Purdy's Cafe in Vancouver

[Zucchini Mama]

I just wanted to post this interesting historical photo of Purdy's Cafe from a 1939 postcard. This looks like an old Ladies Who Lunch place!

The back of the postcard says: "Purdy's Cafe/Seating 150/Ultra Modern Soda Fountain. Rest Rooms and Lounge/ 100% White Help [ugh!] All Lady Chefs Serving. Breakfasts--Lunches--Dinners/Afternoon Teas with Cup Reading. After Theatre Specials. PRICES REASONABLE "

Anyone have any information on this place. What is it now?

Zuke

Oops, I mean 1939. I flipped a digit.

Edited December 4, 2005 by Zucchini Mama (log)

[Vancitygirl]

This is sad!

823 Granville = Love at First Sight Pizza

[Badiane]

That is sad...and I bet they are still using the same chairs...I hate those chairs!

[jamiemaw]

What a gorgeous space--in a city that is so starved for them.

Five weeks later, on September 1st, Hitler invaded Poland. Life would change, even for restaurateurs in Vancouver.

Edited December 4, 2005 by jamiemaw (log)

[SBonner]

It's sad that in the seventies and eighties mnay of these great buidlings and interiors went in the name of progress. On our recent trip to Australia it was great to see elegant old buildings and interiors still thriving and in great use as restaurants, bars, and shops. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship of these past eras really adds to the dining and shopping experience. If ever in Sydney check out the great little bistros in the QVB Queen Victoria Building or the Strand...

Stephen

[fud]

Rest Rooms and Lounge/ 100% White Help [ugh!] All Lady Chefs Serving.

Wow serious? It says that right there on the postcard!

[jamiemaw]

It's sad that in the seventies and eighties mnay of these great buidlings and interiors went in the name of progress. On our recent trip to Australia it was great to see elegant old buildings and interiors still thriving and in great use as restaurants, bars, and shops. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship of these past eras really adds to the dining and shopping experience. If ever in Sydney check out the great little bistros in the QVB Queen Victoria Building or the Strand...

Stephen

←

Good point, Stephen. Wouldn't we just love to have the Birk's Building back! Simultaneously, much of the neon was pulled down too--under a specific city ordinance. And the the Granville Mall, a groovy 70's experiment in urban planning, quickly sucked the life out of our main downtown thoroughfare. Shame on us.