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September 1995 WEST VANCOUVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Page 7 A MEMBER CONTRIBUTION Hollyburn Ridge to Cypress Park By: Pixie Daly Hollyburn Ridge is the buttress that separates the mountain ranges from the waters of the Gulf of Georgia. Around the turn of the century the non-native people slowly infiltrated along the shoreline until several small viUages were established. In 1915 sections of trees were logged from the mountain for the first time. Then later, during the advent of Cypress Park, via Hollyburn Ridge, it was logged again, causing much controversy between the logging operators and the environmentalists. As early as 1920 the mountain was traversed by eager climbers and nature-lovers, who, in the autumn, discovered blueberries hanging like bees off a hive. The sweet, succulent fruit was picked by the hikers during those bleak post-war and pre-war days long ago. But it was not just the berries that brought pioneers to the mountain, but the hardy Scandinavian skiers sought to bring back the life they had led at home. The Ski Camp at First Lake was built in 1927 by the three Swedes: Oscar, Ole and Andrew, along with his wife, Stina. A small jump at First Lake was erected soon after the lodge was built, and was used by many greenhorns who were broken in by a few early Scandinavian immigrants. Skiing was for the real enthusiast in those days. It was climb up herring-bone style and schuss down straight, fall down, pick yourself up, brush off the snow and fly at it again. There was coffee and donuts in the Ski Camp, and on Saturday nights the floorboards would be a-jumping with the stomp of the heavy boots of the skiers dancing to the Swedish Schottische. The mountain became a somewhat primitive ski resort as there wasn’t a ski-lift or even a tow-rope to get the skier to the top of a hill. It was a great workout every weekend to struggle up the mountain on foot, carrying a pack of supplies and skis and poles. For those who did not own the proper equipment the Swedes rented out skis, boots, and poles. Then the struggle to make it to the top of Romstads (a hill about two to three miles up), or even to the shoulder or peak. The peak was 4,000 feet and a great run for the ski races from the peak to the Camp, or just to the foot of Romstads. About 1937 an enterprising young fellow, called Ed Oakley, (nick-named Annie Oakley of course) set up an old oil drum as a stove at the foot of Romstads. He stoked his fires and sold hotdogs and coffee every Saturday and Sunday. It was good to stop and peddle the bull with Ed and sample his cooking, rest a bit before the run down to the cabins. By early 1930’s the Swedes had a dozen or so cabins to rent out at 125 dollars for the ski season. With ten to a cabin, these were snapped up by all who could come up with $12.50. If all ten skiers arrived for the week-end it would cause some problems, as there were only four three-quarter sized bunks in the tiny 10 X 10 foot cabins. It was not long before many of the more enterprising fellows began to build their own log cabins. There were soon 30 to 50 cabins in the area. A yearly fee was charged by the West Vancouver Village Municipality. It is difficult to explain or share the wonders of the bejewelled mountain with its winter mantle of snow, and the camaraderie of the youngsters who chose to spend their free days on the mountain. (Job-hunting was common ground and not many were fortunate to have found a job in the early 1930’s). There was much visiting from cabin to cabin during the evenings, after the skis were stuck in a snowbank outside the cabin and the hot toddies were passed around. There were mighty discussions that went on far into the night; many weighty matters were hashed over but seldom solved. There was many a tall tale spun and many comical stories, some false and some true. It was a magical time in the lives of the young men and women who forged the beginning of the Cypress Park Ski Paradise. Many are still alive and they gather every fall at First Lake to remember and tell more stories of the ‘good ole days’. From the Dam at First Lake, Sept. ’94 Sutherland West Coast Railway Association, continued from Page 5 By the time phase 4 of this project is completed, in about 10 years, they expect some fifteen million dollars will be expended to recreate a typical Railway environment of the mid twentieth century, complete with train rides on approximately 8 Km of track running down to the head of Howe Sound. There is much to see in the Park as it is today and our members found it a challenge in 2 hours to satisfy their interests. They were on their feet most of the time and found that access to the cars presented some with another sort of a challenge. Good weather for a tour would seem desirable but not essential as there is plenty to see under cover. The Railway Park is 3 Km north of Squamish on Highway 99, past the MacDonalds. Turn west on Centennial Way (flashing light), which becomes Government Road, until you cross the BC Rail track; the Park entrance sign is on the right. Gates open 10 AM to 4 PM, April 29 to October 29,1995. Admission is: Adults - $3.50, Seniors & under 12 - $2.50, Family - $10. Group Rates are available by calling 524-1011. Information on the West Coast Railway Association may be obtained by writing WCRA, Box 2790, Sm Main, Vancouver, BC. V6B 3X2 or by calling (604) 898-9336.