Historic Victoria Advertisements
Movies & Theater 1900-1909

As part of our series on Historic Victoria Advertisements, Movies & Theater 1900-1909, here is an 1909 advertisement by Fletcher Brothers, 1231 Government Street, for “Talking Records” recorded by Cal Stewart (1856-1919), who was appearing as Old Uncle Josh in a live performance at the Grand Theatre, located in what is now 566 Johnson Street. 

April 1909 advertisement by Fletcher Brothers, 1231 Government Street, mentioning a performance at the Grand Theatre on Johnson Street. (Victoria Online Sightseeing collection)

April 1909 advertisement by Fletcher Brothers, 1231 Government Street, mentioning a performance at the Grand Theatre on Johnson Street. (Victoria Online Sightseeing collection)

Fletcher Brothers was a music store then located in what is now 1223 – 1233 Government Street.

This commercial building at 1223-1227 and 1233 Government Street was likely built in the late 19th century. It is currently home to Roots (1227 Government) and Sasquatch Trading (1233 Government)

This commercial building at 1223-1227 and 1233 Government Street was likely built in the late 19th century. It is currently home to Roots (1227 Government) and Sasquatch Trading (1233 Government)

The Grand Theatre was located in what is now 566 Johnson Street, which was built as the Grand Theatre in 1904.

568 Johnson Street, originally built in 1904 as the Grand Theatre. It became part of the Pantages Theatre vaudeville circuit.

568 Johnson Street, originally built in 1904 as the Grand Theatre. It became part of the Pantages Theatre vaudeville circuit.

Here is more information about Cal Stewart and his character Old Uncle Josh:

Here are some YouTube videos of Cal Stewart and his character Old Uncle Josh: