The Vancouver Sun

On this day in 1929, the former U.S. Coast Guard cutter USS Dexter infamously chased and destroyed the Atlantic Canadian booze-smuggling schooner, I’m Alone, in international waters off the Gulf of Mexico. The event became a key flashpoint in the history of Canada-U.S. relations.

The captain of the 40-metre I’m Alone, Newfoundland native John (Jack) Randell, was carrying 2,800 cases of Caribbean rum from Belize to a drop-point in Louisiana.The Americans opened fire on I’m Alone, which capsized. One sailor drowned; Randell and 10 other crewmen were rescued.

The sinking sparked outrage, inflaming anti-American passions in Canada. A special commission of inquiry led, five years later, to an official U.S. apology as well as compensation payments to the Canadian government and the surviving crew. The event led Canada to assert its independence from Britain and to be wary of U.S. power.

Today, I’m Alone rests off the Louisiana coast, while the USS Dexter was scuttled in 2010 by the Underwater Archeological Society of Chicago for the enjoyment of Lake Michigan diving enthusiasts.

On this day in 1940, the Aristocratic restaurant chain opened a new branch at Broadway and Granville in Vancouver.

It became the chain’s landmark location until 1997, providing loyal customers with, as its slogan boasted, Courteous Service and Fine Food All Over Town. The retail spot is held by Chapters bookstore now, but a small piece of the Aristocratic remains. A replica of the old “Risty” neon sign is still on display in its window, a reminder of the location’s history. The original Risty sign is owned by the Vancouver Museum, but is so big that they couldn’t get it through the doors for the current neon display.

On this day in 1972, billionaire American recluse Howard Hughes arrived in Vancouver where he paid about $1,000 per day to rent two floors of the city’s Bayshore Inn.

The reason for his visit, which stretched from March 14 through Aug. 29, was never known. Because there were no current photos of the business magnate, aviator and film producer, The Vancouver Sun ran an artist’s conception of what he might look like at age 66. Hotel staff said they did not meet Hughes during his stay but kept him stocked with ingredients for meals of skinless, boneless chicken breasts and vegetables, which were prepared in the suite by his personal chef.

For more glimpses of the past, visit The Sun at 100

RIP Milo the Otter: The most famous resident of the Vancouver Aquarium was seen by over 16 million people when a YouTube video surfaced several years ago of him and his late partner Nyac holding paws in their tank. Milo died Wednesday after six months of chemotherapy to fight lymphoma.

People walk past an activist during an Animal Naturalis demonstration to promote vegetarianism in central Barcelona, December 15, 2011 (Albert Gea, Reuters)

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RIP Sum Ying Fung 1899-2011 Fung, who was believed to be the oldest living Canadian, died at Burnaby General Hospital with her family by her side shortly before 3 p.m. on Dec. 6—seven weeks before her 113th birthday.