Buildings & Structures Archives | British Columbia’s Black Pioneers

View of Oberlin College 1865

Oberlin College, originally called Oberlin Collegiate Institute until 1850, is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1835 it became the first predominantly white collegiate institution […]

Central Saanich United Church formerly Shady Creek Church

Central Saanich United Church formerly known as Shady Creek Church, 7180 East Saanich Road, Vancouver Island. Charles Alexander initiated and assisted in the building of the original church […]

Black Businesses were HERE!

John Adams is an author, historian, and owner/operator of an historical walking tour company “Discover the Past” in Victoria Location: Lower Yates Street, Victoria BC. Many shops and […]

The House that John Built: 1860’s construction techniques and gas lighting

Interview with Linda and Davyd, the current owners of the house. Davyd completed the house restoration work. Location: Linda and Davyd are standing on the sidewalk, at the […]

“Dandridge House” built by John and Charlotte Dandridge

This house has been relocated, stripped of its architectural details, sold, and lived in by different families over the years. Having been restored to most of its original […]

“Dandridge House” circa 2014

This restored home in Victoria, B.C. was originally built and owned by John and Charlotte Dandridge in 1862.

“Dandridge House” circa 1872

This photo was found on the wall of a local funeral home with this caption “residence where funeral chapel now stands – moved to Rudlin Street”.

Bricks and Mortar “classroom”

Location: Bastion Square marks the original site of Fort Victoria. It is located in the heart of downtown Victoria. The east entrance is located at View and Government […]

The arrival of these Black Pioneers in 1858 is designated as a National Historic Event

This plaque was commissioned by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and was unveiled on February 20, 2000 at the Shady Creek United Church (now Central […]

Vesuvius (Central) School – Salt Spring Island’s First Schoolhouse (1894)

As the population on Salt Spring Island increased demands grew for a proper school and for financial support from Victoria. In 1864 permission was granted for a school […]

Sydna Francis takes matters into her own hands

Life in Victoria began in 1860 with some sense of normalcy; but this was short-lived. Sydna’s parents were John and Charlotte Dandridge. Charlotte died in March 1863; her […]

“The Brown Bombers” Baseball Team 1939-1940, Victoria, B.C.

All the players are brothers and cousins of the Alexander, Hudlin and Wood families; all descendants of Charles and Nancy Alexander. Back Row: Norm Alexander Sr., *Doug Hudlin, […]