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| May 1 / Oak Bay History |
| Further to our story on Alexis Casanave's Sequoia Tree, Tom Miles sends along this extraordinary history of his great grandfather Alexander Tait – one of the original 132 landowners who petitioned for the incorporation of the municipality of Oak Bay in 1906. |
| Alexander Tait's Farm |
My great grandfather, Alexander Tait, owned some of the land that was purchased to build Oak Bay Junior High. He had a dairy and vegetable farm in Oak Bay from the turn of the century to the early 1930's. His land extended from Milton St. down to some of the north side of Bowker Creek. I don't know the boundary between his farm and Casanave's. My mother tells me pappas land was part of the area at the back of the school. I remember that a princely sum was cheered about and that the sisters felt quite rich from the sale at that time.
. . My sister Linda and I remember playing in the fields that were bounded by the path from Milton and Elgin to the bridge over the creek, but my younger siblings have almost no recollection of it. Auntie Ina's (Miss Tait) boyfriend (for 20 some odd years) Bill Denton used to take us down to the creek to see the muskrats,fish and ducks and to make small boats to sail. My father had a co-worker at the Vancouver Island coach Lines who used to run a trap line for otters in the creek. Can you imagine the hue and cry that would arise today?
. . The farm was bordered on the west side by the houses on Foul Bay Road and the couple of small side streets. One of the old Chinese workers shacks was still on the west side of the property. My dad and my spinster aunts had an enormous garden at the south end of the property below their house. The old house had been lifted in the thirties and one level taken off it. The milk rooms were still very deep under the house and none of us children would go down there alone. A couple of old out buildings were still there when I was a child but they were torn down when I was in my mid teens.
. . The farm was originally a dairy farm and one of my great aunts Maude, used to tell us tales about delivering milk to people on Oak Bay avenue at the turn of the century. Maude was the 2nd or 3rd daughter and she died in 1990 at age 100, a few weeks before her 101st birthday.
. . My great grandfather was a founder of the Oak Bay Council and a founder of the Presbyterian Church and one of the elders who built Oak Bay United Church which is no longer used because they cannot afford to earthquake proof it.
. . About 20 years ago Auntie Maude wrote an article about life in early Oak Bay for the Oak Bay newspaper that was never printed. Mum is sure it is with some of the treasures that she has not thrown away and is looking for it. It might be useful for Gary [Yes!]. Mum was telling me last week that my aunt wrote it in response to an article that was full of incorrect information. She phoned the reporter and told him if he wanted to write about Oak Bay's past he should speak to people who lived it. As I write this I know I have to pump my mother for a lot more information about growing up in Oak Bay in the 20s [Yes!].
. . One of these days I will write a bit about Ina Tait who terrorized us all at OBJHS but who really loved us as the children she never had. |
| – Tom |
| If there are any "history of Oak Bay" stories in your family, please contact Gary Wilcox who is collecting memoirs and photographs for his History Of Oak Bay website. |
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| May 2 / Thanks to Tom |
| Thanks, Tom, for those recollections of your family and old Oak Bay. Very much appreciated. And waiting for more. |
| Cheers! |
Sandy
redoak@dynamite.com.au |
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| May 2 / Casanave's House |
| Oh, how I remember that house. My family lived in the 'big' house for awhile, both in the upstairs suite, and the lower suite, when my dad first came back from overseas. Even had my very own fireplace in my bedroom, and that was the one and only time I heard Santa (I know I did!!) on the roof. I remember old 'Vic' who lived in a small, ramshackle (well, that's how it seemed to me then) 'shack' at the back. He was a gruff old thing, but had a heart of gold, and treated us kids so well. I was about four years old when we lived there, and at 59 my memory is fading as fast as everything else is drooping, dropping, and sagging, but I remember so well all the pear trees that lined the driveway - used to make ourselves sick eating so many of the pears - and the old chestnut tree that provided the ammunition for so many fun walnut fights. The Oak Bay High School secretary lived there with her family, and although I can still picture her so vividly, I can't recall her name. at this moment, BUT I do recall her son Keith, on whom I had a mad crush - he was the 'older' MAN. The picture of that beautiful tree brings back so many many more memories, indeed, happy memories. |
| Patti Eacott (aka Elaine Delaney) / Geoff_Eacott@Telus.net |
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| May 3 / Playing Fields of Oak Bay |
| Hi to Everyone. |
| I have been out of commission for a month because I was lucky enough to have an operation April 6th. It's been a slow recovery (not because I'm older, you understand). Reading about the farms around Oak Bay brought to mind the rocky area above the empty field between the school and St. Mary's church. Lynn Ramsay, Sylvia Newell, Pat Windjack and lots of other kids played all kinds of pirate games up there, and we stopped to have lunch on a large rock with the original name of "Table Rock", then headed for the Public Works yard on Milton. We spent hours jumping into the gravel pits from the wooden structure above it until we were kicked out by some authority figure or other. It has become a senior citizen complex now. But as children, we were so free, and so innocent of the things that taint children's lives today. So raise a glass to your inner child -- we were so lucky. |
Cheers,
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Laurel
Laurel (Page) Johnson / Tsawwassen, B.C / laurelj@aebc.com |
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| May 4 / Grace Galliford |
| Hi all! |
| Seems the only time I jump in is when one of our old teachers passes on. Does anyone remember Miss Galliford? A diminutive figure, but strong of character. My one recollection is her penchant for 'perfect' English. You'd never get away with prefacing a question with "How come . . . ?" Her response, and it was lightning quick, was "Never say that" ALWAYS SAY "HOW IS IT THAT . . . |
| She died in Victoria on April 26, age 94! How come she seemed so much older in the early 1950's? |
| A final tip of the hat to Grace Galliford, dedicated teacher and a nice lady. |
Robin
Robin Estlin / robin@yellowdawg.com |
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| May 7 / Inactive Email Addresses |
| The following email addresses have bounced recently. If anyone has updates would you let us know. |
Doug Jubb - witsend@prcn.org
Joan McCormick - jmccormick@rothcp.com
Ron Roberts - uncleron@austarnet.com.au
Dave Gaunt - clegg@direct.ca
Brian Gray - ims@airmail.net
Bob Sharp - mmatthews@saatchi.ca
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Richard
rgoodall@sunwave.net |
| Most of these are now updated in our "Keeping in Touch" section - Gary |
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| May 8 / Victoria Visits |
| Hi Guys: |
| Have been reviewing the chat mail and still thinking about last June and the thought occurred to me as I read about this notorious dude that was arrested in Oak Bay - is it possible he was at our reunion? Who would know? Or is he a grad from OBH? Food for thought, Richard may want to tackle that one. I will be out your way a couple of times this summer, once to collect Mother and again to bring her back. Happily Air Canada now has direct flights Toronto/Victoria which makes boarding a 90 yr. old a whole lot easier than the smaller aircraft to Van. |
| Don't ask me how my summer is going to be, and on top of that our home has been put on the garden tour (I was not the consenting party). Hope all is well with everyone, sorry to hear about Kennedy, we are too young for that. |
| Cheers |
Craig
T. Craig Stewart / Thornbury, Ont. / cjstewart@georgian.net |
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| May 9 / Graham Reid and Old Classmates / Saltspring / Homesick Aussie |
| Dear All, |
| Hear that Vic High has just celebrated its 125th anniversary...was there lots of coverage? Word came from Graham Reid, whom many will remember. Apparently he switched to VHS for tech instruction. He asks "if the future reunions are opened up to those who dropped out along the way (I went to Willows Elementary and OBJHS) please let me know. I'd be quite interested in coming." I have assured him he would be welcome, as would others whom we met along the way, but who for one reason or another are not in the grad list for 1960. |
| Also want to report that our Aussie Channel 9 has been running live broadcasts from Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler and Banff this week, with a lovely short piece on Saltspring, to the delight of morning viewers here. Very seductive for an old OBHS graduate. Does anyone know of a (reasonably priced) cottage on Saltspring or another Gulf Island which a homesick Aussie could rent next summer for a couple of months, to include the time of the planned class of '60 turning 60 festivities??? My husband and I would be good house-sitters, too! |
| Cheers to all, |
Sandy xx
redoak@dynamite.com.au |
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| May 11 / Visit to Victoria |
| Hello, everyone, so sorry to hear about our classmate Mike. I just re-read his bio, and how blessed he was to have a great family and time to enjoy his life after his retirement. |
| I will be in Victoria June 7th and 8th, would love to get together for a walk and/or lunch with some of you. I saw Lynne Schulnik last Sat. evening..her very talented and beautiful daughter Allison had a showing of her art here in Santa Monica. Had the pleasure of meeting Lynne's husband Elliot and son Matt too. Another wonderful happening because of our reunion! Life is good... |
| I am happy to say my memory is brightening up as I read the remembrances of all of you. Certainly remember Miss Galliford, she was one of my favorites, and an excellent teacher. |
| Love to you all, |
diane
ddyer2001@mediaone.net or ddyer2001@excite.com |
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| May 11 / Mike Kennedy |
| Memories of Mike Kennedy |
Michael Andrew Kennedy
1942 - 2001
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| How do you thank someone for an obituary notice? I read the news in the morning Times-Colonist but I wept when I saw his picture attached to the e-mail. As I remember him, he was always smiling. It doesn't seem possible that death is now a reality for some of the class of '60. Although I didn't know Mike very well in high school, I worked with him after graduation at the old Super-Valu at Oak Bay junction. I think he was a full time employee and I was working part time while attending Vic.College. It was my job to re-stock the Jello and spice shelf – a thankless task since as soon as you put the last package or bottle in place it would inevitably slip causing the whole row to fall like a row of dominoes. Mike's laughter was always a part of the Super-Valu scene. |
| Reading Mike's bio last spring made me feel so sad and I wanted to write to him and say hi. Regrettably, I never did. |
| Carol |
| Carol Kirkendale Winterbottom |
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| May 17 / Howard Russell Cup |
| Please does anyone know the history of this cup, how it got its name, and date, etc, for what sport etc. Also some advice on how to find out this data, whom to contact, etc. |
| Thank you! |
Philip S. Ballam
psbg@home.com |
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| May 19 / May Walk: Walking the Gorge |
| Hi All, |
| Another walk enjoyed by the retired military (Phil and Jim), pastured teacher (Dave) and bright-eyed former civil servant (Ron). George OBriain visited us in the parking lot as we were leaving to explain his reasons for not coming along. He had something important to do. For all but Jim, it was a revisit to the paths along the Gorge and the environs of the "new" digs of the Gorge Hotel. Intriguing local facts, like "See the eel grass has come back nicely but unfortunately not the herring" were supplied by Jim who has lived in the area many years. He's sealed his attachment to this lovely body of water by buying a waterfront property with dock on Portage Inlet. He moves in July. |
| Topics... |
| - the Liberals have a lot to prove; we needed Peter along to make us true believers |
| - Phil recently toured Victoria's own cruise ship, the Radiance of the Seas and was not bubbling with positive reviews. Too much glitz for a guy used to polishing real brass and slopping grey paint over rust spots? |
| - Is the hole in the ozone layer really all it's cracked up to be? We talked around the problem and discussed "old" fridges. |
- Wow! We DIDN"T talk about worn out body parts but somewhere along the way I heard a comment "My days for doing ....... are finished!" You fill in the blank.
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| Looks like we can walk to the new pub in Oak Bay next month. Phil reports it opens later in May. |
| Dave |
| davfoste@mail.islandnet.com |
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| May 19 / Oak Bay History |
| Next week two milestones in Oak Bay history – of international import – are being commemorated... |
The Patrick Arena / Plaque
Further to our story on the Patrick Arena I'm happy to report that a plaque will be unveiled on Friday, May 25th at 3 pm to acknowledge the location where this historic building once stood at Epworth Street and Cadboro Bay Road - across from the junior high school. The campaign for this long-overdue recognition of the Patrick Arena has been led by Oak Bay residents and supported by the Municipality. |
The Voyage of the "Tilikum" / Plaque
And on the next day, Saturday, May 26th, a plaque will be unveiled in the vicinity of the Oak Bay Marina to commemorate the historic voyage of the "Tilikum" (1901-1904). "Tilikum," 12-meter dugout canoe rigged as a schooner, was owned and captained by John Voss who embarked on a solo voyage around the world from Oak Bay in this 50-year-old craft. "Tilikum" now resides in Victoria's Maritime Museum in Bastion Square. |
Gary
gwilcox@direct.ca |
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| May 19 / New Pub? |
| So where is it? Would love to check it out when I'm in Vic. next month. |
diane
ddyer2001@excite.com |
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| May 21 / Howard Russell Cup |
| Rugby, that is what it was for. City champions of the sport. And having played on the winning team 2 years in a row along with a lot of you that is about all I know about it except Oak Bay won it more times than not. |
Ian
Burlington, ON / ielse@home.com |
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| May 24 / New Pub! |
| The new neighbourhood pub in Oak Bay Village is the Penny Farthing at 2228 Oak Bay Ave., in what used to be Pattison's Drug Store. It apparently opens tomorrow, Friday May 25th at 5:10 p.m. precisely. I was Mr Pattison's and then John Weicker's delivery boy from that store for years, and always knew the location would make a good pub! |
| Dave Foster will publish details of the next "Class of 60" run, walk or crawl... to the Farthing for a pint. Y'all are invited! |
Phil
johnstonsp@home.com |
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| May 25 / Oak Bay Pharmacy |
| Phil et al |
| John Weicker sponsored and bowled lead off in the Victoria Men's Senior League (10 pins). I had the pleasure of being on the Oak Bay Pharmacy Team and went to the ABC Tournaments in St. Paul, Minn. and Oakland Ca. in '64 & '65 with John. A real fine gentleman and very enthusiastic and competitive bowler. I Understand he is alive and well today and... ( Dicktective Goodall will know for sure)... John still does some running like superstar son Dave. |
Mike
mgibbs@webtv.net / Idly Boat watching @ Sunny Cedar Bye The Sea |
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| May 25 / Penny Farthing |
| Thank you, I know that location! Well, found out today that my younger daughter and her boyfriend are moving back to Seattle from Spokane in a month, pleases me greatly, much easier to visit. Now, just need to get my older one out of there. Must say I envy those of you that live close to your kids and grandkids. |
| Love to all |
diane
ddyer2001@excite.com or ddyer2001@mediaone.net |
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| May 27 / John Weicker Pharmacy |
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Oak Bay Pharmacy
click on photo for enlargement |
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| Mike, you are way ahead of me on this one. The last time I saw John was in 1964 when I left Victoria. Yes, he was an exceptionally nice guy and very popular in the business community. I do recall an incident when I was 13 that took place at the old store. (See photo). I wanted to buy sulphur, potassium nitrate and charcoal and was greeted by a cold and icy stare from Mr.Weicker. Refusing to make the sale, he told me that gunpowder was dangerous. |
Richard
rgoodall@sunwave.net |
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| May 30 / Oak Bay Marina |
| Do you remember the Oak Bay Marina the way it used to be? I can remember riding my bike down to the marina and watching the fishermen unloading and cleaning their boats. It was a great place to spend some idle time. One could even catch a jellyfish, it always felt so squishy and when it was dropped it made a very satisfying splat. Somehow, it just isn't quite the same inviting place today. |
Gloria
Gloria Knudsen (Manson) / gmk.ca@home.com / Duncan |
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| May 31 / Photo – Oak Bay Boathouse |
| Thanks so much for the wonderful old photo of the Oak Bay Marina as it once was. How do we know we might be a little bit older? When the pictures of our special memories come courtesy of the Provincial Archives. I wonder how many of us spent hours in the library at the archives doing research for those college courses. I'm sure all the information we looked up in the old books and periodicals is now only available through computer access. |
Gloria
Gloria Knudsen (Manson) / gmk.ca@home.com |
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