What’s UP at the Archives – March 2, 2023
SPECIAL EXHIBIT OPENING: SAVING BLOCK 77
“We were very lucky,” said newly appointed Fire Chief Ken Lissimore ,“If the fire had spread into the adjoining theatre or apartment block, we could have been in serious trouble.”
On Monday, April 10th 1978 fire ripped through a two storey building in Block 77 near the western end of Mission’s main commercial section on First Avenue, sending thick, acrid smoke into the air. With literally only inches separating the buildings, it was the combined efforts of 35-30 firefighters from Mission, North Fraser and Abbotsford-Matsqui Fire Departments which contained the fire and prevented it from spreading throughout Block 77.
As part of SHINE BRIGHT MISSION festivities on Friday, March 3rd, the Mission Community Archives is opening a special exhibit about the 1978 fire: SAVING BLOCK 77. The exhibit features a series of photographs taken by local news reporters on the scene of the fire, providing a vivid account of the intense blaze and the teamwork by firefighters to suppress it.
A very special thank you to Mission Fire Chief Mark Goddard, Monique Weir (Emergency Program Manager), and Kim Thoms (Administrative Assistant) for their invaluable assistance with the exhibit. Join us for this historic tribute to our incredible first responders! You may view the exhibit at the Archives between 7PM and 9PM on March 3rd.
What’s UP at the Archives – February 17, 2023
This year, through two new online exhibits by the Museum and Archives, the Mission District Historical Society invites you to discover how the camera, once a simple wooden box with a primitive lens and cap for controlling light, has undergone huge changes since its invention, and has come to play a key role in our society through its capacity to memorialize events, act as a keepsake and create visual narratives of our ever changing cultural landscape
PICTURE THIS! features the photographic works of Dr. Noel Hall (1930-2017), a self-taught photographer and highly esteemed member of the community.
Often the only photographer on the scene, Noel’s impressive archives of over 30,000 images were donated to the Archives in 2000 representing an unparalleled visual record of the community.
Presented through six theme-based virtual photo albums, PICTURE THIS! aims to transport viewers back in time to glimpse Mission during the 1980s and 1990s through aerial views of the landscape and a selection of images documenting community landmarks, pivotal events and more.
You may view the exhibit HERE, starting Feb. 20.
What’s UP at the Archives – February 2, 2023
The Mission Community Archives is pleased to announce the availability in its online store the award winning first book by Kuldip Gill’s (1934-2009), Dharma Rasa.
Dedicated to her family and parents, Bhagwant Kaur Gill, and Indar Singh Gill, the book invites readers to accompany Kuldip as she reads the love letters her father wrote to her mother; travels to British Columbia on the CPR Steamship Empress of Japan; visits the streets of New Dehli and Benares; and relives her family’s struggles and challenges as they try to make a home in a new land.
Born in Faridkot District, Punjab, India in 1934, Kuldip immigrated to Canada at age five, eventually residing in Mission where she attended school and was a member of the last class to graduate from the former Mission High School in 1952. You can read more about her life and extraordinary accomplishments here.
For a limited time only – February 2 to 14th, 2023 you may purchase the book for 25% off using code MCA1-25. It would be a special and unique Valentine’s Day gift for anyone.
