Philip Timms' Vancouver, 1900–1910

Ann Turner, formerly the financial and budget manager of the University
of British Columbia Library, is a freelance writer.

Vancouver was fortunate that gifted professional photographer Philip
Timms arrived from Ontario in 1898 and fell in love with the city.
Observing the rapid growth then underway, he made it his purpose “to
record the city’s vistas of the days of its exuberant youth before it
was all swept away.” His donation of about 3,000 negatives to the
Vancouver Public Library ensured that his work would be preserved for
future generations to enjoy.

The period covered by this historical album coincides with the era when
picture postcards were wildly popular throughout the world, and Timms
was a major producer of the cards in Vancouver. Their high quality and
historical significance attracted the attention of authors Fred Thirkell
and Bob Scullion. This is their seventh book using picture postcards to
illustrate local history, and it is as delightful and informative as the
others. Organized into chapters based on themes such as “Stanley
Park,” “The Carnegie Free Library,” and “The North Shore,” the
cards illustrate activities and views in Vancouver and its neighbouring
communities a hundred years ago. Introductory essays and extensive
caption notes place them in context and point out the significance of
each one. The quality of the reproductions is excellent.

There is much to interest local historians, including the biography of
Timms himself. He was active in the community in many ways besides
photography, performing in bands and orchestras, studying the local
natural history, collecting Vancouver memorabilia, and giving
illustrated public lectures on Vancouver and its history. This lovely
album is a fitting tribute to him and his interests.