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Hey Wallabazoo! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. As for the Mason Lodge on Fisgard and Douglas, the basement isn't too interesting. Of course the part I saw was pretty small and might not be the "real" basement, perhaps just the boiler room. It doesn't even go any lower than the alley in back. The white door is what leads right into the alley. All I saw down there was some storage and some paint cans and a couple of boilers. I even lifted the carpet in case of an access hatch. Of course just to the east of this boiler room are some offices and then some shops, so there could be more basement. There is also some weird religion's office space just to the west of the boiler room. It was about 20 feet wide and about 40 feet long. Much smaller than the footprint of the entire Masonic Lodge which occupies the entire 2nd and 3rd floor (which I also have some photos of).
[last edit 7/27/2006 9:03 AM by surekill - edited 1 times]
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Avatar-X dropped by our fair city this week to inspect for himself the evidence of Victoria's Secret Underground. Besides J Peterman's expert guidance, we relied on this handy book.
Thanks again Av for visiting. I hope my scrambled eggs and toast satisfied your morning nourishment requirements.
"The truth is knowable. But probably not, ever, incontrovertible." --Don DeLillo PICS | |
Hey, I have no serious problem with sharing what I've got-- reading through this thread it's clear there are some people who're really passionate about this (compared to my relatively casual wanderings in Victoria and Vancouver) and I'm happy to give them what I can. However, and I'm sorry to do this, but I'm going to err on the side of caution and not openly discuss this any further on this very public thread that apparently many many ppl are aware of (up to and including a CBC reporter and a Monday Mag guy!). I will contact the ppl. who've already contacted me once I've sorted some things out (next couple days). That's an ironclad promise, I won't disappear like Jesus (whom I havne't yet found down there-- but can give some insights perhaps why he stayed quiet). Out of respect for my employer and for what is a kind of sensitive situation for them in terms of insurance and maintenance of the building -- they don't own it they're only paid to manage it but have full liability for any serious problems -- I will ask here that nobody attempt to get into the basements illegally. I'm sorry but I will not be helping anyone sneak down there-- and in order to do so, you'd almost certainly need help from an employee. The greatest risk I'm willing to take is to share pics I have, then only with some of the ppl on here who are both very passionate and knowledgable about victoria lore. For me, that's risk enough, as as far as I know it could be taken as a form of breach of trust, like leaking company secrets. As for getting in legally, the best approach I think would be this: approach someone about getting down there who's higher ranking than I am. Maybe the maintenance or gardening guys, who have the most experience with the basements, can help you. I shudder to say this, but it's important to look "respectable" and be polite-- security there routinely chase ppl. considered "sub-par" in appearance off the property, even in the middle of the day, and by that I mean long hair, tattoos, unshaven, whatever. I know it's silly but trust me you'll get much further. If you're going to call, call the HR department (call the listed hotel # and ask to be connected to HR) NOT the front desk or head office. The HR ppl are generally friendly ("overly cheerful HR lady") and will likely try to help you. Or else they'll all just tell you there's nothing down there worth seeing and the rumours are exaggerated, which I think is what they normally do (I'm pretty sure they get regular requests), and which just isn't true. Anyway speaking of work gotta get ready. I'll be in touch! Thanks.
Bart: Um dad? Homer: Yea? Bart: What is the mind? Is it just a system of impulses or is it something tangible? Homer: Relax. What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind... Bart: Thanks dad... Homer: Goodnight, son. (The Simpsons.) | |
Good idea.
"The truth is knowable. But probably not, ever, incontrovertible." --Don DeLillo PICS | |
wallabazoo, in my op, you are totally on your game, and have the real exploration curiosity. 'The Right Stuff' That's all that matters, determined efforts will get you the photos of the hidden areas you seek. Without photos, it still happened, but... the proof is in the crumpets, pudding, whatever. If you choose to email K.K. or myself a photo or two, rest assured it's safe. Better yet, let's work on a plan to get access. I followed my lead, and luckily ran into 'Albert' recently. A long time Porter, he admitted that tunnels or chambers go far south, almost to the museum. Understandably, he said he couldn't get access, or show anyone. I was grateful for his honesty and disclosure. PM messages are safe and totally private. Cheers and thanks, A.
My sister is Charlotte Light and Dark. Who am I? Farewell and thank you... "I was doing something that I thought could have some impact someday. In many ways, it's really these photographs that kept me going creatively." Dennis Hopper | |
Although it absolutely makes sense to do it on the lowdown, I'm still kinda disappointed. ALthough I'm very new to the thread, it is really something else, and I am thoroughly involved (and considering moving to Victoria after school). Hopefully if someone gains access, down the road we can see some pictures or hear some stories. In the mean time, good luck in your attempts!
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Douglas Darkie now in the database http://www.uer.ca/...ow.asp?locid=25139
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BTW surekill thanks for the pics of Lodge, that and a few other buildings I'd like to get into... wish I'd known about the "open house" thing they had on (was in canada day?)-- mason lodge, odd fellows, taoist sanctuary, woulda been quite cool, oh well.
[last edit 7/27/2006 2:26 PM by wallabazoo - edited 1 times]
Bart: Um dad? Homer: Yea? Bart: What is the mind? Is it just a system of impulses or is it something tangible? Homer: Relax. What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind... Bart: Thanks dad... Homer: Goodnight, son. (The Simpsons.) | |
Av Visits Victoria! http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=34196 Ahh JP scales the roof of the Empress Hotel
I'm going hunting for mysteries, cover me. | |
Here's J Peterman, Mr. A Lien and Av tackling the big issue of Where to Go Next.
"The truth is knowable. But probably not, ever, incontrovertible." --Don DeLillo PICS | |
Wilson?
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Pickett?
My sister is Charlotte Light and Dark. Who am I? Farewell and thank you... "I was doing something that I thought could have some impact someday. In many ways, it's really these photographs that kept me going creatively." Dennis Hopper | |
Wilson Pickett? Noooo, I meant Wilson from Home Improvement.
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I had a great time with you guys, but I must inform you... Stop talking about these supposed tunnels and FIND THEM! Get into them! Go into every basement! Pop every manhole! Knock down walls! Don't take no for an answer. Maybe the next time I visit, you'll actually be able to take me into the tunnels instead of just pointing at them. -av
huskies - such fluff. | |
Posted by Avatar-X I had a great time with you guys, but I must inform you... Stop talking about these supposed tunnels and FIND THEM! Get into them! Go into every basement! Pop every manhole! Knock down walls! Don't take no for an answer. Maybe the next time I visit, you'll actually be able to take me into the tunnels instead of just pointing at them. -av
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That's the plan. A first-hand account: a well-respected person (community leader) close to various persons/communities told me point-blank that, years ago, he was 'invited' in to some odd place near Fisgard. He was blindfolded and led into a room and then through a door and down some stairs and into a damp musty something-or-other. Once safely beyond the entrance, the blindfold was removed. He walked shoulder to shoulder against brick walls, and was led from behind by a guide who illuminated the space with a small hand-held flashlight. There were small rooms, or antechambers to the left and right every ten or so feet, each had a little plank-type cot or raised surface platform, and a small metal box with a long metal tube running from the top of the box to the ceiling of the room. In one room, he saw that the metal box was a stove or heater. By invited, he meant 'summoned.' I've heard this story before, and I've heard it even before that. I've heard this story about a dozen times. Maybe I believed it the first or second time, but I stopped after that. I believe it again. I believe this person with all the strength my soul can muster. I believe this person.
"The truth is knowable. But probably not, ever, incontrovertible." --Don DeLillo PICS | |
You think maybe there should be some kind of chimneys? Somebody would definately notice hot air coming out of pipes in the ground. Even 100 years ago ordinary citizens were probably like "Dude, WTF is that pipe for?". Weird story. Are you saying this guy you talked to is a Mason? Why not just say it if he is? When I visited their building they pretty much didn't care where people ended up. They were seriously the most oblivious people ever. I'd even go so far to call them square! Haha. It kind of led me to beleive that if there is something under that building it must be under the front half of the building closest to douglas or the back half where the weird religious office is. There's definately nothing in the middle where the Mason's front door is. Unless it's under the elevator. I never went in or found a way to access the elevator shaft that's near the front door. I found a crawlspace beside the elevator on the second floor which led up to the third floor. But it was just empty space about 2 feet wide. If you weren't referring to the masons then just ignore me.
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Posted by surekill You think maybe there should be some kind of chimneys? Somebody would definately notice hot air coming out of pipes in the ground. Even 100 years ago ordinary citizens were probably like "Dude, WTF is that pipe for?". Weird story. Are you saying this guy you talked to is a Mason? Why not just say it if he is? When I visited their building they pretty much didn't care where people ended up. They were seriously the most oblivious people ever. I'd even go so far to call them square! Haha. It kind of led me to beleive that if there is something under that building it must be under the front half of the building closest to douglas or the back half where the weird religious office is. There's definately nothing in the middle where the Mason's front door is. Unless it's under the elevator. I never went in or found a way to access the elevator shaft that's near the front door. I found a crawlspace beside the elevator on the second floor which led up to the third floor. But it was just empty space about 2 feet wide. If you weren't referring to the masons then just ignore me.
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He's not a Mason. He has no connection to the Free Masons. He has a connection to God, and that's all I'm going to say about this particular individual. As far as his ID. And I don't think that people living in Victoria 100 years ago would have said anything remotely close to "Dude, WTF is that pipe for?' More likely, "My dear goodness man...what on Earth under the stars of heaven is that metal cylinder doing in the middle of the town square?" Or possibly, given the location, "What on God's great Earth are those devilish Chinamen up to with those pipes?" Something like that.
[last edit 8/2/2006 4:36 PM by KublaKhan - edited 1 times]
"The truth is knowable. But probably not, ever, incontrovertible." --Don DeLillo PICS | |
First off- a brief intro- I've lived in Vic on and off for 10 years. I am in a job which is unfriendly to those who get arrested, so am not able to partake in some of the fun activities that I know exist around and about . The story I have heard is that there are tidal basements in the Emperess hotel, this is from a first person source, not friend of a dogssitter or suchlike. Mention was that they are mostly dry, but occasionally flooded (IE spring high tides). This would make sense, if you look at historic photos, the Emperess is built on fill rather than solid land, and is not that high above sea level. The source worked at the Emperess for a signifigant time, in the basements. Other than that, I don't have a lot to add. There are cableways along the causeway, but not real tunnels. (saw the workmen in them, didn't feel like trying to social engineer my way past...) As regards massive tunnel complexes in Vic, I have my doubts...but the thread is a interesting read.
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I remember the Eaton's Store. Where the side entrance is across from Monks on Broad and View used to be a walkway that connected the front of the building to another building at the back.I think there is an entrance to the mall there with some benches and an icecream store to the right. As far as a tunnel or basement underneath it, I vaguely remember there being a bargain basement area that sold discontinued items etc, but don't remember exactly where you entered. This is circa 1979-80. Actually, now I remember the current Mall has a below the ground first floor no?
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Not sure if this would matter, but here is a pic of the area I mentioned. http://www.bcarchi.../dir_1/i_03355.txt
[last edit 8/3/2006 11:34 PM by slinkyo - edited 1 times]
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