Friday, September 15, 2006

VERDUN CRAWFORDPARK

HI ALL
 
THINK THIS WEB SITE IS GREAT.
WAS ANY OF YOU GUYS MEMBERS OF CRAWFORDPARK LEGION OR REMEMBER GIVENS RESTAURANT ON CLEMCEAU STREET OR  KNEW A NORMAN LONGELY ( ALWAYS WONDER WHAT HAPPEN TO HIM )..VERDUN WAS JUST A NICE PLACE TO GROW UP IN..BORN  THERE IN 1943 ,HAD SEVEN SISTER AND A TWIN BROTHER AND WONDERFUL NEIGHBOURS..
JOHN TAYLOR

105 comments:

cookie3261 MSN said...

Hi John,  The restaurant you mentioned on Clemenceau in C/Park...My good friend lived a few doors from the restaurant,if it's the same one? Her maiden name was Jean Stewart.I recall a juke-box at the back of the store and booths. We loved to go their and dance and hang out..Some other names I recall .."Happy Moore"real name was Kevin ,I believe. I lived on Allard in Verdun at that time, it was a long walk from ALlard to Clemenceau,especially pass the Douglas Hospital.   cookie

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

Hi cookie
A chill went up my spine when you mentioned Jean
Stewart.( a good chill),She was my nextdoor
neighbour,her balcony just about joined on to mind..At
times she use to sleep on her balcony and me mind..I
lived at 1167 ,she lived at 1165 .
We use to past things across our balcony.
The store you talked of, I to use to dance there
also.. Who knows , maybe we danced together,and sat in
the booth.. ha ha..
One of my sisters married the son of the man who own
that store.He died some years back.nice person he was.
Did you know anyon else from Crawfordpark..
John

cookie3261 MSN said...

Hi John,  Ah-haa!  so your the one on the balcony next door! Jean married a pilot and as far as I know they still  live in Winnipeg  and have 2 children! I talked to Jean about 13 years ago when we attended a funeral in Winnipeg, I looked her up. There were good times at that Clemenceau Restaurant, I dated  Brian Moore for awhile, he is the youngest of the Moore brothers and the one who died so young,fell down the elavator shaft..terrible accident,you must recall that? There were other names like The Furys, another guy called Brian..my memory ain't that good at this age.  I had sleepovers at Jeans,and she had sleepovers at my place. We also hung out with Judy Raymond, who I heard did marry JOhn Mullaly..who used to sing well,actually he sang at the Rawdon Inn,when we all went up to Rawdon.....so long ago, so many years.....If you recall other names perhaps they will ring a bell with moi. cookie

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

Hi Cookie

Jean Stewarts house is now made into a one house, up
and dowm...one of the doors is blocked off..Just does
not look right..My balcony is still there with its old
curved bars.
I asked before but never got a response from anyone,
if they knew a Norman Longly..and what happen to
him..Most of the time he was barred from the store.He
lived in and out of the Douglas..

John

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

as my mind goes up and down the streets of
Crawfordpark
i recall quite a few people but not the names..My
memory is slipping somewhat,at times..guess they call
that ageing..did you know a Billy Bissonnete, lived
across from the side door of the restaurant .Not many
people I knew from outside of Crawfordpark.
John

les__f MSN said...

There was a Bill Bissonette,that taught at LCCHS,......... and I beleive a Barry Poxon,.taught there as well,........both these names I've seen mentioned here,...would they have been the same people I wonder,....also Buddy Moore ,was a vice principal in LCCHS (it was his brother who fell down the elevator shaft,............seems like quite a few Verdun-ers (ites),........became teachers,...also Albert Joanette,....was from Verdun,.he worked at LCCHS too,......I beleive he also had a Grocery /Depanneur in Verdun ?  .........

cookie3261 MSN said...

Hi John, Yes,I recall Billy Bissonnette,there were also a few females, altho' can't recall their names, one married Happy Moore, another comes to mind is Warnock,as a last name? Not sure tho' . yes, that's his name Buddy Moore, so there was Brian,Happy and Buddy Moore. Yeaars ago Happy and his family lived in Lasalle not far from where I lived. Sure wish I could think of more names to ask, but ...the old memory just ain't the same.  talk later,   cookie

mom1945-linda MSN said...

Does anybody know the Higginbottoms. My cousins.  They used to live on Ouimet in Crawford Park.  Used to love visiting them.    Cheers.

joycie915 MSN said...

Hi Linda.    I haven't spoke to you in a long time.  I see you are posted often.  I think you were  friends with my brother Frank, and Cynthia and Elisabeth Slade. How are you enjoying living is the West.  I sure love it.   I use to be good friends to your cousin  Joyce.   She lived around the corner from my house.  Her brother (the oldest) also lived on my street in Pierrefonds in my married years.  Do you know where Joyce is today.    Joyce Pedder 

mom1945-linda MSN said...

Hi Joyce,   I think Joyce and her brother Jim both live on the south shore (maybe Longueil or somewhere like that) back in Montreal.  My sister who lives in Beaconsfield bumps into them at the funeral parlour whenever someone dies.  I remember my mom telling me years ago that it was like a family reunion whenever anybody died, lol.   I have only been out here 12 +/- years, but this is home.  I have only made it back home once, 1998.  Was supposed to visit for 3 weeks, but it was so hot and humid that we left after 5 days.....whew!  Will have to go back and show my other half all of our old haunts.  He's from Sudbury (hehehe).  Can't really say much too bad about Sudbury as my dad was originally from there, and I still have many relatives there.   Funny how we all think of our family as a unit unto itself, but often find out in the end that we all know somebody, who knows somebody, who knows somebody....and on and on.   Cheers.

laurie540 MSN said...

This message has been deleted by the author.

shirleybh2 MSN said...

Well I have an uncle who lives on Leclair for 50+ years just lost my aunt in December.  But if you can tell me what year you lived there and the streets I can pull up the Lovell's directory for that year and that will help jog the old memory.

laurie540 MSN said...

Hi Linda My sister in law - Lynn Everett (Etienne)  is  still in touch with Joyce and they  send Christmas cards yearly - they were good friends. Joyce was a bridesmaid at the wedding etc...... Laurie p.s. thanks for the gifs. - great addition to e mails.

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi!  I am new to website but excited to see the interest in "my town".  I grew up in Verdun on Manning and then later on Clemenceau in Crawford Park in the 1940's and 1950's.  What a fantastic place to grow up. I remember the old Crawford Park school where Miss Hamilton was the principal.  I also attended Woodland School and then Verdun High School until my family moved to California where I now live. 

les__f MSN said...

Hi Finngirl10,.......I'm sure you'll have fun,.and there are several members here from Crawford Pk too...........  Hope you've got some old pics to share ???  or story's to tell.......... Have Fun & Remember Verdun and Welocme Again to Verdun connections..................

finngirl10 MSN said...

Thanks Les.  I know that I will enjoy this website and boy do I ever have good memories - picnicing by the St. Lawrence River, getting eggs from the farmer who had his farm between Crawford Park and Ville LaSalle, ice skating on the pond, having a crush on Alan Erickson as I watched him play hockey, finding another Finnish girl living on Clemenceau when my folks moved into their house and yes many more and pictures too.  Thanks for this!!!

les__f MSN said...

Have a Ball  Finngirl10,............sounds like your already to go..............we anxious to hear the recounts too...................                                                          .have fun & remember verdun

winnie3ave MSN said...


Finngirl. Welcome aboard. A lot of us on here were around in the 40' and 50'.....Many name have been mentioned here, and am sure you will see some you even know. Share your life with us, and tell us about yourself. Also mention some names of people you grew up with, and have been wondering about them. One name will trigger another, and someone will know someone who knows someone you have been looking for!!!!
Winston (835 3rd Avenue, Verdun) Allison
Vancouver, Washington 1972-


>




Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps.

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Winnie!  I was five when my folks moved into 1281 Clemenceau Ave. My pals in the early years were Evelyn Penniston who still lives in Crawford Park, Miriam Hakkola who now lives in B.C., Noriko Shinkoda who lives in Ontario.  and Sven Hanstein whose parents owned a bicycle store on Verdun Avenue (I think!).  I have a photograph taken when I was in the 5th grade at Woodland Ave. School that I will try to scan and include on a future email.  I absolutely love this website and am so happy that I found it quite by accident.  I was 16 when my parents moved to California but my heart will always be in Crawford Park where I grew up and had such a special childhood. By the way my name is Mirja Laurila Bishop.

finngirl10 MSN said...

I opened up a photo album with a couple of photographs - one of Woodland School and the other of Crawford Park School.

les__f MSN said...

Wow what start,..these are great old Verdun pictures,............. and what good memory you have to Recall the writing on the board....... Thanks for those old pictures Finngirl0                           have fun & remember Verdun

winnie3ave MSN said...


Mirja. With a unusual and beautiful name like that, I am sure there are some people around here that may know you.
Winston


>




MSN is giving away a trip to Vegas to see Elton John.  Enter to win today.

laurie19540 MSN said...

Hello Mirja, Thanks for  posting the pictures.  I went to Crawford Park School starting in 1961, but it was in a 2-room  school house on Clemenceau.   We were then switched over to the main school for grades 3 and up     on Lloyd George.  The  schoolyard was dividing the  two buildings.   I am curious about   the pic of the building you posted. Was it Clemenceau. Ours looked very different to that.  Interesting !. Laurie

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Laurie The school in the photograph was on Churchill between Clemenceau and Lloyd George.  It was the original school because Crawford Park was just being built as a community.  My parents bought their house in the early 1940's because I have photographs of them standing next to the house as it was being built.  I went to Crawford Park school (the one in the photo) from about 1942 to 1945.  I know that it was torn down and a larger one built but I think that they used the same site.  Mirja

laurie19540 MSN said...

Ohhh,  that makes sense.  I was born in 1954.  We moved to 1291 Foch  in 1960.  Can you remember who your neighbours were on Clemenceau. Were you still there in  the 60's.  Laurie  

shirleybh2 MSN said...

My Godfather and Godmother bought a house on Leclair after the war perhaps 1950 and my cousin went to Crawford Park School and I am not sure for how long the twins went there  they were born 1959 but I know they started grade one there.

finngirl10 MSN said...

You won't believe this but I still have the little telephone directory for Crawford Park.  Needless to say it is rather fragile.  It was probably published in the 1940's.  Our neighbors at 1271 Clemenceau were Mr. and Mrs. Booth, my girlfriend's parents lived at 1221 - Mr. and Mrs Hakkola.  The Bowes-Lyons who were related in some way to the Royal family lived at 1245.  I remember Mr. and Mrs. Fellows who lived behind us on Lloyd George.  She was very active with Girl Guides.  I remember Doucet's market which was on Churchill.  They used to give my dog Spot a bone everytime I went to get my mother's groceries.  Another girlfriend Evelyn Penniston lived on Leclair.  She had numerous relatives also living in Crawford Park.  Now I told you more than you ever wanted to know but once I get started it's hard to stop.

biking2006 MSN said...

Finngirl were there a Hazeldon family living in Crawford park. I can't recall the street -- Fouche st maybe (sp). My cousin lived in that neighbourhood in the 40s and/or 50s. I sent him your picture of the school. He told me he watched a movie in that building but never attended classes there. I suppose movies were shown there huh.
Bill

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Bill I could not find a Hazeldon family in my telephone directory and the name is not familiar.  The street name is Foch which was one block over from my street.  I don't think that movies were ever shown in Crawford Park School at least in the original building but I do remember as a kid going to movies an auditorium (it may have been part of a church)  which was on the corner of Clemenceau and Ouimet (I think).  I can remember seeing those cliff hangers where they leave you hanging from one week to the next.  Finngirl

biking2006 MSN said...

From my cousin:

We lived on Foch.,
The movies I saw in the old school were someone's own movies, cartoons
shown to kids,. I think it may have also been used as a Sunday School.
The Auditorium was a few blocks over and part of church. They would have
movies on friday night. I remember seeing the old Star is Born, It was a
wonderful film and blew me away.
You never knew what you see. They often would show the same movie over
and over.
I think I saw the Count of Monte Cristo 3 times.

finngirl10 MSN said...

When did your cousin live in Crawford Park?  I attended the old Crawford Park School in the early 1940's.  We moved from Crawford Park in 1953 but I don't remember when the old school was torn down and a new one built.  If I recall the old school was still there when we moved but I am not sure.  I have some incredible memories of growing up in Crawford Park.  What a wonderful beginning for any child. 

laurie19540 MSN said...

Hi Finngirl.  I remember the Bowes Lyons, and Mr. Booth was quite an interesting old gentleman. He introduced himself to my parents on one of his walks. It turns out he was best friends with my grandfather....blah blah.blah.  I knew a Mrs. Penniston, an elderly lady who lived on Churchill  between Foch and Fayolle.  She had fallen in the back laneway which was  overgrown and weedy.  We could hear this voice  shouting help me, but couldn't  see anything. It turned out Mrs. Penniston had fallen in the back lane, and had a stroke and couldn't move.   What ever happened to her after that I don't know.  
It is a small world indeed.  Laurie

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Laurie Hey this is great that you remember or at least have heard of some of the people that I grew up with or next to.  I am still good friends with Evelyn Penniston Wakeling who used to live on Leclair but now lives on Crawford Bridge.  I suspect that the Mrs Penniston that you talked about was her grandmother.  I try to visit Montreal at least once a year and always drive around Crawford Park.  I love to visit the old house which still looks the same although much smaller than I remember.  I added a few new photographs to my album.  Mirja AKA Finngirl

laurie19540 MSN said...

Hi  Biking 2006 I looked up the HAZELDON name  in 1947 Lowells. This is what I came up with...   P. Hazeldon,   Employee   Northern Electric,  1627 Foch Avenue.    Laurie

les__f MSN said...

Again  Finngirl 10 ,......some terrific old Verdun pictures,......... and you really do have a good memory,.....that picture of your house being built is priceless,.......(do you know what year that was built) They were called war time house (I think?) so I'm guessing the 40's.......... Nice to know that those homes are still standing,......... I know what you mean when you say ,.after going back for a visit,.that it 'isn't as big ,as you had Remembered' I wonder what happens to our memory's to recall things as having been bigger,.? probably just cause we were so small,I guess. I stood on Wellington btwn !st & Willibrord (near the laneway,with the fishstore),........and I looked towards Downtown,.and the Big buildings in Downtown Montreal,.seemed so close,.closer than I had Remembered,. Remember going Downtown ,seemed like a bit of a trip,.yet it's really so close....   Even the picture on the Front page of this Verdun Connections site ,.clearly shows some skyscrapers Downtown,.....

finngirl10 MSN said...

Thanks Les for your comments.  The house was built in 1941-1942.  I never come to Montreal without driving past the house, stopping and staring at it.  The memories of childhood just flood my mind.  Those were such good years and a wonderful time and place to be a child. I remember my dad taking me to the old stone house to join the Brownies.  I cried when he left me but that didn't last long.  I went on to be a Girl Guide and loved every minute. Montreal has grown but somehow Verdun and Crawford Park have retained their small town feel.  The Atwater hill still looks the same.  There used to be an orphanage along side this road and I always stared at the kids playing on the balcony wondering where their parents were and why they were there. Many years ago and many memories linger in my head.

laurie19540 MSN said...

Loved the pictures Mirja especially the house in Crawford Park.  It looked exactly like the one I lived in. 

laurie19540 MSN said...

Shirley  May I ask you what were the twins names that went to Crawford Park School.    I might have known them. Laurie  

winnie3ave MSN said...


Mirja. I lived at 835 3rd Ave from 1940-1960. My mother was there from 1940-1966. My wife and I have been back to Verdun on occassion. But, the first time I took my wife there, of course I had to visit the old place. Just my luck. The property had recently been sold and they were renovating it. We went upstairs, and got a chance to look around. What an experience, some 40 years later.
Winston Allison....Vancouver, Washington



Don’t quit your job – Take Classes Online and Earn your Degree in 1 year. Start Today!

shirleybh2 MSN said...

Colleen and Kathleen they were born 1959.

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Winnie It's a wonderful experience to be able to go back in time.  My Crawford Park house and, in fact, the place on Manning which I don't remember except for photographs look exactly the same on the outside as they did.  I would love to see the inside of the Crawford Park house and maybe next time will ask the current resident who is the daughter of the couple who bought the house.  I have so many special memories of growing up in Crawford Park, going to school, Girl Guides, skating on the pond, roller skating to the Natatorium where kids got in free in the early morning etc. etc. Did you go to Verdun High?? If so do you remember Mr. Jones?  I had the biggest little girl crush on the feisty, red haired English/Latin teacher from Wales.  He had us read The Merchant of Venice out loud in class and to this day I remember that and how much we enjoyed doing it.  Mirja

laurie19540 MSN said...

A little present for you...... Mr. Jones. He was a riot.        

laurie19540 MSN said...

Colleen and Kathleen, Doyle ? If so,  I knew them. My brother in law lived upstairs from them in the flats on Leclair when he was with his parents. Small world. 

shirleybh2 MSN said...

We just lost my Aunt before Christmas but my uncle is still living there - he has been there since 1950. He will be 85 next week.

laurie19540 MSN said...

I am sorry for your loss.   I saw the obit in the Gazette.   Laurie

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Laurie Thanks for the photograph but I don't think that it is the same Mr. Jones.  The Mr. Jones that I remember - his first name was Talieson- was at Verdun High during the early 1950's.  He was even Vice Principal for a year or so.  He was killed in an automobile accident on December 23, 1954.  I only know that because I wrote a story about him for a class that I was taking and a friend sent me his obituary.  Thanks anyway.  Mirja

laurie19540 MSN said...

 Sorry.   This fella was Arthur Jones. He had a face that was so stern, but he was just a pussy cat. He was one terrific  teacher.  I tried.       Laurie  

finngirl10 MSN said...

Do you have any idea if there are any archived files for the Verdun Guardian?  It was the local newspaper for many years in the 1940's and 1950's.  I have done internet searches but have not come up with anything. 

maggiemck MSN said...

Finngirl, next time you are in Verdun, you should visit the SHGV (Societe d'histoire et de Genealogiie de Verdun) They have a wealth of historical information and articles.

finngirl10 MSN said...

Thank you Maggie.  Do you happen to know where they are located???  I visit Montreal and, of course, Verdun and Crawford Park at least once a year.  Mirja

maggiemck MSN said...

Societe d'histoire et de Genealogiie de Verdun 5955, avenue Bannantyne H4H 1H6 Tel.: 514 765 7174

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

Finngirl..where in Crawfordpark did you live...I lived there for years on Clemenceau..I go to this site every so often.

finngirl10 MSN said...

I lived at 1281 Clemenceau between Churchill and LaSalle Blvd.  If you go to my pictures you will see a photograph of the house.  I lived there from 1942 until 1953.  What was your address?  The families with kids that I remember were the Greenways, the Holletts, my friend Miriam Hakkola, the Bates girls lived across the street from me (Beverly died at a very young age).  Are any of those names familiar to you?

pont571 MSN said...

I just joined this site and find it really interesting. Funny you should mention the Guardian. I have several copies that I found in an old dresser from my gran.

les__f MSN said...

Welcome to the site Pont571,..........  There's a lot of stuff,here that you might find interesting,.as far as those old copies of te Guardian,.what years are they from ?? Maybe there;s some neat articles or pictures of Verdun,that you can share with us,...........  Have a look through all the photo albums,.and Links ,.and if you have any questions re: anything here on the Verdun Connections site,.then ask away,.& I'm sure a few people will be happy to try & answer........and  dive into any topic anytime,.......or start a new one.......                        Have Fun & Remember Verdun

pont571 MSN said...

Thanks.I'll  check out the years tonight. There is some social news there that also could be interesting to some of the other people from Verdun and Crawford.  Also have a question. What year did Given's close in Crawford ?

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Pont571 My mother won a city wide cooking contest in the mid to late 1940's sponsored by the Guardian.  She cooked a fish souffle.  Her prize was a washing machine which was a big deal back then.  I remember it had a ringer at the top and I got to hold the laundry as she ran it through the ringer.  I would love to find the article but I am not sure of the year.  I remember that she was on the front cover along with the mayor etc. and she was very embarassed about the whole thing.

pont571 MSN said...

Hi Finngirl10 I didn't get a chance to dig out the papers . I'll try this weekend. I'll also look to see if there is anything about your mom. My mom had the same type of machine. You must have got the same warning I did.  ( Fingers! )

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi Pont 571 Oh yes I remember the warning about fingers.  I used to feel like such a "big shot" standing on a stool and catching the laundry as it came out of the ringer.  My mother's name was Tyyne Laurila.  If you find anything with her name on it I would be thrilled.  Thanks for checking. 

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

not sure when the store closed.My sister married the son of the owner, next time talking to her i will ask.. John

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

i know all the names you mentioned...did you know the "Taylors"  that is me...Drucie Hollett passed away some time ago.I just got back from Verdun ,Crawfordpark area..went there to visit my youngest daughter who still lives in Quebec.Strange, I keep wondering whatever happen to " Norman Longely"..did he make it in life.

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

ha...i also remember the old wash machines...glad you mentioned it..brought back many memmories of my mom..She had seven girls and a twin set of boys..there was a lot to wash..and then of course, out on the cloth lines they went.The lines were very heavy at times.No bra's of course..they stayed in the house..ha ha..Our parents worked hard to give us a living in those days..

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

how do i go to your pictures      

les__f MSN said...

John are you referring to FinnGirl's pictures "? If so then click on the 'Pictures'  on the left side of this page,..and then you will see all the Albums ,.scroll down till you come across the one you want ,.I beleive it's this one ,so just click right here,.then you can click each pictures to enlargen it.. http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/mirjasmemories.msnw?albumlist=2                                               HF&RV

santiago890 MSN said...

Not sure what happened to him later on in life but did he not have an
accident as a young teen which left him with Brain Damage . Sorry if I am
thinking about the wrong person?/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Verdun Connections"
To: "Verdun Connections"
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 11:50 PM
Subject: Re: VERDUN CRAWFORDPARK


-----------------------------------------------------------

New Message on Verdun Connections

-----------------------------------------------------------
From: JOHNMELINVIN2
Message 62 in Discussion

i know all the names you mentioned...did you know the "Taylors" that is
me...Drucie Hollett passed away some time ago.I just got back from Verdun
,Crawfordpark area..went there to visit my youngest daughter who still lives
in Quebec.Strange, I keep wondering whatever happen to " Norman
Longely"..did he make it in life.

-----------------------------------------------------------

To stop getting this e-mail, or change how often it arrives, go to your
E-mail Settings.
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw

Need help? If you've forgotten your password, please go to Passport Member
Services.
http://groups.msn.com/_passportredir.msnw?ppmprop=help

For other questions or feedback, go to our Contact Us page.
http://groups.msn.com/contact

If you do not want to receive future e-mail from this MSN group, or if you
received this message by mistake, please click the "Remove" link below. On
the pre-addressed e-mail message that opens, simply click "Send". Your
e-mail address will be deleted from this group's mailing list.
mailto:VerdunConnections-remove@groups.msn.com


johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

yes...he had a motorcyle accident..think he hit the
fence of the douglas hospital.Before that, he had a
lot going for him..Lots of girlfriends and friends.He
later became a patient of the Dougals..Nothing
serious..Always wonder what happen to him in life..

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

ok thanks will do

finngirl10 MSN said...

John I do remember you.  Didn't you live next door to Mrs. Larson?  What were the names of the other Hollett kids.  I don't remember a "Drucie".  Did she go by another name?  I do remember Norman Longely but have no idea what happened to him.  You are  younger than I am but I remember you well.  What is your twin brother's name and how is he doing? 

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

hi   my twin brothers name is Allan..we no longer look alike.The Holetts names were Nicky..drucie( Drucella)..Tommy,Florence and one other..The  Greenways lived on top of them 3rd floor up.All nice  families.Then you had the " Furies" family to.they lived on lecair st I Think...Raymond Furie called my brother the other day...Ingrid Fury still lives in Verdun. Hope all is well with you..  

finngirl10 MSN said...

Hi again.  It's great to hear the "old" names again.  How well I remember those days.  Did you ever know Evelyn Penniston.  She lived on LeClair.  She had two brother Buddy and Billy who would have been about your age.  I still keep in touch with her and see her every time I visit Montreal.  I live in Los Angeles now and have since the mid 50's but Crawford Park is still my home.  What a great place to grow up in.

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

Yes, i knew the Penniston..There also was Pennistons
who own the " Penniston Store..Was there for
years..may have been the first store in
Crawfordpark,think it was on the corner of Churchill
and loyd george.. not sure..Then there was the, what
we called the " Givens store on Clemenceau..Just past
me, 1167,near the laneway..They had the juke box
there..Where we dance to untill the owner got mad and
threw out the juke box.How about, the Bissonette
family..did you know them..Emember all the sheds in
Crawforpark..They were for the coal bins...My father
also delivered coal at times to homes.Came home black
as the ace of spades..his lungs finally gave out on him.

finngirl10 MSN said...

I sure do remember the Bissonettes.  All of a sudden the name Weldon Hollett comes to mind. You didn't mention his name.  Do you remember the Bates girls who lived across the street from me.  Beverly died when she was young.  Miriam and I went to the mortuary to see her - that was very traumatic for us as kids.  The Penniston family was large with all of the cousins.  I had forgotten about their store.  Remember Doucet's store.  I remember going up there with my dog Spot.  They always had a bone for Spot.  Were you able to look at the photographs?  Did you go to the old school or had they rebuilt it by the time you went there? 

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

Hi
yes i do remember tha Bates..think they were related
also to the Boyd's family, Diane
Boyd,Shirley-Ann..etc..Knew them well.Strange, i could
still picture the " Doucet's) store..Did you say you
lived across the street from them..

finngirl10 MSN said...

I don't remember the Boyd family. Where did they live?  Yes I lived across the street from the Bates girls.  A couple by the name of Booth lived next door to us.  They didn't have any children. 

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

The Boyd family and the Bates were related to
eachother..They lived up and down from eachother..
I remember the Booth family..My brother and i were not
allowed on his property he said cause he thought we
did damages to , i think it was his garden...Mind you
, we did not...I keep forgetting what house you lived
in..what years did you say you lived there..




--- Finngirl10 wrote:

> We attempted to deliver this message to you with
> HTML formatting. However, your e-mail program does
> not support HTML-enhanced messages. Please go to
> your E-mail Settings for this group and change your
> E-mail Preference to "Text only".
>
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw
>
> MSN Groups
>
>

finngirl10 MSN said...

We lived next door to the Booth family going up towards Churchill.  We lived there from about 1942 until 1953 when we moved to California.  I don't remember the Boyd's but I do remember the Bates girls especially Beverly who died but I think that there were two other girls. 

dar MSN said...

Hi, I remember Peter Fury on Leclair.  We grew up on Leclair and then on Ouimet.  The Hills family.  Darlene, David, John & Ruth.  I live in Lasalle, John still on Ouimet, David in Howick and Ruth in Hamilton, Ontario.  so nice to hear the memories.  Darlene

cookie3261 MSN said...

Hi.....I read your message about the Bates family, I knew a Harvey Bates back around 1957-58-59 would he be from the same family? I recall he lived on lasalle blvd  way past the Douglas Hospital, but he also hung out at Kostas Rest'r....maybe no relation   cookie

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

i do remember the Hills family.Which one of you would
be around my age..born in 1943..or am i much older
..ha ha

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

there were quite few Bates...I think there was a
Harvey Bates...

finngirl10 MSN said...

The Bates family that I remember lived on Clemenceau and my recollection is that they had 3 girls of which Beverly was one.  She died at a very young age - probably 12 or 13.  I don't remember the names of the other girls and I can't recall any boys in the family.

jim ingraham MSN said...

I remember Peter Fury too - we were in the same class at Crawford Park school - I also grew up on Leclair.

santiago890 MSN said...

Do you also remember Eddie Fury??
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Ingraham"
To: "Verdun Connections"
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 7:39 AM
Subject: Re: VERDUN CRAWFORDPARK


-----------------------------------------------------------

New Message on Verdun Connections

-----------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim Ingraham
Message 83 in Discussion

I remember Peter Fury too - we were in the same class at Crawford Park
school - I also grew up on Leclair.

-----------------------------------------------------------

To stop getting this e-mail, or change how often it arrives, go to your
E-mail Settings.
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw

Need help? If you've forgotten your password, please go to Passport Member
Services.
http://groups.msn.com/_passportredir.msnw?ppmprop=help

For other questions or feedback, go to our Contact Us page.
http://groups.msn.com/contact

If you do not want to receive future e-mail from this MSN group, or if you
received this message by mistake, please click the "Remove" link below. On
the pre-addressed e-mail message that opens, simply click "Send". Your
e-mail address will be deleted from this group's mailing list.
mailto:VerdunConnections-remove@groups.msn.com


johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

I DO NOT REMEMBER A EDDY FURY..HOW OLD WAS HE.?

santiago890 MSN said...

He lived in Crawford Park and had a younger brother . He would be about 74
now.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Verdun Connections"
To:
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 12:47 AM
Subject: Re: VERDUN CRAWFORDPARK


-----------------------------------------------------------

New Message on Verdun Connections

-----------------------------------------------------------
From: JOHNMELINVIN2
Message 85 in Discussion

I DO NOT REMEMBER A EDDY FURY..HOW OLD WAS HE.?


-----------------------------------------------------------

To stop getting this e-mail, or change how often it arrives, go to your
E-mail Settings.
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw

Need help? If you've forgotten your password, please go to Passport Member
Services.
http://groups.msn.com/_passportredir.msnw?ppmprop=help

For other questions or feedback, go to our Contact Us page.
http://groups.msn.com/contact

If you do not want to receive future e-mail from this MSN group, or if you
received this message by mistake, please click the "Remove" link below. On
the pre-addressed e-mail message that opens, simply click "Send". Your
e-mail address will be deleted from this group's mailing list.
mailto:VerdunConnections-remove@groups.msn.com


johnmelinvin2 MSN said...


oh yes...his younger brother would have been
Raymond..Eddy i think hung around my brother-in-law
Bernard..The furies were a large good family.

car_b1 MSN said...

I lived next door to a Jim  Bates who had two sons, Harvey and Arnold. We lived on Lasalle Blvd across from the legion hall. Jim died in his 70's I think, Harvey lived in Nova Scotia and unfortunately Arnold who was not well, commited suicide.   Jim's wife lived there for some time aftetrward then move to Nova Scotia with Harvey. We lost track of her. They used to rent the upper flat from my grandparents.    

les__f MSN said...

Here you go  Car_B1,......    Welcome to the VerdunConnections Btw: ..............Best I could do on short notice,.......but 'No Pigshead' insight    that's good.......................             the Old View ..........and a little newer:   ..................this was a neat adventure to go to the Atwater Market,                                            Have Fun & Remember Verdun

winnie3ave MSN said...





OMG Les. That is exactly the meat stall that I picture first whenever I think of the Atwater Market. Strange how things stick in your head. I also remember "the farmers" selling stuff from the back of their pickups. When we went there when we were kids, it was not a very inviting place, it seemed.
Tease your brain--play Clink! Win cool prizes!

les__f MSN said...

I always liked the place,.seemed an adventure to see the Meat Hanging,....and the Fish on the white crushed ice,,,and all the different smells ,......seeing that much 'food' in one place was amazing,...... and then of course shopping for a X-mas tree,   or all the Pumpkins at Halloween time,........   now most people get their veggie's from BigBox Stores,....and don't get to see the farmers in a realtime sense....... I also Remember the Bushel Baskets full of Tomatoes,........(your right Winston,.it is strange the things we Remember) but that's part of the fun of Remembering............................ and here's another Market in Montreal,.that I know you liked,.....and got some of your Dough from wasn't it.......           .........The Stock Market of course...........................hahahahaha                                                  Have Fun & Remember Verdun

winnie3ave MSN said...


Those years spent at the stock exchange were the best years of my life. Outside of vacations, I never took a day off beacuse I didn't want to go to work. It was the greatest job a person could have. I still have dreams of when I worked there.



More photos, more messages, more storage—get 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail.

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

thanks for the info..always nice to hear of things
from the past.I became a member of the legion in the
early 60's..Crawfordpark was made up of legioners..
there were many dues there..

John

_____duck MSN said...

My best friend in the 60's was Carlene Bray. Her Dad was a member of that Legion. He always called it the Blind Pig.

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

old pictures could really bring back good
memories..Just think of all the people that has walked
thru Atwater market..and then went to the bar nearby.




--- Verdun Connections
wrote:

> We attempted to deliver this message to you with
> HTML formatting. However, your e-mail program does
> not support HTML-enhanced messages. Please go to
> your E-mail Settings for this group and change your
> E-mail Preference to "Text only".
>
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw
>
> MSN Groups
>
>

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

how are you doing...?

John Taylor






--- Finngirl10 wrote:

> We attempted to deliver this message to you with
> HTML formatting. However, your e-mail program does
> not support HTML-enhanced messages. Please go to
> your E-mail Settings for this group and change your
> E-mail Preference to "Text only".
>
http://groups.msn.com/VerdunConnections/_emailsettings.msnw
>
> MSN Groups
>
>

country girl MSN said...

My parents, Ross & Hilda Hyde, moved to Crawford Park from Valiquette and lived on Ouimet next door to the Sanders and Lagalisses for about 20 years or so.  Dad was a member of that Legion for awhile I think.  He eventually became a member of the Lasalle branch (212???) and went there every Thursday, right up until he died last year.   I remember the Atwater market too.  Dad would never let me actually see the meat hanging!  Too graphic for his "little girl" - LOL!  I recall the sounds and smells of the place, though, and always found it quite fascinating!  I still like to go to farmers' markets although they are becoming rarer as time goes by.    

the lad MSN said...

Country Girl   Did you go to VHS and when did you graduate?   Lad

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

HAPPY NEWYEARS TO ALL VERDUNITES.....   JOHN TAYLOR

johnmelinvin2 MSN said...

I COULD STILL SMELL THE FISH AND MEAT FROM ATWATER MARKET...HA  HA..THOSE WERE THE DAYS..MY DAD USE TO BUY WHAT THEY CALLED "HARDTACK" HARD BREAD FROM THE MARKET..HAD TO SOAT IT OVERNIGHT TO SOFTEN IT,THEN  BOIL IT AND PUT BUTTER AND PEPPER ON IT..WAS SURE SOME GOOD.. WAS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE ANY ON THE PLATE..HE HAD  NINE OF US TO FEED..ELEVEN  COUNTING MY PARENTS...THOSE WERE THE DAYS..

les__f MSN said...

For anyone considering moving back to Verdun,.( I think there were a few people mentiong that they were contemplating doing that) ..Here's a listing of a home for sale in Crawford Park,..what a great place that would be to live ,close to everything & in it's own village type atmosphere,....... Rememeber we all thought you had to be rich to live in Crawford Pk................................ checkout this house,........and the price seems really reasonable ,for these days,.considering what some of the tri-plex's go for ( mind you ,you would have income generating from the three floors),.but it would be nice to some to have their own self-contained home : http://homes.point2.com/CA/Quebec/Greater-Montreal-Area/Verdun/Crawford/1579384-Real-Estate.aspx                                                                                      HF&RV

shirleyb-h MSN said...

Wow for the money it looks better that what else is out there in Verdun.

les__f MSN said...

Yes ,that's what I thought the money isn't out of line at all, Here' in Victoria you couldn't get much with $335k ,.....and I doubt there is a house anywhere in the greater Victoria area,that would sell for that,......possibly an old apartment bldg,converted to Condos'..........neat little virtual tour with that real estate site too,.well done,....and it looks like all the windows & doors have been upgraded to newer more efficient ones,.....and you get an elevator too.........that alone must be $15,grand I would think?                                                                                     HF&RV

shirleyb-h MSN said...

At least 30K for that elevator - I priced one at the Home Show - basement= one stop main floor -=2 stop top floor = 3 stop -  and they charge by the number of stops.  Some of the pictures look a bit institutional like a hospital bathroom. I went to www.mls.ca and checked out others for sale in Verdun - there was one on Osborne around the same money but the taxes were higher and no elevator but lots of bedrooms probably pokey things.  You get a starter home in Calgary for that money.

les__f MSN said...

Might make a nice B&B type place ,.which I'm sure if owned by one of Our Members (or not) would probably get some customers ,just from us alone,.....and it would cater also to people with mobility problems too,......Imagine taking a little Summer /fall holiday & staying in Crawford Park,.with the paths that follow the river,.you could go for a stroll right into Verdun proper,....& be back at your home for dinner ,spend a day taking that new Ferry from Verdun to Nuns Island ,or hop on a bus/metro & hit the downtown core,for a night out ,.it would make your stay feel just like living at home again...                                                                                      HF&RV

les__f MSN said...

Wow I guess I'm out of touch with Elevator Pricing these days,....or the installer is out to lunch..................hahahahaha How's this $ 55,000 ..................................Yikes !!! Cottage à "Crawford" avec double isolation. Converti en 2006 pour handicappé avec toilets sur 3 étages et nouvelle ascenseur aussi. Planchers en lattes, balcon Francaise, CUI immense avec SDB. SDJ avec bar, toilet, evier, ascenseur, poele combustion et nouveau bureau. Enfin un petit mirarcle!
***** IMPORTANT *****
1- Plumbing redone prior to 2006 by previous owner.
2- Electricity also redone " " "
3- Home has double insulation: exterior with poly-eurothane, interior with styrofoam.
4- Hot water tank 2001.
5- Roof: part in 2000, and rest in 1994.
6- Huge veranda with new powder room.
7- New powder room and office in basement.
8- Very private yard with giant cedar hedge.
9- Warp-around wooden balcony from front to back.
10- New $55,000 elevator with exit via garage and entrances on all three floors. Battery operated so no fear of power failures in this house.
11- Taxes to verify, measurements approximated.

Crawford park cottage with double insulation. Converted in 2206 to handicapp accessible with new elevators and powder rooms on all 3 floors. Hardwood floors, lovely wrap-around balcony, huge kitchen with circular staircase to PLR with wet bar, wood stove, separate washroom and new office I think they mention the address as being 7450 Ouimet ..... must be close to some of Our Crawford Park members homes ?    Here's a few more stats on that house: from the realtor's website Address: 7450 Ouimet Type: Residential Style: 2 Story "ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS / PLANCHERS EN LATTES!" Bedrooms: 2 "PLUS OFFICE IN BASEMENT!" Bathrooms: 1 "PLUS 3 SALLES D'EAU!" Garage: Single, Attached "ENTRANCE TO ELEVATOR!" Basement: Yes, Full "PLR + FIRPL, WET BAR, OFF" Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size:  2638 sq. m.  16m x 16m Year Built: 1942 "DOUBLE INSOLATION!" Taxes: $2,753.00 (2008) MLS짰: 1417788   .........................................................................................................havefunandRememberVerdun