In 1917 Vancouver boatbuilders James and Henry Hoffar built this seaplane. Not too many details but it apparently flew successfully but was later destroyed when it hit a log in the water.
From this experience, the boatbuilders acquired a contract to build a 2 seat flying boat to be used as a fire patrol craft. It also was successful on a few test flights, but suffered engine failure as it flew over the city. It crashed into the roof of a house and was destroyed.
In 1929, Boeing acquired the Hoffar-Beeching yard and used it to build their seaplanes.
 |
| 1927 Westendvancouver |
2 comments:
The Hoffar-Beeching Shipyards, located on the shore of Coal Harbour between Vancouver and Stanley Park, was also the builder of William Boeing’s famous luxury yacht, the Taconite.
By the 1950s, the shipyards and most of the other industries were gone. Much of the land was reclaimed as park space, and a modern hotel, The Bayshore Inn, sprung up in 1961, overlooking the harbour.
In 1972, this hotel became home for another aviation pioneer and industrialist - Howard Hughes, who lived there as a recluse, holed up in his penthouse suite for 6 months before moving again to Acapulco.
For some interesting photos of the history of Coal Harbour, visit:
https://vancouverguardian.com/old-photographs-of-coal-harbour-in-vancouver-1885-1975/#:~:text=Nestled%20between%20Vancouver's%20downtown%20peninsula,today%2C%20was%20built%20in%201961.
That’s amazing. Thanks for the history! Now I want to go and take a look.:-)
Post a Comment