Fernie Arts and Culture Guide Summer 2023 Summer 2023, 21st edition | Page 23

Selected locations ; find more information at tourismfernie . com / blog / heritage-walk or pick up a walking tour map at the Fernie Museum .
# 2 THE IMPERIAL BANK
Army , securing this site in exchange for the Victoria Avenue location where they had been operating since 1900 . The current building was erected on the same site after the 1908 fire . The property next door was the Fernie Meat Market for 95 years from 1926-2021 .
On August 1 , 1908 , on the corner of 2nd Ave & 4th St , the members of the Fernie Fire Department made their last stand in the fight against the catastrophic fire that would consume Fernie in just 90 minutes . The Imperial Band of Canada built a new bank here in 1909 , merging with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1961 and closing in 1963 . The original bank vault can still be seen inside when you stop by for a local beer and a Brickhouse burger .
# 10 FERNIE SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Fernie Secondary School operated on this site for 89 years from 1909- 1998 . The original façade looked much as it does today , however it was covered with stucco from 1978 until the building was renovated in 2006 as luxury condominiums .
# 3 THE COURTHOUSE
Built between 1909-1911 and lauded as one of BC ’ s best buildings , the Court House is a spectacular chateau-style building rarely found in the area . The majestic courtroom with stained glass windows is still in use today . The grounds offer a fantastic vantage point for photos .
# 7 SALVATION ARMY
1904 , William Eschwig of the Northern Hotel made a trade for the Salvation
# 12 HOW FOON ’ S LAUNDRY
The Chinese entrepreneur How Foon established several businesses in this building constructed in 1908 including a café , laundry , shoemaking shop and rental apartments . The exterior retains the original façade and an advertising mural for ‘ Royal Crown Soap .’
After the tour , stroll down 2nd Avenue to enjoy local shops , galleries , cafés and restaurants , pubs and attractions .
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