Here's one for all you former Verdunites, What do you miss and don't miss since you have left Verdun:
I'm in North Vancouver so
Here's my list
What I miss is:
Steamed hot dogs, smoked meat from Addams, grocery delivery, pizza from Kosta's, Riverview and Woodland pizza, sitting and chewwing the fat on your neighbours balcony, some great friends, fishing down by the rapids, a good subway system, great night life and a whole lot more
What I don't miss:
The cold winters, the humid summers, watching my car rot out from salt exposure, pot holes and a handful of things I can't right now
71 comments:
Hi Dzldawg1; I live in Deux Montagnes which is located 45 minutes drive northwest of Verdun. I grew up in Verdun, visit my 81 year old Dad there at least once a week, and still hold Verdun fondly in my memories. What I miss; Shopping on Wellington Street before Monmart, Miracle Mart, and Woolco opened in Lasalle. My favorite stores were Woolworths, Wolfe Cycle, Reid Pet Shop, Stillwells, Pascals Hardware, Toy World?(possibly still there: I noticed on Saturday). What I don't miss; SHAD FLIES, I noticed on Saturday that they had started to make there debut for this season. Anyway, a small price to pay for being on a great waterfront. Ralph.
Good Morning All!
I miss my FRIENDS who are still there, the long HOT SWEATY SUMMERS,
the Boardwalk and of coarse the stores along Wellington St.. I also miss
the sidewalk sale.
I don't miss shoveling the snow but at times I do miss it.
Have Fun and Keep Young
Tiny Tina
I am in Calgary - we have 2 or 3 humid days in summer. Dont miss the shad flies and the gigantic spiders we used to get - my sister's house in Lasalle had a spider captured forever in the door frame where we slammed the door so hard he became part of the woodwork. I remember we were all so scared of the spiders and grossed out my sister had a male friend drop by look for her husband - he wasnt home but my sister said can you come into the bedroom with me - guy was a bit antsy until he saw the spider - sister wanted to go to bed but not until the spider was gone. Dont miss the snow or lack of parking or nights went the temp finally cools off to 85 and sheer curtains and dust balls dont even move. Miss the steamed hotdogs, good pizza, smoked meat, stillwells humbugs. Steinbergs chicken pies - I know they are history and so are the pies - I remember when they came in glass bowls - anyone remember that??? Will be spending 3 weeks July 9-31 so will get my fill of hotdogs etc - we bought a nice parcel of land overlooking lake Memphremagog and will start building soon - please God.
Hi multipurposeutensil,
Do you know of the Green family in DM? They were on the police & fire
departments.
Regards,
Alan
Hi Alan;
Yes, I do know John and one of his sons Andrew but only to say hi to. At
times we attend an english church just behind us where the Greens also go.
John's claim to fame in DM is that he has been Santa Claus in our annual
parade in December forever.
Ralph.
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Hi...What I miss the most is the joie de vivre that only Montreal/Verdun seems to have. Don't miss the bridge tie ups, because here in Halifax/Dartmouth we have our own bridge problems during rush hour and yearly construction etc. I miss smoked meat and hot dog steamee and patates frites. Slabs of pizza from the grocery store and probably the # 1 thing most of all, is being able to go to the corner store to buy beer or a bottle of wine any day of the week!!!!.....Dianne from Beaver Bank, a suburb of Halifax
What I miss is Kosta's pizza & french fries & gravy,Labelle BBQ , steamed hotdogs and of course smoked meat, hanging out with my friends, the Nat & walking on the boardwalk but I don't miss the shadflies!
Hi Ralph,
That is great to hear! I haven't had any contact with them for probably 30
years now. If you happen to bump into him, I would love to get his email
address surprise him. It's too bad how families sometimes drift apart, it would
be great to reconnect after all this time. Thanks Ralph, that really made my
day!
Regards,
Alan
Hi Alan; I will keep my eyes open for John or his son, and try to get an e-mail. Being both police officers they might be reluctant to do so, in which case I could give John yours if you don't mind. John is featured on the December page of this years D.M. calendar as one of our outstanding citizens. If I can scan this page I will send you the image. Ralph.
Alan; Check this link for a picture of John doing some undercover work.............. www.ville-deux-montagnes.qc.ca-admin-upload-1101399183novembre.pdf Ralph.
I live in Ile Perrot , so only 20 miles away, but have to admit , I miss the friendships, geez we were good friends as individuals and family's , like it seemed as if we stuck together , the lanes and balcony's , stores and although we did not have tons of toys, we sure knew how to amuse ourselves, it was a great place to be brought up , by some hard working parents , I still love VERDUN , Jimmy
This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.
Hi Kungfu, An inspirational message like this I am packing the van and heading to Verdun tomorrow. How can you beat great friendships, great families and the great hospitality of the City of Verdun. Matter of fact I think Verdun is definitely the best city in Canada and most likely the best in North America. Top that Winston Allison. Reggie Paine
Hi Ralph,
I really appreciate anything you can do. If it is easier, give them my
address.... aarchib470@aol.com and you
can tell him it is his cousin Alan from Verdun & Lakeview. Well, I hope your
weather in DM is as good as here in Boston today.. sunny, about 86 and humid! I
have to run... graduation party to go to !
Thanks again,
Alan
This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager.
Hi Alan; I was unable to contact John, but I did speak for a while with Andrew, and he said he would give my message and your e-mail to his Dad. I never new John was from Verdun, as the old saying goes, it is really a small world. Good luck in your "reconnecting". To all the persons responsible for this Verdun Connections Group, a sincere thank you. Sharing memories with the members on this site is a very enjoyable experience. Ralph Piercey, aka "multipurposeutensil"
Hi Ralph,
I really appreciate your effort and will let you know how it works out.
Gotta run and get my Sleemans! Have a great day!
Thanks Again & Best Regards,
Alan
I NEVER REALLY WONDERED OFF TO FAR SINCE MY VERDUN DAYS,BUT WHAT I MISS THE MOST IS ALL MY GREAT VERDUNITE FRIENDS FROM BACK IN THE DAY.IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY. B-SAFE BIM
BIM - isnt it sad that politics caused so many to leave Montreal which caused the housing/job market to go into a real slump and caused even more people to leave just to find jobs.
Hi Shirley, Politics screwed both sides of the language issue here in Quebec, as they are figuring out after 30 years.In a way the separation they never got,well we actually did get.Good childhood friendships parted ways due to the political movement here in the late 70's.Just think if that never happened,your circle of friends might be completely different than what they are today.Reunions might be easier to organise.Our children might have gotten to know our friends children,INSTEAD OF HEARING US TALK ABOUT OUR OLD BUDDIES.People that were part of the mass exodus may never have had the chance to experience life in another part of the country or out of the country for that matter.Looking back though,I always remember my mother saying, "MAKE NEW FRIENDS,BUT KEEP THE OLD,FOR THE NEW ARE SILVER, BUT THE OLD ARE GOLD". How right she was. THINK HOW DIFFERENT IT COULD HAVE BEEN ! MILES BIM LIDDELL
What I miss is the french fries from La Cabin on Manning Ave. The pizza from Kosta"s, the hot dogs from the pool hall ( I believe it was on the corner of Demarche). Also doing deliveries at Steinberg's and Dominion, and delivering beer for Archie at Curries & Sons. Lets not forget the yum yum chips that had the coupons in them for another free back, only had to buy the one cause you could see through the bags and see the winners. Oh yes the nap saks from Perettes. Keith Hickey
Do you mean perrettes between willabroad and reille
There was a Perrettes on Verdun between Osborne & Beatty I think. They had
every flavour of popsiscle that existed. Quite often their milk was sour
though. Ralph
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Ralph I lived on Osborne and you are right their milk was not the best - forgot about that sure dont miss that. Loved the popsicles.
This Perrettes was on beurlington(?) and the corner of Manning Ave.
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Hi,,, I miss hangin' out at Kosta's eating their hamburgers and fries and gravy and sippin' on a cherry coke! This was around 1957 - 1958 - 1960. Lived on Allard ave 1043 ,across the street from David Bowes and family..anyone ever hear from David Bowes,he married Carole Depatie I think many moons ago. Cookie
This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.
I miss the back lanes, roof tops, sidewalks, balcony's and the real friendships that our parents and we had. Since the exodus from Montreal , as I get older , I find most of my friends are not around anymore , kinda makes me think of what it might have been if not for the seppies, you know its Canada day here also today, and nothing to talk about going on, it seems as if People are afraid to admit they are Canadian, I was just in Ste Anne de Bellevue and a man was handing out Canada flags, most would not take them , especially the people who are new to our country, which tells me they are afraid , sad , but true , and I don't believe for one minute that the seppies are finished, why do I stay, cause having said all that , its a great place to live, Montreal just keeps on swinging,. have a wonderful day Jimmy
Hi....
Yup..we hung out at Kosta's
around 1956-57 etc, our pals were David Bowes who lived across the street
from us, Gerald (I think) Zawada Brian Alsop (deceased now) and at that
time my boyfriend was Gary Allen for 5 years, my nickname was "SAM"
at that time....My brother joined the navy when he was 18 , so he was gone for
the 5 years.. there was Eric Mullett, Ronny Marcoux..we went to the dances
at the "Y" on Lasalle blvd, past Riverview Mental Hospital . Heather
Milligan and Mary Fisher and I hung out also, Heather lived on Valiquette. So
many years ago..........not sure if you are in the same era.....Wayne Carlin is
64 and I am 63.......
later
aligator,
cookie
This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.
Hi Cookie and Bubbacut...Ronny Marcoux is my brother-in-law. He married Janine Nowlan of Foch Ave and they live in Riverview, New Brunswick. they are coming to Beaver Bank N.S. next week end and I'll tell him that you remember him. He doesn't have a computer, too bad....Dianne
I thought you were talking about the perettes on Beurling at the corner of Manning. Don't forget the beer delivery on a bike. Martin's grocery on Beurling at Brown, Doc's store at Allard and Bannantyne. The "Players" store with the tiny coffee shop counter their name eludes me right now, at Rolland and Bannantyne. Riverview Pizza, so many great things and they were always expected to be there when we visited, and were. It's such a disappointment learning that they are gone, like losing an old friend. Don't forget the Borden;s Milk delivery, and the street sweepers and washers. I never see those anywhere else. Mike
Re Kostas-- We used to hang out at a little
restaurant on Verdun Ave between Melrose and Desmarchais across from Woodland
school. The owner was named Kosta. He had at least two kids, brother and sister.
Could he be the same guy that opened the restaurant you mentioned. He sure
didn't like it when we eyed his daughter...
Hey Wayne would that be Miss Verdun Restaurent .
Hi Steve, We always called it Ma's. My sister hung there in the 60's. Danny
To those who are still in Verdun,
Is Miss Verdun still in operation?
Ruth
I used to hang around Miss Verduns (Ma's)in the 60's also. It is no longer there. The owners were the Kavenzakis (sp) family. There was three boys and one girl. Jimmy, Nick, Mike and the sister Katrina. Connie
I think it was called Miss Verdun. We used to just
call it Kosta's because that's who ran it. Good Cherry Cokes served in Milkshake
glasses.
Hi Connie, Maybe you would know my sister Darlene Biggs, she hung around Ma's and is 55 years old.We lived at 626 3rd at the time she hung around there. Danny
Danny: I just turned 55 also so I should know your sister for sure but at the moment the name escapes me. I used to hang around with Colleen McGurnaghan, Brenda Deley, Sharon Sivil, Linda Lee, Donna MacEachern, Mabel Ferguson (she went out with Nick Kavensakis for a longgggg time) to name a few. I was there just about every day for lunch, after school, in the evening and after Dawson Dances. Connie
Do you have a Sister Barbara Biggs?
Margo
Hi Margo, No Barbara in my family. Danny
Connie...have you been in touch with Brenda Deley at all? If not, I could probably connect you two if you like. I'm sure she is the same Brenda that I worked with at the high school cafeteria before I moved to Virginia 2 years ago. Say the word!
I think that I went to school with the McGurnahans before they moved from St. Antoine to Verdun. In fact I think my cousin lived with Porky McGurnahan (Carl)
Sharon: Thank you Sharon but I do have an email and phone number for Brenda:-) Connie
Okies Connie! glad to hear it! Always nice to keep in touch with old pals.
Porky McGurnaghan is still around and kicking. Mrs. McGurnaghan died about 1 1/2 years ago. That poor woman buried 5 of her children before her own passing. There were 9 children in the family and when I met the youngest (Colleen in 1962 or 1963) Mrs. McGurnaghan was raising those kids alone (her husband passed away. The "children" left now are Colleen, Porky, Bridget and Patsy. Connie
Sam......I think I was spinning the records at the "Y" at that time........Sonny
are you Sonny Caulfield
Margo
Margo, Sorry, no......George (Sonny) Martin
Hi Sunny (George) I have to bite & ask ,,,,if your in someway connected with the BCLIons,..as you mentioned twice of travelling with them to both Hamilton & an upcoming Edmonton Game,.......or is this some sort of package deal for fans to travel with the team to see their away games,.......I've been through the BCLions website, and saw no mention of this type of package,.allthough I think it would be a good idea,the more people that travel may get the team a reduced rate on any charter flights..? Just thought I'd ask................... HF&RV
I don't know if I am turning pshycic (or pshycho) or whatever it might be called......I was wondering this exact thing on my way home tonite...one contact I have had with a pro football player was a gym teacher at VHS....Al Phaneuf, he used to play for the Alouettes. At first when I started to try to remember his name the name of another teacher came to mind......Penti Luomala...I was shocked to read a few minutes ago that he passed away last weekend!!!!!!! Both were good down to earth teachers. Another football player that I knew a few years ago was Andy Malolepsky, formerly of the Argonauts, now a salesman for Xerox. Also, a very nice guy. mpu.
Hi Sunny, Nice to see an old friend from the Y days. Do you ever have any contact with Mel Applebee or any of those other fellows from the Pav? I was in Montreal recently for a reunion with Judy and Lorna Goddard, Joyce Allard, Earlene and Sammy Schumann and Elsie and Phil Lindsay. I am also in contact with Brenda Shute Campbell and Judy Brown Wright.. Lots of us are here in Ontario. Nice to see a mesage from you. Bev.
Hi Bev, Nice seeing u on here also. I saw Mel last year in Calgary, along
with Bob and Myrna Duyns. Do u know Bruno Trottier?.....Have spoken via
email to Judy Brown and a host of other folks. Judy, Brenda and Judy are
familiar names.....say hello from me. Just got back yesterday from Hamilton
with our football team. Had lunch with Barb Delves now Watson, while
there. What city are you located? Since joining Classmates have had either
lunch or dinner with at least 20 people across Canada.......ex
VHS'rs.....take care and keep in touch.....nice reminiscing with old
friends......Sonny
G. Martin
14073 - 28A Avenue
Surrey, B.C. V4P 2H8
604-535-6768 Ph
604-535-6867 F
Sorry Les, I didn't see your reply till now. I handle travel arrangements for team only and, as such, I take a couple of road trips a year with the team. It affords me the pleasure of meeting friends in other cities, through my connection with Classmates and hopefully now........Verdun Connections. Your idea for travel with the team is good, however, there are not the 'seat sales' there used to be which would make for an expensive trip. Grey cup, this year, in Vancouver might be a worthwhile venture tho!.......take care.......Sonny
Look at the headline that was sent to me from the CFIA webmaster today! Prosecution Bulletin - Lester's Deli Fined for Illegally Transporting
Meat Products
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/projud/2005/20050718e.shtml
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Hello MaggieMck.........I have to say that if any of us were worried about food establishments in Montreal not having the proper licensing,.....then we would have all starved to death.........hahahahaha becuase they were not a Federally approved joint means the Feds'''''didn't get their thievery cut of the action.......a mere formality,....(like a well placed envelope of brown ones)....& the shipmwnt would have been off to the races....................hahahahah HF&RV
Les; I wonder also, how much of our tax money was wasted on this prosection, and who got to pocket the two grand? There was no mention of any smoked meat having been confiscated, but if there had been, I would imagine it would have made its way to the fridgidaires of some CFIA employees............no, this could never happen...................
Maggie,
I would be willing to bet that Lester's profit far exceeded that $2000.00
fine
the shipments were headed to retail outlets. I wonder if the private shipments are also illegal. Why would they openly advertise on the internet of that were so?
Hi Sunny, My husband and I live just north of Toronto in the town of Bolton. Joyce Allard saw Bruno a couple of years ago at the shopping mall at Bishop Powers in LaSalle. He was still living in the area at the time. Good to hear from you.
Hello Bev,
Haven;t seen Thelma come on the computer yet? You Live in Bolton and i
live in Brampton.
Margo Allen-Cardy
hi sunny it has been a long time from basket ball at verdun high . glad all is well I still keep in touch with Wayne Brien and Ken Jack Don Dougall
Don,
Good to see you on here. We need more content
from Melrose, Argyle and Desmarchais
Wayne
This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.
Hi Don Dougal,
I have only been a member of this group since last spring. Haven't seen you
here before. Welcome aboard if you just joined this site or glad your back
if I missed something.
Ruth Armstrong
From Riverview Ave
But welcomed in the Melrose Gang for a few years even though I was from the
western part of town.
This site brings back so many precious memories. The group on Melrose Ave
had many good times during our High School years. Parties at somebodies
house on Sat night but we all had to watch the hockey game first. Many of
them at Bob Davies house because his folks were not home. Oh what good times
we had.
Just have to say,since I'm feeling so nostalgic as so many others do
Have fun and Remember Verdun.
Hey Don, Are u still in Vancouver?......If so, let's get together for lunch.......I'm in the Whiterock area.........Sonny
Hi Margo, I am not surprised. My sister seldom uses her computer. I did pass the information on to my niece as I thought I had the wrong e-mail address. I will jog her memory again. Bev.
I miss shopping on Wellington Street with my Ma (Alzheimers now) and eating fries at that little greasy place at 3rd Ave and Wellington...(I think it was at 3rd)...I miss the juke boxes at "Frankies"...but I guess you meant what do we miss NOW?...Well...the cheap shops on Wellington...the friends who left to get jobs in other cities and even different countries...and the parties in Verdun can never,ever be equalled anywhere. That in a tiny nutshell are a few things I miss about Verdun...and as I get older I may end up there again ...eventually!
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