Vancouver Sawmills and West Coast Hardwood in the 60’s and 70’s
My Great-Uncle Robert (Bob) McGregor was the founder of Vancouver Sawmills with his wife my Great-Auntie Maebel, which operated between 6th and 7th Avenue (1111 East 7th Avenue), just downhill from Clark Drive. It occupied a City block. There were several other business involved, West Coast Hardwood and Fleetwood Door. On the site was large dry kilns (see picture), several planers, a large sash gang to break down hardwood cants (another picture) and rail loading facility. A devastating fire in 1974 burned the place to ashes. The former plant was never rebuilt and now is occupied by Vancouver Community College.
Dry Kilns at Vancouver Sawmills / West Coast Hardwood. Corner of Clark Drive and 6th Avenue visible
Sash Gang outfeed Vancouver Sawmills / West Coast Hardwood
Unloading green Alder Lumber at Vancouver Sawmills / West Coast Hardwood
Vancouver Sawmills fire 1974 complete loss
Fire in 1974 devastated Vancouver Sawmills and West Coast Hardwood. Looking down Great Northern Way (6th ave)
Looking north over veledrome (bicylce race track) over site
Vancouver Sawmills Ltd. first office
Carol and Rob McGregor, Susan and John Carl, Irvin Carl, Evan Carl, Marie Carl, Bob Carl (my Dad) and Robert McGregor at West Coast Hardwood in Langley around 1955
Trucks lined up at Vancouver Sawmills /West Coast Hardwood for delivery the next day, late 1960’s I think
Main Warehouse and Office on right on cross street between 6th and 7th avenue (Keith Drive)
This was likely taken at Beta Street in Burnaby, a large piece of land owned by Bob McGregor, which was located next to Still Creek. The land was swamp and was constantly being filled. These look like used rail ties on the truck.
Back yard at Vancouver Sawmills