Verdun - The Good Old Days

This is what this site is all about.

Guy

nonigirl2012 wrote today at 3:31 PM Hello/Bonjour Guy, I find your site quite by accident after someone had sent me a clip of a video about Montreal & Verdun. It was so nice to see all those pictures that brought back memories that I thought I had forgotten. I spent my childhood in Verdun and although I don't have many pictures from that time, I do remember playing down by the river, just west of the Auditorium, under the boats that were stored there. Also I remember many summers walking along the boardwalk and going to the Natatorium. Many days were spent in the park near Lasalle & Galt I think. We were taught so many fun things, like arts & crafts and outings. I don't think they do that in parks anymore. It's a shame. It kept us busy, having fun and not getting into trouble as kids. If I find any old photos, I'll send them along. I lived at 91 Gordon Avenue. The old house was torn down some years ago and rebuilt but they kept most of the facade. Lorraine Beaton

Ville de Verdun (we've posted everyone of these photos over the years.

I know we've posted everyone of these photos over the years,but someone took the time & effort to make a little video avaialble from Google Videos .it's listed as a travel type video, but it showcases much of the buildings & places around Verdun.......                                                                                                                                                       

..I will post the Video in the first post,          -HF&RV-

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

All Saints Anglican Church

The All Saints Anglican Church situated at 7325 Ouimet St. was constructed in 1949. The top photo was taken in 1959 and the bottom photo was taken recently. The presbytary is on the left. This church is also up for sale as are many other churches in Verdun. The different religious communities are looking into sharing the same church to solve their financial problems as was done with the Notre Dame de la Garde Church. Quite an upheaval going on these days in the religious communities.

Guy

Take a Tour of (almost anywhere) BUT HOW ABOUT VERDUN TO START WITH

Start with any address you like (or can remember ) and type it into the search window on Google,.then when you arrive there,click on 'street view' you may have to click on 'more' this will then show you a few options ,one is street view, then follow the arrows baby & your on a tour of Verdun like you wouldn't believe.........Big Brother is not only Watching , he's been watching for some time.............Cool stuff......

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&source=hp&q=6555%20lasalle%20blvd%20montreal&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

                                                   You will have fun with this one..........HF&RV

       Want to tour Wellington Street or the waterfront ........have at 'er baby ,this thing works great......................but forget about your civil liberties, cause if this is what they allow us to see,.then imagine what they already have........hahahahah    HFD&RV

Willibrord Park in Early 40s

Here is an old photo wich I found in our archives and wich is the Willibrord park as I knew it in the 40s. The new City Hall was not yet built and you can see 3 skating rinks, the snow from the front rink has not yet been rmoved. You can see the Willibrord school on the left and I think that is the Willibrord church to the right of the school in the background. There is only 1 car visible to the left on Willibrord street. You can also see the building where we would put on or remove our skates and of course warm up. Who knows, I may even be on the rink playing hockey in the photo !

This photo appeared on the front page of one of the first booklets "Les Argoulets" and wich was published in December 1995. Serge Durflinger, the author, was a member of the administration and one of the early members of our society (SHGV)

I have to go to Verdun this week and if I have time, I will drop by City Hall to get detailed information on the new park wich is planned including the artificial ice rink.

Guy

Dancing Having Fun in Verdun----Remember?

Remember this old photo of the kids dancing outside at the old Woodland Park in front of the Bandstand................................Well it'seems they still have fun in Verdun dancing outside at the new covered shelter near the Natatorium,where the have a Swing Dance Party,.......this shot was then...........

                       ............and this link to the Video is Now (well summer 2008,actually) I haven't come across the 2009 Version Yet,....but in any case the kids are having fun,

                                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggwHbkXhjS0

....also here's the link to the Swing Dance website ,it looks like they've had all their dance's so far this year,.but check it out ,if you like:

                                   http://www.swinginmontreal.com/se/se_en.html

 

           

        ......and don't forget,   Have Fun & Remember Verdun 

Bandstand

The Bandstand was built in 1938 and my guess is that the bottom photo dates back around that period judging by the old tubular steel raling along the boardwalk. Again, my guess is that the top photo is from the 50s or 60s as the boardwalk railing is made of stones. The top photo is a new discovery to me as I never saw it before. It is always nice to come back to this old Verdun landmark as it marked so much of our youth going back to the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Guy

St Clements Anglican Church

Since Maggie made me discover the St Clements Anglican Church this week and since I had to go to Verdun, I brought my camera and took these pictures. The church is still looks in good shape despite the fact that the original section was built in 1900, the 1st enlargement in 1910 and the 2nd in 1923 although it could stand some painting and renovations but one has to wonder what will eventually happen to these old churches who are suffering from a lack of worshippers thus a lack of funds.

I also took these photos of the area behind the church. There is a large vacant lot directly behind the church and facing the other vacant lot across the street where the old Woodall and CKVL radio station was situated. Does anyone remember what was at that lot. The lane is between Gordon and Rielle and all the old sheds are now gone. Boy, I bet they could tell us a lot of stories of what went on inside, if ghosts could only talk.

I talked to an old timer so that he could tel some old memories. He remembered milk being delivered with horse drawn wagons. He said the horses were withdrawn in the middle of the sixties. He also recalled a building that collaped at the intersection of Wellington, LaSalle and Lafleur due to stolen lead that was stored illigally. I plan to do this again as those old stories are simply fascinating.

Guy 

NICKY DEMERS (NICK-VERDUN) & LORNE RICHARDSON....VERDUNITES!

I need help Guys...the daughter of Nicky Demers (Osborne Ave) and Lorne Richardson from Brown Blvd  has contacted me to see if any members remember her parents and if so, any stories to tell!  Lorne was a member of "THE PISTON POPPERS", so if there's any photos on our site, please guide me to them.  Apparently, they met at THE PAV and photos would be great (but I know we've all had trouble finding good photos of THE PAV).  Sharlene, their daughter is organising a surprise 45th Wedding Party for them and after hearing a lifetime of wonderful Verdun stories from Mom & Dad, she would like to add some Verdun touches to help them travel down memory lane and celebrate the occasion!  Thanks...Diane

Reunion: Alice (Bundza) Mossey

I am now posting under "Blog". I am anxious to see how it comes up.

What: Reunion with Alice (Bundza) Mossey (Awesome elementary school teacher !!!) When: Sat. May 9, 2009 (4-7pm) Where: Cuccina Linda, 3900 Wellington / Hickson, Verdun, QC H4G 1V3 (514-362-9618) Contacts: Alice (Bundza) Mossey, E-Mail: Apmossey@aol.com OR,  Louise Lafontaine, E-Mail: l.lafontaine@rogers.com Note: Have an appetizer and drink, courtesy of Alice. Bring pictures of children, grandchildren, school, classes, etc. Share memories over a fun & delicious Italian dinner at Linda Minicucci's restaurant. Alice is looking forward to seeing the students she taught as well as other students !

Anyone attend TOPS in Verdun 35 Years Ago?

When I joined, Kathy McFarlane was President and Shirley Poutney Vice President.  We received charms for our charm bracelets when we lost 5 or 10 lbs.  When we gained weight we had to sit in the "Pigpen" for the whole meeting!  I still have my charm bracelet and photos of my "Graduation" held at the Windsor Hotel (I think).  My Goal Weight got lost somewhere along the way and was never to be seen again!...Diane

5th Avenue Verdun Restaurant

A few people here have mentioned the restaurant at 5th & Verdun,......so here's a couple of shots ,of the corner lit up with Neon,......and a bit blurry to give it that same look as we may have seen it late at night........lol ( at least certainly after leaving)

 

......................................Have Fun & Remember Verdun....................................

J.P. Dupuis Ltée

J.P. Dupuis Ltée was situated at 1084 Church facing Cool and was demolished in the beginning of 1959. I used to go there through the laneway to get leftover wood pieces with my small wagon, that ended up in the sawdust bin. We used the wood as fire starters in our wood stove but I also carved various objects such as planes and guns, My favorite was making a german luger as this was during the war and I got the model from the comic books and of course from the movies and of course we used to play cowboys and indians. The workers would let us do this most of the time but one day the management took us to their office to explain what we were doing there.They scolded us and we never returned. There were often fires in that place as we would regularly hear the fire truck sirens going to the woodyard. No time wasted looking at TV. Other memories of growing up in Verdun. The enclosed photo is from the 1959 Guardian and is not very good as I had to take a photo of an already bad photo. Does anybody remember that place.

As you can see there is now a new building that has replaced the wood yard.

Guy

 

A shot through the Park

Guy this shows ,what looks like the building that would be there now,...Thanks Again to Susie, for these photos .                 HF&RV

Poissant Hall

Here's the shot of the old reception hall:

messanger article based on 1931 Verdun Guardian letter

“Valentine’s Day: Before Our Loves are Lost”

par Rohinton Ghandhi
Voir tous les articles de Rohinton Ghandhi
Article mis en ligne le 3 février 2009 à 9:34
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“Valentine’s Day: Before Our Loves are Lost”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it instantly reminds you of chocolates, flowers, red hearts, and lace.

For many of us, we only see the “chocolate-covered” commercial side of it. Yet Valentine’s Day holds much more meaning to us than we think.

At one time our community held a solid commitment to this day, with everyone “prepared to celebrate”.

The February 1931 Verdun Guardian reported “Young Folks Look Forward to Valentine - Youth of the District Have All in Readiness for Tomorrow - Throughout the past week, boys could be observed looking into gayly-decorated shop windows with their attention centered on lace valentine cards tied up with fancy red ribbons. Girls would contemplate the various cards and wonder which one they would be fortunate enough to receive. Many plan various parties tomorrow”.

We had strict social rules back then, and Valentine’s Day was an opportunity to socialize with the “fairer” sex.

It was the time of year in which we were “allowed” to show our true feelings to someone and hope that our feelings were returned. Valentine cards once played an important courtship role, as the words within them were our flagships to “test the waters”, wading into the unknown territory of women. The words we chose would have to clearly describe our intent towards a young lady, not like the quick pickup lines, 2-minute dating, and instant matchmaking services of today. The words had more meaning then, as we used them to touch another’s heart.

We are very fortunate today, to be able to openly declare our feelings to each other at any time, without waiting for Valentine’s to arrive. Yet few of us rarely do. Perhaps we have forgotten the magic of romance and the rainbow of emotions that love brings. Or maybe, we consider ourselves too busy, or too old, to say those words to our special someone.

The words are basic. We learned them as children by creating our first handmade Valentines to openly show our love to our parents, and which are probably still hanging on our fridge doors, dog-eared and dusty.

In Elementary school, Valentine’s became more of a “trading-card” game, making sure that we traded with, and correctly spelled, each of our classmate’s names. Lacking the compassion these cards were meant to hold.

High School reintroduced us to the real “Valentine’s Day” experience, as we were now old enough to enter the “dating scene” within our own social circles. Like bees to a hive, we busily slipped Valentine cards into the lockers of our prospective sweethearts, hoping to receive one from them in return, which could mean anything from heartbreak to a “walk in the clouds”.

Today, it is very easy to recapture the warmth of Valentine’s by just looking at the people around you (or by calling those you know) and showing them that you truly care. They do not have to be sweethearts or family. They could be anyone who is important in your life.

As our passion for life only equals the compassion we share within it, Valentine Day’s reminds us all to say what needs to be said. Before all our loves…are lost.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the English Corner!



Rohinton Ghandhi

*Sources – The Verdun Guardian – February 1931 Issue

HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT VERDUN?

I've noticed most of VC members have long ago left their childhood neighbourhood and many have left  LA BELLE PROVINCE.  How many of you make return visits to Montreal and especially Verdun?  If you do, does it bring back happy memories, or are you saddened by the changes.  We visit from Australia every 2 or 3 years, stay in downtown Montreal and our first move is to head out for Smoked Meat and buy a few May Wests, Cherry Blossoms etc etc.  After a severe bout of indigestion, we walk the streets of Montreal and try to recapture our roots, not always an easy job.  But we soon find our way, Crescent Street with delightful restaurants, Old Montreal and the talented street artists and the sight of the Cross at the end of University St always brings a lump to my throat. My husband Richard (Rosemounter) walks the grounds of McGill, remembering the carefree days.  There are many changes and not all for the good, but you can still find delight in many places that overwhelms you with the feeling you've come home.  Next year on our visit, I am definitely planning to walk the streets of Verdun (something I've been avoiding) to see if I recognise the place anymore.  I know I'll be somewhat disappointed, but I also know that there will be a sight or two that takes me back down memory lane and the trip will all be worth it.  Thanks to you all at VC for sharing your thoughts and memories with me and each other.  Remember Verdun, have fun and I hope you have the opportunity to return to your old stomping grounds....Diane

DILALLO HAMBURGERS IN THE LATE FIFTIES!

Remember the small restaurant in Ville Emard (on Monk & Allard) that served hamburgers with yellow banana peppers on them!  The owner used to have a competition with the teenagers to see who could eat the most over a certain period of time.  I remember only the guys entering the contest (girls were wiser) and some of them could have done with a fire extinguisher by the time they finished!....What those teenage boys would do to try to impress the girls!.....Diane 

Rocky Beach in LaSalle

The following text wich is with the photo of the beach that was in LaSalle below the dam gives us new information such as the official name (Rocky Beach) and the year of the photo(1934):

Sunday afternoon at Rocky Beach in 1934. Adjacent to it was the Power House, wich before it closed down in 1931, used to blow a horn to warn people before opening its gates. Indeed, the strong current created by this opening would have been dangerous to the bathers. There were also restaurants on the beach (owned by Messrs. Dumas Lussier and Bélanger), when two hot-dogs sold for five cents and a soda for three. Policemen were especially hired to maintain order.

At one time I heard that there was question of re-constructing a dam at the same place. I am adding this new information to the photo in my Album no. 38 on my site.

 

Guy

Source: LaSalle Then and Now by Denis Gravel and Viviane Bouchard

Photo  from Collection Conrad Poirier

Archives of the Société d'Histoire et de Généalogie de Verdun (SHGV)