Published by the Townsite Heritage Society of Powell River
6211 Walnut, Powell River, BC V8A 4K2
They say a picture is worth
a thousand words…
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n this case a picture defines who we are as a community because as much as the community has changed
in the last century, it is still the same.
We are fortunate to have a wealth of heritage buildings and landscapes, preserved from decades ago. We
also have an unparalleled photographic representation of our early history, and much of this detailed
record we owe to the photographers whose skill
and artistic talent left us the pictorial legacy we now
enjoy today.
A pictorial legacy is
captured forever as a
time capsule by local
photographers Rod LeMay, Walter Ellis, Maud
Lane and Roy Abbott
and Oswald Stevenson.
Rod LeMay is profiled
in a dictionary of North
American francophone
artists:
Rodolphe (Rod) LeMay
was born on 11 January 1875 in Lotbinière
(Québec) and was living
in Powell River (British Columbia) in 1945.
Sculptor, photographer
and fine arts teacher, Rodolphe LeMay was the
assistant (or apprentice)
of Arthur Vincent in Montreal. He participated in the
creation of the Jacques Cartier monument (left) which
Vincent erected in Montreal in 1893.
He also worked under the supervision of Louis-Philippe
Hébert, whom he met before this latter started to sculpt.
spring/summer 2013
Thanks to a lottery winning around 1894, LeMay was
able to study in Rome. He drew or modeled for three
months in a workshop of a certain Marinelli at the
Saint-Luc Academy, followed by an eight-month period in
the workshop of a certain Porta at the Rome Academy.
Overall, he spent about 18 months in Italy.
Upon his return to Canada, he picked up his previous
work with Vincent. He collaborated on the creation of
the Moyne d’Iberville monument (Montreal, 1898) and
is said to have also contributed to the design of the Montreal Cathedral columns.
He taught sculpture at
the “École des beauxarts de Montréal”
(School of Fine Arts),
on Gosford Street, at
the turn of the century,
and was still working
there when that school
was redeveloped in a
space of the National
Monument building, on
Saint-Laurent Street. (It
should be noted that the
École des beaux-arts
de Montréal, as it is
known today, was only
established in 1921).
He would have tendered a bid for work at
the Quebec Parliament
and, disappointed by
the outcome of the proposals, decided to move out
west between 1903 and 1905. A single statue would
remained attributed to him, (above, right) that is a
Sainte Vierge (Holy Virgin Mary) full scale created for
the Soeurs du Bon Pasteur (Sisters of the Good Pastor),
on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal. The work is engraved
with “J.M.C. Rod LeMay/sculpt - 1897.”
Rodolphe LeMay operated from 1910 to 1920, likely in
Western Canada, a photography studio, and carried out
photography as a hobby.
The sculptor owned in his old days a self-portrait bust and
a portrait of Dr. Marlatt of Powell River (British Columbia),
a friend, as well as a Venus.*
In addition to Rod LeMay, another early photographer
was Walter James Ellis. Listed in the 1911 Census along
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with his wife Amy he was also listed in the 1911 Business
Directory. So, whether he was actually living here or in
Vancouver may still remain a mystery.
The Lane Studios came along in the early 20s taking
over from Rod LeMay. Maud Lane had married Reginald
Mansfield Lane in Vancouver in May of 1910. He was
living here during the 1911 census and according to his
death certificate had served as the postmaster from
1910-1913 and as a watchman from 1913 until his death
on December 24, 1915, although in the 1911 census his
occupation was listed as a salesman.
Maud came from a family of photographers. Her
father John was a photographer in Kingston and
Ottawa,Ontario from 1873-1882 and Emerson, Manitoba
from 1883-1906 and his son Roy joined him in Taber,
Medicine Hat and Raymond, Alberta from 1906 before
coming to the west coast in 1909.
Widowed and running a business in the costal wilds
of BC, Maud was definitely a woman before her time!
Much of the construction of the Lois River Dam and the
Stillwater Generating Station was documented by her
studio. Can you picture a women who would later die in
1938 of tuberculosis of the spine making her way from
the Townsite to Stillwater and then out to the Lois Lake
dam site to document its construction?
Roy Abbot, Maud’s brother death made headlines in the
1944 Powell River News as “Missing Man Found Dead”.
“Mr. Abbott was a pioneer of the district coming here
in 1913…. Later he joined with his sister, the late Maud
Lane, in a photographic studio, located on the golf course,
which had been purchased from Rod LeMay. Crippled
with the loss of a leg, Abbott had to use crutches.
Oswald Stevenson shows up on the BC Directory as
a photographer with the Lane studios in 1928 and he
continued as a photographer till his death in 1955.
* Dictionnaire Des Artistes de Langue Francaise en Amerique du Nord:
Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs, Graveurs, Photographes et Orfevres,
by David Karel.
President’s Report, 2012
by Rebecca Vincent
H
enderson House continues as our largest project.
This past year we received a very generous grant
of $40,000 from the Community Forest Foundation
Fund. With this money and still more heroic efforts on
the behalf of volunteers, we managed to paint the roof
and most of the exterior. As well, we found someone to
create the beautiful rock wall you may have noticed on
your way in. We have completed most of the demolition of the back shed, and are ready to put in sidewalks
and do some landscaping just in time for spring. Our
volunteers are the best, and they are what makes this
project doable.
We again received only partial funding for our operating expenses through our Direct Access Program Grant.
In spite of this, we have resumed our 16 hour per week
office schedule. We believe that returning office hours
to their previous level is necessary if we are to maintain
our profile with the community and proceed with our
mandate to promote heritage conservation in Townsite.
We’re confident that this increase in office hours will
enable us to enhance our program delivery. We’ve already planned to resume our twice yearly printing and
distribution of the Digester. Our confidence is based
in no small part on the strength of our board and our
amazing volunteers.
Our Home Tours fundraiser in May was very suc-
cessful, and a lot of fun. A big thank-you to all the
homeowners who welcomed us in, and thanks to the
Masons for allowing us into their very cool lair. It was
great showing off Henderson House, and feedback
from visitors was very positive. Generous volunteers
acted as docents in many of the homes, and a number
of businesses have sponsored our beautiful brochure.
At the City’s request, THS has formed a Heritage Commission. Both Peter and Ann are on the board, which
acts in an advisory capacity to the City. It's exciting to
be part of the City’s increased appreciation and promotion of Townsite’s built heritage.
Blackberry Express had another successful year. We
plan to continue with a fall delivery for the foreseeable
future, and hope the Quality Foods will continue their
wonderful support, donating all our whipping cream.
Heritage Week was as successful and enjoyable as
ever. We continued with our mall/complex combo, with
a switch in hours for the complex which increased our
exposure significantly. I heard some new stories and
met up with old friends, it was good fun.
Peter Sansburn continues to be an invaluable member
of our team. I’m very happy to have him back to normal
hours, and am hopeful it will stay that way!
Rebecca Vincent
Board members
Do you know who your Board Members on the
Townsite Heritage Society are?
Now you do:
Crossroads Village
604 485-5481
www.qualityfoods.com
Rebecca Vincent, President
Ann Nelson, Vice-President
Diana Collicutt, Secretary/Treasurer
Directors: Carol Regnier, Karen Andrews,
Isabelle Southcott
These volunteers are among the many who provide
skills and time in support of our neighbourhood.
Thank you for your contributions!
Robert Dufour
Did you know that we...
Can print signs and posters up to 35” x 54”?
tel • 604 485 8381
[email protected]
laminate up to 12” x 18” (up to 10 mil thick)!
Call to find out what we could do for you.
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Blackberries on their way
Mark your calendars for Aug 16!
W
e are already looking forward to the fresh, homemade blackberry shortcake that becomes available
at the annual Blackberry Street Party. This year, it comes
up on Friday, August 16th, and the Townsite Heritage
Society will be there again.
This is part of our biggest fundraiser of the year. Blackberry shortcake sales help us to raise funds for the
ongoing efforts of educating and promoting heritage
within the Townsite — not only to visitors, but to local
residents as well.
Come on out and support us by purchasing one (or
many) of our delectable shortcakes. Want to help? Call
the Society office and we’ll find a spot for you.
Townsite
Walking
Tours
Looking for ways to entertain your guests?
The Townsite Heritage Society invites you to join a
walking tour of the Historic Townsite available twice
a week during July and August. Learn a little about the
past of this fascinating community... for only $5 each.
Drop by the office at Dr Henderson's,
6211 Walnut Street at 2 pm every Wednesday
or 10 am every Saturday as we take you
on a pleasant walk of guided history.
Get out your walkin' shoes and join us
for a walking tour of Powell River’s
historic Townsite
Other times available by pre-arrangement.
Special rates for large groups.
Find out more at 604 483-3901
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Souvenirs & Gifts
Now available at the office
T
he Townsite Heritage Society offers a variety of gifts
and souvenirs suitable for anyone interested in history, and especially, Powell River history. Drop in and
have a look. Here are some of the items we offer.
 Postcards & Art Cards: A wide range of cards
picturing various townsite images and locations.
 The Hulks, by John Campbell. A definitive history of
the great cement ships in the Townsite harbour ($15).
 People of the White City, by Emma Levez Larocque.
Stories from the Powell River mill. Includes fascinating
interviews with the people whose lives were so closely
tied to their work. ($20).
 Various magazines focused on historic construction.
Includes Amerian Bungalow Magazine and BC
Magazine each featuring articles about Powell River's
Townsite.
The Triangle Garden
Contributions support this gem
Andy and Susan Davis recently returned from their trip
to Spain where they successfully completed the Camino
de Santiago across the northern part of the country.
Adding in a number of side trips made the trip into a
900km excursion.
Garden Club: $1,000 towards an irrigation system for
the Garden.
Our emphasis continues to be keeping up the maintenance of this valuable area, one that makes cultural,
economic and aesthetic sense as Powell River continues
to evolve as the “Pearl on the Sunshine Coast.”
As an indentified priority for economic development,
tourism, specifically cultural and heritage tourism will
continue to be encouraged by the on-going beautification of the Historic Townsite. In particular, an economic
benefit will continue to be afforded to the community
through the continued investment to the Triangle Garden
by the Townsite Heritage Society.
Aesthetically, public spaces that present a positive vision to the community add to the feeling of civic value.
The Townsite Heritage Society continues to create neighbourhood pride through built structures and planned
gardens, and it is only fitting that the public space match
those expectations.
Supporting our heritage
Heritage Commission established
Andy used part of this cycle trip to raise funds for the
Triangle Garden. To date, some $5,536 has been received,
including a very generous donation by the Powell River
Proud to support the Townsite
See our feature in every issue:
Townsite’s at!
is where it
604 485-0003
The protection and enhancement of the Townsite
National Historic District will not only help support
the tourism industry, but will develop further the community pride with all the positive effects that derive
from such.
At present the Official Community Plan contains a
number of high level policies that reflect the City’s
commitment to protect Heritage values, including
those originated by the ancestral First Nations presence in the area, as well as those created from the
development of the Powell River Mill forward.
These policies, however, are mostly a reflection
of intent, and require substantial additional policy,
guidelines and regulation work to improve their effectiveness.
The initial team will consist of Ann Nelson, Gino
Francescutti and Peter Sansburn and Councilor Myrna
Leishman as the City's liaison.
www.prliving.ca
www.facebook.com/PowellRiverLiving
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Townsite Garden Awards
Judging Criteria
Each year the Townsite Heritage Society offers its Garden Awards to residents who demonstrate their
green-thumb (and more) skills in our neighbourhoods. Just how one wins is not all that complicated — here
are the criteria used in judging entries. If you would like to know more, get in touch with us at the office,
by phone or email. And good luck to all.
Spring Fling
This garden will display vibrant spring colours and
continue to be in bloom for most of the spring season.
Emphasis is placed on plant variety, longevity, and good
garden maintenance. Different colour patterns and arrangements will be celebrated to welcome the coming
of spring. Judging is held at the beginning of June.
Most Improved Mixed Border
This mixed border garden will be a noticeable improvement over previous years and is recognized for improved
growth, colour and variety. The garden’s condition and
maintenance over time will be recognized, as well as the
improved benefits to the neighbourhood.
Most Improved Garden
This garden will be a noticeable improvement over previous years and is recognized for improved growth, overall
condition, colour and variety. Garden maintenance is
considered as well as consistent colour and blooming
variety during the garden season.
Best Garden Structure
A l i t t l e d i f f e re n t c a t e g o r y t h a t re c o g n i z e s
anything unique in design of garden structure. It could
be a pleasant gazebo, garden shed, vintage garage or
garden pond sympathetic to heritage architecture
and detail. Creativity is the only prerequisite.
Best Mixed Border
This mixed border garden will be recognized for consistent growth, colour and variety during the summer
season. The garden’s condition and maintenance will be
recognized, as well as the overall curb appeal.
Best Garden Overall
Probably the most prestigious garden award to recognize exemplary design, complexity, colour, variety and
condition. Usually the judges consider the garden as it
evolves over time to display maturing form and beauty.
Best Kitchen Garden
Usually displayed in the back yard. Don’t mind if judges
are founding peering over the fence. This award is made
in most cases for the abundant vegetable garden with
overall variety, good productivity and festive appeal.
Best Container Garden
Pots, pots, pots. One can never have too many container pots or hanging baskets. This award recognizes
colour, variety, pot design and placement to accentuate the site.
Best Commercial Garden
Commercial properties are recognized for overall improvements, maintenance, beauty and curb appeal.
Overall landscaping and design are considered,
as well as street trees, garden beds and
greenspace.
Be part of the process. Review the Sustainable Official Community Plan at
PowellRiverOCP.com
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Townsite Home & Garden Awards
Winners from 2012
he Townsite Home & Garden awards have a long
history, originating in 1917 with a Garden Contest
sponsored by the Powell River Company. The awards
program was revived in 1992 to enable the Society to
recognize the efforts of owners of well-maintained homes
and gardens and to acknowledge improvement.
T
This year the Society is once again partnered with
RONA, Springtime Garden Centre and Mother Nature
to present gift certificates and a plaque or framed certificate to each winner at the reception held in their
honour. And the winners for 2012 were...
Home Awards
Best Containers
Grand General Home Award
Carol Ciup/Gordon Miller • 5515 Maple
Grand Heritage Award
Darryl & Barbara Craig • 5638 Marine
Most Improved
Graham Winter & David Roundell • 6286 Oak
Garden Awards
Best Overall Garden
Teresa Kenacan • 5420 Marine
Best Mixed Border
Jillian Kernohan • 6344 Poplar
Donna Powell • 6283 Sycamore
Most Improved Mixed Border
Melinda & Fred Beckthold • 5671 Maple
Best Kitchen Garden
Susan Canning/Roger Thorn • 5834 Willow
Spring Fling
Don & Millicent Sharp • 6345 Poplar
Best Garden Structure
Grace & Len Wegner • 5545 Maple
Best Commercial
St David & St Paul Anglican Church
• 6310 Sycamore
Doing it right
Winner: 2012 Paint-Up Campaign
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Townsite Paint-up
Annual campaign under way
T
he 20th Annual Paint-Up campaign is just one of
many activities the Townsite Heritage Society coordinates to promote pride of ownership and beautification
of our Historic Townsite. A fresh coat of paint is a wonderful way for homeowners to showcase their heritage
architecture. A carefully planned exterior paint scheme
will further accentuate heritage features and really bring
out the character of the home.
Residents can self-refer or nominate a neighbour for
the package of up to 20 gallons of exterior ICI paint, at
no cost donated by Powell River Building Supply Ltd,
the Rona Building Centre, our most generous and longterm corporate partner. If you are interested in having
your home considered, please contact the society office
at 604.483.3901 by Friday, June 7th. Final selections
are made by Powell River Building Supply Ltd.
Eligibility criteria:
1. House is an original Townsite home with the façade
being at least 60% original.
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2. House is owner-occupied, not a rental.
3. House is in need of painting.
4. Owner has the personal resources to paint the
house in the current season.
5. House is located in a highly visible area, and the
landscaping contributes to the appearance.
6. Owner is willing to post a sign on their lawn crediting Powell River Building Supply, our local RONA
Building Centre and ICI Paints, who sponsor the
donation of paint.
7. Owner is willing to have a “before and after” picture
published in The Digester, the Townsite Heritage
Society’s newsletter.
8. Owner is willing to consult with the Townsite
Heritage Society regarding the palette of colour
choices.
Until 1955, the Powell River Company who built and
owned the town, kept the homes in top-notch shape,
maintaining them and painting every five years. Now, the
Townsite Heritage Society helps residents learn about
heritage conservation through activities and services
to promote those same values.
For more information contact the Society office at
604 483-3901, or email [email protected].
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The Townsite Heritage Digester
Advertising in the Digester
Advertising in the Townsite Heritage Digester supports the
work of the TH Society and helps make this magazine possible.
Please contact us to place your ad in the next issue!
Size
AreaPrice
Business Card: 2” x 3.5"
7.0 in
$ 25
Double Business Card
14.0 in
$ 35
¼-page: 3.5" x 4.875"
17.0 in
$ 45
½-page: 7.5" x 4.875"
36.5 in
$ 75
Full page: 7.5" x 10"
75.0 in
$ 140
The Digester is published by the Townsite Heritage Society of
Powell River. It is distributed to every household and business
in the Historic Townsite, current members of the Society who
reside outside the Townsite, and to selected locations around
Powell River. Submissions and suggestions should be sent to
the attention of ths Coordinator.
Townsite Heritage Society
6211 Walnut St, Powell River, BC V8A 4K2
tel 604.483.3901
fax 604.483.3991
e-mail [email protected]
Ads larger than ¼-page, other than specified sizes, are $2.30
per square inch. Reserve your ad space by contacting the THS
Office by telephone, fax (604 483-3991) in person, or by email
([email protected]).
Everything you would like to know about
Powell River's Historic Townsite is to be
found* online at
www.PowellRiverTownsite.com
Layout, graphics & printing by Works Consulting
[email protected] • 604.485.8381
Distribution: 1000 copies
Copyright © 2013 Townsite Heritage Society
All rights reserved
Printed in Canada
We’re here to help you!
Drop by the THS Office at 6211 Walnut Street, or get in
touch us at 604 483-3901 or [email protected]. We
have photo albums, reference books, maps, paint chips,
suggestions, and a wealth of stories to share.
Summer Hours start June 1: Tues to Fri, noon – 4 pm.
* Okay, we may need to look it up for you, but it is a good place to start!
g
Membership & Volunteer Form
Please complete and mail or drop off this form to the Townsite Heritage
Society office at 6211 Walnut St, Powell River, BC V8A 4K2
townsiteheritagesocietyofpowellriver
E-mail us at < [email protected] >
Yes, I would like to be a member for 2013
 $5 Membership
Your donation of time as a volunteer, or a cash donation, both go far in
helping us to engage in projects in support of our Townsite.
Cash Donation
 $10  $20 
$30
 $40  $50 
Other $
Yes, I am willing to assist in volunteer efforts for the Townsite Heritage Society.
Please, sign me up to help with:
 Office Volunteer
 Walking Tour Guide
 Digester Newsletter Delivery
 Henderson House Restoration
 Blackberry Street Party
 Guerrilla Gardeners
 Or I can:
How to reach me
Name
Address
Postal
Daytime Phone
Evening Phone
Email
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The Townsite Heritage Society acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.