A look at the Rock Bay Tannery in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Rock Bay Tannery was one of the 6 tanneries which operated at Rock Bay in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This news article will explore the history about Rock Bay Tannery.

Rock Bay Tannery was established and by W. Hartley in 1862 at Rock Bay in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. W. Hartley constructed Rock Bay Tannery. The hides and skins were of local production. 400 sides of sole leather were produced each month besides calf, kip, seal, goat, sheep skin, bridle, and aparejo leather. Most of their products were used in shoe factories. Rock Bay Tannery was the first tannery established in Vancouver. At one point, Rock Bay Tannery was the largest tannery in the province of British Columbia. W. Hartley was the owner and sole proprietor of Rock Bay Tannery. He operated and owned Rock Bay Tannery for many years. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=Vh9tCsWrjJ4C&pg=PA749&lpg=PA749&dq=Rock+Bay+Tannery&source=bl&ots=-bn3W917I5)

Rock Bay Tannery produced $25,000 dollars worth a year of sole leather, kip and calf. The production of sole leather was at the rate of 1,200 sides a year. 400 sides of sole leather were produced each month. The stock of Rock Bay Tannery was valued at $8,000 dollars. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=KH8rAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA496&lpg=PA496&dq=%22Rock+Bay+Tannery%22&source=bl&ots=FdpCpU7RFA)

On the shoreline near Bay Street were two competing tanneries — the British Columbia Tanning Company and Rock Bay Tannery. (Ref: https://web.uvic.ca/vv/student/vicdawn/17.htm)


According to the Vancouver Daily Standard newspaper, William Dalby leased the Rock Bay Tannery from Mr. Webster and W. Hartley. William Dalby purchased the stock in vats on October 10, 1870. W. Hartley still owned the business property. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/victoria-vancouver-daily-standard-oct-10-1870-p-2/)

William Heathorn purchased Rock Bay Tannery from W. Hartley in 1875. Rock Bay Tannery was re-established and reconstructed by William Heathorn again in 1875. James Atkinson Abrams was foreman in the Rock Bay Tannery until 1876 when he accepted a position at/in the Belmont Tannery. (Ref: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Abrams-554)

According to the Vancouver Daily British Colonist newspaper, a news boiler was imported and purchased in 1881. Mr. Weatherhorn had been put in position and the machinery of Rock Bay Tannery overhauled. A tall 75 foot brick chimney was erected. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/victoria-daily-british-colonist-sep-25-1881-p-5/)

“The new boiler was recently imported. Mr. Weatherhorn has been put in position and the machinery of Rock Bay Tannery overhauled. A tall brick chimney, 75 feet in height, is to be erected.”

A supply of 500 tons worth of Hemlock Bark was to be delivered well-cured and in good order at Rock Bay Tannery by 15th of March 1883. “The supply of 500 tons of Hemlock Bark to be delivered well-cured and in good order at Rock Bay Tannery by 15th March.” (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/victoria-daily-british-colonist-feb-07-1883-p-1/)

301 tons of Hemlock Bark were delivered to the Rock Bay Tannery wharf to Rock Bay Tannery on the date of March 29, 1891. Lowest or any tender. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/victoria-daily-british-colonist-mar-29-1891-p-4/)


Rock Bay Tannery was located at John Street and Bay Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The address for Rock Bay Tannery was 567 Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.