A Rocket Ship for the Ages
Published: September 26, 2023
Authors:
On August 26, 1936 the Sheet Metal Workers International Union Local 280, won grand prize in the “Parade of Progress” marking the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Pacific Exhibition and the Golden Jubilee of the City of Vancouver. Their parade entry was a futuristic rocket pulled by a tractor. The rocket ship was so popular, it was rebuilt in 1939 and installed at the entrance to the Vancouver Airport.

Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 280 PNE parade float, 1936. Vancouver Archives, Audrey Gordon photo, CVA 376-78.

The rocket was later mounted at the Vancouver Airport where it stayed until 1972 when rust took its toll and it was scrapped. City of Vancouver Archives CVA 1376-360.

A replica rocket was built in 1985 and is displayed by the Cambie Street bridge. Eve Lazarus photo.