Vancouver Island Masonic History Project

John Victor Meston (1887-1954) was a member of Camosun Lodge No. 60 in Victoria, B.C.

His father, John Meston (1851-1917) established a carriage making and blacksmithing business in Victoria, circa 1875.  John Victor Meston went to work for his father’s business and took over the business on his father’s death in 1917.

In 1906 John Meston & Co. built 1407-1411 Broad Street as a new location for its established carriage making business.

1407-1411 Broad Street, built in 1906 by John Meston & Company for its carriage making business. (photo_Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
1407-1411 Broad Street, built in 1906 by John Meston & Company for its carriage making business. (photo_Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

As it transitioned from carriage making into the automotive business, the company also built the adjacent building at 1417 Broad Street.

1417 Broad Street, built in 1909 by architect William Ridgway Wilson for the Western Motor & Supply Company, which was owned by John Meston, who also owned the adjacent building at 1407-1411 Broad Street. (photo:Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
1417 Broad Street, built in 1909 by architect William Ridgway Wilson for the Western Motor & Supply Company, which was owned by John Meston, who also owned the adjacent building at 1407-1411 Broad Street. (photo:Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

Here is John Victor Meston’s obituary in the local Daily Colonist newspaper:

“Founder Of Firm Passes

John Victor Meston, retired Victoria businessman whose firm was originated here in 1875, died yesterday.

Mr. Meston, 67,  was a native of Victoria and made his home at 1500 Shorncliffe Road.

His father originated John Meston & Co. Ltd. in 1875, specializing in coach building.

Mr. Meston carried on the business as it switched to the automotive age until two years ago. The firm still retains the name John Meston Ltd. under its new owners.

Mr. Meston was a member of the Victoria Kiwanis Club, Pacific Club and Royal Colwood Golf Club.

He is survived by his wife and one son, John Ray, at home; a daughter, Mrs. W.J. Babcock, Vancouver; two grandsons; a sister Mrs. V. Bowen, San Marino, Calif.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, from McColl’s Funeral Home. Rt. Rev. J.L.W. McLean officiating. Cremation will follow.”

(Source: Daily Colonist, 22 July 1954, page 16)

Here is a map showing the location of John Victor Meston’s home at 1500 Shorncliffe Road:


Here is a Google Street View image of 1500 Shorncliffe Road:

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