Souvenir Booklet

The Lions Gate Bridge became an immediate point of civic pride. This 25-cent souvenir booklet was published to tell the story and celebrate — as well as advertise — everyone involved in the construction. Then-Mayor George C. Miller, wearing the regalia of his office, is pictured on the first inside page. It was dedicated to “the administrators who saw the vision … to the engineers and the workmen … who translated the dream … to the intrepid pioneer spirit inherent in the British race which knows no defeat.” Among many facts, including details of the construction process, the brochure lists quantities of materials used to build the bridge: 10,200 tons (9,251 t) of steel; 40,000 cubic yards (30,580 m3) of concrete; 816,000 pounds (370 t) of reinforced steel; 1,000 tons (907 t) of cables; 2,000,000 board feet (4,719 m3) of lumber (temporary use); 35,000 cubic feet (991 m3) of granite; 360 tons (326 t) of rivets, bolts and form rods; and 5,000 gallons (22,730 L) of paint.

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WHAT
This official souvenir brochure was published under the authority of the Lions Gate Bridge Company Ltd. “to promote interest in the Progress of Greater Vancouver.”

WHERE
The brochure appears to have been made for popular distribution and was likely sold across the city at a variety of outlets.

WHEN
Published in 1938, the brochure was intended as a souvenir for people who had followed the construction of the bridge.

WHO
Frank de West, of West Vancouver, published the brochure. Ads from many firms that had worked on the bridge extolled the bridge’s virtues and highlighted their roles.

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