Browsing Nanaimo Slide Collection by Title
Now showing items 15-34 of 41
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John Bowser reading the Riot Act
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1913)Special police were sent from Vancouver to quell the disturbances, but they were repulsed by the rioters at the Nanaimo wharf. Finally John Bowser, the Attorney-General, was asked for military assistance. Here he is seen ... -
Mine workers
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1854)The first miners arrived in Nanaimo from Staffordshire on November 17, 1854. Over the years, thousands of miners from England, Canada, and China arrived to work the mines. Working conditions were deplorable. Long hours, ... -
Miner's home near Nanaimo
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1856)While miner owners amassed great fortunes, coal miners in Nanaimo lived at a subsistence level. Most lived in mere shacks like the one pictured here. Besides extremely low wages, the miners and their families often suffered ... -
Miners at Extension
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1900)As with the mine at Wellington, the Dunsmuir mine at Extension was the scene of major mining disasters and labour strife. In 1901, 16 men died in a mine fire. In 1909, 25 were killed when an explosion ripped the mine. ... -
Nanaimo coal mine interior
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1862)As mentioned previously, coal mining was the main business in Nanaimo from the 1850's to the Second World War. In the early days, surface coal was dug by native labourers and taken by scow to ships waiting in the harbour. ... -
The Nanaimo Court House
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1897)Nanaimo's impressive Court House was built in 1897. It was designed by F.M. Rattenbury, a leading architect who designed the Legislative Building and Provincial Library in Victoria. -
Nanaimo Free Press headline #1
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1913)The bitterness against the Dunsmuir mining interests culminated in a major strike which shut down all the mines in the district. The strike started in Cumberland in September 1912 and soon spread to Extension and other ... -
Nanaimo Free Press headline #2
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1912)The main issue in the strike of 1912-13 was the union recognition. Dunsmuir and other coal companies were determined not to recognize the unions. The miners were just as determined to gain union recognition. The strike ... -
Nanaimo harbour, 1868
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1868)In 1862, the H.B.C. mining operations were purchased by the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company (hereafter referred to by the initials V.C.M. & L.Co.) The company invested �40,000 to purchase the mines, machinery, ... -
Nanaimo harbour, c. 1920
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1920)Nanaimo's harbour has always been a centre of activity and source of revenue for the city. Coal was, of course, the most important commodity to pass through the port. Nanaimo was also a major distribution point for the ... -
Nanaimo looking north, 1885
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1885)Nanaimo was incorporated on December 26, 1874, and held its first election in January 1875. Mark Bate, the manager of the V.C.M. & L. Co., was elected as the first mayor. The city was much smaller in area than today. It ... -
Nanaimo looking north, c. 1875
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1875)In the townsite plan prepared by Deverill, the streets radiated up the hill from the central harbour area. Many of the streets were named after officials or directors of the company. Wallace Street, for instance, was named ... -
The Nanaimo Opera
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1888)The Nanaimo Opera was opened in 1888 and was the scene of many visiting and local theatrical and musical events. The building was later incorporated into the Windsor Hotel. -
Nanaimo slides map
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2021)The Nanaimo Slide Collection Map showcases the various historical locations found in the Nanaimo Slide Collection. These digitized slides feature people and places in Nanaimo during the years 1875-1945. -
Nanaimo's second Chinatown
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1908)The first Chinese arrived in Nanaimo soon after the start of the gold rush. in 1872, Mah Hong Jang opened the first Chinese store near Pioneer Square. A small Chinese settlement grew up along Bing Kee Street south of the ... -
Nanaimo, 1858
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1858)By 1858, the town of Nanaimo had between 50 and 60 buildings. In this photograph many features of the town are identified. The town at this time was called Colviletown after the Governor of the H.B.C., Andrew Colvile. On ... -
Nanaimo, c. 1862
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1862)By 1862, Nanaimo had grown to a population of about 500 white people. In 1860, the name had been changed from Colviletown to Nanaimo, In that year, Captain William Franklyn became the Resident Magistrate. He built "Franklyn ... -
Number One Mine after the great explosion of 1887
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1887)On May 3, 1887 the worst mining disaster in Nanaimo's history occurred at the large Number One Mine. In 1886, a new ventilation system had been installed at the mine. When the mine was rocked by a large explosion on May 3 ... -
Payday at Brechin Mine
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1945)The number of miners working at Nanaimo increased steadily in the fifty years from 1875-1925. In 1875, there were about 400 employed in the Nanaimo area. By 1900, the number of miners reached 3,400. Over the years working ... -
Pine Street, Chinatown
(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 1908)Nanaimo's second Chinatown was located along Pine Street. Most of the buildings were designed in a western style of architecture. The Chinese Freemasons Building pictured here, does have an element of more traditional ...
