Who remembers the old Sunset Community Center located at the corner of Prince Edward Street & E.51st Avenue?
It all started in 1945, where the people of Sunset had a vision to build a new community centre. They formed a Community Association and needed to raise another $100,000.00 when it already took two years to raise $25,000. The community needed to do something big.
Stan Thomas, President of the Sunset Association in 1947, was sent to Hollywood to convince legendary singer Bing Crosby to stage his radio show in Vancouver as a benefit for the construction of Sunset Community Centre.
So, what did Bing Crosby say to this request? He said YES!
On September 21, 1948, the Bing Crosby Radio Show came to Vancouver and over $26,000 was raised with just one performance. Following the program, the City of Vancouver contributed the remaining amount and Sunset Community Centre was built.
The Sunset Community Center served the Sunset area of South Vancouver for 50 years until it was replaced by its newer building just 2 blocks down on Main Street.
The new Sunset Community Centre
Information courtesy of The Sunset Community Association.
R Johal, South Vancouver Changes Facebook
