“What stories could these walls tell?” I wonder, standing here in front of Marpole United. This isn’t just any building. It represents community and history. Marpole itself is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods, dating back to the 1860s.
Marpole’s story stretches back much further. The Musqueam village of c̓əsna̓əm thrived here for thousands of years. It was one of the largest pre-contact settlements on Canada’s Pacific Coast. Imagine the lives lived here long before Vancouver existed.
Non-natives began settling Marpole in the 1860s. They called it Eburne Station. It was a small town separated from Vancouver by miles of forest. But change came with the Vancouver Lulu Island Railway. Sawmills and gravel companies sprang up. In 1916, the area was renamed Marpole. This honored Richard Marpole. He was a superintendent for the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1929, when Marpole joined Vancouver, it was a major industrial hub.
The Oak Street Bridge changed things in 1957. Traffic shifted east. Businesses near Marine and Hudson suffered. The Arthur Laing Bridge in 1975 brought some businesses back to Granville Street.
Marpole is a neighborhood of transition. After the Oak Street Bridge was built, the more than 50 stores at Hudson and Marine Drive were suddenly empty and quiet. The area south of 70th Avenue was rezoned for increased density. The older houses were gradually replaced by apartments.
Marpole’s commercial strip on Granville Street is now home to many Chinese restaurants and businesses. This reflects the neighborhood’s diverse population.
Even a White Spot restaurant started in Marpole. Nat Bailey opened his first White Spot at West 67th Avenue and Granville Street.
Today, Marpole is a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and industrial spaces. It’s a place where old meets new. Marpole United stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this community. It has witnessed countless changes. It has provided a constant presence for its people. As we continue our tour, remember the rich history beneath our feet. Remember the stories etched into the very fabric of Marpole.