In the early 1900s, Rice Lake was an important site for workers in the logging industry of North Vancouver. Depicted here is an employee of Hastings Shingle and Manufacturing Co., hauling shingle bolts for further processing.
Behind him, many more logs bob merrily in the lake, as it was used as a holding pond. By keeping the sections of wood in water, the ends were kept from splitting due to dryness.
Additionally, the water slowed decay and deterioration from insects and fungal stain. The lake water was also used for the flume line, transporting the logs downhill to the mill.
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 for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
