“Communist party?” That was David Wilson’s surprised reaction when he learned about the history of the Wilson House. But let’s step back in time. We are standing in front of Wilson House. This unassuming building holds a fascinating secret. It was once the home of Arthur “Slim” Evans, a key figure in Canadian labor history.
David Wilson moved into the house in 1982. He had no idea of its past. A neighbor, who had lived nearby since 1948, revealed the house’s connection to Evans. Evans was a former Communist party organizer.
Born in Toronto in 1890, Evans became a union organizer. He played a vital role during the Great Depression. He was involved in the 1932 coal miner strike in Princeton. Also, he helped organize the On to Ottawa Trek, which ended with the Regina Riot on July 1, 1935.
Interestingly, Wilson described his own political views as “right wing.” Yet, he admired Evans’ work in helping the unemployed during the Depression. Wilson knew the importance of providing for those in need. He recalled his grandmother’s generosity in sharing leftovers.
Evans built the Wilson House before the Depression. It featured fine cabinetry and baths. Over the years, the house has been remodeled. Realtors have found it challenging to describe. Wilson himself pointed out the rippling windowpanes and cedar shake siding. These features likely dated back to the original construction.
Wilson chose not to replace the windows. He felt that many eyes had looked through those ripples. He valued the history they represented. Only once did the media show interest in the house. CBC filmed the exterior for a segment in 1995. The segment was about the On to Ottawa Trek. Wilson recognized his front lawn in a photograph. It showed a policeman on horseback. The image was from April 24, 1934. Authorities evicted Evans’ wife and daughter while he was jailed after the Princeton strike.
Union members formed a picket line in the neighborhood. It lasted for a month. Police intervened when picketers were gathering relief downtown. One hundred and fifty officers participated. This included eight on horseback and six on motorcycles. The chief of police was also present.
An elderly neighbor told Wilson about playing with Evans’ daughter. This was before the eviction. The neighbor also remembered a smaller apple tree on the property. Wilson had to remove the tree recently. It had split in half. He consulted an arborist first. He even kept some of the wood.
Underneath the tree, Wilson found blue medicine vials and containers of Pond’s Cold Cream. He also found a tin tricycle without spokes. It is unknown if these items belonged to the Evans family. However, Wilson saw his house as a connection to Vancouver’s past.
Wilson was comfortable with the house’s history. He was proud of it. He often quoted “You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” The Wilson House is more than just a building. It is a reminder of Slim Evans’ contributions. It is a symbol of a significant chapter in Canadian history.