The North Vancouver version of Walter Volovsek’s Castlegar exhibit on the life of Edward Mahon opened at the North Vancouver Museum & Archives on January 22. Imagining North Vancouver: Edward Mahon and his Legacy consists of ten story-board panels and three explanatory panels, as well as a large map specially produced for the display by the City planning department.
The graphic panels are a permanent display to be showcased at various venues in Greater Vancouver, including the new North Vancouver City Hall lobby in September. Until then, the panels will be displayed at the Archives Building at 3203 Institute Road. The exhibit is based on the local author’s proposition that Edward’s quest for the endowment of a well-planned city commenced in Castlegar and was brought to admirable fruition with his legacy to the residents of North Vancouver. Volovsek worked with the Museum on its development, and supplied a selection of photographs and other illustrative material that he produced from resources provided by the Mahon family.
The local exhibit differed from the North Vancouver version in its presentation of actual photographic prints that were produced from original negatives, as well as the inclusion of meaningful artifacts on loan from Marolyn Mahon. For those that have missed it, there is a mini-version on display in the Granite Wing of Selkirk College. It consists of one panel of photographs and a selection of artifacts.
The original display included a set of recommendations that would help to revive Edward’s original vision for Castlegar. The efforts of the local historian and author to showcase Castlegar in a wider setting are bearing fruit. His website (www.trailsintime.org) was honoured last year with the presentation of the BC Historical Federation Website Award for 2011.
The committee wished to recognize ‘the presentation, research, and impact of your website on our historical understanding of the region.’