Vancouver is an amazing and multifaceted city. It can boast of unique and unusual things, which can’t be found anywhere else. An incredible architectural palette, magnificent landscapes, rich parks and, of course, sculptures. Even though the number of the latter isn’t so big, they won’t leave indifferent even the most experienced tourist.
One of them is the Gassy Jack statue. Learn more about it at ivancouver.
Interesting person
The historic Gastown neighborhood, namely its Maple Tree Square, was decorated with an unusual monument. It was dedicated to a man nicknamed Gassy Jack. By the way, the whole neighborhood was named for him too.
In fact, the man’s name was John Deighton. Before he moved to Vancouver, he had visited many countries and cities. In other words, John was an avid traveller.
His birthplace is considered to be the English east coast. There, he lived the first 20 years of his life. Later, he worked on an American ship as a sailor.
However, the thirty-year-old young man dreamt of land and constant travel.
Opening a bar
Of course, there was no city on the territory of modern Vancouver. Back then it was occupied by indigenous peoples. John decided to open a bar and called it the Globe Saloon. Its atmosphere was filled with adventures and travels.
His business was flourishing for about five years even though alcohol was strictly prohibited at that time. Later, John handed over his business to an American friend and greatly regretted it. After all, when he wanted to return to his former job, his bar had been completely destroyed.
Second attempt
Still, he didn’t despair and lose hope. Therefore, with $6 in his pocket, Jack decided to open a new bar in another part of the neighborhood. He paid the builders with bottles of whiskey.
Thus, he managed to become the owner of a successful business again. By the way, the new town of Granville was actively developing along with John’s business.
John Deighton decided to buy a small plot of land there to build a hotel.
He loved to tell everyone interesting long stories about his travels. Therefore, John was nicknamed Gassy Jack.
Vancouver was decorated with a statue in memory of this unique personality in 1970. Later, it became one of the most famous city landmarks.
Interestingly, Vancouver can’t boast of a large number of monuments, but the above-mentioned one was the most visited.
It vividly demonstrated the tradition of drinking alcoholic beverages.
The bronze statue was made in a rough manner, making it more thematic.
Locals claim that Gassy Jack had exactly the same appearance.
With empty pockets and a barrel of whiskey, John Deighton entertained everyone with his made-up “true life stories”.
A whiskey barrel was used as the pedestal for the statue. Underneath, there was a copper plate depicting several men talking under a tall tree. It was also said that there used to be a maple tree in this place. In 1885, the first settlers liked to gather under it and decided to name their city Vancouver.