910
March 28

Fire destroyed two big canneries near Brechin.

 

1910
May 19

Five men killed in terrific explosion at Departure Bay Powder Works.

 

1910
June 25

City sewer laying contract awarded.

 

1910
July 12

St. Ann's Convent and Catholic Church destroyed by fire.

 

1910
July 21

Fire destroyed three Departure Bay canneries.

 

1910
Sept. 23

Fire again destroyed rebuilt canneries at Departure Bay.

 

1910
Nov. 1

Work at No. 1 Mine ceased for four days on account of fire.

 

1910
Nov. 9

Initial train service to Cameron Lake inaugurated.

 

1910
Nov. 10

Construction of W. F. Co. dam and No. 1 reservoir commenced.

 

1910
Dec. 2

Jesse Sage, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1910
Dec. 10

Remains of William Johns found in woods at rear of Arlington Hotel.

 

1910
Dec. 30

A. R. Johnston, pioneer resident and merchant, passed away.

 

1911
Jan. 7

Sinking of Reserve Shaft commenced.

 

1911
Jan. 12

Mayor Planta re-elected.

 

1911
March 1

Fire destroyed Cedar Institute Hall.

 

1911
March 14

First trip of Nanaimo-Comox-Vancouver passenger service inaugurated by Princess Mary, C.P.R. steamer.

 

1911
March 20

Ten per cent raise given city workmen.

 

1911
April 1

Mowat brothers purchased Nanaimo Herald.

 

1911
April 5

John Jones fatally injured when powder magazine at Protection Mine exploded.

 

1911
April 10

Twenty lives lost when steamer Iroquois was wrecked near Sidney.

 

1911
April 12

Charles Gullion, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1911
June 17

Edward Lim drowned in Nanaimo River.

 

1911
June 25

James Quennell drowned in Quennell Lake.

 

1911
July 8

Fire destroyed part of Ladysmith Lumber Co.'s mill.

 

1911
Sept. 21

F. H. Shepherd elected to Federal House, defeating Ralph Smith.

 

1911
Oct. 9

SS. Princess Patricia purchased by C. P. R. for Vancouver-Nanaimo run.

 

1911
Oct. 25

Northfield Powder Works explosion.

 

1911
Nov. 2

Nanaimo Board of Trade re-organized.

 

1911
Dec. 22

Explosion at Departure Bay Powder Works killed Walter Day, T.E. Wilcox and Joseph Defries.

 

1912
Jan. 5

Roads on Five Acre lots named by W. F. Co. [Western Fuel Company]

 

1912
Jan. 6

Mrs. Medrick sold Wilson Hotel to Bolster and Garrickson.

 

1912
Jan. 10

Dewdrop Hotel bought by George Slater.

 

1912
Jan. 11

John Shaw elected mayor with 22 majority over A. E. Planta.

 

1912
Jan. 22

John Ross killed in Extension mine.

 

1912
Jan. 26

British interests offered $4,500,000 for W. F. Co.

 

1912
Feb. 26

Frank Stubbs killed in car accident on Comox Road.

 

1912
March 21

Ladysmith razed by fire.

 

1912
March 21

Arthur Van Hule fatally injured at Nanaimo Laundry.

 

1912
March 28

John Place elected to legislature with 43 majority over A. E. Planta.

 

1912
April 10

W. A. Wilson, superintendent to Departure Bay Powder Works, killed by explosion.

1912
April 15

Nanaimo in throes of real estate boom.

 

1912
April 23

Ladysmith Signal ceased publication.

 

1912
April 26

Edward Quennell, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1912
April 27

Sheriff S. Drake passed away.

 

1912
May 1

Labour demonstration on Cricket Grounds.

 

1912
May 4

H. Wright, of Mudge Island, drowned when his launch collided with the Elsie Bradford.

 

1912
May 9

Chief of Police Crossan retired.

 

1912
May 9

Vendome Hotel sold to R. Scott for $45,000.

 

1912
May 11

Inaugural trip of S.S. Princess Patricia from Vancouver.

 

1912
May 16

Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners formed.

 

1912
May 20

H. and W. Market purchased by P. Burns Company.

 

1912
June 5

Jacob Neen appointed Chief of Police, vice J. Crossan resigned.

 

1912
June 22

Boiler explosion at Union Brewery killed Albert Randle.

 

1912
July 16

Japanese cannery on Newcastle Island destroyed by fire.

 

1912
Aug. 9

Marshall Bray, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1912
Aug. 19

Building permits for July totalled $89,000.

 

1912
Aug. 22

Rev. G. W. Taylor, curator of Biological Station, passed away.

 

1912
Sept. 3

John Mahrer, ex-alderman and one of the city's pioneer business men, passed away.

 

1912
Sept. 2

F. J. Rogers, well-known resident, passed away.

 

1912
Sept. 13

Brumpton Block completed.

 

1912
Sept. 18

Cumberland mines on strike; first strike in the coal situation which later developed on the Island.

 

1912
Sept. 27

Duke and Duchess of Connaught visited city.

 

1912
Oct. 1

E. W. Harding jewelry store robbed of large amount.

 

1912
Oct. 6

Initial miner's meeting in Nanaimo.

 

1912
Oct. 26

Samuel Jones procured Crescent Hotel.

 

1912
Dec. 20

Morden miners went on strike for $4.50 per day.

 

1913
Jan. 1

"Great Frank" Post Office clock, set in motion by J. M. Brown.

 

1913
Jan. 15

Steamer Oscar blown up by Protection Island.

 

1913
Jan. 16

Mayor Jno. Shaw re-elected.

 

1913
March 24

Mrs. J. Hilbert, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1913
March 24

Robert Adam, elected president of B.C.F. A.

 

1913
April 29

Twelve-foot seam of coal struck at Reserve.

 

1913
May 1

Labor troubles caused closing of local mines.

 

1913
June 9

Addition to Windsor Hotel gutted by fire.

 

1913
June 16

World's largest submarine telephone cable laid between Nanaimo and Vancouver.

 

1913
June 26

W. Hilbert, pioneer resident, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1913
July 20

Explosion occurred at Canadian Explosives plant, Northfield

 

1913
Aug. 11

Miners displayed first force since strike began.

 

1913
Aug. 17

Militia called to quell Nanaimo strikers.

 

1913
Aug. 19

One hundred Nanaimo and district striking miners arrested on various charges.

 

1913
Aug. 19

Jingle Pot mine re-opened.

 

1913
Aug. 23

Fatal collision between logging and work trains at McBride's junction.

 

1913
Aug. 28

Henry Wagner hanged at Nanaimo jail for Union Bay murder.

 

1913
Sept. 8

Nanaimo mines re-opened after labor troubles.

 

1913
Sept. 22

Equipment approved by voters in passing Auto Fire Equipment By-law, arrived.

 

1913
Nov. 11

W. H. Hopkins, pioneer Nanaimo printer, passed away at Duncan.

 

1913
Nov. 22

Louis A. McQuade passed away at Departure Bay.

 

1914
Jan. 15

A. E. Planta elected mayor in civic election.

 

1914
Jan. 15

Jack Black bought Newcastle Hotel.

 

1914
Jan. 28

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Spoores drowned at Departure Bay.

 

1914
Feb. 3

Initial performance held at Bijou Theatre.

 

1914
March 12

W. A. Owen appointed city engineer.

 

1914
March 16

J. S. Dunn, of Toronto, appointed as butter maker at Nanaimo creamery.

 

1914
March 29

Island soccer title won by Nanaimo United.

 

1914
April 2

Ten thousand dollar fire at Victoria Crescent.

 

1914
April 2

R. Wilkinson fatally injured on Jingle Pot wharf.

 

1914
April 6

South Gabriola community hall completed.

 

1914
April 13

City's new "Gamewell" fire alarm system tested.

 

1914
April 24

James Abram, former M.L. A. and Nanaimo pioneer, passed away at Cumberland.

 

1914
May 11

Nanaimo United lost People's Shield to Northfield.

 

1914
May 19

Nanaimo's population estimated as 11,000.

 

1914
June 18

Sidney Isherwood drowned at Echo Bay.

 

1914
July 14

Mill of Ladysmith Lumber Co. razed by fire.

 

1914
July 16

George Williams, pioneer business man, passed away.

 

1914
July 27

T. Dobeson, owner of Nanaimo Foundry, passed away.

 

1914
Aug. 4

Residents demonstrated when news of outbreak of Great War arrived.

 

1914
Aug. 7

Nanaimo Militia Unit formed.

 

1914
Aug. 9

Nanaimo contingent of K. Cavalsky, Brownlee, R. Beckley, H. Brown, A. Brown, P. Brown, Arch. Brown, A. Davidson, G. Davidson, O. Peto, Lionel Beever-Potts, C. Stevens, J. Whitehead, H.E. Hickling, H. Greaves, Mesher

1914
Aug. 11

South Wellington devastated by forest fire.

1914
Aug. 21

L. Potts, H. Greaves, Keighley, R. Brown, H. E. Hickling, Waddington and D. Cocker left for Valcartier Camp.

 

1914
Aug. 27

J. McIntosh and R. Munro killed in Protection mine.

 

1914
Sept. 3

John Thompson, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1914
Sept. 22

Austrian war prisoners locked in Nanaimo jail.

 

1914
Nov. 3

Nanaimo Militia order to Willows Camp.

 

1914
Dec. 4

Relief work for unemployed; three days at three dollars a day.

 

1915
Jan. 15

A. E. Planta re-elected mayor.

 

1915
Feb. 8

Nanaimo members of 30th Battalion embarked for front.

 

1915
Feb. 9

Water broke through South Field Mine to South Wellington mine and 21 miners lost lives.

 

1915
Feb. 19

Court Pride of South Wellington , No. 9218, A. O. F. [Ancient Order of Foresters] formed.

 

1915
Feb. 22

Mrs. Dan G. Dailey, who was born in Nanaimo in 1862, passed away; she was the daughter of Jesse Sage.

 

1915
Feb. 23

Lubbock Square mooted as City Hall site.

 

1915
April 1

Phil "Nifty" Piper joined Victoria baseball club of Northwestern League.

 

1915
April 19

James Crossan, former chief of police and ex-alderman, passed away.

 

1915
April 26

Submarine H. M. S. Shearwater visited harbor.

 

1915
April 30

Manager Foy's body re-covered from flooded South Wellington colliery.

 

1915
May 9

Mrs. George Thomson passed away,

 

1915
May 19

Last body recovered from South Wellington mine.

 

1915
May 27

Nineteen killed in Reserve mine explosion.

 

1915
July 22

Mrs. W. Akenhead, 1870 arrival in Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1915
Dec. 11

Lieut. Lionel Potts, of South Wales Borderers, received Military Medal for valor.

 

1915
Dec. 11

Enlistment for Nanaimo Miners' Company opened. [4th Tunnelling, Canadian Engineers]

1916
Jan. 12

F. A. Busby elected to mayorality for his initial term.

 

1916
June 30

William Sloan nominated as Liberal candidate for provincial election.

 

1916
July 1

Henry Botley, Nanaimo resident, passed away.

 

1916
July 15

A. E. Planta nominated as Conservative candidate for provincial election.

 

1916
July 17

City Council appointed C. H. Beevor-Potts as city magistrate.

 

1916
July 21

Entire business section of Courtenay gutted by fire.

 

1916
Aug. 18

Mrs. George Bevilockway, 1860 arrival in Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1916
Sept. 2

Conscription Act enforced in Nanaimo.

 

1916
Sept. 14

William Sloan elected to Provincial House by large majority over A. E. Planta and H. Skinner.

 

1916
Sept. 30

Steel span bridge erected over Millstream.

 

1916
Oct. 14

George Sage, who was born on the Princess Royal while it was rounding the Horn in 1854 passed away.

 

1916
Oct. 31

Dave Stephenson, Chief of Provincial Police, at Nanaimo, retired at his own request.

 

1916
Nov. 1

B. H. Smith, former Collector of Customs, passed away.

 

1916
Nov. 20

Nanaimo's Forestry Battalion for overseas.

 

1917
Jan. 11

H. McKenzie elected mayor.

 

1917
Jan. 11

Nanaimo electors voted in favor of Wednesday half-holiday.

 

1917
Jan. 18

Nanaimo Lodge No. 26 B. P. O. E. [Benevolent Purple Order of Elks] instituted.

 

1917
Feb. 12

Ralph Smith, former Nanaimo member, passed away in Victoria.

 

1917
Mar. 14

Rev. Dr. Unsworth inducted as minister of St. Andrew's Church.

 

1917
April 3

T. I. Buckle, pioneer city tailor, passed away.

 

1917
May 25

Jeremiah Harris, Nanoose pioneer, passed away.

 

1917
June 20

John Hunt appointed general superintendent of W. F. Co. by G. W. Bowen, new general manager who took the place of T. Stockett.

 

1917
Aug. 2

Gordon Sloan enlisted in Royal Flying Corps.

 

1917
Aug. 28

Ray Collishaw, Flight Commander of the 10th Divisional Corps, R.F.C., returned to France after visit home; had 37 planes to his credit at the time.

 

1917
Aug. 30

Brick Co.'s plant at East Wellington destroyed by bush fire.

 

1917
Oct. 6

Jingle Pot mine closed to smother serious fire.

 

1917
Oct. 8

Elk's Lodge moved to new home on Front Street.

 

1917
Nov. 15

G. S. Pearson became manager of new firm of Malkin-Pearson, wholesalers.

 

1917
Nov. 24

Duke of Devonshire, Governor-General of Canada, visited city.

 

1917
Dec. 1

Rev. S. Ryall became minister at St. Paul's Anglican Church.

 

1917
Dec. 3

Nanaimo residents subscribed $480,300 to Victory Loan.

 

1918
Jan. 1

Two killed by explosion at Giant Powder Works, Nanoose.

 

1918
Jan. 12

H. McKenzie re-elected as mayor.

 

1918
Feb. 1

W. W. Lewis became manager of Nanaimo Gas Works.

 

1918
Mar. 1

Arthur N. Spencer killed in accident at Harewood mine.

 

1918
Mar. 4

James Gillespie, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1918
Mar. 28

M. C. Clarke, former Entrance Island lighthouse keeper, passed away.

 

1918
April 24

Royal Bank secured site in Vendome Hotel.

 

1918
May 14

Miss Edna Johns won honors as Nanaimo Carnival Queen.

 

1918
June 2

James Harper, one of Nanaimo's best known pioneers, passed away.

 

1918
June 25

I. Emblem, pioneer resident of Oyster Bay and Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1918
July 25

Euena Nelson killed by accidental discharge of gun at Extension.

 

1918
August 8

William Bennett, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1918
Sept. 10

Frightful cage disaster at Protection Mine; 16 men killed when cage crashed to bottom of shaft.

 

1918
Oct. 17

First death occurred from 'flu epidemic.

 

1918
Oct. 24

Seven hundred cases of 'flu reported in Nanaimo and district.

 

1918
Oct. 26

Old Athletic Club hall secured as emergency hospital.

 

1918
Oct. 29

Four Nanaimoites lost lives when H.M.C.S. Galiano foundered in North.

 

1918
Nov. 11

Nanaimo residents celebrated the signing of the Armistice.

 

1918
Nov. 16

'Flu epidemic began to abate.

 

1918
Dec. 28

Lieut. Ray Collishaw, on way home to Nanaimo from war, announced when he arrived at Halifax that he would fly the Atlantic in April 1919.

1919
Jan. 9

W. J. Smith returned to city and again became headmaster of Silver Cornet Band.

 

1919
Jan. 12

Mayor H. McKenzie re-elected by acclamation.

 

1919
Jan. 23

S. Waddington, Nanaimo resident for 60 years passed away.

 

1919
Jan. 24

Capt. J. W. Glaholm, respected Nanaimo citizen, passed away.

 

1919
May 6

T. Weeks and V. Harrison badly injured in auto accident on Wallace Street near Comox Road.

 

1919
April 24

Henry Clark killed in Harewood mine.

 

1919
May 16

W. L. Dunn became C.P.R. Telegraph and Dominion Express agent.

 

1919
May 20

Miss Agnes Young chosen as May Queen.

 

1919
June 2

Daily stage route to Victoria inaugurated.

 

1919
June 3

Thomas D. Jones, Nanaimo and district pioneer, passed away.

 

1919
July 13

John Doherty, orderly at Qualicum Military Hospital, shot to death.

 

1919
July 18

Richard Salo, of Chase River, drowned at Lasqueti Island.

 

1919
July 26

Dance floor laid at Newcastle Island.

 

1919
Aug. 4

Aeroplane, Pathfinder No. 5, visited Nanaimo.

 

1919
Aug. 7

Bush fire threatened Ladysmith Lumber Co.'s camp at East Wellington.

 

1919
Aug. 9

Stone beacon, for 40 years a familiar sight in Nanaimo Harbour, replaced by buoy.

 

1919
Aug. 13

Granby defeated Week's Overlands for baseball title.

 

1919
Aug. 16

First air mail to Nanaimo from Vancouver.

 

1919
Aug. 18

Nanaimo granted first charter under B.C. Libraries Act.

 

1919
Aug. 24

Mrs. Mary Ann Meakin, last of surviving heads of original pioneer families that came here on Princess Royal, passed away.

 

1919
Aug. 30

R. H. Manzer appointed as high school principal.

 

1919
Sept. 19

Nanaimo's historic Bastion listed among property to be sold by city for tax arrears.

 

1919
Sept. 23

Nanaimo greeted H.R.H. Prince of Wales, who presented medals to Sergt. M. Gunnis, Cadet J. Dudley, Corp. W. G. Martin, Corp. J. Gaskill and the widow of Sergt. Peter McCorkindale.

 

1919
Oct. 2

Robert Seggie killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1919
Oct. 6

Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Governor General of Canada, and Lady Dorothy Cavendish, visited Nanaimo; opened G.W.V.A. [Great War Veterans Association] headquarters.

 

1919
Oct. 30

George E. Norris, publisher of Nanaimo Free Press and Nanaimo pioneer, passed away.

 

1919
Oct. 31

Energetic committee of Native Sons made initial payment on Bastion taxes to save it from being sold.

 

1919
Nov. 3

H. Hackwood appointed City Clerk, succeeding S. Gough who took position on June 26, 1880; Gough became City comptroller.

 

1919
Nov. 4

S. M. Robins, former Superintendent of W. F. Co., died in England.

 

1919
Nov. 13

Sir Arthur Currie visited city.

 

1919
Nov. 15

W. L. Lewis and Matt Armstrong had narrow escape from drowning when swept over light company's dam on Millstream.

 

1919
Nov. 27

Peter Harewood, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away.

 

1919
Nov. 29

Nanaimo Free Press sold to T. B. Booth.

 

1919
Dec. 1

Riley Merritt killed in car accident on Comox Road.

 

1919
Dec. 6

John Newton, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1919
Dec. 10

Mrs. E. Quennell, 62 year old native daughter of Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1919
Dec. 14

Stanley Harding accidently shot in leg at Lagoon.

 

1920
Jan. 9

T. R. Jackson appointed Inspector of Mines, succeeding the late John Newton.

 

1920
Jan. 12

Three - year old son of Mrs. A. McCracken killed on Haliburton Street.

 

1920
Jan. 14

T. W. Moore died from injuries received in No. 1 mine.

 

1920
Jan. 15

Mayor H. McKenzie re-elected, defeating J. R. McKinnell.

 

1920
Jan. 27

George Bevilockway, Princess Royal arrival in Nanaimo, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1920
Jan. 30

George Ward killed in Reserve mine.

 

1920
Feb. 4

T. H. Richard, pioneer of this district, passed away at Ladysmith.

 

1920
Feb. 5

Mayor McKenzie opened Nanaimo Public Library on second floor of Athletic Club Building.

 

1920
Mar. 10

H. McAdie, popular contractor, passed away.

 

1920
Mar. 17

G. W. Bradley, engineer of Fishery Patrol Fispa, found drowned at Farmer's Landing.

 

1920
Mar. 20

John Renwick, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1920
April 11

E. (Ted) Milburn died of injuries received in Reserve Mine.

 

1920
Apr. 24

Mayor H. McKenzie, popular civic official, passed away.

 

1920
May 6

James McGregor, former Nanaimo member, promoted to Chief Inspector of Mines.

 

1920
May 8

Nanaimo Rotary Club secured charter.

 

1920
May 14

F. A. Busby elected to mayoralty through death of H. McKenzie.

 

1920
May 18

Miss Lizzie Dand chosen as Nanaimo's May Queen.

 

1920
May 21

Wright Waddington severely injured by prowler at Blackstone Hotel.

 

1920
June 30

Angus McRae killed when auto collided with E & N train between Northfield and Wellington.

 

1920
July 9

George Thomson, former Government Agent at Nanaimo, died in Vancouver.

 

1920
July 26

Constable J. Prowse had revolver duel with escaped convict at Wellington.

 

1920
July 27

Nanaimo secured souvenir German gun.

 

1920
Aug. 8

Beban's mill at Extension destroyed by bush fire causing $100,000 damage.

 

1920
Aug. 20

Jules Muyleart had arm blown off while working on new E & N Depot.

 

1920
Oct. 12

Thomas W. Harris killed in fall from coal train near Wakesiah Mine.

 

1920
Oct. 20

Nanaimo voted against prohibition.

 

1920
Dec. 1

William Sloan returned in Provincial elections, defeating T. A. Barnard and Capt. Gilchrist.

 

1920
Dec. 3

Ernest Waites killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1920
Dec. 3

New Ladysmith Lumber Co., at Ladysmith, destroyed by fire causing damage of $31,600.

 

1920
Dec. 4

William Choyick murdered on E & N tracks near creamery.

 

1920
Dec. 18

Mrs. Harriet Harris, link with Nanaimo's past history, passed away.

 

1920
Dec. 27

F. C. Meakin, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1921
Jan. 6

James Haggart, Wellington pioneer, passed away.

 

1921
Jan. 10

Mayor Busby returned by acclamation.

 

1921
Feb. 16

William M. Langton, one of city's best known residents, passed away.

 

1921
Feb. 19

Capt. J. Barton's Nanaimo First Aid team presented with medals for winning Canadian championship.

 

1921
Feb. 28

Two hundred men thrown out of work by closing of Harewood mine.

 

1921
Mar. 10

Thomas Degnen, last of original Gabriola Island settlers 60 years ago, passed away.

 

1921
Mar. 25

Fire, with damage of $40,000, destroyed Malpass and Wilson's Haliburton Street store.

 

1921
May 14

Noah Shakespeare, former Nanaimo M.L. A., passed away in Victoria

 

1921
May 21

Chief of Police Jacob Neen, passed away.

 

1921
June 1

Mr. & Mrs. P. Jones took over Globe Hotel.

 

1921
June 6

Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. convened in Nanaimo.

 

1921
June 13

E. C. Gibson appointed liquor vendor for Nanaimo.

 

1921
June14

Veterans Bakery opened.

 

1921
July 23

Ladysmith won Connaught Cup series from Calgary Callies at Ladysmith.

 

1921
July 30

Ladysmith defeated Winnipeg to enter final for Connaught Cup.

 

1921
July 3

Mrs. G. E. Norris, well-known pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1921
Aug. 6

Ladysmith lost in final for Connaught Cup to Toronto Scottish.

 

1921
Aug. 11

Mrs. Pankhurst, leading suffragette, visited city.

 

1921
Aug. 15

A. O. F [Ancient Order of Foresters?] . convened in city.

 

1921
Aug. 24

Nanaimo's Canadian championship first aid team of J. Barton, G. Carson, C. Tyler, J. Brown, D. Stobbart and C. Nicholls, left to compete in world meet at St. Louis; placed fourth.

 

1921
Aug. 26

Milton C. Westwood, Northfield pioneer, passed away.

 

1921
Aug. 30

Fifty thousand dollar fire destroyed Nanaimo FIsh Meal and Oil Refining at Brechin.

 

1921
Sept. 3

New paved road to Chase River opened.

 

1921
Oct. 24

R. Hilbert, one of Nanaimo's pioneers, passed away.

 

1921
Oct. 28

No. 2 dam at South Forks broke.

 

1921
Nov. 6

War memorial unveiled by Miss Lorna McCourt and Miss Agnes McCorkindale.

 

1921
Nov. 12

Mrs. Jane Sabiston, one of Nanaimo's great pioneers, passed away.

 

1921
Nov. 25

Susquash and Morden mines sold for $316,000 by Sheriff Trawford at auction to E. R. Ross.

 

1921
Dec. 1

Mrs. John Renwick, resident for 55 years, passed away.

 

1921
Dec. 6

C. H. Dickie won Federal election from T. B. Booth and W. A. Pritchard.

 

1921
Dec. 13

Harry Crooks lost while hunting at Englishman's River.

 

1921
Dec. 19

Mrs. B. H. Smith, former Nanaimo pioneer resident, passed away at Whitby Island.

 

1921
Dec. 22

James Degnen, who was born on Gabriola Island on Jan. 11 1859, passed away.

 

1921
Dec. 26

Donald MacLellan, of South Wellington, killed in auto accident at Cedar.

 

1922
Jan. 3

Hon. Dr. McLean, Minister of Education, opened Nanaimo's New High School in Old Agricultural Building.

 

1922
Jan. 5

J. H. Pleace, prominent old timer, passed away.

 

1922
Jan. 12

Mayor F. Busby re-elected.

 

1922
Jan. 14

London Fruit Store, Commercial Street, destroyed by fire.

 

1922
Jan. 15

Mrs. Isabella Cowie, one of B.C.'s prominent pioneers, passed away.

 

1922
Jan. 31

Alexander Dunsmore killed in Protection mine.

 

1922
Feb. 25

Body of A. Gray found in Nanaimo River.

 

1922
Mar. 29

Mrs. J. W. Dibley and two children burned to death on small island off Gabriola.

 

1922
Apr. 12

Body of little Cecil Calverley found in water off Farmer's Landing.

 

1922
May 4

Thomas Gordon, well known proprietor of Globe Hotel, passed away.

 

1922
May 5

May Leaf died of burns sustained when explosion resulted from lighting fire with alcohol.

 

1922
May 18

Emelia Quinn chosen as Nanaimo's May Queen.

 

1922
May 30

Edward Hoskin, 50-year resident of district, died.

 

1922
May 31

Thomas Christian killed on Wallace Street.

 

1922
June 8

Joseph Cuffalo, pioneer hotelman, passed away.

 

1922
July 1

Mrs. Richard Gibson passed away in Victoria.

 

1922
July 1

Nanaimo won B.C. final of Connaught Cup from Vancouver I.L. A., 3-0.

 

1922
July 17

Three bridges and 300 feet of pipe line destroyed at South Forks by bush fire; water pumped from Nanaimo River for city.

 

1922
July 8

Mrs. Jane McMillan, old pioneer, passed away.

 

1922
July 15

Nanaimo eliminated from Connaught Cup by Calgary.

 

1922
Aug. 24

Lord and Lady Byng paid brief visit to city.

 

1922
Aug. 30

Cumberland explosion, 15 killed and 16 injured.

 

1922
Sept. 6

City accepted Wilkes James' totem pole.

 

1922
Sept. 28

Alex Henderson, pioneer monumental works owner, sold out to C. Millins.

 

1922
Oct. 7

Court Nanoose, A. O. F. [Ancient Order of Foresters?], instituted.

 

1922
Oct. 16

John Mercer, aged seven years, killed and six other youths injured while hauling load of bonfire logs on Haliburton Street.

 

1922
Nov. 24

Alfred Odgers and Gilbert McBroom killed in explosion at Wakesiah Mine.

 

1922
Nov. 25

Hector Guellette killed at Granby mine.

 

1922
Dec. 16

Noah Coundley, esteemed pioneer, passed away.

 

1922
Dec. 26

Tugs Wee-Two and Tepic collided in harbor; John Docherty drowned.

 

1923
Jan. 10

Alfred Austin, five-year old, drowned in Millstream [Millstone] at East Wellington.

 

1923
Jan. 11

F. A. Busby defeated J. Barsby in mayoralty race.

 

1923
Jan. 23

Joseph Blackburn, aged 14, killed at No. 1 pithead.

 

1923
Jan. 31

T. Mills, former manager W. F. Co., [Western Fuel Company] passed away.

 

1923
Feb. 1

Mrs. Ellen Davis, Northfield pioneer, passed away.

 

1923
Feb. 8

Explosion at No. 4 mine, Cumberland, killed 33 men.

 

1923
Feb. 13

Tug Hilda wrecked at Gabriola.

 

1923
Feb. 19

John Denton, city pioneer, passed away.

 

1923
Mar. 5

Jean Knarston and George Bertram won titles of most beautiful children in Nanaimo.

 

1923
Mar. 11

Mrs. Harry Allsopp, pioneer, passed away.

 

1923
April 10

Andrew Haslam, former mayor and M.L.A of Nanaimo, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1923
Apr. 25

Thomas Harrison, prominent city sportsman, passed away.

 

1923
April 25

Baden Powell and Lady Baden Powell visited city.

 

1923
Apr. 29

Million dollar fire wiped out E & N shops at Wellington.

 

1923
May 11

Grand Posts of Native Sons and Daughters convened here.

 

1923
May 12

Mary Plaskett, of South Wellington, chosen as May Queen.

 

1923
June 2

Mrs. James Malpass, noted pioneer, passed away.

 

1923
June 4

Albert Mortimer killed in Protection mine.

 

1923
June 6

Mother of D. J. Jenkins passed away in VIctoria.

 

1923
June 13

James M. Brown laid cornerstone of new Masonic building.

 

1923
July 12

Nanaimo's population set at 10,000.

 

1923
Aug. 8

Nanaimo won Connaught Cup from Montreal C.P.R. after three 1-0 games, two of them going to Nanaimo.

 

1923
Aug. 11

Triumphant footballers welcomed home.

 

1923
Sept. 4

James Blade and George Morgan lost lives in No. 1 mine.

 

1923
Sept. 7

James Russell drowned off dredge in harbor.

 

1923
Sept. 23

Tug Peggy O'Neil over-turned in Porlier Pass, drowning five men.

 

1923
Oct. 14

Nanaimo creamery badly damaged by fire.

 

1923
Nov. 1

Jno. Shaw officially opened new school gymnasium.

 

1923
Nov. 2

George Perry presented with bravery medal by Hon. W. Sloan for bravery in attempted rescue of John Docherty.

 

1923
Nov. 9

First game played in new gymnasium.

 

1923
Nov. 19

Mrs. Frank Andre, district pioneer, passed away.

 

1923
Nov. 20

James S. Knarston, prominent in civic affairs, passed away.

 

1923
Nov. 20

Capt. W. L. Gilchirst, of the Princess Patricia, died as a result of injuries.

 

1923
Nov. 26

James Cook killed in No. 1 mine.

 

1923
Nov. 28

Mark Bate presented with appreciation medal by Native Sons.

 

1923
Dec. 4

Joseph Woobank, prominent citizen, passed away.

 

1923
Dec. 5

Coal wharves badly damaged by S. S. Jacques Cartier.

 

1923
Dec. 18

Seven injured when Whizz Bang collided with E & N train on Comox Road.

 

1923
Dec. 22

A. J. Dixon, pioneer, passed away.

 

1924
Jan. 5

Capt. A. F. Yates appointed harbormaster.

 

1924
Jan. 17

Mayor Busby re-elected.

 

1924
Jan. 25

Andrew McKinnell, Cranberry District pioneer, passed away.

 

1924
Jan. 28

W. Randle, prominent pioneer, dead in Vancouver.

 

1924
Mar. 3

William Coundley, esteemed citizen, passed away.

 

1924
Mar. 4

Central Sports Grounds opened by Nanaimo and Ladysmith senior soccer teams, which played to a 1-1 draw.

 

1924
Mar. 10

John Robinson, Walter McKay, killed and seven injured when car overturned between Wellington and Northfield.

 

1924
Mar. 23

Frank Borthwick drowned in Big Lake, Wellington.

 

1924
Mar. 24

Campaign opened for establishment of new Auto Park.

 

1924
Mar. 27

James Branch killed in Lantzville mine.

 

1924
Mar. 31

Dr. J. G. Ross, veterinary surgeon, passed away.

 

1924
Apr. 10

Dicky Stobbart of Nanaimo soccer team and Anderson and Chapman, of Ladysmith, left for Australia with All-Canadians.

 

1924
Apr. 21

David Williams passed away at Cassidy after residence of 52 years there.

 

1924
April 25

James C. Reilly, one of city's best known residents, passed away.

 

1924
May 19

Jimmy Knight, "Fat" Edmunds, and J. Perry set kite flying record, using nine spools of string besides several hundred yards.

 

1924
June 3

Patrol boat Vanidis secured for local fisheries.

 

1924
June 24

W. Sloan re-elected to Provincial House over W. A. Pitchard, F. A. Busby and A. M. Whiteside.

 

1924
July 12

Native Sons lodge protest against changing name of Vancouver Island.

 

1924
July 25

William Devlin drowned in Millstream [Millstone].

 

1924
Aug. 1

Dickie Stobbart secured gold souvenir medal in Australia as outstanding member of All-Canadians.

 

1924
Aug. 2

W. Bennett secured Globe Hotel.

 

1924
Aug. 14

F. Taggart killed in accident at junction of South Wellington and Granby roads

 

1924
Aug. 18

Touring Corinthian footballers beaten 2-1 by Up-Islanders.

 

1924
Sept. 19

Nanaimo Breweries Ltd. took over Landsdowne Brewery.

 

1924
Sept. 1

Lieut. Governor Nichol presented Canadian championship medals to Nanaimo First Aid team.

 

1924
Oct. 2

W. F. Co. employees signed three year contract agreement with management.

 

1924
Oct. 10

Lunch hour for schools extended to one and one-quarter hours.

 

1924
Oct. 16

Prime Minister MacKenzie King and three of his ministers visited the city.

 

1924
Nov. 4

Charles Wilson, prominent old time citizen, passed away.

 

1924
Nov. 19

Seattle aviators out of Nanaimo, reported missing.

 

1924
Nov. 21

G. W. V.A. [Great War Veteran's Association] secured new home on Chapel Street.

 

1924
Nov. 26

Fee of $50 for outside pupils at high school set.

 

1924
Dec. 3

Rev. D. Lister, of Nanaimo, only opponent to church union at the convention.

 

1924
Dec. 12

Nanaimo's first bank hold-up; robbers secured $42,000 and missed another $80,000 from Royal Bank.

 

1925
Jan. 6

F. S. Clark, prominent citizen, passed away.

 

1925
Jan. 15

V. B. Harrison elected as mayor.

 

1925
Jan. 15

Antonio Gallia, prominent hotelman, passed away.

 

1925
Feb. 20

Miss L. A. Mebius, teacher at Nanaimo schools for 41 years, passed away.

 

1925
March 3

David Scales, Nanaimo resident for 55 years, passed away.

 

1925
March 5

W. G. Martin, esteemed member of G.W.V.A. [Great War Veteran's Association], passed away.

 

1925
March 12

Joseph Ferguson, resident of Ladysmith, passed away.

 

1925
March 22

Mrs. W. R. McKenzie, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away.

 

1925
April 4

Old landmark, the Hirst residence on Commercial street, torn down to make way for Hall Block.

 

1925
April 28

First sod turned in preparation for City's new $100,000 hospital.

 

1925
May 2

Southend won O.B. Allan provincial title by defeating Davenports.

 

1925
May 15

Peter Whiskers, of Extension, killed in mine.

 

1925
June 1

Nanaimo's rest room opened to public.

 

1925
June 5

Miners asked for enquiry into wages when asked to take a cut.

 

1925
June 10

Celebration of consummation of Union by Presbyterian and Methodist churches in Canada.

 

1925
June 11

Company's offer rejected by miners on secret ballot.

 

1925
June 12

Underground employees accepted offer on open ballot.

 

1925
July 7

Announcement made that B.C. Electric planned to make Nanaimo centre of Island bus line.

 

1925
July 29

Nanaimo lost to Ulster United in third game for Connaught Cup at Winnipeg.

 

1925
July 29

Mrs. Menathloet Onehome Indian, born in Nanaimo in 1820, passed away at Nanaimo River.

 

1925
Aug. 14

Silver Cornet Band won B.C. Championship.

 

1925
Aug. 20

Lieut.-Gov. Nichol laid corner stone of Nanaimo's new hospital.

 

1925
Sept. 20

Mrs. John Hunter and four daughters burned to death at South Wellington.

 

1925
Oct. 29

C. H. Dickie won Federal election.

 

1925
Dec. 9

W. F. Norris, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1925
Dec. 11

Native Sons awarded Appreciation Medal to Samuel Gough.

 

1925
Dec. 13

W. Manson, prominent church official, passed away.

 

1925
Dec. 24

Samuel Gough, noted city official and Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1926
Jan. 1

Output at No. 1, Wakesiah and Reserve for 1925 was 586,933 tons.

 

1926
Jan. 14

Mayor V. B. Harrison re-elected by big majority.

 

1926
Jan. 16

James Miller Brown, esteemed pioneer, passed away.

 

1926
Jan. 30

Unique wedding took place in Bastion.

 

1926
Jan. 31

Peter Weigle, well-known business man, passed away.

 

1926
Feb. 4

John W. Gray, pioneer, killed in Reserve Mine.

 

1926
March 23

Two "Modern Pied Pipers" a pair of pretty women, arrived to clear the town of rats.

 

1926
April 5

Tom Lewis' Rinky Dinks won senior girls' basket ball title of province from Kamloops.

 

1926
April 6

Bert Conti and Frank Sunbury killed in Granby Mine.

 

1926
April 12

Council decided to have Provincial Police.

 

1926
April 27

Lord and Lady Byng visited the city.

 

1926
May 3

Harry E. Allen, prominent bandsman, called to rest.

 

1926
May 6

Campaign for Nanaimo's proposed hotel commenced.

 

1926
May 16

Miss Nellie Blinkhorn, of Five Acres, chosen as May Queen.

 

1926
May 25

Courtenay razed by $100,000 fire.

 

1926
June 8

P. J. Piper and R. Jenkins took over McAdie Undertaking Parlors.

 

1926
June 17

George Vipond, resident here 50 years, passed away.

 

1926
July 7

"Josh" Curry, pioneer engineer and municipal officer, passed away.

1926
July 24

John Hilbert, ex-mayor, passed away.

1926
Sept. 13

Bishop of London visited city.

 

1926
Nov. 1

J. H. Hawthornthwaite, former Nanaimo Member [of provincial legislature], passed away.

 

1926
Nov. 8

Fog horn protest meeting.

 

1926
Nov. 20

George Michie shot to death at Camp 9.

 

1926
Nov. 28

Ben Baker, prominent in civic affiars, and resident of city for 68 years, passed away.

 

1926
Dec. 4

W. Bennett killed on railway tracks at Wellington.

 

1927
Jan. 13

"Fat" Edmunds and Stan Tait chosen on all-Canadian team to tour New Zealand.

 

1927
Jan. 13

J. F. Webber killed in Wakesiah mine.

 

1927
Jan. 13

F. A. Busby elected mayor; every old councillor defeated.

 

1927
March 19

James Malpass, Princess Royal arrival, passed away.

 

1927
March 22

New Nanaimo Hotel named "Malaspina".

 

1927
May 14

Miss Dorothy Dickenson chosen as May Queen.

 

1927
May 27

Mrs. J. Greenwell, district pioneer, passed away at South Wellington.

 

1927
May 30

Safe blown at Spencer's store and $5,000 taken.

 

1927
June 13

Veterans' Organizations took charge of city beaches.

 

1927
June 18

Touring Scotch footballers beat Up-Islanders 5-2.

 

1927
July 30

Malaspina Hotel opened.

 

1927
Aug. 3

Nanaimo won Connaught Cup from Fort William Legion.

 

1927
Aug. 6

Footballers welcomed on return home.

 

1927
Aug. 7

Alfred Hodgson and son drowned in Nanaimo River.

 

1927
Aug. 23

Robert Gillard, prominent pioneer sportsman, passed away.

 

1927
Aug. 26

Mark Bate, 16 years mayor and city's most prominent citizen, who was a Princess Royal passenger in 1854 [1857], passed away on visit to England.

 

1927
Aug. 31

Monument commemorating discovery of coal in Nanaimo erected on Dallas Square.

 

1927
Sept. 11

Ray Case killed in auto accident at Quarterway.

 

1927
Sept. 19

Funeral of Mark Bate.

 

1927
Nov. 5

Mrs. Mary Cartwright, born in Nanaimo in 1853, passed away in Victoria.

 

1927
Nov. 7

Tully Boyce, prominent Nanaimo labor man, died in Victoria.

 

1927
Nov. 8

Mrs. Lily Sabiston, resident of Nanaimo for 65 years, passed away.

 

1928
Jan. 9

Mayor Busby and council re-elected by acclamation.

 

1928
Jan. 13

Another fog horn protest held.

 

1928
Jan. 25

Robert Booth, pioneer, passed away.

 

1928
Feb. 8

Commission sat to investigate Canadian Collieries wages.

 

1928
March 1

Underground employees of W. F. Co. decided to work.

 

1928
March 2

William Sloan, Nanaimo M.L.A., passed away in Victoria.

 

1928
March 6

Mrs. Elizabeth Fiddick, pioneer here for 67 years, passed away.

 

1928
March 14

Oliver Randle, prominent resident, passed away.

 

1928
March 14

Hospital Board decided to complete building.

 

1928
March 29

Lieut. Gov. Bruce guest of Nanaimo Kiwanis.

 

1928
April 1

1065 pupils registered at Nanaimo Schools.

 

1928
April 10

Pete Maffeo's senior basketballers won provincial Senior B title.

 

1928
May 5

Princess Elaine arrived after exciting trip from England; Capt. Troup presented with shield by Nanaimo.

 

1928
May 5

Neil McCuish, pioneer, passed away.

 

1928
May 17

First Upper Island Musical Festival in Nanaimo.

 

1928
May 23

Andrew Slater killed in Reserve mine.

 

1928
May 23

William Hoggan, prominent Nanaimoite, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1928
June 23

Mrs. A. T. Norris, prominent old resident, passed away.

 

1928
July 18

George S. Pearson won provincial election from V. B. Harrison and John Place.

 

1928
July 26

Major Jimmy Walker, of New York, visited city.

 

1928
Aug. 9

Silver Cornet Band won provincial honors.

 

1928
Aug. 23

Mrs. W. E. Webb, oldest living member of St. Paul's Church, passed away.

 

1928
Aug. 24

W. H. Philpott, well-known restauranteur, passed away.

 

1928
Sept. 1

Canadian Collieries took over W. F. Co.

 

1928
Sept. 25

Thomas Smith killed in Reserve Mine.

 

1928
Oct. 10

Nanaimo hospital officially opened.

 

1928
Oct. 12

Charles Rawlinson, merchant, passed away.

 

1928
Nov. 5

John Thomas, Cedar pioneer, passed away.

 

1928
Nov. 3

Mark Bate, Jr., passed away.

 

1928
Dec. 3

C. G. Stevens; well known hotel man, passed away.

 

1928
Dec. 8

V. I. coach lines took over Union Stage and Taxi Co., Nanaimo

 

1928
Dec. 20

Mrs. A. E. Dean, resident here for 45 years, passed away.

 

1928
Dec. 28

Milton McDonald, esteemed citizen, passed away.

 

1929
Jan. 1

John Vagts, cigarmaker, killed in accident on Commercial St.

 

1929
Jan. 2

S. M. Saunders appointed liquidator of Nanaimo Lumber Co.

 

1929
Jan. 3

Electric Light used for the first time at Wellington and Northfield.

 

1929
Jan. 11

Nelson Hodgson killed in Extension logging camp.

 

1929
Jan. 14

Mayor Busby re-elected by acclamation.

 

1929
Jan. 20

Frank Parks, well-known resident, met death.

 

1929
Jan. 30

Reports showed that $100,000 of outside capital had been invested in Nanaimo.

 

1929
Feb. 1

Ted Rumming, one of city's most popular youg men, passed away from injuries received in a sleighing accident.

 

1929
Feb. 6

Charles "Sharkey" Drake, member of old Hornet rugby squad, passed away.

 

1929
Feb. 22

Millionaire's Club project proposed at Nanoose where 2300 acres were bought for purpose.

 

1929
March 5

Five year old Louise Crawshaw killed by car on Haliburton street.

 

1929
March 4

Assembly wharf for Nanaimo mooted.

 

1929
April 1

Familiar old Mount View Hotel destroyed by fire.

 

1929
May 1

B.C. Egg Pool opened Nanaimo branch.

 

1929
June 10

Clark Renney killed at Nanaimo Lumber Co. mill.

 

1929
June 12

Stan Young killed on logging train at Extension.

 

1929
June 15

Touring Welsh footballers won 3-0.

 

1929
July 24

Gyros opened playground No. 1, Comox Road.

 

1929
Aug. 15

Mrs. John Sampson, resident for 55 years, passed away.

 

1929
Aug. 22

First talking picture heard at Capitol Theatre.

 

1929
Aug. 23

Brechin mill destroyed by fire, damage $75,000.

 

1929
Aug. 23

Sir Henry Thornton visited city.

 

1929
Sept. 12

Lake Road sawmill burned.

 

1929
Sept. 16

Senator A. E. Planta entertained pioneers of Nanaimo, celebrating his fiftieth year of residence here.

 

1929
Nov. 7

Joseph Fox, prominent hotelman, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1929
Nov. 27

Mrs. J. B. Mercer, resident for 50 years, passed away.

 

1929
Dec. 13

Billy Townsend, Nanaimo boy, won lightweight boxing title of Canada from Al Foreman.

 

1929
Dec. 29

John Weeks, city pioneer, passed away.

 

1930
Jan. 8

James W. Jemson, Inspectors of Mines on Island, passed away.

 

1930
Jan. 16

Dr. G. A. B. Hall elected mayor.

 

1930
Jan. 20

Capt. A. F. Yates, prominent Nanaimo citizen and harbormaster, passed away.

 

1930
Jan. 31

Rev. E. G. Taylor, prominent church member and Inspector of Fisheries, passed away.

 

1930
Feb. 5

George Clements, manager of Veterans' Bakery, passed away.

 

1930
Feb. 7

Judge Eli Harrison passed away.

 

1930
Feb. 24

Mrs. T. Jones, Wellington pioneer, passed away.

 

1930
March 13

M. C. Ironside appointed harbor master.

 

1930
March 30

City borrowed $140,000 from Compensation Board.

 

1930
June 1

Water rates raised.

 

1930
June 2

Mrs. Joshua Martell, pioneer resident, passed away.

 

1930
June 16

Hon. R. B. Bennett [Prime Minister] visited city.

 

1930
July 19

St. Paul's Church, I X L Stables, Wilson Hotel, Pontiac Sales, T. Weeks and Sons, Institute and other buildings wiped out by $150,000 fire.

 

1930
July 19

Cornerstone St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church laid by John Frame.

 

1930
July 28

C. H. Dickie re-elected to Federal House over C. H. O'Halloran.

 

1930
Aug. 4

St. John Ambulance Hall razed by fire.

 

1930
Sept. 15

Mrs. John Shaw, resident since 1875, passed away.

 

1930
Oct. 8

Gus Steffen, one of the city's best known residents, passed away.

 

1930
Oct. 13

Mrs. M. P. Haarer, a resident of Nanaimo for 45 years, passed away.

 

1930
Oct. 20

Lt. Gov. Bruce opened the Scout Hut, Comox Road Park.

 

1930
Nov. 13

Nanaimo given $45,000 for relief.

 

1930
Dec. 7

Andrew Rickard shot in hunting fatality at Wellington.

 

1930
Dec. 10

Wilson Billiard Hall re-opened after fire.

 

1930
Dec. 28

R. H. Green, 16, burned to death.

 

1931
Jan. 12

Dr. G. A. B. Hall re-elected mayor by acclamation

 

1931
Feb. 9

Dan G. Dailey, well known pioneer ex-alderman and barber, died.

 

1931
Feb. 18

Rosalie Emery burned to death in Five Acres fire.

 

1931
March 28

C.P.R. bought Newcastle Island from W. F. Company to use as a tourist resort.

 

1931
April 25

George Meredith, Northfield pioneer, passed away.

 

1931
May 3

Alphonse Clarek died of injuries received in auto accident.

 

1931
June 20

Newcastle Island resort opened by Mayor Hall.

 

1931
June 20

Nanaimo defeated by English soccer team, 8 - 2.

 

1931
July 5

John Isherwood, poplar native, passed away.

 

1931
July 7

Three children of Mr and Mrs. C. Stevens drowned in Nanaimo River.

 

1931
July 8

Pendray Harris, resident here for 53 years, passed away.

 

1931
Aug. 2

Norma Nummela killed in auto accident near Chase River.

 

1931
Aug. 11

Andrew Parker died of injuries received in South Wellington Mine.

 

1931
Aug. 14

Gabriola Island ferry, Atrevida, service opened by Hon. R. W. Bruhn.

 

1931
Aug. 24

Bishop of London laid the cornerstone of St. Paul's Church.

 

1931
Sept. 6

Dunc McNaughton and Joe Blyles, Olympic champions, guests at Native Sons' Labor Day track and field meet.

 

1931
Sept. 17

Mrs. Elizabeth Paterson, one of the oldest residents in the district, passed away.

 

1931
Oct. 14

$105,000 dam at South Forks, completed.

 

1931
Oct. 18

Mrs. Elizabeth Richards, resident here for 50 years, died.

 

1931
Nov. 1

Mrs. James Stewart, esteemed pioneer, passed away.

 

1931
Nov. 26

Nanaimo street lights turned on by Mrs. J. Dixon.

 

1931
Dec. 1

Mrs. Albert Duggan, pioneer, passed away.

 

1931
Dec. 6

Benny Sands lost on hunting trip at Nanoose.

 

1931
Dec. 7

John Hemer, district pioneer, passed away.

 

1931
Dec. 20

Dr. T. J. McPhee passed away.

 

1931
Dec. 31

Robert Hamilton, district pioneer passed away at South Wellington.

 

1932
Jan. 1

John S. Greenwell, resident for 46 years, passed away.

1932
Jan. 1

Adam H. Horne, born in Nanaimo 72 years ago, and post master for a number of years, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1932
Jan. 11

John Barsby elected mayor by acclamation.

 

1932
Jan. 13

Mrs. Emma Tembey, born in Nanaimo 62 years ago, passed away.

 

1932
Jan. 14

Record vote polled in civic election.

 

1932
Jan. 18

Mrs. C. J. Pearce, prominent pioneer, passed away.

 

1932
Jan. 25

Bishop Schofield consecrated St. Paul's Church.

 

1932
Feb. 5

Nanoose Bob, aged 105 and reputed as the oldest Indian in Canada, passed away.

 

1932
Feb. 21

Frank Dawson, well known pioneer, passed away.

 

1932
Feb. 28

Mrs. James Miller Brown, pioneer, passed away.

 

1932
April 5

Mrs. Jane Eliza Rumming, age 95 years, Nanaimo's oldest resident, passed away.

 

1932
April 27

Arnold Bell passed away from injuries received in No. 1 mine.

 

1932
May 3

Fire at Ladysmith caused $50,000 damage.

 

1932
May 4

Fire destroyed three Five Acre homes.

 

1932
May 14

Mrs. A. F. Yates, esteemed resident, passed away.

 

1932
May 30

Nanaimo F. C. [Football Club] Suspended by B.C.F.A. with other Coast League clubs.

 

1932
June 8

Richard Booth, resident of Nanaimo for half a century, passed away.

 

1932
July 21

Thomas Hodgson, ex-mayor and prominent educationalist, passed away.

 

1932
July 31

$100,000 fire on Commercial street swept through several stores.

 

1932
Sept. 2

Lord and Lady Bessborough visited Nanaimo.

 

1932
Sept. 26

Cricket Field name changed to Robins Park

 

1932
Nov. 6

Opening service in new Christian Science Church on Chapel street.

 

1932
Dec. 17

Angus McKenzie, prominent citizen for half a century, passed away.

 

1932
Dec. 23

Mrs. R. R. Hindmarch, a well-known resident, passed away.

 

1933
Jan. 9

Mayor J. Barsby re-elected by acclamation.

 

1933
Jan. 13

Robert Gemmell, oldest telegraph operator in Canada, passed away in Nanaimo.

 

1933
Jan. 22

William Baker, for 62 years a resident of Wellington, passed away.

 

1933
Feb. 21

Victoria coal dealers met City Council re: importation of foreign coal.

 

1933
March 15

Conrad Reifel, esteemed resident of this community, passed away.

 

1933
April 7

Mosquito A's worn B.C. Intermediate B hoop title.

 

1933
April 29

Southend Foresters won first division juvenile soccer title of B.C.

 

1933
May 16

Norman Mortimer died of injuries in football game.

 

1933
May 24

Lt. Gov. Fordham Johnson crowned May Queen Mary Carter.

 

1933
July 1

E. Stolzenberg ran mile in 4:41 at junior Olympics in Vancouver.

 

1933
July 12

Ray Davis died of injuries received in motorcycle accident.

 

1933
July 14

Thomas Bryant, one of the city's best known pioneers, passed away.

 

1933
July 22

J. Gavin's rink won Nabob lawn bowling trophy in Vancouver.

 

1933
July 22

International cruiser race from Olympia, Wash. ended here.

 

1933
July 27

Samuel Mottishaw, Nanaimo pioneer, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1933
Sept. 3

James Knight, first locomotive engineer in Nanaimo, passed away.

 

1933
Sept. 4

Margaret Thompson bested Margaret Bell, Canadian high-jump champion, in event at Native Sons track and field meet.

 

1933
Sept. 7

Douglas Syme slain at Ladysmith.

 

1933
Oct. 5

Slight earthquake shocks felt in city.

 

1933
Oct. 15

Mrs. James Aitken, beloved pioneer, passed away in Vancouver.

 

1933
Oct. 23

Mrs. Mary Dunbar, district pioneer, passed away.

 

1933
Nov. 2

George S. Pearson re-elected to Provincial House.

 

1933
Nov. 15

Nanaimo's large flagpole at Court House taken down.

 

1933
Nov. 27

Wonderful celebration in Nanaimo by Pioneer Society to commemorate landing of Princess Royal in 1854.

 

1933
Dec. 14

Maeterlinck's "Bluebird" presented by Nanaimo cast.

 

1933
Dec. 28

William Newberry, pioneer sportsman, passed away.

 

1933
Dec. 31

Don Morrison, prominent sportsman and athletic trainer, passed away.

 

1934
Jan. 8

Mayor J. Barsby re-elected by acclamation.

 

1934
Feb. 2

Robert Hindmarsh, city pioneer, called to rest.

 

1934
Feb. 2

William Brown, well known merchant, passed away.

 

1934
Feb. 6

Remains of Benny Sands, lost hunter, found at Nanoose.

 

1934
Feb. 8

Thomas Tolley, prominent sportsman, passed away.

 

1934
Feb. 12

Nanaimo Celebration Committee decided to hold Home Town Week from May 20 - 26.

 

1934
Feb. 20

St. Andrew's United Church celebrated founding of Methodist Church in Nanaimo.

 

1934
Feb. 21

Sea serpent sighted at Gabriola Island.

 

1934
Feb. 28

H. L. Good, prominent former civic official, passed away.

 

1934
March 1

T. Wells took over Windsor Hotel; big improvements planned.

 

1934
March 4

Richard Prowse, city pioneer, called to rest.

 

1934
March 7

Sea serpent again sighted, at Departure Bay; believed to be sea elephant.

 

1934
March 24

Nanaimo Aerie F. O. E. [Fraternal Order of Eagles] call for tenders for construction of their new lodge building on Bastion street.

 

1934
March 27

John Cairns, Cedar pioneer, passed away.

 

1934
March 29

Miss Lillian Saunders is elected as Nanaimo's 1934 May Queen.