Celebrating 60 Years of Putting Families First
President’s Letter
Dear Members,
Welcome to the fall edition of The Bark, I hope you’re finding your rhythm and making the most of the Club’s programs and services. In celebration of our 60th Anniversary, I’m excited to share this special edition, highlighting the people and experiences that have shaped our Club into the cherished home away from home it is today.
As you read through the pages, I’m sure you’ll feel the same pride I experienced while reflecting on the milestones and moments that define us. Our founding member, Mrs. E.V. ‘Billie’ Mitchell, had a vision, and alongside the founding families, she made it a reality. We are incredibly fortunate to carry forward the legacy they began.
Growing up here, I have always considered the Club a big part of my life. From meeting my future husband in diving class at age 12 to forging lifelong friendships with fellow members during my university years, it has always been a privilege to include the Club in my regular routine. Now, as my children create their own memories, making lifelong friendships and enjoying everything our community offers, I feel
more connected than ever to this special place. It’s a gift I never take for granted. We’ve come a long way in 60 years, and much of our success is thanks to the dedicated staff who have made our Club feel like home. Last month, the Board had the pleasure of attending the Longstanding Service Awards Luncheon, recognizing the incredible contributions of staff members, many of whom have been with us for 20, 30, and even 45+ years. Their commitment is truly inspiring—it’s one of my favourite moments each year.
When our CEO, Larry Ho, joined The Arbutus Club just over one year ago, the team was challenged to 'Elevate Great,' and they have certainly delivered. As Larry shared with me, elevating great means continuously striving for excellence, raising the bar, and finding ways to improve every aspect of our Club. From the Streetfest Welcome Back Party to the 60th Anniversary Celebration Oktoberfest-style, these events have been some of our best yet. The team has also introduced a range of new initiatives that have greatly enriched our members' experiences. These include our mobile app, which provides access to 7,000 publications while at the Club, the tennis lighting upgrade, premium wellness products in the adult change rooms, and innovative analytical technology. Additionally, the introduction of our community outreach program reflects our commitment to supporting the broader community. Thank you, team. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
The Board and Committees have also been hard at work. The Planning and Facilities Committee recently recommended approval of four new electric vehicle charging stations, two of which will be installed at the south end of the tennis building and two in the parkade this fall. These stations will provide greater convenience to our members with electric vehicles. More information will follow soon.
The Long-Range Planning and Development Committee met several times over the summer, collaborating with the architect, consultants, and management to better understand what is both needed and possible as we address our aging tennis building. Part of that process involved assessing the useful life of our pool, one of the Club’s original buildings. With necessary structural and mechanical upgrades identified in the years ahead, along with increased demand for programming, the pool has become a key component in the long-range master planning process to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our members for years to come.
As I mentioned in my recent letter outlining the membership engagement process, your feedback is a crucial part of the planning process. Focus groups will be held in early November, followed by a member-wide survey and open houses. This is a long-term project, with years of work ahead, but these early steps will help us shape the future of the Club—thinking not just about mandatory updates but also how we want to enjoy this space for the next 30 years and beyond. What legacy do we want to leave for our families and future members? These are big, important questions, and I’m excited to embark on this journey with you.
Thank you once again for being part of this remarkable community, and I hope you enjoy this very special edition of The Bark. I look forward to seeing you around the Club soon.
Warm regards,
Brooke Moss club president president@arbutusclub.com
TRUE OR FALSE QUIZ
1. Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh visited The Arbutus Club in 1969
2. The land that The Club is situated on used to be the Quilchena Golf Course
3. When The Club was recruiting its first members, the membership fee was $1500
4. In the original plans for The Arbutus Club, there was supposed to be a rifle range
GAZETTE
Hint: 16 across Members: Nicole Erickson, Diana Cowan, and Jennifer White
5. Mrs. EV “Billie” Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame
6. The Club address used to be 4226 Arbutus St
7. The Club always had at least one elevator
8. The Arbutus Club property was purchased for $200,000 in 1959
9. The Shoppe, The Arbutus Studios, and The Rooftop Patio were constructed in 2002
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across
1. NHL team city that practiced with the Vancouver Canucks at The Club
3. Another name for arbutus trees
7. Canadian hockey player, nicknamed “Mr. Hockey,” that visited The Club in 1967 (2 words)
9. The Club’s hockey team name
10. The Arbutus synchronized swimmers were also known as the Vancouver _____________
12. Last name of The Club’s founding member
14. First sports facility available to members (2 words)
16. Mr. George ________ was The Club’s concierge “aka” front entrance security
Down
1. Club Motto (3 words)
2. Holiday tradition at The Club (2 words)
4. Number of pages in the first Bark issue
5. Monthly Club newsletter (3 words)
6. Program that started in The Club’s basement
8. Last name of the first Club President
11. Old South Gymnasium (2 words)
13. Last name of the first female Club President
15. Martial art program at The Club
BILLIE
We owe our success to Billie Mitchell, whose vision and dedication made this Club a reality. From its humble beginnings, Billie’s efforts transformed The Arbutus Club into a cornerstone of social and recreational life.
We celebrate her legacy and look forward to continuing her mission for years to come.
Here's a touching letter from The Club's archives, where Billie Mitchell provides a nostalgic glimpse into the efforts and dreams of the founding members. From initial discussions and securing the site, to the challenges faced and the eventual establishment of The Club, Billie's narrative beautifully captures the spirit and dedication that brought The Arbutus Club to life.
On the way home from a skating session at the Forum, I mentioned to Arleen King the fact that it was time the City of Vancouver had a private club. If the North Shore could support one, surely a city of our size could. Arleen suggested I get in touch with Tom Killin, as this had been a dream of his too.
This was one time I did not procrastinate, and I phoned Tom right away. He and his wife, Norma, and I met. We talked over the ideas and decided we had something worthwhile to pursue.
During one of the early discussions Norma's brother, Bill Henson, appeared on the scene. His ears perked up and suggested that if we would consider a small bore rifle range as one of the facilities he could be interested. We decided right there and then to have a rifle range. Bill soon joined
up by paying his initiation fee of $25 and his membership fee of $1,000 to be redeemable whenever. The rifle range is now the nursery.
Tom, Norma and I shopped extensively for a site. One day in the spring of 1960, I spotted the building on Tenth Avenue and Arbutus Street. The owners were Domtar. It was about time for me to leave with my family to go to Lake Placid, New York for their summer skating session - as the Domtar head office was in Montreal, I volunteered to pay them a visit.
I negotiated my best effort ever with the secretary, a Mr. Kerr. I was able to get a six month option on the property which was listed at $200,000 with no money involved. Tom Killin soon involved Frank Anderson and Mark Sharp, Architects. They were
most interested in the project and were very keen to get to the drawing board. Several plans were drawn up for the restructure of the building. Weekend pastimes for the nucleus group was to hold open houses on the site. Donuts, 'five cents a piece’, were given along with a cup of coffee by an able crew led by Barbara Bonnell. The rest of us took on tour duty, and even had a sheet of artificial ice on display. Ina Watters was soon delegated into the role of secretary and records keeper. General interest was shown whereby we enrolled enough members to generate $200,000 and stimulated the real estate industry to the degree of producing a purchaser. It was a case of buy or move.
THE STORY OF THE ARBUTUS CLUB
We decided we should look for a better site but it was time to form a society. In order to do so we needed a name.
Being as we were on Arbutus Street it was determined to name the club "The Arbutus Club" and Bill Henson was named our first president.
Once we got our Charter, an application was made to the Canadian Figure Skating Association for membership. No ice as yet but we were accepted.
It was necessary for us to establish an office of sorts. Harold Gavin and Bob Orr came to the rescue with vacant ones. After we got the office cleaned and in working order, invariably it would be rented. In the meantime, we were still seeking out sites. They were either too expensive, not the right locale or not big enough. The S.W. corner of 25th & Arbutus was suggested but Tom felt there could be problems regarding drainage, etc. I then suggested the current site. We were concerned about the size, but 7 acres sounded pretty big then. We thought we had a good argument because it was felt no one would really want to build a multi-thousand dollar home next to a power station.
While property was being pursued we held dances and coffee parties to boost our membership. George Donaldson was the one who was able to complete the purchase for $200,000. The property was obtained, and cash was paid by the dues paid by the Charter Members.
There were a number of objections from neighbours on Pine Crescent as they did not want to have the aroma of fish & chips at their front door. There were also two people in particular who did not wish the money to be used for purchase; however, they were soon outvoted.
As the property was obtained, Tom reported having seen a burnt out garage somewhere. Upon inquiry and scrounging up $500, we had it moved to the S.W. corner of the property. Great work crews organized replacing charred boards, broken windows, and digging sewers and drainage.
A manager, Don MacDonald, was hired and a paid secretary. Not sure how we paid them, but we kept on collecting $25 initiation fees. Great plans were drawn up by Anderson and Sharp and were approved by city hall but unfortunately the need of money prevailed. Dominion Construction with the late Doug Sutcliffe came into the picture. Plans had to be scrapped as their architect, Mr. Musson, was assigned the task to develop the design.
From day one, back in the late 50's, we had grandiose ideas and wanted an overall structure designed to facilitate all phases of family participation.
A design that could be built in phases should the money not be available to do all at once. Initially the cost overall was to be one million to one million and a quarter. The four phases planned out but the million-dollar budget got lost in the shuffle. Mr. Musson did go onto winning an award for the design.
In the first instance, we figure skaters did not want to think of hockey players, but we did concede. Then the curlers came along and gave us a real shot in the arm. Racquet sports were an unknown quantity, but when the time came for the "burned out office'' to be removed (I believe it was sold for a profit) Don suggested putting in tennis courts on the corner in lieu of landscaping.
As plans developed, handball and racquetball became a reality. Curling, which was the sport that swelled the membership and became the mainstay of how The Arbutus Club really took off, is now a little less active, and as all of you know, the racquet sports are just bouncing along. The logo was designed, it is featured in the tile wall in the main entrance. The Colours green and gold were determined and the newsletter later developed into "The Bark".
Finally, in the fall of 1964, we were in business; we had members, a sheet of ice, shared by curlers 3 days a week, and hockey and skating four days a week. In the fall of 1966 curling ice was opened, and everyone was happy.
As The Club grew and rooms were becoming more abundant, it was decided they should each be identified by name. The names are all relative to the locale. You may or may not be aware but at one time this whole area was the beautiful 18th hole of the Quilchena Golf Course. The turning of the sod for the building in the spring of 1964, was on the l6th hole. Quilchena was the name of the station on the interurban line, which was the means of transportation from Marpole to Davie Street and Seymour Street in Vancouver.
It is very rewarding to have witnessed the growth and development of The Arbutus Club, which has been brought about by the dedication and participation of your different Boards of Directors, members, and by the momentum that is now apparent. My hope and wish is that The Club will always thrive and be successful.
On behalf of the founding members, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all of you for developing our dream.
Billie
HISTORY MILESTONES
founding members
Billie and her recruits enroll enough members to generate $200,000 for the land sale and construction project.
the sod turning ceremony
The First Arbutus Club President, Bill Henson, joins Billie Mitchell and Senior Management at the sod turning ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of The Club.
the land
The Arbutus Club purchases property at the corner of Nanton Avenue and Arbutus Street, bringing Billie's idea one step closer to fruition.
construction continues
With members enjoying the ice rink, construction continues to include a swimming pool, nursery, tennis courts, and dining areas.
expansion phase 1
Focused on being the foremost family-oriented private club in Vancouver, The Club expands to include a gymnasium, health spa, sports shop, curling sheets, and racquet courts.
expansion phase 3
The Tennis Building opens its doors to members, bringing indoor courts to The Club.
expansion phase 5
The Arbutus 2020 infrastructure expansion and improvement project is completed, building upon our historical roots and growing our tomorrow.
expansion phase 2
Growth continues with the official opening of a new cafeteria, racquetball courts, and the Quilchena Terrace with its adjoining patio.
1966
Doug Sutcliffe (Dominion Construction), Mussen (architect), and George Atherton (Director) being presented an award of design excellence from the Institute of Architecture for The Arbutus Club.
expansion phase 4
The Club undergoes an expansion with the construction of The Shoppe, Arbutus Studios, The Rooftop, Physiotherapy, and a parkade.
looking forward
Check out page 54 to see what the next generation of members are dreaming up for The Arbutus Club's future.
1959 | Granville Street
Vancouver Archives, Photographer: B.C. Jennings
In 1964, the Beatles dominated the music scene with hits like "I Want to Hold Your Hand," while movies such as "Mary Poppins" captivated audiences. It was also the year The Arbutus Club opened its doors, marking the start of a cherished community for its members.
Quilchena Golf & Country Club
The land now home to The Arbutus Club was originally known by Indigenous peoples as “Quilchena,” meaning running water, sweet water, or many waters.
In 1925, a fifteen-member committee led by Dr. G.F. Strong founded the Quilchena Golf & Country Club on what is now The Arbutus Club property, choosing the name “Quilchena” as a tribute to the land’s natural characteristics.
Westward View at the Intersection of 16th Avenue and Arbutus Street
Discover the fascinating past of the Arbutus area with this collection of photos from The City of Vancouver Archives, spanning the 1930s to the 1970s. From the original Quilchena Golf Course, now the site of The Arbutus Club, to the distinctive streets of the 1960s, these images capture the evolution of this iconic neighborhood.
2200 Arbutus Street Arbutus Grocery
THE ARCHIVES
The Arbutus Club is proud to maintain an extensive collection of archival photos that capture and preserve the rich history of our community. These images offer a glimpse into The Club’s storied past and the cherished moments shared by our members over the decades.
If you have exceptional photos taken at The Arbutus Club, we would be delighted to include them in our collection. Please email them to communications@arbutusclub.com, or better yet, feel free to bring them to the administrative offices on Level Two. Your contributions help us keep our history alive for future generations.
Member Stories
For generations, The Arbutus Club has been more than just a place to work out, relax, or socialize—it’s been a cornerstone of countless personal journeys. From lifelong friendships to transformative wellness experiences, members have long shared how The Club has enriched their lives in ways both expected and unexpected. In this special feature, we invite you to explore heartfelt stories submitted by our members, reflecting on the deep connections and cherished memories they’ve made within these walls.
by rooky driver
When I first joined The
I didn't realize then, that sum would yield a return far exceeding any fund manager’s wildest expectations.
Arbutus Club
(“The Club”) circa 1981, I wrote eight post-dated cheques to pay the initiation fee.
The Club roster was much shorter then, and the facilities were extremely limited compared to what we have today, approximately 43 years later. Walking into The Club now feels like entering our local “Village Square” – the welcome at the front door begins a wonderful and unique experience.
The Club is a vibrant, warm haven where community and wellness converge. It pulses with life throughout the year, offering members a wealth of activities and services.
In the colder months, the ice rink comes alive with families enjoying skating and ice hockey, including both lessons and friendly competitions.
The Fitness Centre, a modern marvel designed to meet individual goals, boasts an array of equipment for every workout, from intense weight training to various fitness classes, calming Pilates, and yoga. Uncrowded and friendly, the facility also includes specialized areas for physiotherapy, kinesiology, and acupuncture, ensuring every need is met with expert care.
Wellness is at the forefront, with a full-service spa offering everything from therapeutic massages to soothing skincare treatments.
After a swim in the indoor pool—featuring a lifeguard, a tot pool, diving pool, hot tub, swim lessons, aqua fit classes, and swim lanes—one can unwind in the men’s and ladies’ lounges, each equipped with TVs, towels, hairdryers, and upscale toiletries. There is also an additional adult hot tub and steam room in the spa area.
For those seeking recreational sports, the Village Square provides facilities for basketball, pickleball, tennis, badminton, squash, and more, with well-qualified coaches offering group and individual lessons.
Weekly Mahjong group with long-time friends.
Front table L-R: Joan Beatty, Claire Andruff, Rooky Driver, Mary-Lynn Kaulius, Valerie Whitchelo. Back table L-R: Sarah Goodman, Andrea Dow, Carol Flowers, Cindy Tesky
There is also a music and dance wing, along with childminding services, and even a preschool.
The Shaughnessy (Youth) Room and children’s play areas buzz with energy due to the varied equipment available for fun experiences throughout the day, allowing parents and grandparents to socialize while the children play.
The boardroom and banquet rooms cater to those in need of professional spaces, with options for catering and technology integration, ideal for weddings, celebrations of life, birthdays, and corporate events.
Culinary variety ranges from fine dining to a cozy coffee bar/bistro, a lively pub, and a rooftop open-air dining space, which often features wine tastings and musical performances during the summer months.
In the Village Square, a variety of daily publications are available on The Club app for our reading pleasure. Reading the paper with a morning beverage from the coffee bar feels just like being in our own kitchen.
The Village Square also houses The Shoppe, where members can find a range of items from daily essentials to unique gifts.
Conveniences such as parcel pickup, dry cleaning, skate sharpening, car washes, car detailing, and other services are all readily accessible.
The Club also publishes a seasonal glossy magazine, “The Bark” (named after the Arbutus tree), keeping members informed about upcoming events and news. The Village Square participants also have the opportunity to advertise their local businesses, maximizing the use of services available in our community. Complementing The Bark, the “Around The Club” newsletter provides updates from the management team about Club operations.
In the Village Square, the warmth of community extends beyond the physical spaces and into the hearts of its people. Most staff members, whether senior or junior, regardless of their role, know the faces and stories of individual members.
The Arbutus Club staff ensure a warm greeting and are always ready to help.
They are an integral part of our lives, consistently going above and beyond to accommodate the needs and desires of the community. We know them well and look forward to engaging with them as we enjoy our time around The Club.
This Village Square is home to at least three generations of families, each contributing to the rich social fabric. Grandparents pass down stories and traditions to their grandchildren, ensuring that the wisdom of the past is never lost.
Parents, balancing work and family, find support in neighbours who’ve known them since childhood. There are abundant venues for members working from home, including well-equipped desks and cubicles. Parents can work while their children participate in activities—under the same roof and well cared for. Children, full of energy and dreams, learn the values of community and cooperation from an early age. This intergenerational bond holds the Village Square together, securing its future while honouring its past.
This Village Square is more than just a place—it’s a lifestyle, with reciprocal affiliations to similar communities worldwide, ensuring that wherever you go, a home away from home is always near. In this close-knit environment, the Village Square embodies shared lives, where every interaction strengthens the enduring connections that make this community special.
What more could we ask for than the comfort of belonging to The Arbutus Club, a non-hierarchical community integral to our daily lives, providing an unparalleled lifestyle enhancement?
by robyn robinson
Back in the 1960s (when I was 10 years old), my father sat the four of us kids down and told us we had a choice to make.
We could either continue going to Shuswap Lake for our summer holidays, or we could join The Arbutus Club. He then went on to extol its many fabulous features. Guess what we chose? Since then, The Club has become, as it is for so many members, my home away from home.
Summers were the best. The Club offered a multitude of activities, but tennis was what I took up first. It’s not an easy game to learn, but somehow, it just clicked. The tennis pro was Bud Dobson, and he really should be thanked a hundred times over for helping me learn to play a game I have come to love for a lifetime. Bud had a larger-than-life personality, boundless energy, endless patience, and four daughters who often attended lessons to fetch balls hit over the fence. No stray ball could go without being found. And, because the four outdoor courts were located below the parking lot level (where courts 1-4 are now), a lot of balls ended up in the shrubbery up the incline to the lot. Bud’s trademark was zinc ointment on his nose. You could spot that nose a mile away, but we all ended up wearing it too. Bud promoted play. He had an uncanny way of keeping track of dozens of kids, barking out, “Get a drink then play on court 3!” Before you knew it, a morning lesson had turned into a day spent on and off the courts. Such fun!
Hanging out at The Club all day during the summer was just what so many of us kids did—play, eat, swim, repeat. Back then, our parents knew we would be safe and busy for hours, overseen by the watchful eye of who we all thought was in charge: Mr. Rule. He was an older gentleman with a gentle nature, a quiet voice, and extremely high standards. And he ran the front desk. Mr. Rule had an innate way of keeping out non-members and keeping track of the rest of us. You couldn’t get anything by him, no matter where you were, so it was generally decided to not run in the halls and just behave.
Fast forward to the 1980s: Newly married, my husband Bill (also a longtime member) and I joined The Club on a payment plan of $250 per month. We became part of a group of keeners who used a small room buried in the far reaches of the basement: the weightlifting room. And, although rudimentary, it provided a place to build and bond. I started to play Ladies League tennis (yes, it’s been around that long) with a friend of 38 years, whom I still play with weekly.
Fast forward to the 1990s: Our three children were all happy to use The Club for a variety of activities. All were known by name by so many of the staff. How wonderful is that?
Fast forward to 2020: Surviving months of pre-vaccine COVID times became barely bearable by arranging tennis in the bubble and post-game social distancing in front of The Rooftop Patio fireplace.
Fast forward to 2024: Our children and grandchildren are now members. And, in looking back, I realize how fortunate Bill, our family, and I are to be members of such a great facility. Throughout the years, The Club has kept pace with membership needs, offering a wide range of programs geared for all ages. Creating a family feel has been a priority, with parking lot parties and Canada Day celebrations. But the endless list of things to do at The Club cannot outshine the many wonderful employees (many long-timers) who keep The Club running. From the early days to now, my hat is off to the friendly and cheerful people who make us feel at home: reception, food service (The Bistro, The Lounge, The Fireside, The Rooftop, Catering), housekeeping, The Shoppe, The Spa, Club Services, programs, maintenance, landscaping, activity leaders, and management. Excuse me if I have overlooked anyone. It’s one thing to arrive to work, play, socialize, or dine, but it’s another to be recognized and welcomed. I notice you and thank you very much.
I know I speak for many; Happy 60th Birthday to my home away from home!
Thursday Night Tennis Group. L-R: Cynthia Devine, Verna Wu, Robyn Robinson, Lorraine Booth
1970 | Orchestra Rehearsal THE BARK
The Club's Musical Legacy
The Arbutus Club Orchestra was formed in the late 1960s by Ron Rutherford, who brought together a group of passionate and enthusiastic musicians to create a vibrant music group at The Club. Around twenty members would meet every Wednesday evening, year-round, simply for the joy of making music together. Although they were a rehearsal band that played for fun, their performances and twice-yearly dances drew hundreds of Club members and their guests.
In December 1973, the orchestra recorded their own album at Psi Chord Studios in Kitsilano, featuring twelve tracks that showcase saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, stand-up bass, drums, and vocals.
BAND MEMBERS
Ron Rutherford (conductor), Anne Lewis (vocalist), Dave Anslow (manager), Geo Hackett, Don Endacott, Russ Kearns, Stan Lewis, Major Platt, Jack English, Chuck Knott, Frank Turvey, Bill McAvoy, Walter Eurchuk, Grahame Budge, Doug Kent, Harold Baker, Walter Ross, Wally Dyer, Tony Dodd, Bill Evans, Gregg Bonnell, and Stuart Rodgers.
THE INAUGURAL ISSUE | 1961
The very first issue of The Bark was a single typewritten document, its focus on the prospective site for the future Arbutus Club.
Retro Recreation
The Club's Classic Pastimes
Since The '60s
Since 1964, The Arbutus Club has been a vibrant hub, uniting our community through a variety of activities. From the thrill of hockey and the elegance of figure skating to the precision of tennis and the endurance of swimming, these pastimes have shaped The Club's lasting spirit. Additionally, curling and bridge, once prominent among members in The Club’s early years, hold a special place in our history.
1960's | The Arbutus Club Minor Hockey Team
1960s
The Arbutus Club Hockey Team Jersey On loan from Matt Fleur
Late 1970s
The Arbutus Club Hockey Team Jersey On loan from Dave Fairey
Early 1970s
The Arbutus Club Hockey Team Jersey On loan from Dave Fairey
1980s
The Arbutus Club Hockey Team Jersey On loan from Dave Fairey
1990s | Arbutus Hockey School
Special Appearance by Canuck Legends Pavel Bure and Geoff Courtnall
July 4, 1967 | "How to Score A Goal" Presentation.
Gordie Howe Night at The Arbutus Club
Top Image: Contestants diving into the water during a 1968 Arbutus Club Swim Meet
Bottom Image: The 1966 Arbutus Club Competitive Swim Team
October 16, 1965 |
Synchronized swimming lessons
L-R: Julie Bird, Andrea Jestley and Linda McCarthy with instructor Gael Bisson
|
1967
Club Champions at the Zone Entry
L-R: Alice Youell, Pat Hodgson, June McCurdy, and Eddie Tyrell
Top Image: November 25, 1971 | British Columbia Centennial Bonspiel
Middle Image: November 1966 | Mixed action on the new curling rink
Bottom Image: January 1997 | Alan Chou
Top Image: Parent and Child Tennis Tournament
Bottom Image: June 1982 | Marc Paris & Jim Gordan
Top Image: April 24, 1982 | Opening Day. Judy Robertson Bottom Image: Karen Eng
Top Image: 1965 | Figure Skating Coaches. L-R: Jocelyn Davidson, Hellmuth May, Marilee Rutley
Bottom Image: Professional Alex McGowan with this class on ice. Back Row L-R: Nora Poirier, Debbie Collins, Barbara Wall, Debbie Barter. Front Row L-R: Sylvia Mowatt, Kelly Busch, Kevin Busch, Carol Lee, Coleen Barter
March 18, 1968 Winners of the first Club
Figure Skating Competition.
L-R: Debbie Collins, Nora Poirier, Linda Thorne, Bonnie Bell, Sylvia Mowatt
1968 | Club Bridge Champions
Jean Hay and Ethel Bentley
1968 | Club Bridge Champions
Phill Wood, Cam Cameron, Bev Mare, and Joan Briks
What would you order?
Take a look at the menu that was offered in 1970 in what is now The Fireside.
TASTY APPETIZERS
DINING ROOM
Strait of Juan de Fuca Baby Shrimp Cocktail
Chefs Salad Plate Arbutus
Escargots Imperiale delicately cooked in garlic butter and served on a bed of hot coarse salt
Half Dozen Pender Harbour Oysters on the half shell served with buttered rye bread or hot garlic bread
SUCCULENT SEAFOODS
Deep Sea Scallops "Provencale" gently sautéed with a hint of parsley and garlic
Crab Thermidor
scrumptious crab chunks cooked in rich cheese and wine sauce, served in a crab shell
Whole Dover Sole "Supreme" delicately filleted, breaded, seasoned, and sautéed, served with maitre'd butter
Banquet of The Sea
deep fried oysters, scallops, and fan tail shrimps, done to a golden brown
HOUSE SPECIALTIES
Double Loin Lamb Chops broiled to retain natural flavour and juices, mint jelly
Chicken Henry VIII
young capon breast stuffed with cheddar cheese and Canadian bacon, sautéed in butter
Tournadoes Rossini
two juicy bacon wrapped filets of beef topped with foie gras and Madeira sauce
Chateau Briand Bouquetiere for Two for that special occasion, double filet of beef cooked to your order. French served at your table with a bouquet of garden vegetables and noisette potatoes
LA CARTE VEGETABLES
Asparagus Tips "Bernaise
Sautéed Wild Mushroom "Provencale"
French Fried Onion Rings
Sliced Tomatoes or Spanish Onion
FROM THE CHARCOAL STEAK PIT
Choice Cut Boneless Strip Sirloin broiled to your order
Filet Mignon juicy beef tenderloin, broiled to please any palate
Sirloin Steak Au Poivre generous strip sirloin marinated in brandy and red wine, seasoned with coarse ground black pepper
Steak Diane thin beef tenderloin medallions sautéed with green peppers, mushrooms, and onions, set off with a touch of spices and a dash of sherry
TEMPTING DESSERTS
Hot Apple Pie Topped with Tangy Cheddar Cheese
Blueberry Pie Topped with Sour Cream
Fruit Jello with Whipped Cream
Delicious Peach Melba
Baked Alaska for Two
Liqueur Parfait creme de menthe, triple sec, or tia maria
entrees include potage du jour, garden vegetables, crusty rolls or hot garlic bread, and beverage
The Arbutus Club has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the years. Join us as we journey through time, exploring the dynamic changes in The Club's design and layout over the past six decades.
Top Left: The Tennis Courts in 1965
Top Right: Dining Room in 1968
Middle Left: The Bistro in the 1960s
Middle Right: Women's Health Club in the "Pool" in 1968
Bottom Left: Parking Lot in 1966
Bottom Right: Childminding in 1966
Top: The Youth Room in 1998
Middle Left: The Bistro in 1995
Middle Right: The Lounge in 1995
Bottom Left: Curling Rink in 1998
Bottom Right: Reception in 1998
A Fine Vintage
Fashion Trends
Over the years, The Club has seen a variety of fashion trends, reflecting the changing times in both sports and social gatherings. From classic elegance to bold and casual styles, each era has brought its own unique flair to the community.
Gatherings To Remember Club Events Through The Years
Our Club's rich history is marked by countless memorable events, each contributing to the strong sense of togetherness that defines us. From festive celebrations to milestone anniversaries, these moments have shaped our community and continue to bring us together year after year.
President John Toogood crowning the Ice Carnival Queen Barb Auckland, with the bearer Julie Hamilton in attendance.
The Arbutus Club Bingo Event
The Arbutus Club 10 th Anniversary
Day Pancake Breakfast
The Arbutus Club Fashion Show
THE NEXT 60
What does AI think?
This image shows how an artificial intelligence program thinks The Arbutus Club will look in a thousand years.
We asked members, particularly our young members, to share ideas about what they imagine The Arbutus Club will be like in 60 years! Through multiple fun activity sheets, members were able to share what they think the future of The Club will look like—and we received some pretty creative responses.
It was a great way for everyone to dream about how things could evolve and what our future generations would like to see... like unicorn pasta in The Bistro.
TECH
By: Jonah, Age 11
Robotic Youth Leaders
By: Abby, Age 8
By: Liv, Age 11
REC
What new hobbies or sports will members enjoy?
Rooftop Pool
High Dive
Water Polo
Flying Sports
Golfing
Cold Plunge
Soccer Team
Indoor Skiing
Long Jumping
Climbing Room
Pickleball Specific Courts
By: Valentine, Age 9
By: Logan, Age 10
By: John
GRUB
What kind of food will members want to eat at The Club?
By: Scott, Age 15
By: Annika, Age 10
Shawarma
Slushies
Ramen
Drinks
TRUE OR FALSE ANSWERS
1. TRUE. Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh visited The Arbutus Club in 1969 for lunch.
2. TRUE. The land that The Arbutus Club is situated on used to be the Quilchena Golf Course.
3. FALSE. When The Club was recruiting its first members, the membership fee was $1000, not $1500.
4. TRUE. Early concept drawings for The Arbutus Club included a rifle range.
5. TRUE. Mrs. EV “Billie” Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
6. TRUE. The Club address used to be 4226 Arbutus St.
7. FALSE. The Club did not originally have an elevator.
8. TRUE . The Arbutus Club property was purchased for $200,000 in 1959.
9. FALSE . The Shoppe, The Arbutus Studios, and The Rooftop Patio were constructed in 2008, not 2002.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
A cr O ss
1. Pittsburgh
3. Madrones
7. Gordie Howe
9. Avalanche
10. Aquasonics
12. Mitchell
14. Ice Rink
16. Rule
d O wn
1. Putting Families First
2. Christmas Train
4. One
5. Around The Club
6. Dance
8. Henson
11. Curling Rink
13. West
15. Karate
If you are a member interested in advertising your business in The Bark, please email the Communications Department for more information on our advertising policies, payment, and ad specifications.
communications@arbutusclub.com
Stanley E. Chiu Vice President
Justin J. Chiu Vice President
