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Possible 8-week full time position. Must be between 16 and 30 years of age, a full-time student in the academic semester preceding the employment period and intend to return to full-time studies in the academic semester following employment. Cannot have another full-time job. |
CANADA DAY 2017
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Bowen Heritage and Bowen Island Museum and Archives (bowenislandmuseum.ca) put on a display of our Island's history for Canada 150 celebrations. There were 8 story boards, Jack Little's history of the Union Steamship resort era, the gorgeous Reflections picture book and the Bowen Pledge poster all there for your viewing pleasure. If you missed it, please visit both museums this summer and learn more. We have published a map of all the heritage sites in Snug Cove and you can find it for free in #20 Cottage Lane. We welcome your visits.
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YOU ARE INVITED
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If you have never or seldom visited the Museum in Davies Orchard you are invited to venture in - despite its current appearance, it really is a lovely spot and it is important that you find out more of what the current discussions are about. This past winter the Muni has installed a road sign (Cottage Lane) and a museum sign, so we are easier to find: down the lane between the Tuscany restaurant and the Seabreeze building in Snug Cove. The first cottage on your right is the information/office cottage for Bowen Heritage with a room for used book sales (all proceeds to the new library addition), a public meeting space and a few things for sale (eg. the Bowen Pledge poster). We got federal and municipal funding to hire a summer student/tour guide. Come and meet Chloe Jackson - a local student who will keep the office and museum open 5 days a week (Thursday to Monday) from 9-5. Our porch is a wonderful shady spot with chairs, tables, wifi, tea and not too many distractions. Our Museum was the first cottage to be fully restored to demonstrate that a neglected building can become dry, warm, comfortable - and beautiful, when decorated with the help of the Museum and Archives and several other donors to what it might have looked like during our resort heyday. Tours are FREE or by donation. There's also a demonstration garden, a mason bee colony, a bronze statue, some very interesting old and new fruit trees, and plenty of room for a blanket for a picnic or a nap. We encourage people to pause and dream of a public, well-used and well-loved collection of buildings as shelter during our long rainy season. If you don’t like the look of the place now, we couldn’t agree more! The legions of volunteers on Bowen (and we would encourage you to join in, as it is usually a lot of fun) have patiently waited more than 26 years for Metro to come up with a plan. We have been surprised that their only two options have such large scale demolition. Instead, we want Metro's support and participation to find more ways to fund, manage and publicly use these existing structures. Ideas: a child-centred classroom and nature information cottage. An off-season artist in residence programme. More tourist accommodation during the summers. And more. You are invited to come and see and visit.
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The Case for Heritage Restoration
Use our free Bowen Island Heritage Walking Tour (PDF format) to enjoy a hour or two exploring our island's history. Click on the booklet image to download. |
Produced in 2011, this video presents the case for intervention in the Davies Heritage Orchard. Some of the cottages are in significant disrepair. Video courtesy of Turtlebox Productions. |
POSTER FOR SALE
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Metro's OPEN HOUSE - June 17 from 10-12 noon, Davies Orchard
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Metro is holding a Community Conversation to gauge the public's response to two concept proposals for redeveloping the Orchard area. Bowen Heritage is concerned that the proposals include demolishing either six or four of the ten remaining orchard cottages, primarily to improve views from the site. We believe Metro could do so much more by working with the community.
Here are our main points: 1. As many of the cottages as possible should be conserved. 2. The community, local and regional, can make great use of all the cottages. 3. We would like the opportunity to fundraise to save more cottages. 4. We don't believe the community has any interest in creating more views. Please try to make it to the event and help persuade Metro to expand the options under consideration. |
Support Bowen Heritage
The Union Steamship Cottages are an important part of the heritage of Canada's West Coast and a reminder of the vitality of the island during the steamship days. Many of the remaining cottages are in serious disrepair. We are working to change that.
More than 100 Bowen Islanders and friends now belong to Bowen Heritage. Please join us. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS $10 for individuals $15 for families $20 for institutions |
1. Membership by donation
For donations of $20 and above, please join us through the Canada Helps website. You will receive a tax-deductible donation receipt directly from Canada Helps. 2. Membership by mail Download and print a membership form. Send it with payment to Bowen Heritage, PO Box 78, Bowen Island BC V0N 1G0. You will receive a payment receipt by mail from Bowen Heritage. 3. Membership by secure online payment Go to our online membership form. Submit the form and pay online using PayPal (includes credit card payment options). You will receive a payment receipt by email from PayPal. |
Bowen Municipality installs new signs
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Following meetings of Bowen Heritage, R.C.M.P., Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and Bowen Island Municipality signs have been installed to both name the laneway so that it is easily recognized as a public space and not a private drive and indicate a public amenity, namely, Bowen Heritage's Union Steamship resort era cottage museum. Our Museum has been furnished with the help of several donors and the BI Museum & Archives to represent a family cottage in 1928, when they were first built, is decorated to reflect the seasons and is open on request. We happily give free tours for you and your visitors to learn and enjoy our unique and fascinating history. |
NEWS: From Parliament Hill
On December 6, 2016 Peter van Loan, Conservative critic for Canadian Heritage and National Historic Sites, introduced a Private Member’s Bill for the rehabilitation of historic buildings in Canada. Designed to support those who invest in our cultural heritage, this Bill will have the potential to encourage rehabilitation of properties in the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
In a press release, Mr. van Loan said, “By maintaining historic buildings and undertaking costly heritage renovations, citizens undertake a considerable private burden from which we all benefit, through the preservation of our past. This Bill seeks, in a small way, to provide some support for them for the considerable investment they make on behalf of all of us by restoring their heritage properties.”
“This is good news,” says Jenifer Iredale, Heritage BC director. “The heritage community in Canada has been asking for years for a tax credit such as that in the US - to encourage owners of heritage buildings to rehabilitate rather than demolish. Tax credits in the US have been critical to preservation, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings there. A tax credit in Canada would be nothing less than brilliant!”
Heritage BC will be working closely with the National Trust, as we collaborate on a national campaign to build awareness for this important issue and work toward the successful adoption of this much-needed tax credit.
In a press release, Mr. van Loan said, “By maintaining historic buildings and undertaking costly heritage renovations, citizens undertake a considerable private burden from which we all benefit, through the preservation of our past. This Bill seeks, in a small way, to provide some support for them for the considerable investment they make on behalf of all of us by restoring their heritage properties.”
“This is good news,” says Jenifer Iredale, Heritage BC director. “The heritage community in Canada has been asking for years for a tax credit such as that in the US - to encourage owners of heritage buildings to rehabilitate rather than demolish. Tax credits in the US have been critical to preservation, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings there. A tax credit in Canada would be nothing less than brilliant!”
Heritage BC will be working closely with the National Trust, as we collaborate on a national campaign to build awareness for this important issue and work toward the successful adoption of this much-needed tax credit.
Thanksgiving Sunday!
Dress warmly and come to the Cove by 11am for the start of the 22nd annual Applefest in Davies Orchard. Why? Because it is fun, free, family-oriented, delicious, educational and supporting a charity working to save the cottages in the Orchard for future community uses. The rest of our message is more complicated but come to the event and we’ll be happy to bend your ear.
The Bowen Agricultural Alliance [BAA] has organized a Farmers’ Market and we hopefully some craft marketers too. Meet a Regional Park interpreter and learn about pollinators, enjoy Bowen musicians and both the cup-cake-walk and sit down for tea with a slice of apple pie. There will be John & Josephine Riley’s fantastic apple display, plus apple tasting and sales and apple pies for sale as our major fundraiser. And for sure enter our pie baking contest to win $100. Our three Judges love that contest!
Sarah Haxby organized a small army of students and teachers from BICS to pick apples with the permission of local orchardists with heritage trees, and volunteers have peeled and sliced enough fruit for 50 pies. The bake-a-thon at the Ruddy Kitchen is happening Saturday October 8th if you have any talent or interest in baking. Come join in - it’s fun!
Immediately after Applefest, at 2pm, is the ribbon cutting celebration of the Garden Gateway Project. Bowen Heritage has been happy and proud to be involved. The Bowen Island Community Foundation provided a generous donation through us as a registered charity to Holly Graff and her proposal for a garden entrance to Bowen. Holly got the idea during a visioning workshop, also sponsored by the Bowen Foundation. Holly with Wynn Nielsen and James Tuer have orchestrated, with the municipality and a long list of additional funders and volunteers, the gorgeous results.
And there’s more! Immediately after the ribbon cutting, at 3 pm, the Bowen Island Community Foundation is sponsoring a reception at Doc Morgan’s to celebrate the success of the Garden Gateway Project and launch their annual giving campaign.
3 great community events: all in one day and all in Snug Cove. Please join us to celebrate and give thanks for more good things happening on Bowen.
Look for Our Tent at Bowfest! August 27, 2016.
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The Museum and Archives and Bowen Heritage are working together to prepare our very own Vintage Sale. Treasure-seekers rejoice at this fantastic collection of tools, kitchenware, furniture and more! All funds raised will be shared between the Museum & Archives and Bowen Heritage; we thank you for your support.
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Vancouver Artist Michael Kluckner Shares Support for Orchard Cottages
Local Vancouver artist and writer Michael Kluckner is well known for his unique style and talent, he has had numerous books of his work published throughout the years. Mr. Kluckner is not only an artist he is also heavily involved with local heritage organizations in the lower mainland and often speaks on the importance of heritage preservation. He has demonstrated his support for the community of Belcarra, as they struggle to maintain ownership of their beach-side cottages that are on Regional Park property. Click here to read more on Belcarra.
Michael Kluckner recently visited Bowen Island to speak at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives AGM. Here he shared some watercolours from his own collection and shared a few of his own personal connections to Bowen Island. Click here to read about his trip to the Island.
In the Cove: Past and Present Bowen Island
The current exhibition at the Bowen Island Arts Council Gallery in Artisan Square, and on display until July 17th, is hosted by the Bowen Island Museum and Archives. It features a wonderful cross-section of archival photographs, the work of local mixed-media artist Vanessa Hall-Patch, and “altered” archival photographs created by Ron Woodall. All the works incorporate Bowen’s early history with an emphasis on the Union Steamship resort days. Some of the archival photographs are “new” to viewers and all are a fascinating glimpse into our rich “glory” days. Ron Woodall’s altered images demonstrate a technique he has created with old and new photos, adding colour, character and spice. Good fun, and serious art, which is what we have come to expect and love.
The Davies Orchard Cottages are the focus of the work of Ms. Hall-Patch. A few pieces, labeled “Kintsugi” cabins, are images of deteriorating cottages removed from their orchard backgrounds and transferred onto clean white backdrops, highlighting their current state of disrepair. The images then have small areas of gold added. “Kintsugi” is a Japanese word for the art of repairing treasured broken pottery with gold. The use of the precious metal is meant to emphasize the use and wear of a beloved object by highlighting its cracks. Kintsugi highlights the flaws rather than treating a crack as something to hide or disguise, or the flaw resulting in disposal. The comparison between this pottery repair method and the orchard cottages is an incredible perspective on these rather pathetic looking buildings. It offers the idea that despite their slow deterioration there is the possibility of a new beauty to be found within their years of use and love.
Visit the Gallery at Artisan Square now and often to enjoy this great exhibit. And encourage and praise the Museum and Archives for their continuing efforts.
The Davies Orchard Cottages are the focus of the work of Ms. Hall-Patch. A few pieces, labeled “Kintsugi” cabins, are images of deteriorating cottages removed from their orchard backgrounds and transferred onto clean white backdrops, highlighting their current state of disrepair. The images then have small areas of gold added. “Kintsugi” is a Japanese word for the art of repairing treasured broken pottery with gold. The use of the precious metal is meant to emphasize the use and wear of a beloved object by highlighting its cracks. Kintsugi highlights the flaws rather than treating a crack as something to hide or disguise, or the flaw resulting in disposal. The comparison between this pottery repair method and the orchard cottages is an incredible perspective on these rather pathetic looking buildings. It offers the idea that despite their slow deterioration there is the possibility of a new beauty to be found within their years of use and love.
Visit the Gallery at Artisan Square now and often to enjoy this great exhibit. And encourage and praise the Museum and Archives for their continuing efforts.
An example of a bowl mended with the Kintsugi method
Second Annual Bowen Heritage Scarecrow Contest on June 18,2016 in the Orchard
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Is your garden being invaded by pests like deer, crows, slugs -- even a rabbit or dog or cat? You need a SCARECROW to protect it!
Build your own personal scarecrow to repel those nasty pests, amuse your friends and neighbours, and maybe win the second annual Bowen Heritage Scarecrow Contest. "How do I make a scarecrow?" you might ask. Well… let’s assume it is for crows ... Start to create your garden guardian with something strong that can be jammed into a hole - like an old rake or broom. Attach a cross bar, making sure it’s secure. Paint a face on the rake or a paper bag and attach that as the head. Gather up some old clothes, hats, shorts, bells, whistles, and flashy things to create a fetching ensemble guaranteed to freak a bird. The only requirement for your garden guardian is that it must be created and designed with recycled materials, so be creative! When you are finished, carry it safely down to the Davies Heritage Orchard by noon on Saturday, June 18, 2016, in the Demonstration Garden located behind Cottage 20 (the info cottage) for a chance to win the title of Bowen Island’s Best Scarecrow. |
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Garden Gateway Project Garners Award
CLICK on image to enlarge.
March 30, 2015 - Holly Graff has received a Community Service Award from the BC Society of Landscape Architects for her tireless volunteer work on the Garden Gateway project. Congratulations and thanks to Holly.
Jan. 12, 2015 -- Good news! By resolution, the Bowen Island municipal council endorsed the Garden Gateway Project and will waive the cost for a development permit for the project, further directing staff to work closely with volunteers from the project in facilitating the project in a timely fashion.
Dec. 2, 2014 -- Upon municipal approval to proceed, the Bowen Island Garden Gateway Initiative will receive $15,000 from the Bowen Island Community Foundation to help build a garden walkway with native plants and stone seating between the cenotaph and the washroom block at the ferry. The project, led by Holly Graff, Wynn Nielsen, and James Tuer, will bring together an innovative and collaborative mix of donated and discounted resources to help create a visually pleasing arrival and departure point at the ferry. Bowen Heritage is pleased to be a partner in this project.
Jan. 12, 2015 -- Good news! By resolution, the Bowen Island municipal council endorsed the Garden Gateway Project and will waive the cost for a development permit for the project, further directing staff to work closely with volunteers from the project in facilitating the project in a timely fashion.
Dec. 2, 2014 -- Upon municipal approval to proceed, the Bowen Island Garden Gateway Initiative will receive $15,000 from the Bowen Island Community Foundation to help build a garden walkway with native plants and stone seating between the cenotaph and the washroom block at the ferry. The project, led by Holly Graff, Wynn Nielsen, and James Tuer, will bring together an innovative and collaborative mix of donated and discounted resources to help create a visually pleasing arrival and departure point at the ferry. Bowen Heritage is pleased to be a partner in this project.
Step Back in Time to the Happy Isle
Thanks to our 2012 summer student, Mariah Fleetham, for her creative work producing Memories of Bowen Island. This 30-minute video will introduce you to life on Bowen Island in the early and mid-20th century through the recollections of Islanders, with selected photos from the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association Archives and from the Bowen Island Museum and Archives. A copy is also available from the Bowen Island Public Library.
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Rails to Romance on Bowen Island This clip features edited excerpts from Rails to Romance, a promotional film/travelogue produced for the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1945-47 by the BC Government Travel Bureau. The Union Steamship vessel Lady Alexandra leaves Vancouver harbour and stops at Bowen Island, a popular holiday destination. After the film pauses at Bowen to outline the resort and recreational facilities there, the steamer continues its trip to the PGE's southern terminus at Squamish. Passengers and freight are transferred from the Lady Alexandra to the waiting PGE train. Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum. |
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Raising the Flag at the Cenotaph
Our community comes together every Remembrance Day at the cenotaph in Snug Cove.
This short video shows a 1937 ferry trip to Bowen Island, a very well-attended parade complete with marching band, and the flag-raising ceremony for the cenotaph. Courtesy of BC History (YouTube) |
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Experience Bowen Heritage TodayBy transit: Take the No. 257 or 250 bus from Georgia Street in Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay and walk on the Queen of Capilano at the ferry terminal. Steps from the ferry dock, you'll find Davies Heritage Orchard and more.
By car: Take Highway 1 to Horseshoe Bay. Parking on the island is limited, so you may wish to travel as a foot passenger. Take the "village" exit and park in the parkade immediately off the exit ramp, or in the BC Ferries lot near the terminal. Walk on the ferry. The ferry accommodates cars but often overloads in the summer. Tours: In the summer, Bowen Heritage offers free guided tours of the orchard and museum. We are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. Tours are available at anytime. The orchard is always open, but the engaging stories of how William and Florence Davies planted the trees and how John and Josephine recently rejuvenated the orchard are part of our special guided tours. Contact us at bowenheritage@gmail.com. Last updated July 2016 |
Accommodation in the Orchard
The Union SteamShip Marine Resort offers heritage-style accommodation in Snug Cove. For more information on the lodging available, visit the USSC website.
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