Valentine’s Day: A day for dancing
There are fewer dances today than in the 1940s, but you can still kick up your heels this winter
B
efore the Second World War, the most common Valentine’s pastime in Powell River was tea. Teas and socials were usually held at a United Church. Often these events were paired with a home cooking sale or a bazaar. This was because Valentine’s Day started off as a Christian holiday, and tea was a social event where one could exchange the newly-popular Valentine’s cards with friends and family. After the war, another pastime rose to prominence for Valentine’s Day: dancing. Dancing was a way to keep morale up during the war and its popularity continued long after. In Powell River, these dances were often held by local lodges or other groups. The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Oddfellows, The Oldtimer’s Dance Club, Powell River Golf Club, and the schools were among those that held these Valentine’s Day dances.
Gifts They’ll Love
THREE DANCES COMING UP
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Dance #1: Love Now – Dance Party. February 9, Carlson Club Loft. DJs Claudia Medina / NeoNSkye / Riki Rocket. Advance tickets $15 at the Carlson Club, Armitage and Townskate.
DEVAN GILLARD Generally, more than one dance would take place in town during the week leading up to February 14. Everyone was encouraged to dance at these occasions, even in the high school, where boys were encouraged not to be a ‘pill’ and participate in the dance. Often a mix of ‘old-time’ and modern dances would be performed to make sure everyone could join in. Today, one is somewhat less likely to find themselves at a Valentine’s Day dance, but we still remember Valentine’s Days past. Devan Gillard is an administrative assistant at the qathet Historical Museum & Archives.
Baskets for Valentine’s Day
Dance #2: 80s Dance Party. March 9, Arc Community Event Centre. DJ The Stunt Man. $20. See ad opposite page. For Lift’s 40th anniversary. Dance #3: Latin Night. March 23, Carlson Loft. Salsa lessons, dance til midnight, food by Blue Agave. Fundraiser for the Brain Injury Association. See ad on Page 34. BOOGIE WOOGIE & JAVA JIVE: The Old Time Dance Club livens up Dwight Hall. Both photos from the 1940s. Valentine’s Day card circa 1941. Photos courtesy of the qathet Historical Museum & Archives
The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro offers a selection of beer, wine, cider and coolers to take home with you. Open 11am-8pm Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm Fri & Sat
at Duncan & Joyce 604 485-9343 9 am -10 pm Sun-Thurs 9 am-11 pm Fri & Sat Holiday hours may vary
Great Prices • Cold Beer • Huge Selection
Shinglemill off-sales no need to cross the bridge! Ask about our off-sale wine selection! www.shinglemill.ca • 604 483-3545 reservations@shinglemill.ca Proud Member of the PR Chamber of Commerce
qathet Living • February 2024 • 11
