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The Point Atkinson lighthouse has long been a focal point for mariners, tourists, and local communities. The lighthouse at Point Atkinson was built in 1875 to protect Vancouver’s growing international shipping trade. While the first keepers struggled with adapting to the isolated location and stayed only a few years, later keepers stayed for many decades. The isolation was eased by the increasing proximity of the city of Vancouver and its suburbs. Keepers and their families had challenging but interesting lives. Keepers often struggled with low wages and the constant demands of the job. Wives and children helped out the keeper, while keeping up with housework, cooking, and attending school. During World War II, Point Atkinson was used as a base from which to protect the Port of Vancouver. Point Atkinson lighthouse and its surrounding park remain important to the residents of West Vancouver, tourists and mariners.
Special thanks to all the individuals who contributed to the exhibit: Larry and Norm Dawe, Brian and David Grafton, Elaine Graham, Joyce Godard, Jean Odlum, and Ernie Toews.
Thanks also to the organizations that contributed to the exhibit: 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives, Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Phyl Munday Nature House Committee, Squamish First Nation, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver Public Library, West Vancouver Art Camp 2004 participants and West Vancouver Museum and Archives.
