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Merrior-X es o-f Hatdciert 1 1 By Barbara Johnson In West Vancouver? in the early 1920’s there was one very favorite place to hike and picnic. Our goal mas Hadden Hall. This Eden-like place was on the mountainside near Capilano River? west of what is now known as Cleveland Dam. Any pleasant day in summer or winter? we would pack up a picnic lunch and walk up the hill from where we lived at 11th and Inglewood. We would proceed along Mathers Avenue? heading east? past the old mill sites? then turn up hill throLign the woods- about where Taylor Way is now. What a thrill to see the Hadden home? abandoned at that time? but? as we peeked in the windows? we could see the beautiful furnishings and rugs? panelled walls and luxurious bedroom. The fireplace with its stone mantel! The perfectly equipped kitchen! and the garden! En-chantingly done in Japanese style with little bridges built over many small creeks on the p“'operty. The exotic plants and bushes were all a riot of doior in Spring? Summer and Fall. We would sit in a sunny spot by one of the streams and eat our lunch? playing over in our minds the Hall’s romantic history. Mr. Harvey Hadden had come over from England in 1891 and invested in property in Vancouver. Twelve years later? in 1903? Mr. Hadden fell in love with a 160 acre tract of land on the side of Hollyburn Ridge? overlooking the Capilano River. Here he planned and built his honeymoon home to which he hoped to bring his bride. According to the stories of that time? his wife took one look at this wilderness residence and turned her back or. it permanently. As far as we knew neither Harvey Hadden o"' his wife ever returned. Year by year the neglect was more evident as the garden went back to nature. The house was broken into and? visit by visit? we found the place denuded of its furnishings? and the floors and wall destroyed and ruined. On our last picnic there was little left but the fireplace? and vandals had used the panels from the walls to burn there. It was heart-breaking to see the gradual erosion of this dream hume? and our hopes that perhaps some day the bridal couple might return. Finally? some careless camper left enough fire going to burn the place down. Tne lane revs^'ted to West Vanccuver fo^ taxes? and the house was almost forgotten until British Properties bought the lane including Hadden Estate? in 1931. Capilano Bolt course was one of thei^ de’^elopments and the Club House was built on the spot where Hadden Hall had once stood. Our favorite picnic spot was gone •^or ever but it will last time? at least i'-; cne memory. a life- £ditor’s note" If any cf our readers can supply further information CEtail about Hadcen Hall? please put it on paper and mail it in.