This is an archived event from Culture Days 2022.
Images
The Lifeguard Joe Fortes: Vancouver's Unlikely Hero
Digital
Tour Self-guided History & heritageDate and time
This activity runs the duration of Culture Days.
Location
Vancouver, BC
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
About
On Vancouver's centenary in 1986 the Vancouver Historical Society convened to select the Vancouverite of the Century. There was no shortage of great pioneers and politicians, innovators and reformers to choose from. Yet when the committee settled on a half-literate lifeguard from the Caribbean it came as a surprise to few. Seraphim "Joe" Fortes was the unlikeliest of heroes, yet his story symbolizes Vancouver at its best. Joe, the gentle giant, embodied the values of service, kindness and modesty that we hold in such high regard.
In this tour we'll recount Joe's moving story and learn how he captured the hearts of a generation of Vancouverites. We'll be using excerpts from Barbara Rogers's and Lisa Anne Smith's wonderful and meticulously researched book Our Friend Joe.
Links
- Website onthisspot.ca
- Download App apps.apple.com
Organizer
On This Spot
The On This Spot app takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them.
At each stop on their journey users will find themselves standing on the spot a historic photo was taken. They can view a then and now photo comparison, use the built in camera to create their own, and read about local history and how it ties into the broader human experience.
Based in Vancouver, On This Spot is working with heritage, tourism, and business organizations across Canada to expand the app's coverage.