Contributor: Christine Hagemoen
Christine Hagemoen is a 3rd generation Vancouverite who’s been working in the culture and heritage sector for over 15 years. An avid photographer, historical researcher and self-identified flâneur, Christine is constantly looking around her city and discovering things she wants to know more about. Christine loves delving into Vancouver’s history and reflecting on how it informs our present and future.
You Should Know About Pigeon Park
How commercial interests, social engineering politicians, pigeons and people shaped the Downtown Eastside's "living room".
You Should Know About ‘Newsie Jack’
At just 5'1", newspaper seller Jack Kanchikoff may have been small in stature, but he left a big impression on Vancouver.
Once a Local Prison, Now a Preschool and Pub
The remnants of the old BC Pen in New Westminster have come a long way in their storied history and you should know about it.
How 1,000 Vancouver Women Fought World War II from the North Shore
Our 'You Should Know' series continues with a look at the historical importance of a swathe of North Van waterfront.
From Humble Beginnings Came This Outstanding, Week-Long Beer Festival
Our '1,000 Cool Things About Vancouver' series continues with a no brainer: Vancouver Craft Beer Week
Vancouver’s First Public Art Superstar
Carlos Marega made a huge impact on the look and feel of early Vancouver, and many of his works remained treasured civic icons.
Hunting Vancouver’s Forgotten Sidewalk Prisms
These historic gems were common a 100 years ago. Now they're disappearing fast. Let this map/essay lead you to those that remain.
How TV Introduced the West Coast to Canada
A look back at The Beachcombers, the long-running TV show that put Gibsons on every Canadian's radar.
How to Find the Old Streetcar Scars of East Van
In this You Should Know photo essay, Christine Hagemoen traces evidence of the route of the old Georgia East streetcar line.
You Should Know the Story of the Building at the Heart of Mount Pleasant
The 1947 scalene icon sits like a sphinx at the intersection of Main and Kingsway, hiding a sexy secret beneath its rough stucco.
The Oldest Part of Vancouver Might Not Be Where You Think It Is
Vancouver is often said to have begun at Hastings Mill at the foot of Dunlevy Street, but the area we now know as Marpole is just as old.
The Vancouver Park with the ‘Hobo Jungle’ Past
Before it was a magnet to beer league baseball players and dog walkers, this green space was home to a dump and a homeless camp.
You Should Know Vancouver Was the Last City on the Continent to Drive on the Left
The people of Vancouver woke up on New Year's Day in 1922 to a streetscape that was the same but forever changed.
Ghosts, Cults, Students and Art: the Bizarre History of the Fairacres Mansion
Long before it became the Burnaby Art Gallery, this comely pile on Deer Lake was home to a cult and a bunch of college kids.
How Lulu Island Got Its Sweet Name
True story: the island that grew into the City of Richmond was named after a teenaged American showgirl.
Where Icons & Giants Once Took the Stage in Vancouver’s West End
The Georgia Auditorium might be long gone, but the old concert hall will forever be a big part of our entertainment history.
Vancouver’s First Film and its Connection to the Titanic
110 years ago William Harbeck attached a 35mm film camera to the front of a Vancouver streetcar, Go-Pro style...
You Should Know About The First Time Vancouver’s Electric Lights Came On
A year after the Great Fire destroyed much of Vancouver in 1886, its recovering streets were lit with the newness of electricity.
You Should Know More About the Fascinating History of Lower Mount Pleasant
Lower Mount Pleasant was one of the first areas outside of Vancouver's downtown to be developed for residential use. First came houses, then came war. See what remains to this day...
‘Squamish Days’ – A Loggers Sports Festival, 60 Years Running
The Many Weird Visions Of Vancouver That Never Came To Be
The Old Building That’s Now Home To Andina Brewing Company
All About The Sidewalk Stamps Still Spelling Out Vancouver’s History
The ‘Easter Be-In’ That Occurred In Vancouver 50 Years Ago
The Piece Of Vancouver History That Just Sold For A Song
Groundbreaking Eleanor Collins, The City’s ‘First Lady Of Jazz’
The ‘Bottle Dash’ Houses That Still Glitter In The Vancouver Sun
Our City Streets Were Once Paved With These Little Wooden Blocks
