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Mission Community Archives

Name: Mission Community Archives
Address: 33215 Second Avenue, Mission, BC, V2V4L1, CA
Telephone: +16048202621

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Mission Community Archives

The Archives is housed in a custom-built 3000 square foot facility — the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley — which was opened in 1994.

Established on February 25, 1989 by the Mission District Historical Society, the Mission Community Archives houses vivid, first-hand accounts of Mission's history. Constructed by the District of Mission and leased by the Historical Society, the facility offers a spacious, secure, environmentally-controlled vault for records with a storage capacity in excess of 4,000 linear feet and optimal space t

o support the other operations of the archives, including records processing, reference services and public programming. The Archives serves local residents and the global community by acquiring, preserving, maintaining, documenting and making available for public research records of archival value to the District of Mission and the Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Areas: Dewdney-Hatzic Island, Nicomen Island-Deroche, Lake Errock and McConnell Creek-Hatzic Prairie. By saving the community’s records, we ensure that Mission’s rich and unique heritage will be available to present and future generations.

06/18/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – Fraser River Heritage Park
Mission Rotary Flag Plaza, 1993

Did you know…The Rotary Flag Plaza at Fraser River Heritage Park was built to celebrate Mission's 1992 Centennial!

The Mission Rotary Club partnered with the Mission Heritage Association to build this lasting landmark near the Norma Kenney House. During the centennial year, locals could buy a custom-etched granite plaque for just $19.92.

The plaza officially opened on May 22, 1993, featuring “hundreds of names engraved in granite, a seating area, a platform and three lighted flag poles.” (Fraser Valley Record, May 26, 1993)

The posted photographs shows George Prochazka of Tradesman’s Monuments (Mission) installing the first batch of plaques assisted by volunteers.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

06/15/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
The Paving of Fist Avenue, 1928

Between 1928 and 1929, Mission’s primary business district got a major upgrade.

On March 20, 1928, provincial leaders and Village of Mission Commissioners met to finalize plans for paving Washington Street, known today as First Avenue. The project wrapped up in August 1929. This featured snapshot, taken looking southeast near the corner of Grand Street and First Avenue, is one of several construction photos preserved in the Archives.

The details:
Total cost: $12,000
Materials: 1,800 lineal feet of concrete (7,830 sacks of cement!)
Width: 24 feet of concrete with 11-foot asphalt borders, paving it curb-to-curb.
Milestone: First street paved in Mission!

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

06/12/2026

June 11, 2026
BLAST FROM THE PAST – Fraser River Heritage Park
Car Show at Park Attracts Thousands, 1992

Did you know that Mission’s first vintage car show in 1992 was claimed to be one of the biggest gatherings of “old cars and old car fans” in BC history?

On June 21, 1992, Fraser River Heritage Park came alive as 360 vintage vehicles rolled in, attracting an incredible crowd of up to 5,000 spectators! It took six months of hard work by organizer Kim Calloway and 60 dedicated volunteers from across the Lower Mainland to pull off this legendary one-day event. The posted photograph is of a 1927 Bentley – among the crowd pullers at the event. (SOURCE: Fraser Valley Record June 24, 1992)

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

06/09/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Over 350 Year old Tree Downed – Hatzic Prairie

Located near the junction of Stave Lake Street and Dale Road in Hatzic Prairie, the gigantic Douglas Fir shown in the posted photograph was downed in a windstorm in July of 1993 on a property owned by Jack and Barbara Heptonstall. More than 200 feet in height, it was part of a grove of 8 landmark trees on their property and was over 350 years old!

“Pointing to the tree ring that was growing when he was born is Jack Heptonstall (1918). On either side of him are a local logging crew: John Kokoska (left) and his son Darryl who cut up the giant.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

06/04/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – Fraser River Heritage Park
Sod Turning, 1985

After five years of careful planning led by Norma Kenney—Charter President of the Mission Heritage Association (MHA)—a historic sod-turning ceremony took place on June 1, 1985. This momentous day officially marked the beginning of work on what would become the Fraser River Heritage Park. The posted photograph captures the sod turning ceremony (l to r: Mission Mayor John Agnew, Norma Kenney and Father Dunlop).

Preserved within the MHA records at the Mission Community Archives is a beautifully annotated, handmade map by municipal planner John Carter who is credited with originally suggesting the Association look into acquiring the OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) lands for heritage purposes. A handwritten note by Norma Kenney from June 17, 1989, expresses her deep gratitude: "We are forever indebted to John for taking us seriously at a time when few were, & for being so helpful."

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

06/02/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Silverhill Hall, 1979

What began as a dream for a Swedish settlers' meeting hall (“folkets’ hus”) became the heart of a tight-knit pioneer community. After Siver Lowe donated the land, construction on the hand-hewn wooden structure began in 1915, officially opening its doors in 1919. The posted image was taken during the hall’s 60th anniversary celebrations on July 14, 1979.

Long-time resident Ella Wickstrom—whose father helped build the hall—joined Mayor Abe Neufeld in 2004 to unveil a plaque designating it as a municipal heritage building. Ella warmly remembered: “When I think about it now, we were in heaven. Everyone knew everyone and you could drop in on anybody all the time and you were always welcomed.”

In 2004 Ella Wickstrom, a long-time resident whose father helped construct the hall, assisted Mayor Abe Neufeld unveil a plaque designating the hall as a Municipal Heritage Building. At the time she recalled: “When I think about it now, we were in heaven. Everyone knew everyone and you could drop in on anybody all the time and you were always welcomed.” When the District of Mission established a Community Heritage Register in 2009, the Silverhill Hall was among the sites listed.

The District of Mission added Silverhill Hall to its Community Heritage Register in 2009. Tragically, this beloved, almost century-old community landmark was destroyed by fire on October 11, 2018. While the building is gone, the memories of the pioneer spirit that built it are recorded through the records housed in the Mission Community Archives.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

05/28/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
The Hatzic Break – June 3, 1948

On June 3, 1948, Hatzic became headline news across Canada.

A massive winter snowpack combined with sudden, unusually warm weather to turn the annual Fraser River freshet into a catastrophic flood.

At precisely 9:30 AM, the ground trembled. The Dewdney pump house exploded into the air "as though hit by a bomb." Telephone poles snapped, railway tracks groaned under the immense strain, and a wall of water made a 100-foot gap in the d**e.

The breech quickly widened to 555 feet. It flooded over 12 square miles of land up to 15 feet deep—an event forever known as the “Hatzic Break.” The annual Fraser River freshet was transformed into raging flood waters sweeping away everything in its path

This gripping image by local photographer Bert Clifford captured the twisted railway tracks and the remains of the pump house. He didn't just document the disaster through the 75 evocative images now preserved in our archives; his local knowledge guided army reconnaissance teams, and he frequently abandoned his camera to join active rescue operations. (SOURCE: Hatzic by Al Kipenes, Nature’s Fury)

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

05/26/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Bird’s Eye View of Mission BC, 1960

This incredible 1960 aerial photograph of Mission was taken by Hugh Duncan (“Howdy”) McPhail (1915-2001), a legendary Saskatchewan pilot and photographer whose work included documenting villages, towns and cities throughout Western Canada.

Mr. McPhail donated this image to us in 1986, attaching a hand-written note on his official letterhead promising two more photos. A pencil notation by former Curator Dorothy Crosby, states that those extra images never arrived and that the black and white images he did send were later published in color for a calendar.

Looking northeast near the junction of First Avenue and Railway, this 1960 image captures Mission’s buildings and streets in vivid detail. It stands as a prime example of Mr. McPhail's recognized talent for high-definition aerial photography.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

05/21/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
NEW Bellevue Hotel Opened - 1949

Did you know the iconic Bellevue Hotel on First Avenue first opened in 1890?

Destroyed by fire in 1922, the hotel was rebuilt the following year and then replaced in 1949 by an impressive four-storey Art Deco structure constructed by its new owners - the Fletcher family.

Opened on July 27th, 1949, the hotel featured 34 modern guest rooms, a cafe, a dining room, and a massive 400-seat licensed beverage parlour.

Take a close look at the posted image:
• On the Far Left: The lobby entrance featured a curved, molded desk inspired by the famous Hotel New Yorker in New York City.
• In the Middle: Separate entrances for men and women. BC law required segregated beer parlour entrances until 1964!
• On the Far Right: A trendy "Coffee House," complete with black-topped counters, red leatherette stools, and cozy booths.
• The Roof: A prominent neon sign boldly advertising the hotel and its beer parlour.

Today, this historic Mission landmark has been redeveloped into affordable housing and amenities for seniors.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain volunteer-based operation.

05/14/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST – A Glimpse Back at the 1940s
Mission Strawberry Festival, 1946

Did you know Mission was once celebrated as the "Home of the Big Red Strawberry"?
Exactly 80 years ago, the Mission City & District Board of Trade (now our Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce) launched the very first annual Strawberry Festival on June 26, 1946!
For a decade, thousands gathered in Mission for this grand community event featuring:

• A community parade
• The crowning of Mission Strawberry Festival Queen
• Exciting Soap Box Derby races
• Carnival rides, sports, and live entertainment

The festival wrapped up in 1956 so the city could focus entirely on the ever-popular Soap Box Derby, but its legacy lives on!

Find out more this weekend! Drop by our new joint pop-up exhibit with the Museum at the Leisure Centre. The Archives exhibit features historic photos and unique from those memorable festival days.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain our volunteer-based operation.

Address

33215 Second Avenue
Mission, BC
V2V4L1

Opening Hours

Thursday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4am
Friday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16048202621

Website

http://missionarchives.com/

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