History

Granthams Wharf Association 50^th Anniversary! (1968-2018)

Here’s a bit of history of Grantham’s Landing and its community wharf:

“Having previously enjoyed his summer visits to nearby Bowen Island, in 1909, Mr. Frederick Charles Grantham, owner at the time of F.C. Grantham & Co., Beverage Manufacturers in Vancouver, decided to buy District Lot 687 from Mr. Glassford, son-in-law of George Gibson. The property consisted of about 75 acres of land with about 800 feet of waterfront.

Having bought the land, Mr. Grantham considered there to be more than enough land for his summer cottage, so he subdivided and serviced the land, and had a small floating wharf built at what would become the focus of Grantham’s Landing. At the time of its subdivision, official maps referred to the location as the Howe Sound Post Office. The wharf was first known as “Howe Sound Landing”.

Later, in the 1920s, the wharf was replaced by a more permanent structure built by the Federal Department of Public Works. The wharf became better known by the Union Steamship people as “Grantham’s Landing”, after the person who built the original floating wharf.

In the early years of Grantham’s Landing, there were just a few homes built for permanent residents, but gradually the lots were sold to people who built summer cottages. Mr. Grantham had three cottages built on the waterfront; aside from his own, he rented to summer users.

The Union Steamships Company regularly sailed passengers to Granthams during summers, while community activities flourished, such as fishing tournaments and summer regattas popular in the 1930s. Floats were used alongside the main wharf for private boat access. During the steamship era much of West Howe Sound and the Gulf Coast were brimming with activity during summer months, while almost deserted for the remainder of the year.

World War II, technology changes, and road improvements brought the steamship era to a close. Steamship traffic ended when Coast Ferries and Navigation began operating in 1951.

Granthams Landing Wharf was mainly used by a local water traffic service until the mid 1950s when it was condemned. Remaining intact, and sound, were two of the original dolphins (groups of support pilings) and some decking from the government wharf.

In 1962, when the Department of Public Works was about to demolish the wharf, the Grantham’s Property Owners Association bought the wharf for community purposes for one dollar.

The Grantham’s Landing Wharf Association formed in 1968, which has redeveloped and maintained the wharf for community use ever since, with financial and labour donations from members and friends. This charitable organization and like-minded residents have undertaken improvements to the walkway, ramp down to float, supporting seawall and additional patio, where users can sit to enjoy breathtaking views, while keeping an eye on children using the wharf for access to the water.

Generations of children have grown up around the wharf, learning to swim, fish and boat safely. The wharf is a historical focal point and meeting place for the community, fostering community pride. The small, waterside community greatly values its wharf as a historical focal point and facility for part-time and full-time residents to land their boats, which they anchor on the foreshore in good weather. The community also uses the wharf for fishing, swimming and gathering.

      – Sunshine Coast Heritage Register (established in 2009 by the SCRD)

Photos from 1900’s

Wharf and community photos from early 1900’s…

The SS Lady Evelyn unloading passengers at Grantham’s Landing in 1931 (click to display larger image)

Another photo of The SS Lady Evelyn unloading passengers at Grantham’s Landing in the 1930’s. With so many people on the wharf, which is decorated with cedar boughs and ballons. Almost certainly a Regatta Day event. (click to display larger image)

Marine Drive in Grantham’s Landing in 1930s

Grantham’s Landing as seen from the water, 1930s

Please send any comments to granthamswharf@gmail.com and, once reviewed, they will be posted below.

2000’s

Thanks to all of our willing and able volunteers, the GWA has accomplished more than expected!

MINUTES

See documents listed under the “Board” menu at the top.

FLYERS

2013 Membership Drive

2011 & 2012 Membership Drive

The Black Fish Pub Fundraiser invitation graphic, which was a great success in September 2010.