It’s October 1907. Evening. After a day’s grind in the “big smoke” you’re squeezed into a seat on the Lonsdale tram as it begins its slow climb up the hill.
Early Tram, courtesy City of Vancouver archives
Beyond the wooden piles of the wharf, the last of Summer’s light dips into the Burrard Inlet horizon. A chill nips the insides of the passengers, softened by the weeks of heat that have come before.
North Vancouver early 1900s, Inventory 351, Courtesy MONOVA Archives
Past the sign for Irwin’s Real Estate.
And now, the newly formed bench where the tram lines flatten out and everyone takes a breather.
A headline reads like a blur from the front page of the “Gazette” held by the man sitting opposite.
When it hits you.
No matches to light the fire when you get home!
Which means no hot water for the children’s bath, a frosty night. And, for sure, a glum look from your better half.
Heart pounding, you rise and – shuffling (not so carefully) past the legs of the gentleman with the newspaper – hop off the tram, landing with a thump on the gravel.
Mercifully, a light shines from JA MacMillan’s store on the ground floor of the newly appointed Diplock commercial building. You pop your head around the door.
Inside of JA MacMillan’s Grocery Store, early 1900s, Inventory 524, Courtesy MONOVA Archives
“Any matches, Mac?” you say.
“You’re in luck,” the grocer replies, with a chuckle. “Received a carton of Eddy’s Comets just this morning.”
A match box with a strange looking design on its front slides across the counter.
Eddy’s Comet Match, early 20th Century, public domain.
“Just the trick for a cold night,” he says.
“And with Halloween around the corner,” you reply, a smile crossing your lips.
Eddy’s Matches Price List, 1907, public domain.
Except where indicated, text and images Copyright @ North Shore Heritage and Paul Haston. All rights reserved. Republication in whole or in part is prohibited without the written consent of the copyright holder.
References:
MONOVA, North Vancouver Museum and Archives https://monova.ca/archives/
City of Vancouver Archives https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/