Comments on: Who was Maxine?

By: Vancouver Back in the Day « John Bentley

Vancouver Back in the Day « John Bentley — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:16:28 +0000

[…] If you have ever driven down Davie Street toward Denman you would have noticed this West End landmark. Its unique architecture is matched by the legends that surround it, including bootlegging, brothels, and secret tunnels to the Rogers family mansion a few blocks up the street. All that remains is the front façade of the original building. The rest has been gobbled up by a 21-storey condo development – its 4 floors of underground parking failed to unearth any tunnels, but did awaken a few ghosts. […]

By: Ross

Ross — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 00:35:36 +0000

I maintain the mechanical equipment in this building and, having access to all areas of the building, have searched for evidence of tunnels to no avail. Surely anything below grade was covered up during construction of the parkade which goes 4 floors down.

By: madduce

madduce — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 19:43:59 +0000

Ok, so, she bought the place in 1920’s and renovated it in 1934. Is it not possible that a brothel ran in the basement during that time and that discreet entrances were made? Probably before her like during the Canadian prohibition1(918-1920). In 1934 they renovate and get rid of anything not legit.

By: Arlee

Arlee — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 03:34:50 +0000

I have come across a Professional Cosmetology Book that is dated 1935 it was a students book enrollment 1937 the name in the book is The Maxine Beauty School . Is there any one that collects these books ? It also has the students name in the book .
Cheers Arlee

By: Charles AC Nixon

Charles AC Nixon — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 23:08:50 +0000

Hello Eve-
It’s certainly part of west end Folk lore. Many had their opinions about ghosts changed by that place.I can attempt a causal investigation and send you the results if you like? Going to read your post..
Charles

By: Charles AC Nixon

Charles AC Nixon — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:17:59 +0000

As an Ex Employee of Maxines Caberet , for Lee Torlage, I have to say I searched for that “Fabled” tunnel to no avail. People pointed to bricked up sections of the wall, and phoney panelling etc… saying it was behind, but there was no proof.

There was a mysterious Man hole type covering in the basement that was impossible to pry open in the short periods we had to try. Anyone’s guess what might have been down there. I’m sure the demolition crew and the present management of that property could answer any questions pertaining to that.

As for the other “Fables” –strange Phenomena was noticed by almost every employee myself included.
That was at the very end of my heavy drinking period, and I witnessed much “phenomena” everywhere . I can say with certainty, glasses shattered for no apparent reason and light bulbs unscrewed , others saw this as well. People were very afraid of the Basement.
There is nothing else I can report that couldn’t be dismissed by any psychiatrist as a alcohol induced Hallucination, so I can’t say. Much of that time didn’t make it into my long-term memory. Only emotionally charged incidents have been retained in a slightly distorted way.

It was very disturbing.No reflection on the management past or present.

Charles

By: Will Woods

Will Woods — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:26:10 +0000

Another Vancouver myth put to bed! I have met a couple of folks who SWEAR they have seen the entrance to a tunnel at the Gabriola mansion. Any thoughts on where this might lead? Perhaps just a wine-cellar?