Sea Island Heritage Society
Richmond, B.C., Canada.
Documenting the Past NOW
PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE HISTORY OF SEA ISLAND
Sea Island Missing Persons and Questions
and Stuff
Sea Island Heritage Society
(SIHS)
Questions and Answers - Information and information
sought:
– updates and additions October 2009
CONTACTS: Sea Island Heritage Society
Mail: 4191 Ferguson Rd, Richmond, BC, Canada, V7B
1P3.
Current Executive:
Eunice Robinson, Pres.. euniceATdccnet.com (604) 596-2811
Sharon Bordeleau, Sec-Tres. sbordelATrogers.com (604) 278-4359
Don Phillips, V Pres. donphillips2ATshaw.ca (604) 589-3611
Grant Thompson, Dir. tuggerATtelus.net (604) 241-7977
Colleen Brooks, Dir colbrooksATshaw.ca (778) 888-0246
Doug Eastman, Dir. dougeastmanATshaw.ca (250) 756-1762 (Nanaimo, B.C.)
Please replace AT with @ to
correspond by email.
Now that you have found us, please help us find you. Or
if you're already found, keep us up-to-date on how to keep in touch
1.
Thanks to everyone for coming out to the Sept 26
2009 Open House. We received numerous
photographs about life on Sea Island right from a 1904 Sea Island School class
room picture to wartime photos of English evacuee children taken in by a Sea
Island family, Sea Island pioneer farming families from the Shannon Road,
Goulding Road / Cannery Road and West Miller Road areas in the early to mid
1940s; to the terrific Paddington photo collection from the 1940 and 50s, to
Boeing Aircraft worker uniforms, people and memorabilia; plus great wedding
photos – the first marriage in the new 1958 United Church; to a mid 50’s colour
print of the ole’ Steveston Interurban Tram #1222. Memorabilia collected included: A January 21
1945 invitation to attend the Boeing Aircraft Canada Ltd Family Day on Sea
Island, a 1943 U.I.C. card for a former Boeing employee and her personal story
of working in Plant #3. This same lady
provided an article about the Boeing Plant #7 in Chilliwack from the Chilliwack
Museum and Archives. Another two former
Sea Islanders donated 2 VHS video tapes about Sea Island history! One of the VHS tapes shows photos of the
former Japanese Community on Sea Island, the Bicknell Family, the rural Sea
Island Farms, and the other a VHS tape and two CDs of the 1994 Rogers T.V. Production,
‘Sea Island Then and Now’, plus a 1969 report and scrapbook on the Vancouver
International Airport by a group of Gladstone High School students, a small
colour print of the McDonald Farm by the late Joan E Anderson, a Commemorative
Booklet by the Local 280 Sheet Metal workers Union (that produced the metal
sculpture of the Rocket Ship that stood out at the old Airport Administration
Building (now South Terminal) on Sea Island. Eunice provided old aviation
memorabilia relating to 1960’s air operations at the Vancouver Airport. Thanks everyone.
2.
Thanks to Clive Martin, too, for providing a
large scan of his Sea Island Indian’s Baseball Team photo form the early 1950s,
coached by Mr. Bowman.
3. The Sea Island Heritage Society has quite a few “people” photographs now taken by the former well-now Vancouver City Street photographer Foncie Pulice. If you have any of Sea Island related people, we’d be interested in adding them or scans of them to our growing history collection. For more information on “Foncie”, please click on: http://www.vancouverhistory.ca/archives_foncie.htm
4.
Former student, J.W. Hattie and the Sea Island
Heritage Society (SIHS) are seeking any information on a former teacher at
Duncan McDonald Elementary
School on Sea Island. John.William Hattie lived at 55 McDonald Road and
attended the Duncan McDonald School from fall 1969 to the summer of 1972.
His family moved away when the Airport took over the land in 1972. Mr.
Hattie has a picture of his grade one class with teacher, Ms. Enns. Does
someone out there know where SIHS or John W. Hattie can locate Ms. Enns if
she's still around?
5.
Mylinda and Harald emailed the Sea Island
Heritage Society September 18, 2009, “Your website brings back a lot of memories but no mention of Ted, Mary
& Allan Pearson who lived at 68 Myron Drive, across from the Grauers (Carl
and Bev), Johnny, Carol, Debbie. I have so many memories of the
latter 50s and 60s there until the expropriation in 1975. Ted ran for
mayor, wrote a newspaper column for the Richmond News and owned the Richmond
Travel Agency in Brighouse. They toured the world via the cruise ship
Oriana and were among the first to inaugurate Whistler - the first hotel - in
(I think it was 1967). Ted served in the 1st & 2nd world wars
and they built their house in the late 40s, moving from the Kerrisdale
area. They used to own property on what now is the Bentall Centre
and sold it to Charlie. My grandmother used to canoe over to Stanley
Park to pick berries when the natives had their teepees there
and she remembered Joe Fortes. My sister, Susan and I were
grandchildren but we spent many weekends, summers vacations and winters exploring
Sea Island. Their house was across from the Palmers (their daughter Laura
with the Dalmatian), and Robbie (was it Johnson?) and his older sister, next to
the Summers (the 2 boys), across from the Grauers, just down the
road from the Bicknells, across from the Bujaks (their little daughter
Ruby I remember), next to the park which used to brim with activity, esp. in
the summer (and the swings which I fell off of at age 5), and Mrs.
McGillicutty or cuddy who was in her 90s who we used to visit for tea
in her big old weird house on McDonald (next to the now boat launch beach),
the little old European egg man - so much - it was a thriving
community!
My grandmother also told me of the "squatters" of the day -
one who used to live on the banks of the Fraser but his shelter burnt down one
night in a blaze - can't remember if he died, but he was a renegade.
I recall a wonderful summer party - a gathering at the Fraser
River, with marshmallows and hot dogs and the works - radios blasting the tunes
of the day.
We used to attend the garden parties across the river at the fancy
Southeast Marine Drive homes where everyone congregated in their best attire to
have tea and socialize, go to Steveston, Marpole and Oakridge which was
then a little outdoor collection of stores - Purdy’s' chocolates being
favoured.
Summers in the 50s, early 60s had time to get away for hot,
lazy days at Point Roberts, gathering clams for chowder, or watching the cars
cruising at Boundary Bay - awesome stuff. The music, the energy!
The great selection of US merchandise - flip flops, beach balls and
chocolate bars! The Beatles arrived in the early 60s and things were
already changing.
In the winter, everyone skated on the frozen "pond" by the
river, bonfires alit and warming everyone. I remember the the
cow barns (the moos we used to call out) and the horses and
chickens and farms, the pear trees and the fall duck hunters with their
guns (uugh). We used to play fox and hen at the river and the Oolichans
used to wash up - we would have them with the shaggy mane mushrooms which
sprouted up from nowhere and an abundance of fruit and veggies. Also
recall my grandfather using DDT as it was thought of as a new wonder solution
to garden pests.
The pear trees divided the fields from the dunes and the river, and
we used to see the barges floating down the Fraser at any hour of the day
or night. I grew up living in West Van, but Sea Island was my other
home for those years and when I climbed the biggest tree, I could see the North
Shore Mountains from its branches.
My grandparents put in an above ground swimming pool which everyone
used to splash in, a patio where we all dined in the summer months and a
wonderful garden, and grew all sorts of flowers, trees & veggies. I
lost my grandmother's mother's ruby ring in the ditch biking to the candy store
(maybe it's still there) and recall countless hours
"catching" frogs and garden snakes and making forts in the
fields (crop circles), etc. It was all
pretty amazing now that I recall it!”
Thanks Mylinda and Harald. Can anyone
else share such endearing memories about their connection to Sea Island?
6. Our RCAF
webpage is updated with additional photos of Michael Gee’s time with the RCAF
on Sea Island. Thanks
Michael.
7. Kerry Kocil (nee Sullivan) of Edmonton, AB said in a March 29, 2009
email she is looking for Simone Vautier
“I went to school with Simone when she was in Queen's Hall School for
Girls. It was a local private school in Vancouver. The
school closed in 1969, at which time she would have been Grade 11 and 17 years
old (approx). The last I saw of her was somewhere in the early '80's in
Delta, BC; she was living with a young man at the time and had no children. I
have been looking for her ever since. Her parents were from the
Isle of White just off the coast of England between England & France.
I believe it was the more French community. There was one sister &
one brother. I currently live in Edmonton, Alberta and have so since
1978. My maiden name was Sullivan and I left the school at the same time
it closed in 1969 at the age of 18. Attached, please find a 1968
photo of the girls from the school. I think Simone is 2nd Row, 9th from
the left. I'm right behind her (thus the pencil, thanks to my
kids:>)) Her picture is on your
[Sea Island Heritage Society] website - Class Photo page, Sea Isle. She
is in pic "N" 3rd row, 4th from left D. McDonald School,
Div. 1 If you have ANY idea where she is, please let me know. It would be
greatly appreciated.” John William
Hattie said in an Aug 17 2009 email that he went to Duncan McDonald School
1969-72 and remembers a Naomi Vaudier (sic).
The Sea Island Heritage Society research notes have a Charles & Roselle VAUTIER,resding at 509 Edginton
Avenue, Richmond, B.C Ch: Simone, _____,
______? R & C Vanter (sic) are listed
on the 1960 petition to protest the removal of the #5 Eburne Bridge. - r 509 Edgington Avenue. Charles Vaultier
(sic) (electrician) and Mrs. Norma Vaultier are listed at 508 (sic) Edgington
Drive on the 1968 voter’s list. Charles
Vaultier - electrician and Mrs Roselle - janitoress, are listed in the 1972
Polling Division No 120 enumeration at 509 Edgington Avenue. Charles Philip - electrician & Roselle
May - housewife - same address (1972 Voter’s List)
If you have
any information on the Vautier / Vaudier, Valtier / Vanter family who may have
lived in the Cora Brown Subdivision on Sea Island please contact Eunice
Robinson at the above email or phone number.
8.
Mick Kern of Toronto posted to our website guest
book seeking a map of the road he lived on in the RCAF base while he attended
Sea Island Elementary School in the 50s.
Does any have an old road map they could send us to help pin point the
location of 651 Heakes Street? That
address was located in the Permanent Married Quarters subdivision (PMQs) in the
former Sea Island RCAF Station (Richmond, B.C.). The houses and most of the streets are no
longer there. The PMQ area was located
in what is now the Park ’N Fly parking lot at 6380 Miller Road for the
Vancouver International Airport.
9.
Donna Macleod (nee Powers) sadly reported
the passing of her mother, Billie Rodgers.
She and the late Mrs. Etta Thompson both lived on Lancaster Crescent for
many years, They were great friends and were the same age, both worked together
at CPA. Both were heavily involved with
the operation of the Army, Navy and Air Force Club on Miller Road.
10. We’re pleased
that Leigh Hislop of Denver was able to provide the Sea Island Heritage Society
with information on her grandparents, Edmund George Coppin and
Ethel Isabel Scott who lived on Sea Island in the 1930s. Does anyone know where on Sea Island they
resided?
11. Ron White and his wife Barbara (nee Bachelor) of Nanaimo BC both worked
at Sea Island Boeing Plant on Sea Island; as did their neighbours Inglis
Edwards and Jack Nellist. All four have
been very helpful in providing an interesting insight of the workings of this
large wartime aircraft manufacturing plant plus have recently submitted their
“Sea Island-related” stories and/or photographs, and memorabilia. Good stuff!
Thank you, Ron, Barbara, Inglis and Jack. We’re grateful that “Rosie the Riveters”,
Mary E. (MacDonald) Johnson and Doreen (Olson) Solly recently contacted the
SIHS with information about their interesting work for Boeing on Sea
Island. Also a big thanks to Mary and
Doreen. The SIHS is still trying to track down the memories and photographs of
a few more of the 7000 Boeing Employees.
Can you help us?
12. Speaking of memorabilia. The Sea
Island Heritage Society is still seeking additional tangible items that are
Sea-Island related for its history collection.
Donations are gratefully accepted for such items as, photographs, report
cards, vital statistic records and family genealogies, newspaper clippings,
letters, aircraft parts from Sea Island.
Someone donated
the seat from the child’s swing in the former Cora Brown Playground, a pewter
mug from the RCAF Station, a fine model of a Boeing PBY, a retirement platter
for a Sea Island Kindergarten teacher – items such as that are welcome. Does anyone possess a Boeing Shop Button, old
identification
plates or examples of the rivets that were used for the
construction of the PBY and B-29 aircraft?
If you’re shy about sharing your ‘prized possessions’, how about letting
us know what you have so we can at least document its existence. Thanks.
13. Sea Island Card Club – As reported in the Dec 8, 1944 issue of the
Boeing Beam (pg 5)
A very successful Bridge-and-Cribbage
Night was held November 27, with Mrs. E. Glusman and Len McVicar winning in
bridge, and Mrs. P. McKenzie and Mr. R. McNichol cribbage winners. Prize-winners for Community Night, December
4, were: Bridge – Mr. McCaw and Mrs. Fairley; Cribbage – Mrs. Walker and Mr.
Ron Harley; Whist – Mrs. Paddington and Miss Brenner. The Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) would
like to know where in Burkeville the above noted Mr. McNichol, Mr. McCaw and
Mrs. Walker resided. Can you please put
us in touch with any family members?
14. The Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) is
seeking photographs of the June 21 2009 Burkeville Daze events. If you’d like to share, please contact anyone
in the SIHS. Thank you.
15. Please watch
this space and our homepage for details when we’ll have our next Open House to
display our photo collection and memorabilia binders.
16. Sea Island
Heritage Society President, Eunice Robinson of Delta, B.C. has been busy. She is also involved with the British
Columbia Genealogy Society and provided talks to various family history groups
and clubs around B.C. In May 2009 she
spoke to the Nanaimo Family History Society and mentioned our Sea Island
Heritage Society involvement gleaning the names and stories of wartime Boeing
Aircraft of Canada Ltd employees from Sea Island. Several members of the audience came forward
with information regarding how to contact friends that they knew who worked
there. This turned out to be a very
lucrative “find” for us. We’re grateful
for Eunice mentioning this in her talks.
Other communities she “hit” in May included Campbell River and Powell
River. Thank you to Inid Lighthart for
putting us in touch with her former Boeing worker friends in Nanaimo.
17. Dale and
Brian Morton of Powell River recognized several former Sea Island School
classmates in photo J posted to our class pictures webpage. Dale said in a May 29, 2009 email, “Top row third from left is
Margaret Dunn, second row third from left is Dale Anderson and bottom row 4th
from left is Jim Whiting (I think)”. Doug Eastman added in a reply, “The
girls in the middle row l-r Barb Thomas,
___ Tewnion, you, ?, ___ Zaruk, ?, Marta Wik, ? . The boys on the bottom row l-r ?, Keith
Abbott, Reg McDonald, John Cruikshank,
?, Larry Volen, ?.” Can anyone else name some of the
students? See photo J at http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html
18. Dale Morton
(nee Anderson) also posted on our guest book webpage that she is seeking
contact with former kids from the RCAF Station Sea Island: Richard Short, John
and Barbara Reasbeck from the RCAF base. We hope her posting helps locate
them and they also let us know so we can chat with them about submitting
something on their family times on Sea Island for our history project -
maybe they'll have some photos to share too!
19. The
Boeing Beam (Feb 2 1945 Vol. 3 No. 3) reported that Renton–built B-29 “Tokyo
Rose” flew over Tokyo Bay on Nov 1 1944.
The mid sections of the Renton production of Boeing B-29 bombers were
built on Sea Island’s plant #3 (SIHS). Tokyo Rose: Ser # 42-93852, was the first
B-29 and crew to fly a B-29 mission over Japan.
The USAF 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron based was initially at Saipan
and later at Harmon Field on Guam. See
photo at: http://home.att.net/~sallyann2/westenberger.html Would anyone have any information on the
whereabouts of any Renton-built B-29 in museums around the world. We’re curious if anything was attached or
installed on the mid-section (bomb bay section) - like a plaque, naming the
Boeing Aircraft Canada Ltd as being the manufacturer (Vancouver, B.C. or Sea
Island, (Richmond, B.C.) Perhaps
something in the aircraft serial number would indicate that it was built by
Boeing in Canada?
20. Thanks to everyone for signing in on our guest book on the
homepage. What a great way to reconnect
with old friends and neighbours.
21. Is John T.
McDonald of 479 Ferguson Road (c1958-1965) the “Uncle” Jack referred to in the
following?: The Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) is working with Peggy Fedor,
sister to the late Drew Parker in locating additional information that Drew
held about a family (s) living on Sea Island with sketchy details provided in
an undated, handwritten note addressed to a Marilyn (no address) The note reads
“This is Alan’s Uncle’s house on McDonald Road (no photo). Uncle Ralph. Jack
and Mary Falls, Bert Hall and wife, and Pete Christie [all] lived on Ferguson
Road. Alan’s Uncle Jack, wife Ann and daughter Laurel lived on the corner of
Ferguson Road and McDonald Road. Other roads Alan’s mom mentioned are Tapp Road
and Grauer Road. Can
anyone out there help contact any of these former Sea Island folks and solve a
mystery?
22.
The Sea Island Heritage Society would like to
contact the Hughes family, formerly of the Cora Brown subdivision. Christina
Connie Hughes (b. May 13, 1954) of 107 Abercrombie Dr. is listed on the
register for the grade 3 (Div. III) class of Mrs. Mary L. Paxton at Duncan
McDonald Elementary School in 1962/63.
Ph: CR8-6832. Parent or guardian
is listed as: David T Hughes. Another
phone number CR8-5209 was crossed out on this register.
23.
2009 Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) regrets
an error in our 2009 calendar. Former
Cora Brown (Sea Island, Richmond, B. C.) resident Ted Steele brought the
following error to our attention. We
apologize for this error. Thanks Ted. The
President of the Sea Island Heritage Society said in a December 15, 2008 email,
“We are very pleased with the 2009 calendar, but are somewhat embarrassed by
the faux pas in identifying Major General Pearkes [on the February 2009
calendar page]. Unfortunately when we were given the photo, he was not
identified, and it was suggested that this gentleman was Roland Michener.
Obviously we'll have to triple check in future.
Thank you for bringing this error to our attention, and we'll ensure this is
corrected in our archives.”
Eunice Robinson
24.
Norman Findlay of Lake Suzy, Florida, USA said
in a March 28, 2009 email, “I saw your web site http://seaisland1.homestead.com/classphoto.html
and have some pictures you might be interested in receiving. I have my Grade 1
[1948], Grade 2 [1949] and Grade 3 [1950] and my brother’s Grade 5 [1950] class
photographs. We use to live at 332 Douglas Crescent as my father [James A.
Findlay] worked for Boeing Airplane Company during the 2nd World War. We moved away in 1951 [to Terrace, B.C.].
Norm Findlay kindly scanned and emailed pdf copies of the following
Boeing Beam employee magazines to the Sea Island Heritage Society in April
2009:
Norm kindly mailed the 27 issues to the Sea Island Heritage Society in
May 2009. It is planned to display them
for a year before turning them over to the Richmond Archives. Many many thanks, Norm.
Question: Does anyone know the name of the contractor or construction
company that built the Boeing Plant on Sea Island and/or any of the Boeing
worker homes built in Burkeville on Sea Island in 1941-1944 period or later
(1945-47) in the Cora Brown subdivision?
Also, if anyone knows of someone that worked for the Boeing Aircraft
Canada Ltd during WW11 in British Columbia (Canada), please let us know as we’d
like to record their place in Boeing’s history.
We are also willing to look up any names you might be interested in. Please contact the SIHS. Thx.
25. Retired
Vancouver Airport worker, Doug Barry has been busy scanning and sharing some
old photographs of things around the Vancouver Airport. Thanks Doug
26. Editor
and friend of the SIHS, Masako Fukawa said that their book had been
published. It’s called “Nikkei
Fishermen on the BC Coast: Their Biographies and Photographs”. The book
also contains the names of many former Sea Island (Richmond, B.C.) family
fishermen. Go to www.amazon.ca for purchase info. More info in the interesting, online
newsletter called the Bulletin http://jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tag/nikkei-fishermen-on-the-bc-coast-their-biographies-and/
27.
Scott Teasdale of Comox, B.C. provided the
following comments on the RCAF base parking map
posted on our military webpage from page 9 of Station Sea Island Air Force Day
Program, June 14, 1958 -kindly donated by René Bousquet of St
Stephen, New Brunswick on March 15, 2005.
This map is posted on the Sea Island Heritage Society [RCAF Station Sea
Island] webpage: http://www.seaislandhome.org/RCAF.html Scott said in a March 29, 2009 email, “On
the map of the base:
Buildings 7 and 8 were definitely
TMQs. I lived in one from 1954 to 1957 or 58.
Across from building 8, beside the parking lot was a tennis court. It is
not shown here.
Buildings 78 and 79 were some kind
of storage buildings. They were made of corrugated metal in a half-moon
cross-section configuration, and long. They were called ''Steelox"
buildings by people on the base. (amazing what trivia occasionally pops out of
this old head!) They were 1 story high.
Building 30 was for some military
use, I forget what. Heavy equipment I think. It was not on 'Breadner'
St. Breadner St was in PMQs and I lived there at 621 Breadner
for many years.
Bldg 77 was a gym. It was the
"new" gym because it was newly built back in the '50s......It has a
gym upstairs, a 4 (?)lane bowling alley, a snack-bar and a tv room
downstairs. There was an open space beside the bowling alleys that
held ping-pong tables. That's all there was. We practically lived
in this place as teenagers during the rainy season.
Bldg 5, 26, 27 were barrack
blocks..Two story, steel slide for fire escapes. Fun for kids.
Bldg 11 was a gym/theatre. We
kids had Saturday movies there. Coke machine was 5 cents. Fave
movie was Captain Marvel.............Shazam!!! The TMQs were across the
street from it, not on the same side of the street as mentioned on your
website.
Bldg 12 ( I think it is 12, beside
number 11) was the main guardhouse/MP shack. There were two guard houses,
the other one was at the entrance to PMQs on the other side of the base where
the road "to Miller Road" enters the base. This just held a
comissionaire to check people and cars entering from that road.
The Fire Chief's house was opposite
the main guard gate, the other side of the parking lot, where the empty square
is. A 'Longstaff' was living there while I was in TMQs. Ralph
Longstaff was my age. (9-10)
Across the street from bldg. 7 is a
small empty square. This was a single-family house. A family named
"Thorburn" lived there in the '50s. Ken Thorburn was my age. I don't
know what position his father held to be entitled to this house.
28.
Norman Findlay of Florida kindly donated scans
of some of his and his brother’s school class photos plus many other photos
from the 1940s around his former home at 332 Douglas Crescent. Norm said that he attended Sea Island School
from 1948 to 1951. Thanks Norman. Bob Findlay’s 1949/50 grade 5-6 split class
photos is posted on our webpage http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html
see photo “Q”
29.
Does anyone have photographs or news to report
on the former Sea Island students that attended the 40th grad
reunion for Richmond High School in May 2009 that Richard Kellett, formerly of
the Cora Brown subdivision, posted details about on the SIHS website guestbook
in March 2009,
30.
Does anyone have any information on the outcome
of the 1983 Boeing Worker’s reunion held at Sea Island’s RCAF Forum on Miller
Road? We’d like to document the names of
the attendees for our history project.
Photos of the event are welcome.
31.
The late Dick and Elma Alexander lived in two
different homes on Boeing Avenue in Sea Island’s Burkeville Community from 1948
to 1955. Their daughter Carole of
Abbotsford, B.C. recently submitted some terrific photos from the early 1950s
of some of the Boeing Avenue homes and the neighbourhood children. This is Carole’s second donation of old
family photos. Thanks
so much Carole!
32.
The Annual General Meeting of the Sea Island
Heritage Society was held in the Sea Island Community Hall, Richmond, B.C. on
January 31, 2009. This was followed by
another successful Open house. There
were no changes to the Board of Directors.
The 2009
Sea Island Heritage Society Board of Directors: Eunice Robinson, President; Don
Phillips, VP; Sharon Bordeleau Sec/Treasurer, Directors: Doug Eastman, Grant
Thompson; and Colleen Brooks. The Sea
Island Heritage Society needs additional members to take on active roles and
executive positions to keep this history project alive and viable. Can you please help? Contact President, Eunice Robinson.
33.
We are grateful to Dianne O’Brien for submitting
photographs of the green t-shirts with the logo, “Best Little School in the
World – Sea Island” on them. Apparently they were bought by the then new
Principal of the Sea Island Elementary School for its re-opening ceremonies in
1991. Diane also kindly provided a copy
of a March 14, 1991 4-page letter to the Richmond School Trustees from the Sea
Island Community Association signed by, then President, Gordon Tull, outlining
the history of Sea Island School and the need to re-open the school in time for
September 1991. Diane also submitted
copies of the official re-opening invitation and programme for the November 14,
1991, plus a photograph of the Principal and the students all wearing their new
green t-shirts. Please see the class
picture webpage for a copy of this at: http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html
The t-shirt and class photo were kindly loaned by Bob and Lorna Clare of
Richmond. Thanks
“Bob and Lorna”. Does anyone else
have any additional details or photographs on the either the 1947 grand opening
or the 1991 school re-opening ceremonies?
34.
The Sea Island Heritage Society would like to
obtain photographs or scans of the little Seabee aircraft, CF-GPY owned by Ed
Jorgenson. It flew in and out of the sea
plane dock at the south terminal area of YVR in the 1950s and 1960s. In February 2009, Colleen Brooks (nee
Cruikshank) submitted a 1948 video clip of this SeeBee landing on the Middle
Arm at Vancouver Airport’s Sea Island Seaplane ramp. This little amphibian,
aircraft then taxied up the ramp to offload.
Piloted by her Uncle, Ed Jorgenson and aunt. They were accompanied by Colleen and her two
younger brothers who enjoyed staying at the camp for the summers. Colleen said, “My Uncle owned and piloted the
plane to his logging camp at Ruby Creek, Jervis Inlet. And later on Vancouver
Island. On Easter weekend, 1964 it was heavily damaged by the tidal wave
caused by the Alaska earthquake” [in a logging camp on the West coast of
Vancouver Island]
35. Is the annual
calendar produced by the Sea Island Heritage Society really gone for good? Can you help?
Regrettably, Colleen Brooks, one of the founding directors of the Sea
Island Heritage Society has stepped down as calendar editor. Many, many thanks to Colleen Brooks whose
wonderful talent and unending patience created this popular calendar since
2001. THANK YOU COLLEEN. The Sea Island Heritage Society is seeking a
replacement editor for the production of our annual fund raising calendar. Please contact Eunice Robinson, SIHS Pres. euniceATdccnet.com (604) 596-2811
36.
Vancouver Airport Authority and Environment
Canada are building a landscaped pedestrian trail and new drainage ditch in the
Sea Island Conservation Area next to Ferguson Road on the northern part of Sea
Island. In honour of the area which it
is being built it will be named the Cora Brown Pedestrian Trail. For more information about it click on: http://www.yvr.ca/latestinfo/index.asp?id=549
37.
Tony Padula wrote in October 2008 that he was a
member of RCAF Auxiliary Band on Sea Island.
The [Reserve] band started November 1, 1949 and was disbanded March 30,
1964. Joe Michili was the first
bandmaster followed by Dominic Lastoria and ended with Ozzie McComb conducting
the band. Tony said, “We had a
dance band originally lead by Dominic Lastoria until he left and then taken
over by myself. It's strange that during the 15 years I have no pictures
of either the Military/Concert Band or the Dance Band. What I do have is
RCAF Certificate of Service, a 442 Squadron label pin, a long service medal and
a photo taken at the presentation. So,
if any pictures of the band should show up, I would be very pleased.” Tony added, “While searching on the internet
under RCAF Bands, came across a Tribute to Arnold Emery. It's a long tribute and in it is mentioned he
played in The RCAF Reserve Band some where between 1947 to 1953. Also, mentioned are two musicians Arnie Chycoski
& Bill Trussell who I am pretty sure Arnie was in the band for a time &
possibly Bill. You can see the tribute
at www.kitsband.com/emery
Tony lived mostly in the
Vancouver & Burnaby area then and now resides in New Westminster, B.C.
Tony recalls a few:
Ozzie McComb lived on Lulu Island
[Richmond, B.C.].He played sax & clarinet in dance bands and bassoon with
the Vancouver Symphony. He took over as bandmaster when Don Lastoria retired.
Lance Harrison [of the Cora Brown
subdivision on Sea Island] played sax & clarinet and oboe. Played with Dal
Richards & other dance bands as well as having his own band. Dal,
like Tony, played in the Kitsilano Boys Band.
Lance Harrison had his own show with CBC for several years. Lance was
mostly known for his Dixieland music.
Some band members that come to mind
are:
Fraser McPherson, clarinet
Earl DeLuca, clarinet
Dick Brown, clarinet
Bill Stonier, sax {Operates NorthWest
music Store on Main St.}
Vern Gish, sax
Micky McMartin, drums
Stu Barnett, trumpet
Ray Lowden, trumpet & xylophone
Al or Don sweet, horn
Fred Whitamore, horn
Don Lastoria clarinet, bandmaster after
Joe Michili went East.
Joe Michili, original bandmaster
The only officer that comes to mind
at the moment is Dave Comparelli.
Since my last email I recall a few more
names Eric Muir, trumpet, Jack Reynolds, clarinet and an Officer Chambers
(associated with All State Insurance at the time). More back ground for your information. Joe
Michili was dance band leader at The Embassy Ballroom near Davie & Burrard,
1949, when he got word to organize a RCAF Auxiliary Band. He had served in one
of many RCAF bands during the war. Ozzie McComb and I were members of Joe's
dance orchestra at the time & were two of his first auxiliary members. He
was well know among the local musicians and many had been in the service bands
as Don Lastoria (RCAF), Lance Harrison (RCAF) and others. The calibre of
musicianship about 30 or so was extremely high. Over the years the band put on
many concerts such as on the grounds of St Paul's Hospital, Band stand at English
Bay, Christmas Concerts in Marpole and marched in cold, rain or sleet in every
Armistice Day to Victory Square Cenotaph. The RCAF dance band played many
Airmen's & Sergeant's mess on Sea Island and Officer's mess in the Jericho
Beach area.
If you know the whereabouts of any of the
above, both Tony and the Sea Island Heritage Society would like to be put in
touch with them. If you have photos or
recognize any of the RCAF band members or know of the details in the photo that
we posted on our RCAF webpage http://www.seaislandhome.org/RCAF.html,
please contact us.
The
book 442 Squadron History, 1987 by Capts. Grant MacDonald and Terry Strocel
ISBN 0-660-12455-6 has a B&W
photograph of the RCAF band on page 61.
The photo shows a large dinner gathering with some of the band members
visible. It is headed: First Annual Battle of Britain Dinner held at the
Wing Sergeant's Mess, RCAF (Reserve),
15 Sep 1951 (P. Holborne). Tony
Padula said in an Oct 30, 2008 email, “the musicians in the picture are not too
clear. Not sure if it was our Band. If it was the 1st chair clarinet player
looks a like Lance Harrison and from the back the bassoon player would be Ozzie
McComb. According to my wife the person
sitting right of Lance Harrison could be me.”
Please feel free to contact us if you recognize anyone in the 75 or so
RCAF attendees in the image on page 61 of the 442 Sqn History book. Thank you.
38.
Frank Steven was the officer in charge of the
RCAF Flying Boat Station on Sea Island (Richmond, B.C.) in the 1950s. He is most interested in preserving a piece
of history that has a Sea Island connection.
An amphibian PBY Catalina is sitting at Nanaimo Airport and has been for
sale since 1999. Of course the price tag
for this large twin-engine former coastal patrol aircraft and bomber is beyond
the means of the average person. Frank
said that C-FNJB (now tail- labelled as Canso #9) was RCAF #9815 or 10040 Apparently
this aircraft was once with search and rescue and transportation units of the
RCAF Sea Island in the early 1950s). Frank later flew this aircraft as a
waterbomber pilot for the Saskatchewan Gov’t.
Frank has a dream of relocating this piece of aviation
memorabilia to the Comox Air Force Museum (Air Park) on Vancouver Island. If you can help Frank in any way, please do
not hesitate to contact him at 1-250-339-3529 or email normaent@shaw.ca.
In February Frank donated a B&W photo of him standing
beside Canso #9 at Nanaimo and said his flight log book details that in 1980 he
last flew this for the Saskatchewan Government, Northern Air Services. It was its last flight as a waterbomber for
the Sask. Gov’t as they were converting their pilots to the Tracker
Aircraft. Frank also kindly donated an
8x10 B&W photo of PBY Canso 015 of RCAF 121 Communication and Rescue
Squadron on standby at Sea Island in 1957.
Frank, the oldest (still flying) pilot in Canada, is a board member and
a regular contributor to the 888 Komox Wing of the Air Force Association
Newsletter “Contrails”. He wrote several
articles about his SAR duties with the RCAF while based on Sea Island. Frank donated the Winter 2008 issue of
Contrails with his article about the RCAF’s longest hours-flown rescue titled “Flying
Boat Saga #2”. You can also read this
article online at: http://www.888wingrcaf.com/id321.html Thanks again Frank
Images of this ‘bird’ are at www.warbirdregistry.org/pbyregistry/pby-rcaf9815.html
For sale info is at: http://www.ventureaviation.com/aircraft/CansoPBY-5AFlyingBoat-CFNJB.html
39.
We also regret to report the passing of another
former Cora Brown resident, Alfred Frontin.
The death of Alfred Frontin of Darlings
Island, NB, formerly of Maple Ridge, BC, occurred Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008. Condolences are passed to Mr. Frontin’s
family and friends.
40.
The Sea Island Heritage Society was saddened to
hear of the passing of Mrs. Barbara Lidkea.
Mrs. Lidkea was a long time resident of Burkeville and at one time
contributed a newspaper column in the local paper about Sea Island. Our sympathy to Mrs. Lidkea’s family.
41.
Muriel Evans (nee Erskine) passed away December 19,
2008. She spent her formative years on a
Sea Island farm before expropriation for airport expansion. Sympathy is expressed to her family.
42.
We’re also very saddened to hear of the passing
of Don Gordon on July 6, 2008. Don was a
Sea Island historian and helped our project along on numerous occasions. His grandparents, the Murphy’s, farmed on Sea
Island. Our sympathy is expressed to
Don’s family.
43.
And yet another sad passing to report is that of
Marion Moodie (nee Laing), Nov 5, 2008. This 100 year old grand lady shared a wealth
of knowledge about the early days on Sea Island as part of the Laing family of
Sea Island. Our condolences to her
family as well.
44. Frank Honey of Wilmot, N.S. was in the
R.C.A.F. Frank said that after the war
he was at Sea Island from 1945 to 1950 as a flight engineer on Cansos and
Lancasters. When I phoned Frank on April 14, 2005 to thank him for his
kind photo donations, etc., he mentioned that when he was attached to the
Flying Boat School on Sea Island, they used to train over near Pat Bay where
the RCAF had a fast “crash-boat”. RCAF Stn Sea Island only had a small
boat tied up on the Middle Arm of the Fraser at the ramp where QCA used to fly
from. Frank said that one day in
preparation for the 1950 Air Force Show, the Americans brought up a Japanese
Zero for display on a barge. This small RCAF boat from Sea Island
attempted to manoeuvre the barge onto this QCI* ramp to off-load it, when the
incoming tide and wind caught the barge and the under-powered boat. The
current and wind quickly took them both up river against the normal flow!
The boat and barge were soon pinned against the pilings of the Eburne
Bridge. The boat ended up on one side with its tow line very taut, while
the barge held tightly around the other side of the bridge piling, threatening
to capsize. Frank said they had to cut the towline and whip around
quickly to catch the barge again before it was wrecked. It eventually
turned out OK and the Zero was off-loaded as it was supposed to be – without
any damage!! *probably means QCA – Queen Charlotte Airlines) The Sea Island Heritage Society would like to
know more about this Japanese Zero aircraft; What is the background behind it
coming into the hands of the Americans, where it is now, and if anyone can share a photograph of it, particularly
when it was at Sea Island.
45.
A Mr. Mac Savage is researching “WWII co-operation
with the Americans in the Defence of the West Coast, particularly the Canadian
and American coast artillery guns, the RCN and USN ships in the Strait of Juan
de Fuca - such things as how they avoided friendly-fire incidents.". As yet, neither Mac Savage nor the Sea Island
Heritage Society have any real idea how the RCAF and USAF worked together at
that time. .If you have any knowledge of
the processes or procedures involved or with any RCAF Sea Island aircraft or
artillery events or photographs, please contact the Sea Island Heritage Society
and we’ll also pass it along to Mr. Savage.
46.
Another long time Sea Islander, Bob French
passed away Oct. 4, 2008. Bob (and
Helen) lived on Abercrombie Drive in the Cora Brown subdivision. Bob French was a scoutmaster for 6th
Richmond Scout Troops in the 1957-1960 era.
He kept meticulous records of the scout activities. ...and made sure that the boys made use of
every outdoor activity available to them.
He kept the “OUT” in ScOUTing!
Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
47.
The Sea
Island Heritage Society Facebook page is in need of a manager. Any takers?
The manager of the SIHS Facebook site would need to ask for 'Roving
Reporters' - "that is that the SIHS is looking for assistance in
collecting the family stories. No matter where you live, if you know of
other former Sea Islanders, would you be interested
in gathering the family history/stories for us. Facebook could also be
another “space” for any group wishing to advertise their Richmond High School
reunion details. SIHS would be happy to supply
you with interview questions, suggestions and ideas."Contact Eunice
Robinson euniceATdccnet.com (604) 596-2811
48.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is seeking
information on a memorial plaque regarding a downed aircraft (plane crash at
sea) in 1972. The plaque is located on
the Iona Sewage Causeway hiking trail on Iona Island. If the accident occurred near Sea Island or
Iona Island, the SIHS wish to document what happened and need the date to look
for further information in local newspapers.
The name on the plaque is J. T. Wesley Smith.
49.
The Richmond High School graduating class of
1958 held its 50th reunion at the River Rock in Richmond in
September 2008. Click here for further
details: http://www.rhs1958.com/ - Who
recognizes the names of all the Sea Island students on that website. Which former Sea Islanders attended and what
can they tell us about it? Any photos?
50. Thanks also to those that keep
updating the identification of the Sea Island students in their class photos on
our webpage: http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html Please submit your class
photos and help to identify classmates!
51.
The late
Betty (nee Brown) Maddock was with the RCAF Sea Island photo section from 1956
to 1959. Betty (or Brownie as she was
affectionately known) kept an album of duplicate official RCAF photos during
her time there 1956-1959 plus many of her personal photos of friends she worked
with. When she passed on last year her
friends Reta and Bruce Walls of Comox, B.C. contacted Betty’s son, Jim of
Scarborough, ON who kindly donated the historic photo album to the Sea Island
Heritage Society Thanks Jim and thanks Reta and
Bruce, we’re truly grateful to receive such a gift.
52.
Eunice Robinson wrote in a June 20, 2008 email,
“Do any of you remember the Sea Island School song???” Apparently the words to such were found on a
sheet of paper at the school, and dated 1947 by Eunice’s friend Charlotte, who
works at good ole SIS. So our challenge
is to find the tune. Can you
help! Please contact Charlotte or Eunice
or any member of the Sea Island Heritage Society. Thanks
Sea
Island School Song -
Sea Island standards
are clear and high
Keep them reaching
to the sky
Sea Island school
is honour bright
Keep it facing the
light
We think that every
game is fun
In the rain or in
the sun
And happiness just
comes our way
Coming to school
each day.
So raise your
voices high above.
Sing with loyalty
and love.
Of everything in
S.I.S.
That leads to happiness.
Another great piece of almost lost Sea
Island history!
53. Russ
Horner recently contributed a scan of a letter addressed to his family in the
early 1950’s. The mailing address used
in those days for Sea Island (Richmond, B.C.) was Sea Island, Vancouver 14,
B.C. A 1956 envelope addressed to Don
Phillips of 42 Douglas Crescent, Sea Island, B.C. from Okanagan Helicopters
Ltd., Vancouver Airport, B.C. cost 4 cents to mail.
54. Speaking
of Okanagan Helicopters. Does anyone
have any information about a fire in their office on Sea Island about
1972? Maureen Hyde said that there was a
fire there. Maureen worked as a ‘temp’ for Okanagan
Helicopters for a week or so (doesn't remember the exact date) using a
photocopier to duplicate some of those burned documents. Maureen added,
“I must have been working for Girl Friday
run by Irene Howard and Olive Bassett when they had their agency in Richmond
55. Robert
Matthewson of Richmond, B.C. kindly donated 22 photos with a written narrative
from his Sept 1 1969 walk through northern Sea Island. His accompanying map also details some of the
history of Sea Island. The Sea Island
Heritage Society is very grateful that Robert not only documented the history
of this area, but he thoughtfully contributed his work to us. Thanks Robert.
56. A 2007 online
edition of the obituaries section of a Weyburn, SK newspaper indicated that a Thomas
Edward Huston of Weyburn, passed away July 24, 2007 at the age of 93 years Thomas Edward Huston was
born November 28, 1913 on a farm 10 miles northwest of Weyburn, to Frank and
Mary Huston. He grew up on the farm along with his sisters, Lottie and Jean,
and attended school in McTaggart. Tommy would catch the "Soo Line" to
go to Weyburn. They attended the United Church in McTaggart. He worked on the
family farm as a young man. In the 'dirty 30's' jobs were few and hard to find
so Tom went to Vancouver where he walked the streets looking for work, which
was scarce there too. He eventually found work at a dairy farm on Sea Island.
Coming back to Saskatchewan, Tom again worked on the farm. In 1937 there was no
crop as it was too dry, so he took a job at Standard Dairy for several years
before going overseas to War. While working as a milkman he met Bertha Flaaten,
and they were married on July 12, 1941 in Weyburn. Tom joined the Army in 1942,
and in August 1943 he went overseas on the Queen Mary, leaving his wife and
daughter, Audrey behind. He served in engineering infantry. Tom spent time in
England, Italy and France. He was wounded twice during the war. Tom felt very
fortunate to be able to return when so many of his comrades did not. He
returned home on the Queen Elizabeth, arriving in Regina on New Year's Eve,
1945. Does anyone know which farm on Sea
Island Mr. Huston worked on? See his
full obituary online at: http://www.weyburnreview.com:80/obituaries/2007/2007_32.htm
57. In March
2008, Vince Bissonette kindly donated his 1971-72 UBC research essay with
photos. Former Sea Island pioneer
farmer, Bob McDonald assisted Vince with some of the research accompanying him
on field trips. Vince put it together a
book, which is titled “Pioneer Barns of Sea Island”. Vince was also the last Commanding Officer
for RCAF Station Sea Island. Many thanks Vince.
58. Laura
Janssen (nee Collins) and Janet Rolfe (nee Eldershaw) are seeking former RCAF Sea
Island chums “Billie” Wallace and her sister Margaret Wallace. Laura said in a recent email I remember
the Wallace family very well. Willemina and I were also good
friends. I used to call her "Billie" and she did indeed have
two sisters. One was named Evelyn and I don't remember the oldest sisters'
name. She also had a younger brother as well but he passed away when he
was quite young. I don't know where Billie is now, the last time I saw
her was over 30 years ago. If you do manage to track her down, let me
know.” Janet recently posted on our
website guest book too. Let SIHS know if
you can put us or the two ladies in touch with anyone in the Wallace
family. Thanks.
59. Richmond
historian, author and City of Richmond Councillor, Bill McNulty has offered his
assistance to the SIHS. Bill recently
donated a binder of various old Richmond and Vancouver (North Arm, etc.) Directories
that tell us the names and locations for a lot of the pioneer families
connected to Sea Island. Thanks Bill.
60. The Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) is seeking two school classroom photographs
of former students that lived in the Cora Brown area of Sea Island, Richmond,
B.C. One is the 1965/66 Gr. 1-2 split
class, (Division. IV) of teacher Mrs. Suzanne Southwell, at the Duncan McDonald
School. The other is the 1965/66
Duncan McDonald School grade 4-5 split class in 1965-66 of teacher: Mrs. M.
Jackson These
“kids” in the first classroom would likely have been born about 1958-59 or so
and would now be at or approaching being one half CENTURY OLD <yikes> -
the other gr4-5 class would have been born around 1955 or 56.. The SIHS would like to thank people for
assisting us in identifying the various students in class pictures posted to
our web page. http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html
Thank
you
61. Can anyone please tell the Sea Island Heritage
Society about the various May Queen ceremonies held on Sea Island (Richmond,
B.C.) over the years. Sea Island
Elementary School did hold the Crowning of the Queen and Princesses along with
the Maypole dances in the 1950’s. We’d
like to know the range of years that was done.
Was it always grade four that did the maypole dance or did other classes
dance too? We have a photo of the 1929
Bridgeport School May Queen and her court with some Sea Island Students. See photo “D” on our website at: http://www.seaislandhome.org/classphoto.html
Can anyone please supply other May Queen photos . Thanks.
Read an interesting interview online about how Bridgeport Elementary
School’s last May Queen was chosen in 1960 at: http://www.sd38.bc.ca/Docs/RmdStudents07.pdf
62. Youth opportunities on Sea Island. Can someone please fill in any information on
the various youth organizations on Sea Island.
i.e. Air Force, Army and Sea Cadets, Cubs, Scouts, Guides, Brownies,
Square Dance, Tap Dance, etc. The
closest I recall for students to attend Sea Cadets was at the Sea Cadets on
Discovery Island in Stanley Park in the 1950s.
Did anyone out there attend the #2947 Army Corps? Where on Sea Island were they held – For the history of the Army Cadets on Sea
Island see URL: http://www.armycadethistory.com/Cadet%20Corps%20DB/CC2947/db_cc_2947_2007.htm
The Air Cadets on Sea Island, I believe were #655 Squadron. Can anyone fill us in on the history of the Air
Cadets on Sea Island? Thank you.
63. The Sea Island Heritage Society is seeking
additional information and photographs of Joe Scardina’s midget Model T panel
truck. Some of the older teens on Sea
Island bought it from Joe in the late 1940s and chopped the roof off to make a
custom jalopy to ride around Sea Island in.
Gary Gordon described it as a very small model T Ford and was built
in 1927 if memory serves me correctly. It was originally a flat panel truck
with lettering advertising Joe's Bon Bons.
They were a form of chocolates he made in Winnipeg before the war.
During the war he was in the RCAF and after the war he built or had built
his Café [Joe’s Confectionary] at the corner of Miller Road and Airport Road –
where Miller and Russ Baker Way intersect today]. To the south of him was a
grocery store and B&P Market [Bud & Pete Scardina’s] The Butcher Shop.
The truck in question was about the size of a very small car; about half the
size or less than a half ton I would say a 70 inch wheel base. Gary added that they
cut the top off with cold chisels! A lot
of work as the steel was thick on the old cars.
Arnold Wolfson owned and operated the Sea Island Service Station (B/A)
for many years on Sea Island. In a
February 2008 interview Arnold recalled, “Scardina’s Model T was a toy truck just for
playing around. The dogs would chase
it. I had a Great Dane, he said, and
George Upper had a dog, and the 2 dogs would chase it. The Pound would come around and the dogs
would chase the Pound Truck”.
64. In April 2008, Don Phillips submitted photo
scans of the red-covered 1958 Cookbook by the Sea Island United Church Women’s
Auxiliary with a Forward by Mrs. Vera M. Stark, Pres. Various sponsors in the cookbook including
sponsors of various merchants and Sea Island suppliers: B&H Lumber Supplies,
Mathers Bulldozing, (both of Lulu Island) Allen Carmichael Children’s Piano
Teacher, Butler’s Store of 500 Grauer Road, Sea Island Service of 305 Airport
Road, Richmond-Marpole Times, Peter Wolanski, Publisher; Richmond Oil Co; Shaw
Insurance Agency (Bob Shaw); Later’s Chemicals of 316 Lancaster Crescent R.M.
Grauer and Sons; Tom-Boy Store of 309 Airport Road; Richmond Accounting
Services (Peter Wolanski, Accountant), Burrow’s Dry Cleaner (Kerrisdale); and
Joes Confectionary of 307 Airport Road. Don’s
sister Diane kindly donated her copy of the cookbook. Who can tell us more about the above Tom-Boy
Store? Who was the proprietor and what
did they sell or provide services for?
65. The local Newspaper is called the
Sea Island Times. It is published monthly
be a group of volunteers, mostly from the community of Burkeville. In coming issues, look for articles of
history by members of the Sea Island Heritage Society. The histories of the Sea Island Community
Hall and the Fire Hall on Lancaster Crescent have been submitted, as well as an
article about the old Dornan-Murphy Turkey farm on Sea Island. Maybe you can contribute more details and/or
photographs to add to our documentation and photo collection.
66. The Jan 26, 2008 AGM was followed
by a very successful Open House. Thank
you all for dropping by. The 2008 Sea
Island Heritage Society Board of Directors elected were: Eunice Robinson,
President; Don Phillips, VP; Sharon Bordeleau Sec/Treasurer, Directors: Doug
Eastman, Grant Thompson; and Colleen Brooks.
It is time once again to thank our members supporters and generous
contributors. We’d be remiss if we didn’t
also say that the SIHS is again grateful to the Sea Island Community
Association and the City of Richmond for their continued support too.
Look for newly acquired photographs soon to be posted on our
webpages. Thank you ALL. The Sea Island Community Association has their
own website. Pay them a visit at: www.seaisland.ca
67. The Sea Island Heritage Society
is still searching for a photograph of the Duncan McDonald Elementary
School. (exterior and interior shots
appreciated) Please contact any SIHS member if you can assist. Thanks.
68. If you’ve been procrastinating on
contacting us to submit a piece of Sea Island history or sharing some of your
favourite Sea Island memories/photographs, now is the time. Please make that one of your 2008 resolutions
if you haven’t already! Tracy Urban of
Vancouver had an interesting letter to the editor published in the Vancouver
Sun newspaper on February 23, 2008 about recording personal histories being a
priceless legacy. Tracy’s letter
referred to a “Sun” article, “ Digging up your roots, Feb. 22 by Randy Shore Tracy said “.......What Randy Shore says
about people with a living memory of their great-grandparents being
increasingly rare is too true. Folk wisdom tells us that family stories vanish
within two generations. This is why it's so important for people interested in
their family's history to consider recording the stories of the living as well
as tracing the stories of those who have died.
The benefits of recording our personal histories
are substantial: Recording a life story provides a priceless legacy for current
and future generations. It creates a historical record of an era, offering
insight into its social and cultural customs, as well as political events and
their effects on a person's life. Furthermore, many professionals and
individuals who have participated in memory preservation acknowledge that life
reminiscence has therapeutic value for the storyteller.
I encourage interested readers to take a look at
the Association of Personal Historians, which offers resources for those who
wish to capture their histories as a lasting legacy (www.personalhistorians.org ).”
69. The Richmond
News did a story about the Sea Island Heritage Society on January 1, 2008
titled “ 'Before it's lost forever' ......Did
you know there was once an army camp on Sea Island – in two locations? Did you
know the area was once home to a large farming community and two
churches?” Read the online edition at
URL: http://www.canada.com/richmondnews/news/story.html?id=529d5295-6a95-4f6b-a5c9-f69dec71e305
70. Former
Cora Brown and Tapp Road resident (and Sea Island milkman) Alf Edinger kindly
donated two B&W photos of the Sea Island Volunteer Fire Department a few
years ago. One is of Chief Wilford (Casey) Clark and all the volunteers and
spouses in 1963. Was it the occasion of Chief Clark’s retirement? Does anyone
have an exact date and location of this photo? The other photo is of the Sea
Island Fire Department picnic in 1953 showing the volunteers, spouse and
children. Again does anyone have the exact date and location for this picnic?
Thanks to Jack and Liz Anderson, Laura and Don Clark and Adeline Jurick, we
have a great number of the faces in the photographs identified but still could
use additional help. The Richmond Archives has published these two photos
online. Take a peek at them to see who you recall? You can see them at URL: http://www.richmond.ca/asp/archives_search/PKeywordResults.asp or go
online to the City of Richmond Archives photo search and use the keyword
volunteer – you’ll find ‘em! Thanks Alf.
71. There is an interesting history
of the IAM Local Lodge 764. The history of the Canadian Airways Masonic Lodge
764 website also includes some interesting information about the amalgamations
of the various aircraft companies in B.C. and across Canada. i.e. Canadian
Pacific Airlines/Pacific Western/CAIL and Air Canada. See their website at: http://www.iam764.ca/upload/history/default.htm
72. A special thanks to Bevin Jones
for his submission of two photos of the Boeing Aircraft Canada Ltd employee bus
that was used to transport workers from Marpole in Vancouver to Boeing’s
aircraft manufacturing plant #3 on Sea Island during WWII. The unique bus was
dubbed the ‘cattle car’. See photos and more on Boeing Aircraft of Canada Ltd
our webpage http://www.seaislandhome.org/Boeing.html
73. The Sea Island Heritage Society
(SIHS) is seeking exterior and interior photos if the former Sea Island United
Church building and the different ministers. The Church was opened in September
1958 and closed when the church membership fell due to the declining population
of the residential area of Sea Island in the mid 1970s due to airport
expansion. Does anyone have the date of the last service held on Sea Island? We
are attempting to document the various events which took place at the Church
such as baptisms, weddings, memorial services, etc. Can anyone help SIHS with
information or dates on these events. The Sea
Island church was eventually sold and was barged across the Fraser River where
it stands today as the Community Hall for the Musqueam First Nations. The
cross-shaped church is very evident today on Salish Road on the colour
satellite image on the Google Earth website at: 49 13’ 35.05” N and 123 11’
52.9” W. Thanks to Grant Thompson, who
was married in the Sea Island United Church in June 1959, we now have a few
pictures of part of the exterior of the church.
Now we (SIHS) wonder where the idea came from for the design of the
building. There are not many buildings
built with that particular window/overhang design. Does anyone know the name of the architect? Faye
Hodson (nee Thompson) said, “I left Sea Island in November of 1958 when I
married Fred Hodson. Fred and I were the
first couple to be married in the [Sea Island] United Church on Miller Road. [My
brother] Grant and Margaret, I believe, were the second couple married in it
June of 1959. Congratulations to both
couples on reaching that milestone – 50 years of wedded bliss! Thanks to Faye and Grant for sharing their
wedding photos with us!
74. The Sea Island Heritage Society
has found an amazing amount of family connections along with a wealth of
research material about Sea Island pioneers such as the McDonald. Blair,
Draney, and Kirkbride families through the efforts of family historians like
Pat Marlowe, Barbara Neilsen, Joy Kauss, Sharon Bordeleau, and Sheila Parcher.
75. SIHS was saddened to hear of the
loss of several residents and former Sea Island residents last year (2007),
including Mrs. Ann Cotton, George Edward Spencer, and Donald Michael (Mickey)
Kwas and Vera Shaw. They were all long-time Burkeville residents.
Mrs. Cotton had been there since the beginning of the subdivision in the early
40’s. They were known by many people in Burkeville and other parts of
Richmond, B.C. Other losses that we are aware of this year include: Ann
Hamblin, Ruth Robertson, Alma Miller, Emma Fru, Gordie Wilson, Ernest Davidson,
Johnnie McDonald, Daryl Thomas, Tom Glaister, Walter W Defoe, Donna Bourne,
Betty Brown Maddock, Jim Gillespie, Ernest Chan, Ken Brenner, Ethel Hammell,
Elsie Wright, Helen Turecki, Mae Jenkins, Viola Haggerty, and Guy
Fortier. The Sea Island Heritage Society offers our sincere condolences
to the families and friends. Forgive us if we have inadvertently not
acknowledged other passings. Please let us know of any errors or
omissions.
76. Former RCAF Band leader Guy
Fortier passed away in August 2007. Guy Fortier wrote a book about his exploits
in the RCAF titled, "I mean.is that all you do Play in a Band?
or 20 years in the RCAF", by Guy Fortier, cartoons by Howie Hunt, May
1997. The book has a humorous story about a group of airmen from the RCAF
Station Sea Island pretending to “shoot” another airman and how it caused a bit
of a panic on the streets of Vancouver as police investigated this alleged
shooting.
77.
Did anyone ever meet singer-great, Bryan Adams when
he allegedly lived on Sea Island and wrote the song “Summer of ‘69” – It’d be
great to get some quotes and background information on who he stayed with AND a
photo or two for our ‘history’ file, of course!
78. Alan’s Uncle Jack, wife Ann and
daughter Laurel lived on the corner of Ferguson Road and McDonald Road. Other
roads Alan’s mom mentioned Tapp Road and Grauer Road. Can anyone out there help
contact any of these former Sea Island folks and solve a mystery?
79. Thanks to all who stopped in to
say hello at the Sea Island Heritage Society’s (SIHS) display of our history
project’s photo collection and memorabilia on Saturday October 13, 2007 from 10
am to 3 pm at the 11th Annual TriStake Seminar, in Surrey, B.C. Also
appreciated those that turned up for the Open House held September 22 at the
Sea Island Community Hall. You all kindly provided some wonderful and new
information for our history files and photos for our collection. Keep it up! Of
particular note was the story of former Boeing Aircraft Canada Ltd employee,
Kenneth Albert (Bert) Cruise from his daughter Maureen. Very interesting to
note that Mr. Cruise implemented a payroll system at Boeing that merged the
punch card (tabulator) operation with the writing of the cheques – ALL IN THE
DAYS LONG BEFORE COMPUTERS! Thanks Maureen. At that display, too, we were able
to show Diana our map of the boundaries of the Eburne postal area along the
Fraser River.
80. A special thanks and mention to
Barb Neilsen for submitting a very interesting biography of her ‘pioneering’
great grandfather, Angus Carmichael Fraser (1844-1906). Barb (nee Thomas)
grew up in the Cora Brown subdivision in and her late father was with the RCAF.
[He held a DFC, too – but that‘s another story we’re waiting to hear more about
– stay tuned!]. Barb’s great grandfather’s daughter, Hilda Mary Thomas (nee
Fraser) was her father's mother (as well as the mother of Douglas Fraser
Thomas, her father's brother. These names are mentioned as all having
been residents of Sea Island. Barb added in her email, “Now I will start on my
own family's story. Strange how while growing up on Sea Island I had no
idea that my great grandfather had once lived there.”
81. Maureen Cruise provided a photo
and story by her late father on his interesting role dealing with his unique
enhancement of the “electrical” punch card payroll system with the Boeing
Aircraft (Canada) Ltd plant #3 on Sea Island during WWII. Thx Maureen.
82. Vancouver author and historian
Chuck Davis posted to our guest book September 29, 2007, “Hi. This is a brief
note to alert you to my web site www.vancouverhistory.ca on the history of Vancouver. I
now have more than a thousand pages there on the history of the city and its
surroundings. You’ll have members with a connection to Vancouver who may enjoy
wandering through those pages . . . and, besides, Sea Island itself is
mentioned more than 30 times! Best wishes, Chuck Davis “
For example Mr. Davis’ website mentions the closure
of the old wooden bridge between Eburne and Bridgeport. See http://www.vancouverhistory.ca/chronology1960.htm
Many residents of Sea Island signed the 1960
petition to protest the removal of the #5 Eburne Bridge.
Does anyone have any photographs of the
demolition/removal of any of the former or current Sea Island crossings?
…………Bridge stories?
83. The Sea Island Heritage Society
is in desperate need of a used portable display unit suitable for sitting on
tables or free standing. We would be proud to show off our photo collection on
a rotating basis by attaching photographs mounted on foam board or coroplast
board for public presentations, etc. If you can help, please call or email
Eunice, Don or Doug at the numbers listed at the top of this page. Thank you.
84. Patti Gully, Aviation historian
and author and the Sea Island Heritage Society are seeking information about a
former pilot that was involved with the Vancouver-based famous women aviatrix
called “The Flying Seven”. Her name was Han Ying Cheng. She was also referred
to as Flt Lt Zheng and flew out of Sea Island in the 1940-43 period.
Please contact Doug Eastman at dougeastmanATshaw.ca He’ll pass this info along
to Patty Gully.
85. The Sea Island Heritage Society
would like information on the history of the trees planted around Sea Island
over the years. Particularly we’d like to know the origin of the Catalpa Trees
on Lancaster Crescent and in the Sea Island (Burkeville) Park. The origin of
the Willow, Maple, Chestnut and Oak trees would also be of interest to
document. Where did the big Cottonwood trees planted next to the Community Hall
come from?
86. The Canadian Military Remembrance
Society (CMRS) is dedicated to remembering and honouring those who have served
in, or are currently serving in, Canada's military forces. This includes the
Navy, Merchant Navy, Army and Air Force including all of our Peacekeepers.
Michael DeMazes is an aviation historian and has an extensive photograph and
memorabilia collection as well as information on the history of wartime Royal
Canadian Air Force Stations at Boundary Bay and Abbotsford, B.C. If you have
info. or photos to share, please contact Michael on their website link www.militaryremembrance.com
87. Eunice Robinson of N. Delta, B.C.
posted to the SIHS website Sept 22, 2007. “Now that the summer is over, and our
energies refocus on the Sea Island history, the Sea Island Heritage Society
would appreciate you digging through those boxes of memories for any school
photographs. If you could scan them and email them to us - along with
identifying as many of the little darlings as possible, it would be
appreciated. We are still missing quite a few of the class photos. And if you
have 'lost' your class photos, let us know - we could send you a copy. Having
just completed the 2008 SIHS Annual calendar, so if you are interested in a
copy, $20 each plus $2.50 mail just let us know. We're now working on our 2009
calendar and look forward to your photo submissions and suggestions for images.
88. Victor Nordquist, CD of Port
Coquitlam, B.C. is the Chairman of #801 (Vancouver) Wing of the Canadian Air
Force Association of Canada. Vic was stationed at RCAF Station Sea Island from
1955 to 1966 with 121 Search and Rescue Squadron. We were lucky enough to get
an invitation from Vic to display our history project’s photo collection and
memorabilia on Sunday, September 16, 2007 in conjunction with the *Canadian Air
Force Association of Canada’s 67th Commemorative Ceremony of the
Battle of Britain at the Boundary Bay Airport, Delta, B.C. A record number of
Air Cadets (close to 1000), their officers, and local veterans turned out on
parade at the Boundary Bay Airport, Delta, B.C. on September 16, 2007 to
commemorate the 67th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. A very impressive
sight indeed!
Another former Sea Islander in attendance was Jerry Vernon, President of the
Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Aviation History Society.
To view our Shaw Photo Share about this event,
please click the link below, or copy and paste it into your browser's address
bar: http://photoshare.shaw.ca/view/8258193259-1190066222-49863/82581
89. More “Missing” folks from Sea
Island school days, thanks to the Muriel Gustavson, Morley Davidson and Peggy
Parker photo submissions – Where are they? Can anyone help us track ‘em down to
hear their memories too?:
Sea Island School Students in Mrs. Reid’s grade 3
class in 1953-54 include the following (most were born around 1945):
Edna Bainbridge of 698 Miller Road:
Lesleigh McCutcheon of 465
Grauer Road (RR#1)
Rita Johnson of 353
Catalina Crescent
Lynda McInnes of 22 Lancaster Crescent
Ricky Babuin of 123 Douglas Crescent
Sharon Grant of 696 Miller Road
Russell Combs of 571 Miller Road
Lee Purser of 132 Lancaster Crescent
Gordon Ross of 325 Catalina Crescent
John Smalley of 256 Airport Road
Richard Gates of 177 McDonald Road
Berne Rempel of 25 Douglas Crescent
Beatrice Schmuck of 229 Wellington Crescent
Sea Island School Grade one
class 1951/52 – Miss L.E. MacKenzie. Where are the following students?:
ANDERSON,
Barrie
BARBER, Gordon
BARKER, Don
BOOTH, Patricia
CHUTTER, Joan*
CREELMAN, Dick*
HULL, Sonia
JOHNSON,
Richard
JOHNSON, Rita
McVICAR,
Marilyn
McEATHERN,
Heather*
MITCHELL,
Donald
RINES, Nancy
WOODS, Timmy*
MATHESON, Neil*
WILLIAMS,
Cathryn
COMBS, Russell
BURT, Peter
FRIBERG, Terry
*line
stroked through name on the old school register, may indicate that they moved
partway through the school year
Sea Island School Students recorded in Mr. Roche’s
grade 6 class photo in 1956-57 include the following (most were born around
1945). Where are they now?:
Bruce Jordison
Penny Walters
Pat Pennar
Gail Forrest – Bill Marles said in May 2009 that
his cousin lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Anita Dasgenais
Johnnie Slater
John Smalley*
Winnie and Billie Barradell
Rod Welsch
Bill Slemko
Valory Zwicker
Alan Slater
Patrick h McGhee
Gerard William Rivert
Barbara E. Empey
· line
stroked through name on the old school register, may indicate that they moved
partway through the school year
In June 2006, Muriel Gustavson of Nanaimo, B.C.
submitted Mr. Vallis’ 1948-49 class photograph at Bridgeport Elementary School,
grade 7. Fortunately Muriel has a great memory and could put names to all the
faces. Student names that Muriel identified in the class photograph included
Marlene Gordon and a Margaret Gordon, Jean McFarlane and Beverly Clark among
the student faces. We know where Marlene lived on Sea Island, but does anyone
know anything about Margaret Gordon, Jean McFarlane and Beverly Clark?
90. Harry (Butch) Glusman kindly
donated a copy of a school reader called “More Friends and Neighbours”. On the
front inside cover it says R.C.A.F. School, Richmond School district #38. At
the bottom of the page it says Sea Island School. Can anyone tell SIHS what
year (ca1950s) that particular reader was used at the RCAF Annex to the Sea
Island Elementary School? Thanks Butch!
91. Cora Brown and the Tapp Road /
McDonald Road subdivisions on Sea Island (Richmond, B.C.) consisted of about 50
one-half acre lots. The homes in the Croa Brown subdivision were established in
1946 under the Veterans Land Act The residents of both areas were expropriated
for expansion of the Vancouver International Airport in the 1970’s. Now these
former Sea Islanders have their cases well documented in a special collection
of memorabilia recently donated to the Sea Island Heritage Society by Harry and
Barbara Kohne. The material also includes the Grahame White collection of
‘expropriation memorabilia’. The SIHS plan is to sift through this wealth of
material to index and catalogue it so that events can be documented and be
referred to or retrieved quickly. If anyone is willing to assist with the
indexing project, please contact Eunice Robinson at: 604-596-2811, euniceATdccnet.com Thank you Harry and Barbara for
your contribution to the history of Sea Island.
92. The Sea Island Heritage Society
(SIHS) holds it’s General Meeting (AGM) each year, normally at the Sea Island
Community Hall on Miller Road. Please
watch for details on our website. If you
live in the lower mainland and we have your email, we will send out email
reminders with date and details. If you
wish us to add you to our email distribution list for periodic history project
updates or upcoming events please send us your email address or any changes to
your contact. Anyone is welcome and
encouraged to attend all of our functions.
Annual Elections for our Board of Directors are held at at each
AGM. If you want to be involved either
as a volunteer researcher, interviewer or wish to hold a directorship, please
contact any member of our current Board of Directors:
Sharon Bordeleau, Secretary-Treasurer, 604-278-4359
Colleen Brooks, Director, colbrooksATshaw.ca
Doug Eastman, Director, 250-756-1762, dougeastmanATshaw.ca
Don Phillips, Vice President, 604-589-3611 donphillips2ATshaw.ca
Eunice Robinson, President, 604-596-2811 euniceATdccnet.com
Grant Thompson, Director, 604-241-7977 tuggerATtelus.net
Our Annual Report to Revenue Canada can be found by
following the links at URL: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/nln_lstngs/cnrg_ntrm-eng.html
The SIHS is again grateful
to the Sea Island Community Association and the City of Richmond for their
continued support.
The Sea Island Heritage
Society is a registered ‘not-for-profit’ charity under The Income Tax Act
(Canada), Revenue Canada Business Number 865327019RR0001; and is also
registered under the British Columbia Society's Act..
Donations can be made In Memory
of an individual or as a gift on Behalf of, or In Honour of an individual.
Donations gratefully acknowledged with a tax receipt.
93. What a great turn out for both
the Eighth and Ninth Cora Brown Reunions. The latter was held in Richmond in
June 2009. Thank you all again for your
wonderful contributions to the Cora Brown and Tapp Road (McDonald)
subdivision’s histories. If anyone has additional material or their family
histories completed for our Sea Island history project, please call or email
Eunice Robinson for more details at 604-596-2811 email: euniceATdccnet.com ..and watch for postings of some
of the many photographs taken at the event.
Please contact Eunice if interested in attending future Cora Brown
Reunions.
94.
If you’re wondering why we continue to brow beat
people into submitting their family stories for the Sea Island history project,
and you’ve put it off; just remember that it will never be too late to catch
the memories. Memories of the Island are important to document. No
matter how short a time span or how long people lived or worked there, we
want to capture the essence of the whole Island. And their stories
can be short or long - naturally we prefer to document the long versions.
This is why the photographs are so important as well. In most cases,
someone catches a moment in your life, and you may never see it - such as
kid’s birthday parties, sports teams, and neighbourhood gatherings, photos in
and around the neighbourhood. Even up to date photographs and memory
sharing is important as they will be history as soon as words are spoken,
thoughts collected or photographs taken. Please share your Sea Island with the
world. By giving us your scans, photos and memorabilia, we trust
that people are also granting the Sea Island Heritage Society permission
to print these photos.
95. Re: Photographs. When submitting
digital scans of photographs to the Sea Island Heritage Society, please ensure
that the file size is adequate for reproduction. A minimum of 300 dpi 4” x 6”
in size would be appreciated in jpeg format. The larger the better for
reproduction. The very best scan of any image for archival purposes apparently
is a large size TIF file. If you don’t have the capability of creating a TIF
image file, we can always scan your original material and return same to you. Of course Jpegs images are acceptable and the
larger the file the better. We will resize them if we post them on our website.
Both digital (scanned) photographs and conventional photographs are appreciated.
If you want any of your loaned hard copy material back, please ensure that your
name and address is clearly printed in soft pencil on the backside. Thank you.
PS Photographs or document images are sometimes resized down to 1024 wide.
Anywhere from 900 to 1280 wide will fit on a typical screen with no trouble -
and is small enough for dial-up users to download easily. Email image
attachments typically use 640 x 425 pixel size.
For more info. on digital pics and files please see URL http://www.scantips.com/basics9jc.html
96. The Sea Island Heritage Society
is looking for an ambitious team of keen individuals to organize a future Sea
Island “Homecoming” or a reunion for anyone or their descendants who lived on
Sea Island, (Richmond, B.C.) Contact Harry
(Butch) Glusman at 604-952-0522 glusman@telus.net ; or any director of the SIHS at
one of the above numbers/email
97. SIHS is trying to determine if
John Edward Hedd or Nedd, 27 yr old milk tester, of Richmond, B.C. in 1922-23
was from Lulu Island or Sea Island. There is no Hedd or Nedd in the 1929
“Wrigley’s BC Directory for “Eburne”. Hedd or Nedd are not listed in the
1942/43 and 1956 telephone directories for Richmond. There is no Hedd or
Nedd in the BC Archives online vital stats. Who can help solve this
question?
98. Bob Russell of Richmond, B.C.
stopped into our 2-day display at the Richmond Centre on February 16, 2007 and
kindly donated 2 of his Richmond Junior-Senior High School Annuals plus a large
photo of his 1959 graduation class and a couple of his other school class
photos. (Thanks Bob) One of his class
photos is of his Cambie Jr High class #17, taken April 1954. We’d like to be
able to identify all 38 students in this all-male photo. If you happen to have
a Cambie Jr High School annual for 1953/54, perhaps you can help by contacting
SIHS and providing the student class names. Then we can post this on our school
class webpage and viewers can help put the names to the pictures. Thanks. Bob
also sent along a c1953-56 photos of the Sea Island Little League “Tigers”
baseball team, coached by Mr. George McGregor; and a newspaper clipping from
1947 of him in his school classroom. Nice to add to our growing collection,
thanks again Bob. Bob also posted to the
guest book on the Sea Island Heritage Society website Feb. 27, 2009, “For the Sea
island gang that may of gone to Richmond High you may be interested in this
site www.rhsclassof59.ca” The website will take you to an announcement
of their planned Aug 7, 2009 50th RHS Grad Class Reunion. You can see photos of past reunions there
too. Great memories preserved and
shared!
99. The SIHS would like to thank the
HILL-MITCHELL family (per S. Howe of Port Moody, B.C.) for submitting a
wonderful copy of their Family History Book. It’s over 231 pages of memories,
family history, stories and photos. Well done.
100.
Stan Goddard, former RCAF Sea Island (now in
Calgary, AB) and his wife submitted recipes for the inclusion in our 2007 Sea
Island Heritage Society (SIHS) Calendar and took out a new membership to SIHS.
Stan said in a March 13, 2007 email, ……“As I mentioned we were pleased with the
calendar with our photo and 'cake'. Adeline was curious if anyone had actually
made it. It's a bit of a pain to make but everyone around here loves it. Always
keep one in the deep freeze in case of company. Anyone has trouble they can
contact us”. So, please feel free to pass along your comments to Stan and
Adeline at: STANGOATSHAW.CA. Thanks
for that tip Stan and thanks for your continuing support by taking out a
membership.
101.
Thanks to Mr. Jerry E. Vernon, Pres., Vancouver
Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) for his recent
contribution of older CAHS Journals and for continually providing SIHS with
details and tidbits about aviation related events, photographs and stories
related to Sea Island. Thanks Jerry, always appreciated.
102.
The SIHS would like to know where on Sea Island
that Stewart Thomas' farm was located in the early 1900s. He eventually became
a Councillor with the Municipality of Richmond, B.C. His son Edward Thomas was
a bridge tender on the old Eburne Bridge about 1910 when Edward married his
second wife Myra
103.
Can anyone please tell SIHS when Canada Post
changed the addresses on Sea Island?
We know that house numbers were changed in 1979 to four digits. When did
the other renumberings take place? The H.D. Lewis family is shown at one Miller
Road address in May 1943 and in the same home at another address in May 1947,
therefore the change took place between 1943 and 1947 – probably as a result of
the Air Force Base expansion at the time along Miller Road. i.e. May 1943 LEWIS
were at 201 Miller Road. H.D. Lewis – r 603 Miller Road, (1974 Richmond
Directory).
104.
Carmen Brocks and a Deborah Hardie were listed on
the Sea Island School Register in Division 4, Grade 4 in Miss D. Bergstrom’s
grade4-5 split class in 1964-65. They were both transferred out in September
1964. Carmen Brocks went to Edmonton. Where did Deborah Hardie go? Can anyone
please tell SIHS where on Sea Island they may have resided and perhaps put us
in touch with either of these families. Thank you.
105.
Does anyone happen to know the exact school dates
that the Sea Island Elementary School was closed between about 1975 and 1994?
106.
The City of Richmond, Richmond Museum and Heritage
Services produced a self-guided historical tour brochure for Sea Island. It and
other similar brochures can be purchased at the Richmond Cultural Centre for $5
each plus GST. For the Cultural Centre and Richmond Museum address and hours,
please see http://www.richmond.ca/culture/sites/museum/about.htm
107.
The Sea Island Heritage
Society (SIHS) would like to contact the grown children of Robert and Elsie Millar,
previously of 700 Miller Road, Richmond, B.C. Robert Miller (sic) was a board
member in the 1975/76 Sea Island Community Ratepayers Association.
108.
Can someone please tell the
Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) where on Catalina Crescent the Mulligan
family lived? Liz
Anderson (née Hourie) recalled the Mulligan family on Catalina that had twin
daughters and two sons.
109.
Carol Cannon, granddaughter
of Robert Ernest Tait kindly donated several images and some family history of
the Tait family and one of the numerous farms owned by the Taits in Richmond
(both on Lulu Island and on Sea Island) in the1930’s. Robert John Tait gave the smaller
west farm (on Sea Island) to his oldest son, William Tait who eventually sold
it to the airport. Some of you may recall that it was the Tait barn at
Terra Nova that was used in the movie film “Christine” The movie was a Stephen King story about an old car
that comes to life. For more info on the film, please see URL: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085333/ The barn was used by the Richmond Fire
Department as fire practices and for fire investigative training when it was
demolished. Eunice Robinson and Sharon
Bordeleau interviewed Tait descendant Mrs Eileen Scott in February 2008. Soon to be 87, Mr Arnold Wolfson, former Sea
Island Service Station owner/operator is resident at the same care home as Mrs.
Scott and kindly brought her Sea Island connection to the attention of
SIHS. Thanks
Arnold and Carol!
110.
The
tale of the Tait family ghost in their Marpole mansion was recently brought to
our attention by former RCAF Sea Islander, Jerry
Vernon who noticed an article on the Tait family in the Vancouver Courier
newspaper. Carol Cannon was sent a copy
of the online article and replied, “The cat
is out of the bag! There were ghosts in the family, but you don't want
people to think you're nuts so you tend to leave that stuff out! Lol.
Eileen is the culprit! lol. That's okay........we probably aren’t
the only ones. My Aunt, Florence (Tait)
Cullen and three of her cousins, Eileen that Sharon met (N.B.
Eilieen Scott was interviewed by SIHS members, Sharon Bordeleau and Eunice
Robinson), Doreen
and Del (Alex Tait's daughters) all met with someone from the Courier about
three weeks ago. They forgot to name Robert John Tait in the
picture.” Carol also attached a picture
of Robert John and Jessie Tait's home in Marpole. They moved there from
Sea Island in 1911.
Read more at: http://www.marpoleonline.com/history/index.php and for more online history about Marpole
read this: http://www.marpolehistorical.ca/
and this http://www.marpolehistorical.ca/pdf/memories-of-marpole-TVC-June2006.pdf
111.
SIHS is seeking the Miller Road address of the
Choquette family who had a son Peter at Sea Island School in the 1950s.
112.
Can anyone tell the SIHS where on Catalina Crescent
Garry Moxon (b early to mid 1940’s) lived during the early 1960’s. His
Dad worked for BOAC. Apparently they moved back to England after only one year.
113.
The Richmond Review, Vol. 31, No. 26 June 28, 1962
has a front page picture of Salmon Queen finalists, including Elaine Elliot of
Sea Island. Does anyone know where on Sea Island that Elaine Elliot’s family
lived?
114.
Does anyone have information on, or know of an
eatery at the Vancouver Airport operated by a Mr. Pullen. Mr. Pullen had
a lunch room (restaurant/ café?) at the Vancouver Airport according to an
article about Sea Island in the Marpole-Richmond Review, Eburne, B.C. Wednesday July 15,
1942 - Vol. 11, No. 17. Mr. PULLEN’S commodious
lunch room is doing a rushing business, pilots, passengers, visitors, workers,
all dropping in for their cup of coffee or a full fledged meal In a year later
articl (1943) it is stated that Mr. Pullen was no longer at that restaurant,
but it continued to operate at the airport. Who recalls the name of this café? Thanks to John Dawson for passing two wartime
newspaper articles along about how the airport and military establishments were
fazing out many of the old Sea Island pioneer farming families. Thankfully John
was able to decipher the poor newspaper copy he had obtained and kindly sent a
transcription of the complete article to SIHS.
115.
The SIHS is grateful to retired Richmond High
School teacher, Mr. B.R. Reid for writing an excellent article about his
personal experiences on Sea Island. Bernie was first employed as a young Boeing
of Canada Ltd’ worker with the Engineering Production and Blueprint Control
Section on Sea Island and then with Canadian Pacific Air Lines (CPAL) when they
took over the management of Boeing’s overhaul and repair depot on May 1, 1942
and moved it to Queensborough, New Westminster, BC. CPAL at that time, was
newly formed and it repaired all the aircraft for the RCAF’s Western Air
Command. Mr. Reid kindly donated two CPAL jacket crests and a 16 page May 1944
issue of CPAL monthly Newsletter.
116.
In the late 1930’s there were several small
businesses near Grauer’s Store. One of them was a blacksmith shop. The other
was Burns Welding Shop. Can anyone tell the Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS)
who ran these latter establishments, or anything about them. Any photographs
out there? Thx. SIHS thanks City of Richmond Councillor,
Harold Steves for his Nov 30, 2006 response to this question: “Billy White was
the blacksmith near Grauer's Store in the early horse and buggy days. I
met his widow at the Kiwanis Home when I was campaigning for election in 1972.
She showed me some wonderful, large photos of Billy in the blacksmith shop
repairing wagon wheels, etc”.
The 1947 Richmond Directory has the Eburne
Blacksmith at 250 Airport Road and the Richmond Times office at 222 Airport
Road. (6)
117.
Dan Esplen dfesplenATshaw.ca of Langley, B.C. posted to the
SIHS website September 9, 2006 seeking images or information of the RCAF 442 or
443 (Aux) Squadrons. Please see Dan’s
great website at: http://www.members.shaw.ca/cde16/images.htm
118.
SIHS is interesting in documenting where on Sea
Island the Barradale family lived. The January 31, 1951 Marpole-Richmond Review
reported that Mr. and Mrs. Barradale (sic) who with their two children Kenna
and Brett moved to their new home in North Vancouver from Sea Island.
119.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is grateful to John
Dawson for filling in some of the history of his grandparents when they lived
on Sea Island. Fred and Maud Hardwick lived on Miller Road in the 1930’s era
before being expropriated for airport expansion. John is tracing the family
history of this former Sea Island family, so if anyone can provide additional
information on the Hardwick family, or any other pioneer Sea Island farmers
please contact SIHS. We’ll add it to our growing collection and pass it along
to John.
120.
SIHS would also like to know more about the Boyd
family. James and Ada Grace Boyd lived at 254 Miller Road (Sea Island,
Richmond, B.C.) in 1942-43. Did they have a son named Henry Boyd who was a
Sergeant in the military at the time?
121.
The late Ernest Chan was an air mechanic with the
RCAF 442 Reserve Sqn. from 1950 to 1957 at Sea Island. Ernest attended
the SIHS display during the June 25, 2006 Burkeville Daze and donated many of
his photographs. Since then he has also donated many scans from his extensive
photo collection. Thanks Ernest! (see our RCAF
website page) At the display, Ernest saw a copy of the book 442
Squadron History, 1987 by Capts. Grant MacDonald and
Terry Strocel loaned to SIHS by former RCAF Sea Islander, R. Pugh and with the
help of Sea Island Heritage Society director, Grant Thompson, Ernest was
fortunate enough to later track down a copy of this out-of-print history book
for his own. The inside cover has the following (some difficult to transcribe)
handwritten autographs:
Michael D _____; Jerry Vernon, Mike Higg, Jim
Price; Don Broad; John Erskine; M__Phil (sp?); Stan Watter; Ron Patterson; John
Edward, Phil Duboes (2442, 442, VPD I. DENT); Bill Jessop, F/L; F/O Ray Laglas
(sp?) 442 Sqn Navigator; Bernice Dubuis; John Catley; Dave Kandi, Conrad
Raehusnel (sp?); Phil ____; Don Cameron; Bill Barker; Ted Owen; Chuck Sexsmith;
Ernie Johnson; B Smith, F/L.
122.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is grateful to Mr.
Joseph J Cassidy of Vancouver, B.C. for kindly donating his copy of a 1993
Calendar celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Local 280, Sheet Metal
Worker’s International Association, their booklet called Artisans,
Tinsmiths & Roofers in British Columbia by Cy Stairs and Clive
Lytle plus a Nov 1992 letter to members and retirees of local #280. Both
productions have photos of the “Rocket” statue as it sat at the Vancouver
International Airport on Sea Island for many years. Thanks
to Grant T for arranging this.
123.
Thanks to Richard Cook and Richmond Archives
Archivist, Lynn Waller we have been able to solve most of the mystery of the
numbering system of the old roads on Sea Island. Richard kindly pieced together
the remains of several 1930s era maps of the Municipality of Richmond to create
a single map with a ‘welcome’ index of roads. During the 1929 era, Miller Road
was one of the main roads there and was known as No. 13 Road. Other “numbered
roads were:
No. 11 Road (now Shannon Road)
No. 12 Road (now McDonald Road)
No. 14 Road (now Grauer Road)
No. 15 Road (now Ferguson Road)
No. 17 Road (now River Road)
Richard kindly produced a new large scale map from
old (ca1930) Richmond Municipal road maps with an index specifically for SIHS.
We are most happy to receive the map. Thanks Richard.
Who can tell SIHS if other lesser Sea Island Roads
in the 1930s era like Acme Road, Airport Road, Buckingham Road, Doherty Road
and Ross Road, had numbers at one time?
124.
Miss Audrey Nyholt of Saskatchewan was just 21 yrs
old when she worked for former Vancouver City Airport Manger, William (Bill)
Inglis. Her name is now Ariana Sheran of Saskatchewan. She said in an April 22,
2006 phone call, “I worked for Mr. Inglis from 1957 to 1960. He was a great
boss.” She added in a June 5, telephone call that Bill was rather short but his
wife, Mary was quite tall. She doesn’t recall if they had children. Ariana said
their office window overlooked the tarmac and faced north toward the mountains.
She thought it was a two story building and their office suite was on the
second floor. Bill had a separate office and she had her desk outside his door
facing away. Others in her office all had separate desks: A younger Bill
Headland, accountant; Earl (red-hair) was the maintenance manager, and rarely
at his desk. Finny was the operations manager when Bill Inglis wasn’t there.
She said Finny was rough but kind. There was also a draughtsman but she can’t
recall his name. She recalls going to City Hall to apply for the job, but can’t
recall who, if anyone from the Airport interviewed her. ….more to follow. The
SIHS is seeking to document the life of Bill Inglis (1950 – 1976) and other
Airport Managers. Does anyone have contact with Bill and Mary Inglis family
members? SIHS member Richard Cook has kindly researched Bill Inglis from
documents in the Vancouver Archives and elsewhere. Thanks
Richard and Ariana
125.
The SIHS is interested in documenting where on
Lancaster Crescent the Barbin or Baubin family resided. The January 17, 1951
Marpole-Richmond Review reported that baby Leslie Barbin, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Baubin, Lancaster Crescent was a patient in hospital for a few days.
126.
Thanks to Muriel Gustavson and her sister Wendy for
their generous donations of photos of their time in the Cora Brown subdivision
we were able to document numerous events and people.
127.
SIHS posted earlier that we would like to contact
Robert George Noakes b. about 1937, who was in Mr. Patterson’s grade 5-6 split
class at Sea Island Elementary School in 1947/48. Sorry to pass along that Robert’s brother
Brian Noakes of Toronto, Ontario emailed the Sea Island Heritage Society in
March 2009 and said that his younger brother Bob passed away at age 57. Both Brian and Bob were in Mr. Patterson’s
grade 5/6 split class. The Noakes lived
in the Army base hutments on East Boulevard on Sea Island from 1944 to 1949
after his widowed mother, an English War bride with her 4 young children, fled
the bombings in England. Brian said, “I remember
playing baseball at Lord Byng and being struck in the face (accidentally) with
a baseball bat and having my face swell up like a balloon. Also remember
playing in an abandoned Army hut when my youngest brother Tony had climbed
into the rafters, slipped and fell to the floor and broke his arm. Tony and I
are the only ones left as both Bob and my sister Brenda have passed away. Also
remember chasing the Chinese vegetable delivery man's truck trying to steal a
carrot off the back of his truck or chasing the iceman's truck trying to
collect ice chips before he delivered the block of ice for our refrigerator.
Brian said the Chinese Green Grocery truck had a burlap sack door on the back
above the step. Brian recalls that one
of his chores was to take the bread wrappers his mother had saved and polish
the top of the stove as those wrappers had wax on them. Another chore was to drain the water daily
from underneath the block of ice in the ice cooler. For more on Brian’s family’s voyage to
America in 1944, go to the following website: http://www.pier21.ca/research/anniversaries-and-special-visits/sample-profiles/brian-noakes-and-doris-wass/
128.
If you drive to the front entrance gate of the
Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft base on Sea Island and look to your right, you
will see an old building still there.
This is one of the former Army Hutments that was moved across the
airfield from the WWII Army base on Sea Island.
Apparently it is now used for storage.
Another hutment was converted to a duplex and relocated to Lancaster
Crescent. Can anyone tell SIHS the
address and/or current owner of the house.
We’d love to obtain a photo and the background on this duplex.
129.
Was Joy Middleton of 212 Anson Avenue with the same
Middleton family of 209 Boeing Avenue in the mid-50’s? Joy Middleton, age 8 of
112 Anson (sic – probably 212 Anson?) Avenue was in grade 3, Division 5, of
Mrs. M.A. Reid and Miss E.L. Johnson’s grade two-three split class in 1949/50.
Please contact SIHS.
130.
Could someone please inform SIHS about the RCAF University
Squadron (Auxiliary) at U.B.C. during WWII. We’d like to document its
connection to the Sea Island RCAF base.
131.
The October 21, 2006 article in the Vancouver Sun
about the 50th Anniversary of the arrival of the large number of
forestry class members who were evacuated from Europe following the 1956
Hungarian Revolution and provided temporary shelter in old army barracks from
Sea Island while attending UBC. Could someone please provide SIHS with stories
and/or photographs of their “footprint” on Sea Island. See also http://www.1956memorial.com/
132.
The Sea Island Heritage Society enjoyed the Feb
17-18 2006 weekend at the Richmond Arts Centre during Heritage Week. Many
former and current Sea Islanders dropped by our display table to say hello. One
of the highlights was having former Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Emily L. Kordall
silver retirement plate donated by her grandson Doug Ellis. The plate says
“presented to E.L. Kordall from the Sea Island Community Association 1944 –
58”. Who has stories to share about this wonderful teacher? How much did it
cost in the early days of the kindergartens for each child?
133.
A delightful surprise at the 2006 Heritage Week
display was getting a set of photographs showing the late Daniel E. McIvor,
C.M. receiving his Order of Canada medal at Government House hosted by the Honourable Iona Campagnalo, Lieutenant Governor of
British Columbia. Dan’s whole family joined him in Victoria for the
award. Dan McIvor lived in Burkeville from 1951 until his passing in 2005. Mrs.
McIvor passed away in 1993.
134.
The Sea Island Heritage Society recently donated a
photo collage made by SIHS director, Colleen Brooks to the Sea Island Community
Association thanking them for their support over the years. The collage honours
Dan McIvor with photos of the Martin Martins aircraft at Sprout Lake and is
hung up in the Dan McIvor room of the Sea Island Community Hall.
135.
SIHS Vice President Don Phillips located a small
brass plaque near the South Terminal Arrivals and Departures building. It is
across Cowley Road from the S Terminal building in a small garden and concrete
bench. The commemorative a plaque honours the Royal Canadian Air Force WWII
squadrons attached to the nearby Sea Island R.C.A.F. Station. (see our RCAF
webpage) The plaque was dedicated by the first graduating class of RCAF #8
Elementary Flying Training School. Could someone please put us in touch with
anyone that has additional information about the 1991 dedication ceremony
and/or #8 E.F.T.S.
136.
Eunice Robinson (nee Hamalock) donated a
Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight Time Schedule titled THE MAPLE LEAF ROUTE” (with
fares) dated July 1, 1958. This was among her late mother’s affects. The
schedule is national in nature and includes cross-Canada and international
flight times by their fleet of DC-3, DC-6, Viscount and Super-G Constellation
service. The “Connie” service was promoted in the brochure as NEW! - TCA’s
‘HUDSON BAY’ Route: Vancouver (VIA) and Winnipeg to London direct. TCA flights
were advertised “choose from three types of service: “Mercury” flights by
Super-G Constellation – fastest, most luxurious across Canada; inter-city
flights by prop-jet Viscount; comfortable tourist class flights by four-engined
Skyliner”. (DC-6)
According to the schedule, the Super-Connie could
whisk you from Vancouver on Wednesday at 9:20 pm to London, England arriving
there local time at 11:45 pm Thursday. Fare choices from Vancouver/Victoria to
London:
Economy – one way (OW) = $356.00
Economy – return (RT) = $661.00
Tourist (OW) = $419
Tourist (RT) = $775
1st Class (OW) = $595
1st Class (RT) = $1089
De Luxe (OW) =$645
De Luxe (RT) = $1179
SIHS is looking for photographs of TCA Connies,
DC-3, Viscount, and DC-6 aircraft. Older photographs (…say less than the year
2000) of any aircraft associated with VIA and Vancouver airport buildings in
general are also sought as part of our running inventory of structures of Sea
Island. …and yes, we’d like any photos of your Sea Island residence too. Please
contact SIHS if you can help with this.
137.
Thanks to Richard Cook and Sonja Mandic, the
Vancouver International Airport and Sea Island community newspaper “Skytalk”
has an article in their January 2006 issue about the Sea Island Heritage
Society. We hope to become a regular contributor of older-year photos and
stories to Skytalk. Help us out by sharing your memories and pictures. See
their online issue (s) at: http://www.yvr.com/authority/news/skytalk.asp?id=2003
138.
The Comox Air Force Museum on Vancouver Island
forwarded scans of three aerial photographs of the Sea Island Airport in 1936.
Thanks to them for keeping in touch with SIHS. Check out their website too: http://www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca/ The Comox Air Force Museum put
the Sea Island Heritage Society in contact with 443 Squadron at Pat Bay
(Victoria Int’l Airport). Last year 443 Sqdn asked SIHS for help to locate
photos regarding 443 Squadron history. Some time ago the Squadron’s photo
collection disappeared and is just now being replaced. If you have any
appropriate photos or information on 443 from the 1950’s, please contact SIHS.
Thanks, especially to their volunteer librarian, Allison Hetman who goes out of
her way to ensure that anything remotely connected to the RCAF on Sea Island
gets reported to us right away! Thanks
Allison, appreciate your keen eye and photo copying/scanning skills <gg>
139.
Over the years there’s been a lot of sports played
on Sea Island. I recall baseball and a few broken windows and a dented car
fender from playing scrub on the roadways instead of at the park or school
grounds where we should have been. Who were some of the coaches that put in so
many volunteer hours? In the late 40’s and early 50’s George McGREGOR coached
the “Tigers” baseball team on Sea Island while Bill BOWMAN coached the other
boy’s team, the “Indians”. What were some of the other names of the teams,
players and coaches? Cora Brown had the Slicers.
140.
Please write or post and tell SIHS about your best
and worst day on Sea Island. Were you ever frustrated at the long traffic
line-ups caused by one of the many bridge openings on Sea Island? ‘Ever miss a
flight? ‘Ever have medical emergency delayed by traffic on Sea Island? ...ever
been chased by a cow at one of Grauer’s or McDonald’s farms? Oh oh!
That must be worth a story or three!
141.
Duck Island was a small Island beside the Lulu
Island community of Bridgeport in the Middle Arm of the Fraser River. It was
used to support piers for the east end of the Eburne Bridge from Sea Island. In
the 1940’s and 50’s it had a nice sandy beach perfect for swimming and a few
fishermen had a float there. John Mowat was a fisherman there. Mowatt plus the
Tompkins, Charles Edward, George Lewis and Mary are all listed in the 1942/43
Richmond Directory. Does anyone know the names of any others that resided there
– likely on boats or perhaps a houseboat? Allan
MacNeill recalled in a February 2006 email, “There was a set of steps from the
middle arm bridge to give access to Duck Island. My Uncle Walter MacNeill
had his gas boat there for a spell. ……the time frame is around 1938 Plus
or Minus.” Al added in an April 24, 2006 email, “Jack Matheson had a small
structure on Duck Island. It was only a facility for net repairs etc, a shack
and net rack. Jack Matheson lived on Sea Island near the Bicknells. Jack had
several children. I think there were 3 boys and 4 girls”. “GT recalls that
a Jackie Ellis lived on a house boat between Duck Island and Lulu Island. Jack
Ellis said he and several others like a Betty Stout and a Beerman were
residents of Duck Island. They were in flat houses that were later pulled over
to the Lulu Island shore..”
142.
Were Ronald Buss (b ca1942) and Marvin Buss (b ca
1941) siblings? – both of RCAF Station Sea Island.
143.
Irene Schlitt is seeking contact with 1956 RHS Grad,
Sally Graham, formerly of the Cora Brown subdivision Please contact SIHS and
let us know. Thanks.
144.
Gillian Hannah posted a query to the SIHS website
on January 8, 2006 seeking any information pertaining to the disappearance of
an RCAF aircraft from Sea Island on January 29, 1953 involving her mother’s
first husband, then 27-yr old Army Corporal George Hilbert Vickers on behalf of
her half-brother who was born shortly after the flight went missing. Gillian
said that her brother’s father was in the Army, based at Jericho Beach at the
supply depot. The Airforce was flying rations to an American Camp and he
had the opportunity to go for a ride and took up the chance.
Stan Goddard, (Captain, retired) and a
former RCAF Sea Island airman assisted and said in a January 12, 2006 email:
“I flew with 121 SAR during that time as
a Radio Officer and was involved in a variety of searches. I was on search Jan
30 and if my memory serves me correctly this has to be for one of our Daks. The
crew would normally be 5 but I remember a mention of passengers.
The day that run was to take place (if
it is the correct one) was very strange indeed. To start with the weather was
quite dicey with freezing rain aloft and lots of other weather.
Freezing rain meant clear icing, bad
news for a slow aircraft. The flight was nearly cancelled as no one wanted to
fly it.” The aircraft was never located, other than a wheel assembly that
washed up on a beach that was identified as coming from the missing Dak.
The Comox Air Force Museum
register of aircraft accidents and incidents provides the following information
about the disappearance of pilot F/O Duncan and 6 others in an RCAF Dak.
Douglas Dakota 4T #985 [the military version of
the Douglas DC-3 airliner)
29-1-53 (Note error – date should be Jan 28,
1953)
not found
Aircraft with 7 aboard left Vancouver for Puntzi
Lake, via Princeton-Dog Lake, and disappeared. Complete u/c assembly
located at Boat Cove, Lasqueti Island. Probable area: 49.25N 124.15W
(SAR-156)
Pilot: Duncan
Crew: 6, not named
Further research has led us to the names, including
passenger, Army Corporal George H Vickers. The 6 crew that perished in the
January 28 1953 Dakota accident are memorialized in the new Veteran's Affairs
Canada (VAC) "7th Book of Remembrance" (post war) in Ottawa “In the
Service of Canada”. This book is online on the Canadian Veteran’s Affairs
website
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/books/b7thbook/d7th
and further details are published in the Canadian
Virtual War Memorial at URL: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/virtualmem
Does anyone know if there is plaque or a monument
placed anywhere else to honour the memory of these Sea Islanders? (besides the
commemorative brass plaque dedicated June 2004) and located in the Air Park of
the Comox Air Force Museum that states: “IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE BRAVES SOULS
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AS MEMBERS OF 442 SQUADRON IN THE SERVICE OF CANADIANS”
Read more about Gene Vickers’ persistent search for
information on the last flight of RCAF Dakota #985 in the March 17, 2006 issue
of the Vancouver Sun, pages B-2 and B-3.
145.
Who remembers the Marpole theatre and the other
stores in Marpole at it’s heyday in the mid-50’s? There was Tad’s Sporting
Goods Store further up on Granville, but a short stroll. The bus loop was there
to meet the trams over to downtown Vancouver, over to Lulu Island for
Bridgeport, Brighouse and Steveston. Who recalls playing in the big covered
sawdust pile nearby while waiting for a bus or Roy’s Fish and Chips
(mmmmh!)? What stories do you have to
tell? What caused the demise of the once flourishing business section of
Marpole? For the answer and a delightful walk down memory lane go to the
Marpole Museum and Historical Society webpage at: http://www.marpolehistorical.ca/.
To be reminded of some old western movies and actors click on http://objflicks.com/thoseoldwesterns.htm Bryan Connor used to live in the Bridgeport
area of Lulu Island (Richmond, B.C.). He
posted the following memories on December 5, 2008 to the SIHS website guest
book, “It brought back a lot of memories looking thru your photos. Well done! I can see that a lot of work has
gone into this site. When ever I can find the time I shall go thru my photos. I
began school in 1949 at Bridgeport School and got to know lots of the kids from
Sea Island in Cambie Jr. High. I lived on Charles St which was just over the
Eburne bridge. I can remember the many times we would walk or ride our bikes
over the bridges to get to Marpole.to see a movie at the theatre there or just
to watch TV in the window of the Mc & Mc store. Memories....things were so
different back in those days...Sunday was a great day to ride over to Airport
and watch the planes landing or taking off. You could sit on bench right our in
front of the terminal and see the passengers coming and going.” Doug Eastman added in an email response to
Bryan, “I started School in 1950. I went to Cambie Jr High in 57 and
58. I agree with your memories of the Marpole area. As a kid we too
biked to Marpole and the Oak Street pool - sometimes all the way to Stanley
Park. But Sea Island was the best place to bike and hike. The river
banks were always a draw for fishing, making forts, willow whistles, and
generally getting into mischief, etc! Some of the hay lofts in old barns
were also tempting for kids to build forts in. Do you recall the big sawdust
pile beside the bus loop in Marpole? What kid didn't go home with
tell-tale sawdust in his shoes or cuffs of their pants after playing on
that? The airport always attracted many aircraft and people
watchers including kids young and old!”
Carol Conner (nee Tait) said that her relatives
started the Marpole Theatre.
Brian Noakes of Toronto, who used to live
at the Sea Island Army Camp 1944-49 said in April 2009 that he recalls the
Marpole Theatre, “I remember going to the Saturday matinees to see the serial
movies of Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autrey, and Roy Rogers.”
146.
SIHS was pleased to obtain a small photo collection
of airport related photos by Ernie Kilroe. One of the photos is of Air France
SST Concorde Supersonic Jetliner during a visit to Expo86. We can’t make out
the registration on the tail of this Air France Concorde and wondered if anyone
could please tell us which SST this was. Was it F-BVFB?
A British Airways SST may have carried British
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Vancouver from London on July 11, 1986 to
visit Expo86. Thanks again Ernie! We’re also pleased that Ernie has also
unearthed photos and a contact with family members connected to the former Fish
family farm on Shannon Road.
147.
Bob St
Michel of Cambie Street, Vancouver BC, dropped off his folder of Sea Island
information in Feb 2007. He knew a chap
with the last name McDonald that lived on Lancaster Crescent that worked for
Boeing as a machinist. Bob recalled that Mr. McDonald's address in 1947
was Eburne, BC. Bob St. Michael also recalled Charlie Vunontier that was
with the RCAF on Sea Island in 1943 and 44 when he went overseas. Charlie
was on a groundcrew. Does anyone else
know these two gentlemen and could they put SIHS in touch with either of them
or their families? Thanks! And thanks to Bob St Michael.
148.
Woodward’s Highway was a small road in the NE
corner of Sea Island in the small but thriving community of Eburne between the
Eburne and Marpole Bridges in the late thirties. It housed a few residents near
Grauer’s Store and Blacksmith shop. It later became part of Airport Road.
Residents who lived there once included: Les and Carl Grauer, Burns Welding
Shop, a filling station, Riedlingers, Rutherfords, J.W.
McGinness, Postmaster and the Post Office. Former BC Hydro Chairman and UBC
Chancellor Dal Grauer’s wife was a Shirley Woodward. Could her family have
resided on Sea Island at one time? Nathan WOODWARD and his son Dan were two of the
original 1879 patentees when the Municipality of Richmond was created.
Apparently they were residing Lulu Island in 1901. Perhaps they held land on
Sea Island too? Does anyone have any idea who it was named after?
149.
Gordon Swanson, Superintendent of Aircraft
Maintenance and Manufacturing, Transport Canada, Richmond (Lysander Building)
is putting together a training presentation for his staff in the
office to increase their awareness of the local aircraft maintenance history.
He is interested in any early (1920-1940) photos of hangars and aircraft repair
shops on Sea Island and Lulu Island such as Lansdowne field, Wells Air
Harbour, Coates Aircraft and others he may not be aware of. Can anyone else
assist him with information or provide photos? Gordon can be reached at by
phone at (604) 666-6122, or e-mail: swansogATtc.gc.ca
150.
SIHS is seeking contact with Arlene and Judy Ellen
Leier formerly of 479 Miller Road. We’d also like to be put in touch with
Stephen and Ralph Jarvis of 516 Ferguson Road who attended the Sea Island Elementary
School in the 1950’s.
151.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is seeking info on
an Alec or Alex Lockhart and family. Our research to date indicates Alex S.
LOCKHART was a production manager at Boeing Canada, Sea Island. He and his wife
Olive lived at 161 Wellington Crescent in 1945. Alec Lockhart was listed as a graveyard
supervisor in the Boeing Beam, March 1943 issue. In the "Boeing
Beam" Vol. 1, No. 6, March 17, 1943 Alex Lockhart is listed as Night
Supervisor, Plant 1, 1A. Alex Lockhart is listed in the Boeing Beam,
Vol. 1, No. 19 as Evening Shift Supervisor at Plant 1 moved to i/c new Boeing
(Nelson, B.C.) Assembly Plant. Are Alec Lockhart and Alex Lockhart the same
person? Can anyone please put us in touch with this family? Thx.
152.
For an interesting article about Discovering Sea
Island’s history. See the article by contributing columnist Mary Gazetas in the
August 13, 2005 online issue. If you go to www.richmondreview.com hit community, scroll down you
will see the piece about the SIHS. Also, you have to take a peek at her August
6 column on Burkeville. Both are excellent! – Thanks Mary.
153.
For those interested, the 1911 Canada Census is now
posted online. The total population on Sea Island at the time appears to be
959. That may include the Acme and Vancouver salmon canneries on the middle
arm; plus those on Dinsmore and Swishwash Island if they were still all
operating at the time. To find information on families enumerated by William E
Buckingham in June 1911 on Sea Island see New Westminster District #11,
Sub-District #9 Richmond Municipality pages 1- 20
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/archivianet/1911/index-e.html
The copies are pretty poor and transcribing is
going to be very difficult. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with this
transcribing, please contact Eunice Robinson or Doug Eastman. Contact info at
the top of this page.
154.
Hank R Hall of Comox, B.C. is looking to reconnect
with former RCAF Sea Island member James Hunter #59048. James was an aero
engine tech with 443 Squadron. James and Hank first met at RCAF Summer
Camp at Boise, ID in 1955. Anyone with knowledge concerning the current
whereabouts of James Hunter (originally from North Vancouver, B.C.) is asked to
please get in touch with Hank at: 1517 Chilcotin Crescent, Comox, BC, V9M 3C8,
Ph: 250-339-4514, Email: grumpyhankATshaw.ca
155.
There was a Les HORNER, Foreman of Shop 33, Plant 3
(Sea Island) mentioned in the "Boeing Beam" Vol. 1, No. 6, March 17,
1943. Did he live at 316 Lancaster Crescent while the Geof (Edna) Horner family
lived at 15 Catalina Crescent. Is anyone still in touch with Marlene Horner? Thanks to Russell Horner we now have further
information on former Boeing employees like, his uncle Les (above), his father,
the late Geof Horner and brother of Les Horner.
Geof Horner was Boeing’s Paymaster.
We wre provided the names of other Boeing employees at Sea Island: Graham
Walley and Rolland Hatch, a sheet metal worker.
Does anyone have info on any of these former Boeing workers?
156.
SIHS is seeking a house number on Anson Avenue that
the Burns family lived in during the 1950’s. Their children were, Ken and Eileen b. ca1940. Also John McAstocker said that his family
first moved to Anson Avenue in the early 1950’s before settling in a home at
113, then 337 Catalina Crescent. Anyone
know the Anson Avenue address for John’s family?
157.
SIHS posted a copy of a 1958 map of the locations
of buildings on RCAF station Sea Island from an Air Show program kindly donated
by former RCAF member René Bousquet of St Stephens, NB. Can you please help
identify the use and/or names of the various buildings. Take a look at the
blue-coloured map near the bottom of our RCAF page at URL: http://www.seaislandhome.org /RCAF.html Which building was the transient
Barrack for out of town or visiting servicemen and women? Where was the Chapel
located? Who could forget the airmen’s bar called the Schooner Club. ‘Bet
someone has a story or two about that place! Thanks
to Scott and Bob who have responded so far
158.
If you are familiar to the new "google
earth" tool and you make a close-up approach view to the "Vancouver
International Airport" (49º11'40,65'' N ; 123º10'47,32'' W) you can see
lots of airliners attending the main terminal. If you scroll south a bit you
can enjoy seeing all the old buildings around the South Terminal. Who can see
the old TCA Viscount near the BCIT buildings, and the Grumman Tanker with its wings
folded up? Eunice can you see your car parked at the Air Canada employee
parking lot? Of course they’re all gone over to the new BCIT Aerospace Centre
at the old Dinsmore Island location.
(except for the Viscount – it went over to the Air Museum at Pat Bay
Airport, Victoria, B.C.) I love clicking on all the photo links on Sea
Island. Then there is nearby Burkeville
and its wonderful tree shaded streets. They sure didn’t have those swimming
pools around when I lived there <g>. Zoom in on the Sea Island Elementary
School. Can you find the Sea Island Equestrian Centre on Ferguson Road? If your
scrolling, zooming, twisting and tilting brings back some memories, please tell
us! Have fun! ……you can download the free version of "Google Earth"
at: http://kh.google.com/download/earth/index.html
159.
Google also introduced a new feature on October
7, 2009 which provides a STREET VIEW. On
the Internet, go to Google Maps and put in any address for the Burkeville or
South Terminal area and a map will pop up.
If you drag the “golden man” over to the street that you want to view
street level photos of the houses, people or cars will come into view. It’s a nifty way for former residents of
Burkeville to see what their “old” homes look like today. It appears that Google likely took the street
view photos about Spring of 2009. Please
send us your comments about the comparison of your house, then and now. Send us a photo of your former Sea Island
home.
160.
Re: Sea Island, B.C. - RCN or RCNVR during WWII -
We are trying to record the history of the Navy Training area that was on the
old wharf and marine gas dock of the former Acme Cannery. This was located on
the shore of the Middle Arm of the Fraser River on Sea Island ca1942. (now YVR
- Vancouver Int'l Airport in Richmond, B.C.) Can anyone tell us about it, Unit
#, etc. Was it part of HMCS Discovery in Vancouver? Allan MacNeill of
Vancouver, B.C. replied in a June 30, 2005 email, “I
cannot recall any Naval training on Sea Island. I doubt if HMCS Discovery would
be involved. They were primarily involved in Cadet work, Inspections for new
RCNVR recruits, some basic training was done there. The active RCN command was
on the DND property , Building 306. a three story structure located on the
South west corner of Highbury and 4th Ave. I do however remember an
active Naval operation on Lulu Island at the Scotch Canadian Cannery site, west
of Steveston proper. At Garry Point. A naval inspection vessel was stationed
there to check the traffic proceeding upstream in the main arm (south arm).
When I joined the Navy I got a medical inspection at Discovery and was sent to
HMCS Chippawa in Winnipeg for my Basic Training, I was however discharged
at Discovery. I did not know the Naval rating Chuck Mills shown sitting at this
“Navy” site on Sea Island with Margaret Novak (nee Bicknell) in the 1940’s
photo that Margaret kindly donated.”
161.
Margaret Novak (nee Bicknell)’s brother was Gordon
Bicknell who was interview for the 1994 Rogers Cable TV Production, “Sea
Island, Then and Now” Gordon Bicknell
explained a bit more than the following about the RCNVR on Sea Island. Gordon sad
that three Navy Ratings came and took
over some of the former Japanese homes to set up training on large guns on a
newly created cement pad at the end of the cannery wharf. “Ratings from all over the lower mainland
came here to practice their required large gun training.” Read more about Naval Ratings in the website: http://www.mpmuseum.org/rcnrank_ratings2.html
162.
SIHS recently became the keepers of a wonderful
pewter beer mug as memorabilia. Inscribed on the mug is: D.K. Game, 121.
C&R FLT, FROM THE OFFICERS RCAF STN SEA ISLAND BC. SIHS would like to know
more about Officer Game and where he lived on Sea Island, when and why he was
presented with such a “coveted” cup. It appears airmen and airwomen leaving
RCAF Stn Sea Island received this as a token, parting gift. Solved. Both
officers and others received this coveted cup. SIHS received info from former
Sea Island RCAF Stn, Stan Goddard on August 13, 2005:
(on your Sea Island
Heritage Society website – missing persons page) There was an enquiry re a beer
mug with the inscription - DK Game on it.
It was tradition for
officers leaving a base to be presented with an engraved pewter mug by the
appropriate mess. I am not certain if the other rank's messes did the same.
My mug has 'F/O SB
Goddard, 121 C&R Flight, from THE OFFICERS, RCAF STN, Sea Island,
BC.
DK Game, called King
Game, was a Squadron Leader flying Cansos and Daks. I flew with him on numerous
occasions.
A gentleman and
excellent pilot who, due to his experience and flying ability, saved our lives
on a particular trip to Holberg Radar Site on Vancouver Island, night landing
our Canso ,in fog and near zero visibility, at Cold Harbour.
Hope this helps with
the inquiry, the date of his presentation is unknown to me but probably in the
early'50s.
Stan Goddard (Capt
retired). SIHS
thanks Stan J
163.
Fred Greene of Comox, B.C. donated his pewter mug
received from the RCAF in May 1957. Fred donated numerous other pieces of
memorabilia and photos of life on the air base on Sea Island in the fifties. Thanks Fred.
164.
SIHS and RCAF Vet Herb Braun of Nanaimo are seeking
contact with Wilf Hodgson or Hodgison of 442 Squadron Sea Island – Air Frame
(1950s) who may be in the New Westminster area.
Regret to advise that Herb passed away in Nanaimo on September 12, 2008.
165.
Attention Vancouver Island Military B.R.A.T.s or
Vets, Neil Blue is trying to contact Elizabeth (Topping) Boudreau. She
has recently moved to the Comox area. If you can help, please contact Neil at: blue_boyATtelusplanet.net
166.
Can anyone please tell SIHS some of the names of
the children in the 1952 Sea Island School Drama Festival as seen on the BC
Archives website. See URL: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/cgi-bin/www2i/.visual/img_med/dir_22/i_22600.gif
167.
SIHS would like to know what the NINETTE CLUB was
about. According to a local newspaper clipping, the Ninette club was
entertained on Tuesday evening, November 7, 1950, by Mrs. Olive Durmont at the
home of her sister Mrs. George Upper 216 Stirling Avenue. Mrs. J. Orrock and
Mrs. D Greenman won at Bingo.
168.
Where on McDonald Road did they reside? The First
Twins Born in the Cora Brown subdivision were born in May 1951 to Mr. &
Mrs. Stan Peterson, McDonald Road (proud parents of twin girls)
169.
DORCHAK. Does anyone know if the Joseph Dorchak,
205 Anson Avenue that is listed on the 1958 Voters for Sea Island (kindly
donated recently by Joanne Dunn) is the same Joseph Dorchak listed as deceased
in the Legion Magazine’s “Last Port” article in 1996?
170.
R. SIMISTER, of R.R. 1, Eburne, British Columbia is
listed among 89 WW ll Canadian Convoy Signalmen being sought online at
URL: http://laing.cc/convoy/ If you
know of this person or if the family resided on Sea Island, please contact the
SIHS and the person posting this request on the ‘Net: bertATlaingelectronics.com
171.
Juanita Ferguson is seeking contact with a female
adoptee born April 3, 1949 that has a connection with the Sea Island Air Force
Base. See URL: http://registry.adoption.com/b_adoptee_first_name_J,67.html
172.
If you or your family were expropriated for airport
expansion, please tell us your story. When did it take place and under what
circumstances? We’d like to record the names and address of those homes that
have disappeared from Sea Island. Many of these homes were shipped by barge
elsewhere and the Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) would like to document
where they went. Can you help? Harry and
Barbara Kohne kindly donated their boxes of papers, including an old copy of
the McLean’s Magazine article that dealt with the Sea Island expropriation some
years ago
173.
Who recognizes the Boeing Aircraft employee with
the word “Ray” or Roy on his coveralls at the City of Vancouver Archives photo
collection, image Ref # CVA 1184-1343 Who can tell SIHS if these other Boeing
workers were “Sea Islanders”? They are likely Boeing workers at Boeing
headquarters on Georgia Street in Vancouver? See images Ref #CVA1184-1344 and
Ref #CVA1184-1359 Click on URL: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca (then follow the links to the
archived photo collection). Enjoy all the other “Sea Island” photos from the
Jack Lindsay Ltd. Photographers fonds on that Vancouver Archives website
including the July 27, 1942 launching of the first PBY5-A Canso dubbed
“Athlone”. One of 55 built there for the RCAF. Please let SIHS know if you
recognize anyone in the photographs at the Sea Island plant.
174.
The first amphibian PBY patrol bomber built on Sea
Island during WWII was named “Athlone”, while the last of the PBY-5As was named
the “David Hornell”. Does anyone have any information on other aircraft built
by Boeing on Sea Island that were given names? Any photos of the Boeing Company
associated with Sea Island?
175.
Who recalls the Soddam family? Can someone please
give SIHS a contact or info? Thx. Frances Soddam was born in the 30’s and lived
on Miller Road. He went to school with Doreen Bickner (nee Alexander).
176.
The RCAF Marine Section
assigned the M-12 “Atlin” to Sea Island. Was this a crash tender boat and where on Sea
Island was it moored? – ditto the RCAF M-427, a 70-ton ex-seiner “BC Star”.
Where was it posted when it mysteriously vanished July 23 1943?).
177.
Valerie Hooper said on May 3, 2003 that she is
seeking information on her father, Owen Hooper who was some type of apprentice
pre-1936 at the Vancouver Airport (south terminal) area. He might have been an
apprentice mechanic. Please contact Valerie at vjhooperATaol.com
178.
SIHS is seeking contact with Irene Bourrice or
anyone knowing her whereabouts. She lived on Sea Island about 1951 and may have
been born around 1936/37. Apparently she either taught Sunday School at the
United Church or was affiliated with the United Church about 1951.
179.
Please tell us the name of the family who lived on
the easterly point of Woods Island behind Cora Brown subdivision, towards the
back of the Laings? They lived there for 3-4 years in a shack made out of
driftwood. G. Todd thought his name was just
“Old John”. Ken McDonald of Madeira Park, B.C. said in a January 4, 2006
email that he was John Cacius an eccentric Polish Immigrant who first worked in
a meat plant in New York. He was powerfully built and said at one time he
could carry a half a beef carcass. He built a driftwood shack on the sand
outside the dyke on the north side of Sea Island adjacent to McGregor's
farm. i.e. McDonald Beach. Ken recalled, “John was elderly when I knew
him and worked occasionally for me on the farm. Ken said, “I gave him a
Jersey bull calf which he raised on condensed milk etc. from Grauer's Store.
When I came around it would run to the shack and paw at the door to get
in. John had a bicycle and the animal would follow him a couple of miles
to Grauer's Store and back. It finally got hard to handle and had to go.”
180.
Which would be correct for a family entry in the
Cora Brown Chapter: DON, Hart (or HART, Don?) – r 518 Grauer Rd - as listed on
the 1960 petition to protest the removal of the #5 Eburne Bridge.
181.
The Sea Island Heritage Society (SIHS) wishes
contact with Garth and Karen (Cheryl?) CHORNEY formerly of 161 Wellington
Crescent and 58 Lancaster Crescent. Were they related to the Chorneys on Miller
Road? One of the Chorneys was a professional football player.
182.
SIHS is seeking a photograph of an RCAF Kittyhawk
aircraft to use with our history project. The photograph should come without
copyright issues. Credit will be given to the photographer and/or the donor.
This is the old Curtiss Kittyhawk P-40 single engine fighter that used to be
stationed on Sea Island during WW11 with the 111 and 133 (f) Squadrons.
183.
Lois Foster of Ste #3, Barrack Block #8, RCAF was in
A.S.G. Scott’s grade seven class in 1949/50. There is also a Lionel James
Foster in one the 1950’s class registers without an address. Is he from the
same family?
184.
SIHS Seeking whereabouts of Marj BERRY - Sea Island
Dance Studio. BERRY, Arth S (Marjorie) ftr Boeing - r 116 Douglas (1945
Eburne Directory). BERRY, Arth & Marjorie Berry - children Robert and
Joan. Mrs. Berry of Douglas Crescent, taught dance classes, first in her
Burkeville garage, then at the Sea Island Community Hall. Art Cunningham
said that Marg Berry's sister was Mrs. Parkins also of Burkeville. We’d like to
establish contact with movie actress Barbara Parkins. Barbara, if you read
this, please contact us so we can add your family story to the Sea Island
Heritage Society records. Bob Berry was last known to reside in or near
Nanaimo, B.C. Bob or Joan, if you read this, please contact us. Thx.
185.
Gary Snider and Barbara Kennedy are handwritten in
on Mr. A.S.G. Scott's grade seven register but with no indication they actually
attended his 1949/50 class) of Sea Island in the school register with no
address. Can anyone shed any light on where on Sea Island they lived? Army
Barracks?? Update Nov 03: Butch thought that Gary Snider lived on Miller Road
between Wellington and the Sea Island School
186.
Harvey Stewart kindly donated a 1937 photograph of
the Army Tent Camp on Sea Island (thx Harvey). Sometime later permanent
side-by- side duplex “hutments” were built on East and West Boulevards off Doherty
Road just south of the Burkeville Subdivision. We think that they were
generally 60'x24'
wood tar-paper sheathed huts. Some had cedar shingle siding. Now we’re trying
to confirm this and determine the dates that the hutments were constructed and
when they were torn down. Research indicates this would be sometime in the
period of 1940 to 1953 as ‘outside’ dates. Can anyone help with information or
photos of this establishment? The 1947 Telephone Directory provided that there
were 8 addresses on East Boulevard and 12 addresses on West Boulevard. There
were also some military hutments on McDonald Road too. Apparently the
Cranswicks & Colburns lived in the Army huts on McDonald Road, just south
of Grauer Road near Butlers Store. Who recalls who else lived there and where
did those huts go? Some of the former
Army huts served as education facilities at UBC in 1945. Were some of them shipped from Sea Island?
187.
Does anyone have a picture of Cora Brown’s Ray
Connett’s old Studebaker “Erskine” car that sat covered in brambles across the
road from Mr. & Mrs. McGuiness' house on McDonald Road by the Bruce's home,
for years until it crumbled. It had wooden spoke-wheels.
188.
Jeannette Claridge (nee Glover) of Nelson, B.C.
reported in Oct 2004, that thanks to this column, school chums had “found” her
and she was able to attend the 50th class reunions for King Edward High School
students, 1950-54. Jeannette is also looking to contact former friends from
Burkeville, including Elsie Sturgeon, Leona Pitre and Lois Barrowclough. She is
also seeking contact with classmates in Mr. Patterson’s grade 5-6 split class
in 1947/48 June Bradley, Colleen Green, etc. She was also seeking contact with
including Mary & Jerry Hall, Contact via SIHS website posting. Flash, Nov
03 – June has been located in Naramata, BC
189.
Grant Thompson said in a September 2005 email that
they had a great time at the 50 year Richmond High School reunion. He added
that there were not too many Sea Islanders in attendance (Barb Hoggard,
Jack Alexander, John Campbell, Fay Connett, myself) were about it. In all there
were about 110 people there. Who else has stories of their High School
Reunions. What surprises were there?
190.
Butch Glusman attended the 1957 (50th)
Grad Reunion for Richmond high School. There were some classmates from that
class they were unable to get in touch with. Does anyone know where Bruce
Fitzgerald is? He used to live on Wellington Crescent on Sea Island. His mother
ran the Burkeville Beauty Shop out of their home in 1945. Also, they found no contact
with Ron Danko. Is anyone in contact with Ron (formerly of Wellington Crescent,
Sea Island, B.C.)?
191.
Who has some stories about the workers at the
various canneries? Especially the Aylmer Vegetable Cannery on Lulu Island? Many
Sea Island ladies walked to and from work at Aylmer’s in their big boots, white
coveralls and white kerchiefs. Allan MacNeill of Vancouver, B.C. provided this
response about workers at the Aylmer Vegetable Cannery (container food) on Lulu
Island River Road across the Middle Arm near Moray Channel Bridge:
Al's notes indicate - some names
associated with the cannery circa 1941:
Joe Capella ran the steam retorts*
Phyllis Tait (from Terra Nova) - can
setter. Jen added that Phyllis Tait is associated with family that VLA
Tait Subdivision is named after)
Sammy Sam of Beckwith Road, Richmond
(Lulu Island)
Al MacNeill (of Marpole, Vancouver, BC)
- Al and Sammy were the team that took the filled and sealed cans off the
conveyer line using large 'grasping' forks. These forks took about 18 or
so filled tin cans off the "hot can line" and filled the trays which
were destined for the ministrations of Joe Capella's retort activities.
The cans came at an alarming rate of speed. It was all Sam and I could do
to keep up. Exhortations from Joe Capella did not help.
*retorts - big steam pressure cooker
that takes the 6 or 7 high racks of tin cans and cooks them.
SIHS also thanks City of Richmond
Councilor, Harold Steves for adding:
Joe Capella was foreman of the concrete
crew for the construction of the Oak Street Bridge. There wasn't much concern
for safety. The bridge pillars went up 60 feet in the air and we had to climb a
2X4 ladder every time we poured concrete. Joe was afraid of heights and tied a
3" manilla rope around his waist every time we went on top to make a
pour. When on top he tied himself to the forms. I don't know what would have
happened if he fell. He was a big man. As the kid on the job I would hang over
the side with one hand holding on to catch the rope to guide the cement bucket
when it came up. I shudder when I think about it. Someone on another crew fell
off a barge and drowned under the tram trestle. Joe Capella's son lives on a
farm and has a roadside stand just off highway 10 on the way to Cloverdale.
Unrelated to this article, but interesting; you can
read more about retorts in relation to Richmond's fish canneries located at
URL: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/georgia/hist-story/scottish_immigrants_e.asp
Grant Thompson also said in a June 30,
2005 email. “further to the Aylmer Cannery story, My mom, Etta Thompson also
unloaded new cans with that long fork from railroad boxcars all through the
canning season this included string beans and weeks of canning peas of various
sizes. They would stand on a platform to start the upper rows of cans. They
used a wooden fork device and if they did it right they could take off complete
layers of cans, probably two or three forks full per layer, they
would be placed on a conveyor and the cans would roll down hill into the
cannery. Once they got room enough in the boxcar two people would work from
each side on separate conveyors otherwise the open end of the cans would be
mixed up. There were a lot of Sea Island ladies working there. The area
was open and right next to the road so we could watch them working.
Further to Joe Cappella, the women used to complain about him spraying them
with water or steam from the hoses that he used to keep the floor clean.
Most of the women had projects that
they used their pay for, eg. refrigerators that were starting to replace the
ice boxes, oil stoves that were starting to replace the wood or sawdust
burning stoves and electric washing machines and the like. There weren't any
electric stoves or clothes driers yet because all the houses only had a 30
amp 110 volt service. No freezers yet, most of the produce was canned when in
season or bought from the Chinese vegetable truck that went by twice a week.
Some families had a frozen food locker at Ridley Ice and Cold Storage in
Marpole. This was located where the Scottish Hall now is near 72nd
and Hudson.
Shopping was usually done once a week
at the Red & white store or the Safeway store in Marpole except for meat which
was bought as required to get it fresh (no refrigeration) There was hardly
a day that went by that you didn't go into Marpole for something or
other. It was only a one mile walk or bike ride or a shot bus ride there and
back.”
192.
Who were all the Sea Islanders
that were commercial fishermen? Doreen Braverman was kind enough to list some of the fishermen associated with the Acme and
Vancouver Canneries. Thx Doreen J Allan
MacNeill kindly donated photographs in June 2005 of his Dad’s fish boat, “Flora
Mac” in the Middle Arm of the Fraser at the Vancouver Cannery c1943. His Dad,
A.R. (Roy) MacNeill was principal of Richmond high School at the time.
193.
SIHS has some Sea Island
names associated with the towboat industry: Hodder, Gates, Brodie, Cotton,
Eastman, Parker and Cyril Porter, Jimmy Gordon, Claude and John McAstocker,
Davidson, Conley, Hillman. LeGoff, Pearce, Pickup, Mogul, Joe Smith, Howard G
Smith, Geo Upper, Webber, Geo Woodward. …surely there were more than that? (and
there has to be some good marine industry history tales to share! Cathi
Woodward recalls that a John Stuart on Lancaster was a tugboat operator. Butch
Glusman recently found a grocery receipt from Grauer’s store dated February 12,
1959 made out to the tugboat “Point Grey King”. We can’t make out the signature
of the person who signed it. If you were a crew member with Point Grey Towing,
please contact us so we can arrange to show you the receipt and find out who
signed for the groceries. Who recalls
the Sea Island Towing Company put together by Bob Hodder, Ed Probyn, Joe Smith
and others? There is some great reading
from the history of the Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd.
See URL: http://www.hoddertug.com/history.htm
194.
Does anyone have any information on the Sea Island
Intermediate Square Dancing Group? Apparently dance sessions were held at
the Sea Island Community Hall in the 1950's. Who were Mrs. L. McDonald
and Mrs. Ray Kerfoot? Did they reside on Sea Island? Speaking of Dance.
Who recalls Aida Knapp’s School of Dance at the Community Centre?
Harold Steves replied in Nov, 2006 that
Mrs. Ray Kerfoot and her husband both ran the square dance group. Sometimes
they had their square dance group perform on a truck in the July 1st parade.
They operated "Rays" store in Steveston in the early 1950's. It was a
"15 cent store". (Does that make me old as dirt?) The store is
still there and is a bargain appliance store. Thanks Harold.
Aida Knapp’s Dance Photo Collection has been
donated to the Richmond Archives by her sons.
195.
SIHS is seeking contact with ANY former RCAF
Station Sea Island servicemen and servicewomen and/or their children. i.e.
Diana Douglas (b. ca1941) of Air Force Station (ph: LA0102) was in Mrs.
F. Scott’s grade one class in 1947/48.
196.
The SIHS is seeking information on a Mrs. L.
Campbell BROWN mentioned in a local Richmond newspaper article dated October
29, 1952 as being one of 20 members of the Sea Island Sunday School volunteers
at the Community Hall. Specifically we are looking for the Sea Island
address of her family.
197.
Where is Louie Wekeen? (b. c1927). There is a
newspaper clipping from an August 1939 Vancouver Sun describing how one of their
paper carriers got to be a circus performer for a day at Sea Island. He
was Louis "Louie" Wekeen, 12 years old, of 658 Hamilton Street,
Vancouver, BC. We would like to get in touch with him or anyone else who
attended the Circus performance when it came to Sea Island in August
1939. Do you remember the Elephants grazing in Grauer's fields? If
anyone has photographs, old ticket stubs, newspaper clippings or souvenir
programs of this or any other Sea Island event, please contact any of the Sea
Island Heritage Society members.
198.
Colleen Brooks (nee Cruikshank) would like to find
Arlene Collins. Can you please help track Arlene down? Colleen can
be reached at: colbrooksATshaw.ca
199.
Maureen Ross (nee Stark) is asking other Canadian
sailors or their families that sailed on the Kokanee in (I think it was) April
1945 in wartime Ireland to contact her as her Dad, Joseph Stark sailed on her
during WWII. She is seeking the names of his shipmates and anyone that
could identify photos of the crew from the photo of the ship and crew that she
has. Others (including the children or grandchildren of her Dad's fellow
sailors) might have the same photo with some of them already identified.
Perhaps other Canadian Navy types settled in Richmond's Veteran's Land
Administration (VLA) lands including the Cora Brown subdivision on Sea
Island. So if you can help Maureen please contact her at: ross3166ATrogers.com
200.
The SIHS wants to know what date and/or the family
name of the first home in the 'Cora Brown' VLA subdivision was built or moved
into. The Jack Bolton and Harold Hammell families both moved in about Christmas
1946. Anyone move in any earlier? The Gustavson family may have been one of the
earliest families to locate there as well
201.
Eunice Robinson (nee Hamalock) helped to spear–head
the 8th Cora Brown Reunion held at Richmond’s South Arm United
Church on June 23, 2007. In a June 25th email she said that she
learned a couple of interesting connections - Loretta and Emery Galbiati of 481
Tapp Road were the first to arrive [in the Cora Brown / Tapp Road
subdivision]. Loretta advised that she and John Weisgerber (Senior) of
539 Ferguson Road were brother and sister.
202.
We are trying to compile a list of the names of the
paperboys and girls on Sea Island and their routes. If you know of any
carriers for the various newspapers, The Vancouver News-Herald, The Province,
The Sun, The Star Weekly, etc, please contact the SIHS. Thanks for all the
recent responses. If you were once or know someone who was we’d still like to
hear from you. Here are some names we have. Can you help name any more paper
boys (girls), the names of the papers they delivered, and some stories about their
delivery escapades?: Bill Anthony, Glen and Bob Beauchamp, Morley Davidson,
Johnny Bujak, Johnny Campbell (The Vancouver Herald), Glen Cunningham, Dave and
Doug Eastman (The Province, The Monday Star Weekly), Butch Glusman, Richie
Higgins and Les Inglis, Jerry Murray, Ralph and Jack Longstaff (The Province),
Donald Clark (The Province), Wayne and Morley Greenman, Vic Marchand (The
Province), Dick McClellan (The Province), Roy McDonald (The Vancouver Sun), Bob
McLellan, Tom Montgomery, Ian Myron, Drew Parker, Don Phillips, Jesslyn Pyne
(delivered the Sea Island Times), Bob Shaw, Scott Teasdale (The Monday Star
Weekly), Grant and Faye Thompson, Mervin Volen delivered the News-Herald, plus
the Vancouver Sun and Province. (Merv said he collected his papers at a drop
off point at the end of the Marpole Bridge), Louis "Louie" Wekeen,
Jim and Ken Wensink delivered Province newspapers and became managers, Dr.
Anthony Yurkovich; Harvey Berg, Brian Noakes, and others (who?).
Glen Beauchamp said in an April 2004 email, “My
brother Bob had a Sun route from Eburne to Cora Brown, McDonald Road to the
army barracks then to Miller Road back to Airport Road. He had this route
approximately 1942-1947. I had a Sun route which was basically north of Boeing
Ave including Wellington, and Catalina. I had my route from 1942-1949.
Initially we rode our bikes to Marpole for the papers and later they dropped my
brother’s papers off at Eburne and my papers on Airport Rd at the entrance of
Burkeville.”
Don Clark came to Burkeville in the spring of 1944
with his family and attended Cambie School for two years. While attending
school, Don delivered the Province newspaper on Lancaster, Catalina and Douglas
Crescents as well as the army camp area.
Don worked for Woolworth’s, Progressive Manufacturing,
Madson’s Furniture & Lama Wood Products. He chummed around and rode
motorcycle with friends, Bud Jordison, Harry Orrick, Neil Murray, Calvin
Sturgeon, Sonny Angus, Stan Homer and Bill Terry.
Brothers Wayne and Morley Greenman had routes on Sea
Island. Tom Ross was the first sub-manager for the Province Newspaper and ran
the sub office out of a shed at the back of their home on Catalina (next to
Cunningham’s) (GT).
Ted Steele of the Cora Brown subdivision delivered
140 daily Vancouver Sun papers. He said that he took over from Don Marshall
around 1957/58 until 1960 when he passed it on to Doug Hardy. Ted also
mentioned at the Nov 2005 SIHS Open House that Bill Bruce delivered the
Vancouver Province as far out to the end of Ferguson Road. Doug Hamalock was a
paperboy out in Cora Brown area.
Ken Simpson was also one of the newspaper shack
‘managers’ when the garage at the back of Mrs. Durham’s place was used by the
carriers. Drew Parker said that Ken Simpson wasn’t from Sea Island.
Fay Thompson said, “I remember delivering papers
with and for my brother [Grant] in the Cora Brown area.” Donald Marshall of 161
Myron Drive used to ride his horse, Tiny around Cora Brown area to deliver the
“Province”.
Al MacNeil of Marpole said, “For a couple of years [1939/40] I had a News Herald paper
route. What a route!! It extended from Maple Grove Park to Ash Street along
Marine Drive. It also included Hudson Street to72nd Ave., and the side streets.
I delivered papers to the Marpole Infirmary, the Eburne Hotel, Pacific Meat and
various homes. But the prize customer lived on Sea Island so every morning in
foul weather and fair, I had to cycle out to the Cooney farm on Miller Road and
drop off one paper!! It was an early rise situation. I had to meet the
first eastbound Tram which dropped off the papers for delivery. This was at 5
a.m. in the morning. I think I slept every afternoon in class at school!!!
Mervin Volen delivered both the Sun and the
Province in the early 50’s. He recalls having Frasea Farms on his route and
nearly always stopping for a drink of their “famous” chocolate milk. Oh how he
remembers hearing his stomach gurgling as he rode his bike back down Grauer
Road!
Ken Mitchell said that he delivered papers all over
Sea Island in the late 30’s and 40’s. His younger brother Joe Mitchell had his
photo on the front page of the Vancouver Province as he delivered the first
newspaper to the first home at 300 Lancaster Crescent, Mr. B. Morris (and
Yvonne) Neville or Nevile. Joe Mitchell, his brother Jack and their spouses
attended the May 6, 2006 Open House at the Sea Island Community Hall. We are
grateful to Joe for donating a large framed front page of the January 11, 1944
copy of the Vancouver Province with his photograph as a young paper boy delivering
the first newspaper to Mr. Neville Morris on Lancaster Crescent in the new
Burkeville subdivision.
Ed Stover lived in the military housing by
Burkeville from 1967-1972. Ed said that he had a Vancouver Sun paper route for
a couple of years and added, “I picked up papers by the Legion, delivered down
Miller Road, and then in the military housing.”
Jessica Commons said in October 2007 that Keith was
a paper boy for both the Province and the Sun. He remembers picking up papers
in shacks behind Eastman's and Durham's houses.
Bob McLellan of Burnaby said in April
2009, “back in the early 50's I delivered paper's [on Sea Island]. The Star Weekly (16 cents) first, then the
Morning Herald, The Province (When it was a daily) and finally the Vancouver
Sun. Won a trip to Disneyland with The Sun in 1956 for the most new
"starts" in Richmond. That was the year Disneyland opened - that was
something. Ended up delivering 109 papers, which naturally was the down side of
winning I guess.”
Eunice Robinson said, “It would be neat to get a
photo of each of all these darlings circa when they were paper boys or girls”.
The SIHS is preparing a photo collage of current, immediate past and former
newspaper carriers of Sea Island. Can you help us? Please submit photos and information
on time frame along with details of route, name of newspaper, stories, etc.
Joanne Fischer of Burkeville mentioned in October
2007 that her son Aidan delivers the Richmond Review newspaper. Who delivers
the current “Sea Island Times?” The SIHS is seeking a collection of archived
copies of this monthly newsletter-format information sheet. – In particular we
have someone wishing information from the April 2007 issue.
Rick (Richard) Stark of Saskatoon posted to the
SIHS website November 28, 2007, “I delivered the Vancouver Sun for 3 or 4 years
and always had to pedal out to drop off one paper at Grauer’s Farm, against the
rain or wind whichever was worst. What a ride that was. Picked up the papers at
Butlers store after school and always had a Pepsi,,O'Henry and a comic book
everyday. Should have kept the comic books as they are worth a fortune now. I
won three trips to the summer camp on Bowing Island for the paperboys with no
complaints for the full year.”
203.
Is anyone out there in touch with the above Morris
and Yvonne Neville or Nevile family (ch: Brinsley, Valerie and John) formerly
of Lancaster Crescent. If so, please contact SIHS.
204.
SIHS is seeking where the MacKenzie family lived on
Sea Island. This family had a “Waneta”. A Juanita (sic) MacKenzie
appeared as a model for children's dresses as reported in Mrs. Elliot's
"Around Sea Island" column of June 4, 1952. Was it McKenzie or
MacKenzie? Was it the same Mrs. McKenzie that was the Sea Island Girl Guide
leader? BG said that a Bob McKenzie lived on Douglas Crescent. Is this the same
family?
205.
The Weston family, formerly of 304 Wellington
Crescent are in Granisle, B.C. Jennifer Weston of Ajax, Ontario contacted SHIS
and gave us the family update and kindly offered to search her family for Sea
Island related photos. Thanks Jennifer.
Jennifer is also asking for help in locating the
Newton family from Wellington Crescent have gone to. ….”There was Eric and Myra
(sp?) Doug, Rick, Barry and Robert. Any information would be wonderful. Thank
you for letting me have a glimpse into the past. Jennifer Weston”. – Please
submit any information on the Newton family to the SIHS and we’ll pass it along
to Jennifer.
206.
The local newspaper reported that: The largest ever
crowd on record attended the Saturday, November 18, 1950 Teen Town “Sadie
Hawkins” Dance. The spot dance was captured by Ken Hillborn and [Fay] Connet,
while the elimination contest was won by Stan Whitington [sic] and Arlene
Cooney. Thanks to Sharon Bordeleau, Evie
Roth and Arlene
(Cooney) and Les Inglis (good friends of Stan); SIHS has the current address
for Stan Whiddington in Maple Ridge, B.C. (October 2008) Thank you all for
passing this along J
207.
Need help locating the following family addresses
on Sea Island: Mrs. Elliot's "Around Sea Island" column of June 4,
1952 reported on the May 16, 1952 Style Review at the Sea Island Community Hall
under the direction of Mrs. Durham with Pro-Rec pianist Mrs. Brewster at the
piano. It is unknown if Mrs. Brewster was from Sea Island as we have been
unable to locate further information on her or her family unit. Among
many other children appearing in that Fashion Show that we have been unable to
determine addresses for or are unable to connect to known families included:
Dianne Harwood, Wendy Johnstone, Gail Marsland, Arlene Douglas, Barbara and
Reid Finlayson, Susan MacMillan, Juanita MacKenzie, Irene Mourrice or Bourrice,
Pat Scable, Yvonne Muir, and Shirley Pickering.
208.
SIHS is seeking the house number on McDonald Road
of the DROPE family and a contact with any family member. Danny Drope (age 10)
of ___ McDonald Road was in Mrs. G.M. Murphy’s grade four class at Sea Island
Elementary School in 1949/50.
209.
Joy Meadowcroft (b ca1941) could have been in Mr.
Holob's grade four/five split about 1952. Where did the Meadowcroft's
live?
210.
Parent volunteers helping teachers Miss Johnson and
Mr. Holob with the Sea Island School annual sports day Friday June 20, 1952
were: Mrs. P. Laine, Mrs. R. Barr, Mrs. M. Martin, Mrs. J. Wesley, Mrs. G.
MacKenzie, Mrs. F. Hollingshead, Mrs. E. Fairfield and Mrs. R. Rees. WHO
WAS MRS. R. REES and WHERE DID SHE RESIDE? We have addresses (although
not all family stories) for the others. THX FOR THE FOLLOWING UPDATE: Wilma,
(Mrs. Robert) Rees was Doreen Braverman’s mother's best friend. Doreen
said, “They lived on No. 5 Road on a farm by the old Woodwards Landing ferry
dock. They had no children so I doubt that she would be helping out at a
school. She would have been born about 1913. I don't know if she is still
alive but she recently did live in the Langley area”. Allan MacNeill of
Vancouver, added in a June 30, 2005 email, “I knew Mrs. R. Rees and her husband
quite well. Her maiden name was Wilma Wark and the family had Warks Dairy and
Wilma used to drive an early morning milk truck route!!! Wilma, her husband
Bobbie and Doreen’s mother as well as Doreen, her dad Billy Montgomery were all
taught by my Father!! – Thanks Allan and Doreen J.
211.
In an undated newspaper clipping (ca1952) there was
a musical program at either the Community Hall or the Sea Island School. On the
piano: Roberta Douglas, Terry LeGoff, and his mother. A guitar and
violin under the direction of Mr. Woolstone. Playing were: Donald
McGregor, Bruce and Alistair Burt, Patsy Scobel and Clive Martin. Piano: Brian
Pearce, Douglas Trigg, and Arlene Work. Mrs. Rees thanked the
youngsters. Who were Mr. Woolstone, and Douglas Trigg? Does anyone
else have old newspaper clippings about Sea Island to share? Pat Comer (nee
Scobel) of Modesto California has posted to the SIHS website about her Richmond
High School Class of 1960 Reunion.
212.
The Wednesday May 21, 1952 regular monthly P-TA
meeting had a portion of the meeting as a Musical Program, presented under the
direction of Mrs. F. LeGoff. Craig McGinness, Nita MacKenzie, Linda McInnis,
Carol Trigg and Michael Beacock all played pieces on the piano. Brian
Hollingshead and Judy Beacock played their violins. WHO WAS: Carol Trigg?
Was the above Douglas Trigg her brother? Where on Sea Island did Triggs live?
213.
Does anyone know about a wrestling team or other
sports teams on Sea Island? We have some 1950’s baseball team and some of the
coach’s names. We have some info on the Cora Brown Slicers along with some
photos. Was anyone else out there involved with wrestling or lacrosse? We also
have some old photos of the 1920’s and 1930’s Lacrosse Teams and there
induction in the BC Lacrosse Hall of Fame (Grauers and McDonalds). GT said that
he didn’t know of any wrestling at Sea Island comm. hall or in Marpole. “There
was some semi pro stuff that went on in the old Garden Building at the PNE. We
played some lacrosse over at the school and there was a lacrosse box in
Brighouse park other than that some of us would go up to memorial park (41
& Fraser) and play in that lacrosse box when Bob Martin moved to that area.
But most of our play was at the back of the school”. We recently received
numerous RCAF Sea Island baseball team (mid 50s) photos and would love to be
able to identify all the players. If you can help please give SIHS a call or
email. Thx
214.
The Sea Island School Play May 1, 1952 was directed
by Principal Scott. Teacher V. Holob was the stage manager. Mrs.
Gaelick won the attendance price of the evening donated by Mrs. Butler of
Grauer Road. The Sea Island School P-TA sponsored the prizes for student
attendance at the school. The prize was awarded to the teacher of the
class who had the least absences the preceding month. I believe that the
above Mrs. Gaelick may have been one of those teachers. Does anyone know
anything about the years or grades that she taught? Was the spelling of Gaelick
really Guzyk?
215.
Is John Wilfred Slater of 212 Boeing Avenue the
same John Slater of 206 Lancaster Crescent in the early 50’s? Did he have a
sister Helen? Please contact SIHS
216.
A Peter Harder, age 9, is listed as being in grade
3, Division 5, of Mrs. M.A. Reid and Miss E.L. Johnson’s grade two-three split
class in 1949/50. A Jimmy Harder may be a brother. Neither have an address
listed in the old school registers. Can anyone please tell SIHS where on Sea
Island these Harder boys lived?
217.
LAINE, W Arne (Alice) drftsmn Boeing - r 14
Lancaster (1944). Were the following LAINE names attached to this family
in Burkeville?: There was a P. Laine mentioned in a December 10, 1952
newspaper article about the Sea Island School P-TA. A Sandra Laine was a
fairy in a Sea Island School play in May 1952.
218.
The SIHS is seeking info on the MULLIGAN family of
Catalina Crescent for the 1950’s. They had twin daughters and two sons. Need
house number and names.
219.
The SIHS seeks contact with or info about the
WARREN or WARNER family that operated the small store (Joe’s Confectionary) in
Burkeville after the Scardina’s. There was
an apartment at the rear of the store at 307 Airport Road (BG). Did Warner/Warren’s live on Sea
Island? Does anyone have any photographs of the commercial stores in this area
from the 1940s or 50’s?
220.
SIHS is seeking photographs of former and existing
residences and commercial buildings. For example we have commenced an inventory
of aviation related buildings and would like to expand by adding all commercial
buildings. We’d like to document photos of the small strip mall in Burkeville
in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s located at the corner of Miller and Airport
Roads. Arnold Wolfson kindly gave of photos of his BA Service Station to scan.
Who else has photos of that “business” area? We’d like photos of Butler’s
corner store at McDonald and Grauer Roads, the Eburne business area including
thee old post office, newspaper office, blacksmith and of course Grauer’s Store
and Richmond Tugs. Who has pics of the Chevron marine fuel station, Bulk tanks
and the marine dock there? Old Cannery photos are most welcome as are marine
related facilities and modes of transportation on the Fraser River.
221.
We would like to obtain more photos of the Sea
Island United Church that the community helped to build in 1958 on Miller Road.
222.
SIHS has many aviation type photos from the R.C.A.F.
base on Sea Island but very few photos of the buildings or facilities on that
base. Can you please help?
223.
The SIHS wishes to interview former Boeing Canada
employees to hear their stories about life working on Sea Island. Following the
end of the war in the Pacific, Boeing abruptly shut down their mammoth aircraft
plants and laid-off 7,000 employees in 1945. What can you tell us?
224.
The SIHS is researching the hey-days of the salmon
canneries on Sea Island and wants to contact descendants of the workers. Many
of them were Japanese- Canadians and First Nations. We’d be most pleased to be
able to interview workers or other family memories for our history project.
225.
SIHS seeking contact with any King family member –
believed to once have lived on Stirling Avenue in Burkeville. Seeking house
number and family details re: Brian and Iva King and their daughters. Did they
once have a girl boarder by the name of Kelly living with them on Stirling?
226.
SIHS requires contact with or information on former
Wellington Crescent residents from the c1950’s – house numbers not known - DENNIS,
Duncan and Vera and STEWART, Don or Harley.
227.
Lancaster Crescent families
1950’s – house numbers and contact desired for: BROWN, DASCHNE, TRAUTMAN
228.
SIHS seeks address and/or contact or info on the
following person - Ellen McGill attended Mr. Patterson’s grade five/six split
class at Sea Island Elementary School in 1947/48. Street address unknown.
229.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is grateful to have
been put in touch with the Donegani family; Re: the HALSE home on Sea Island as
mentioned in a 1936 newspaper article. This Halse estate was located on 5 acres
where the hotel and former CPA offices off Lsysander Way are. A very well
landscaped property with lots of chestnut trees and seemingly used only as a
summer home. Big house with a caretaker’s house where a Mr. and Mrs.
Marchant once lived. The Donegani family lived here to. We would still love to
obtain photographs of this property (or any other Sea Island property).
230.
The Sea Island Heritage Society would like to
locate a photograph and additional information on the Missionary Boat, M.V. Sea
Island 2. A seine boat owned by British Columbia Packers, rented for
use at Ocean Falls in 1967 while the Thomas
Crosby V was being built. See http://www.archivescanada.ca/english/search/ItemDisplay.asp?sessionKey=1207709522021_206_191_57_204&l=0&v=0&lvl=1&coll=1&rt=1&itm=140710&rsn=S_WWWxdarI1bRd&all=1&dt=AW+"sea+island"&spi=-
231.
Please take a look at the photo on the Richmond
Archives website Copyright - Richmond Archives Item #1984 17 84. The
first smaller Island is Pheasant Island, then Dinsmore. Doherty Road access
those Islands. Glen Beauchamp kindly told us that there was no cannery at the
end of Doherty Road when his family moved to Sea Island in 1942. Glen said in
his email, “the bridge between Dinsmore and Pheasant Islands was where we all
swam. We used the bridge as our diving platform. We would in the evening drift
from the bridge up to the south end of Dinsmore and run back. The south end of
Dinsmore also had a large sand area and we would go there in the daytime and
swim. Grant Thompson also shared his memories of the kids swimming off that
bridge and having cookouts on the sandy part of the Island at the south end.
Photo at URL: http://www.city.richmond.bc.ca/archivessearch3/SingleImage.asp?Image=17h84.gif
232.
The SIHS is seeking info on the TAPP family. Tapp
Road is located running west of McDonald Road between Ferguson Road and the
Fraser River. Who was Tapp Road named after? Was it a Frank R Tapp? If so, who
was he and what interest to Sea Island or Richmond did he have? Yes, those that
lived in the Tapp Road Subdivision on Sea Island will be pleased to know that
we have located information to confirm the subdivision had to be named after
Frank Robert Tapp, a Richmond Municipal Councilor, who was born on Sea Island.
Thankfully Allan MacNeill has confirmed that Frank Tapp attended Bridgeport
School where Al’s father, Mr. A.R MacNeill taught. Al said in a June 2006
email, “I was going through some old school memorabilia of my fathers and came
across a copy of the reunion of the class of 1926 at the then Bridgeport High
School, the precurser of Richmond High. There were letters and notes from most
of the class that were still alive at the reunion which took place about
1959/60. My dad would have known him as a pupil at Bridgeport High and my
dad was also a charter member of the Richmond Kiwanis Club of which Frank Tapp
was a member and likely a charter member also.” Allan MacNeill kindly sent a short
autobiography of Frank Robert Tapp from 1927 thru 1961 where he went into the
floristry business in Orlando, Florida. Frank Tapp was born in 1903 in Eburne,
BC. In 1944 Mr. Tapp was elected to Richmond Council representing Ward 1 (Sea
Island)
233.
Who were the parents of the NEIL children on Sea
Island in the 50’s? Where did they live, and are the following NEIL’s
siblings?: Mat Neil attended the Feb 16, 1952 birthday party for Lea Hamblin.
Terry Neil was a guest at the June 14, 1952 party for Billie Kellett. Matt Neil
attended Frances Kellett’s birthday party April 26, 1952. Deborah Neil attended
Shirley Elliott’s birthday party Nov 18, 1950 in Cora Brown.
234.
A Lorna Boone (b. ca1939) attended Mr. Andrew S
Gray Scott's division one, grade five/six split class seven at Sea Island
Elementary School in 1950-51. SIHS wonders if this Lorna Boone was a child
attached to the RCAF Boone family on Breadner?
235.
Doreen Braverman asked, “What about famous dogs on
Sea Island? She recalls: Sport Bicknell, a pointer, who could lift the lid off
a sunken crock - and eat the stored butter out of it.
Jenny Montgomery, a Labrador, who could flush out
the pheasant, retrieve it and pluck it!”
Who has other stories about dogs or pets on Sea
Island? What about stories on horses or cows/bulls/ chickens from the rural
areas? Brian Novak said at ther SIHS Open House on November 26, 2005 that the
crow on the shoulder of the boy was of their pet crow Blackie in the photo
submitted by his mother, Margaret.
Al MacNeill provided the following info:
Dogs Associated with Sea Island
"Jenny", Billy Montgomery's
Labrador, a great "Birdie" huntress, she was great in the field and
in the water. I had the pleasure of shooting over her on several
occasions.
Other dogs associated with my family,
and the MacNeill hunting shack at the end of Ross Road [Sea Island, B.C.]:
The first dog that I can recall was a
black Cocker named "Jeff". He and his successor "Ted",
another black Cocker Spaniel, were good in the field and were even more useful
as a companion in Punt shooting. They were fearless in the water and
excellent retrievers. They could be easily lifted out and into the punts,
where the larger retrievers were likely to get everybody tipped into the Middle
Arm!! These dogs were used primarily in punts at Swish Wash Island.
Said Island in their time (1920's and 30's) would be completely awash at high
tide. In the late 30's along came "Ranger", a black and white
Spring Spaniel, whose prowess in rough stuff pheasant shooting was
unparalleled. Excellent retrieving abilities as well. He was
followed by one of his offspring and another Springer called "Ruff".
He was as good a gun dog as his sire. This dog was domiciled with A.R.
MacNeill* and yours truly. Another good field dog belonged to my uncle
Walter MacNeill. A dog named "Buck" while a trifle willful, he
was as birdie as they come; and was good at retrieving. Buck was a German
Shorthaired Pointer. One other dog associated with this hunting group was
my Boston terrier, "Mike". Mike was a top notch retriever,
unfaised by a watery environment. He was also a prolific gatherer of
Oolichan. Jeff, Ted, and Ranger were my Grandfather Harry MacNeill's
dogs. The shack was built by Harry in 1911. at the time live decoys
were used, and he kept a small flock of Mallards in his backyard on 18th Avenue
in Vancouver!
*A.R. MacNeill was Al's father and former Richmond
high School Principal.
236.
Sea Island School Students recorded in the 1950s
included Frances Ferne Gooding of 122 Greenway Avenue and a Lorne Gooding of
112 (sic) Greenway Avenue. Are these children related to H.O. Gooding? In the following: In July 1942, No. 111 sent a detachment
to Umnak (Alaska). Four pilots from this detachment took part in an attack on
Kiska on 25 September 1942 along with 37 U.S. aircraft. The Canadians strafed
(Japanese) ground targets and Squadron Leader BOOMER destroyed a “Rufe”
seaplane fighter (a Zero on floats). The U.S. Air Medal was awarded to BOOMER
and to flying officers J.O. GOHL, H.O. GOODING, and R. LYNCH, and BOOMER was
later awarded the Commonwealth DFC. Squadron Leader K.A. BOOMER took over RCAF
Squadron 111 Wing at Annette Island 22 August 1942.
237.
SIHS would appreciate any info on the GOLLY family.
Did they reside on Sea Island in the 1951 era? The April 7, 1951
Marpole-Richmond Review (Around Sea Island Column) reported that Mrs. W.
Rempel entertained at her home, 25 Douglas Crescent. Guests included her aunt,
Mrs. Vickaryous, Mrs. Golly (who won the door prize), and Mrs. K Oxley.
238.
We need help in obtaining photographs and
construction dates of various homes and commercial buildings on Sea Island (and
former structures now gone).We’d love to have a photo collection of all the old
barns too. We have started a photo inventory of all remaining structures and
require help indexing them as well as naming the various occupants –
residential or commercial.
239.
Where did Jeneen Sournier and Maurice Dion live?
The January 27, 1951 Marpole-Richmond Review (Around Sea Island Column)
reported that on Friday evening the final dance held on the Sea Island in the
"Polka for Polio" series saw the Community Hall thronged with merry
makers. During the evening a demonstration of square dancing was given by a
group of teenagers. The participants were Mary and Marjorie Hall, Noreen
Hatcher, Jeneen Sournier, Bill Anderson, Bill Alexander, Ted Hall, and Maurice
Dion with Glen Beauchamp calling the dance.
240.
Who recalls the campfire and hiking songs of the
cub, brownies, scouts and guides? We belonged to the Cubs and Scouts for the
pleasures of camping and legalized pyromania. I recall great camping trips and
have many good memories of sing-songs, although I couldn’t carry a tune to save
my soul. ‘Remember the crackling embers reflecting in our innocent faces as
marshmallows melt on sticks, the camaraderie, the feeling of
"belonging", of being at peace with the world: and the reassuring
warmth in Akela Roy Cunliffe’s face, as he divided the pack in two and fondly
urges us into the second verse of the infamous and nonsensical song "Ging-Gang-Gooley",
with half of us softly singing “Golly wally, golly wally, golly walla,
golly walla, um-pa, um-pa, um-pa.” ‘Member those bike tours? ‘Hard for little
legs to keep up with the bigger boys.
241.
In 2007 Scouting celebrated its 100th Anniversary.
The Scouts Canada Foundation is launched a country-wide search to find as many
Canadians as possible who hold the rank of King’s Scout, Queen’s Scout, Chief
Scout and Queen’s Venturer.
If you were a youth member before 1952 you could be a King’s Scout; from 1953
to 1973 -a Queen’s Scout, and from 1973 to the present - a Chief Scout and/or
Queen’s Venturer. Join the 1st Centennial Group!
All King’s Scouts, Queen’s Scouts, Chief Scouts and/or Queen’s Venturers were
invited to join the 1st Centennial Group, an exclusive group sponsored
by the Scouts Canada Foundation. Since 1907 over 17 million Canadians have
participated in Scouting. Until recently Scouting has not had a database, so
we’ve lost contact with many of our past members. Scouts Canada Foundation
wants to re-connect with them, and invited them to help celebrate in 2007. See
website: http://www.scouts.ca/inside.asp?cmPageID=388
If
you were a Sea Island Scout, and attended this, please tell us who else you met
there.
242.
It was sad news to hear that Burkeville’s Dan
McIvor passed away Feb 24, 2005. Not only was he a good friend and neighbour to
all; he received the Order of Canada (Member) in August 2003. Dan McIvor,
O.B.C., C.M. joins, other notables connected Sea Island and to the “Orders of
Canada”, including: The Honourable Thomas R. BERGER, O.C., Sea Island pioneer
farmer Hugh & Catherine McARTHUR’s granddaughter Margaret Ormsby (O.C.),
Renowned Canadian painter/artist Jack L. SHADBOLT, O.C. brother of former
Burkeville’s Roy Shadbolt; and Major Deanna “Dee”
Brasseur (retired) who was born into a military family and grew up on Sea
Island’s RCAF base.
243.
For those of you who flew up and down the coast of
BC, you may enjoy reading Jack Schofield’s 1999 book, “Flight of a Coast Dog
– A Pilot’s Log”. Jack was once stationed on RCAF Station Sea Island. The book features Jack’s many tails and mentions lots of
airline company names and pilot names that are familiar with the Seaplane dock
on Sea Island. Jim and May Jenkins, formerly of RCAF Sea Island have a son,
Gordon, whose picture appears in that book. Gordon is another one of
those young daring pilot’s on BC’s rugged west coast. Gordon Jenkins once flew
into a remote Kingcome Inlet Indian reserve to see his old home from the RCAF
base on Sea Island. It and many others were barged up there after 1964 when the
base closed. Can anyone else tell us where former Sea Island homes were barged
to?
244.
Who recalls the green grocer truck from the 1950’s
on Sea Island. What was the name of the operator? Was he from Sea Island?
245.
The Aircraft Detection Corps was a volunteer group
of civilians in Canada and had grown to a peak enrollment of 30,000 members
across the country. Does anyone know any members of this elite organization
from Sea Island that we could interview?
See more at URL: http://www.pinetreeline.org/misc/other/misc5b1.html
246.
Apparently the Sea Island RCAF base was used to
receive and medivac wounded servicemen from Korea in the early 50’s. There
seemed to be a constant state of airplane movements regarding this in
connection with a US base in Washington State (Everett?). Would anyone care to
elaborate on the involvement that the Sea Island base had during that conflict
and/or the cold war that followed?
247.
Can you help SIHS with info on the Duvis family?
We’re not sure if this is a Sea Islander or not, or where a Mrs. T. Duvis
resided – perhaps Burkeville according to this clipping: The May 16, 1951
Marpole-Richmond Review (Around Sea Island) Column by Nellie Philpott reported
that a tea was held on Monday evening at the home of Mrs. Roy Patterson, 128
Lancaster Cres., to honour Mrs. Merv Erwin. Guests included Mesdames: A.
Purser, H. Wensink, M. Stevenson, A. Jehn, N. Fendson, G.W. Douglas, C. Rines,
E.A. Fairfield, T. Duvis, E. McCaffery and C. Abbott.
248.
The SIHS would like to reconnect with the following
email addressees that had their emails returned as undeliverable:
john_weisgerberATcanaccord.com
In February 2007 the following email addresses as
they were rejected. If you recognize a former email, please notify Sea Island
Heritage Society of your new email address. We’d like to stay in touch. Thx.
karrenandharrylivingstonATshaw.ca
249.
Doreen Braverman (nee Montgomery) of Vancouver has
a copy of the c1953 Sea Island Cookbook with recipes submitted from the local
residents. Her copy is missing part of the front page. Guy Fortier’s wife of
Ottawa also has a copy of this recipe book. Were there other Cookbooks
associated with Sea Island that you know of? What about the Sea Island United
Church Ladies Auxiliary recipe books – Who has one of those? Doreen believed
that her recipe book had something to do with the Army & Navy Vets and may
have been published by the Sea Island Community Centre when she was the
secretary there in 1953. Doreen kindly provided a typed copy of all the names
of the recipe submitters by email Dec 27, 2003. If you recognize any of the
names, please let SIHS know where on Sea Island they lived:
Allan, Mrs. W.H.
Alling, Mrs. A.
Anderson, Mrs. A.
Anderson, Mrs. F.R.
Bariley, Mrs. J.
Bard, Mrs. D.
Begg, Mrs.
Bell, Mrs. J.
Bjorge, Mrs. E.
Bloxham, Mrs. L.J.
Boyle, Mrs. J.
Brown, Blanche
Brown, Mrs. H.A.
Brownlee, Mrs. W.B. Sr.
Budreau, Mrs. L.
Burch, Mrs. N.R.
Burton, Mrs. F.
Butler, Mrs. G.
Campbell, Mrs. H.
Carr, Mrs. G.H.
Collins, Mrs. E.
Conners, Mrs. H.
DeBourcier, Mrs. T.
Dodds, Mrs. A.P.
Dodds, Mrs. J.W.
Dunlop, Mrs. K.
Easton, Mrs. J.
English, Mrs. A.
English, Mrs. Charles
English, Mrs. F.
English, Miss L.
English, Mrs. W.
Ericeson, Miss Becky
Erickson, Mary
Fair, Mrs. T.W.
Fallis, Mrs.
Fanson, Mrs. G.
Farmer, Mrs. T.E.
Fleming, Mrs. G.
Francis, Miss E.
Francis, Miss F.
Fraser, Mrs.
Galloway, Miss Irene
Geibelhaus, Mrs. M.
Gibson, Mrs. A.
Giguere, Mrs. A.A.
Gilbert, Mrs. Walter
Gilmour, Mrs. G.
Grove, Mrs. H.B.
Grove, Mrs. H.G.
Grove, Mrs. S.
Harvey, Mrs. Agnes
Haynes, Mrs. T.
Hayter, Mr. Harry W.
Hetherington, Mrs. W.G.
Heuss, Mrs. R.
Higgins, Mrs.
Hind, Mrs. T.R.
Hilton, Miss Edith
Hodgeson, Mrs. A.
Hodgkinson, Miss Thelma
Holmes, Mrs. F.
Horner, Mrs. V.
Huess, Mrs. R.
Hunter, Mrs. J.
Ingham, Mrs. A.E.
Irwin, Mrs. J.
Johnston, Mrs. H.
Johnston, Mrs. J.
Jones, Mrs. B.
Jones, Mrs. D.
Jones, Mrs. S.
King, Mrs. B.
King, Mrs. Brien, Jr.
Knott, Mrs. H.
Laird, Mrs. T.
Lamb, Mrs. T.
Lee, Mrs.
Lickert, Mrs. P.B.
Linniboe, Mrs. J.
Lloyd, Mrs. D.
Long, Mrs. F.
Lundburg, Mrs. G.
Marlow, Mrs. T.J.
Martin, Mrs. H.
May, Mrs. W.R.
McCallum, Mrs. H.D.
McConnell, Miss E.C.
McCreary, Mrs. W.J.
McElroy, Mrs. T.
McKay, Mrs. J.G.
McKay, Mrs. T.J.
McKechnie, Mrs. M.
McLaren, Mrs. Robert
McLeod, Mrs. Harris
McMullen, Mrs. A.
McNeal, Mrs. C.
McPherson, Mrs. N.
McQuat, Margaret
McTaggart, Mrs. W.
Millar, Mrs. Jack
Miller, Mrs. J.F.
Mitchell, Mrs. L.
Moar, Mrs. J.
Moir, Mrs. D.W.
Morrison, Mrs. H.A.
Morrison, Mrs. H.D.
Paquin, Mrs. P.
Peacey, Mrs. H.
Perree, Mrs. G.W.
Perring, Mrs. G.
Petch, Mrs. Nina E.
Putman, Mrs. R.M.
Ralter, Mrs. E.
Ramsay, Mrs. D.
Randall, Mrs. R.C.
Raven, Mrs. T.W.
Reagan, Mrs. L.
Reagen, Mrs. L.
Regan, Mrs. L.
Reichelt, Mrs. H.
Reichelt, Mrs. Roy
Reid, Mrs. Bruce
Richards, Mrs. M.D.
Robertson, Mrs. A.
Robertson, Miss Grace
Robinson, Mrs. G.
Saunders, Mrs. K.
Sawle, Mrs. North
Scharf, Mrs.
Shorey, Mrs.
Simmons, Mrs. T.L.
Skwarak, Mrs. E
Smith, Miss B.
Smith, Mrs. H.E.
Smith, Mrs. R.
Sorrell, Mrs. J.W.
Stanford, Mrs. S.
Stanton, Mrs. Hugh
Stirton, Mrs. D.
Sutherland, Mrs. D.
Thomson, Mrs. R.
Tickner, Mrs. F.
Tucker, Mrs. E.H.
Tupper Mrs. J.A.
Tweed, Mrs. C.
Walker, Mrs. G.
Walker, Mrs. H.
Walker, Mrs. J.G.
Wallis, Mrs. C.
Watson, Mrs. L.M.
Webster, Mrs. F.
Weston, Mrs. R.T.
Wickett, Mrs. M.T.
Williams, Mrs. S.
Wise, Mrs.
Wright, Mrs. H.
P.S. DON’T FORGET TO SEND IN YOUR FAMILY’S
FAVOURITE RECIPE FOR A FUTURE FUND RAISER BY PRINTING A PROPOSED BOOK ON
CUISINE BY SEA ISLANDERS. A family photo with it would be great to if you have
it.
250.
The SIHS would like to establish contact with the
following people who are listed as attendees at Sea Island Elementary School,
Richmond, B.C. on www.classmates.com If you are in touch with any of
them by email or have their snail mail address, please have them contact us:
Thanks to those that have passed along a contact*.
‘Much appreciated
Bill Bennett
Bob Berry
Glen Billwiller*
David Bisonnette
Sharon Bordeleau (nee McDonald)*
Linda Brisson
Cheryl Butts
Beverley Champniss
Chris Charlebois
Leonard Clarke
Laura Collins*
Robert Curll*
Judy Dennis
Doug Eastman*
Pat Fidler* (new sign up 47-53)
Dan Gates*
Kathleen Glomba*
Linda Gore
Corky Hamilton*
Marjorie Heath*
Laurie Hollick-Kenyon*
Susan Johnson (nee Robinson)
Richard Kellet*
Ken McEachnie*
April Neilsen*
Don Phillips*
John Richardson
Mike Riesterer
Tim Rohwer
Don Ross*
Tracy Ruthven*
Timmy Salame
Patrick Saunders
Carol Saunders
Shawna Sleeman*
Cheryl Smith
Naomi Smith*
Carol Sorensen
Donna Slater (new sign up 57-62)
Jack or John Staples
Sandi Steele*
Ed Stover*
Joanne Thompson
Kathleen Warbrick (nee Glomba)*
Brenda Whaley (nee Fast)
John Wind
Judy Wind
Trish Woodward*
Darlene Wright
*contact made or we have their address
251.
SEA ISLAND SCHOOL CLASS PHOTO PROJECT
If you haven’t already submitted your School Class
photo(s), please do so NOW! Request includes class photos from Duncan McDonald
School, Cambie Jr High and Richmond High from Sea Island families too. In March
2005 we received some from Scott Teasdale. Ken McDonald sent in a 1929
Bridgeport class photo with some of the Sea Island kids named on it. Can you
help identify others? Thanks Scott and Ken! Thanks too to recent photos from
Mike Bourdon that have been posted to our classroom photos webpage; and too
people like Vince Gates and Sandi Bezanson-Chan who gratefully provided the
names of some of the student in the in photos.
252.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is hoping for a
possible link to the Retired School Teacher's Association's 'School Yard
Memories project and SIHS encourages all of you to get the remainder of your
school class photographs submitted with as many of your classmates and teachers
identified as possible. A FUN project for ALL! See URL: http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/CommunityMemories/ADSW/000a/Exhibits/English/
253.
The SIHS will post the list of class photos we have
obtained and ask that you see if you can help fill in any blanks over the
years. Please attend future Open Houses to help identify the S.I. kids and
teachers in any class photos of Sea Island Elementary School, Lord Byng School
(Steveston, B.C.), Bridgeport School, David Loyd George School (Marpole, B.C.),
Cambie High School, Cambie Junior High School and/or Richmond High School. See
URL: http://www.seaislandhome.org /classphoto.html
254.
Did you have a favorite teacher? Who was it and
why? Do you recall any school events or stories? Please share your memories by
posting a message or send an email to any of our SIHS directors or book
committee.
255.
If you are a Gold Member of Classmates.com SIHS
would appreciate you placing the following "ad" on the Sea Island
"classmates.com MESSAGE BOARD:
Sea Island Arrivals and
Departures - Be part of a unique experience
A local history book of the people who live, have
lived, work or have worked on Sea Island is now being prepared.
We believe that every individual involved with Sea
Island is important and we want to include everyone. We also believe we
have a special duty to record the past and present because this Island is
unique.
We have formed a registered charity, not-for-profit
"Sea Island Heritage Society" to promote our objectives which
includes publishing a history book. Our only fund raising at the moment
consists of donations, the purchase of our annual Calendar with photos of historic
interest and the possible sale of Sea Island photographs. Memberships to our
Society are available. We are looking for fresh ideas for fund raising. If you
have ideas, photographs or snippets with dates to add to future issues of the
Sea Island Heritage Society calendar, we’d like to hear from you as soon as
possible.. We wish to publicly thank Colleen Brooks for managing our calendar
project. Anyone with any other fund raising ideas? Please contact any of our
executive. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to take out or renew your
subscriptions. Thanks.
Come and join us for the Drop-in sessions during
our monthly Open Houses at the Sea Island Community Hall. Watch for special
announcements. Spread the word about our history project.
The most recent dates will be posted on our
website. Take a look at URL:
Please drop by and see how the project is shaping
up. Visit with friends and former neighbours. We still need your
help. If you have any pictures, stories or memories that you would like
to include, we would love to have them. Put your order in early for our
latest calendar and order one. Send them to your family and friends. SIHS
calendars from years gone by are also available for $5.00 each (if available)
and make a nice memorabilia token. Just ask us.
Please feel free to browse all the pages in our
above website. Sign the guest book. Get on the email and contact
list. Get involved! A big thank you to all of you that have donated your family
stories, photos or just dropped by our SIHS website to say hello.
Many thanks
If you have any information on any of the above or
want to locate someone by using a query posted to this page, please contact Sea
Island Heritage Society through this website with details.
Don’t forget to review the various postings from
others on the guest book page. – someone may be looking for you!
THANKS, too, to those that have helped reunite
former friends and/or have helped solve some of the above mysteries.
P.S. If you have changed your address and/or email
address, we’d appreciate receiving the change as we don’t want to lose touch
with you!
Eunice Robinson
Pres.
Sea Island Heritage Society
Eunice
Robinson, euniceATdccnet.com (604) 596-2811
Website: http://www.seaislandhome.org
Don
Phillips, V.P. donphillips2ATshaw.ca (604) 589-3611
Sharon
Bordeleau, Sec. Tres.
sbordelATrogers.com (604) 278-4359
Grant
Thompson, Director tuggerATtelus.net (604) 241-7977
Colleen
Brooks, Director colbrooksATshaw.ca (788) 888-0246
Doug Eastman Director dougeastmanATshaw.ca
Please note that the email addresses have had the @
replaced by the word AT in upper case to prevent electronic harvesting of our
email address by spammers.
The Sea Island Heritage Society is a registered not-for-profit charity
under The Income Tax Act (Canada), Business Number ___________.
and is registered under the BC Society's Act ( registration no. _______).
Donations can be made In Memory of an individual or as a gift on Behalf
of, or In Honour of an individual. Donations gratefully acknowledged with a tax
receipt
Recording
Sea Island, B.C. history, every single day . . .