History of John Oliver High School – Ken MacLeod’s 12-year labour of love to preserve the history of South Vancouver and John Oliver High School
The history of John Oliver High School is now in museums and universities, the author says of his over 800 page tome:
“A lot of social history is not remembered. It’s just forgotten in time and the voice of the people makes good and important history. It’s a story of our pioneer heritage. People have to value their heritage to have an identity.” ~Ken MacLeod, Vancouver Courier
Ken MacLeod with his newly printed book on John Oliver High School.
“The Story of South Vancouver and John Oliver High School” by Ken MacLeod
First Choice Books is proud to have worked with local author and historian Ken MacLeod on his extensively researched story of John Oliver High School and its neighbourhood, South Vancouver. As the Vancouver Sun describes the 805 page hardcover book, it’s a “tome of uncovered mysteries, personal stories and photos … [the] history of a school and community populated by waves of British, German and South Asian immigrants, and shares tales of logging, streetcars, cheerleaders and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Ken spent 12 years researching the book, doing over 200 interviews, searching through city archives and old yearbooks. The book is produced in a library edition (smyth sewn) hardcover. Sales have been even stronger than expected, and the book is in multiple printings. Congratulations Ken and John Oliver High School!
Ken also documented his work on the book. Here’s a youtube video about his memories of John Oliver High School:
