Downtown Victoria Tour
Government Street – 1200 Block
This commercial building at 1223 – 1227 – 1233 Government Street is currently home to Roots (1227 Government Street) and Sasquatch Trading (1233 Government Street).
Here is a map showing the location of 1223-1233 Government Street:
Here is a Google Street View image of 1223 – 1233 Government Street:
Additional Information About 1223-1233 Government Street
- Assessed Value (July 2019): $5,228,000; Land $2,307,000; Buildings $2,921,000
- Assessed Value (July 2018): $5,265,000; Land $2,051,000; Buildings $3,214,000
- Assessed Value (July 2017): $4,714,000; Land $2,053,000; Buildings $2,661,000
- Assessed Value (July 2016): $4,209,000; Land $1,952,000; Buildings $2,257,000
- Assessed Value (July 2015): $4,046,000; Land $1,682,000; Buildings $2,364,000
- Assessed Value (July 2014): $4,047,000; Land $1,590,000; Buildings $2,457,000
A Brief History of 1223-1227-1233 Government Street
The construction date of this single storey commercial building is somewhat uncertain. Some records say it was built in 1901 but other sources suggest it dates from the late 19th century, possibly as early as the 1880’s. We believe the latter is more accurate.
If that is the case, then during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this building contained the Maryland Cafe, where Alexander Pantages worked as a waiter before embarking on his career in theater ownership with his Pantages Theatre chain, which included two building in downtown Victoria: 566 Johnson Street 1910-1914) and the present McPherson Playhouse.
Here are links to some historic photos of this building:
- BC Archives photo D-05587 – Horse Shoe Saloon, 1223 Government Street, circa 1900.
Here are links to some Historic Victoria Advertisements from businesses which have operated in this building over the decades. We will add more over time.
1908 newspaper advertisement for Fletcher Brothers, 1231 Government Street
This advertisement is particularly interesting as it shows the interior of the store and illustrations of the record and phonograph technology of the period.
1909 Advertisement For Fletcher Brothers
This 1909 advertisement for Fletcher Brothers mentions “Talking Records” by Cal Stewart, who was then performing live at the Grand Theatre, now 566 Johnson Street.
1910 Advertisement For Victor Records
Sold by Montelius Piano House, 1104 Government Street and Fletcher Brothers, which operated a music store at 1231 Government Street, which we believe is now 1233 Government Street.
Advertised recording artists included:
1913 Advertisements For Edison Blue Amberol Records
Sold by Montelius Piano House, 1104 Government Street and Fletcher Brothers, which operated a music store at 1231 Government Street, which we believe is now 1233 Government Street.
1913 Advertisement For Columbia Records At Fletcher Brothers, 1231 Government Street
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