SKATING HOME THROUGH THE LANEWAYS FROM WILLIBROD PARK AFTER DARK...USED TO BE A LITTLE SCARY! GOING TO THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON SATURDAY MORNINGS TO SEE THE MOVIES...INCL 3D OCCASIONALLY! SITTING AT THE COUNTER, EATING WONDERFUL HAMBURGERS FROM A LITTLE JOINT ON VERDUN BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH (I THINK), MADE BY A FRENCH LADY. WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE STORE ON VERDUN BETWEEN 3RD & 4TH THAT WAS LIKE A DEPANNEUR, BUT AS I RECALL, THERE WAS A POOL TABLE IN THE BACK? THE PASTRY SHOP BETWEEN 3RD & 4TH ON VERDUN THAT SOLD THE MOST DELICIOUS MEAT PIES, MERINGUES JOINED TOGETHER WITH WHIPPED CREAM ETC ETC...WAS THE NAME LEITH'S? THE VERDUN LIBRARY ON THE CORNER OF VERDUN & CHURCH AVE WHERE MANY KIDS USED TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK. I LOVED THE PLACE! CHIP WAGON PARKED ON 3RD AVE DURING GOOD WEATHER AND WELCOMING US WITH THE ENTICING AROMA OF HOT FRENCH FRIES ON THE WALK HOME FROM BANNANTYNE SCHOOL! NO WONDER I WAS A CHUBBY KID! ....DIANE
125 comments:
Dianne. I grew up at 835 3rd avenue. Have the same memories. Maybe you knew my brother Hartland(Bumpy) Yes Verdun was a great place to grow up in. What great memories of Wilibrod Park. 3 rinks in the winter, the shack to get warm in. And of course the ice cold milk in the summer. We spent summers in Val David, at Golden Lake. I think those wer "The good old days". Who else do you remember from 3rd Avenue??? Winston Allison
I remember a lot of what you mentioned. No idea about the store on Verdun though, I lived between Wellington & LaSalle on Third. The bakery was "Main's" though, my grandfather owned it (actually Step Grandfather). It later became Smith-Mains and Son's. I specifically remember the huge Easter Bunnies in the window, and the pull down amber see through "blinds" to keep the sun off and still let us see. I also remember that they almost always were half melted by the time easter rolled around. Some really fond memories.....It is an easy place to miss.
Hi Diane,I sure remember skating to the rink,over the snowbanks & through the lanes, usually the lane that ran behind Willibrord School from Rielle to Willibrord (or vice-versa) that lane had a little raised concrete section ,that would freeze nicely,allowing a little shortcut through the lane coming out at the City Hall and then a short jaunt towards Bannatyne & voila there was willibrord park ,with it's welcoming warm shack ,& all those rinks, I think we wore our skates mostly to keep possession of our actual boots,as we were aware of some boot shopping that went on when you left your stuff under the wooden bench's in the shack,......or we were just thinking of getting more 'ice/skating time' by heading straight onto the rink,instead of a pit stop to put on your skates......mind you now that I think of it ,I seem to be able to picture kids with their skates tied together & being carried over their shoulders............ahhhhh the memory banks popping into gear...hahahahah HF&RV
Diane,
A chip wagon in Verdun, I don't remember that.
Guy
"I think we wore our skates mostly to keep possession of our actual boots,as we were aware of some boot shopping that went on when you left your stuff under the wooden bench's in the shack,......or we were just thinking of getting more 'ice/skating time' by heading straight onto the rink,instead of a pit stop to put on your skates.."
I wore mine, as I remember, so that I didn't have to take off my boots (there were shoes and overboots (with the white "fur" on the inside top of the rubber) and FREEZE my socking feet during the swap. LOL
It was a fair trek to either Willibroad / Demarchais or, later on Terrien Park,
I can only remember living at the Skating rink and the shack. I guess I was a brave one...always changed into the skates at the shack. Great times skating hand-in-hand with the attraction of the month. That is one thing Oakville lacks is outdoor rinks. I guess if they had them they would be consumed by Builders anyway.lol. The lanes were great for a lot of things. Am I the only one who used the lanes for "kiss and catch? We would use someones shed for the smooch. We also at times just hung around other peoples sheds! It was great growing up in Verdun. I also hung around the Monument..with the gang.(In front of City Hall) We were all a great bunch of good kids having a good time. the Monument was the meeting ground..and usually we just hung around there or the bleachers at Willibroad Park. This was back in the mid 60's.
Hey Donna. Is that how you got Gerry?
lmao
George, that is soooo funny. All my fun was prior to Gerry. lol.No, I met Gerry on the corner of Osborne and Verdun Ave. Just hanging around the corners. The corners came after the lanes. Where else do you meet people!?
Hi
Tried to post before..who did you hang with at the Monument..?
Also the shack at Willibrord Park a little cold in the winter for changing...alot colder on the ice when the wind wipped thru...
Lad
Speaking of other peoples sheds....did u ever notice the aroma's in there...
Lad
Gosh, there were so many of us. Let's see...Danny Menard, Denny Neville, Sandra Ayotte, Jean Ward, John McPherson, Linda Groom..that's all I could think of at this moment. I am at work so I don't have a year book in front of me. It was many moons ago. If I think of others, I will get back to you. We picked nice sheds. What shed's were you in seeing you know about shed aromas.
Hey Donna:
That's not a nice thing to say about your hubby. i.e., all your 'fun' was prior to Gerry. lmao
I guess that's one of the reasons we moved from above Binnette's Hardware to Fifth Avenue. Come to think about it though we were right at the laneway behind New Verdun Resturant. Amazing what we viewed in that little section of laneway.!!!!
HI Diane, Would that store on Verdun between 3rd and 4th be Westovers. Normans must have been the restaurant, or there used to be many moons ago a fish and chip shop but that sure was awhile ago. I remember going to the rinks too wearing our skates and going through those dark laneways.. boy wouldn't do it today. Anyway really Great memories and some of those names sure bring a smile to my face.
Ann
Hi Again Winston,
They were the "Good Old Days"! We've corresponded on the old site and don't seem to remember the same people. But we certainly share wonderful memories of Verdun & Third Ave. I spent my summers in Rawdon and that was another magical place to live! Hope all's well in Vancouver WA and you have a wonderful New Year!...Diane 676 Third Ave.
Yes Guy, The Chipwagon was usually located across the street from SENKIS shop on 3rd Ave.
It used to set up for a few weeks for 3 or 4 years in a row...I know because I think I gained about 20 lbs just from the wonderful smells! ...Diane
Hi Donna
Another ex-Verdunite living in Oakville! I grew up on Second Ave. just below Wellington at the lane. I live just behind Hopedale Mall. I tried to add a comment but I can't remember my password and it hasn't come through the e-mail yet.
Robin
My first kiss was just outside the shack at Willabrod skating rink! Ever so sweet!
Some kids did tie there skates together and hang them around their necks, but I found changing at the shack too much of a bother...just wanted to skate with my friends! It was also my way of getting home fast between the lanes at Willabrod and 3rd ave. Couldn't run as fast as I could skate and the laneways spooked me out!
Diane. Just looked at your pictures. You look like you are a happy person and enjoying your life "down under". Good for you. Keeps us posted. We did enjoy 3rd Avenue. I am constantly thinking of the different addresses and who live where. Take care.
Hi Donna
Another ex-Verdunite living in Oakville! I grew up on Second Ave. just below Wellington at the lane and was friends with George (football1961). My wife Diane Simpson grew up on Third Ave. (447). I am living just behind Hopedale Mall right now.
Robin
Hey George
Look at Joan's pictures in the Photos section and you'll see a picture of my station wagon that the gang used to get around in
Robin
Smith Main's was between 3rd and 4th; Leith's was at Desmarchais beside the laundromat and Mains was farther west. There was also a Main's on Wellington near Willibrord. The best meat pies had to come from Muir's on Wellington at Argyle.
"MAIN'S" THAT WAS IT! AT THE END OF MOST DAYS, THEY USED TO GIVE "OUR LITTLE GANG" CAKES OUT THE BACK AT THE LANEWAY DOOR!
I THINK IT WAS NORMAN'S AND I ALSO REMEMBER IT BEING A FISH & CHIP SHOP. NOTHING LIKE FISH IN CHIPS WITH LOTS OF SALT, VINEGAR AND WRAPPED UP IN NEWSPAPER!...DIANE
HI LES...THIS TYPE OF CONVERSATION HAS TO BE GOOD FOR ALL OUR MEMORY BANKS! HEAVEN KNOWS, WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET!....DIANE
Winston, was the milk so icy cold because of the glass bottles? Remember bricks of ice cream coming in three flavours...Neopolitan I think we called it. Popsicles you could snap in two and share with a friend. Did you know the Glazer family in Val David? My brother-in-law was Bennie Glazer and married to my sister Shirley who was quite a few years older than me.
A girl called Marjorie Main lived on 3rd ave, older than me but a lovely girl...maybe you remember her.
Sure do remember the smells of "eau de garbage" from 6 families per block! The poor iceman who had to deliver blocks of ice through the shed entrance must have had a very strong stomach!...Diane
Hi Robin, you are just 1 minute away from me. We used to live in the Townhouses behind Hopedale. We are now on Sabel. We have been in Oakville for 29 years. I used to live on 5th Avenue in Verdun. My Mom is still there. My brothers are still in Quebec. My sister lives in Oakville as well. We probably know each other from the Mall and don't even know it! How long have you been in Oakville? Talk to you later.
George, George, George.(what does Imao mean?) Are you crazy..we didn't hang around the lanes close to home! lol. More like 1st and 2nd Avenue. So, I don't know who you were watching. Didn't you have better things to do?
Dianne. Those names sound so familiar. Both the ones in Val David and the Marjorie girl. But if you live long enough you have heard so many names.....everything either sounds familiar, or you can't remember a blooming thing. I think I am in the middle somewhere. I do remember the "bricks" of ice cream. I also remember Stienbergs on Wellington and 6th selling them for 25 cents. One thing about the Laurentians was the getting there. It would take 4 hours on two lane roads, and getting back was the same thing. They put the new highway in, and now people live up there year round in permanent homes , and commute back and forth to Montreal.
Hi Donna We've been in Oakville for 28 years - now living in thise townhouses behind Hopedale. There is an outdoor skating rink on Bronte creek. The local residents clear the snow and there are multiple sheets where you can skate. Great toboggan hill there also! We probably have seen each other and don't realise who we are. I do go to St. Dominics church on Saturday.
Robin
I should be going to St. Dominics...my Grandson makes his First Communion this year..and he lives with us. My intentions are good. Just never seem to make it. I will have to try harder. Yes, I know about Bronte Creek skating but never thought about the toboggan hills. I will have to pass that info to my daughters. A couple of weeks ago they were looking for somewhere to take the kids. Mind you, it's been too cold to do anything. Isn't this just like being back in Verdun..snow, snow and more snow. Do you remember when you first moved here that the weather was so unlike Quebec. I can remember a Christmas day when it was 75 degrees. Not anymore. How long have you lived in the TH? We were there for 8 years and 3 years where we are now.
How will I know you if I run into at the Mall? I will be looking at everyone and thinking...is that Robin?lol. What High School did you attend? We went to VCH. Talk to you later.
Hi Donna
We've been in the TH now for about 15 years. Lived in other areas of Oakville before this. I went to St. Willibrord HS. The first Christmas we were here it was really warm - outside in just a light sweater. The skating rink I mentioned isn't at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. If you go west on Lakeshore and turn right on the first street immediately after crossing the creek, you will see a walkthrough between a couple of houses. Go through there and there is skating and tobogganing. Used to take my grandkids there.
HF&RV - Robin
I used to know a Diane Simpson, but she lived in Crawford Park and went to VHS...Diane
Good morning Robin,
O.K. Thanks. I will let my family know...though there is good skating at Bronte Provincial..just found out you can even rent the ice-skates. I didn't know there was a St.Willibrord HS. I was actually born and raised in Griffintown. Moved to Verdun when I was 10. Is there anyone out there from Griffintown?
My hubby worked with George at CN..Gerry still works at CN. George is a good guy...right George? Talk to you later, Robin. Take care George...are you on vacation from blogging me?lol
Good Morning Donna:
lmao = laughing my ass off
Now I know you were too smart to be in the lane way at 5th.lol However,when you lived where I did on Fifth Avenue you had no choice but to see down the lane behind New Verdun Resturant every time you entered or left the house.
I'm such a good guy that I got Gerry transferred from Montreal to Toronto to fill my vacancy when I became Personnel Officer in Toronto. And the rest is history. I see you now have met my longtime friend Robin from Verdun. It's such a small world. You both will have to walk around the mall with signs, like some do at airports to get to meet each other. lmao Sorry I haven't responded to your blogs earlier.
Hi Robin:
I can still remember that very vividly. I was only responsible for the "Watch Canada Grow"
portion of writing on the back window. lol
I also remember the Chevy you had and having to clean the engine compartment of all the branches and crud the day after a trip to St Jean, if I remember correctly. Remember that?
Hey Donna:
If you look at the photos Robin refers to in message to me (Joan's Pictures) you will see his station wagon parked in front of the Legion and in the top left hand corner of the picture is a partial picture of St. Willibrord High school. I can remember when Robin was attending the school any time I was playing hookey from my school I would borrow his bike from the bicycle rack and spend my day riding to the Point or up to Beaver Lake. Couldn't stay in Verdun and be seen by my Mother or her friends. lol
Now I am lmao. Yes, I met your friend Robin. I could just picture me with a white sticky label with my name on it everytime I go to the Mall. It is a small world after all. Gosh a couple of years back I was in the "Mall" and a girl that worked for Dupont (when I did...way back when in my teens and early twenties) stopped me and said "aren't you Donna and you worked for DuPont?" I was amazed to get recognized 30 years later. I also remembered her. It was really nice but I haven't seen her again. She was also from Montreal(not sure if Verdun or not) Her name is Gayle Lovell..if anyone knows of her. Anyway, George I must get back to work..must be nice to be at home..I am going to win the 33 million tonight! Talk to you soon.
Hey Donna:
It will only be for 1/2 that amount because I'm also winning tonight. Well I can at least dream about it.
George
Good enough for me! But only you and me.
Gee are we going to Bloor Street alone or will you bring your hubby. Together we can have the full amount. lol Think about it. lmao
Yep, I will bring him along and make him sweat(The ticket will be in my name)lmao. I may share with him, after all we have put up with each other for almost 34 years married plus 8 years prior to married...O My Gosh...that's a long time..how can that be when I am only 39.lol Help!
Yea but remember in Ontario 50% division of property etc exists so he won't have to sweat too much.Only wait for your death.LOL
It's the same for me and Barbara. Guess I'll have to hire someone to taste my food before eating it. Haha
I'll make sure to spend very quickly.lol. I like shopping..and so do the girls. It is a nice dream. I could make alot of people very happy and people of my choice. Yes, I looked at the picture. I guess Gerry's older brothers went there. When was VCH built?
Being a non Roman Catholic I'm not sure exactly but I believe it was around 1962- 1963, if my memory serves me correctly. HELP, Robin.
George
Hi Robin, also meant to ask what letter you live in. We lived in the B's.
Yeah I remember that - we were all kind of wrecked
I graduated in 1060 and it was just in the design stage. Probably finished around 1962
We are in C-65 - front door faces the back of the mall
The class of 1962 were the first ones to graduate from VCHS. They only got to spend one year in there. Their first three years of high school were done at St. Willibrord's - the building with the neat lane behind it.
Thanks Sandy West for the info and Robin.I remember the school being fairly new. I graduated 1970.
Robin, I remember Muir's from Verdun. I guess I'm the lucky one, as they moved up here to Maxville, which is about a 30 minute drive from my place. We frequently go there and buy meat pies and milles feuilles. Sure is a nice reminder of Verdun.
Does anyone remember the fish and chip store just above Wellington on Willibrord? They would wrap your order in a paper cone and then in newspaper. I can still smell that wonderful aroma as I think about it today.
Eddie Muir was the youngest son and quite a baker. He must have inherited the gene's from his Dad. Ed lives in Calgary now and I still keep in touch occassionally. Billy Muir, the older brother, is my Age (54) and has just recently moved to New Brunswick. I think they are keeping the Muir's Meat Pie recipe a family secret.
I just called the store. Eddie's sister, Cheryl, owns the store now. So I know for sure that the recipe is the exact same. If any of you want to find them, they are located at 6 MainS in Maxville, ON Phone 613-527-1806. I get a little taste of Verdun everytime I have one of their meat pies.
Man I can remember trying to get the stuff out of the engine area before your mother came out on the front veranda. I was so afraid she would come out and ask what we were doing and how did it get there. Being non-drinkers it would have been a little dicey to give her an answer.lmao now. The crazy things we did as teenagers.
Hi Madeliene:
I can remember the line up on Fridays with all the people wanting Fish and Chips. In those days you catholics were not suppose to eat meat hence the lineups. My Mother thought the same way and many a Friday I would be in the lineup. Harry and his wife ran the place. I can't remember their last name or her first name. They were from Scotland if I remember correctly. I would break the newspaper wrapping and sneak fries from the inside as I walked home to Second Avenue.
We used to go to that fish and chip store for lunch on Fridays while I was going to St. Will's. It was a special treat - both for getting to eat there and not having to walk all the way home - to 5th. We were pretty young at the time and one of the girls lived right across the lane - a family named Griffen - and I guess her mom was nice enough to sort of watch over us.
Hey Buddy
I never realized you were that old. Graduated in 1060. You can edit your reply ,even now.
George
Yes I Remember that fish n chip shop too,.& the line ups do seem to ring a bell,.also I seem to recall having the odd french fry too,well before making it back to the house only a couple of blocks away......hahahaha Also spent many a collection in the little store near the lane on Willibrord ....& the smell of Vinegar on those fries ,makes me hungry now......................................HF&RV
Sometimes on the way home from school I'd stop in just to get the fries - ate them all before I got home. My mom couldn't figure out why I wasn't hungry at supper time. The fries only cost 25 cents and you got a lot of fries.
Remember Leith's bakery now as my old boyfriend Johnny Bourgouin used to live above it. Thanks for the memory, but I still think Main's meat pies were the best!...Diane
Whenever I go to the highland games in Maxville I always get the Muirs meat pies. That's only once a year however.
Robin
Yes, I still remember that fish and chip place. My sister lived at 316 Willibrod. I went to that store one day on my bike. I laid my bike down against the curb. Went into get some fish and chips. A car parked where I had parked my bike, and ran over the front wheel. Bummer dude!!!!! That was a hard, painful lesson. I had to pay to replace that tire...
Robin, let me know when you will be there this year, and perhaps we could meet at Muir's for a cup of tea/coffee.
Madeleine
Madeleine
It's on the Saturday of the long weekend in August. I usually base my attendance on the weather. I don't go if the forecast is for rain. That makes it miserable when you are out of doors all day long. If I go this summer I'll let you know. Do you know my wife (Diane Simpson) from 3rd Avenue?
Robin, the name doesn't ring a bell with me. I think I must have lived a rather confined childhood. Thinking about it, most of my friends were on First Ave., and they lived between Wellington and Lasalle....this was when I was in elementary school. Then when it came time for high school, I went to St. Gabriel's Academy in Point St. Charles, and so I lost a lot of elementary school friends and all my new friends lived in the Point. I'm somewhat lost on this sight, as I know so few people who post here. I would love to meet Diane. Do you know my husband, Mike? He has a bit of a ruffian back in the late 50's, early 60's, but we have been together 42 years now, and he has to be the most wonderful man in the world.
Say hello to Diane for me, and tell her I do look forward to seeing you both.
Madeleine
Robin, did your wife Diane ever live in Crawford Park? I went to high school VHS with a Diane Simpson and we also caught up with each other after I was married. I don't recall her ever living on First Ave, but I might be mistaken. Have a great day....Diane
Hi Diane
My wife Diane Simpson grew up on 3rd avenue. She then moved to Woodland and then to Rolland which is where she lived when we got married. Diane was the youngest in her family. Her brothers and sisters were Donald, Doris, Mary and George. Maybe this will help you recognize if this is the same Diane Simpson you knew.
Robin
Hi Robin, I don't think your wife is the same person I knew. I grew up on third ave from 44-62 and attended Bannantyne School & VHS. Diane
Robin, I thought of you yesterday, and all the others who mentioned meat pies. I went to Muir's in Maxville and bought a dozen of them. They are oh so good!
It was Falkner's I believe
VCH was built in 1961
It was called Falkners you could also buy single cigs there for a nickle
Diane,
Funny but I don't recall a chip wagon in Verdun and I go back quite a while. Of course Mayor Drapeau banned these Hot Dog wagons. You say it used to be on 3rd at Verdun, maybe a photo will turn up some day. I have a photo somewhere of such a chip wagon presumably from Montreal. I will see if I can find it. I'm getting as bad as Les with all the stuff I have accumulated.
Guy
Your right Guy, it's good to have all this stuff,but where is it?....hahahahaha I too have 2 pictures of 'chip wagons, somewhere,but where?? I thought I posted them recently in one of the photo albums,but lately I'm not certain whether it was in the photo's on 'my site' or this VC site,..I thought they got posted simultaneously,on both,but apprently not,so I will have another look & try to find them..
HF&RV
I would never have remembered the name, winnipeg. And being a good girl, I didn't smoke anyway. I think there was a dentist across the street from there, a Dr. Lafleur. Do you remember that?
Dr Lafleur sounds familiar although I never went there myself. My grandmother lived at 4419 Wellington above a furniture store and the name of which escapes me.We still have the cedar chest we purchased there in 69. I had aunts and uncles one was also on wellington across from a store where the owner was shot making a night deposit.{not a great memory} and the other lived on third I believe.do you remember Mickey's Meat market?How about the humbugs at Stillewlls.
Oh I can taste those humbugs now. They were wonderful! I grew up on the third floor at the corner of First Ave and Wellington, above English and Scotch Woolens. Around the corner, beside English and Scotch Wollens, was Buckley's...they sold tv's, radios, stereo equipment, and records. I still have a turntable and lp's, although I very rarely get any of them out. Just nice to say I have them. Was the furniture store between Rielle and Gordon? I remember one being there, and for some reason I think it was a Breault & Martineau. I vaguely remember that shooting, but not much detail about it. Where was Mickey's located? I remember a Tousignant meat market, I think between 4th and 5th on Wellington St. Do you remember Johnny's Soda Bar? The Vatsis family owned it. Spent many an evening and afternoon in there, always with someone special, looking into his eyes, while we sang along with the juke box. They had the little machines right at the table that you could put your quarter into and get 3 songs for 25 cents. Later that place became a meat market. I worked there for a whole month as a cashier....hated the smell of meat so badly that I didn't eat it for almost a year.
There was a furniture store called Vim's right there around 1rst or 2nd Avenue - our first TV came from there - Christmas 1953
English and Scotch e-to-measure suits there. What a deal $65.00 for those suits. I think the tailor was a little on the tipsy side all the time. But he did a good job. Now I can hardly stand being in a suit anymore.....
Made to measure
Buckley's I think I used to buy 45"s there.The furniture was between Willibrord and Rielle and it might have been called Vims.Mickeys was on Wellington between 2nnd and 3rd maybe.The person who was shot was from Tousignants and was the owner I believe.Yes I remember Johnny's and the Vatsis family there is one name that sticks out is nicky,played football with him or ???There was a clothing store called Grover's on Wellington,sons name was Ron but I used to like dealing with his father who was quite a character.Taught me never to pay retail. He liked to haggle over prices.I have fond memories of the dealings I had with him.Those juke boxes at the table were they the ones with the flip pages? I was looking through the memoriams and saw two names that shocked me Ross Hanrahan and Norm Zubis. Did you know them?
There was a 1 year memoriam in the Gazette,yesterday or the day before,for Ross Hanrahan ,his wife placed the ad,...you can probably still find it online. '
Grover's great place to find clothes,corner of 3rd & Wellington,.it was Tousignant who shot,at the night deposit box of the BoM (4th & Wellington)
Buckley's definetly the spot to buy the 45's in those days, & get your 'top 40' list, a sheet they gave out each week...all part of our Verdun stomping grounds .... Grover's still there after all these years,they initally had a store on StCatherine St at one time,I have a photo in one of my albums ,showing Grover's with a newish style sign & not the bright yellow one that was there for years.......
Here's the Gazette notice,.I hope his wife has some calls from close friends or old friends,she probably would appreciate that about now,she does seem sad.(understandably)
Hanrahan, Ross View/Sign Guest Book
HANRAHAN, Ross. July 18, 1945 - February 9, 2008. In loving memory of my soulmate Ross who died one year ago today. What I would give to clasp his hand, His happy face to see, To hear his voice and see his smile That meant so much to me. I have lost my soul's companion, A life linked with my own, And day by day I miss him more, As I walk though life alone. Linda
Published in the Montreal Gazette on 2/9/2009
Vim's Furniture was right at the corner of Second Avenue and Wellington Street. The Butter's family owned it and before they opened it they had a clothing store called Butters Mens and Ladies Wear, which was one store from the corner, across from the Singer Sowing Machine store.When they decided to close the clothing store they expanded the store right to the corner and opened up Vims. The owners had two sons, Sam and Nathan. The sons basically took over the running of the store until Nathan died young and Sam got sick. At that time they sold the business to whoever is there now and the named was changed.
George
Hey Winnipeg1:
I hung around with Ross Hanrahan and his brother Wayne in the late fifties and early sixties. We hung around Johnnies Resturant and after that place closed Miss Wellington resturant, across the street. My wife dated Ross before I started dating her. In fact we were all at the hospital visiting Ross' brother Daryl, who had suffered a fractured skull after being hit over the head while playing hockey and when we left to come home to Verdun the sidewalks were icy and my wife held onto my arm so that she wouldn't fall as we went down the hill to get the bus. When we got off the bus I asked her if she would be at Miss Wellington's that night. She said yes and the rest is now 42 years of married life after six years of dating.
I remember my mother taking me to Grover's. Yes, old Mr. Grover loved to haggle with price. He was a wonderful old man, and his son, Ron, was a gem. You always felt like you were "at home" in their store, as all the sales staff went out of their way to help you.
I was sorry to read on VC about Ross Hanrahan's death last year. It has been so many years since I've had any contact with anyone from my younger days, as I've been in Ontario for 29 years now. Ross's brother, Daryl, is married to Theresa, and back when I went to St. Gabriel's in Point St. Charles, Theresa and I were best friends.
Do any of you remember my brother, Phil Bérubé? He would be 62 years old now. He graduated from VCHS, worked for Northern Electric, then drove buses in Verdun, before finally joining the Verdun Fire Dept. Unfortunately he and his buddy drowned on April 29, 1977, on a fishing trip.
I remember your brother Phillip very well. As kids we played on First Avenue or the laneway behind your house,with Stuart Turner, if I remember correctly as well as David Robinson. I did not know until your message that Phillip had died in 1977. I am sorry to hear that. I, like you, have been away from Verdun for a very long time. When my parents were alive we would visit them on Fifth Avenue.
George
That's an interesting story about Vim's - it was pretty big inside. As little kids we used to go in there all the time to check out the furniture - I guess it was a girl thing. We'd try out the chairs and stuff. They also sold stoves and fridges and stuff and we'd check them all out. When we got older and were allowed to go uptown by ourselves, we continued our furniture fixation in Eaton's. We spent many happy hours in the furniture departments - lol. My cousin married a girl who lived over Vim's - she was French and the wedding was at Notre Dame de Lourdes on Verdun and Fifth - he lived in Lasalle almost underneath the Mercier Bridge.
My mother always took me to Grover's too - more for jackets and play clothes. There was a store between Willibrord and First (north side) where we'd go for dressier stuff. I think all my clothes came from those two stores - until I could go shopping on my own - then it was Sally's and uptown.
I remember Phil Berube but probably never had a conversation with him. In second grade, we were in a rhythm band at St. Willibrord's (boys and girls) - I'm pretty sure he is in the group picture. I am sorry to hear about his accident.
George - what is your wife's first name? Was she a St. Willibrord's girl?
Hi Sandy:
I hope you take this the way it is mean. (Humour) Being good Catholics it had to be a 'rhythm' band.
My wife's maiden name is Barbara Fallon. She went to St. Willibrords and lived on Willibrord ,across from St Willibrords Church. Now that's a lot of Willibrords.
George
George - lmao - you know, they probably were trying to drum something into us when they called it that. Your wife's name is definitely one that I heard back then but didn't know her. At least she didn't have far to go to the obligatory school masses on Sunday mornings. We had to sit with our class - but let's not go there - I'm trying to forget that part.
The store between Willibrord and First Ave was run by an older Jewish couple. We called them Mr. & Mrs. Mack. Don't know if that was their real name or not. A lot of our clothes came from there as well. They would let you put stuff on "lay-a-way", the forerunner to credit cards, I guess.
George, you mentioned Stu Turner. He and his second wife (Kay Neil) live in Athens, ON. We are very good friends with them. I hadn't seen Stu in years, well probably since Phil died. I knew from my mother that his first wife had passed away, but didn't know he had re-married. When he left Verdun and moved to Athens, he tracked me down. I couldn't remember Kay...I really don't think I knew her when we were younger. We spent a wonderful day at their home last August, and Kay and I talk on the phone usually once a week, and daily through Facebook. Small world.
You also mentioned David Robinson. He came to my mother's funeral mass last October at St. Willibrord's. I would never have known him. He still lives in Montreal, I believe.
Where on Fifth Ave did your parents live? My aunt lived at 437 Fifth, just below Verdun Ave. Perhaps you know my cousins, Kevin, Marguerite and Michael Gauld.
George, it's funny that I don't remember your wife's name. I'm 64....is she in that age bracket? I know the McCarthy's lived right across from St. Willibrord's church....Michael, David, Susan, and another girl...can't remember her name.
Madeleine, my parents lived at 616 Fifth Avenue, which was just behind the New Verdun Resturant at the corner of Verdun and Fifth Avenue.
Stu and I have known each other since we were about four or five years old. We use to play in the laneway between 1st and 2nd Avenues. In thoses days we were safe when playing in the lanes. At that time I lived at 141 Second Avenue. I have known Kay since we were around 12 years old. I do know they live in Athens. David, I have known for a very long time as well. He may not remember me today because of the time that has past. The last time I saw him I believe is around 1960 or earlier.
Barbara is the same age as you. She lived directly across from the church (326) and the McCarthy's lived two houses away,towards Wellington Street, from Barbara's house.. She and Cathy hung around together for quite some time . There was also Susanne Lortier that lived on the bottom floor between Barb's and Cathy's houses.
I remember the Gauld name but not any particular person. It could be because I delivered The Gazette newspaper as a kid on 4th,5th and 6th Avenues.
George
Kathleen, that was the other girl's name. I'm still trying to remember your wife. My grandmother used to live on Willibrord when I was very little. She lived in a little duplex, on the ground floor. The balcony was recessed, and it always looked kind of spooky to me. I remember when we went back for my mom's funeral, I looked across the street, and had the same feelings then. Funny how things stick in our minds from when we were children.
Mike says he seems to remember your wife's name. Does she remember Mike Buckley? He was kind of a trouble maker in those days, but sure did turn out to be a wonderful man.
Madeleine
Guy, the chip wagon was situated about half way down Third Ave between Bannantyne & Verdun on my side of the street (676). It was only there for a short time for about 3 or 4 years before the end of school break for the summer. I could smell those french fries all the way from Bannantyne (okay, okay...I exaggerate!)...Diane
I used to hang around Johnny's Soda Bar also, at least I think it was the same place as Jimmy Vatsis used to work there! The booths were great for snuggling in with that special person, listening to all the greatest hits and love songs on the juke box. So long ago, but so very sweet memories!
You must have been around when Craig Patrick lived with the Hanrahans.I went to school with Wayne and Ross and I knew Daryl as well.I remember when he was hit over the head and couldn't play hockey any more.I think he had signed or was going to sign a c card with Boston.It was a shame because he really was a good hockey player.Do you remember Ross's nickname?Were you around when he was driving and he put the car in gear and was going to do a burn out but had put the car in the wrong gear and smashed a car?Its funny the things you remember after so many years
Madeleine I knew your brother Phil he was a great guy and I'm sorry to hear he passed.I went to st willibrord's in 1960 and vchs from 61to 65.I did an extra year in grade 10 because my english teacher liked me so much he wanted to spend an extra year with me.I also left the province in 1976 so I haven't had any contact with people from my younger years although i had a few beers with Dave McCarthy back in the eighties when he was in Winnipeg for a hockey tournament.
Hi Diane:
Johnnies was in between 1st and 2nd Avenues and the Vatsis' owned the restaurant. Jimmy, Peter, and Emilie (Johnny's Children) all had to work there as it was a family restaurant. An Uncle also had a restaurant in Montreal called 'The Red Apple. Can't remember the street it was on ,but it was in between Ste. Catharine and then called 'Dorchester. We used to play hookey from school every once in a while and go sit in the restaurant's backyard and peel potatoes for Mr. Vatsis. Being a friend of Jimmy's I and my close friends were allowed to sit in those booths for as long as we wanted, while others were told they had to leave if they weren't going to buy anything else. Emilie was like a big sister to us all and when she said 'leave' we left. There was also an older woman (black hair) that worked as a waitress and she hated us kids being there because it hurt her tips. It just came to me that her name was "Millie".
I was in that place almost every night so we probably saw each other back then.
George
Hi Winnipeg1:
Craig also hung around with us when he was living at the Hanrahans' place on Rielle. You're correct about Daryl going to become associated with the Bruins. It made sense seeing that Craig's dad was Muzz Patrick the then GM of the Boston Bruins. Are you referring to EEKY as Ross was called by most of us. Billy Paquette, and Steve Arsenualt also hung around with us at that time. Those were the days. I don't recall that car incident and yet!!! Did it happen on Willibrord?
George
George Eeky was the nickname and the car incident happened on Wellington.You are bringing up a lot of names I remember actually very fond memories.
Yes, we probably did cross paths...I was just at another booth with my friends! My main hang out in the winter was Prince George on Wellington, but at least a couple of times a week, we all landed in Johnnies. Jimmy was a great guy and he taught me how to say "I Love You" in Greek! Decided at a young age it was beneficial to learn those little three words in as many languages as possible! Did you find my explanation of the fire situation Down Under? It comes up on the main page in answer to your query, but I don't know if it automatically goes to your own personal page or an email alert. Still don't quite know how to deal with this Multiply site....Cheers, Diane
Hi Diane, the pastry shop between 3rd and 4th was called Smith-Mains and I remember it well. My family lived on Verdun Avenue between 1st and 2nd Avenue from 1950 until 1971. One of my special treats was to go to the pastry shop and get the green frogs, the base was white cake and the top was in the shape of a frog with pink icing inside. Yummmmm.
Gail Evans Lalonde
Hi Gail...yes I remember those yummy green frogs, plus the lots of other delicious treats from Smith-Mains! My Mom often brought home a box of pastries, in fact way too often as I ended up a chubby kid eating all those goodies!....Diane
If you knew the Hanrahans you might remember a friend of mine, Nancy Boyd. I know she dated Wayne for quite awhile and that's how I knew the Hanrahans, although I was younger. I was good friends with Nancy's brother David and our parents were very good friends.
Gail
Gail. Just had a opportunity to look at your pictures. Very nice family.
Winston (835 3rd avenue, Verdun) Allison
Vancouver, Washington
Hello Gail:
Nancy hung around with me and our gang at Johnnies Resturant on Wellington street. She married a friend of mine,from third avenue, Jimmy Ringland and they lived in Texas. They subsequently divorced and she remarried. To my knowledge she still is in Texas. Use to sit on her gallery at the laneway on First Avenue ,
George
George. Are you still in touch with Jimmy Ringland. If so I would like his email or phone number. I live across the strat from him at *35 3rd Avenue. Thanks . Winston Allison
George. I guess I should proof read stuff before submitting it. I lived across the street from Jimmy Ringland. I lived at 835 3rd Avenue. Now living in Vancouver, Washington
George, it's a small world. I remember going to a surprise birthday party(with David) Nancygave for Jimmy not long before he went to Viet Nam.I knew they had divorced and that she had remarried and stayed in Texas. Unfortunately her brother David passed away a few years back and I haven't seen her since.
Thanks Winnie thats kind of you. I see you lived on 3rd Avenue and I lived on Verdun Avenue between 1st and 2nd. There were sooooo many kids (and if anyone doubted it they just had to go to the natatorium any day in July) LOL
Gail
My mother used to work at Miss Wellington's. It was around the late 50's early 60's. I used to go there after school for smoked meat and fries. Now I live in Newmarket just north of Toronto. I remember playing baseball at Willibrord park while hearing the bands playing at the 1&2 club across the street. I still heave relatives that live in Montreal.
Bill what was your grandfather's name? I am the granddaughter to Victor Main and then it became Smith-Main. Kenneth was his name that took over the bakery after my grandad. I am doing a family tree on the Main and Stannard's Side. Are you related to me? Harrowing is my last name.
I am looking for Wendy Mack from Verdun. Her parents were Mary and George. Anyone?
Mickeys was on Wellington closer to 3rd it would of been the 2 nd store from the corner. Vims was near 2 nd avenue.
I know this was posted a long time ago but I did a google search to see if there was anything online about Leith's Pastries and this came up. My grandparents lived on Beatty and owned Leith's, then my uncle took it over and eventually sold it. I remember going there when I was little and helping(!)all the bakers. Fond memories of the wood floor, meat pies, little green fondant frog pastries, the smells etc. My mother and aunt had a stuffing mix named after them "Lil and Dot's", Lillian and Dorothy Pyndus. Miss all that <3
Hi George, My Mom grew up in Verdun and dated a David Robinson. I wonder if that is the same person?? Did the David you knew have a brother named Stewart?
Andrea
Hello everyone I'm looking for 2 girls I used to know in the 80s sandy she used to play football for Verdun and her friend Carla I know Carla was living on Gordon near ckoi I would like retrace them thank everyone my name is martin
Sandra Ayotte was one of my first Crush the Four Seasons were on top Sherry i live on 665 third avenue
Well annonymous you are close on the address or maybe I am off a bit I remember their address as being 663 3rd ave, but as I say I might be wrong on that. I knew her brother Arthur ,and he had two sisters one was Sandra.
Cheers ! LesF
Oh I just re-read the msg posted from 'unknown' about Sandra Ayotte and now I see you lived at 665 3rd well that falls in line with my thinking that the Ayotte's did live at 663 then.
Cheers ! LesF
Linda J. I lived at 131 Rielle and remember the bake shop Mains. As a kid I loved their thick round cookies with the glob of icing on top with a different coloured button icing on top of that. Their pastries were the best and such a treat back in the 1940"s and 50's. I remember Wellington Street with all the shops including Woolworths... Across the street from 131 there was a small store known as Fred's who sold bread, milk and other food products but also had a great candy counter. You could fill a small brown bag with 5 cents...There was also a fish and chip shop just around the corner maybe off Wellington and we often would enjoy that on Friday's... Of course they were wrapped in newspaper.... We then moved to 1182 Allard Avenue and in 1960 I went to Verdun Business College for a year which was owned and operated by the Buttlers or Butlers. There was another pasty shop called Wheatherley's if my memory serves me right. Great memories from back then.
Hi LindaJ great memory of Verdun thanks for sharing your memories with us, and Thank You for surfing by.I know we all wandered Wellington and through all those stores.
Cheers !
LesF
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