Willibrord Park 1930

Here's a photo I found in our archives of the Willibrord Parc 1930. It was a religious celebration.

Guy

Nun's Island in 1966

Here is an interesting 1966 photo from the Guardian I found today in our archives (SHGV). It is an aerial photo of Nun's Island, Verdun and Montreal.Nun's Island had been recently to sold to Chicago developers who were planning to develop the island. It was not yet developed although the Champlain bridge can clearly be seen and the wooded western end is still untouched. Since 1966 was a year before Expo, you can see the construction of the site in the center right of the photo. I recognize the grassy area at the lower left where we used to swim, fish and picnic. It is nice to see the island prior to its development, the way we knew it in our youth.

Reading Maketh a Full Man ( it's over a fireplace in Craigdarroch Castle)

.Ever notice sometimes when a book is recommended to you & you can't find it in the local Chapters or Munro books store . Well I was recently looking for some books on Chinese Topics, & those can usually be found in most library's or bookstores.However as much as I tried to find a specific book,I had to face the realisation that the store I was in didn't have it.Very frustrating indeed,You see I was looking in this store.

OLYMPICS...At Last!

Watched the opening ceremony with a group of Aussie friends and it was absolutely breathtaking, especially the Orca Whales scene.  Didn't like the version of Oh Canada...much too slow and jazzed up!  My girlfriend Maria (former Montrealer) and I decided we would stand & belt it out properly, much to the surprise of our friends!.  Let the games begin and have a wonderful celebration over the next two weeks Canada...I'll be with you all every step of the way!....Diane xxx  P.S.  We'd had a glass or two of Champagne to celebrate in style!  .

Hires Root Beer

Again going through our archives (SHGV) I found this June 7th 1929 page from the Verdun Guardian showing an add for Hires Root Beer by the Corona Bottling Works wich was stuated at 3159 Verdun Ave. wich was near Atwater. I think most Verdunites of a certain age remember this drink. JMH in particular who lived in that area. I already posted this ad on the old site but I thought I would re-post it.

Guy

5 Alarm Church Fire ..destroys 1893 building.Hmmmm Financial Combustion Maybe ??

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONTREAL – About 150 Montreal firefighters were called in to battle an early-morning five-alarm fire that consumed the condemned Église du Centre-Ville on René Lévesque Blvd. near Atwater Ave.

The blaze at the former Franciscan church, which was built in 1893, spread to the roof of a neighbouring building and did minor damage.

The church had become so run down before it closed that services were held in a basement chapel out of fears that the roof could hurt someone, said a former parishioner.

Montreal fire department operations chief Richard Laporte said the building was known to have been used by squatters. He also said the fire department was trying to determine if it was being renovated.

“If so, it means it was unprotected and the main structure was exposed,” he said.

Laporte said the fire was first reported just after 5 a.m. By the time the first unit arrived, the church was already engulfed in flames and it was immediately declared a five-alarm fire. Four hours later, hoses were still pouring water into the church while a payloader set to knocking down its walls after it was determined the historical structure could not be salvaged.

Laporte said the fire deaprtment was left with no choice because the structure could have collapsed.

“When it threatens firefighters lives, and possibly the lives of civilians down the road why have to tear it down. It poses a threat.”

The last service to be held in the basement chapel was in May 2007, when 400 people people attended a 90-minute mass celebrated by Pierre Brunette, provincial of the Franciscans.

The church on the main floor, known as the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, had been closed since 1997. The firary once housed as many as 50, but only four priests and brothers were living in the monastery when it closed. The Franciscans left the property after learning it would cost $5 million to repair the fieldstone church.

No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

  Hmmmmm  ( Finacial Combustion Maybe ? ) I wonder, it seems by all accounts this Church wasn't doing all that well,...and I would imagine Property at Rene Quebec Blvd & Atwater would be fairly desirable & Expensive,.........but that would be cynical thinking in a city that has such few fires............hahahahaha    

1929 Guardian

Here is a page from a 1929 Guardian from our archives (SHGV).Some members will remember the old washing machines our mothers used to clean our clothe. How about the Old English Wax we used to polish our hard wood floors, only .59.

Guy

Death of George O'Reilly at age 65 in 1995

Here is a 1995 page from the Verdun Messager showing a couple of Verdunites that some members will no doubt recognize namely, George O'Reilly announcing his death on January 27th at age 65 and a photo of David Fennario the author of "Joe Beef". Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Guy 

Why Wait For Spring

Now I Remember Montreal & Verdun in particular ,as being a very clean city (cities)With the Verdun City workers taking to the streets, Brooms in hand to sweep away the winter's accumulation of sand & salt that gathered on the sidewalks, Every corner in the non-winters months had a wire mesh trash basket,attached to a pole with a small chain,more to keep it upright,rather than for safekeeping,but the City just seemed to be more well cared for in those days, I have been back to visit my old homestead many times over the years & I think it has suffered greatly in the Keep it Clean campaigns.Too bad ,the phot I've posted here shows as recently as 1971 Verdun at least would parade around town with this sign being towed by a City Truck, advising everyone that a "Clean City begins st Your Doorstep"
I think they were right,...........................HF&RV

Why Wait for Spring

I Remember Verdun being a relatively clean city, also Remember in springtime the city workers,actually took to the street with brooms in hand & swept the sidewalks clean from the winter's accumulation of sand . It may be still a little early to think of springtime backeast ,but it's coming soon,so to use the old TV slogan ,Why Wait for Spring , Do It Now.......(clean up that is) 

Start Sweeping ,cause like the sign in the picture says "A Clean City Begins on your Doorstep"........HF&RV

 

             ...ps: click on the photo ,to make it larger ( easier to read,)

LaSalle Dam - Barrage Hydraulique LaSalle

I think most members recognise this 1910 photo of Lower Lachine Road wich is from the McCord Museum but wich we have in our archives. The photo is looking east towards Montreal but after looking at the photo more closely, I recognised the Hydro dam at the right in the background. I also see very faintly what may be the the Mont St Hilaire or the Mont St Grégoire behind the dam in the background. By examining these fine details on a photo, we are able to recognise many crucial subjects when doing research.

Guy