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June 1998 WEST VANCOUVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Page? AND THIS IS THE WAY IT WAS Log supplied by daughter: Mrs. Brenda Clulee Excerpts selected by: Waring Pentland A 1925 Visit to West Vancouver - Excerpts from a Daily Log Mr. and Mrs. David Waddel arrived in Vancouver on May 13, 1925, together with their youngest daughter Brenda, to visit with their other daughter Sheila and her husband, Joe Webb. They were on the first stage of a trip that would take them to New Zealand and back. The Webbs had just built a home at 2897 Bellevue. Sheila later married Ernest (Robbie) Robinson, a West Vancouver bus driver. Sheila, aka Robbie, fulfilled the duties of West Vancouver Police Matron for over 20 years. Sheila’s daughter, Lorie married Waring Pentland. A copy of David WaddeTs journal was discovered by Lorie & Waring at Brenda's home in England in 1993 May 13 We were all up very early and the train arrived at very early as snow has only been off the ground a few weeks. N^couver at 7:45 am.. I found upon alighting, Sheila, Joe and Sandy waiting. We proceeded to a restaurant for breakfast and then to the ferry which we crossed so as to reach the Wd)b’s home at Altamont in West \hncouver. They have a veiy nice bungalow built close to the sea and the land about them is practically virgin forest with clearings here and there with bungalows erected thereon. The beach is strewn with large and small logs of timber which escape from logging camps or mills. The windows of the bungalow or house are hinged at the top and during the day they are propped open and another frame is inserted which is covered with a wire gauze to keep out flies and to let in fresh air and keep the rooms cool. In the evening we went for a walk to West Bay Beach about two miles away. May 15 Had lunch in the city and returned by ferry to West Vancouver and then the train to Altamont. It was very hot until about simset when it became cool. May 16 Spent day in the immediate neighbourhood. In afternoon saw swimmers and boaters at Dundarave and in the evening went for a walk to a part of the shore about a mile away. Temperature today over 84 °F. May 17 Morning somewhat dull, but the sun appeared before noon. Much cooler than yesterday. Two visitors came to diimer. Many people in the vicinity on a short holiday, both motorists and hikers. The latter are pedestrians with knapsacks, cooking utensils, etc. Male and female wear shirt, knickeibockers, and nailed boots. This I am told is the universal dress in summer on holidays in camps and touring parties. Saw this evening a first snail. At first I thought it was a banana skin on the sidewalk. It was about as thick as my index finger and nearly five inches long. May 18 Morning brighter. It was 9:30am before the last one showed up for breakfast. Whilst waiting on the veranda for breakfast I heard what I thought was a wild turkey? calling among the trees some small distance away. At night the frogs make quite a noise but I have seen none, the undergrowth being very dense. May 19 After early lunch we took train to North \hncouver and from there went by motor car to Capilano to see the two Canyons. The first one you come to you have to pay a toll of 100 to view and cross the canyon by a suspension bridge. Crossing over was shaky but the view from the centre in either direction was very fine. The Canyon is very deep and the river runs along the bottom and trees grow about the banks of it. On returning to North Vancouver we were too early for the train so visited an ice cream parlour near by to help pass the time along. May 22 Day bright but much cooler, I awoke early . Went by train to Whytecliff Bay. \fery pretty, quiet place, shut in practically by mountains. Good fishing and boating, much frequented by holiday makers. Saw a cart loaded with cut grass. Think this is Rather unlikely, somebody was pulling his leg. I’m sure.. A wild fruit called a Salmon Berry, similar in size and shape to our Raspberry, grows in profusiorL It has little or no flavour but very juicy. The trees are larger than in England and bushy. There is also a large tree growing here which is called a Dogwood which has a pretty white flower similar to white Clematis. Prohibition in Government houses where drink can be purchased by the bottle is a fu'ce. Anything can be done so long as you have money to bribe the officials. There are places where liquor can be lx)ught by the glass, which the police protect. Obviously a rumour current at the time. Beer of 4.4 Gravity is now allowed to be retailed and a big trade is done in it, especially in towns near to the US border. A big trade is done at weekends and holidays with US citizens who come over the border in their cars, get a good filling up and take a supply with them which they drink before they cross into the states and in sight of the officials. May 24 People here have acquired the Continental habit of mixed bathing, promenading in bathing attire, also boating in same attire. Spent day in the vicinity of Altamont Collected some timber from the shore for house fuel. May 25 Went out in the motorboat with Joe before lunch and again before tea. During our passage we passed through some driftwood which apparently knocked the propeller and caused the engine to stop. No amount of coaxing did any good so we had to take turns rowing home, a distance of about 7 miles. We were in good form for tea despite blistered hands and some tired arms. May 26 Spent day in the vicinity of house. After breakfast strolled to Dundarave Post Office. After lunch went to Dundarave to watch Sheila and Brenda swim by the pier. May 27 We were awakened by a very heavy rain in early hours but on arising for breakfast found it had ceased and the view opposite of \hncouver City was very hazy. Before noon the rain came down heavily again and continued all day. May 31 Spent some time making steps down the cliff from the foot of 29th Street to the shore. After Lunch went out in motorboat with lines but saw no fish. June 25 Day very hot Went in the city and visited cinema and returned home for tea. Sat on the verandah in shirt and trousers only until evening. And then indoors to escape the gnats. A forest fire broke out tod^ near Oq)ilano and dense clouds of smoke covered the mountain. The thermometer register^ 92.4°F.