While doing some research our Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian came across this 1927 advertisement for Raybestos Brake Linings, which lists the Vancouver Island Raybestos dealers in 1927.
We know that three of the Raybestos dealers names listed were Freemasons: Thomas Pitt, Duncan (Temple Lodge No. 33), Ira Lowe, Ladysmith (St, John’s Lodge No. 21) and Thomas Plimley, Victoria (Britannia Lodge No. 73). It is possible that other names listed were also Freemasons but we will need to do more research on that.
Thomas Pitt built 231 Government Street for his automobile dealership and garage, Thomas Pitt Ltd., in 1929. We think he operated in a previous building on this site in 1927 but we are working to confirm that.
Ira Lowe operated his Lowe’s Garage in Ladysmith at 341 1st Avenue in downtown Ladysmith. The building is still standing.
Thomas Plimley operated his automotive business at two Victoria locations in 1927: 727 Johnson Street (still standing) and in a now demolished building at the corner of Broughton Street and Broad Street in downtown Victoria.