Maynard 1891 Photo of CPR Steamship 'Empress of India' Maiden Voyage in Victoria Harbor
Victoria, BC: Richard Maynard, [1891]. Mounted Photograph. An historic documentary photo by Richard Maynard, very likely taken from the tugboat 'Pilot' while standing off and awaiting her turn to come alongside the Empress of India. The tugboat 'Lorne' can be seen currently alongside discharging some of Victoria's celebrities to enjoy an officer-accompanied tour of the CPR's newest, and flag adorned Pacific service vessel. The 151-foot 'Lorne' was commissioned in 1889 and owned by coal barons, James and Alexander Dunsmuir for hauling barges in their coal business. The business address on the verso of the Maynard cabinet card also helps to fix the date to 1891, as the Maynard's Photographic Gallery was located at the corner of Douglas and Johnson from 1874-1892. An 4.75 x 8 inch wide photograph mounted on the photographer's 5.25 x 8.5 inch wide cabinet card, with only light edge wear and minor soil on the verso. A fine image, capturing an historical moment in linking the chain of global transportation. Near Fine. Item #5257
"Eleven days, seven hours and 27 minutes later she steamed up Juan de Fuca strait to end her maiden voyage at Victoria on 6:30 AM Tuesday, April 28, 1891, establishing a new specific record. The new liner, decorated with flags and banners, anchored off the city and, after inspection by health and customs officers, welcomed aboard civic dignitaries and other invited guests, who were ferried out to the vessel by the tugs 'Lorne' and 'Pilot'. ... Officers were assigned to take groups of dignitaries on tours of the ship. Her accommodations, quality of construction, size and elegance were fully up to the guests' expectations; the new trans-Pacific service had won the blessing of Victorians." The Pacific Empresses (1981) R.D. Turner, p. 27-29.
Price: $695.00 CAD other currencies