“The company Store” by artist Dan Sawatzky, painted in 1983

Using an oval format, this mural shows an interior depiction of the Victoria
Lumber & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. store, circa 1917. The artist recreated the
deep perspective of the colourfully-laden shelves from old photographs.

D.A. Gatus was the store manager. He is seen standing in the mid-ground.
Ann Ported worked as a clerk, and is pictured on the left behind the counter.

The V. L. & M. Co. Ltd. used one of the first known credit card systems in the
store. The purchaser would pay for the goods with coupons. In turn, the
store would receive credit for the same from the company, which would
deduct the amount from their employee’s pay cheque.

The name “Victoria Lumber & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.”, and its trademark,
the letter “V” in a diamond, became known throughout the world.

Best viewed in original size