THANKS for stopping by, I do my best to acknowledge when someone leaves a comment,you do not have to be a member here & everyone is welcome.
Ps: This site is monitored but not actively posting on a regular basis. Mostly these are stories & some photos saved from a defunct site known as Verdun Connections which was on MSN Groups initially then on a social network called Multiply.
Hi JM: I don't know this street but judging from how close the house is to the sidewalk, I would say it is a strreet east of Church avenue, as it has similar looks to many Pointe St Charles locations. Ralph.
Hey JM Was that picture taken facing West Or East ? It is the next street from Church Ave. You can see the Church . That's a picture of the school on Galt . You sure taken a good pictures . Maybe Dave may object to those .Steve
Hi Ralph (mpu) ! Finally, on Sunday, July 31st, 2005, I rode on a NovaBus LFS in Chicoutmi operated by the Soci챕t챕 de Transport du Saguenay (STS). My first experience on this make of bus ... and the first time I took a municipal bus in the Saguenay since the last 36 years. It was quite a pleasant 15 minute ride. On the photos, you will remark that the STS busses have slightly different interior as compared to these in Montreal (VY1011). Moreover, I tried different seats (including in the rear section over the motor compartment. Slightly noisy !). On this Sunday afternoon, there were about 10 peoples in the bus. I will admit that the comfort of the GMC or Mack busses of my childhood seemed much better ... particularly the seats ... Another unique experience for me was to see a passenger pulling the bell cord for his stop: the last time I witnessed this scene was back in Montreal in 1965 before buying my very first car a Volkswagen 1959. The driver was very kind. All the passengers, except one, quitted the bus at one main stop. As you can see, the remaining passenger seemed to enjoy and relax ... unless it was to relieve his backache. LOL ... (photos in reduced format) JM
Hi JM; Nice pictures of this Novabus. Yes, there does seem to be a few more seats on the drivers side. The long seat just in front of the rear door can fold up to allow a wheelchair to park in this spot. This is the reason for the long vertical blue padded cushion. One reason you did not find the bus too uncomfortable, was because it was not crowded with about forty teenage kids on their way to or from school. This was the case whenever I have taken one in Ville Lasalle. Did you notice that you can also signal the driverby pressing one of many buttons located on the vertical handbars. Another feature I believe, is that once the driver has been signalled, no one else can ring before the next stop. Do you remember when 25 people would keep ringing endlessly, until the driver blew his top? Ralph.
The oldest brewery here in the USA is Yuengling, brewed in Pottsvile, Pennsylvania since 1829. Yuengling is German meaning 'Young Man'. It is pronounced "Ying-Ling'. It is tough to find here in Massachusetts so I don't think you will find it anywhere on the "left" coast, but if you get the opportunity, it is worth the taste! Sharon, it is available in Virginia!
Hello ! Do you recognize this bridge on the Island of Montreal ? ...and the area from which the photo was taken ? Reconnaissez-vous ce pont sur l’Ïle de Montréal et l’endroit d’où la photo a été prise ? JM
Hello JMH ,....I would like to say theat I think it sure looks like the Mercier Bridge in the backgroung, making the picture having been taken from the Indian Reserve,....or one of the small towns close by....... my guess is the picture was taken close to that 'Red Coulored Roof ' just past that bridge you see,and slightly to the left.................? Do you see where I mean? ..........this shot shows the same type of construction ( I think) .........and my guess is you would have to have come across this span to get to where you took the picture...........................Have Fun & Remember Verdun
Les, you’re right ! It’s Mercier Bridge and the photo was taken from Kahnawake. Thanks for the additional pics. The picture I posted came from the Kahnawake website: http://www.kahnawake.com/ JM
Hello JMH ,.....my answer has to be 'I don't Know'.........wheww that's hard to say.......hahahah I'll try to find out , but my guess is it not Willibrord Park,.....although the swings were pretty much the same.......I tried to figure it out by those billboards in the back,...and the only place I can think of would be up around Bannantyne perhhaps closer to where the road turned towards Joseph St,.......mind you, as I say they could be anywhere in Montreal.........I cannot Rememeber where I found them,......I'll try to find out............HF&RV Salute Bonhomme have a good weekend
Les, I remember a small park on Bannantyne (south side), east of Hickson (neighbor of Lalonde Automobile in the 60’s). (re: VY1037) You’re right for post VY1038: Wellington corner Centre. JM
Good morning Sharon ! You’re right BTW, did you know that the « Charlevoix » metro station is the deepest and « de lâEglise » is the second deepest ? JM
Hey JMH in response to your message Verdun Yesteryears#1047 . Is that Street Place D'Armes . The Church in the background would The Notre Dame Cathedral . Great picture .
Steve Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Hi Margo ! You’re right ! It’s the SkyDome (now Rogers Center ). 1 Blue Jay's Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J3 http://www.rogerscentre.com/ Note: The LRT (Light Rapid Transit) train line runs along Queen's Quay from Union Station and stops at Spadina at the south end of Rogers Centre. The LRT also stops at Rees Street. Walk north on Rees from Queen's Quay to north side of Bremner Blvd. JM
Hello JM: This post has nothing to do with Verdun, but more with my interest in trains ( and it seems you have an interest in trains also ). Yesterday, I saw the movie "The Island", which is a very futuristic movie set in the south west USA in 2015 or 2016. What I found intriging were trains that seemed to "float" on electromagnetic fields rather than on steel rails ( sort of similar to a hovercraft on water----remember at Expo 67? ). Anyway, maybe I am just imagining this, but I seem to recall having read about tests with this type of high speed train concept. Have you read or heard anything to this effect? Maybe it was just a dream for me? Ralph.
Good morning Ralph ! Here are some links on maglevs I think you will find interesting ! Chronology of Maglev Transportation Technology in Germany http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/transrapidchron.htm World쨈s most exciting train becomes true. In Bavaria. http://www.magnetbahn-bayern.de/ENGLISH/english.html Maglevs (Magnetically levitated trains) http://www.o-keating.com/hsr/maglev.htm JM
Maglev line in Japan The 42.8km (26.6mile) long Maglev line in Japan called the Yamanashi test line is where the MLX01 is tested. The line was opened in 1996 and with the aim to explore the feasability of maglev trains. This is one of two test lines in Japan, the other called Miyazaki. This is toward the ultimate realization of the Maglev Chuo Shinkansen Line. It was build to test and confirm several things such as miniumum radius curve and steepest gradient and to confirm things such as confortable running at 500km/h (310mph). JM
Would that be Centre & Wellington? Looks like the old City & District in the background. If so, my wife used to live 1 block up on Montmorency at the corner of Grand Trunk.
Hi Alan ! Yes, it is the corner Centre & Wellington (Ref. VY post 1038). I didn’t know that there was a City & District Savings Bank close to that corner. Here is a map of: Les rues et les parcs de Pointe-Saint-Charles Streets and Parks of Point St-Charles JM
Hi Jean Marie, I'm a little late on the Wellington & Center Streets answer but I can say that the bank is on Conde Street and the street to the left is Mullens Street. I'm late because I sent to the question to a friend who grew up in The Point. Funny thing was it turned out to be her old bank-Walter
Hello Bob ! Exactly right for rue St-Jacques (St. James St.) BTW, did you ever try the LRT (Light Rapid Transit) or the ALRV (Articulated Light Rail Vehicle) or the CLRV (Canadian Light Rail Vehicle) in Toronto ? If so, how is the comfort ? JM
Hi Fresco750, Don't forget that Charlie's Tavern was on the corner across from the bank, on Conde & Center. It was a fun place to have a few. Lots of very interesting people frequented there. Danny
Hello ! I think that the Montreal Stock Yards Building (photo 1969) and the Grand Trunk Railway....(Photo from The Daily Telegraph, 1913) is the same building (after transformations over the years ). BUT I AM NOT SURE ! Is there someone who knows Point St. Charles and can shed some historical light on the subject ? JM
Hi Danny, I was telling my wife about Montreal taverns that used to sell the hard boiled eggs from that big pickle jar. I don't think she bought it however when we moved to Florida we met a new neighbor from Quebec City who confirmed it. This guy used to even eat the eggs. I've always just stuck to beer consumption in taverns. Then a second confirmation when we were shopping in Sam's Club and I spotted a huge big pickle jar full of pickled eggs. Sam's probably carries it for all us retired Canucks who have descended on Florida-Walter
Hi Fresco, I don't mind the eggs but prefer the pickled tongue. You don't see the eggs or tongue as much as in previous years. Taverns you do not here that name anymore. It is mostly Brasserie's or Resto Bars. Danny
Hi again Fresco, I seen your post where you have mentioned the new soft drink Dr. Pepper, do you remember the first diet drink called Tab only 1 calorie per bottle. It was such a big deal back then that all the girls were drinking it and watching the scales. Now everybody is watching the scales ands trying to cash in on dieting. Danny
Every time I head to Montreal, I get smoked meat on Centre St in the Point to bring back home as well as a bottle of eggs & pickled tongues. Add a 24 of Export and its just like what I used to eat at the taverns! You should try it... after a couple I can't help but reminisce about the old days! Mind you, the pollution index in Boston is usually escalated in Boston for the next couple of days!
Hi Walter, Although I did not frequent Uncle T.A Verne's establishments I am familar with pickled eggs. My Mom used to make them for my Dad. I think that will be a project for tomorrow. Have not made any in a long time.
OMG - picked eggs and beer that would be enough to create smog. I noticed that there were a lot of resto bars in Quebec this past trip back but didnt know they were replacement for taverns. Gee my father and the rest of the guys he worked with at the CNR Bonaventure would be turning in their grave - can hear them now is nothing sacred. A tavern was comparable to the sanctuary refugees get when they take up residence in a Church - boy if your husband or old man was in the tavern he was untouchable and the guy who answered the phone always said sorry ma'am he isnt here but if he shows up I will make sure to give him the message - yeah sure.
Morning Alan A. Well glad to see you've mentioned the pickled tongue, I was starting to wonder if you guys ever tasted it between the brewsters. I remember havng them out at Colford's Lodge with thier homemade peanut butter cookies and they were great along with the pickled eggs. Of course I was the only one brave enough to try the tongue. Have Fun & Remember Verdun Keep Young Tiny Tina
When I first started working for the Royal Bank, I used to take computer tapes with critical data to the vault in the basement of 360 a couple of time a day. We would enter by Dollard Lane to use the elevator and frequently would have to wait for Brinks or vice versa. On day we were told to hurry as Brinks were waiting and in a hurry. Just after we left, they pulled in, a van pulled in behind them and another backed in from St Jacques. They were boxed in and the one in front opened the back doors and there was an anti aircraft gun mounted in the van mounted inside. The robbers were only seen to have one other weapon, small hand gun. If I remember, their take was the highest ever taken with a single handgun seeing the anti-aircraft gun was inoperable.
Colford's Lodge? Lachute?? I think I might have sampled some of the goodies there myself... on my way to our cottage at Lake Harrington in Lakeview. Haven't thought of that in a LONG time!
I am not sure if they were caught or not. I know we were questioned by police if we saw anything out of the ordinary while we were there. They even questioned our cab driver... his name was Marcel LeClair, a former Golden Gloves Champ and was known in the Montreal area for the dashboard of his cab. It was covered in coins from all over the world that he was given by customers usually aftere he picked them up at Dorval Airport. Funny, I remember the cab driver but no idea if they were ever caught!
Hi Danny, I used to love Clarks jellied tonge. Remember that? It came in that big can. Clarks stopped making it about twenty years ago. I wonder if Clarks is still in business? Walter
Hi Alan, I could almost do that here. TooJays deli has corned beef which is close to smoked meat. I have LaBatt's Blue in the fridge, Molson & Moosehead are also sold down here. Sam's Club has the pickled eggs. If you can mess up the pollution index in Boston, think of what I can do in the much smaller city of West Palm Beach-Walter
Hi Ruth, How are things upstate? Good luck with the pickled eggs. I'm sure they'll be great. Remember when you don't feel like cooking, pickled eggs are on sale in big jars at Sam's Club. Did they close many Winn Dixie stores by you? We live close to two of them. One closed, one stayed open. WalMart is opening grocery stores in Cape Coral, Florida. They only sell groceries, not clothes and everything else. Hope all's well, Walter
Hi again Danny, Yes I do remember Tab. It was nasty. I still see Tab on sale in cans. I also remember the first Diet Pepsi. It was called Diet Patio Cola. 7up had a diet lemon lime drink in Montreal called LIKE. Later when I moved to New York, 7up tried to introduce a cola drink and they called it LIKE. Only Tab remains, Diet Patio Cola & LIKE are long gone. Or should I say they FIZZLED out !!! Walter
Fresco 750: I liked "Like".................... .......but I preferred "Uptown" mpu. My favorite soft drinks are Root Beer (A&W), Spruce Beer, and Dr.Pepper.....
Kik cola I remember as being a bit on the coarse/rough/cheap side as opposed to the smoothness of the big names. This was probably just a result of the intense advertising of the big names. I don't remember Jumbo cola. Royal Crown cola, I do remember, as well as Ice Castle, the store name brand of Steinbergs, which we usually had due to the low price. I also remember Allan's with their almost unlimited range of flavours. My favorites were Nectar and Pineapple. Ralph.
Hi Ruth; I have tried the Lime Coke as well as the Lime Pepsi. They are both very good. I have not tried them with Rum, but almost anything tastes good with Rum. When I went to Cuba a few years ago, Pina Coladas were a main part of my "diet"
Hi Ruth, I have tried both diet & regular Lime Coke. I love it but I think the diet Lime Pepsi & regular Lime Pepsi has a bolder taste. This week Winn Dixie has two 12 packs of Royal Crown Cola for $3.98. Buy one for $3.98 and get the second 12 pack for free. What to do? I've really taken to Lime Pepsi. Royal Crown Cola tastes great though, so maybe I'll go for the Winn Dixie RC special this week. It's a tough life being retired and having to make decisions such as which cola to purchase. Walter
Ruth, do you remember the old Coca-Cola plant in downtown Plattsburg near the Chazy River? I had a tour of that plant once. Pepsi's bottling plant was in Keeseville, New York. 1998 was the last time I was in Plattsburg. Coke had moved to a new location north of Plattsburg. Pepsi was still in Keeseville but had done a huge expansion of their original bottling works. The good old days when Coke & Pepsi came in glass returnable bottles. Walter
HELLO: LETS MAKE SOME NOISE HERE>..............This is only the 12th post on VC today. Where is everybody??????????? Ralph. PS: I have not been able to have access to a camera lately, so therefore I have no photos to post. Sorry, M.P.U.
Two things: Chris, you are undoubtedly....unforgettable! and.............Maybe everyone all of a sudden realized how little is left of summer? Only 14 days til school starts! YIKES!!!!!!!!!
Good Morning Sis & All! School doesn't start up here untill Sept.6th and the kids are dismissed the 1st day at 10:30am. Ah to be a kid these days eh? Have Fun & Remember Verdun Keep Young Tiny Tina P.S. For those who don't know I'm in Powell River.
Hi Danny, I remember Tab and I remember the first Diet Pepsi which was called Diet Patio Cola. 7up had a diet drink called LIKE. 7up also tried LIKE as a regular cola flavor but it didn't work out. I should say is FIZZLED out! Walter
Hi Ruth, How's everything upstate? Remember on the days you don't feel like cooking, Sam's Club has the big jars of pickled eggs. Are they closing many of your Winn Dixie stores? We live between two of them. One is closing, one stays open. WalMart is opening grocery stores in Cape Coral, Florida. Just groceries, not all the other stuff. Hope all's well, Walter
Hi Ralph, I usually took Uptown over 7up. Uptown tasted great and was made by Allans Beverages. Allans also bottled Hires Root Beer for the Montreal region. I loved Hires Root Beer. Hires is hard to find these days. Sometimes I see it in the Mobil Marts or 7 Elevens in Florida. Mostly I have Mug Root Beer these days. I remember Allans Beverages used to have the spruce beer in the green bottles. It was called Biere D'Eppinette du Fabou...something like that. Allans also made Allans Ginger Beer in the brown bottles. Remember Snow White Cream Soda made by Allans? The cream soda in the United States looks like apple juice. I learned down here if you want the white cream soda you have to look for Canada Dry Vanilla Cream Soda. Allans also made Nesbitts Orange, which was fantastic. On my last visit to Montreal I did not see Uptown, Nesbitts, Hires, Snow White, Peers Beverages or Kik-Cola. Amazingly I did see Denis-Cola. In Florida Coca-Cola competes against DrPepper with a soda called MrPibb. It's pretty good, I usually chose it over DrPepper-Walter
Ralph, You're right. Kik-Cola did have a rough taste to it, but it tasted great. Here's your Lime Pepsi which also has a bold taste but is fantastic...
I took my father back home to Verdun this evening, and thought I would recount my trip. After crossing over the Galt bridge from De LaVerendrye, I turned right on Champlain and went towards Desmarchais. I noticed a large sign saying that Wellington Street would be closed from Sept.1st to 4th for yet another sidewalk sale!!!! After dropping off my Dad at his place on Desmarchais I turned right on Bannantyne and went to Woodland. I went up Woodland towards Champlain. I noticed at Woodland Toyota a Verdun municipal car that was quite smashed up all along the left hand side. Oh, well there must be enough tax money to cover another one. I also noticed the body shop just below Champlain that had a bad fire earlier this year. The house next door is still all boarded up, and there are still a couple of auto "victims" parked on the vacant lot. Anyway, I turned left on Champlain and merged onto Beurling. When I reached OMA'S, I thought, I might as well go in as I had never been before. Although there was a no parking sign in front, I put on my 4way flashers and got out of my car anyway. As soon as I got out of the car, I noticed three "weathered" women sitting in front of the building. One kept repeating "any change, any change, any change,???" another one made motions like wanting a cigarette, but I could not understand her babbling as she did not have any teeth(must have been a client of Dr.Mollot), the third one just kept searching in her bag. I went in the store. It could have been any one of the many variety stores I have been in in my life. There was a certain smell, a certain creaking of the floors, a very closeness of the aisles. I thought for a moment I would find a classic soft drink in the cooler, but had to settle for a diet Dr.Pepper. I went to the cash, and was served by a very pleasant East Asian woman. This helped bring me back to the present. Then I noticed the wooden and glass panelled counter. Behind the glass was hundreds of small bags of candy. On the counter was a big jar full of bubble gum, some containers of red licorice twists, other assorted goodies. I was in candy lovers heaven. When I snapped out of it, I went outside and was met by the same three women with the same three actions as when I arrived. Then I went down Stephens to Lasalle Blvd. Turned left on Lasalle while taking a long look at the Nat. Continued east on Lasalle till the famous Beatty, Osborne, Egan crossover, took a look at the tennis courts, there were only a couple in use. Merged onto Wellington and went VERY SLOW to Church. Turned left on Church and went up towards Champlain noticing Ecole Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs, the empty lot at Verdun, Trevi Pizza, Mammy's Fish & Chips, finally crossed over the bridge and proceeded to take the autoroutes back to my home in Deux Montagnes. I apologize if this is boring to anyone, but for me it was a great trip down memory lane. Ralph aka MPU
Thanks for the trip report. I wonder if, years ago, women (or men) like these 3 would have been "begging". I can't remember that ever being the case. Do you think there are more needy people these days, or are they just more obvious? Cheers, Linda
Hi Linda; I am not sure if there are more needy people today, but there is no question that they are almost everywhere. When driving to work, (usually down Papineau and over to JC bridge) there are beggars at a few intersections from Sherbrooke down. The same can be found on St.Denis, St.Laurent, Viger, and many other streets in the lower Montreal area. The Metro stations are very much "home" to the lesser fortunate of our city. Another type of activity which is very prevalent and sometimes very annoying are the "Squeegie Kids" that come to your car to wash your windshield, and expect a bit of change. Sometimes they are very aggresive. Ralph.
Hi Ralph, I enjoyed the account of your trip back to Verdun. I have a fondness for your present home in Deux Montagnes. In the fifties we would ride the CNR electric trolley train to Deux Montagnes. We would swim in the lake but I can't remember the walk from the station to the lake. I remember swimming there a couple of times and the lake had a lot of pollution. I hope that problem is fixed. I can remember we would walk out on the tracks & on to the railroad bridge. That was scary but no one wanted to chicken out. Those trains had loud horns and I loved that the sound would echo off the apartment buildings in Pierefonds. The train passed a golf course and golfers didn't look happy when that horn went off. Sometimes we would transfer to a diesel train in Deux Montagnes that had about five very old cars. The diesel train went north of Deux Montagnes then turned south and ran through the woods past a lot of cottages. We'd stay on until the last stop where there was a sand quarry where we would swim. I remember talking to a guy in a restaurant by the Deux Montagnes station. He owned the grocery store, restaurant, some apartments and he had plans to buy a lot more. He offered us jobs in the grocery store. I often wondered if he ended up owning most of Deux Montagnes. Sometimes we rode the CNR train from Central Station to Cartierville when going to Belmont Park. Remember there was that little spur track that ran from Val Royal to Cartierville. There was an Engineer named Hawkins on the CNR Deux Montagnes line that would let us ride in the front car cab with him. He was great. There was a Conductor names Art who'd tell us to keep our tickets for the next ride. I have many fond memories of Deux Montagnes and that great CNR train ride there. Hope you're having a great summer in Deux Montagnes-Walter
Hi Walter; Yes, Deux Montagnes is very nice. We have lived here for 20+ years. The trains have changed a lot in 20 years. They don't blow there horns any more because of the nuisance to the people living close to the tracks. So far, I believe only two women have been killed since this change, so I guess the City & CN are OK with the change. old locomotive on display in front of new train station near 640 autoroute.... new trains built by Bombardier....very comfortable, heated, air conditioned, faster, more reliable, (although not 100% reliable). Do you remember the unbearable heat in the old coaches, or if you ever took one in the winter, the absence of heat? The old bridge is still there but now there is a dam built alongside to control flooding in the spring, so people can walk, bicycle, fish, etc., from this dam rather than risk their lives on the old trestle bridge. As far as freight trains, there is only one a week I believe, usually on Sunday night, and it passes fairly slow through all of its DM route. Do you remember when DM was called St.Eustache sur le Lac? Until 1963 I believe. Will write more later. As the saying goes....I OWE, I OWE, so off to work I go. Ralph.
Hi Ralph, I remember when Deux Montagnes was called St Eustache sur le Lac & Lake of Two Mountains for the lake. When I was a kid our neighbors the Wurtele Family had relatives in St Eustache and I was lucky enough that they took me up there a lot. The swimming was great and the Wurtele's relatives grew rhubarb in their garden. St Eustache was where I first tasted rhubarb. In those days we would take the CNR train to St Sauveur for vacation and stay in Miss Paquette's boarding house. Usually one summer trip & one winter ski trip weekend. The CNR train to St Sauveur went through the Mt Royal tunnel, changed from electric engine to steam engine at Val Royal & then went through St Eustache on it's way to St Sauveur. I have never been on the nice new trains you have now. Remember in the fifties those MU (multiple unit) cars were new. The rush hour service brought out the old cars that were pulled by the old electric engines. There was no air conditioning but you could open the windows. The conductors would tell everyone to close the windows at the Mt Royal Tunnel. The scary thing was that after the conductor left & you opened the window again you could see that the Mt Royal tunnel has no cement. It's just carved through rock. I remember listening to the radio on a Sunday evening about 8pm when the CNR MU electric train crashed into a freight train near St Eustache. One MU car was destroyed. Thereafter you would see most trains as a six car MU set however there was one MU train that was a five car set. That being the one involved in the crash. Ralph, you have to count your blessings that you live in such a beautiful area-Walter
MPU great pics..........the golf course ,you mentioned is called what......( did I miss it by speeding through your post)....also I understand the PGA is going to hold something there soon ( I should say at the Royal Montreal) ........oldest golf course in North America (by name,.as it was located closer to montreal ) than ile Bizard at one time.........do I have that right......? in any case Great pictures,.....in one pis there looks to be a house (or at least a small bldg. of sorts ) that links or is built over some sort of bridge.........what is this bldg,? and does someone inhabit this spot......looks like you took the shot from across the river.?...........thanks for the pics//// HF&RV
Good Evening Ralph! No problem with the Trains, I just figured I'd throw in a new topic for the Ladies but so far only you Men have bitten. By the way DM still looks great,I use to go there in the late 70's. Lived in LavalWest from June 76-Dec. 3/77. While there my friends and I use to cross the train bridge quite abit a few times we had to jump into the cement columns,guess we were crazy then. I stay at Fiances Mom's place on 7th Ave then she moved to another place & all I can remember at this time is that it was just below the main street and next door to the Popeyes Club house. There seem to be alot of summer places around there then. Have Fun & Remember Verdun Keep young Tiny Tina
Thank you Ralph & sorry Tina. Ralph, loved the photos. Tina, sorry if all the train talk is driving you LOCO. Ralph, 25 years with CPR. What's better than that? Congratulations and it must have been a really great time. I loved it in the days when CPR had passenger service. CPR cost more than CNR but it was worth it. I rode CPR trains to Toronto, Ottawa, Boston, Sherbrooke, Quebec City and Piedmont in the Laurentines. Wish the CPR trains were still running-Walter
Good morning Les; The golf course is called Club de Golf Laval sur le Lac, a funny thing I saw an opening for a job there a couple of days ago...I thought this would be great, just fifteen minutes walk from my house...the job was to take care of the land, etc....the requirements...!!! a university degree in golf course management!?!?!?!?!?, what next?? garbage men (sorry, sanitary engineers) requiring a degree in chemistry to separate acidic waste from alkaline waste? anyway, I am no one to talk I guess with my lowly Secondary 5 Certificate from VHS. The house you question is in Laval West, it is perched on two walls and one column made of cement. When the ice on the lake breaks up in the spring, it must be a bit frightening for the occupants because by then the level of the lake has risen from the spring thaw. I took the picture from the dam as shown in the last picture above. The Royal Montreal is supposed to be amazing. I used to know of couple of guys that lived on Ile Bizare, and they offered to take me there once but I declined. One of my many mistakes I guess.........Ralph.
Tina; Are you refering to Oka Road when you say main street? I never heard of Popeyes club house. Do you know where it was? Do you mean the legion? (no disrespect meant by all means) There are fewer old country houses around now. They are slowly being bought up at ridiculous prices. They are usually torn down and a new building put up. Just last year a couple that I worked with bought a very old place on 13th avenue for about $80,000 (at least double what it was really worth) and it needs a lot of work. There is no "new" land left to develop, so owners of existing properties are asking and getting huge amounts of $$$. Ralph.
Good morning Walter; Ah, yes, The Canadian, a great train experience. I took it twice to Winnipeg. Of course, being an employee made it even more interesting ( $0.00 ), Check CPR's website at www.cpr.ca for a lot of old and new pictures, and interesting history. I have also stayed at a few of CP Hotels (now called Fairmount). The quality there also is unsurpassed. PS: These stays were not $0.00 I also flew CP Air a couple of times (without any discount). Have a great day. Ralph.
Is there a web site , where by , we can see a trains view of the rockies, I suggested to the Railways a while ago to install a camera on front of train and all Canadians could travel the Rockeis and all of Canada by following on the net, no one ever replied , but sure would be nice to see the country from home via the internet . Jimmy
Morning Ralph! No it defintely wasn't the legion!, that wasn't far from 7th ave Old Mr. Wheatcroft and his buddies were regulars there. In fact when I went back in 93' old Joe B. was still sitting in the same seat. Go figure. Not sure of the Main Street Name but do remember there was a small grocery store on the far side. We were also just up from a couple who raised Chow Chows K-Nine Lady & her Husband. I also hung around the Milmines (Gord) who lived just above Richeauls wasn't it then I believe became IGA it burnt down just after that late 70's early 80's. Have Fun & Remember Verdun Keep Young Tiny Tina
Hi Ralph ! Thanks for your photos and comments! I think you will be interested by this site: North-west to Deux-Montagnes History One of the more interesting railway lines in Canada is the line from downtown Montreal to Deux-Montagnes, a suburban area north-west of the city. [...] http://www.butoba.net/homepage/tmr.html JM
Hi Tina, You're telling me I should be talking about clothes instead of trains. My wife is on my case. She says "You need new clothes. Most of your clothes look worn out!" And here I thought that retirement was going to be easy. Well, guess what? I'm waiting for Eaton's to reopen. Then I'll buy new clothes. Case closed. Have fun & remember Verdun...plus Eaton's, KIK-Cola, Miss Montreal hamburgers, Orange Julip, Belmont Park, Chalet Bar-B-Que and all the other good stuff-Walter
Hi Ralph, Thanks for the CPR web site. I rode the Canadian from Montreal to Calgary in 1985. VIA was in charge of the train in 1985 but I sort of had a taste of what CPR had once run. Full fare for me, I didn't get that great discount you had. It was a fantastic ride. I hope to do it again. This time I'll go all the way to Vancouver. I'm probably the only Canadian who's never been to Vancouver-Walter
Thanks very much JM; This link is great. I recognized the Town of Mount Royal station in your picture right away. I will write to the authour of this historical account, as I have a few items to add. Very interesting since I took the train regularly from 1985 to 1998, so I have many memories both good and bad. Ralph.
Hi Tina; Most of the names you mentioned are not familiar to me, but the Iga did burn down and was rebuilt in the early 80's. I live just diagonally across from the IGA. I live on 9th avenue just above Oka Road. I will try to take some pictures of these areas soon. The Legion has been just recently bought by the city, and has been totally remodeled. There is a certain area in the back alotted to the Legion. I guess there are not enough members to support a fairly large building. There is also a seniors club on the corner of Cedar & Boul. du Lac. As well there a couple of very popular watering holes, such as the Tartan Club, and another that I can't remember the name. Ralph.
Les & Walter: This morning I took a few pictures from the other side of the lake. Deux Montagnes from Laval West A Laval West modern home An early morning fisherman Looking towards DM. The train bridge looking towards DM Looking towards Montreal from Laval Sur le Lac Lake and dam layout. The fisherman must have been camera shy. Looking towards Laval West Golf club entrance Just inside the gate. Ferry to Ile Bizard A very small ferry.
This evening I was back in Verdun....................... Aqueduc looking west from Galt Avenue bridge. Montreal looking east from Galt Avenue bridge. Formerly Drake Car Wash...now Instacheque. New type of Hydro towers installed after the 1998 Ice Storm. A very nice biking, running, walking trail along the Aqueduc. A couple of signs promoting Wellington Street and its' sidewalk sale. Community Organizations in Verdun.
I am certain that these pictures were taken at a park on Newmarch between Hickson & Dubois streets looking towards Bannantyne and a former Mercury dealer (Lanthier & Lalonde perhaps) I went by there tonite but the sun was too strong to take pictures, but I will try another time. There is a used car dealer/garage in the place of the previous dealer and there is a large white wall behind it. I am still puzzled by the signs being in French only, as the time of these pictures was probably 1965 or 1966 based on the Mustang in the picture. Sorry, Tina, here I go talking cars again. At least I didn't mention busses or trains! Ralph. PS: That reminds me, On my way home I noticed a large garage just off the 20 in Ville St.Pierre. In the garage there were two of the red tram type busses, and one double decker bus. I will have to try to infiltrate this garage one day, and perhaps get some close ups. PPS: I also noticed that at the CAD rail company in Lachine there is also a large VIA diesel engine ready to enter the shop. I will also try to capture this on "film" PPPS: Now that I have mentioned cars, busses, trains, I will go to bed. It is now 11:22pm Montreal time, and I get up at 4AM.....Good Night All. mpu
Morning Walter! Only one women THE WIFE would know for sure if you need new clothes & if she says you do you probably wore them out years ago. Please her and yourself go shopping, and do remember to spend on her also. As the TOPIC goes MEN are always welcome this is an open forum, but I did figure it would be something for us Ladies to chat about. Glad to see you Men about also. Have Fun and Remember Verdun Keep Young Tiny Tina
Hello Ralph ! Thanks for all the photos of Verdun and Montreal area. As to your post VY1135 showing a park: this could be Duquette park surrounded by Bannantyne, Dupuis and Newmarch. In 1959, I worked during one year at Lalonde Automobile (Mercury, Lincoln, Meteor dealer) located just in front of that park. I think that the signs were on the North side of Bannantyne. JM
Hi Jean-Marie, Great photo of the motorman's controls. I wonder where this was taken? Glen Car barn possibly? Looks like it may be a two man streetcar because I don't see a ticket box at the front enterance unless that ticket box is just outside of the picture. Enjoyed you CNR Town of Mt Royal photo. The Town of Mt Royal had a toonerville single line streetcar that was not successful. I'm not sure exactly when & where it ran. I wonder how many streetcar motormen are still alive? If a motorman was 30 years old in 1959 he'd be 76 today. It would be nice if some of them put together a history book on the Montreal Tramways. Hope all's well in Northern Quebec. What was your warmest temperature this summer? Warm days, cool nights, what's better than that? Walter
Hi Walter! This photo was taken in 1955. It shows the motorman’s control of streetcar # 1678 Here is a photo of that tram I think that photo was taken behind Craig terminus ? We can see the eastern steeple of Notre-Dame church. Do you agree for the location of the pic ? Source: http://www.stm.info/ Concerning the history of Montreal Tramways, here are 2 classic books: BINNS, Richard M. Montreal's Electric Streetcars: an illustrated history of the tramways era: 1892 to 1959. Montr챕al: Railfare, 1973, 151 p. PHARAND, Jacques. A la belle 챕poque des tramways : un voyage nostalgique dans le pass챕 Montréal: Editions de l‘Homme, 1997, 280 p. As to the warmest temperature this summer in Chicoutimi it was around 35째C Predictions for the next 7 days: around 20째C during the day and 10째C during the night. « Warm days, cool nights, what's better than that ? » Youâre right ! This was the most striking difference between Montreal/Verdun and Chicoutimi when I arrived in 1969. (But Verdun is a little cooler than Montreal). Another important difference is the humidity level during winter: Chicoutimi is less humid (but generally 5째C cooler than Montreal). JM
Hello Jim! No I'm not expecting anyone to visit, but I will be attending the street party on the 26th. I always seem to run into someone I know there. Also it is lots of FUN. Heh if anyone from around here wound like to drop over to see it I do have spare room & foamies, you would just have to supply your own food etc.... Let me know. I'm close to the Westview ferry and Marine Ave. Have Fun and Remember Verdun. Keep Young Tiny Tina
Hi Tina (Tinytina19581) ! Many thanks for your friendly reply ! I have never visited BC, but if I go there one day, I will try the Orion buses (regular and low-floor) of the Powell River Regional Transit System. http://www.transitbc.com/regions/pow/?p=2.list JM
Hi Tina; The pictures of your hometown look very nice. I have visited Comox in 1986 when my Sister lived there. I see on the map that it is about the same "height" as Powell River. I hope to get to BC again soon as I have a nother sister that lives in Penticton, and I have never been there either. Ralph.
Thanks Tina, Even though I don't think my clothes are old I always benefit when I listen to my wife. For years she tried to get me to have a pedicure and three years ago I tried it & have had pedicures ever since. My buddies get a good laugh but I think I have the last laugh. For $18 plus tip you get a footwash, nails cut, hot towel on the legs, a leg message plus a back massage while your feet are drying. What's better than that? I tell all the guys to go for it but so far none have. I guess they think I'm pulling their leg...but I'm not. Hope all's well in Canada today. Thanks again for the good advice-Walter
Hi JM: I have seen this station many times, but have never gotton on or of the Metro there. I can not remember the name at this time....memory lapse.......Charlevoix???? Ralph.
Good Evening Ralph! It is beautiful here but nothing beats HOME (Verdun). If I had the cash I be back there every summer. If you do come out this way you are welcome to save on Hotel's and Igive you a place to sleep. It is only an App't but 3 bdrm's and I call it home. Have Fun & Remember Verdun Keep Young Tiny Tina
Good morning ! Some photos taken in August 1961 (me in the photo) Steam Locomotive CNR 6123 in Point St. Charles yard. Fleet Nos: 6120-6139 Quantity :20 Builder: Montreal Locomotivre Works (MLW) Date: 1927 More technical details: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYS STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ROSTER http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/CNRsteam.html JM
Hi JM: I am at a loss here....Lasalle?....Church?.......Monk?......When I worked in Lasalle, I took the Metro sometimes, and have seen this place but I also experience "oldtimers" once in a while. Your pictures of the steam locos are great. I will show them to my Dad. He is still upset at CN & CP for abolishing steam engines, he says they should still be operating!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has model trains, and is very proud of the steam ones in particular. Thanks for all your photos and memories that you share. It would be nice to see photos of the area where you live also, as I have never been in that section of Quebec. Ralph.
Hi Jean-Marie. Do you have any idea why Verdun & Bannantyne Avenues never had streetcars? Streetcar lines were constructed from 1892 until about 1925. Also Sherbrooke Street from Atwater to Montreal East never had streetcars. It seems strange that these three very busy streets would not have transit service. Remember the 1925 busses were very small except the Atwater Monster bus which split in two while travelling on Atwater. It seems to me that Verdun & Bannantyne Avenues should have had streetcar service on a scale similiar to the Wellington 58 service-Walter
MPU I think that was the 'Atwater Monster' .......and eventually it was to have rotted through and broke in half.......at least that's how I Remember the story of this bus,.......I beleive the site I Remember it from was an off-shute of the STCUM MTC site......(I think that's the initals)..........I must have the original site 'bookmarked'.......but I'm too full after a big Lasagna Dinner,.....and Ive been informed that I'm going for an after dinner walk........hahahahaha Remember what they say about Lasagna............'What doesn't go in ya ,....Goes on Ya' hahahahaha talk with you later...........I'm goimng to get some exercise if it Kills me.......hahahahaha HF&RV
Sorry Fresco,......I should have read your post completely,because that's all the same info,I just posted...after you did. ............about the Atwater Monster......so we obviously are referancing the same source............. HF&RV
Hi Walter ! I agree with you concerning the end of the tramways routes around 1925. The bus service on Verdun Ave (Route 8) started in 1926, while on Bannantyne (Route 8A), it started in 1934. The streetcars began their service on Wellington St. in Verdun (Route 58) in 1899. (Although, route 58 (then Ontario & Wellington) began in 1893 but the end of the line was a wye (turning triangle) at Wellington & Beresford in Point St. Charles. Other stretcars lines serving Verdun: 1) Route 53 (Lachine Rapids) served by streetcars (1899-1937) 2) Route 25 with streetcars (1918-1953): Route Notre-Dame (West) (1918-1919) then Notre-Dame-Cote-St. Paul (1919-1953) Buses replacing tramways on that route in 1953 (Route 25 de l‘Eglise). *** Photo 1: (early 1900’s) Route 53 Lachine Rapids *** Photo 2: (1952) Route 25 Notre-Dame Cote St. Paul JM
Hi Les ! The only streetcar route in Lachine was 91-Lachine on Notre-Dame St. in Lachine. The tram 53-Lachine Rapids served Verdun exclusively: Period: 1899-1925: Eastern terminal: Rielle et Lasalle Blvd (a wye (turning triangle)) Then, Lasalle Blvd up to Foch Ave (a wye) There was only one set of tracks with double sets of tracks at Woodland and in front of Douglas Hospital. A wye at Lasalle Blvd and Foch. Period: 1925-1932: Eastern terminal: a loop Wellington--Argyle--Lasalle Blvd--Woodland The rest of the route was the same. Period: 1932-1937: As described above with the western extension up to 4th Avenue, Ville Lasalle (turning triangle). In 1937, a bus service replaced the streetcars. In the postcard (VY 1162), we see the westbound tram 53-Lachine Rapids on Lasalle Blvd in the vicinity of Willibrord (my guess). JM
Hi Walter and Ralph ! Some additional infos on the « Atwater Monster bus » Coachbuilt: Versare Corp. - 1925-1928 - Watervliet, New York - Cincinnati Car Co. 1928-1931 - Cincinnati, Ohio The first type of Versare bus, introduced with great fanfare in 1925, was built on the principle of a doubleュ-truck streetcar and represented an attempt to produce an extremely large bus capable of doing streetcar duty. There were two bogies, each driven by an electric motor, with the current supplied by a generator driven by a Buda gasoline engine located under a conventional front hood. The power plant was said to be readily removable for repairs, as were the bogies. Body construction was also unique for the period, consisting of fabricated aluminum alloy framing built up in sections, welded together, and covered with an aluminum alloy skin. Four buses and a prototype truck are known to have been built; there could have been more. In 1927 Versare announced a second type of gas-electric bus with its engine inside the body at the rear, the earliest U.S. example of so-called "streetcar-type" bus construction with the front entrance door ahead of the front axle. There were again two electric motors and two driving axles. This concept proved somewhat more palatable to potential customers, and with interest being shown in the design, the Cincinnati Car Co., an old established streetcar builder, acquired Versare in 1928. A trolley-coach version was marketed as well, initially having the same three-axle layout as the motor bus, but later revised with a single rear axle, and after sale of the company the trolley-coaches were sold under the Cincinnati name. The buses continued to use the name Versare and may have still been built at the original plant in Watervliet, N.Y., near Albany. Approximately 100 buses and 40 trolley-coaches were produced, and buyers included transit companies in New York, Albany, Montreal, Cleveland, Boston and Salt Lake City. More at: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/v/versare/versare.htm Note: In the photo, the bus was probably at St. Henri barn. This bus (39 ft long) had a compound motor gazoline-electricity of 125 hp and an electrical brake system. Capacity: 35 seats and 37 standing passengers. Consumption: 2 miles per gallon of gazoline. JM P.S. Thanks Ralph for all your photos on Atwater Market and the area.
Hi JM: Thanks for the info on the Atwater Monster................Gas consumption....2 miles per gallon?????? and I thought my old Chevy wagon with a 350 4bbl was hard on gas. Ralph.
Good morning Jackie-Galt (Mawsey1) ! In the early 40’s, the streetcars that still used the loop Wellington--Rielle--Lasalle Blvd--Gordon were those serving on route 25-Notre-Dame-Cote St. Paul. Here is a brief description of that route for the period 1925-1945: Heading south on Church Ave, the tram turned west on Wellington, then south on Rielle, east on Lasalle Blvd, north on Gordon reaching Wellington eastward, then Church northward up to Cote St. Paul Road, crossing the bridge over Lachine Canal, then heading north on Cote St. Paul Road, Notre-Dame eastward up to the Place d’Armes terminus where it was using the loop Notre-Dame--Place d’Armes--St. James--McGill. JM
Hi Ralph ! ...and the clutch was used when electrical power was required from the compound gas/electric engine ... BTW, the MTC bought 6 Versare vehicles between 1927 and 1928. JM
I also checked out that site in message 1170. Opened the garden contest pictures of 2004 on a hunch. Silver Award went to one our members that I went to school with at Riverview & VHS.. Joan Bennett Mercanti A/K/A Joanie 642. She & her Husband received awards again this year. Ruth
Salut Guy ! Merci pour les courriels (montage sur les tramways et la compagnie Liqueurs Corona) Je me souviens tr챔s bien de la compagnie Corona situ챕e au coin de Joseph et de Atwater Par contre, je n’ai pas encore repris mes recherches sur la compagnie de bière d’épinette COMO du 3815 de la rue Ethel (cette compagnie opérait au début des années 1950) Bonne journ챕e ! Hello Guy ! Thanks for the emails (streetcars and Corona Drinks Co) I remember very well Corona Drinks Co (Joseph corner Atwater). But, I don’t resume my research for the (very) small spruce beer Co (COMO) that was located at 3815 Ethel St. in the early 50’s Have a nice day ! JM
We visited Verdun recently, having a dinner at Simpl챕chic, 3610 Wellington (corner Lasalle). We red many good critics about this restaurant in The Gazette (Sept. 3, 2005), La Presse, Voir Magazine. We enjoyed the place. JM *** Excerpt from The Gazette, Montreal, Sept. 3, 2005 Verdun's finer side Steps away from another foodie destination is simplechic, a restaurant that's enough to make us all want to live in the 'hood LESLEY CHESTERMAN http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/news/weekendlife/story.html?id=c6087a25-08d3-40cd-80c9-35a7f6cf608e [...] Though I've reviewed hundreds of eateries in this space, the number of impressive out-of-downtown restaurants can be counted on two hands. But I would head out of my comfort zone often if there were more restaurants like Verdun's Simplechic. Located on Wellington St. just off LaSalle Blvd., Simplechic is steps away from another worthwhile foodie destination, Patisserie Chez Gaumond. As the name says, this 40-seat restaurant is simple and chic. Tables are outfitted with starched white linen, halogen spotlights hang below the patterned tin ceiling, and two bay windows overlook the street. One glance at the original curvy silver menu holder and I'm already impressed. And the menu it holds is just as remarkable. If you live in Verdun or the environs, lucky you. I would kill to have a restaurant this good in my end of town. But if you're afraid Verdun is somewhere north of Uzbekistan, just say to yourself, like the lady in the commercial, "I'm worth it," and off you go. [...]
Yes JMH .....Montreal ( & Quebec in general) really has some great looking buildings,........a lot of the homes on the West Island,....were very unique in their styles,.........I also really liked the use of granite in a lot of the homes there.//////I think MPU had a picture of his car,or his wife's car in a driveway,and the home in the background had some nice 'rockwork'.......... that maision you have on there looks quite large ,and so it stands out nicely with that white paint........Nice Picture BTW. HF&RV
Hi Les ! Two pics of Victor Lane in Verdun ... Origin of the name: Victor Lane received its name in 1943 in honor of Victor Montreuil. Mr Montreuil was an employee of the City of Verdun as manager of the Unemployment Insurance of Verdun in 1933. JM
Good morning ! Montreal, rush-hour, April 30th, 1948 This photo by A. Clegg shows streetcar 1450 on line 58-Wellington coming back (direction of Verdun). Tough question: can you identify that intersection in Montreal ? JM
Hi Bob (bubbacut) ! Description of the bottle shown on my post (VY-1186): Orange Crush Company Bottle. Amber embossed ACL. 7oz.1930s *** Apparently, the amber embossed of the 30’s was replaced in 1957 by this one: Orange Crush 8oz Embossed ACL Orange Crush Company Evanston Ill '57 G-3064 Duraglas *** Then, by this one made in Mexico: Crush Embossed ACL "Contenindo Neto" 355ml (Mexican) History: [...] In 1916, Clayton J. Howell, president and founder of the Orange Crush Company, partnered with California chemist Neil C. Ward to incorporate the company. Ward, a beverage and extract chemist, perfected the exclusive formula that yielded the zesty, all-natural orange flavor of Orange Crush. [...] More at: http://www.angelfire.com/tn/traderz/crush.html JM
The photos showing the end of the house and the garage remind me of the house in the original "Amityville Horror" movie....... ............................mpu
From Dorval to Verdun via Highway 20 ... *** Is this intersection (above photo) Galt/Champlain Blvd or Galt/Bannantyne or Galt/Verdun Ave ??? *** *** Photos taken in Sept. 2005 JM
Thanks JM.....it seems the more it changes, the more it stays the same. Haven't been there for almost 27 years, but it is exactly the same as I remember it. Cheers, Linda
JM; I know this route very well. The intersection in question in your photo is Galt & Bannantyne (sorry maybe I should have given someone else a chanche. On the SW corner was the old Bannantyne School. On the NW corner is a BBQ chicken resataurant that my Dad just loves to go to. On the NE corner a Church I believe, and the SE corner some appartments...............................................MPU
JM: I am going to try to point out some interesting things on this photo in photoshop if I am able to....... if not what I would like to point out is that you were travelling east on the 20 with three choices ahead of you,,,,1)Decarie expressway north to the left 2) Ville Marie expressway straight, or 3) towards Champlain bridge or Bonaventure expressway to the right. The small amount of a ramp you can see to the right of the white van (Ford Econoline I believe), is actually 20 west coming off of the Ville Marie expressway. It is strange to have the west bound lanes on the right of the east bound lanes. Anyway, just to the right of this ramp is where I saw the Coach Canada Garage with various interesting busses. I have been meaning to check out this place soon. mpu
Yes, I know the lake well! In fact, a very close friend of mine is the Chief of the Nipmuc Nation at N. Grafton. Webster Lake is a great summer spot just outside of Worcester. Indian Ranch at the lake has great weekly shows and always includes Charlie Danials among other great performers! Chief Natachemin is a Masonic brother (Walter Vickers) of mine and has been battling the Federal agencies to gain official recognition. Clinton granted it and Bush Jr. immediately reversed it when he took office. I hope they get it soon!
Hi Jean-Marie, I'm listening to Ian Punnett filling in for Art Bell on the radio tonight. They just took a call from a guy in Quebec City who says it's snowing in Quebec City right now. Is this correct? Ian Pinnett asked the caller if snow this early was normal & the guy said he didn't know he's from Western Canada. I do not recall Montreal ever having snow in September. Walter
Hi AlanArchie ! Do you know if there is an undergoing research in a department of a Massachusetts university on Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamauggian studies ? Have a nice day ! JM
Good morning Walter ! I looked at Environment Canada for Qu챕bec City and I saw only Light Drizzle. http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/ http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/city/pages/qc-133_metric_e.html Skiing season is not too far away ! You’re Welcome ! JM PS. No idea of the location of the tramway in my post VY1182
Hi JM, One of the cool things I noticed that we forget, is the traffic lights, like the ones at Galt and Bannantyne. They're still there, and working normal as ever! The same ones from more than 30 years ago are still on Trinitares (sp) by Angrion park. I would have thought that they would have been changed, as technology improved. Why change? As my father would say, "if it aint' broke, don't fix it". hahaha. Mike
Hi JM, Great photo of the Orange Crush bottle. I would brag about it and how good it was when we moved to Ontario. I also loved nesbitt's Orange. Many arguments over which one was better. Strange to think that these popular drinks we go out of production. Another is the Allan's drinks, and Fanta. The long green tapered botles come to mind. They make juice now, but never see their soft drinks. I could be mistaken, as they might be under different names today. Mike
Mike; I believe that Allans beverages were "sucked up" by Cott beverages a few years ago, and Fanta is produced by Coca Cola for international markets (I had some in Mexico earlier this year). In Canada CC produce various flavours under other brand names such as C Plus orange, Barqs Cream Soda, Mug Root Beer, and others I think. mpu
Jean-Marie, Thanks for the weather report & I loved your old brown Crush bottle. I did not like it when Orange Crush changed from a brown bottle to clear glass back in the fifties. I remember you could see the Orange Crush Bottling Plant from the CNR electric train shortly after the train departed The Town of Mt Royal heading towards Val Royal. I liked Nesbitt's Orange better than Orange Crush by a slight margin however I loved Grape Crush. In Florida we still have Orange & Grape Crush. It is sold in six pack clear glass bottles in six packs, 12 pack cans & 2 litre plastic bottles. We also have Fanta Orange & Grape but not in the glass bottles. I've tried Grape Crush & Fanta Grape since moving to Florida. They are both great but Crush slightly wins the taste test. Remember Snow White Cream Soda? That was pretty good also. Walter
Remember The Honeymooners ... Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) , Ed Norton (Art Carney), Alice Kramden (Audrey Meadows) and Trixie Norton (Joyce Randolph). JM
Hi Bob (bubbacut) ! Of course, I remember the Plouffe family ... La famille Plouffe was created in 1953 in response to a lack of francophone television programming in Canada. Unlike its counterpart in English Canada which could pick up shows from American stations, the francophone division of the CBC, la Soci챕t챕 Radio-Canada was compelled to develop its own programs with very few resources. ....... http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/F/htmlF/familyplouff/familyplouff.htm Guillaume (Pierre Valcour), Maman Jos챕phine (Amanda Alarie), Ovide (Jean-Louis Roux), Papa Th챕ophile (Paul Gu챔vremont), C챕cile (Denise Pelletier) and Napol챕on (Emile Genest). http://www.film.queensu.ca/CBC/Photos/JPEGs/Plouffe.jpg JM
Hi JM: GREAT photo, yes I remember this place, and yes, the Dodge is ecactly the same as my Dad had, even the colour blue! I don't remember streetcars in Montreal at all unfortunately. This entrance on the corner of At.Antoine and Peel has undergone a lot of renovation,(as has most of Windsor Station). There used to be two large stairways to the concourse, but while I was working there one had been sealed off for many years. It has been reopened, and there have been a couple of openings cut into the concourse floor, so that now you can take stairs down to "B" floor. I have only been back inside there two or three times since I left in January 1998. Thanks very much, Ralph.
Hi JM; Here are a couple of present day photos of Windsor Station........ Interior La Gauchetiere Street with Bell Centre(brown building)on right hand side of photo.
Thanks Ralph for your photos of Windsor Stn. Here’s a pic of the old Atwater bridge (dismantled ca 1960) over Lachine Canal. I’m looking for a more recent photo of that bridge. JM
Here's a sample from the above site: St. James looking east from Place d"Armes St. James Street looking east from Place d'Armes [n.d.] Image No.: CN003149
Thanks Linda, great site......................There are three photos of a church that are named St.James, but I am sure it is called Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.Was there a change of name at some point? This church is on Rene Levesque between Mansfield, Metcalfe, and La Gauchetiere streets........... ......................................................................Ralph.
Hi JM; I was not aware that there was an Atwater Bridge. I have been through Atwater tunnel hundreds of times, it has just undergone a massive renovation and looks great. mpu
Thanks Shirley; What a relief, I am not imagining things. I was only one year old at the time of the name change, I guess that it why I was not aware of it. A very interesting site by the way. Thanks again, Ralph.
1,419 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1001 – 1200 of 1419 Newer› Newest»Hello ! Do you recognize this street inVerdun ? JM
Hi JM: I don't know this street but judging from how close the house is to the sidewalk, I would say it is a strreet east of Church avenue, as it has similar looks to many Pointe St Charles locations. Ralph.
Here’s another shot taken from the same point as post VY1020: JM
Hey JM Was that picture taken facing West Or East ? It is the next street from Church Ave. You can see the Church . That's a picture of the school on Galt . You sure taken a good pictures . Maybe Dave may object to those . Steve
Hi Steve (give me one 1) ! It’s not the school on Galt. BTW, are you referring to Dave Brubeck ? ROFLWTIME !!! JM
You sure take good pictures.
Maybe Dave may object to those.
Steve
---
Steve: I have no problem at all with pictures. Dave
HI JM ISN'T THAT ROSS STREET AS YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THE RONA TRUCK IN THE BACKGROUND WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT IS THE BACK OF THE STORE? ROB
Good morning Rob ! It is Ross St. Anybody recognizes the big church on de l’Eglise (Church Ave) corner Ross St. ? JM
Might be the old Chalmers United Church??? Mac
Hi Mac (FrenchMac) ! You’re right ! It is the old Chalmers United Church. JM
Formerly : Chalmers United Church NOW: Eglise Korean United Korean United Church, 177 avenue de l'Église, Verdun JM
Hi Ralph (mpu) ! Finally, on Sunday, July 31st, 2005, I rode on a NovaBus LFS in Chicoutmi operated by the Soci챕t챕 de Transport du Saguenay (STS). My first experience on this make of bus ... and the first time I took a municipal bus in the Saguenay since the last 36 years. It was quite a pleasant 15 minute ride. On the photos, you will remark that the STS busses have slightly different interior as compared to these in Montreal (VY1011). Moreover, I tried different seats (including in the rear section over the motor compartment. Slightly noisy !). On this Sunday afternoon, there were about 10 peoples in the bus. I will admit that the comfort of the GMC or Mack busses of my childhood seemed much better ... particularly the seats ... Another unique experience for me was to see a passenger pulling the bell cord for his stop: the last time I witnessed this scene was back in Montreal in 1965 before buying my very first car a Volkswagen 1959. The driver was very kind. All the passengers, except one, quitted the bus at one main stop. As you can see, the remaining passenger seemed to enjoy and relax ... unless it was to relieve his backache. LOL ... (photos in reduced format) JM
Hi JM; Nice pictures of this Novabus. Yes, there does seem to be a few more seats on the drivers side. The long seat just in front of the rear door can fold up to allow a wheelchair to park in this spot. This is the reason for the long vertical blue padded cushion. One reason you did not find the bus too uncomfortable, was because it was not crowded with about forty teenage kids on their way to or from school. This was the case whenever I have taken one in Ville Lasalle. Did you notice that you can also signal the driverby pressing one of many buttons located on the vertical handbars. Another feature I believe, is that once the driver has been signalled, no one else can ring before the next stop. Do you remember when 25 people would keep ringing endlessly, until the driver blew his top? Ralph.
HI Les,
The oldest brewery here in the USA is Yuengling, brewed in
Pottsvile, Pennsylvania since 1829. Yuengling is German meaning 'Young
Man'. It is pronounced "Ying-Ling'. It is tough to find here in Massachusetts so
I don't think you will find it anywhere on the "left" coast, but if you get the
opportunity, it is worth the taste!
Sharon, it is available in Virginia!
Alan
Hello ! Do you recognize this bridge on the Island of Montreal ? ...and the area from which the photo was taken ? Reconnaissez-vous ce pont sur l’Ïle de Montréal et l’endroit d’où la photo a été prise ? JM
Hello JMH ,....I would like to say theat I think it sure looks like the Mercier Bridge in the backgroung, making the picture having been taken from the Indian Reserve,....or one of the small towns close by....... my guess is the picture was taken close to that 'Red Coulored Roof ' just past that bridge you see,and slightly to the left.................? Do you see where I mean? ..........this shot shows the same type of construction ( I think) .........and my guess is you would have to have come across this span to get to where you took the picture...........................Have Fun & Remember Verdun
Les, you’re right ! It’s Mercier Bridge and the photo was taken from Kahnawake. Thanks for the additional pics. The picture I posted came from the Kahnawake website: http://www.kahnawake.com/ JM
Hi Les ! These photos you posted a few weeks ago, were they taken in Verdun ? ... at Willibrord Park ? ... or Woodland Park ? JM
Hello JMH ,.....my answer has to be 'I don't Know'.........wheww that's hard to say.......hahahah I'll try to find out , but my guess is it not Willibrord Park,.....although the swings were pretty much the same.......I tried to figure it out by those billboards in the back,...and the only place I can think of would be up around Bannantyne perhhaps closer to where the road turned towards Joseph St,.......mind you, as I say they could be anywhere in Montreal.........I cannot Rememeber where I found them,......I'll try to find out............HF&RV Salute Bonhomme have a good weekend
Is it Center & Wellington?........great picture,......HF&RV
Many VC members will recognize this area ... and the bus ... JM
Les, I remember a small park on Bannantyne (south side), east of Hickson (neighbor of Lalonde Automobile in the 60’s). (re: VY1037) You’re right for post VY1038: Wellington corner Centre. JM
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Do you know this bldg in Verdun ? A great weekend to all ! JM
Yup..it's the de L'Eglise metro station but the one on Church and Ross not on Wellington.
Good morning Sharon ! You’re right BTW, did you know that the « Charlevoix » metro station is the deepest and « de lâEglise » is the second deepest ? JM
Hello ! Do you know this street of Montreal ? JM
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HI ! Is there someone in Toronto (or from elsewhere) who can tell me what is the big bldg with a dome ? Location: Queen's Quay West & Rees JM
Hello Betty (Grammah2) ! It’s not Notre-Dame St JM
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Betty, you are very close but it’s not St. James St. JM
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Jean Marie, Is that Place D'Armes? Do I see the old Montreal Star Newspaper building on the right side of the picture? Love your stuff-Walter
Is it THE SKYDOME?
Margo
Hi Betty and Walter ! It is Côte de la Place d’Armes (Place d’Armes Hill) JM
Hey JMH in response to your message
Verdun Yesteryears#1047 . Is that Street Place D'Armes .
The Church in the background would The Notre Dame
Cathedral . Great picture .
Steve
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Good morning Steve ! It is Côte de la Place d’Armes (Place d’Armes Hill) (Ref: PhotoVY 1047) JM
Hi Margo ! You’re right ! It’s the SkyDome (now Rogers Center ). 1 Blue Jay's Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J3
http://www.rogerscentre.com/ Note: The LRT (Light Rapid Transit) train line runs along Queen's Quay from Union Station and stops at Spadina at the south end of Rogers Centre. The LRT also stops at Rees Street. Walk north on Rees from Queen's Quay to north side of Bremner Blvd. JM
Hello JM: This post has nothing to do with Verdun, but more with my interest in trains ( and it seems you have an interest in trains also ). Yesterday, I saw the movie "The Island", which is a very futuristic movie set in the south west USA in 2015 or 2016. What I found intriging were trains that seemed to "float" on electromagnetic fields rather than on steel rails ( sort of similar to a hovercraft on water----remember at Expo 67? ). Anyway, maybe I am just imagining this, but I seem to recall having read about tests with this type of high speed train concept. Have you read or heard anything to this effect? Maybe it was just a dream for me? Ralph.
Good morning Ralph ! Here are some links on maglevs I think you will find interesting ! Chronology of Maglev Transportation Technology in Germany http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/transrapidchron.htm World쨈s most exciting train becomes true. In Bavaria. http://www.magnetbahn-bayern.de/ENGLISH/english.html Maglevs (Magnetically levitated trains) http://www.o-keating.com/hsr/maglev.htm JM
Maglev line in Japan The 42.8km (26.6mile) long Maglev line in Japan called the Yamanashi test line is where the MLX01 is tested. The line was opened in 1996 and with the aim to explore the feasability of maglev trains. This is one of two test lines in Japan, the other called Miyazaki. This is toward the ultimate realization of the Maglev Chuo Shinkansen Line. It was build to test and confirm several things such as miniumum radius curve and steepest gradient and to confirm things such as confortable running at 500km/h (310mph). JM
Hi JM,
Would that be Centre & Wellington? Looks like the old City &
District in the background. If so, my wife used to live 1 block up on
Montmorency at the corner of Grand Trunk.
Regards,
Alan
Thanks JM. Very interesting reading material. It is also a relief to know that I have not been hallucinating about these trains. Thanks again, Ralph.
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Hi Alan ! Yes, it is the corner Centre & Wellington (Ref. VY post 1038). I didn’t know that there was a City & District Savings Bank close to that corner. Here is a map of: Les rues et les parcs de Pointe-Saint-Charles Streets and Parks of Point St-Charles JM
Hi Jean Marie, I'm a little late on the Wellington & Center Streets answer but I can say that the bank is on Conde Street and the street to the left is Mullens Street. I'm late because I sent to the question to a friend who grew up in The Point. Funny thing was it turned out to be her old bank-Walter
JMH-Forgot to mention that just east of the picture is Bridge Street-Walter
A well-known street (photo taken in the 30’s) JM
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Hello Bob ! Exactly right for rue St-Jacques (St. James St.) BTW, did you ever try the LRT (Light Rapid Transit) or the ALRV (Articulated Light Rail Vehicle) or the CLRV (Canadian Light Rail Vehicle) in Toronto ? If so, how is the comfort ? JM
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Hi Fresco750, Don't forget that Charlie's Tavern was on the corner across from the bank, on Conde & Center. It was a fun place to have a few. Lots of very interesting people frequented there. Danny
Hello ! I think that the Montreal Stock Yards Building (photo 1969) and the Grand Trunk Railway....(Photo from The Daily Telegraph, 1913) is the same building (after transformations over the years ). BUT I AM NOT SURE ! Is there someone who knows Point St. Charles and can shed some historical light on the subject ? JM
Hi Danny, I was telling my wife about Montreal taverns that used to sell the hard boiled eggs from that big pickle jar. I don't think she bought it however when we moved to Florida we met a new neighbor from Quebec City who confirmed it. This guy used to even eat the eggs. I've always just stuck to beer consumption in taverns. Then a second confirmation when we were shopping in Sam's Club and I spotted a huge big pickle jar full of pickled eggs. Sam's probably carries it for all us retired Canucks who have descended on Florida-Walter
Hi Fresco, I don't mind the eggs but prefer the pickled tongue. You don't see the eggs or tongue as much as in previous years. Taverns you do not here that name anymore. It is mostly Brasserie's or Resto Bars. Danny
Hi again Fresco, I seen your post where you have mentioned the new soft drink Dr. Pepper, do you remember the first diet drink called Tab only 1 calorie per bottle. It was such a big deal back then that all the girls were drinking it and watching the scales. Now everybody is watching the scales ands trying to cash in on dieting. Danny
Hey Walter,
Every time I head to Montreal, I get smoked meat on Centre St in the Point
to bring back home as well as a bottle of eggs & pickled tongues. Add a 24
of Export and its just like what I used to eat at the taverns! You should try
it... after a couple I can't help but reminisce about the old days! Mind
you, the pollution index in Boston is usually escalated in Boston for the next
couple of days!
Alan
Hi Walter,
Although I did not frequent Uncle T.A Verne's establishments I am familar
with pickled eggs. My Mom used to make them for my Dad. I think that will be
a project for tomorrow. Have not made any in a long time.
Ruth
OMG - picked eggs and beer that would be enough to create smog. I noticed that there were a lot of resto bars in Quebec this past trip back but didnt know they were replacement for taverns. Gee my father and the rest of the guys he worked with at the CNR Bonaventure would be turning in their grave - can hear them now is nothing sacred. A tavern was comparable to the sanctuary refugees get when they take up residence in a Church - boy if your husband or old man was in the tavern he was untouchable and the guy who answered the phone always said sorry ma'am he isnt here but if he shows up I will make sure to give him the message - yeah sure.
Morning Alan A.
Well glad to see you've mentioned the pickled tongue, I was starting to
wonder if you guys ever tasted it between the brewsters. I remember havng
them out at Colford's Lodge with thier homemade peanut butter cookies and
they were great along with the pickled eggs. Of course I was the only one
brave enough to try the tongue.
Have Fun &
Remember Verdun
Keep Young
Tiny Tina
Hi Bob,
When I first started working for the Royal Bank, I used to take computer
tapes with critical data to the vault in the basement of 360 a couple of time a
day. We would enter by Dollard Lane to use the elevator and frequently would
have to wait for Brinks or vice versa. On day we were told to hurry as Brinks
were waiting and in a hurry. Just after we left, they pulled in, a van pulled in
behind them and another backed in from St Jacques. They were boxed in and
the one in front opened the back doors and there was an anti aircraft gun
mounted in the van mounted inside. The robbers were only seen to have one
other weapon, small hand gun. If I remember, their take was
the highest ever taken with a single handgun seeing the anti-aircraft gun
was inoperable.
Alan
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Hi Tina,
Colford's Lodge? Lachute?? I think I might have sampled some of the goodies
there myself... on my way to our cottage at Lake Harrington in Lakeview. Haven't
thought of that in a LONG time!
Hi Bob,
I am not sure if they were caught or not. I know we were questioned by
police if we saw anything out of the ordinary while we were there. They even
questioned our cab driver... his name was Marcel LeClair, a former Golden Gloves
Champ and was known in the Montreal area for the dashboard of his cab. It was
covered in coins from all over the world that he was given by customers usually
aftere he picked them up at Dorval Airport. Funny, I remember the cab driver but
no idea if they were ever caught!
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Hi Danny, I used to love Clarks jellied tonge. Remember that? It came in that big can. Clarks stopped making it about twenty years ago. I wonder if Clarks is still in business? Walter
Hi Alan, I could almost do that here. TooJays deli has corned beef which is close to smoked meat. I have LaBatt's Blue in the fridge, Molson & Moosehead are also sold down here. Sam's Club has the pickled eggs. If you can mess up the pollution index in Boston, think of what I can do in the much smaller city of West Palm Beach-Walter
Hi Ruth, How are things upstate? Good luck with the pickled eggs. I'm sure they'll be great. Remember when you don't feel like cooking, pickled eggs are on sale in big jars at Sam's Club. Did they close many Winn Dixie stores by you? We live close to two of them. One closed, one stayed open. WalMart is opening grocery stores in Cape Coral, Florida. They only sell groceries, not clothes and everything else. Hope all's well, Walter
Hi again Danny, Yes I do remember Tab. It was nasty. I still see Tab on sale in cans. I also remember the first Diet Pepsi. It was called Diet Patio Cola. 7up had a diet lemon lime drink in Montreal called LIKE. Later when I moved to New York, 7up tried to introduce a cola drink and they called it LIKE. Only Tab remains, Diet Patio Cola & LIKE are long gone. Or should I say they FIZZLED out !!! Walter
Fresco 750: I liked "Like".................... .......but I preferred "Uptown" mpu. My favorite soft drinks are Root Beer (A&W), Spruce Beer, and Dr.Pepper.....
Do you rember KIK and JUMBO soda ...Jackie (Galt)
Kik cola I remember as being a bit on the coarse/rough/cheap side as opposed to the smoothness of the big names. This was probably just a result of the intense advertising of the big names. I don't remember Jumbo cola. Royal Crown cola, I do remember, as well as Ice Castle, the store name brand of Steinbergs, which we usually had due to the low price. I also remember Allan's with their almost unlimited range of flavours. My favorites were Nectar and Pineapple. Ralph.
Walter,
Have you tried the new Diet Coke with Limne. Really quite good especially
with a little rum and fresh lime.
Ruth
Hi Ruth; I have tried the Lime Coke as well as the Lime Pepsi. They are both very good. I have not tried them with Rum, but almost anything tastes good with Rum. When I went to Cuba a few years ago, Pina Coladas were a main part of my "diet"
Hi Ruth, I have tried both diet & regular Lime Coke. I love it but I think the diet Lime Pepsi & regular Lime Pepsi has a bolder taste. This week Winn Dixie has two 12 packs of Royal Crown Cola for $3.98. Buy one for $3.98 and get the second 12 pack for free. What to do? I've really taken to Lime Pepsi. Royal Crown Cola tastes great though, so maybe I'll go for the Winn Dixie RC special this week. It's a tough life being retired and having to make decisions such as which cola to purchase. Walter
Ruth, do you remember the old Coca-Cola plant in downtown Plattsburg near the Chazy River? I had a tour of that plant once. Pepsi's bottling plant was in Keeseville, New York. 1998 was the last time I was in Plattsburg. Coke had moved to a new location north of Plattsburg. Pepsi was still in Keeseville but had done a huge expansion of their original bottling works. The good old days when Coke & Pepsi came in glass returnable bottles. Walter
Walter,
Coke built a new plant on Route 22 next to Drive In. I don't remember the
year. The last time I was in Plattsburgh was May 2002.
HELLO: LETS MAKE SOME NOISE HERE>..............This is only the 12th post on VC today. Where is everybody??????????? Ralph. PS: I have not been able to have access to a camera lately, so therefore I have no photos to post. Sorry, M.P.U.
Hi MPU,
Maybe everyone is jump starting the weekend and are gone!!
Ruth
Two things: Chris, you are undoubtedly....unforgettable! and.............Maybe everyone all of a sudden realized how little is left of summer? Only 14 days til school starts! YIKES !!!!!!!!!
Good Morning Sis & All!
School doesn't start up here untill Sept.6th and the kids are dismissed
the 1st day at 10:30am. Ah to be a kid these days eh?
Have Fun &
Remember Verdun
Keep Young
Tiny Tina
P.S. For those who don't know I'm in Powell River.
Hi Danny, I remember Tab and I remember the first Diet Pepsi which was called Diet Patio Cola. 7up had a diet drink called LIKE. 7up also tried LIKE as a regular cola flavor but it didn't work out. I should say is FIZZLED out! Walter
Hi Ruth, How's everything upstate? Remember on the days you don't feel like cooking, Sam's Club has the big jars of pickled eggs. Are they closing many of your Winn Dixie stores? We live between two of them. One is closing, one stays open. WalMart is opening grocery stores in Cape Coral, Florida. Just groceries, not all the other stuff. Hope all's well, Walter
Hi Ralph, I usually took Uptown over 7up. Uptown tasted great and was made by Allans Beverages. Allans also bottled Hires Root Beer for the Montreal region. I loved Hires Root Beer. Hires is hard to find these days. Sometimes I see it in the Mobil Marts or 7 Elevens in Florida. Mostly I have Mug Root Beer these days. I remember Allans Beverages used to have the spruce beer in the green bottles. It was called Biere D'Eppinette du Fabou...something like that. Allans also made Allans Ginger Beer in the brown bottles. Remember Snow White Cream Soda made by Allans? The cream soda in the United States looks like apple juice. I learned down here if you want the white cream soda you have to look for Canada Dry Vanilla Cream Soda. Allans also made Nesbitts Orange, which was fantastic. On my last visit to Montreal I did not see Uptown, Nesbitts, Hires, Snow White, Peers Beverages or Kik-Cola. Amazingly I did see Denis-Cola. In Florida Coca-Cola competes against DrPepper with a soda called MrPibb. It's pretty good, I usually chose it over DrPepper-Walter
Ralph, You're right. Kik-Cola did have a rough taste to it, but it tasted great. Here's your Lime Pepsi which also has a bold taste but is fantastic...
I took my father back home to Verdun this evening, and thought I would recount my trip. After crossing over the Galt bridge from De LaVerendrye, I turned right on Champlain and went towards Desmarchais. I noticed a large sign saying that Wellington Street would be closed from Sept.1st to 4th for yet another sidewalk sale!!!! After dropping off my Dad at his place on Desmarchais I turned right on Bannantyne and went to Woodland. I went up Woodland towards Champlain. I noticed at Woodland Toyota a Verdun municipal car that was quite smashed up all along the left hand side. Oh, well there must be enough tax money to cover another one. I also noticed the body shop just below Champlain that had a bad fire earlier this year. The house next door is still all boarded up, and there are still a couple of auto "victims" parked on the vacant lot. Anyway, I turned left on Champlain and merged onto Beurling. When I reached OMA'S, I thought, I might as well go in as I had never been before. Although there was a no parking sign in front, I put on my 4way flashers and got out of my car anyway. As soon as I got out of the car, I noticed three "weathered" women sitting in front of the building. One kept repeating "any change, any change, any change,???" another one made motions like wanting a cigarette, but I could not understand her babbling as she did not have any teeth(must have been a client of Dr.Mollot), the third one just kept searching in her bag. I went in the store. It could have been any one of the many variety stores I have been in in my life. There was a certain smell, a certain creaking of the floors, a very closeness of the aisles. I thought for a moment I would find a classic soft drink in the cooler, but had to settle for a diet Dr.Pepper. I went to the cash, and was served by a very pleasant East Asian woman. This helped bring me back to the present. Then I noticed the wooden and glass panelled counter. Behind the glass was hundreds of small bags of candy. On the counter was a big jar full of bubble gum, some containers of red licorice twists, other assorted goodies. I was in candy lovers heaven. When I snapped out of it, I went outside and was met by the same three women with the same three actions as when I arrived. Then I went down Stephens to Lasalle Blvd. Turned left on Lasalle while taking a long look at the Nat. Continued east on Lasalle till the famous Beatty, Osborne, Egan crossover, took a look at the tennis courts, there were only a couple in use. Merged onto Wellington and went VERY SLOW to Church. Turned left on Church and went up towards Champlain noticing Ecole Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs, the empty lot at Verdun, Trevi Pizza, Mammy's Fish & Chips, finally crossed over the bridge and proceeded to take the autoroutes back to my home in Deux Montagnes. I apologize if this is boring to anyone, but for me it was a great trip down memory lane. Ralph aka MPU
Thanks for the trip report. I wonder if, years ago, women (or men) like these 3 would have been "begging". I can't remember that ever being the case. Do you think there are more needy people these days, or are they just more obvious? Cheers, Linda
Hi Linda; I am not sure if there are more needy people today, but there is no question that they are almost everywhere. When driving to work, (usually down Papineau and over to JC bridge) there are beggars at a few intersections from Sherbrooke down. The same can be found on St.Denis, St.Laurent, Viger, and many other streets in the lower Montreal area. The Metro stations are very much "home" to the lesser fortunate of our city. Another type of activity which is very prevalent and sometimes very annoying are the "Squeegie Kids" that come to your car to wash your windshield, and expect a bit of change. Sometimes they are very aggresive. Ralph.
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Hi Ralph, I enjoyed the account of your trip back to Verdun. I have a fondness for your present home in Deux Montagnes. In the fifties we would ride the CNR electric trolley train to Deux Montagnes. We would swim in the lake but I can't remember the walk from the station to the lake. I remember swimming there a couple of times and the lake had a lot of pollution. I hope that problem is fixed. I can remember we would walk out on the tracks & on to the railroad bridge. That was scary but no one wanted to chicken out. Those trains had loud horns and I loved that the sound would echo off the apartment buildings in Pierefonds. The train passed a golf course and golfers didn't look happy when that horn went off. Sometimes we would transfer to a diesel train in Deux Montagnes that had about five very old cars. The diesel train went north of Deux Montagnes then turned south and ran through the woods past a lot of cottages. We'd stay on until the last stop where there was a sand quarry where we would swim. I remember talking to a guy in a restaurant by the Deux Montagnes station. He owned the grocery store, restaurant, some apartments and he had plans to buy a lot more. He offered us jobs in the grocery store. I often wondered if he ended up owning most of Deux Montagnes. Sometimes we rode the CNR train from Central Station to Cartierville when going to Belmont Park. Remember there was that little spur track that ran from Val Royal to Cartierville. There was an Engineer named Hawkins on the CNR Deux Montagnes line that would let us ride in the front car cab with him. He was great. There was a Conductor names Art who'd tell us to keep our tickets for the next ride. I have many fond memories of Deux Montagnes and that great CNR train ride there. Hope you're having a great summer in Deux Montagnes-Walter
Hi Walter; Yes, Deux Montagnes is very nice. We have lived here for 20+ years. The trains have changed a lot in 20 years. They don't blow there horns any more because of the nuisance to the people living close to the tracks. So far, I believe only two women have been killed since this change, so I guess the City & CN are OK with the change. old locomotive on display in front of new train station near 640 autoroute.... new trains built by Bombardier....very comfortable, heated, air conditioned, faster, more reliable, (although not 100% reliable). Do you remember the unbearable heat in the old coaches, or if you ever took one in the winter, the absence of heat? The old bridge is still there but now there is a dam built alongside to control flooding in the spring, so people can walk, bicycle, fish, etc., from this dam rather than risk their lives on the old trestle bridge. As far as freight trains, there is only one a week I believe, usually on Sunday night, and it passes fairly slow through all of its DM route. Do you remember when DM was called St.Eustache sur le Lac? Until 1963 I believe. Will write more later. As the saying goes....I OWE, I OWE, so off to work I go. Ralph.
Hi Ralph, I remember when Deux Montagnes was called St Eustache sur le Lac & Lake of Two Mountains for the lake. When I was a kid our neighbors the Wurtele Family had relatives in St Eustache and I was lucky enough that they took me up there a lot. The swimming was great and the Wurtele's relatives grew rhubarb in their garden. St Eustache was where I first tasted rhubarb. In those days we would take the CNR train to St Sauveur for vacation and stay in Miss Paquette's boarding house. Usually one summer trip & one winter ski trip weekend. The CNR train to St Sauveur went through the Mt Royal tunnel, changed from electric engine to steam engine at Val Royal & then went through St Eustache on it's way to St Sauveur. I have never been on the nice new trains you have now. Remember in the fifties those MU (multiple unit) cars were new. The rush hour service brought out the old cars that were pulled by the old electric engines. There was no air conditioning but you could open the windows. The conductors would tell everyone to close the windows at the Mt Royal Tunnel. The scary thing was that after the conductor left & you opened the window again you could see that the Mt Royal tunnel has no cement. It's just carved through rock. I remember listening to the radio on a Sunday evening about 8pm when the CNR MU electric train crashed into a freight train near St Eustache. One MU car was destroyed. Thereafter you would see most trains as a six car MU set however there was one MU train that was a five car set. That being the one involved in the crash. Ralph, you have to count your blessings that you live in such a beautiful area-Walter
MPU great pics..........the golf course ,you mentioned is called what......( did I miss it by speeding through your post)....also I understand the PGA is going to hold something there soon ( I should say at the Royal Montreal) ........oldest golf course in North America (by name,.as it was located closer to montreal ) than ile Bizard at one time.........do I have that right......? in any case Great pictures,.....in one pis there looks to be a house (or at least a small bldg. of sorts ) that links or is built over some sort of bridge.........what is this bldg,? and does someone inhabit this spot......looks like you took the shot from across the river.?...........thanks for the pics//// HF&RV
Good Evening Ralph!
No problem with the Trains, I just figured I'd throw in a new topic for
the Ladies but so far only you Men have bitten. By the way DM still looks
great,I use to go there in the late 70's. Lived in LavalWest from June
76-Dec. 3/77. While there my friends and I use to cross the train bridge
quite abit a few times we had to jump into the cement columns,guess we were
crazy then. I stay at Fiances Mom's place on 7th Ave then she moved to
another place & all I can remember at this time is that it was just below
the main street and next door to the Popeyes Club house. There seem to be
alot of summer places around there then.
Have Fun &
Remember Verdun
Keep young
Tiny Tina
Thank you Ralph & sorry Tina. Ralph, loved the photos. Tina, sorry if all the train talk is driving you LOCO. Ralph, 25 years with CPR. What's better than that? Congratulations and it must have been a really great time. I loved it in the days when CPR had passenger service. CPR cost more than CNR but it was worth it. I rode CPR trains to Toronto, Ottawa, Boston, Sherbrooke, Quebec City and Piedmont in the Laurentines. Wish the CPR trains were still running-Walter
Good morning Les; The golf course is called Club de Golf Laval sur le Lac, a funny thing I saw an opening for a job there a couple of days ago...I thought this would be great, just fifteen minutes walk from my house...the job was to take care of the land, etc....the requirements...!!! a university degree in golf course management!?!?!?!?!?, what next?? garbage men (sorry, sanitary engineers) requiring a degree in chemistry to separate acidic waste from alkaline waste? anyway, I am no one to talk I guess with my lowly Secondary 5 Certificate from VHS. The house you question is in Laval West, it is perched on two walls and one column made of cement. When the ice on the lake breaks up in the spring, it must be a bit frightening for the occupants because by then the level of the lake has risen from the spring thaw. I took the picture from the dam as shown in the last picture above. The Royal Montreal is supposed to be amazing. I used to know of couple of guys that lived on Ile Bizare, and they offered to take me there once but I declined. One of my many mistakes I guess.........Ralph.
Tina; Are you refering to Oka Road when you say main street? I never heard of Popeyes club house. Do you know where it was? Do you mean the legion? (no disrespect meant by all means) There are fewer old country houses around now. They are slowly being bought up at ridiculous prices. They are usually torn down and a new building put up. Just last year a couple that I worked with bought a very old place on 13th avenue for about $80,000 (at least double what it was really worth) and it needs a lot of work. There is no "new" land left to develop, so owners of existing properties are asking and getting huge amounts of $$$. Ralph.
Good morning Walter; Ah, yes, The Canadian, a great train experience. I took it twice to Winnipeg. Of course, being an employee made it even more interesting ( $0.00 ), Check CPR's website at www.cpr.ca for a lot of old and new pictures, and interesting history. I have also stayed at a few of CP Hotels (now called Fairmount). The quality there also is unsurpassed. PS: These stays were not $0.00 I also flew CP Air a couple of times (without any discount). Have a great day. Ralph.
Is there a web site , where by , we can see a trains view of the rockies, I suggested to the Railways a while ago to install a camera on front of train and all Canadians could travel the Rockeis and all of Canada by following on the net, no one ever replied , but sure would be nice to see the country from home via the internet . Jimmy
Morning Ralph!
No it defintely wasn't the legion!, that wasn't far from 7th ave Old
Mr. Wheatcroft and his buddies were regulars there. In fact when I went back
in 93' old Joe B. was still sitting in the same seat. Go figure. Not sure of
the Main Street Name but do remember there was a small grocery store on the
far side. We were also just up from a couple who raised Chow Chows K-Nine
Lady & her Husband. I also hung around the Milmines (Gord) who lived just
above Richeauls wasn't it then I believe became IGA it burnt down just after
that late 70's early 80's.
Have Fun & Remember
Verdun
Keep Young
Tiny Tina
Hi Ralph ! Thanks for your photos and comments! I think you will be interested by this site: North-west to Deux-Montagnes History One of the more interesting railway lines in Canada is the line from downtown Montreal to Deux-Montagnes, a suburban area north-west of the city. [...] http://www.butoba.net/homepage/tmr.html JM
Hello ! I think some VC members will remember this environment JM
Hi Tina, You're telling me I should be talking about clothes instead of trains. My wife is on my case. She says "You need new clothes. Most of your clothes look worn out!" And here I thought that retirement was going to be easy. Well, guess what? I'm waiting for Eaton's to reopen. Then I'll buy new clothes. Case closed. Have fun & remember Verdun...plus Eaton's, KIK-Cola, Miss Montreal hamburgers, Orange Julip, Belmont Park, Chalet Bar-B-Que and all the other good stuff-Walter
Hi Ralph, Thanks for the CPR web site. I rode the Canadian from Montreal to Calgary in 1985. VIA was in charge of the train in 1985 but I sort of had a taste of what CPR had once run. Full fare for me, I didn't get that great discount you had. It was a fantastic ride. I hope to do it again. This time I'll go all the way to Vancouver. I'm probably the only Canadian who's never been to Vancouver-Walter
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Thanks very much JM; This link is great. I recognized the Town of Mount Royal station in your picture right away. I will write to the authour of this historical account, as I have a few items to add. Very interesting since I took the train regularly from 1985 to 1998, so I have many memories both good and bad. Ralph.
Hi Tina; Most of the names you mentioned are not familiar to me, but the Iga did burn down and was rebuilt in the early 80's. I live just diagonally across from the IGA. I live on 9th avenue just above Oka Road. I will try to take some pictures of these areas soon. The Legion has been just recently bought by the city, and has been totally remodeled. There is a certain area in the back alotted to the Legion. I guess there are not enough members to support a fairly large building. There is also a seniors club on the corner of Cedar & Boul. du Lac. As well there a couple of very popular watering holes, such as the Tartan Club, and another that I can't remember the name. Ralph.
Les & Walter: This morning I took a few pictures from the other side of the lake. Deux Montagnes from Laval West A Laval West modern home An early morning fisherman Looking towards DM. The train bridge looking towards DM Looking towards Montreal from Laval Sur le Lac Lake and dam layout. The fisherman must have been camera shy. Looking towards Laval West Golf club entrance Just inside the gate. Ferry to Ile Bizard A very small ferry.
This evening I was back in Verdun....................... Aqueduc looking west from Galt Avenue bridge. Montreal looking east from Galt Avenue bridge. Formerly Drake Car Wash...now Instacheque. New type of Hydro towers installed after the 1998 Ice Storm. A very nice biking, running, walking trail along the Aqueduc. A couple of signs promoting Wellington Street and its' sidewalk sale. Community Organizations in Verdun.
I am certain that these pictures were taken at a park on Newmarch between Hickson & Dubois streets looking towards Bannantyne and a former Mercury dealer (Lanthier & Lalonde perhaps) I went by there tonite but the sun was too strong to take pictures, but I will try another time. There is a used car dealer/garage in the place of the previous dealer and there is a large white wall behind it. I am still puzzled by the signs being in French only, as the time of these pictures was probably 1965 or 1966 based on the Mustang in the picture. Sorry, Tina, here I go talking cars again. At least I didn't mention busses or trains! Ralph. PS: That reminds me, On my way home I noticed a large garage just off the 20 in Ville St.Pierre. In the garage there were two of the red tram type busses, and one double decker bus. I will have to try to infiltrate this garage one day, and perhaps get some close ups. PPS: I also noticed that at the CAD rail company in Lachine there is also a large VIA diesel engine ready to enter the shop. I will also try to capture this on "film" PPPS: Now that I have mentioned cars, busses, trains, I will go to bed. It is now 11:22pm Montreal time, and I get up at 4AM.....Good Night All. mpu
Morning Walter!
Only one women THE WIFE would know for sure if you need new clothes &
if she says you do you probably wore them out years ago. Please her and
yourself go shopping, and do remember to spend on her also.
As the TOPIC goes MEN are always welcome this is an open forum, but I
did figure it would be something for us Ladies to chat about. Glad to see
you Men about also.
Have Fun and Remember Verdun
Keep Young Tiny
Tina
Hello Ralph ! Thanks for all the photos of Verdun and Montreal area. As to your post VY1135 showing a park: this could be Duquette park surrounded by Bannantyne, Dupuis and Newmarch. In 1959, I worked during one year at Lalonde Automobile (Mercury, Lincoln, Meteor dealer) located just in front of that park. I think that the signs were on the North side of Bannantyne. JM
Hi Tinytina19581 ! Are you expecting many visitors at the Blackberry Festival in Powell River. (August 20th to August 26th, 2005) Have a nice day ! JM
About the pictures in message1135; Does anyone know who the children are in the picture? Ruth
Hi Jean-Marie, Great photo of the motorman's controls. I wonder where this was taken? Glen Car barn possibly? Looks like it may be a two man streetcar because I don't see a ticket box at the front enterance unless that ticket box is just outside of the picture. Enjoyed you CNR Town of Mt Royal photo. The Town of Mt Royal had a toonerville single line streetcar that was not successful. I'm not sure exactly when & where it ran. I wonder how many streetcar motormen are still alive? If a motorman was 30 years old in 1959 he'd be 76 today. It would be nice if some of them put together a history book on the Montreal Tramways. Hope all's well in Northern Quebec. What was your warmest temperature this summer? Warm days, cool nights, what's better than that? Walter
Hi Walter! This photo was taken in 1955. It shows the motorman’s control of streetcar # 1678 Here is a photo of that tram I think that photo was taken behind Craig terminus ? We can see the eastern steeple of Notre-Dame church. Do you agree for the location of the pic ? Source: http://www.stm.info/ Concerning the history of Montreal Tramways, here are 2 classic books: BINNS, Richard M. Montreal's Electric Streetcars: an illustrated history of the tramways era: 1892 to 1959. Montr챕al: Railfare, 1973, 151 p. PHARAND, Jacques. A la belle 챕poque des tramways : un voyage nostalgique dans le pass챕 Montréal: Editions de l‘Homme, 1997, 280 p. As to the warmest temperature this summer in Chicoutimi it was around 35째C Predictions for the next 7 days: around 20째C during the day and 10째C during the night. « Warm days, cool nights, what's better than that ? » Youâre right ! This was the most striking difference between Montreal/Verdun and Chicoutimi when I arrived in 1969. (But Verdun is a little cooler than Montreal). Another important difference is the humidity level during winter: Chicoutimi is less humid (but generally 5째C cooler than Montreal). JM
Hello Jim!
No I'm not expecting anyone to visit, but I will be attending the street party on the 26th. I always seem to run into someone I know there. Also it is lots of FUN. Heh if anyone from around here wound like to drop over to see it I do have spare room & foamies, you would just have to supply your own food etc.... Let me know. I'm close to the Westview ferry and Marine Ave.
Have Fun and Remember Verdun.
Keep Young Tiny Tina
Hi Tina (Tinytina19581) ! Many thanks for your friendly reply ! I have never visited BC, but if I go there one day, I will try the Orion buses (regular and low-floor) of the Powell River Regional Transit System. http://www.transitbc.com/regions/pow/?p=2.list JM
Hi Tina; The pictures of your hometown look very nice. I have visited Comox in 1986 when my Sister lived there. I see on the map that it is about the same "height" as Powell River. I hope to get to BC again soon as I have a nother sister that lives in Penticton, and I have never been there either. Ralph.
Good morning Ralph ! Thank you for all the AMT trains photos. I think that you will recognize this metro station ... JM
Thanks Tina, Even though I don't think my clothes are old I always benefit when I listen to my wife. For years she tried to get me to have a pedicure and three years ago I tried it & have had pedicures ever since. My buddies get a good laugh but I think I have the last laugh. For $18 plus tip you get a footwash, nails cut, hot towel on the legs, a leg message plus a back massage while your feet are drying. What's better than that? I tell all the guys to go for it but so far none have. I guess they think I'm pulling their leg...but I'm not. Hope all's well in Canada today. Thanks again for the good advice-Walter
Hi JM: I have seen this station many times, but have never gotton on or of the Metro there. I can not remember the name at this time....memory lapse.......Charlevoix???? Ralph.
Good Evening Ralph!
It is beautiful here but nothing beats HOME (Verdun). If I had the cash
I be back there every summer. If you do come out this way you are welcome to
save on Hotel's and Igive you a place to sleep. It is only an App't but 3
bdrm's and I call it home.
Have Fun &
Remember Verdun
Keep Young
Tiny Tina
Hello Ralph ! You are so close ! JM
Good morning ! Some photos taken in August 1961 (me in the photo) Steam Locomotive CNR 6123 in Point St. Charles yard. Fleet Nos: 6120-6139 Quantity :20 Builder: Montreal Locomotivre Works (MLW) Date: 1927 More technical details: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYS STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ROSTER http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/CNRsteam.html JM
Hi JM: I am at a loss here....Lasalle?....Church?.......Monk?......When I worked in Lasalle, I took the Metro sometimes, and have seen this place but I also experience "oldtimers" once in a while. Your pictures of the steam locos are great. I will show them to my Dad. He is still upset at CN & CP for abolishing steam engines, he says they should still be operating!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has model trains, and is very proud of the steam ones in particular. Thanks for all your photos and memories that you share. It would be nice to see photos of the area where you live also, as I have never been in that section of Quebec. Ralph.
Ralph, the metro station is de l’Eglise (Church) Soon, I will post some pics of the Saguenay region. JM
Ralph, Many Steam Locomotive Photos at: http://niagara.railfan.net/photos/steamp01.htm JM
Thanks Dave; This is the exact website I was looking for. Now I can find out more detail about what their operations are all about. Ralph.
Hi Jean-Marie. Do you have any idea why Verdun & Bannantyne Avenues never had streetcars? Streetcar lines were constructed from 1892 until about 1925. Also Sherbrooke Street from Atwater to Montreal East never had streetcars. It seems strange that these three very busy streets would not have transit service. Remember the 1925 busses were very small except the Atwater Monster bus which split in two while travelling on Atwater. It seems to me that Verdun & Bannantyne Avenues should have had streetcar service on a scale similiar to the Wellington 58 service-Walter
There is a link that includes a reference to Monster Bus and a picture...... http://www.stm.info/English/en-bref/a-800.htm
MPU I think that was the 'Atwater Monster' .......and eventually it was to have rotted through and broke in half.......at least that's how I Remember the story of this bus,.......I beleive the site I Remember it from was an off-shute of the STCUM MTC site......(I think that's the initals)..........I must have the original site 'bookmarked'.......but I'm too full after a big Lasagna Dinner,.....and Ive been informed that I'm going for an after dinner walk........hahahahaha Remember what they say about Lasagna............'What doesn't go in ya ,....Goes on Ya' hahahahaha talk with you later...........I'm goimng to get some exercise if it Kills me.......hahahahaha HF&RV
Sorry Fresco,......I should have read your post completely,because that's all the same info,I just posted...after you did. ............about the Atwater Monster......so we obviously are referancing the same source............. HF&RV
Ralph, Any idea where the photo of the Atwater Monster bus was taken? It looks familiar but I can't place it-Walter
Hi Walter ! I agree with you concerning the end of the tramways routes around 1925. The bus service on Verdun Ave (Route 8) started in 1926, while on Bannantyne (Route 8A), it started in 1934. The streetcars began their service on Wellington St. in Verdun (Route 58) in 1899. (Although, route 58 (then Ontario & Wellington) began in 1893 but the end of the line was a wye (turning triangle) at Wellington & Beresford in Point St. Charles. Other stretcars lines serving Verdun: 1) Route 53 (Lachine Rapids) served by streetcars (1899-1937) 2) Route 25 with streetcars (1918-1953): Route Notre-Dame (West) (1918-1919) then Notre-Dame-Cote-St. Paul (1919-1953) Buses replacing tramways on that route in 1953 (Route 25 de l‘Eglise). *** Photo 1: (early 1900’s) Route 53 Lachine Rapids *** Photo 2: (1952) Route 25 Notre-Dame Cote St. Paul JM
Sorry Walter, I have noidea. This photo was copied from STM website, not a lot of info on this bus. Ralph.
Hi Les ! The only streetcar route in Lachine was 91-Lachine on Notre-Dame St. in Lachine. The tram 53-Lachine Rapids served Verdun exclusively: Period: 1899-1925: Eastern terminal: Rielle et Lasalle Blvd (a wye (turning triangle)) Then, Lasalle Blvd up to Foch Ave (a wye) There was only one set of tracks with double sets of tracks at Woodland and in front of Douglas Hospital. A wye at Lasalle Blvd and Foch. Period: 1925-1932: Eastern terminal: a loop Wellington--Argyle--Lasalle Blvd--Woodland The rest of the route was the same. Period: 1932-1937: As described above with the western extension up to 4th Avenue, Ville Lasalle (turning triangle). In 1937, a bus service replaced the streetcars. In the postcard (VY 1162), we see the westbound tram 53-Lachine Rapids on Lasalle Blvd in the vicinity of Willibrord (my guess). JM
Hi Walter and Ralph ! Some additional infos on the « Atwater Monster bus » Coachbuilt: Versare Corp. - 1925-1928 - Watervliet, New York - Cincinnati Car Co. 1928-1931 - Cincinnati, Ohio The first type of Versare bus, introduced with great fanfare in 1925, was built on the principle of a doubleュ-truck streetcar and represented an attempt to produce an extremely large bus capable of doing streetcar duty. There were two bogies, each driven by an electric motor, with the current supplied by a generator driven by a Buda gasoline engine located under a conventional front hood. The power plant was said to be readily removable for repairs, as were the bogies. Body construction was also unique for the period, consisting of fabricated aluminum alloy framing built up in sections, welded together, and covered with an aluminum alloy skin. Four buses and a prototype truck are known to have been built; there could have been more. In 1927 Versare announced a second type of gas-electric bus with its engine inside the body at the rear, the earliest U.S. example of so-called "streetcar-type" bus construction with the front entrance door ahead of the front axle. There were again two electric motors and two driving axles. This concept proved somewhat more palatable to potential customers, and with interest being shown in the design, the Cincinnati Car Co., an old established streetcar builder, acquired Versare in 1928. A trolley-coach version was marketed as well, initially having the same three-axle layout as the motor bus, but later revised with a single rear axle, and after sale of the company the trolley-coaches were sold under the Cincinnati name. The buses continued to use the name Versare and may have still been built at the original plant in Watervliet, N.Y., near Albany. Approximately 100 buses and 40 trolley-coaches were produced, and buyers included transit companies in New York, Albany, Montreal, Cleveland, Boston and Salt Lake City. More at: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/v/versare/versare.htm Note: In the photo, the bus was probably at St. Henri barn. This bus (39 ft long) had a compound motor gazoline-electricity of 125 hp and an electrical brake system. Capacity: 35 seats and 37 standing passengers. Consumption: 2 miles per gallon of gazoline. JM P.S. Thanks Ralph for all your photos on Atwater Market and the area.
Hi JM: Thanks for the info on the Atwater Monster................Gas consumption....2 miles per gallon?????? and I thought my old Chevy wagon with a 350 4bbl was hard on gas. Ralph.
I remember in the early 40's, we lived at Rielle & Wellington, when the trams used to turn and screech. Where did they go from there ? Jackie-Galt
Good morning Jackie-Galt (Mawsey1) ! In the early 40’s, the streetcars that still used the loop Wellington--Rielle--Lasalle Blvd--Gordon were those serving on route 25-Notre-Dame-Cote St. Paul. Here is a brief description of that route for the period 1925-1945: Heading south on Church Ave, the tram turned west on Wellington, then south on Rielle, east on Lasalle Blvd, north on Gordon reaching Wellington eastward, then Church northward up to Cote St. Paul Road, crossing the bridge over Lachine Canal, then heading north on Cote St. Paul Road, Notre-Dame eastward up to the Place d’Armes terminus where it was using the loop Notre-Dame--Place d’Armes--St. James--McGill. JM
Hi Ralph ! ...and the clutch was used when electrical power was required from the compound gas/electric engine ... BTW, the MTC bought 6 Versare vehicles between 1927 and 1928. JM
Hello ! A new website on Verdun: http://www.comite-embellissement.info/ JM
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I also checked out that site in message 1170. Opened the garden contest pictures of 2004 on a hunch. Silver Award went to one our members that I went to school with at Riverview & VHS.. Joan Bennett Mercanti A/K/A Joanie 642. She & her Husband received awards again this year. Ruth
Salut Guy ! Merci pour les courriels (montage sur les tramways et la compagnie Liqueurs Corona) Je me souviens tr챔s bien de la compagnie Corona situ챕e au coin de Joseph et de Atwater Par contre, je n’ai pas encore repris mes recherches sur la compagnie de bière d’épinette COMO du 3815 de la rue Ethel (cette compagnie opérait au début des années 1950) Bonne journ챕e ! Hello Guy ! Thanks for the emails (streetcars and Corona Drinks Co) I remember very well Corona Drinks Co (Joseph corner Atwater). But, I don’t resume my research for the (very) small spruce beer Co (COMO) that was located at 3815 Ethel St. in the early 50’s Have a nice day ! JM
During our vacation in Montreal, we lived with relatives in Dorval, here are some pictures in reduced format (Western limits of Dorval). JM
We visited Verdun recently, having a dinner at Simpl챕chic, 3610 Wellington (corner Lasalle). We red many good critics about this restaurant in The Gazette (Sept. 3, 2005), La Presse, Voir Magazine. We enjoyed the place. JM *** Excerpt from The Gazette, Montreal, Sept. 3, 2005 Verdun's finer side Steps away from another foodie destination is simplechic, a restaurant that's enough to make us all want to live in the 'hood LESLEY CHESTERMAN http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/news/weekendlife/story.html?id=c6087a25-08d3-40cd-80c9-35a7f6cf608e [...] Though I've reviewed hundreds of eateries in this space, the number of impressive out-of-downtown restaurants can be counted on two hands. But I would head out of my comfort zone often if there were more restaurants like Verdun's Simplechic. Located on Wellington St. just off LaSalle Blvd., Simplechic is steps away from another worthwhile foodie destination, Patisserie Chez Gaumond. As the name says, this 40-seat restaurant is simple and chic. Tables are outfitted with starched white linen, halogen spotlights hang below the patterned tin ceiling, and two bay windows overlook the street. One glance at the original curvy silver menu holder and I'm already impressed. And the menu it holds is just as remarkable. If you live in Verdun or the environs, lucky you. I would kill to have a restaurant this good in my end of town. But if you're afraid Verdun is somewhere north of Uzbekistan, just say to yourself, like the lady in the commercial, "I'm worth it," and off you go. [...]
Maison Carri챔re in Dorval (built in 1864) Photos taken in Sept. 2005 JM
Yes JMH .....Montreal ( & Quebec in general) really has some great looking buildings,........a lot of the homes on the West Island,....were very unique in their styles,.........I also really liked the use of granite in a lot of the homes there.//////I think MPU had a picture of his car,or his wife's car in a driveway,and the home in the background had some nice 'rockwork'.......... that maision you have on there looks quite large ,and so it stands out nicely with that white paint........Nice Picture BTW. HF&RV
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Being a Heritage house I would doubt that there would be a Market Value on it,...would there? HF&RV
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Hi Les ! Two pics of Victor Lane in Verdun ... Origin of the name: Victor Lane received its name in 1943 in honor of Victor Montreuil. Mr Montreuil was an employee of the City of Verdun as manager of the Unemployment Insurance of Verdun in 1933. JM
Good morning ! Montreal, rush-hour, April 30th, 1948 This photo by A. Clegg shows streetcar 1450 on line 58-Wellington coming back (direction of Verdun). Tough question: can you identify that intersection in Montreal ? JM
Herron and ducks in Dorval Photos taken in Sept. 2005 JM
These pictures sure show what a great month September can be in Montreal......nice colour in those pictures too...... Nice job,......... HF&RV
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Hi Bob (bubbacut) ! Simpl챕chic is my last restaurant visited in Verdun. My first one was Restaurant Chez Bill on the SW corner of Hickson & Ethel. In the eartly 50âs, I had there my first hot dog ($0.10) with toasted buns, relish-mustard (nothing less !!!) and an orange Crush ($0.07 if Iâm right) (the hamburger was $0.25). Willie « Bill » Séguin was the owner. JM
Hello ! Do you know lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Massachusetts ? http://www.oldewebster.com/history/lake_chargogg.htm JM
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Hi Bob (bubbacut) ! Description of the bottle shown on my post (VY-1186): Orange Crush Company Bottle. Amber embossed ACL. 7oz.1930s *** Apparently, the amber embossed of the 30’s was replaced in 1957 by this one: Orange Crush 8oz Embossed ACL Orange Crush Company
Evanston Ill '57 G-3064 Duraglas *** Then, by this one made in Mexico: Crush Embossed ACL "Contenindo Neto" 355ml (Mexican) History: [...] In 1916, Clayton J. Howell, president and founder of the Orange Crush Company, partnered with California chemist Neil C. Ward to incorporate the company. Ward, a beverage and extract chemist, perfected the exclusive formula that yielded the zesty, all-natural orange flavor of Orange Crush. [...] More at: http://www.angelfire.com/tn/traderz/crush.html JM
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The photos showing the end of the house and the garage remind me of the house in the original "Amityville Horror" movie....... ............................mpu
From Dorval to Verdun via Highway 20 ... *** Is this intersection (above photo) Galt/Champlain Blvd or Galt/Bannantyne or Galt/Verdun Ave ??? *** *** Photos taken in Sept. 2005 JM
Thanks JM.....it seems the more it changes, the more it stays the same. Haven't been there for almost 27 years, but it is exactly the same as I remember it. Cheers, Linda
JM; I know this route very well. The intersection in question in your photo is Galt & Bannantyne (sorry maybe I should have given someone else a chanche. On the SW corner was the old Bannantyne School. On the NW corner is a BBQ chicken resataurant that my Dad just loves to go to. On the NE corner a Church I believe, and the SE corner some appartments...............................................MPU
JM: I am going to try to point out some interesting things on this photo in photoshop if I am able to....... if not what I would like to point out is that you were travelling east on the 20 with three choices ahead of you,,,,1)Decarie expressway north to the left 2) Ville Marie expressway straight, or 3) towards Champlain bridge or Bonaventure expressway to the right. The small amount of a ramp you can see to the right of the white van (Ford Econoline I believe), is actually 20 west coming off of the Ville Marie expressway. It is strange to have the west bound lanes on the right of the east bound lanes. Anyway, just to the right of this ramp is where I saw the Coach Canada Garage with various interesting busses. I have been meaning to check out this place soon. mpu
not sure if it is any clearer with notations or not.
Hi jmhachey
Yes, I know the lake well! In fact, a very close friend of mine is
the Chief of the Nipmuc Nation at N. Grafton. Webster Lake is a great summer
spot just outside of Worcester. Indian Ranch at the lake has great weekly shows
and always includes Charlie Danials among other great performers! Chief
Natachemin is a Masonic brother (Walter Vickers) of mine and has been
battling the Federal agencies to gain official recognition. Clinton granted it
and Bush Jr. immediately reversed it when he took office. I hope they get it
soon!
Hi Jean-Marie, I'm listening to Ian Punnett filling in for Art Bell on the radio tonight. They just took a call from a guy in Quebec City who says it's snowing in Quebec City right now. Is this correct? Ian Pinnett asked the caller if snow this early was normal & the guy said he didn't know he's from Western Canada. I do not recall Montreal ever having snow in September. Walter
Hi AlanArchie ! Do you know if there is an undergoing research in a department of a Massachusetts university on Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamauggian studies ? Have a nice day ! JM
Good morning Walter ! I looked at Environment Canada for Qu챕bec City and I saw only Light Drizzle. http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/ http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/city/pages/qc-133_metric_e.html Skiing season is not too far away ! You’re Welcome ! JM PS. No idea of the location of the tramway in my post VY1182
Good morning Ralph (mpu) ! Thanks for all the infos and descriptions of Galt/Bannantyne intersection JM
Hi JM, One of the cool things I noticed that we forget, is the traffic lights, like the ones at Galt and Bannantyne. They're still there, and working normal as ever! The same ones from more than 30 years ago are still on Trinitares (sp) by Angrion park. I would have thought that they would have been changed, as technology improved. Why change? As my father would say, "if it aint' broke, don't fix it". hahaha. Mike
Hi JM, Great photo of the Orange Crush bottle. I would brag about it and how good it was when we moved to Ontario. I also loved nesbitt's Orange. Many arguments over which one was better. Strange to think that these popular drinks we go out of production. Another is the Allan's drinks, and Fanta. The long green tapered botles come to mind. They make juice now, but never see their soft drinks. I could be mistaken, as they might be under different names today. Mike
Mike; I believe that Allans beverages were "sucked up" by Cott beverages a few years ago, and Fanta is produced by Coca Cola for international markets (I had some in Mexico earlier this year). In Canada CC produce various flavours under other brand names such as C Plus orange, Barqs Cream Soda, Mug Root Beer, and others I think. mpu
Jean-Marie, Thanks for the weather report & I loved your old brown Crush bottle. I did not like it when Orange Crush changed from a brown bottle to clear glass back in the fifties. I remember you could see the Orange Crush Bottling Plant from the CNR electric train shortly after the train departed The Town of Mt Royal heading towards Val Royal. I liked Nesbitt's Orange better than Orange Crush by a slight margin however I loved Grape Crush. In Florida we still have Orange & Grape Crush. It is sold in six pack clear glass bottles in six packs, 12 pack cans & 2 litre plastic bottles. We also have Fanta Orange & Grape but not in the glass bottles. I've tried Grape Crush & Fanta Grape since moving to Florida. They are both great but Crush slightly wins the taste test. Remember Snow White Cream Soda? That was pretty good also. Walter
Remember The Honeymooners ... Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) , Ed Norton (Art Carney), Alice Kramden (Audrey Meadows) and Trixie Norton (Joyce Randolph). JM
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Hi Bob (bubbacut) ! Of course, I remember the Plouffe family ... La famille Plouffe was created in 1953 in response to a lack of francophone television programming in Canada. Unlike its counterpart in English Canada which could pick up shows from American stations, the francophone division of the CBC, la Soci챕t챕 Radio-Canada was compelled to develop its own programs with very few resources. ....... http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/F/htmlF/familyplouff/familyplouff.htm Guillaume (Pierre Valcour), Maman Jos챕phine (Amanda Alarie), Ovide (Jean-Louis Roux), Papa Th챕ophile (Paul Gu챔vremont), C챕cile (Denise Pelletier) and Napol챕on (Emile Genest). http://www.film.queensu.ca/CBC/Photos/JPEGs/Plouffe.jpg JM
Hi Ralph ! A place well known to you ! A Dodge Coronet 1952 on the left ? Tramway 1649 on line 48-St-Antoine. JM
Hi JM: GREAT photo, yes I remember this place, and yes, the Dodge is ecactly the same as my Dad had, even the colour blue! I don't remember streetcars in Montreal at all unfortunately. This entrance on the corner of At.Antoine and Peel has undergone a lot of renovation,(as has most of Windsor Station). There used to be two large stairways to the concourse, but while I was working there one had been sealed off for many years. It has been reopened, and there have been a couple of openings cut into the concourse floor, so that now you can take stairs down to "B" floor. I have only been back inside there two or three times since I left in January 1998. Thanks very much, Ralph.
It was Summer ! Verdun, June 19, 2005 (Photos in reduced format) JM
JM; Beautiful. We had an exceptionally nice summer. I enjoy seeing other person's photos and taking pictures of Verdun and surrounding areas. Ralph.
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Verdun, June 19, 2005 (Photos in reduced format) JM
Hi chickentaco2000 ! The photos on Messages VY 1211 & 1214 were taken on Verdun’s riverbend btwn 1st & 6th Ave. Have a nice weekend ! JM
Hi JM; Here are a couple of present day photos of Windsor Station........ Interior La Gauchetiere Street with Bell Centre(brown building)on right hand side of photo.
Thanks Ralph for your photos of Windsor Stn. Here’s a pic of the old Atwater bridge (dismantled ca 1960) over Lachine Canal. I’m looking for a more recent photo of that bridge. JM
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Found a very interesting site about trains and bridges, etc. http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/railways/index.cfm Cheers, Linda
Here's a sample from the above site: St. James looking east from Place d"Armes
St. James Street looking east from Place d'Armes
[n.d.]
Image No.: CN003149
Thanks Linda, great site......................There are three photos of a church that are named St.James, but I am sure it is called Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.Was there a change of name at some point? This church is on Rene Levesque between Mansfield, Metcalfe, and La Gauchetiere streets........... ......................................................................Ralph.
Hi JM; I was not aware that there was an Atwater Bridge. I have been through Atwater tunnel hundreds of times, it has just undergone a massive renovation and looks great. mpu
MPU http://collections.ic.gc.ca/relig/cmrdm/cmrdmexe.htm
ShirleyBH2 Thanks for the information. Very interesting indeed. Cheers, Linda
Thanks Shirley; What a relief, I am not imagining things. I was only one year old at the time of the name change, I guess that it why I was not aware of it. A very interesting site by the way. Thanks again, Ralph.
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