Glass Castle February 18, 2010

In 1962, George Plumb, a retired carpenter, bought a one acre site in Duncan, British Columbia (Canada). He had decided to build a Castle and Taj Mahal out of bottles. A donation of 3,000 bottles from a local dairy got him started. He added soft-drink, whiskey, wine, and antique bottles (even a few television sets) to the outsides of his buildings.
Five thousand bottles went into the Bottle Castle (also known as the Glass Castle) which was a small five-room house completed in 1963. By the time he was finished, Plumb was famous. He entertained visitors from around the world and made appearances on TV shows including The Tonight Show where he played harmonica for Johnny Carson.

Over the years, he used 200,000 bottles. Plumb collected bottles from local industries and others were donated by neighbors and visitors. The structures around the main building included a Leaning Tower of Pisa, a well and a giant Coke bottle – all made with bottles and cement. Around the buildings were animals sculptures, some made from concrete and others carved in stone. In the gardens, there were paths between low walls that led past flower beds to a small waterfall, water lily and fish ponds, a totem pole and a small studio.

After his death in 1976, the complex was maintained by family members until the 1990s. It was then sold to a couple who operated it as a tourist attraction for a few years until it fell into disrepair. Despite some interest in preserving the site, the building and sculptures were bulldozed for highway expansion.

Todays gallery addition: Island History (4 pix of the castle)

Todays profile update: BJ Cook

PARTY TIME

It's been a while since we've had a good old fashioned social event so "Lightning" Len Siemens and Ernie Neiderer have secured the Prince Edward Legion (Langford Legion) Auditorium for a Victoria Music Hall of Fame fundraiser and dance on Saturday April 24, 2010. Both Lightning Express and Cruel Shoes Rock "N" Blues Band will perform with some "special guests" sitting in throughout the evening. Ticket are $15. each or 2 for $20. and will be available Friday February 19th. Mark that date in your calendar and check back to find out how to get your tickets, it'll be a blast.

R&B Fest

It's that time of year again when Sharon Wadsworth and John Fisher produce the R & B Fest, Saturday February 27 at Hermann's on View St. Tickets are available by e mailing [email protected]. Proceeds go towards the "NEED CRISIS AND INFORMATION LINE" and it's a small venue that always sells out so get your tickets now!

JUNO AWARDS

The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) and Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) have initiated a review of an opportunity to host a future JUNO Awards celebration in the Capital Region. Your ideas and comments will help shape the final recommendations. Click on the link below for more info and/or to get your opinion heard.
Victoria Music Awards

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GEORGE BENSON

The 26th TD Victoria International Jazzfest opens with 10 time Grammy Award winner George Benson at the Royal Theatre Friday June 25, 2010. Tickets are now on sale at all McPherson Box Office locations.