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Gassy Jack

"Gassy Jack"

1830 - 1875

The Founding Father of Gastown

Jack Deighton was born in Hull, England. He was an adventurer, river boat pilot and captain, but best known for his "gassy" monologues as a saloonkeeper. His Deighton House Hotel, erected here on the first subdivided lot, burned in the great fire of June 13, 1886.

On December 25, 1986, this statue was dedicated to the City of Vancouver by the owner of this history site, Howard Meakin, a third generation Vancouver realtor.

Gassy Jack's statue is a tourist (and local) landmark in Gastown. Vancouver was reduced to ashes in 1886 and built everything anew. It made a young city even younger.

 

submitted by: Ryan Bird

 

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