28 - Wednesday, September 23, 1998 — North Shore News FIRST class all the way. Peter Larson, builder and proprietor of 1902’s deluxe North Vancouver Hotel, was a member of Vancouver's Swedish community of the]890’s and established a reputation as a generous and convivial host. Born in 1858, Peter Larson jumped ship at Port Moody and worked on con- struction of the CPR between Port Moody and Vancouver, arriving in Gastown in 1883. With completion of the railway in 3887, he was well prepared for the flow of immigrants. from the east when he opened his first hotel, the Norden (Swedish for north) at 23 Cordova Street in Vancouver. His sec- ond hotel, the Union Hotel, on Abbott Street, became known as the sailor’s hostel. In keeping with his Swedish heritage, Larson married Gerda Peterson in the carly "90s. In 1902, he moved across the Inlet to the North Shore and established what became one of Vancouver's finest summer resorts, the North Vancouver Hotel. (Rates of $2 a day . inclutled meals.) grand structure was built about a block west of Lonsdale Avenue, formerly Tom ‘Turner’s Property Just north shore news i) NEIGHBORHOODS # swede’s hotel was social hub | across from the hotel and the esplanade (a watertront promenade), a grassy park sloped down to the beach. On summer days you could sip beer at onc of the tables under a shady tree and watch the ferries come in laden with hotel patrons. Larson’s daughter, Mrs. Olga Witton, recalls that on special occasions such as May 24, but especially July Ist, Dominion Day, the ferry would bring picnic Parties from Vancouver. Celebrations included band concerts,.a whole beef barbeque, balloon ascensions, tight rope walking, tug-of- war, athletic events, dancing, and the grand finale, a giant fireworks display, costing nearly $4,000. The hotel was the city’s social hub, hosting many major public events-and ban- quets honouring various dig- nitaries visiting the “Ambitious City” of North Vancouver. The Pavilion, at the cor- ner of now Chesterfield Street and Esplanade, hosted first class athletic events in its gymnasium: boxing tourna- ments, roller skating, political meetings, dances and other social attractions. About 1913-14, the Pavilion was used as a training centre and barracks for the 6th Field regiment of Royal Canadian Engincers. The municipal council held meetings in a building south of the hotel prior to the City of North Vanconver’s incorporation in 1907. The hotel proudly served its patrons for about a quarter of a century. The fourth hotel Larson built in 1909 was described by The Express Day Prosperity Edition, May 24, 1912: “The finest tourist and health resort on the coast with air elevation of 625 feet. Only two minutes walk fom the hotel to the famous second Canyon of the Capilano (River}. Excellent meals served. Full stock of finest wines, liquors and cigars. Autos from hotel meci all streetcars.” Beside the hotels, Larson, was active in the Elk’s Lodge, and a life member of the Order of the Eagles. In later years, Larson became the president of the North Shore ‘BILLED as_one_of Vancouver's finest summer resorts, Peter Larson's North Vancouver Hotel was located a block west of Lonsdale. te ty Senin D won easy to “us, has great flame quality and an exceptional warranty. Visit one of our three showrooms & “1 check our our excellent summer prices! "ULTRALINE GAS FIREPLACES 751, LONSDALE AVENUE, 988-3467 F 4.0400 BRIDGEPORT ROAD, RICHMOND : 278-3481 - 4035 NORTH. ROAD, BURNABY 420-3473 Power windows, A locks & mirrors ‘Air conditioning Leather interior Heated seats/mirrors Pioncers Association. A lead- ing citizen of North Vancouver, the Larson Elementary School on Larson Road, was named in his hon- our. Down Memory Lane is a series of columns by North Vancouver writer Janell Hiiton. Information supplied ly: Roy Pallant; Irene Howard Vanconver’s Spenskar, A History of the Swedish Community in Vancouver, 1970; North Vancouver Museum and Archives (987- 5628). (IT’S LES ‘TO: ‘CELEBRATE: THE Boss's 7OTH. YEAR. OWE RE. HAVING. A ‘Specian Toone SHOPPE / yn m 390 HOWE! St » > 688-2038 * . 637: OTH STO NEW wesr ; 1 525: “7660 ’ “ OPLN TitRS ipeails eM al Sura axy CELEBRATE WITH US, SAT. OCTOBER cake and refreshments served ot 20th wee gifts for all ao ee ANNIVERSARY PHOTO & STORY CONTEST You could WIN one of three $300 gift certificates... 2m THE - OLDEST ‘OUTFIT x THE OUTFIT WORN IN THE MOST EXOTIC LOCALE “th THE BEST STORY WHILE WEARING “LESLIEQANE Bring your photo and/or story to the. store and fill out: our entry. form. ~ All entries must be received by Sept .30th, Spm: Winners will be announced Oct: 3% ‘3pm AT Pre LESLIEJANE 1480 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VAN 922-861 : 8Owatt, AM/FM cassette/CD B Halogen fog lamps Kayless entry Wood grain trim Dash 16” alloy wheels Sports rack system oar much more