View allAll Photos Tagged steamclock
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Description of Historic Place:
The Byrnes Block is a two storey, Victorian Italianate commercial brick building, with a later addition to the south located across a narrow passageway. It is situated on Maple Tree Square at the irregular intersection of Alexander, Powell, Water and Carrall Streets in the historic district of Gastown. The Byrnes Block is one of the oldest buildings in Vancouver located on its original site.
Heritage Value:
Gastown is the historic core of Vancouver, and is the city's earliest, most historic area of commercial buildings and warehouses. The Gastown historic district retains a consistent and distinctive built form that is a manifestation of successive economic waves that followed the devastation of the Great Fire in 1886, the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1887, the Klondike Gold Rush and the western Canadian boom that occurred prior to the First World War. The Byrnes Block embodies the sudden influx in investment capital that flowed into Gastown based on the certainty of growth promised by the arrival of the transcontinental railway. This building, and the Ferguson Block located across the street, are among the oldest extant buildings in Vancouver that are still standing at their original location; only the relocated Hastings Mill Museum building is known to predate them.
The Byrnes Block is valued as the site of the Alhambra Hotel, located on the upper floor, a representation of the area's seasonal population in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Hotels such as this provided both short and long-term lodging, serving primarily those who worked in the seasonal resource trades such as fishing and logging. Many of these hotels had combined functions of commercial services on the ground floor and lodging rooms on the upper floors, which contributed to the lively street life in Gastown. The Alhambra Hotel was opulent in its time, contrasted with the numerous cheap wooden hotels built in the area before and after the 1886 fire. As the city grew and building materials became more readily available after the arrival of the railway, it was quickly expanded in a series of additions until it reached its present form.
Additionally, the Byrnes Block is valued for its architecture as a fine example of the Victorian Italianate style from the late nineteenth century. It was designed by architect Elmer H. Fisher (c.1844-c.1905), who followed development booms westward across the frontier, and in early 1886 was the first architect to advertise his services in Vancouver newspapers. This commission for George Byrnes demonstrates Fisher's mastery of the Victorian Italianate style. He was soon lured south to Seattle where he was instrumental in that city's post-fire rebuilding, and many of his buildings survive in Seattle's Pioneer Square area.
One of the first rehabilitation projects to be undertaken as part of the renewal of Gastown as an historic district, today the Byrnes Block stands as one of the cornerstones of Maple Tree Square, the city's birthplace and first public urban space.
CANADA
Gastown's most famous (though nowhere near oldest) landmark is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Street. It was built in 1977 to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather. Its original design was faulty and it had to be powered by electricity after a breakdown. The steam mechanism was completely restored with the financial support of local businesses as it had become a major tourist attraction, and is promoted as a heritage feature although it is of modern invention.
The steam used is low pressure downtown-wide steam heating network (from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct) that powers a miniature steam engine in its base, in turn driving a chain lift. The chain lift moves steel balls upward, where they are unloaded and roll to a descending chain. The weight of the balls on the descending chain drives a conventional pendulum clock escapement, geared to the hands on the four faces. The steam also powers the clock's sound production, with whistles being used instead of bells to produce the Westminster "chime" and to signal the time.
In October 2014 the clock was temporarily removed for major repairs by its original builder, and should have been reinstalled by January 2015.
The Gastown Steam Clock appears on the cover of the 2011 Nickelback album Here and Now and is also featured in a scene from the 1991 Chuck Norris action film The Hitman.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gastown, Vancouver, BC, Canada
I joined the event tonight. Eric organized this "Osanpo (walk)" and I met Chun and Herman. It was a good opportunity to see/learn how each photographer took photos compared to me. And also I can shoot photos boldly than usual (by myself) :)
The building behind the Steam Clock is called "The Leckie Building". The light colour is gradually changing!! You can watch a movie I took at the same place as this photo here.
People around the world come to Vancouver, visit Gastown, and take pictures of the steam clock.
The clock was built in 1977 to cover a steam vent, but the steam damaged the clock parts fairly quickly and it was switched over to electricity.
When that made the news about 10 years ago there was outrage. It was rather funny, why does it make a difference? It's a neat clock, but it wasn't old to begin with. I wonder how many people still stop to take photos and think it runs only on steam.
113 in 2013 - #73 - Something Old
A couple shares a moment under the steam clock in Vancouver's Gastown.
“One of the photos is a candid shot of a couple under an umbrella in the rain by the steam clock in Gastown, Vancouver. It was completely candid for the couple, but it took me about an hour and a half in the pouring rain to find the right angle, figure out how to light it, and wait for the right moment to happen. In a split second, they walked into the frame, lit their cigarettes and then it was over. They might have wondered about my flash bouncing up at them from the pavement.” (Richard McGuire Photo) (120)
Vancouver, BC Canada
Raymond Saunders' first steam clock was built in 1977 to solve the issue of a steam vent in a popular sidewalk for the renovated Gastown district of Vancouver.
Although the clock is now owned by the City of Vancouver, funding for the project, over $C58,000, was provided by contributions from local merchants, property owners, and private donors. Incorporating a steam engine and electric motors, the clock displays the time on four faces and announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime that plays the Westminster Quarters.
Water Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Raymond Saunders' first steam clock was built in 1977 to solve the issue of a steam vent in a popular sidewalk for the renovated Gastown district of Vancouver, The local business community paid Saunders to install the clock as part of the historic neighbourhood's revival, but its operation has since been financed by the City of Vancouver.
Incorporating a steam engine and electric motors, the clock displays the time on four faces and announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime that plays the Westminster Quarters. The large central whistle, which was taken off the CPR steam tug Naramata, counts off the full hours.
© Saira Bhatti
"Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration" ~Khalil Gibran
The steam clock is one the top most popular point for the visitors. Apparently this clock is the first ever clock of its kind powered by steam. One can observe the mechanics of this clock as the main body is transparent. Its super crowded and getting a clear shot is very difficult. Had been seeking to visit this place late at night to shoot a better photo but however could not make it at the late hours. May be next time. #SteamClock #Vancouver #Streets #Canon
The Old steam clock in Gastown, modern day Vancouver, has been a tourist attraction for many years. The clock continually steams, and plays the pipes with the steam every hour. What draws me to the clock is it's senseless idea of time.
Vancouver, BC Canada
Gastown's most famous (though nowhere near oldest) landmark is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Street. It was built in 1977 to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather. Its original design was faulty and it had to be powered by electricity after a breakdown. The steam mechanism was completely restored with the financial support of local businesses as it had become a major tourist attraction, and is promoted as a heritage feature although it is of modern invention.
The steam used is low pressure downtown-wide steam heating network (from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct) that powers a miniature steam engine in its base, in turn driving a chain lift. The chain lift moves steel balls upward, where they are unloaded and roll to a descending chain. The weight of the balls on the descending chain drives a conventional pendulum clock escapement, geared to the hands on the four faces. The steam also powers the clock's sound production, with whistles being used instead of bells to produce the Westminster "chime" and to signal the time.
In October 2014 the clock was temporarily removed for major repairs by its original builder, and should have been reinstalled by January 2015.
The Gastown Steam Clock appears on the cover of the 2011 Nickelback album Here and Now and is also featured in a scene from the 1991 Chuck Norris action film The Hitman.
(Wikipedia)
This image is best viewed in Large screen.
Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated.
Sonja
Vancouver, BC Canada
Gastown's most famous (though nowhere near oldest) landmark is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Street. It was built in 1977 to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather. Its original design was faulty and it had to be powered by electricity after a breakdown. The steam mechanism was completely restored with the financial support of local businesses as it had become a major tourist attraction, and is promoted as a heritage feature although it is of modern invention.
The steam used is low pressure downtown-wide steam heating network (from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct) that powers a miniature steam engine in its base, in turn driving a chain lift. The chain lift moves steel balls upward, where they are unloaded and roll to a descending chain. The weight of the balls on the descending chain drives a conventional pendulum clock escapement, geared to the hands on the four faces. The steam also powers the clock's sound production, with whistles being used instead of bells to produce the Westminster "chime" and to signal the time.
In October 2014 the clock was temporarily removed for major repairs by its original builder, and should have been reinstalled by January 2015.
The Gastown Steam Clock appears on the cover of the 2011 Nickelback album Here and Now and is also featured in a scene from the 1991 Chuck Norris action film The Hitman.
(Wikipedia)
This image is best viewed in Large screen.
Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated.
Sonja
Very little of the waterfront is the way in was in the 70's. Canada Place and the Seabus terminal have been built, just to the rear of where this shot was taken. East Hastings has lost the Woodwards Store and the city urgently needs that area to be redeveloped. In the distance stands the 2nd Narrows Bridge (now called the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge) and Capitol Hill.
On June 25,1994, the world's largest and second ever steam clock was installed in front of Otaru Orugoru-do, a popular music box store, on the Marchen intersection. The British-style bronze clock measures 5.5 meters high and weighs 1.5 tons. It was assembled by Mr. Raymond Sanders, who also made the first steam clock located in Gastown, Vancouver, Canada. (Source: The Yamasa Institute).
A steam clock is a clock which is fully or partially powered by a steam engine. Only a few functioning steam clocks exist, most designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders for display in urban public spaces. Steam clocks built by Saunders are located in Otaru, Japan; Indianapolis, USA; and the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Whistler and Port Coquitlam, all in British Columbia. Steam clocks by other makers are installed in Jersey and at the Chelsea Farmers' Market in London, England. Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. (Source: Wikipedia).
Public Clock Photography / 16:9 remastered 2017
I always enjoy a wander through Gastown, as I love the cobblestone and roads there. I find the area particularly delightful in the evening as I love the beautiful streetlights decorating the streets. And of course, how can I resist a shot of our famous steam clock?
Vancouver, BC Canada
Gastown is a national historic site in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the northeast end of Downtown adjacent to the Downtown Eastside. Its historical boundaries were the waterfront (now Water Street and the CPR tracks), Columbia Street, Hastings Street, and Cambie Street, which were the borders of the 1870 townsite survey, the proper name and postal address of which was Granville, B.I. ("Burrard Inlet"). The official boundary does not include most of Hastings Street except for the Woodward's and Dominion Buildings, and stretches east past Columbia St., to the laneway running parallel to the west side of Main Street.
Gastown is a mix of "hip" contemporary fashion and interior furnishing boutiques, tourist-oriented businesses (generally restricted to Water Street), restaurants, nightclubs, poverty and newly upscale housing. In addition, there are law firms, architects and other professional offices, as well as computer and internet businesses, art galleries, music and art studios, and acting and film schools.
The Gastown Steam Clock:
Gastown's most famous (though nowhere near oldest) landmark is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Street. It was built in 1977 to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather. Its original design was faulty and it had to be powered by electricity after a breakdown. The steam mechanism was completely restored with the financial support of local businesses as it had become a major tourist attraction, and is promoted as a heritage feature although it is of modern invention.
The steam used is low pressure downtown-wide steam heating network (from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct) that powers a miniature steam engine in its base, in turn driving a chain lift. The chain lift moves steel balls upward, where they are unloaded and roll to a descending chain. The weight of the balls on the descending chain drives a conventional pendulum clock escapement, geared to the hands on the four faces. The steam also powers the clock's sound production, with whistles being used instead of bells to produce the Westminster "chime" and to signal the time.
In October 2014 the clock was temporarily removed for major repairs by its original builder, and should have been reinstalled by January 2015.
The Gastown Steam Clock appears on the cover of the 2011 Nickelback album Here and Now and is also featured in a scene from the 1991 Chuck Norris action film The Hitman.
(Wikipedia)
This image is best viewed in Large screen.
Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated.
Sonja
Otaru Music Box Museum is one of the largest museum shops of music boxes (Orgels) in the world.
The beautiful century-old building, designated as one of historic landmarks in Otaru City, is full of music boxes in various sizes and types.
Every fifteen minutes a large steam clock (at the left of this photo) will chime and a puff of smoke will be released.
Tourists flock around it to take pictures to record this moment.
Some more photos are here.
305 Water St,
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Gastown's most famous (though nowhere near oldest) landmark is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Street. It was built in 1977 to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam-heating system, as a way to harness the steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather. Its original design was faulty and it had to be powered by electricity after a breakdown.
The steam mechanism was completely restored with the financial support of local businesses as it had become a major tourist attraction, and is promoted as a heritage feature although it is of modern invention.
The steam used is low pressure downtown-wide steam heating network (from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct) that powers a miniature steam engine in its base, in turn driving a chain lift. The chain lift moves steel balls upward, where they are unloaded and roll to a descending chain.
The weight of the balls on the descending chain drives a conventional pendulum clock escapement, geared to the hands on the four faces. The steam also powers the clock's sound production as whistles are used instead of bells to produce the Westminster "chime" and to signal the time.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A steam clock is a clock which is fully or partially powered by a steam engine. Only a few functioning steam clocks exist, most designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders for display in urban public spaces. Steam clocks built by Saunders are located in Otaru, Japan; Indianapolis, USA; and the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Whistler and Port Coquitlam, all in British Columbia. Steam clocks by other makers are installed in St Helier, Jersey and at the Chelsea Farmers' Market in London, England.
Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. One exception is the steam clock built in the 19th century by Birmingham engineer John Inshaw to demonstrate the versatility of steam power.
【★ Reference By Wikipedia】
The world's first steam clock can be found in the Vancouver's Gastown district.The timepiece plays the Westminster Chimes every hour and whistles every 15 minutes with a gush of steam.
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Interested in seeing more "destination" images? Check out the sets in my collection titled:
Beyond Cenral Illinois
Of course, you are always welcome here in Central Illinois. Here are my collections and sets relating to the middle section of the Land of Lincoln:
Central Illinois (excluding Springfield)
Springfield and ONLY Springfield
All About Abe (Lincoln)
Lastly, here are a few more "topical" sets that may be of interest to you:
Things that are Abandoned, Neglected, Weathered, or Rusty
Barbers & Barber Shops
Vintage Cars & Trucks - Junkers to Classic Collectibles
Small Town Churches
All Things Political
Thank you for visiting my photostream - myoldpostcards
Two shots from different dates and locations. The top taken near Victoria Harbour and the bottom in Gastown. They reminded me of the Cinderella story, so it was natural that I paired them up.
Water Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Gastown's steam clock was taken away for maintenance in October and is now back about three months later. And it's reportedly better and more accurate.
After 37 years of operation, the city of Vancouver had the clock's creator, Raymond Saunders, give the clock a $50,000 refit.
The Otaru Steam Clock, a gift from Vancouver to Otaru, standing in front of "Otaru-Orugoru-do", a popular music box store in Otaru Hokkaido.
A boiler sends steam into the clock, whose steam whistle blows hourly to tell the time. Every 15 minutes,the clock plays the same melody as the chimes of Westminster Abbey in London. (Source: The Yamasa Institute).
Saunders' first steam clock was built in 1977 as a tourist attraction for the renovated Gastown district of Vancouver. (Source: Wikipedia).
Public Clock Photography / 16:9 remastered 2017
A steam clock is a clock which is fully or partially powered by a steam engine. Only a few functioning steam clocks exist, most designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders for display in urban public spaces. Steam clocks built by Saunders are located in Otaru, Japan; Indianapolis, USA; and the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Whistler and Port Coquitlam, all in British Columbia. Steam clocks by other makers are installed in St Helier, Jersey and at the Chelsea Farmers' Market in London, England..
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Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. One exception is the steam clock built in the 19th century by Birmingham engineer John Inshaw to demonstrate the versatility of steam power..
【★ Reference By Wikipedia】
The rain had started that afternoon in early December. The streets of Gastown had Christmas decorations sparsely hanging from the trees and store windows. The glow of the streets from the reflected light on the rain that was still falling was magical.
A steam clock is a clock which is fully or partially powered by a steam engine. Only a few functioning steam clocks exist, most designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders for display in urban public spaces. Steam clocks built by Saunders are located in Otaru, Japan; Indianapolis, USA; and the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Whistler and Port Coquitlam, all in British Columbia. Steam clocks by other makers are installed in St Helier, Jersey and at the Chelsea Farmers' Market in London, England..
.
Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. One exception is the steam clock built in the 19th century by Birmingham engineer John Inshaw to demonstrate the versatility of steam power..
【★ Reference By Wikipedia】