Then and Now - Irving Park

By Ted Ross

Then...

Image A-01388 Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum, BC Archives

The photo, courtesy of the B.C. Archives, is of the home of Captain John Irving, built for his new bride in 1884, at the corner of Michigan and Menzies.

Behind the house were stables for the horses, sheds for the cow and chickens, and a large garden. In an era of formal entertaining, Mrs. Irving held many an 'at home' on the beautiful grounds. The exterior of the home was resplendently decorated in twelve different colours. Capt. John and Jean raised a son and two daughters at the Menzies street residence until 1915, when they moved to the mainland. Son, William, was killed in World War One.

Menzies ran directly to the shore of James Bay, where Irving's shipping terminal was. In 1901 Capt. John, with his partners, sold Canadian Pacific Navigation to the C.P.R. The railroad used the ships to form Canadian Pacific Steamships (CPSS), which served Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle until the 1970's.

In his later years, Capt. John seemed to have no real home. He spent much time on the CPSS, thanks to his lifetime pass, squandering his money on gambling and pals. He died in Vancouver in 1936, poor in everything but friends. His remains are interred at Ross Bay Cemetery.

Now...

Irving Park today, photo courtesy Bob Tuomi

From 1917-1919 the house served as a military hospital for returning veterans from the First World War. There, in sunny James Bay, they could recuperate from their injuries. A former neighbour recalled a story that in later years a policeman had committed suicide in the house. It was rumoured to be haunted. The large house, which had stood empty for several years, was demolished in 1929.

The City of Victoria purchased this land at a tax sale. It was declared to be "James Bay Park" in 1944. In 1981 it was re-named "Irving Park".

A paved walkway takes you from one corner to the other. Built by the City for those who would short-cut through the park, it is a lovely stroll.

In 1999 the City of Victoria, along with the James Bay Community Project, built the Irving Park Labyrinth. In 2002, a group of visitors from Gifu, Japan, planted 21 Japanese cherry trees along a curving walkway on the far side of the park, just past the labyrinth. They bloom with pinky-white double-blossoms in May, and have grown substantially in nine years. A plaque explains their origin.

Today, Irving Park, at the heart of James Bay offers something to everyone: a quiet place to stroll or meditate; a safe place for children to play; rest-room facilities; a venue for public gatherings. One hundred years ago, Mrs. Irving was known for her "at home" gathering of friends; today, Irving Park extends the same invitation.