William Carey Ditmars was a partner and secretary-treasurer of the general contracting firm of Armstrong, Morrison & Company, Ltd.
He lived at 1835 Barclay Street from 1901 to 1902 and from 1905 to 1910.
Early Life
William Carey Ditmars was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, on November 12, 1865. His parents were Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars (1834-1911) and Josephine Deborah Soulis (1835-1925). Jeremiah Ditmars was a master mariner who sailed on the Atlantic and the Great Lakes.
William went to school in St. Catharines, and he later began working in an office.
To Vancouver
In 1891, William began working with the John Doty Engine Company in Toronto, Ontario.
In early 1892, William and John Joseph Banfield (1856-1934) were advertising their services as accountants in Vancouver.
In 1892, he was also the accountant of John Doty’s branch in Vancouver.
![Williams’ Illustrated Official BC Directory, 1892, Part 1, page 682 [note duplicate listing with variant spelling]](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/w-c-ditmars-williams_-illustrated-official-bc-directory-1892-part-1-page-682.jpg)
Return to Toronto
When John Doty closed their western business in 1894, William went back to Toronto for three years. He lived with his parents and he worked as a salesman for his brother in law, James Sword, who sold gentlemen’s furnishings.
Back to Vancouver
In 1897, William returned to Vancouver. He became an accountant with the contracting firm of Armstrong and Morrison.
From 1899 to 1974, William and his family lived at the following addresses in Vancouver.
| 1899 | Badminton Hotel (Howe Street and Dunsmuir Street) |
| 1900 | 864 Burrard Street |
| 1901 to 1910 | 1835 Barclay Street |
| 1911 and 1912 | 1336 Pendrell Street |
| 1913 | 1722 Nelson Street |
| 1914 to 1941 | 3637 Pine Crescent |
| 1942 to 1960 | 2535 Southwest Marine Drive |
| 1960 to 1974 | 2535 Southwest Marine Drive (Katherine Neelon Ditmars) |
By 1903, William had become a partner in Armstrong and Morrison, which built water mains, bridges and other construction projects.
Marriage to Winnifred Calvert
On April 10, 1912, William married Winnifred Calvert. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on December 14, 1889. Her parents were Frederick James Calvert (1861-1923) and Elizabeth Jane Rae Bryan (1865-1944).
House on Pine Crescent
In 1912, William started building a new house at 3637 Pine Crescent in Shaughnessy Heights. By 1914, William and Winnifred were living in the house.
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 63 |
| Owner: | Ditmars, W. C. |
| Architect: | Twizell & Twizell |
| Builder: | Owner |
| Legal Address: | DL: 526 Block: 41 Sub: Resub: Lot: 5 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1912-06-19 |
| Street Number: | 3637 |
| Street Name: | Pine Crescent at Hosmer Avenue (NW corner) |
| Value: | $10,000.00 |
| Remarks: | 2 storey frame residence; hot water; [architect DBR June 11 1912] |
| Reference ID: | PG-5400-5401-63 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1706 |
| Owner: | Ditmars, W. C. |
| Architect: | Doctor, Stewart & Davie |
| Builder: | Crawford, H. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 526 Block: 51 Sub: Resub: Lot: 5 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1915-05-19 |
| Street Number: | |
| Street Name: | Pine Crescent |
| Value: | $300.00 |
| Remarks: | Repairs |
| Reference ID: | PG-3526-3527-10 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1902 |
| Owner: | Ditmars, W. C. |
| Architect: | Ditmars, W. C. |
| Builder: | Ditmars, W. C. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 526 Block: 44 Sub: Resub: Lot: 5 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1917-09-07 |
| Street Number: | |
| Street Name: | Pine Crescent |
| Value: | $200.00 |
| Remarks: | Repairs |
| Reference ID: | PG-3584-3585-2 |
Vancouver Building Permits; W.C. Ditmars, Pine Cresent; http://permits.heritagevancouver.org/ (searched July 1, 2016).
Social and Community Life
William belonged to the voluntary governing board of the Vancouver General Hospital and he later became the honorary chairman of the hospital’s board of trustees.
He was president of the Vancouver Pioneers Association.
He became a Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons in British Columbia.
He was a member of the Vancouver Club, the Terminal City Club, the Shaughnessy Heights Golf Club and the Union Club in Victoria, British Columbia.
In 1928 he received the “Good Citizen” award from the Native Sons of British Columbia.
Move to Marine Drive and Later Life
In 1942, William and Winnifred moved to 2535 Southwest Marine Drive.
Winnifred died in Vancouver on May 29, 1945. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
On January 17, 1951, at St. Catharines, Ontario, William married Katherine Neelon. She was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, on July 17, 1895. Her parents were Edward Harvey Neelon and Minnie May Harris.
In 1956, the Rotary Club honoured William on his 90th birthday.
![The Rotarian, May 1956, page 53, [selected portions of page]; https://books.google.ca/books?id=VkAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=%22william+c+ditmars%22&source=bl&ots=EgKsk_69vA&sig=bHqwAOjY32V4JubYLBlFBLiIrsY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLipnF29LNAhUPwGMKHU5XDtcQ6AEIPzAH#v=onepage&q=%22william%20c%20ditmars%22&f=false](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/william-c-ditmars-the-rotarian-may-1956-page-53.jpg)
William died in Vancouver on December 7, 1960. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Katherine died in Vancouver on December 18, 1974.
William and Winnifred had the following children.
William Calvert Ditmars
William Calvert Ditmars (sometimes called “Bill”) was born in Vancouver on July 24, 1913.
He went to the University of British Columbia, where he became a member of the Phi Delta Gamma fraternity. He later worked as a realtor.
On June 21, 1943, in Vancouver, he married Frances Penelope Jones. She was born in Vancouver on August 6, 1917. Her parents were Arthur Ernest Jones and Ruth Wilson.
In the 1960s, Bill was the property manager of School District 57 in Prince George, British Columbia. Frances served on the Prince George public library board from 1961 to 1968.
Bill later resumed his career as a realtor with Carmichael and Luttrell in Prince George.
Afterwards, he became a realtor with Macaulay Nicholls and Maitland in Prince George.
Bill and Frances were divorced.
Frances died in Vancouver on September 25, 1986.
Bill died in Vancouver on June 30, 1994.
Bill and Frances had three sons: Eric Ditmars, Anthony (Tony) Ditmars and William Carey Ditmars (also known as “Carey”).
Eric Soulis Ditmars
Eric Soulis Ditmars was born in Vancouver on April 16, 1915.
He attended Prince of Wales High School in Vancouver and University School in Victoria, British Columbia.
He joined the Phi Delta Gamma fraternity.
He served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. In December 1941 the navy reported that he was “missing on active service.”
![“Our War Story—Continued; Two Fijis Killed in Action and Third is Missing as United States Joins Canada in Great Conflict,” by Cecil J. Wilkinson, Phi Delta Gamma, February 1942, pages 251 and 252; http://www.phigam.org/document.doc?id=5114. [Phi Delta Gamma members were sometimes called “Fijis.”]](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/our-war-story-continued-two-fijis-killed-in-action-and-third-is-missing-as-united-states-joins-canada-in-great-conflict-by-cecil-j-wilkinson-phi-delta-gamma-february-1942-pag.jpg)
In July 1942, the navy reported that he was missing and presumed dead as of December 24, 1941.
Sources
Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars (father of William Carey Ditmars)
Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/jeremiah-vanderbilt-ditmars_6773703: “Born in Nova Scotia, Canada on 2 Jun 1834. Jeremiah Vanderbilt married Josephine Deborah Soulis and had 7 children. He passed away on 9 Jul 1911 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFX-FH7 : 18 November 2014), Jermia Ditmars, St Catherines, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 10; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13254, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,890.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-26P : 13 November 2014), Jeremiah Ditmars in household of W C Ditmars, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 6, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-9M75 : 2 March 2015), Jeremiah Ditmars in entry for Willliam Ditmars, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLK1-C2Z : 30 September 2015), Jeremiah V Ditmans, 1911.
Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars, obituary, Vancouver Province, July 6, 1911, page 4: “Ditmars—The death occurred yesterday of Jeremiah v. Ditmars, aged 76, father of W.C. Ditmars, at 1336 Pendrill street. The late Mr. Ditmars was a native of Nova Scotia. The funeral will take place from the residence tomorrow at 2 o’clock p.m., Rev. Dr. Perry officiating.”
Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars, obituary, Vancouver Province, July 7, 1911, page 18: “Ditmars—The funeral of the late Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars, 1336 Pendrill street, took place at 2 p.m. today. Rev. Dr. Perry officiated.”
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-39J7 : 13 December 2015), Jeremiah V. Ditmars, 1911; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26301637, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301637.
Josephine Deborah Soulis (mother of William Carey Ditmars)
Josephine Deborah Soulis, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/josephine-deborah-soulis_106617350: “Born in Nova Scotia, Canada on 12 Dec 1835 to William Hunt Soulis and Sarah Johnson Coleman. Josephine Deborah married Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars and had 7 children. She passed away on 9 Nov 1925 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M43L-GRX : 13 November 2014), Josephine Ditmars, St Catharine, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 88, line 17; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9922, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,294.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFX-FHW : 18 November 2014), Josephine Ditmars in household of Jermia Ditmars, St Catherines, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 10; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13254, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,890.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWGF-TJN : 13 November 2014), Josephine Ditmars, St Thomas Ward, Toronto City, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148175; http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1891&op=pdf&id=30953_148175-00156.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-265 : 13 November 2014), Josephine Ditmars in household of W C Ditmars, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 6, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-9M7P : 2 March 2015), Josephine Ditmars in entry for Willliam Ditmars, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.
1921 Canada Census, Josephine Ditmars in household of James Sword; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 79; Census Place: Toronto (City), Parkdale, Ontario; Page Number: 10; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLK-SNR : 30 September 2015), Josephine Deborah Ditmars, 1925.
Josephine Deborah Ditmars, death notice, Vancouver Province, November 10, 1925, page 21; Vancouver Sun, November 10, 1925, page 12; Vancouver Sun, November 11, 1925, page 12: “Ditmars—Passed away Nov, 9 at 3637 Pine Crescent, Josephine Deborah, widow of the late Captain J.V. Ditmars. Funeral private. No flowers, please.”
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-39JQ : 13 December 2015), Josephine D. Ditmars, 1925; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26301638, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301638.
William Carey Ditmars
William Carey Ditmars, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/william-carey-ditmars_76274616: “Born in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada on 12 Nov 1865 to Jeremiah Vanderbilt Ditmars and Josephine Deborah Soulis. William Carey married Winifred Calvert and had 2 children. He passed away on 1956 [sic] in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”
Who’s Who in Western Canada, volume 1, edited by C.W. Parker; Vancouver, Canadian Press Association, Limited, 1911, page 161, http://www.ourroots.ca/e/page.aspx?id=643155.
William Cary Ditmars, Who’s Who and Why, 1917-1918, page 770: “Ditmars, William Carey—Secretary-Treasurer, Armstrong, Morrison & Co., Ltd., Contractors, Bower Building, Vancouver. Born St. Catharines, Ont., 1865. Educated: St. Catharines. Came to British Columbia, 1891; joined present firm, 1897; partner, since 1903. Club: Terminal City. Society: A.F. & A.M. Residence: Shaughnessy Heights, Vancouver, B.C.”
Who’s Who and Why [Northern Who’s Who], volume 1, edited by Dr. C.W. Parker; Vancouver, Western Press Association, 1916, page 199, https://archive.org/stream/northernwhoswhob01park#page/199/mode/1up: “Ditmars, William Carey.—Manager and member of firm of Armstrong, Morris & Co., Contractors, Bower Bldg., Vancouver. Born St. Catharines. Came to British Columbia and entered office of present firm 1891. Club: Terminal City. Society: A.F. & A.M. Address: 1336 Pendrill St., Vancouver, B.C.”
William Carey Ditmars, Who’s Who in Canada, 1928-1929, pages 905-906 (includes photograph of William Carey Ditmars.)
William Carey Ditmars, Who’s Who in Canada, 1936-1937, pages 235-236 (includes photograph of William Carey Ditmars.)
“Armstrong, Morrison and Company,” Vanishing Vancouver, Michael Kluckner, 1990, page 66.
William Carey Ditmars, British Columbia From the Earliest Times to the Present, volume 3, edited by E. O. S. Scholefield, and Frederic William Howay; Vancouver, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, pages 749, 750; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf00schouoft#page/749/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf00schouoft#page/750/mode/1up.
“William Carey Ditmars is a partner, and secretary-treasurer of the general contracting firm of Armstrong, Morrison & Company, Ltd., at Vancouver. He and his associates were early residents of this city and in the years which have come and gone they have done work throughout the province that will stand as a monument to their ability for many generations. Theirs is one of the longest established and most substantial companies of the province and their work is seen in various sections and has been of a most important character. Mr. Ditmars is a self-made man and one of whom the public speaks only in terms of high praise and commendation, his salient qualities being such as to commend him to the respect and admiration of business associates and the general public.
W. C. Ditmars was born at St. Catharines, Ontario, November 12, 1865, and is a son of J. V. and Josephine (Soulis) Ditmars, both of whom were natives of Nova Scotia. They came to Ontario in the late ’50s and settled at St. Catharines. The father was a master mariner and sailed on the Atlantic for several years, principally from eastern Canada ports to the West Indies. After settling in Ontario he sailed for forty years on the Great Lakes, making his home at St. Catharines until 1900, when he came with his wife to Vancouver, where they resided until 1911, when -Mr. Ditmars passed away. His widow now makes her home in Toronto.
William Carey Ditmars attended the public schools of his native city, but at an early age left school and took up office work, in which he continued until 1891, when he entered the employ of the John Doty Engine Company, of Toronto, which was then establishing a branch business in Vancouver. He accepted the position of accountant in the Vancouver office, arriving here in the spring of 1891 and remaining with that firm until their western business was closed out in 1894. He then returned to Toronto, where he remained for three years, when the lure of the west was upon him and in 1897 he again went to that city to take the position of accountant with Armstrong & Morrison. In that year they secured a large contract with the city for several miles of riveted water pipe, and purchasing the premises formerly occupied by the old Vancouver City Foundry they established a plant for the manufacture of riveted steel pipe and general mining machinery. Mr. Ditmars continued as accountant and office manager until 1902, when they sold out to the Vancouver Engineering Works. Their business has since been devoted to general contracting and in the following year, 1903, during the construction of the Fraser River bridge, Mr. Ditmars became a member of the firm now known as Armstrong, Morrison & Company, Ltd., of which he is the secretary-treasurer. ” As previously stated, this is one of the oldest and most substantial companies in British Columbia, and his connection therewith establishes him as a representative, capable and prominent business man, whose value is widely recognized and constitutes an asset in business circles of the city. He is also secretary-treasurer of the Keremeos Land Company, Ltd., and of the Vancouver Granite Company, Ltd.
On the 10th of April, 1912, in Vancouver, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ditmars to Miss Winnifred Calvert, a daughter of F. J. Calvert, formerly of Winnipeg, but for several years past a resident of Vancouver. Mrs. Ditmars is well known and active in church and musical circles. Mr. Ditmars has for several years served as an annual governor of the Vancouver General Hospital and has long taken an active interest in Masonry, holding membership in Cascade Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He votes with the conservative party but is not an active worker in its ranks. His social position is indicated in the fact that he has been admitted to membership in the Terminal City and Royal Vancouver Yacht Clubs. His position, won entirely through his own efforts, is a recognition of individual merit, ability and worth.”
William Carey Ditmars, Interesting Mountain View Burials, https://interestingmountainview.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/william-carey-ditmars/
“Conversation with Mr. W.C. Ditmars, pioneer, of 744 West Hastings Street, for many years with the pioneer contracting firm, Armstrong and Morrison, 28 August 1945;” Major James Skitt Matthews, Early Vancouver, Vol. 6 (Vancouver: City of Vancouver, 2011), page 198; http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/archives/digitized/EarlyVan/SearchEarlyVan/Vol6pdf/MatthewsEarlyVancouverVol6_TheNameDeadmansIsland.pdf.
William C. Ditmars [Cascade Lodge No. 12], about 1915, Vancouver City Archives, Cl P11.03; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/william-c-ditmars-cascade-lodge-no-12.
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M43L-GRN : 13 November 2014), Willie Ditmars in household of Josephine Ditmars, St Catharine, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 88, line 19; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9922, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,294.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFX-FHH : 18 November 2014), William Ditmars in household of Jermia Ditmars, St Catherines, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 10; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13254, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,890.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWK3-SZY : 13 November 2014), W C Ditmers, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148093; http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1891&op=pdf&id=30953_148093-00167.
Society, Vancouver Province, February 12, 1900, page 8: “Mrs. Jas. Sword, brother-in-law of Mr. W. Ditmars, accountant with Messrs. Armstrong and Morrison, arrived from Toronto to-day on an extended visit to the coast.”
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-26G : 13 November 2014), W C Ditmars, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 6, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-9M7G : 2 March 2015), Willliam Ditmars, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8Z-95Q : 21 January 2016), William Carey Ditmars and Winnifred Calvert, 10 Apr 1912; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11376, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,704.
Winnifred Calvert and W.C. Ditmars, wedding description, Vancouver Province, April 11, 1912, page 8: “A quiet wedding was solemnized in St. Mark’s Church, Kitsilano, at 9 o’clock yesterday morning when Miss Winnifred Calvert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Calvert, 2445 First avenue west, was married to Mr. W.C. Ditmars of this city, Rev. A.H. Sovereign was the officiating clergyman.”
1921 Canada Census, William C. Ditmars; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“Heads Pioneers; Pioneers Oppose Lagoon Fountain; W.C. Ditmars, Good Citizen In 1928, Elected President,” Vancouver Province, April 4, 1936, page 7: “Mr. W.C. Ditmars, prominent business man and Good Citizen in 1928, was elected president of the Vancouver Pioneers’ Association at the annual meeting in Moose Hall Friday night. . . .” (Includes photograph of W.C. Ditmars.)
“Bought First Auto Seen in Vancouver; W.C. Ditmars, 85 Sunday, Played Large Part in City’s Development,” by Mac Reynolds, Vancouver Sun, November 10, 1950, page 29 (Includes photograph of W.C. Ditmars.)
“Dean of Businessmen Spurns Retirement,” Vancouver Province, November 10, 1950, page 3 (Includes photograph of William Cary Ditmars.)
“Birthday greetings were tendered Saturday to W.C. Ditmars, senior local business executive, who is 85,” Vancouver Province, November 13, 1950, page 5 (includes photograph of George Derby, W.C. Ditmars, and F.J. Burd.). Refers to retirement of Mr. Ditmars after 59 years in business.
“City’s business dean arrived here in 1891,” Vancouver Province, July 14, 1958, page 15 (special edition). (Includes photograph of W.C. Ditmars.). Long article on history of W.C. Ditmars.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLT9-WKM : 30 September 2015), William Carey Ditmars, 1960.
William Carey Ditmars, death notice, Vancouver Province, December 9, 1960, page 37; Vancouver Sun, December 8, 1960, page 48: “Passed away December 7, 1960, William Carey Ditmars of 2535 S.W. Marine Dr., in his 96th year. Survived by his loving wife, Katharine; 1 son, William C., Prince George; 3 grandsons. The deceased was past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia A.F. & A.M. Funeral service Monday at 11 a.m. in Christ Church Cathedral, Georgia and Burrard St., Very Rev. Dean Northcote Burke, DD, officiating, Interment Masonic Section, Mountain View Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Simons & McBride, Broadway at Maple St., funeral directors in charge.”
“B.C. bridge builder W.C. Ditmars dies,” Vancouver Province, December 9, 1960, page 29 (includes photograph of William Ditmars).
“City’s First Major Bridge Builder Dies; W.C. Ditmars, Here Sincde 1891, Foresaw lions Gate Span in 1911,” Vancouver Sun, December 9, 1960, page 64 (includes photograph of William C. Ditmars).
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-39JH : 13 December 2015), William Carey Ditmars, 1960; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26301636, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301636.
Frederick James Calvert (father of Winifred Calvert)
“England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2NZY-9X5 : 1 October 2014), Frederick James Calvert, 1861; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Belper, Derbyshire, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHK9-Y2R : 13 November 2014), Fred J Calvert, B, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 9, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:27X1-941 : 2 March 2015), Frederick Calvert, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 19-50, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,662.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLKJ-53Y : 30 September 2015), Frederick James Calvert, 1923.
Frederick James Calvert, death notice, Vancouver Province, June 28, 1923, page 17: “Calvert—Passed away June 23, 1923, Frederick James Calvert, late of 541 Burrard St., in his 62nd year, leaving his wife, son and daughter to mourn his loss. The funeral was held Tuesday, June 26, at 1:30 o’clock in Nunn & Thomson’s chapel, 531 Homer St. Rev. A.H. Sovereign officiated. Interment was made in the family plot, Ocean View Burial Park.”
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD86-GCD : 21 January 2016), Gerald Frederick Calvert and Gertrude Chantles Smith, 22 Jul 1929; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B13757, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,074,553.
Elizabeth Jane Rae Bryan (mother of Winifred Calvert)
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHK9-Y2T : 13 November 2014), Race J Calvert in household of Fred J Calvert, B, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 9, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:27X1-9HM : 2 March 2015), Rae Calvert in entry for Frederick Calvert, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 19-50, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,662; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=62779&highlight=14&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Winnifred+Calvert.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2P-FQY : 30 September 2015), Elizabeth Jane Rae Calvert, 1944.
Elizabeth Jane Rae Bryan, death notice, Vancouver Sun, January 6, 1944, page 15; Vancouver Province, January 6, 1944, page 17: “Calvert—Passed away Jan. 5, 1944, in hospital, Elizabeth Jane Rae Bryan, widow of the late F.J. Calvert, in her 79th year. Survived by her daughter, Mrs. W.C. Ditmars, Vancouver. Funeral service in Center & Hanna’s Parlors, Friday, Jan. 7, at 3:30 p.m. the Rev. F.P. Clark, M.A., officiating. Committal Ocean View Burial Park”
Mrs. F. J. Calvert, obituary, Vancouver Province, January 7, 1944, page 6:
“Funeral services for Elizabeth Jane Rae Bryan Calvert, 78, widow of F.J. Calvert, 2535 Southwest Marine drive, who died on Wednesday, were held today in Center & Hanna Chapel. Interment took place in Ocean View Burial Park.
Mrs. Calvert was born in Ontario and came to Vancouver 35 years ago. A daughter survives.”
Winifred Calvert (wife of William Carey Ditmars)
Winifred Calvert, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/winifred-calvert_49577186: “Born on 1890. Winifred married William Carey Ditmars and had 2 children. She passed away on 29 May 1945 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHK9-Y2Y : 13 November 2014), Winifred Calvert in household of Fred J Calvert, B, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 9, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=66424&highlight=37&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Winifred+Calvert.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:27X1-9HS : 2 March 2015), Winefred Calvert in entry for Frederick Calvert, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 19-50, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,662.
1921 Canada Census, Winifred C. Ditmars in household of William C. Ditmars; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLP7-KGV : 30 September 2015), Winifred Ditmars, 1945.
Winifred Calvert, death notice, Vancouver Province, May 30, 1945, page 15; Vancouver Sun, May 30, 1945, page 17: “Ditmars—On May 29, 1945, in hospital, Winifred Calvert, wife of William C. Ditmars of 2535 Southwest Marine, in her 56th year. Survived also by one son, William Calvert Ditmars, also one grandson. Funeral services in Center & Hanna Chapel Thursday, May 31, at 3:30 p.m., Lt., Col. C.C. Owen, D.D., officiating. Committal family plot Mountain View Cemetery.”
“Mrs. Ditmars Dead at 55,” Vancouver Sun, May 30, 1945, page 11:
“Mrs. W.C. Ditmars, 55, of 2535 Southwest Marine, wife of W.C. Ditmars, well-known Vancouver business man and holder of the “Good Citizen” medal, died Tuesday afternoon.
She leaves, besides her husband, one son, W.C. Ditmars, and one grandson.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel of Center & Hanna Ltd., with Rev. C.C. Owen, DD, officiating. Committal will be at Mountain View.”
“Death Claims Mrs. Ditmars,” Vancouver Province, May 30, 1945, page 2 [similar to “Mrs. Ditmars Dead at 55,” Vancouver Sun, May 30, 1945, page 11, above.]
Katherine Neelon (wife of William Carey Ditmars)
“Canada Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLR-P77 : 27 November 2014), Katharine Neelon, 17 Jul 1895; citing St Catharines, Lincoln, Ontario, 17 Jul 1895, reference 503108; FHL microfilm 1,871,276.
“Ontario Births, 1869-1911,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMZG-5FS : 15 January 2016), Katharine Neelon, 17 Jul 1895; citing Birth, St Catharines, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,871,276.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV9T-5KJH : 2 March 2015), Katharine Neelon in entry for Edward H Neelon, 1911; citing Census, Lincoln Sub-Districts 37-57, Ontario, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,418,508.
“New York, Northern Arrival Manifests, 1902-1956,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q23H-YG9R : 20 May 2016), Katherine Neelon, 1943; citing NARA microfilm publication M1480 and M1482 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); roll 00098, FHL microfilm 1,283,765.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLB2-8T5 : 30 September 2015), Katharine Neelon Ditmars, 1974.
Katherine Neelon Ditmars, death notice, Vancouver Province, December 19, 1974, page 27; Vancouver Sun, December 19, 1974, page 46: “Ditmars—On December 18, 1974, Katherine Neelon Ditmars, aged 79. Survived by 1 sister, Mrs. J. (Alice) Air; also 5 nephews and nieces and many loving friends. Mrs. Ditmars was a member of Christ Church Cathedral for many years. Memorial Service Friday, December 20 at 3 p.m. from the Chapel of Mount Pleasant Nunn & Thomson, Kingsway at 11th Ave. Her nephew Rev. Alan Neelon officiating. Cremation to follow.”
William Calvert Ditmars (son of William Carey Ditmars)
William Calvert Ditmars, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/william-calvert-ditmars_187759431: “Born on 24 Jul 1913 to William Carey Ditmars and Winifred Calvert. William Calvert married Frances Penelope Jones and had 3 children. He passed away on 1994.”
1921 Canada Census, William C. Ditmars in household of William C. Ditmars; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
British Columbia Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1943-09-552904; William Calbert [sic: Calvert] Ditmars and Frances Penelope Jones; date of marriage: June 21, 1943; place of marriage: Vancouver; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/644ff780-eed6-4e18-922a-613a1dd0a6ac.
“Property Manager for Schools,” Prince George Citizen, March 9, 1960, page 1, http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1960-03-09-01: “Newly-created position of property manager of School District 57 was filled last night at a meeting of school trustees. Appointed to the post was W. C. Ditmars of White Rock, a real estate salesman with wide experience in maintenance work and related fields.”
“Local Couple Marry at St Andrews,” Prince George Citizen, September 27, 1965, page 5, http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1965-09-27-05 . [Includes photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Ditmars.]: “A quiet wedding was solemnized at St Andrews United Church when Gail Margaret Bryant became the bride of Eric Ditmars. Pink roses and white carnations decorated the church during the ceremony which was performed by Rev Newton Steacy. Mrs. Catherine Moonie placed the wedding music. The bride, daughter of Gordon and Catherine Bryant, was given in marriage by her father. . . . The groom, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Ditmars, was attended by his brother Carey and ushers were Tony Ditmars and Art Warburton.” [Gail later became known as Susila Bryant.]
“School Board Names Official,” Prince George Citizen, March 1, 1967, page 3; http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1967-03-01/-/Prince%20George%20Citizen%20-%20March%2001,%201967: “Prince George School Board has appointed a new building superintendent. He is Frank Smith, owner of Prince George Motor Court. His appointment is effective today. . . . Mr. Smith replaces William Ditmars, who left the post of property manager several months ago.”
Frances Penelope Jones (wife of William Calvert Ditmars)
Frances Penelope Jones, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/frances-penelope-jones_154346206: “Born on 6 Aug 1917. Frances Penelope married William Calvert Ditmars and had 3 children. She passed away on 1986.”
British Columbia Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1943-09-552904; William Calbert [sic: Calvert] Ditmars and Frances Penelope Jones; date of marriage: June 21, 1943; place of marriage: Vancouver; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/644ff780-eed6-4e18-922a-613a1dd0a6ac.
Prince George Citizen, February 13, 1968, page 3; http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1968-02-13-03: “Council agreed to send a letter of thanks to Mrs. Frances Ditmars, who has retired after spending seven years on Prince George Public Library Board. Mrs. Ditmars will be replaced by Mrs. D.M.D. Murphy.”
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLJ-24N : 30 September 2015), Frances Penelope Ditmars, 1986.
Best-Selling Journalist with Ties to Prince George to Speak at UNBC, March 1, 2006; http://www.unbc.ca/releases/2006/03-01ditmars: “Hadani Ditmars, an internationally known journalist based in Canada, will be speaking at UNBC on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day. . . . Ms. Ditmars has a particular connection to Prince George in that she is related to two families whose roots go back many years in the city: the Bryants and Ditmars. Her mother, Susila (nee Gail) Bryant, was born in Prince Rupert and moved to Prince George in 1945. Her father, Eric Ditmars, moved here from Vancouver in 1961. They both attended Prince George Senior Secondary School. . . . Her Grandmother, Catherine (Cleo) Bryant, served for 10 years as a Trustee for School District 57, and was active in the Alaska Music Trail & other community service work. Her Grandfather, Gordon D. Bryant, was Mayor of Prince George in the early 1950s.”
Eric Soulis Ditmars (son of William Carey Ditmars)
Eric Soulis Ditmars, http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/eric-soulis-ditmars_153416380: “Born on 16 Apr 1915 to William Carey Ditmars and Winifred Calvert. He passed away on 1941.”
Birth notice, Vancouver Sun, April 17, 1915, page 7: “Ditmars—On Friday, 16th to Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Ditmars, a son.”
1921 Canada Census, Eric S. Ditmars in household of William C. Ditmars; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“W.C. Ditmars’s Son ‘Missing’ Overseas,” Vancouver Province, December 31, 1941, page 22 (includes photograph of Eric Ditmars): “Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Ditmars, 2535 Southwest Marine drive, received word today from the minister of defense for naval services that their son, Eric, a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian navy, has been reported “missing on active service.” [Includes brief biographical background.]
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLYD-5GX : 30 September 2015), Eric Soulis Ditmars, 1941.
Canadian Virtual War Memorial; In memory of Lieutenant Eric Soulis Ditmars, December 24, 1941; http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2557990: “Age: 26; Force: Navy; Unit: Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve; Division: H.M.S. Salvia; Cemetery: Halifax Memorial ; Nova Scotia, Canada; Grave Reference: Panel 8; Additional Information: Son of William Carey Ditmars and Winnifred C. Ditmars, of Vancouver, British Columbia.”
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