Newsletter - Volume 2 - 2002, February

"Girls Club May 1982" - Pictured clockwise from left: Betty George, Marge Wells, Betty Hunter (now Dunik), Bev Helmer, Daphne McLean, Ethel Yorke, Vi Jordan, Audrey Jenkins, Joan Greenhorn, Peggy Alway, Anne Greengrass, Margaret Armatage, Joy Beaumont, Audrey Steele, Jan Gardner, Joyce Little, Marilyn Thorpe

MEET THE DEEP COVE GIRLS' CLUB

Special thanks to Audrey Jenkins for sharing some memories of hers and those of this special group.

Deep Cove was said to be "out in the sticks," and "the end of the road" during the Second World War years. Most of the young men were away at war while their young wives stayed in the Cove, living in small uninsulated homes, many of which were the summer homes of their parents or in-laws. They did not have cars and the bus service was minimal. There was, of course, no television and the main entertainment for many with small babies was meeting while out walking pushing their baby buggies. Several decided to start meeting every other Thursday evening. So started the girls' club taking turns from one house to the next. In the beginning the hostess would prepare all the food for the evening, each one trying to outdo the other. Vi Jordan recalls pineapple-upside-down cake being served at the first club. In later years they each brought their specialty along. They paid fifty cents each and used the money to buy a baby gift for the next baby to be born, any left over was used for an outing at the end of the season. They named it the "Cinderella Club" because they had to be home by midnight.

The club gained in popularity and at one point, Audrey Jenkins said there was a waiting list for people wanting to join in. Why? Because there were too many people to fit in the small houses. Over the years there were over forty members.

They mingled, caught up on the latest news and spent the time sewing doll's clothes and other Christmas gifts, sharing fabric scraps, and knitting goodies for their families. Small gifts were swapped at Christmas time by drawing names. Elections were held every year drawing names from a hat and a huge cheer would go up by everyone whose name wasn't picked!

Time passed, some sold their houses and moved away, new members joined in. The photograph above included many of the members in 1982. Shirley Welsh is missing and was no doubt away on one of her world travels. Eileen Smith, who took the picture above recalls she had to use a wide angle lens which slightly distorted the ladies on the far left and far right making them appear a little wider than they actually were. They were not amused!

Club members still meet today, of course with everyone's busy schedule they no longer meet once a month. Vi Jordan, Joyce Little and Betty Dunik were among the first members who still meet with the group today. Some have moved, some have passed on, and since they don't like driving at night, they once again meet in the afternoon and have pot luck lunch. The club still boasts twelve members — Margaret Armatage, Betty Dunik, Betty George, Jan Gardner, Anne Greengrass, Audrey Jenkins, Vi Jordon, Joyce Little, Daphne McLean, Audrey Steele, Marilyn Thorpe and Shirley Welsh. Perhaps the membership numbers are smaller, but isn't it astonishing that an informal meeting of friends still carries on over sixty years since it started?

Pictured left to right: Joyce Little, Marge Wells, Gladys Lee, circa early 1960s

Pictured left to right: Peggy Alway and Shirley Welsh, circa 1970s

Pictured left to right: Marilyn Holden and Audrey Jenkins, circa 1970s

The Deep Cove Heritage Society is currently collecting photographs of the Girls' Club, as well as other memories of earlier days in the Cove. If you can share stories or lend photos or old movies we would be very grateful.

President's Message

What a busy year! As we come up to our first official AGM on Monday, February 11th, as a Society it is important to make sure that our organization moves ahead in good hands.

Although AGM's seem boring affairs they are vital to ensure that new committees are elected and past groups have been responsible in their operation of the Society. Most of you know already that we have had a great year with many achievements together with a marvelous group of volunteers. Being involved in your community with Heritage is very rewarding as you can look back and see how many changes have taken place and where we have come from. In many ways it will help in determining where we are headed.

I invite you to join us and volunteer a few hours a month to a fascinating local and worthwhile community organisation. Located in the Deep Cove Cultural Centre you will be in the centre of local action! We are looking for a President, Treasurer, Membership, Programs, Fundraising, etc.

Call me if you would like to talk further 604-929-7043. See you on the 11th, a very important meeting.

Janet Pavlik, President

You are invited to our Annual General Meeting

Calling all members!!
This is an important meeting, this is when we elect a new board and we need you to attend. The board can only be voted in by paid up members!

Positions are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Membership, Programs, Fund-raising.

If you would like to nominate someone or yourself for these interesting positions please call Janet Pavlik at 604-929-7043 before February 8th. This could be your community involvement, and something you would enjoy.

The AGM is Monday, February 11 at 7pm in the Cultural Centre Meeting Room.

The Deep Cove Cultural Centre opened its doors ten years ago in the spring.

The home of four community groups: Deep Cove Stage Society, Seymour Art Gallery, First Impressions Theatre and Deep Cove Heritage Society; it has been going at a explosive rate since opening.

The Gallery has presented over 110 different shows, featuring three group shows as well as solo or shows with two or three artists. The theatre has produced well over 150 productions and with generally $12 ticket prices and free parking, it can't be beat.

The building is run totally by volunteers and is solidly supported by the community. We all thank you!

We Lose Another of our Special Longtime Pioneers
MARTHA SIMPSON — who lived on Deep Cove Road over half a decade passed away January 28, 2002. Her husband Bill died in 1963. Martha left her four children Bill, Gale, Candace and Sharon and several grandchildren. She was always active in the community, a warm and friendly person and will be missed by all who knew her.

PLEASE KEEP US POSTED It is always sad news to hear that we have lost one of our area's pioneers. There have been so many people who have shaped this area with their care and love. Please let us know of any of these long time residents, local or who moved elsewhere who have passed on.

Everyone is a Winner!

Heartiest congratulations to Deep Cove resident Bruce Mackay, winner of the December Heritage raffle.

The bodacious basket of goodies included our Echoes Across the Inlet book, A Taste of Deep Cove cookbook, Don Luxton's book Lions Gate, champagne, music CDs and many more treats. We won too, because Bruce became a member of our group. In picture, our president, Janet Pavlik presents basket to Bruce Mackay. You may be our next winner! We are just getting our next basket together and it is one you are not going to want to miss out on!

PHOTO REPRINTS

Over the years we have collected over 800 photos and slides recording the history of Deep Cove and the area surrounding it. We encourage you to come down and browse through them on Saturdays from 12:30 to 3:30 pm or by appointment.

You can order black and white
reprints as follows:
5" x 7"..... $15.00 each
8" x 10" ..... $20.00 each
11" x 14" ..... $40.00 each
13" x 19" ..... $60.00 each

HERITAGE BOOK IS NEARLY HISTORY!

Deep Cove Heritage Society have only a very few copies of our heritage book of the area Echoes Across the Inlet left and they will not be reprinted. These interesting books are available for $22. Our popular cookbook A Taste of Deep Cove is only $5, and make a great and thoughtful hostess gifts. They are on sale, along with our new Notelets, in the Heritage office as well as in the Seymour Art Gallery.