There have been many changes along East Columbia Street in Sapperton over the past few decades. There are also some remaining structures that link back to an earlier neighbourhood. One of these is across from the Save-On-Foods store, and it generates many inquiries.
The building in question is the flower store at the corner of East Columbia and Simpson streets.
There used to be a grocery store at 217 East Columbia St., operated by William Bailey who was noted in a 1938 article as being “well known, a pioneer, and grocery man at Sapperton for the past 16 years.” In time, Bailey needed more space and built a new store: that is today’s flower shop.
The store, then a new grocery for Mr. Bailey, officially opened 78 years ago today, Thursday, Oct. 6, 1938. The newspaper headlines trumpeted what was being added to the area. “Unique modern store and residence erected for Bailey’s Grocery. Well-known Sapperton merchant enters new premises – latest ideas from California incorporated in handsome stucco structure.”
The building had a store at the front with a bungalow residence at the rear as part of the overall structure, and this is still clearly evident today. “The store measures 25 feet by 38 feet and has living quarters adjoining after the California style. The store has a partitioned storeroom at the back with a special garage and delivery entrance for trucks on Columbia Street.”
The article further comments on the interior and exterior finishes. “The interior is finished in plaster throughout; the special shelves are the latest American style, one of the first of their kind in the city, so built that the supports do not show from the front. The exterior is treated with an attractive stucco mixture of granite and glass.”
Bailey started in the grocery trade in England at the age of 14 and then came to Canada, directly to New Westminster, in 1910. Here he worked at the Annandale supply store for a dozen years prior to heading out on his own. His first store was the one noted earlier, just down the block on East Columbia, then he decided to enlarge and modernize at East Columbia and Simpson streets.
He was well known in Sapperton and overall in New Westminster, and he aimed to serve his community well.
“Bailey’s Grocery will offer full grocery service in the district and will provide a fast and efficient delivery for customers.”
And so we have a building of interest with connections to its architecture, its early operator, and its position in the early economy of the Sapperton area – too bad the structure can’t talk.
