From 1934 to 1979, street photographer Foncie Pulice set up his camera on Vancouver city sidewalks and snapped candid shots of people strolling by. For almost half a century, he took thousands of photos, unwittingly capturing moments in time, the history of a city, and the lives of British Columbians.
Now documentary filmmaker Melanie Wood and British Columbia’s Knowledge Network are bringing these photographs together – collecting them from albums around the province and giving them a public home. Photo negatives of Foncie’s images do not exist. He destroyed most of them when he retired. Until now there was no central archive or collection.
Someone who knew the two gentlemen in this photo writes:
"John and brother Roy Cavallin.
Both outstanding lacrosse players for the Vancouver Burrards in the 1930's & 40's. Both are in the Canadian Lacrosse hall of fame. John went on to coach the Burrards and even today there is a coaching award in his name. All young lacrosse players know his name in Chicago, New York and Boston.
Roy Cavallin was first trainer for the BC Lions football team in 1954 until the late 60's. Using the techniques he used on his own knees for lacrosse.
We miss them."
This is a story about Vancouver, about British Columbia, and about it’s people... so they need your help. Visit Knowledge.ca/FonciesCorner to add your photos and stories to the collection.
We're sharing a couple of Foncie photos here on V.I.A. each week leading up to the premiere of the documentary film being released in the summer. Share your memories (or the ones you find in your parents' and grandparents' archives) and become a part of Vancouver’s history!
