Thursday, April 21, 2005

LaSalle Rd/ Verdun Model School 1948-49

Here's a picture of Miss Martin's Grade 7 class of 1948-49 at LaSalle Road/Verdun Model School. Parents talk today of numbers of students per class!!! This class had 39 boys! AND, Miss Martin was extremely capable of handling all of them. She was one teacher everyone respected, and in retrospect, loved! Anyone who went there should have a good time trying to remember all the names. I haven't been able to tag them all, but I will supply what I can remember in a later posting. Incidentally, I'm the little guy front row far right.
 
Art
 

52 comments:

les__f MSN said...

Hi Art  , VReader9......that's a fantastic old picture,of an area I know well,......and a lot of us did......sliding down from the boardwalk beside that school,when it snowed.....Also just slightly out of view across the street ,.a friend of mine Gerry Smith lived on the 3rd floor........good Picture Art....thanks for the post......Have Fun & Remember Verdun

les__f MSN said...

Hi art ,it's alittle ahead of my time Art, but I will show the picture to my brother he may know some faces......incidentally.......count the amount of people in the class,......and they think there's over crowding today..........hahahaha  Have Fun & Remember Verdun

kungfu MSN said...

hey ART  is that the year we did the play " RipVan Winkle "  Jimmy

beeaired MSN said...

Question for you on Miss Martin. Was she a small very thin lady??If so..I had her in grade six at Rushbrooke school.We did the eraser brushes for her daily..great lady...   To this day a song runs through my head from school..(music teacher??)   One Friday morn as we set sail and our ship was not far from the land. We did there spy with my eye a fair maiden.with a comb and a mirror in her hand in her hand ,in her hand. and the raging seas did roar    (sorry cant remember the rest)   gee this was like..1953??

vreader9 MSN said...

Hi Kungfu, There was a "Rip Van Winkle " play, but I don't remember it being with with Miss Martin. I don't think she was into "plays".  What I do remember, however,  was a scene where there was to be thunder heard. My job along with another kid was to roll a bowling ball back and forth across the hardwood floor backstage. And you know, it really did sound like rolling thunder! By the way, are you in the picture,  (4 guys, 2nd row left) between Harry Duckworth and Lloyd Bartlett? Art

vreader9 MSN said...

Hi beaired,   Yes, your description including "great lady" is bang on! However, as far as a music teacher I don't think so. Actually her forte was french. In the summer she always went "home" to Quebec city. Other "boards" mention the Kinsmens Boys Club on Verdun Ave., where I spent a lot of time. Miss Martin was very instrumental in getting that club started. She started having boys gather in the LaSalle Rd. School Friday evenings where we would play floor hockey. This, along with other activities grew quickly and the Kinsmens Boys' Club was born. This posting answer has suddenly sprung another memory from that time. Anyone remember Louis (Louie) Thomas the "Indian" who, on those Friday evenings taught us how to carve small totem poles. The best part was when we would all sit in a circle and he would tell a story that would scare the hell out of all of us. Later on he was the technical adviser for a TV movie that was shot up around Camp Lewis (Louis)??, a boys' camp, in the Laurentians. Can't believe how the mind works when you get going on these nessage boards!   Art

rutharmstrong MSN said...

For those of us who are uninformed what and where was the Lasalle model
school

Ruth


vreader9 MSN said...

Hello Ruth,   Glad you're interested enough in Verdun to ask that question. Here is a little more information! The school was originally named "Verdun Model School" when it was built/opened in 1902. Some time later it was renamed "LaSalle Road School". All elementary grades from 1 to 7 were taught there. It was situated on LaSalle Blvd., at the end of Gordon Ave. It was later demolished (when I don't know - 60's?) and I believe a McDonalds Restaurant now "graces" the site. Thanks for asking,   Art

kungfu MSN said...

HI Art  , I have a hard time remembering names for some reason, long time ago, but I think thats me 3 over from you in first row, meaning 4th kid in first row, from the left  ,   was Peter Snyder and Bobbie France in that class , I remember walking through front entrance and our classroom was on ground floor on right hand side beside the stairs going up to 2nd floor  , near Laroques office , I also remember Mr Haughton, old wrestler, Mrs Jones , auditoriuum was on 2nd floor  and yes remember floor hockey and Louis Tahama , I went to camp Lewis , it was a red feather camp for kids with no money , great summers were had there , thanks for the memories   Jimmy

dflood64 MSN said...

I had Miss MArtin at Bannatyne Gr 7 in 1959-60 school year.  She was one of those specialdedicated people that made a difference in everyone's life she touched....   She was renowned for teaching as if your next year was to be a University scene.. Preparing her students for the next level of educational comittment   Does anyone know what happened to her? I presume she retired in the sixties.        

beeaired MSN said...

Okay was Miss Martin............the music teacher was someone else..dont remember her name.

beeaired MSN said...

Harry Duckworth was my uncle...one of the many Duckworths.Herbie.Jack Nellie was my aunt, married to John Worsley,my uncle.,Bens dad.

maggiemck MSN said...

Was the music teacher Miss Foot? I know that she was at Bannantyne and Woodland in the 70s and had been around forever, it seemed.

beeaired MSN said...

Oops..Harry is son of Harry Duckworth..

beeaired MSN said...

Mrs Foot..dont ring a bell here or a note..haha

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Beeaired,   Miss Foote was the Music teacher at Bannantyne School when I was 7-8 years old so she could have been from your school. I wa surprised she was at Woodland School in the 70's but who knows. She was a very good teacher as all were in those days.   Reggie Paine

beeaired MSN said...

Nope, cant remember that name.Think we only had music once a week??   Another teacher there was Mrs mcArthur..the general. Think was grade 5??   Grade seven (twice) (failed)was Mr Elliott,,the pointer,,he was principal there, think also.

jmhachey MSN said...

Hi Art (VReader9), Here is a photo dated of 1920   Verdun Model School was a school of the Verdun Protestant Board of School Trustees built in 1902. It was sold in 1953 to the Sulpician Order and became Collège classique Jean-Jacques Olier until 1964. I don’t know the date of the demolition. Now it’s a MacDonald’s Restaurant. One cannot stop progress !!! JMH

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Beeaired,   Mr. Elliott was my Grade 8 teacher (Verdun High Annex) Woodland School. A great teacher and also a Province of Quebec Gold Medalist .   Reggie Paine  

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Jean-Marie,   Who is driving the vehicle ?   Guy, Art or yourself?   Great picture.   Reggie Paine

jmhachey MSN said...

Hi Reggie, My youngest son :-)))) Have a nice weekend ! JMH

give_me_one_1 MSN said...

This message has been deleted by the author.

habfan MSN said...

Hi Maggie,     We had Miss foot in Riverview school. she was amazing and was loved by all. My brother used to call her "miss 12 inches" haha.   Mike

jmhachey MSN said...

Hi Steve (Give), You are right ! Thanks for your photo ... It imparts a certain sense of philosophy as we see the bird ... and the time ... flying over ... JMH

guy5479 MSN said...

RegtheRetiree1, No but it's me, Jean Marie and Art on the sidewalk next to the fence. Guy

johnnyo MSN said...

Riverview school had an interesting array of teachers with names of boldily parts. Miss foot was a great music teacher she was there when i was in grade five around 1962. Then there was Mrs Legge.  No one fooled around in her class thats for sure. But you sure learned alot. Although stern was a great teacher. Miss or Mrs Dick!  No comment. Didnt personally have her though my sister did.   JohnnyO

vreader9 MSN said...

Hi JM,   That was a great picture of the school, however I'm glad to say the shot of the car makes it about 15-20 years before my time. Whew!!   I've put together a list of all the guys ' names in the class picture I can remember. As there are no definitive lines/ rows to follow I am putting them in a left to right order (roughly) starting at the top left. If anyone spots anyone they know and has any knowledge of where they are now it would sure add a lot to the picture. Here we go:   John Patterson (great all around athlete), George Minto (Father owned Minto's Grocery Store @ 1st Ave., and LaSalle), Ross Murray (excellent artist-left handed), Tommy Pinck, Donald Ross, Ronald Chapman, John McGillvary(all around athlete as well / family owned the funeral business), Ron and Art--? (they were fraternal twins),  Donald Paris (only black fellow in the school), Jimmy Bradley, Harry Duckworth (3rd Ave), Doug Neilson, Donald Chipman (lived across from the school), Lloyd Bartlett (3rd Ave),  Ralph Darlington, (5th Ave), Buddy Naismith (5th Ave), Wally Saxton (3rd Ave), Bruce Findlay, Tommy Gilfillan (best singer in the school), Ron Woodall (Father owned Woodhall on Gordon, now CKVL), Bobby Maisonette, Dougie Miller (was even smaller than me!!), & me last, bottom right!   Art   Art

maroonvet MSN said...

To VReader9   Although I went to Willibrord at that time, I knew & hung out with most of those named, particularly the 3rd Ave ones as my family  lived on 3rd from 39 to 85. Some mentioned Bobby France, I think Bruce Milmine was there also, but could not pick them out.   Great photo!   Gordo   

kungfu MSN said...

Good memory gordo  Bruce Milmine lived on bottom of 3rd near river , Boby France on 4th i think,  I used to hang with Ralph McNiff, Garry Baker, Billy Lawlor , Ewen Cameron , 3rd and Wellington , great  Jimmy

vreader9 MSN said...

Yo! Gordo and Jimmy, Yes, Bruce Milmine lived where you say. He had an older brother Garth, and I seem to remember other older siblings.You mentioned Bobby France. I should know more about him but I can only remember the name now that you have brought it up. Ewen Cameron is a name I recognize also, but that's all. I knew Ralph McNiff and Billy Lawlor quite well. Are any of these guys in the photo and I don't recognize them? If so,  please let me know where they are in it so i can fill in the "blanks" on my photo sheet here. Remember Verdun, Art

maggiemck MSN said...

Wow, when I was growing up....Nanny Milmine lived on 3rd avenue near LaSalle Blvd. Right across from the Reeces. Her grandson, Gord, graduated with me in 1976.

jmhachey MSN said...

Hi Art (VReader9), A more recent photo ... you will certainly recognize ...   JMH

deedoll138dee1 MSN said...

Wow you are bringing up names I haven't heard in awhile..Bruce Milmine and his wife Marion Snellgrove were good friends of mine..then they moved to Ottawa and after attending their son Derek's wedding we kind of lost track with one another..my son Vince (Yogi) played hockey with Derek..and Ewen Cameron was also a friend..we were neighbors for many years..he was driving a taxi then..He passed away a few yrs back also at a young age..As for Des Findley I still see him regularly.. I met him  and his wife Dana (who passed away 2 yrs ago)back many yrs ago  and am still friends..  also with Chuck Catto(late Georges 1st cousin)  who was just in town not long ago for his sister's 60th birthday..still battling cancer as he has done so for many yrs now..Interesting the pic of the house inChateauguay..my parents bought in 1958 for around 12,000 and got a rebate  every yr..it was one of the more expensive homes..wow how time..Enjoyable site as always..Have a good one..Audrey

maroonvet MSN said...

To MaggieMcK   If Mrs Milmine was your nanny, Bruce, Garth, Ron & Bill must be your uncles. Their sister was Carrie. They lived at 30 3RD  and I lived directly across the street at 33. Great gang of people and their Mom was one of the nicest. That back over 50 years ago Gordo.   

tinytina19581 MSN said...

Good Morning Sis! I also Remember her, but I seem to recall a beautiful
Collie also. Am I right or is the memory failing me.

Tina


vreader9 MSN said...

Hey J-M, That's the best shot yet. Exactly as I remember it! This view, especially, instantly brought to mind when I was in grade seven we would have a turn at being the "bell ringer". We would take the typical "school bell" (Brass, with a wooden  handle) and stand outside that maindoor gate and clang the bell as loud as we could to make the late stragglers run. Thanks again for the pic.   Art

vreader9 MSN said...

Hello "Deedoll", Wow! Des Findlay! He lived across the street from me on Fourth Ave. He must be well up in years as he was "quite" a bit older than I was. Always in great shape. He lived in a flat right next door to a Jones family. As kids we would ring the Jones' doorbell and when Mrs. Jones answered we would all shout "Can we come up and sing?" She always said yes, and we would go into her living-room where her piano was and we would all stand around singing songs like, Galway Bay, Who Threw The Overall In Mrs. Murphy's Chowder, There'll Always Be an England....   All Great People   Art

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Art,   Is this the same Des Findlay who played for the Montreal Allouettes?   He also lived on Third Avenue. closer to Verdun Avenue. Around Curry's grocery store.   Reggie Paine.

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Art,   I was speaking with my brother and he corrected me about the football team Des played for not the Als but Saskatchewan Rough Riders.   He meets Des at the Capri Bar in the Pointe (better than Magnant's) and he is 79 years old. He is in terrific shape and still plays handball.   Reggie Paine

maroonvet MSN said...

Reggie;   I believe Des played his last couple of years on the Alouettes, after he had played for the Rough Riders, and he lived on Third halfway between Wellington & Verdu, I knew his brother Jimmy.   Gordo

claroleca2 MSN said...

Hi Johnny, your sister Debby & I had Miss Dick for grade 1, she was a nice teacher and my grandmother knew her.  Miss Foote used to sing "tell me, tell me what is your name" and you were to answer singing eg.,  Johnny, Johnny that is my name".     

brownblvd MSN said...

Hi Reg, You are the second guy on Verdun Connections to recommend the Capri over Magnan's.  I don't know if you saw my message about a month or two ago, but I also recommended the Carpi ahead of Magnan's to Guy, who got some shoddy service when he went to Magnan's with his wife.    Guy, Did you ever try the Capri yet?   Ray

guy5479 MSN said...

Ray, No, I have not tried Capri's yet but I plan on going this summer since you highly recommend them. Guy

shirleybh2 MSN said...

Last summer we stopped in Magnan's for dinner - it was my first visit with my husband - my sister had often had roast beef sandwiches from Magnans when the guys from the office went there for lunch.  I have to say I was not impressed with the roast beef - tasted more like smoked meat that roast beef.  We will try the Capri this time on our trip to Montreal.

dannyb--1 MSN said...

Hi ShirleyBH2, The food at the Capri has always been good even before they added on the new addition and kitchen. Try the fish & chips on Fridays just like the old days when your parents would not let you eat meat so it was always Fish & Chips the only thing is they serve it on a plate and not newspaper.  Danny

kungfu MSN said...

I know both places well, and the Capri is great , but so is Magnan's depends on the day I guess , I remember Des and Hank in old  days, Des lived not far from Ralph Mcniff on 2nd floor on 3rd ave, I know him well ,  great guy , the sun actually is out  going outside before that Vancouver weather comes back hahahah Jimmy P S Danny B   how are things pal, good to see you here , I realize your life is turned upsidedown, hang tough my pal  Jimmy

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Ray,   I live in London Ontario and have not been to the Capri for a few years. I hear from my brother Norman that Magnan's has gone downhill fast since the owner passed away. Prices went skyrocketing and the quality of food and service went the other way. Capri has changed their menu and many of Magnan's regulars now go to the Capri.   I will visit the Capri next month and will let you know.   Reggie Paine  

guy5479 MSN said...

Danny, Me and my wife just love Fish and Chips. I can hardly wait to go to Capri's. Two summers ago I took some American relatives to Magnan's and when the waiter complained that the tip was not big enough, I told him that it is not up to the waiter to decide the amount of the tip, I should have complained to the manager. Guy

dannyb--1 MSN said...

Hi Guy, I don't want to get into politics but I was a regular at Magnan's during the 70's not to eat that much but to consume the finer beverages the thing that built that buisness. In 1976 there was a big atmosphere change post election. I have never returned not even for a leak. I would sooner eat in a landfill. Danny

brownblvd MSN said...

Hi Reg,   I also lived in London from 1980-88, before moving west to Manitoba and settling in Saskatoon (so far).  Do they still call London the Forest City?  I remember it was so darn humid in London - we would hope for a thunderstorm every evening to get the moisture out of the air so that you could sleep (I was a grad student at UWO then, and couldn't afford an air conditioner).  It was even more humid than in Montreal.  Good old Saskatchewan is nice and dry year round, so even though it is cold as heck in the winter and can be darn hot in the summer, it is bearable (to me anyways).  I was speaking with my brother about the best times to visit Montreal/Verdun and we both agreed that spring and fall were usually the most pleasant - probably because that is when it feels least humid in Montreal, and have both gotten used to and enjoy the dry climate of the prairies after 15-20 years.   Anyways, about the Great Capri-Magnan's debate, all I can say to folks like Shirley and others is: try both and go to whichever one suits you best.  Like Kungfu said, it may have depended simply on the day, and who was serving Guy and his friends that day at Magnan's.  But, I have to say that I pretty well really enjoyed every meal I have had at the Capri.  One time, I ordered the pates d'cochon at Magnan's which were fine, but they served the sauerkraut with some coriander seeds in there or something - I gotta have caraway seeds in a real sauerkraut!! - but that is just me.  Also, when I go back to Montreal, I just like the feel of a smaller tavern like the Capri.  Remember those wooden chairs and usually wooden walls?  For some reason I also remember most Montreal taverns with a floor with the speckly stone stuff, usually with a thin brass inset in the floor bordering he walls?  Plus there are some old boxing photos, gloves and things like that hanging in the Capri, as well as a reference to the Montreal Alouette Rugby Football Club (!) back from the 1940s, etc.  So, the food is important, but the feel of the place is also part of the equation for a guy like me.   Speaking of taverns and waiters, remember Andre at the Carb inside the Alexis Nihon Plaza beside the old Forum in the 70s?  I remember Andre with a big black moustache running around with 3 trays of beer in glasses (mabye a dozen drafts on each? ), yelling "Watch out, chief!  Hot stuff".  He also knew what to serve most people (only guys allowed in taverns then) without having to ask them, if they had been in there before.  If it wasn't too busy, Andre would just showed up within a minute of you sitting down, and 'boom' there were your drafts or Export or whatever, sitting in front of you.  A guy like that deserved a good tip.  Drafts were 20 cents a glass then.   Hey Danny, I had to laugh when you mentioned eating fish and chips every Friday.  Our mom didn't make chips with the fish.  They were from Lithuania and I think fish was normally served with fried onions in the old country, so that is the way we had it.   At any rate, us "minnow munchers" or "mackerel snappers" could smell the fried fish and onions  when we ran into our house from St. Thomas Moore for lunch each Friday.  I think it was sometime in the 60s that it was no longer a sin to eat meat on Fridays if you were a 'Catlick'.   Sorry to have ranted on here, but sometimes you can get on  a roll with the nostalgia, I guess.   Ray

les__f MSN said...

hi Ray  brownblvd.    Good Post.......I Remember the carb as well,,,,,I think every Verdunite(er) has had a few in there,.....probably stopped in the Maidenhead , as well fro a quick brownie.....and then over to the carb....or vice versa........always a Habs game on the screen.........the floor description was very accurate (re: most taverns,in those days) .....the Wooden chairs with arm rests,..great chairs,........all in all a good memory of Montreal........  your assessment of Sask.   seems relatively accurate as well.......except you forgot to mention these guys  ..........hahahahaha  Have Fun & Remember Verdun

regtheretiree1 MSN said...

Hi Ray,   Yes they do still call London the Forest City, however, they are chopping down trees very quickly to build new homes. I find it very windy here and they call Chicago the windy city. I have been to Saskatchewan a few times and I am sure you will agree that Columbus was wrong when he said the world was round. The people there say Saskatchewan is the only place you can watch your dog run away for three days.   Drafts were 10Cents in my drinking days in Montreal.   Nice to hear from you. Have a great day and remember Verdun.   Reggie Paine