Historical Pub Tour

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Monday, June 13th, 2011
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

This pub tour, with Nanaimo Museum, comes with a difference. It�s both historical and personal in nature. You will hear about the buildings and how people used them, as well as the development of the BC liquor laws.

One such important building was the Eagle Hotel built in 1922. It actually replaced two earlier hotels, the Oriental and the Identical both built in 1874, and both wooden structures. The Eagle Hotel�s name was changed to the Terminal because of its closeness to the CPR terminal. It is now called the Cambie Hostel. It was typical of most early Nanaimo hotels in that it catered to the single and often transient men. The living quarters were on the upper floors and restaurants and saloons on the first floor. It has been in continuous use as a hotel for over 100 years.

Well into the late 1800s liquor was considered healthy and nutritious, even by doctors. Water had the opposite reputation and, in most cities, this was well deserved. Alcohol was cheaper than milk, coffee and tea. In fact early saloons were meeting places, often the cheapest place to eat and there was no age restriction. In the evening the family would gather in the nearest tavern to hear the latest gossip and news. Men went there to eat, sleep, exchange gossip, gamble, pick up the mail, find a job and cash a cheque. Liquor had long been consumed in Nanaimo but it wasn�t until 1858 that the first liquor license was issued to the Nanaimo Coal Company, a subsidiary of the HBC. In 1886 Nanaimo had 22 saloon licences at a cost of $300 each and this was the primary source of revenue for the city.

All participants must be at least 19 years of age. Tour begins at the Nanaimo Museum at 100 Museum Way. Pre-registration and payment is required. Registration is limited, so please contact Bobbi Williamson at the Nanaimo Museum 250.753.1821 or email [email protected] (Nanaimo Museum Members receive a 15% discount)