June 2019
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Collingwood Corner: The Birds’ Paradise by Loretta Houben Thanks to Allen Doolan, a subscriber and moderator on one of the Nostalgic Vancouver Facebook groups I’m in, I recently discovered that a bird aviary was once in the Collingwood area at 5207 Hoy Street. Postcard. From the Vancouver Archives CVA371-1199
The bird aviary was quite well known and was even mentioned in a letter to the editors in the February 24, 1941 edition of Life magazine. The owner was Charles E. Jones, who was also briefly the 26th mayor of Vancouver until passing away September 1, 1948. I can’t find out much about Charles Jones, but he certainly loved birds. If you visit the Vancouver Archives online, you will be able to see many postcards of the birds. Some of them will make you smile! I’ve included a few of my favourites here. The old house on Hoy Street that once contained these delightful creatures is still standing. It was built in 1910, and still has its original charm with a lovely garden. I’ve often been drawn to this house while walking in the neighbourhood, and now I know why. What a fascinating history it has.
Albert Jones playing violin at 5207 Hoy Street. Photo from the Vancouver Archives CVA371-1215
New exhibit at Il Museo Page 5
Aviary of C.E. Jones. Photo from the Vancouver Archives CVA371-1191
Seniors Shuttle is back Page 6
Garden tips for summer Page 12
Continued on page 2
Help native bees Page 12