Mission Community Archives

Mission Community Archives The Archives is housed in a custom-built 3000 square foot facility — the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley — which was opened in 1994.

Established on February 25, 1989 by the Mission District Historical Society, the Mission Community Archives houses vivid, first-hand accounts of Mission's history. Constructed by the District of Mission and leased by the Historical Society, the facility offers a spacious, secure, environmentally-controlled vault for records with a storage capacity in excess of 4,000 linear feet and optimal space t

o support the other operations of the archives, including records processing, reference services and public programming. The Archives serves local residents and the global community by acquiring, preserving, maintaining, documenting and making available for public research records of archival value to the District of Mission and the Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Areas: Dewdney-Hatzic Island, Nicomen Island-Deroche, Lake Errock and McConnell Creek-Hatzic Prairie. By saving the community’s records, we ensure that Mission’s rich and unique heritage will be available to present and future generations.

BLAST FROM THE PAST – Fraser River Heritage ParkSod Turning, 1985After five years of careful planning led by Norma Kenne...
06/04/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – Fraser River Heritage Park
Sod Turning, 1985

After five years of careful planning led by Norma Kenney—Charter President of the Mission Heritage Association (MHA)—a historic sod-turning ceremony took place on June 1, 1985. This momentous day officially marked the beginning of work on what would become the Fraser River Heritage Park. The posted photograph captures the sod turning ceremony (l to r: Mission Mayor John Agnew, Norma Kenney and Father Dunlop).

Preserved within the MHA records at the Mission Community Archives is a beautifully annotated, handmade map by municipal planner John Carter who is credited with originally suggesting the Association look into acquiring the OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) lands for heritage purposes. A handwritten note by Norma Kenney from June 17, 1989, expresses her deep gratitude: "We are forever indebted to John for taking us seriously at a time when few were, & for being so helpful."

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIESSilverhill Hall, 1979 What began as a dream for a Swedish settlers' meeting hall (“folkets’ hus”)...
06/02/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Silverhill Hall, 1979

What began as a dream for a Swedish settlers' meeting hall (“folkets’ hus”) became the heart of a tight-knit pioneer community. After Siver Lowe donated the land, construction on the hand-hewn wooden structure began in 1915, officially opening its doors in 1919. The posted image was taken during the hall’s 60th anniversary celebrations on July 14, 1979.

Long-time resident Ella Wickstrom—whose father helped build the hall—joined Mayor Abe Neufeld in 2004 to unveil a plaque designating it as a municipal heritage building. Ella warmly remembered: “When I think about it now, we were in heaven. Everyone knew everyone and you could drop in on anybody all the time and you were always welcomed.”

In 2004 Ella Wickstrom, a long-time resident whose father helped construct the hall, assisted Mayor Abe Neufeld unveil a plaque designating the hall as a Municipal Heritage Building. At the time she recalled: “When I think about it now, we were in heaven. Everyone knew everyone and you could drop in on anybody all the time and you were always welcomed.” When the District of Mission established a Community Heritage Register in 2009, the Silverhill Hall was among the sites listed.

The District of Mission added Silverhill Hall to its Community Heritage Register in 2009. Tragically, this beloved, almost century-old community landmark was destroyed by fire on October 11, 2018. While the building is gone, the memories of the pioneer spirit that built it are recorded through the records housed in the Mission Community Archives.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940sThe Hatzic Break – June 3, 1948On June 3, 1948, Hatzic became headline ...
05/28/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
The Hatzic Break – June 3, 1948

On June 3, 1948, Hatzic became headline news across Canada.

A massive winter snowpack combined with sudden, unusually warm weather to turn the annual Fraser River freshet into a catastrophic flood.

At precisely 9:30 AM, the ground trembled. The Dewdney pump house exploded into the air "as though hit by a bomb." Telephone poles snapped, railway tracks groaned under the immense strain, and a wall of water made a 100-foot gap in the d**e.

The breech quickly widened to 555 feet. It flooded over 12 square miles of land up to 15 feet deep—an event forever known as the “Hatzic Break.” The annual Fraser River freshet was transformed into raging flood waters sweeping away everything in its path

This gripping image by local photographer Bert Clifford captured the twisted railway tracks and the remains of the pump house. He didn't just document the disaster through the 75 evocative images now preserved in our archives; his local knowledge guided army reconnaissance teams, and he frequently abandoned his camera to join active rescue operations. (SOURCE: Hatzic by Al Kipenes, Nature’s Fury)

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIESBird’s Eye View of Mission BC, 1960This incredible 1960 aerial photograph of Mission was taken by...
05/26/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Bird’s Eye View of Mission BC, 1960

This incredible 1960 aerial photograph of Mission was taken by Hugh Duncan (“Howdy”) McPhail (1915-2001), a legendary Saskatchewan pilot and photographer whose work included documenting villages, towns and cities throughout Western Canada.

Mr. McPhail donated this image to us in 1986, attaching a hand-written note on his official letterhead promising two more photos. A pencil notation by former Curator Dorothy Crosby, states that those extra images never arrived and that the black and white images he did send were later published in color for a calendar.

Looking northeast near the junction of First Avenue and Railway, this 1960 image captures Mission’s buildings and streets in vivid detail. It stands as a prime example of Mr. McPhail's recognized talent for high-definition aerial photography.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940sNEW Bellevue Hotel Opened - 1949Did you know the iconic Bellevue Hotel ...
05/21/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
NEW Bellevue Hotel Opened - 1949

Did you know the iconic Bellevue Hotel on First Avenue first opened in 1890?

Destroyed by fire in 1922, the hotel was rebuilt the following year and then replaced in 1949 by an impressive four-storey Art Deco structure constructed by its new owners - the Fletcher family.

Opened on July 27th, 1949, the hotel featured 34 modern guest rooms, a cafe, a dining room, and a massive 400-seat licensed beverage parlour.

Take a close look at the posted image:
• On the Far Left: The lobby entrance featured a curved, molded desk inspired by the famous Hotel New Yorker in New York City.
• In the Middle: Separate entrances for men and women. BC law required segregated beer parlour entrances until 1964!
• On the Far Right: A trendy "Coffee House," complete with black-topped counters, red leatherette stools, and cozy booths.
• The Roof: A prominent neon sign boldly advertising the hotel and its beer parlour.

Today, this historic Mission landmark has been redeveloped into affordable housing and amenities for seniors.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain volunteer-based operation.

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940sMission Strawberry Festival, 1946Did you know Mission was once celebrat...
05/14/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
Mission Strawberry Festival, 1946

Did you know Mission was once celebrated as the "Home of the Big Red Strawberry"?
Exactly 80 years ago, the Mission City & District Board of Trade (now our Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce) launched the very first annual Strawberry Festival on June 26, 1946!
For a decade, thousands gathered in Mission for this grand community event featuring:

• A community parade
• The crowning of Mission Strawberry Festival Queen
• Exciting Soap Box Derby races
• Carnival rides, sports, and live entertainment

The festival wrapped up in 1956 so the city could focus entirely on the ever-popular Soap Box Derby, but its legacy lives on!

Find out more this weekend! Drop by our new joint pop-up exhibit with the Museum at the Leisure Centre. The Archives exhibit features historic photos and unique from those memorable festival days.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain our volunteer-based operation.

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940sPioneer Garage, 1940In 1940, Tom Derrough and mechanic Fred Newton team...
05/08/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
Pioneer Garage, 1940

In 1940, Tom Derrough and mechanic Fred Newton teamed up to purchase the Pioneer Garage at the corner of Horne and First. What started as a local hub for general repairs and gas soon grew into something much bigger!

In 1954, they expanded their facilities and services, officially becoming Chrysler dealers. The business has been a mainstay in downtown Mission ever since, operating today as Pioneer Chrysler Jeep which is part of the Pioneer Auto Group.

You may purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this image for personal use by messaging or emailing the Archivist: [email protected]

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIESView of First Avenue, 1950sCheck out this new addition to the Community Archives holdings! This v...
05/04/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
View of First Avenue, 1950s

Check out this new addition to the Community Archives holdings!

This vintage postcard captures the view looking east from "Legion Hill" down Main Street—renamed First Avenue in 1970. You can spot the Bellevue Hotel in the foreground and the historic Astor Theatre further down.

The back of the postcard describes the area as a bustling "highway and business section" famous for its Soap Box Derby and Strawberry Festival.

You may purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this image for personal use by messaging or emailing the Archivist: [email protected]

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIESStave Falls Power Development, c1918Now a National Historic Site, the Stave Falls Powerhouse was ...
04/27/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Stave Falls Power Development, c1918

Now a National Historic Site, the Stave Falls Powerhouse was built between 1909 and 1912. Its operation required penstocks—enormous 14-foot-wide, 148-foot-long steel pipes—that diverted river water to the turbines. Although more were planned, the station operated with only two for years because World War I delayed further installations. Since the pipes were manufactured in Switzerland, they had to be transported via Germany, France, or Italy which were at war. Dated c.,1918, the posted photograph shows the third penstock partially installed.

You may purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this image for personal use by messaging or emailing the Archivist: [email protected]

BLAST FROM THE PAST - Deroche of A Bygone EraDeroche School Anniversary, 1984As part of the 70th anniversary celebratio...
04/24/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST - Deroche of A Bygone Era
Deroche School Anniversary, 1984

As part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of Deroche Elementary, Principal Barry Johnston, teacher Bev Kokoska and students gathered on the front steps of the school for a group photo in May of 1984. Constructed in 1914 to replace the North Nicomen School (1893), the building was added to in 1932 and served the community until December 1995.

If you or anyone you know is able to provide the names of the students, please message or email the Archivist: [email protected]

You may purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this image for personal use by messaging or emailing the Archivist: [email protected]

Address

33215 Second Avenue
Mission, BC
V2V4L1

Opening Hours

Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4am
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16048202621

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