Sir Percy Vincent makes history as the first Lord Mayor to visit Canada.
"1936::Lord Mayor of London Presents Replica Mace to City of Vancouver"
Photo Clip: The Vancouver Sun (1936)
Vancouver, British Columbia
In 1936, Sir Percy Vincent, the Lord Mayor of London, made history when he travelled to British Columbia to help the city of Vancouver celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the 50th Anniversary of its incorporation. It was the first time a Lord Mayor of London had travelled anywhere in the Commonwealth while in office. He carried noteworthy gifts from Great Britain, including a replica Mace of the City of London, a symbol of power and authority, and two paintings, one depicting Captain Vancouver's birthplace in Norfolk and the other his burial site in Petersham, a tribute to the city's namesake.
"1936::Mudslide Near Lytton Traps Lord Mayor's Train Near Lytton, British Columbia"
Photo Clip: The Vancouver Sun (1936)
Vancouver, British Columbia
While waiting for their special guest to arrive, Vancouverites learned that a mudslide near Lytton had covered the railway, leaving the Lord Mayor's train stranded near Spence's Bridge. It took the efforts of a hundred workers, scrambling for 13 hours, to clear the tracks and allow the train to continue its journey. Finally, late at night, the Lord Mayor and his entourage arrived in Vancouver and were greeted with a grand reception and a formal welcome from the city's officials.
"1936::The Lord Mayor of London Unveils Captain Vancouver Statue at the New City Hall"
Photo Clip: City of Vancouver Archives (CVA 99-2927)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Despite the delay in his arrival, the Lord Mayor was kept on schedule. He inspected the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, attended a banquet dinner, and enjoyed the breathtaking view from the top of Grouse Mountain. But the highlight of his trip was in the yard of the new City Hall. Here, the Lord Mayor unveiled a statue of a fellow Norfolk man, Captain Vancouver, with whom he shared a common birthplace and felt a personal connection. When the festivities were over, the Lord Mayor took a day to sail to Vancouver Island.
"1936::Lord Mayor of London Plants Tree in Beacon Hill Park, Vancouver Island"
Photo Clip: Illustrated London News (1936)
London, England
"I'm getting to be an old man now, but if I had my life to live over, I think I'd come here to live it." -Sir Percy Vincent, Lord Mayor of London, while planting a tree in Mayor's Grove (1936)
After attending service at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria's distinguished guests drove to Lake Cowichan to see the sights. When they returned, they joined the crowd in Beacon Hill Park, who had gathered to watch the Lord Mayor of London plant an English Oak Tree in the Mayor's Grove. The following day, the Lord Mayor and company sailed back to Vancouver, boarded a train to the East Coast and returned home to London, England.