United States to Gabriola Island, 1897

This commercial postcard (overrated by 1¢) was mailed in Oakland, California on August 11, 1897. It was sent to Gabriola Island through Nanaimo (April 14). The addressee is Reverend George William Taylor (C.R.S.C. F.Z.S. 1854-1912). Born in Derby, England, Taylor came to Canada in 1882. He was ordained by the Church of England in 1884 and served in parishes in Victoria, Ottawa, Cedar, Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.

An accomplished naturalist and charter member of the natural history society of British Columbia, he was named honorary provincial entomologist in 1884 and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He was an active and articulate conservationist and was appointed to the British Columbia Fisheries Commission in 1905. He lobbied for a west coast fisheries research station, which was established in 1908 as the Pacific Biological Station. He served as its curator, director and mentor until his death in 1912.

This card was sent by Fred L. Button, an attorney, who practiced for more than 40 years. He was born March 10, 1856 in Pontiac, Michigan and in 1863 moved with his parents to Oakland. As a youth, Button became interested in conchology, which was his father’s hobby, and in the course of a half century the family accumulated one of the largest and finest private collections of shells in the United States.

Postal markings: OAKLAND / CAL. / APR 11/6PM/ 1897
NANAIMO / B.C. / AP / 14 / 97

Button’s message was:

Dear Sir,
In my last I forgot to say that I do nothing in Crustacea or Sponges, neither have I anything in Mexican Acinotas ot Patellas among my duplicates. I will look over my collection when I have time + see that I may be able to spare specimens of and let you know if I find any such. When you send, try + give me a specimen of Odalina if you can.
Respfy Fred L. Button

by Brian Plain, June 2020

Scroll to Top