Oak Bay Archives

Photo Title: Merston family in the garden of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Description:
Merston family in the grounds of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Major William Charles Merston (1884-1962) built the hotel in 1927 (first advertised as the 'Marine Drive Hotel',) rebuilt after a fire in 1930, and managed it while living there with his family until they sold it in1946. They then moved to the neighbouring house at 1159 Beach Drive (formerly 'Bongate', the family home of William Oliver, first Reeve of Oak Bay). For more information about WC Merston, see JF Bosher, Imperial Vancouver Island, p.494. L-R: James Merston, Ann Merston, Pamela Merston, Helen Merston (nee Farrer) The original print of this photograph is privately owned and not accessible at Oak Bay Archives. Oak Bay Archives hosts this image by permission of the owner, for reference purposes only. 
Photo Number: 2002-001-003
Photographer: Merston family photo collection, loaned to OBA for copying
Date: 1945
Subject:
Beaches, Buildings - Commercial, Families, Hotels