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September 2002 West Vancouver Historical Society Page YOUR LETTERS (contd. irom previous col.) WEST VANCOUVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEXT GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 at 7:00 pm At the Seniors* Activity Centre, 695- 21st Street, West Vancouver Speaker - Darryi Matson, P.Eng. Topic - The Lions Gate Bridge Deck Replacement Mr. Matson will sum up the major design issues associated with the renovation of tlie Lions Gale Bridge and highlight the fabrication and erection methods chosen by tlie Contractor for the project. Never before has a project of tliis type been carried out - renovating a bridge wliile keeping it open to traffic. Si: ^ :5: sf: WEST VANCOUVER HERITAGE WEEKEND September 20-22, 2002 on your calendar for event See brochures in the Musueni and also in the Library for full details. YOUR LETTERS We are aiwavs deliglned lo hear from you, and enjoy sharing your memories. Our letters come from many places, but the following one from Don Mills, Rondebosch, South Africa, has travelled further than most' Don writes - "Bob Robson, who has been a friend of mine since my school days in West Van, kindly sent me a copy of your newsletter, Vol. 20, No. 1, dated January 2(X)2 In it I noticed that West Van High School is to celebrate its 75tlt anniversary’ in 2003. I may have had the dubious disUncUon of the shortest sojourn at that school, which was known as Inglewood High at that time. Having successfully passed grade 8 at Hollyburn School, I joined a grade 9 class at Inglewood High in September 1930. At the end of October 1930 1 left with my family for Montreal due to my father being trans- ferred tJiere. A year later he was transferred on promo- tion to Cape Town, South Africa. At the age of 85 my memory is not so good but I do remember tliat we, as new boys, had to undergo fairly severe initiation rites. 1 remember being sub- jected to cold showers, and being flicked witli wet towels when naked, also having to wear dresses in the classroom. I also handled a rugby ball for the first time at Inglewood High. We had an English teacher who attempted to introduce rugby as a winter spon. Please convey my congratulations and best wishes to the school officials" These were terriffic memories, Don. It is good to know that you still have contacts in West Van. Another letter, hut this one from closer to home. Marjorie Logan (Turner) writes to us from Victoria. "Re: Memories of Teachers and Dogs I often tliink of Miss Maycock with her black spaniel beside her desk. Also, the Kerr brothers, Pat and Joe. hopping on the bus to go home and their big black lab jumping onto the running board. I, too, think Mrs Reid was a great teacher. How ever, 1 did have an embarrassing moment with her. She took me to Vancouver for supper at Scott's followed by a picture show. In the theatre she removed her hat anci horror or horrors, I sat on it, breaking the feather! She was very nice about it but I didn't enjoy tlie show. The skills she taught me were tlie basis for a twenty-seven year career with Coca Cola." What wonderful memories Mrs Reid has left with many of you. Teachers have such an influence on the lives of their pupils and it can never have been an easy Job, so it is good to hear that many of them are so fondly remembered. +++++++++ Ami Lucy Smith plumed in the following details: Re the last History-Onics and the Boy Scout Raliv at Crystal Palace. Tliere were more than 2 girls joining in the March with broom sticks. There were several - 10 or 12 - and one, Nista Ashworth, lived in Vancouver. When ordering uniforms for the "Girl Scouts" they used only initials so that no one knew they were girls! 'Thanks for this infonnalion, Lucy. Times cetiainh have changed!