Comments on: The Cambie Street Rocket Ship

By: Gordon Boleen

Gordon Boleen — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:52:17 +0000

Thank you, Eve, for remembering this important landmark. I came across your article on Google Maps which had 3 references. Now I am confused. Donna says it was for the 1938 PNE parade. The Vancouver Public Art Registry (https://covapp.vancouver.ca/PublicArtRegistry/ArtworkDetail.aspx?ArtworkId=178) says it was for the 1936 PNE parade to celebrate the city’s Jubilee (50th). And the Historical Markers Data Base (www.hmdb.com) says it was for the 1946 PNE parade (submitted by someone from the USA). Which one is correct? Plus it seems no one agrees to the actual original dimensions.

By: David Banks

David Banks — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:29:19 +0000

In reply to Eve Lazarus.

I too did a bunch of research on the rocket ship (and also concluded that it was actually from 1938); Ifound the float that won the Sheet Metal Workers the grand prize in the 1936 Jubilee year “Canada (or Canadian, sources vary) Pacific Exhibition” parade.
It wasn’t a rocket ship, it was a depiction of a marksman on one knee with a bow and arrow, entitled “The Modern Aim”.

Vancouver Sun and Province, August 26/27 1936. https://imgur.com/a/llBihE9

Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find any photos of “The Modern Aim”.

By: Eric Brighton

Eric Brighton — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:06:05 +0000

Eve, I am very grateful for all your articles and knowledge of our shared history. I`ve learned a lot from you!

By: Gord McCaw

Gord McCaw — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:20:49 +0000

In reply to Eve Lazarus. Add me to that distinguished list...

By: Gord McCaw

Gord McCaw — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:19:44 +0000

In reply to Doug Parks. I have seen a couple of pavilions in New West at some paper manufacturer (I think) along side the Fraser River, visible from Stewartson Way...

By: Dennis J. Duffy

Dennis J. Duffy — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 22:46:53 +0000

Hi Eve! Always glad to see people reminded about Lew Parry’s contributions. Did you know that he also designed the original art deco sculpture of Diana the huntress on the Vogue Theatre sign fin. (The current one is an inferior replica.) I enjoy your contributions very much.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 02:41:14 +0000

Our Dad, Dave Kelman worked on the original rocket ship. He was invited to the ceremony at the foot of Cambie street bridge in 1986 when the new one was placed there.

By: Doug Parks

Doug Parks — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 23:20:43 +0000

Its getting harder to find bits of EXPO 86 memorabilia. Some green and red metal benches with expo 86 cement blocks at either end can be found at Cultus Lake. May of the pavilions can be found in Deltas Tilbury Industrial Park. I wondered where I read about the rocket ship then it dawned on me Vancouver Exposed sits on our coffee table

By: Donna Sacuta

Donna Sacuta — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 22:42:30 +0000

According to 1938 newspaper reports, the original rocket construction represented the work of 50 men, working at night for over a week, building parts in several city shops. The Sheet Metal Workers International Association float carried the half-ton, 18 foot-long tin, copper and iron rocket in the PNE parade that year where it won grand prize. The union built the replica in 1985. https://www.facebook.com/LabourHistoryInBC/posts/1065531433632845