Formation of the VCPHC was largely accomplished through the assistance rendered by craftsmen from south of the 49th parallel, in the neighbouring states of Washington, Oregon and California. When Heywood Hunt interviewed L.C. Parkes of this City, Mr. Parkes was holidaying in San Francisco, in the summer of 1928. (Mr. Heywood Hunt, now in his 80's, is retired and lives in Reno, Nevada.)

Early in 1929, Harold Bothel of Tacoma, then North Pacific Representative of the International Association, journeyed to Vancouver for an interview with interested parties regarding the formation of a club.

Prior to Mr. Bothel's visit, Harry L. Strang of Seattle approached members of the craft, explaining in detail the ideals of the movement and an outline of club work. From this time on, efforts were made to organize in Vancouver an Association of Printing House Craftsmen; accordingly a meeting was called at the office of Shilvock-Parkes Ltd., Pender Street West, on February 13th, 1929, for purposes of preliminary organization. At this foundational meeting the following were present; L.C. Parkes, Roy Shilvock, Alec Gray, Jack Scott, Harry Longely, W.J. McKerlie, Bert Stockdale, Carl Schuff, Edward Sunderland, Len Manley, Jack Munro, E. (Ted) King and Thomas Godfrey. Mr. Godfrey was appointed to the office of secretary-treasurer, pro tem.

Application for a charter was made to the International Society and on the evening of Friday, October 11th, 1929, the Vancouver Club of Printing House Craftsmen was incorporated and officers installed. The newly-formed Club was honoured that evening by the presence of Harold Bothel, Tacoma; Harry L. Strang, Seattle; Mr. Liddy, San Francisco; Everett Pettijohn, Seattle; John W. Wood, Bremerton and other visiting Craftsmen.

The first officers of the Club were: W.J. McKerlie, President; Len Manley, Vice-president; Tom Godfrey, Secretary-treasurer; Roy Shilvock, recording secretary and a Board of Governors comprising Messrs. Cowan, King, Scott, Parkes, and Gehrke. The Seattle Club of Printing House Craftsmen presented the charter to the newly formed club and the Craftsmen's movement was first launched in British Columbia.Many of the original charter members have passed on to their reward. Some are still active members. Allan Clark, the youngest member to sign the charter is still active, as is Jack Scott. Other original members still around are: Roy Shilvock, Charles Phillips, R. Wheeler, G. Clippingdale and W. Weaver.

Tom Anderson, who was at the original meeting and connected with the club since its inception and still active, was not one of the original signers.

A junior Club was formed in 1935 and many of its members held office in the senior Club. Ray Phillips (now residing in California), the late Ron Hull, Ernie Read and George Paone, a past president of the Pacific Society, were members of the junior Club. Both clubs were disbanded during the war years, but through the efforts and hard work of Tom Cain the charter was kept alive. He was helped financially by Freddie Archurs, Hary Perry, Bert Stockdale and Ed Rorke.

The Club was reactivated in 1946 by Tom Cain, Allan Clark, Ron Hull, Ernie Read, George Paone and Tom McEwan. It has progressed and grown since, now having a membership of 120.

Submitted by

M.H.K. "Bud" Smith

Life Member