This photo of a snowy Lonsdale Avenue at East Esplanade was taken 94 years ago on Dec. 12, 1927. Irwin & Billings Real Estate office is seen at the northeast corner of the intersection. The street has been festooned with Christmas decorations.
Irwin & Billings was founded by William John Irwin in 1906. In its early years the company advertised its real estate services of residence lots, business lots and waterfront sites. Irwin served a term as North Vancouver's mayor, and was an alderman for ten years. One of his three sons, William R. Bruce Irwin, joined the company in the 1930s, eventually taking over for his father. This legacy North Vancouver business passed out of the family in 1971.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley is open by appointment only. Contact: archives@monova.ca
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
