They are an importance part of Vancouver's history, just like you and me.
First Nations
For thousands of years, before the arrival of Europeans, the Musqueam, Tseil-Waututh, and Squamish First Nations inhabited this area of land. This was their traditional territory. In what is now Railtown, there were seasonal camps in the waterfront coves. There were abundance of shellfish and the land had many berries, herbs, reeds, cedar, wild rice and animals. Trading was also done. The dislocation of the First Nations began when colonial surveys declared the area as government reserve. Also, the building of the CPR disrupted their way of life. Presently, Railtown’s art and culture include the continuation of Coast Salish arts and culture. It is also a place for Coast Salish people to share their culture, history and knowledge. In Railtown, there is also a presence of many Aboriginal people. -HL
David Oppenheimer
David Oppenheimer, the second mayor of Vancouver, born in 1834 in what is now Germany, was an important figure in the history of Railtown. After he and his brother, Isaac, in 1878, realized the importance of the CPR, they proceeded to purchase land near the train station and set a wholesale grocery business in what is now Railtown. Shortly after, they became aldermen of the city council. David Oppenheimer became chairmen of the Finance Committee. After the Great Vancouver Fire, David helped found the Vancouver Board of Trade and its Chairman in 1887. Oppenheimer Park is named after him. -O.Z.
Edward Stamp
Edward Stamp, born in 1814, was an English mariner and entrepreneur who founded Hastings Mill. After his relationship with the company ended, he served on the Legislative Council of British Columbia in the year of 1867 and 1868. He died in 1873 in England. O.Z.
Yonekichi Aoki
A Japanese settler who started as a logger and worked at the Hastings Mill at one point. He ended up working as a CPR railway contractor. Yonekichi Aoki employed 45 Japanese men at his operations. Ross House, the last rooming house in Vancouver, is built by him. -O.Z
Koichiro Sanmiya
(ca. 1880-1931) Koichiro Sanmiya came to Vancouver in 1907. He owned the Strand Hotel restaurant, established K. Sanmiya Co. (a company that imported and exported Japanese goods, started the Canadian Daily Newspaper, and in the 1920s, he started Vancouver Malt and Shake Co. He was also one of the founders and presidents of the Canadian Japanese Association (now the Japanese Canadian Association). Koichiro Sanmiya also helped raise money for a Japanese soldiers war memorial in Stanley Park. -HL