FEBRUARY 17, 2011
Pennyworth • 37
This Was Then... With Old Ike Political memory from 1988
It was Thursday, November 10, 1988 when then BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm whisked through Port Alberni on a one-day campaign stop in support of Social Credit candidate George Dryden (centre). Somass Mill foreman Neil Dirom (right) met with the Premier for a private meeting after showing him the state of the construction on the new $32 million remanufacturing facility.
Bill Vander Zalm has been back in the political spotlight recently with his anti HST campaign, but can you remember when he was here 23 years ago? Mr. Vander Zalm was BC Premier Vander Zalm back then, and he dropped in for a whirlwind visit campaigning for George Dryden, the Social Credit candidate in a byelection held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 1988. During his one-day stop, Vander Zalm met with the Alberni Valley Transportation Committee and told reporters that the Cowichan-AlberniComox route doesn’t require the work or funding that the Island Highway will and may be able to be done sooner than the Island Highway. “This could be done in a shorter time,” he said. “We don’t have to wait eight years.” The road work for each leg of highway from Port Alberni to Cowichan and from Port
Alberni to Comox is estimated at $17 million, while the Island Highway, announced last week, is expected to cost $600 million before it is completed in 1996, according to a story in the AV Times on Nov. 14, 1988. That same story reported Vander Zalm also visited the Somass Mill, for the second time in about three months. He said “it is a wonderful example of the kind of success that can happen when management and labour get together.” The Premier and Dryden then had a short closed meeting with representatives from MacMillan Bloedel. Vander Zalm addressed a luncheon meeting of supporters at the Cherry Creek Golf Course earlier in the day where he dwelt on the prosperity being felt in the province today and boasted about the new investment. As history has recorded, the Socreds did not win that 1988 by-election here.
About that trestle picture in last week’s column Chris Blackstone emailed last Thursday to say: “At the end of last summer my mother and I were kayaking out Great Central Lake and we went under the bridge by the cabins,” he wrote. “We went towards the intake for the fish hatchery and there is a bridge very similar to
this photo. Looks like it was taken before the lake was damned up and flooded. The bridge is still intact but in very rough shape. Hope that helps.” Then last Friday, Shielean Grover emailed after “perusing the This Was Then pages” of the Pennyworth. “The picture of the old trestle,
3.99 5.99 7.99
3447 3rd. Ave., Port Alberni
(250) 724-0731
page 31, could be the one we had out at Great Central Lake,” Shielean offered. “Just a guess, I was really little but it does look familiar.” Also last Friday; Al Souther called to say that picture looks like one he remembers seeing up near Horne Lake on his many hunting trips in
250-723-1800
the past. Then, Donna and Jack James emailed last Saturday to say they had emailed the picture to Joe and Jane Stanhope (Jane’s dad was Pop (Bob) Banks) and got this reply from Jane: “I think the bridge was the one at Great Central Lake between my
Dad’s Camp 8 and Charlie Koski’s Camp 5 (?). It was the only railway on Great Central and I don’t think it was very long nor did it last long. I remember well riding both a speeder and maybe a crummy on it. I was only a kid (68) but this picture sure looks like it! Somebody must know about it.”
Whether you’re buying or selling
Providing you with the business solutions you need when you need them.
– we make house calls. For Professional Service by a seasoned Real Estate team with over 60 years of combined experience in the Real Estate industry…
Call Pat or Gerry Hickey
Duncan Sabine Collyer Partners LLP • Certified General Accountants • Management Consultants 5155 Argyle Street Port Alberni, BC
250-724-5717
38 •
Pennyworth
FEBRUARY 17, 2011
This Was Then... With Old Ike A fantastic view of Franklin River Camp B from over 50 years ago
Bob Solderlund, now retired, is well known for his many years of fine work with a camera at the Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper, dropped by with this unreal aerial shot of Franklin River Camp B at Coleman Creek. He explained that he was in Grade 1 when the family lived there for a short time in the early fifties. “I was given this picture by my brother Ken years ago,” Bob revealed. “I don’t know the date it was taken or who the photographer was, but you can see cars parked in the upper right hand side.” This is an important observation because the road to Port Alberni (26 miles away) was completed in December 1954, early ’55. This means the picture was taken later in ’55 or early in 1956. “You’ll notice the two large car ports beside the road to Port in the bottom of the picture,” former Franklin River resident Don Watt pointed out. “They were built prior to 1957, along with the new bunkhouses in the top left of the photo.” In January 2009, I ran quite a few articles and pictures from Don Watt on all three locations of Camp B (Corrigan Creek, Parsons Creek and finally, Coleman Creek, which opened in 1946). Last week, just after I showed Don this picture, he was given a copy of the “Harmac News” from Nanaimo’s Bob Hoar, who also lived at Camp B while growing up. That M & B-published Harmac News, dated November 1956, contained a feature story on Franklin River Division, and THIS PICTURE was part of that story. Well, that defines the timeline of when this picture was taken to between say the spring of 1955 to before the fall of 1956. What do you think? Please take a good look and send your memories to: ikepatterson@telus.net and watch for more memories from Camp B as Don Watt and other former Franklin River residents point out highlights from this rare picture that so clearly shows “the logging camp that had everything.”
FEBRUARY 17, 2011
Pennyworth • 39
This Was Then... With Old Ike Sunday, March 3, 1974 – a musical trip at ADSS “An estimated 850 people who packed the Alberni District Secondary School laughed, applauded and even sang to the whimsical production which unfolded before their eyes,” is
how Al Turner described the variety show “A Trip” in the AV Times 37 years ago. “The two-and-ahalf hour performance which Diane Gendron coordinated so thrilled the huge audience, they gave
her and the cast of 70 actors, musicians, singers and dancers a standing ovation.” The Alberni Valley Lions Club sponsored the afternoon of family entertainment called “A Trip – A Musical Journey Through Time,” that took the audience from the Can Can of the 1890’s to the rockin’ 1970’s. Al Turner’s review in the Times the day after the show noted; “From the moment the master of ceremonies, Gordon Scoffield stepped to the microphone, it was obvious the show would be a success. It moved quickly, with surprising polish, especially considering the cast had only two full rehearsals.”
The appreciative audience was treated to barbershop quartets, the poetry of Robert Service read by Terry Stephens, the Charleston, the big band sound (created by Bill Cave and a rather small stage band), even a bubble gum rock routine by Gayle Stephen and Mary Bracht. Anyone who was there will undoubtedly remember Denis Levasseur’s rendition of Elvis Presley and the solid round of applause George Dryden received for his version of “If I Were a Rich Man.” Were you in the high school auditorium that Sunday afternoon back in March 1974? Were you impressed with high caliber of local talent? Lets chat at: ikepatterson@telus.net
More reader response
Gayle Stephen and Mary Bracht re-enacted the fifties with knee socks and ponytails during the musical journey thru time in the ADSS Auditorium on Sunday, March 3, 1974.
Lesa Tremblay emailed last Saturday about the Franklin River Camp B pictures. “I think I recognize my nana and mom (second in line on the boardwalk). They did live in Franklin River while my mom was young. My nana was Joyce Aho, married to Leo Aho and her daughter was Patricia, who went on to marry Bill Booth. I would love someone to confirm this, thanks Ike.” Also last Saturday, Jack Dryburgh emailed
regarding last week’s Community Youth Choir picture. “My daughter Rochelle (formerly Dryburgh) Zemlak was in the Community Youth Choir in 1981, and went on the spring tour that year. On the extreme right side, the photo is clipped short and shows half of a girl that looks like her. She now lives in Cochrane, Alberta, so I’ll let her know of your request for memories of the choir and spring tour.”
Have you ever seen an historical bracelet like this before?
Bob Graham discovered this rare piece of jewelry recently. I believe this “5 most amazing things about Port Alberni” souvenir bracelet (I think it’s silver) dates from the late forties up to the late fifties. What do you think? Bob would like to know the history behind this item, and if anyone else still has one. The panels on the bracelet are, from left to right, the BC Flag, Somass River, Cathedral Grove, Sproat Falls, Tyee, and Stamp River Falls. If you have details to share, like who sold them, etc., please email me at: ikepatterson@telus.net
RICHMOND CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING Specializing in torch on membrane systems. Asphalt & Fiberglass shingles.
FREE ESTIMATES Over 2000 roofs since 1993! Bus: (250) 723-8197 Cell: (250) 720-7139
Enchanted Tarot Card Readings By Debbie Reiki Master/Teacher
Learn Reiki Healing
DID YOU KNOW? Over the past 15 years, CO-OP Members CO-OP M E MBE R S H I P have enjoyed a patronage allocation BENEFITS of $5,787,811
ARE YOU A MEMBER?
FEBRUARY’S SPECIAL Original12” $ 99 Pizza Sub +HST
3
Salami, Pepperoni, Cheese, Pizza Sauce + 1 Veggie ggie Topping
CO-OP MEMBERSHIP - JUST $10.00 OPEN: Mon. - Sat. 7am to 7pm, Sun. 9am - 6pm
By Appointment Only
Local Call:
778-421-4447
email: ereading@wcgwave.ca www.enchantedreadings.com
4885 Beaver Creek Rd. (250) 723-2831 OPEN: Mon. - Sat. 6am to 9pm, Sun. 8am - 9pm
Corner of Johnston & Tebo
(250) 724-0008
Unit D - 4035 Redford St.
250-736-1782
40 •
Pennyworth
FEBRUARY 17, 2011
OPEN HOUSE 5895 Nelson Avenue
$394,900
Sat. Feb. 19 11:30am-1:00pm
Esther in Attendance 5895 Nelson Avenue
OPEN HOUSE
RARE PACKAGE
4468 Elizabeth St.
• 1945sq.ft., 3 bedrm., 2 bath rancher • 0.32 acre level lot in a sublime Alberni Valley neighborhood. • attached garage, detached 28’ x 24’ garage/ workshop, and exposed aggregate veranda. • Large open design and high ceilings. • Propane fireplace in the living room, large country kitchen. Mstr. bedroom enjoys an ensuite that includes an infrared sauna. • Nicely landscaped and fenced backyard. $
$394,900 5065 John Street
$179,900
Sat. Feb. 19 1:30pm-3:00pm
REDUCED Esther in Attendance
299,900 2515-11th Ave.
$269,900
CHARACTER HOME • 2 bedroom, 1 bath, large lot, detached garage • Solid character home, good exposure, near businesses • Updated kitchen, fir floors, new windows 3666 Grieve Rd
$
264,900
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
$
9401 Central Lake Rd.
619,900
OUTSTANDING 10 ACRE PROPERTY • With farm status. Six acres in hay production, the rest in pasture, and paddocks. • Set up for horses and organic gardening and fruit trees as well as berries. • one of a kind farm is fully operational complete with chickens, turkeys, sheep, and horses, with the potential to expand into more animals. Home has been updated, and is heated primarily by wood, with electric backup. Beautiful stamped 27 X 16 concrete north facing patio for cool relaxation in the morning and evening. $
3810 Craig Rd.
239,900 3876 10th Avenue
$
239,900
RARE PACKAGE • 1945sq.ft., 3 bedrm., 2 bath rancher • 0.32 acre level lot in a sublime Alberni Valley neighborhood. • attached garage, detached 28’ x 24’ garage/workshop, and exposed aggregate veranda. • Large open design and high ceilings. • Propane fireplace in the living room, large country kitchen. Mstr. bedroom enjoys an ensuite that includes an infrared sauna. • Nicely landscaped and fenced backyard. $
4327 Craig Road
LIKE BUYING NEW NORTH PORT RANCHER
• Reno’d 3 bedroom, 2 bath, on .24 of an acre • Private patio, fenced backyard, RV parking, garden shed • Great home in the Cherry Creek district
229,900 3938 Anderson Ave
$
224,900
• 4 bdrm, 2 bath in excellent upper South Port neighborhood • quality materials and craftsmanship such as oak floors, two tiered exposed aggregate patios & updated plumbing and wiring • A rare opportunity to buy a like new home at a very reasonable price
4050 Johnston Rd.
$
MAKE YOUR MOVE TO GRIEVE PARK • Split Level, lots of storage, private fenced yard • 20x14 wired insulated workshop • gas fireplace, bay window • 3 bedrooms, 3 piece ensuite in master bedroom
219,900 2519 3rd Ave
DESIRABLE NORTH PORT
UPDATED RANCHER
• 4 bdrm 2 bath family home • new roof • remodelled, hardwood floors in living room • Generous sized bedrooms, rec room, jacuzzi tub • Corner lot, fully fenced back yard • Near schools, bus, golf courses and shopping
$
$
209,900 5028 Montrose St.
• 2 bdrm rancher, perfect solution to assisted living and for mobility issues • widened doors, large bathroom, NG fp, many updates • walking distance to all amenities, sunny & open back yard
189,900 4468 Elizabeth St
REDUCED
$
179,900
REDUCED
! D L O S QUIET NORTH PORT HOME! • 3 bed 2 bath 2130 sq.ft. home spread over 2 flrs • lrg 22x11 in house workshop w/200 amp service, heatpump • in great neighbourhood with park like backyard
2820-5th Ave.
OUTSTANDING WORKSHOP GREENBELT
ECHO AREA RANCHER • 2 bed 1 bath updated Echo Area rancher • Newer vinyl windows, NG forced air heat system • alley access, carport and 12x24 wired workshop
149,900 4816 David Street
$
$
135,000
• 1800 sq.ft., 4 bedrms, 2 baths on 65 x 150’ level lot and fenced back yard, big sundeck • Newer roof & flooring, NG fp, thermal windows, nice oak kit that opens to eating area & fam rm
3504 11th Avenue
• Unique West Coast style home 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath • New roofs on house & 31x25 shop • Vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms, private yard
$109,900 #9A 6225 Lugrin Rd.
$
104,900
CHARACTER HOME REVENUE PROPERTY • possibility of rental income of $1295 per month (separated hydro meters) • 2 bdrms + den up, 2 bdrms + den down. • Live in one suite & rent the other or rent both $
13-5558 Beaver Creek Rd
99,900
REDUCED
GREAT INVESTMENT • Fully fenced 4 bedrm family home • Great rental (rented $907/mo) • NG heat, aluminum siding, lots of potential to further develop the basement.
3508 4th Avenue
$
GREAT LOCATION • cute 2 bedroom 1150 sqft home • good roof, alley to allow for RV Parking • great neighbourhood, walking distance to all amenities • affordable rancher will make a nice home or investment
99,500 4724 Maitland Street
$
69,900
WHY PAY RENT? • 2 bedroom rancher on 40x125 lot • 4 piece bathroom • central location, close to shopping, transportation & schools • partial unfinished basement
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
IMPECCABLE MOBILE HOME • quiet Beaver Creek area • large covered deck • vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light • spacious living room • classy oak kitchen • two bdrms, including large master bedroom
3970 7th Avenue
$
699,900
• 2 bedroom, 1 bath, large lot, detached garage • Solid character home, good exposure, near businesses • Updated kitchen, fir floors, new windows
BUILDING LOTS
PREFERRED PARK! • Beautiful private in quiet cul de sac w/view of mtns. • 2 good sized bedrooms • vaulted ceilings in the living room • comes with all appliances • Attached carport and large partly covered sundeck. • Detached, wired and insulated workshop. • Nice open floor plan with skylights.
BAMFIELD PROPERTY
272 Whistle Buoy Rd, BAMFIELD
$
419,000
QUALITY TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX
LARGE LEVEL LOT IN KEY AREA • Near business, shopping, and transportation. • 12,564 sqft lot has good exposure and is accessible from both 4th Avenue and Napier. • Good investment for your portfolio.
LOWER ECHO • Excellent Lower Echo building lot ready to build on! • Water & sewer hooked up and paid for • 124 x 39.5 , alley access
• 7 unit quality townhouse complex on a 138’ X 125’ lot • Each unit has sep. metered hydro & electric baseboard heat, laundry room, storage shed, partly covered sundeck and covered parking. • Annual Gross Potential Revenue is $58,800. • 5 of the units have 2 bedrooms + den, 2 bathrooms, and a carport. 1 has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a garage. The largest unit has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, feature fireplace, workshop and a garage. A quality investment opportunity in a great Alberni Valley neighbourhood.
A LOT OF HOUSE • 3 big bedrooms, + 1 bedroom suite on versatile approx 1 acre • lg living rm, formal dining rm, • up-to-date kitchen with island • pantry & eating nook
Call the Fenton Team today to put the Top Selling Team at Coast Realty Group in the Alberni Valley to work for you! www.TheFentonTeam.ca
info@thefentonteam.ca