Until the turn of the 20th Century, the “Happy Isle” of Bowen Island lay largely untouched by either early settlers or First Nations peoples. It was Captain “Jack” Andrew Cates who saw the potential in this little island to make it a sunny destination place.
After purchasing the Mannion property in 1902, Cates began the Terminal Steamship Company. Tea houses, moonlight cruises, a steam-powered merry-go-round and dances at the Pavilion were the predecessors to the Union Steamship Company and the Booze Cruise days.
No one really knows how the upcoming Bowen Island tradition of Steamship Days got its name, but the Bowen Island Museum and Archives is hoping to remind islanders of these olden-day times. While we won’t have booze or bandstands, some of our staff will be bustling around in period costumes and welcoming incoming visitors down at the Pier of Bowen Island Marina.
The first two days of this exciting weekend will give passers-by the opportunity to relive the old days of the Steamship era by participating in our very own Steamship Scenes Photo Booth. Be transported into another age with a single shot (and a bit of complimentary photo editing). You can get your very own postcard print by donation, or purchase a raffle ticket to win a Union Steamship themed gift basket!
On Sunday we’ll be moving the party uptown to the Museum building itself. There we will uncover our vintage freezer and fill it with multiple, colourful flavours of ice cream for you to enjoy in our summer garden. That’s right — you know it’s summer when Sundaes on Sunday comes back into season!
Our weekly servings begin on Steamship weekend and continue throughout the summer for your enjoyment.
Didn’t get a chance to have your photo taken down at the Pier? This is your opportunity to take a peek at our new exhibit “Objects & Stories.” While posing with our artifacts, you can be transposed into a black-and-white whimsy of your own devising. Choose from a selection of props and background images, and we will customize your postcard while you enjoy an old-fashioned treat!
There will be something for all ages at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives booth. We not only hope that you’ll come down to the Ferry dock to start your Steamship weekend celebration with us, but that you’ll join us for a sundae on Sunday in our front garden at the Museum. Come take a look at what we have in store, and allow yourself to experience the Steamship days with a lasting memento from by-gone times.
Kathryn Ney is an archival assistant at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives.
