Meet Mollie Anthony and Sidney Smith, two friends sharing a history that goes back almost 60 years, a history that parallels what might be termed West Vancouver’s golden age.
In the 1950s, when this story begins, West Vancouver was small and closely connected. Everyone knew everyone, by sight and by association, if not by name. This was certainly true for young people. From Grade 7, the youth from West Vancouver would be together for the next five years, funnelling from elementary school into Inglewood Junior High, progressing through West Vancouver Senior Secondary and into the wide world.
“We knew each other when we were Mollie Brimacombe and Sidney Tait,” they clarify. “But we were a year apart in high school and had different interests, so we weren’t true friends, not then. Our true friendship started after we got married.”
Mollie and Sidney may not have been friends in high school, but the seeds of their friendship were planted through shared school, church and community activities.
They recall sports days at Ambleside and track meets at Empire Stadium, Mollie competing in track and field and Sidney a cheerleader. Mollie was a Brownie and a Girl Guide, and Sidney did Canadian Girls in Training and HiY. Mollie played clarinet in Arthur Delamont’s Boys and Girls band, Sidney did crafts at the YMCA. Both went to the Friday night dances at the Y, though neither recalls the other being there.
On Victoria Day – May Day – everyone turned out for the parade, maypole dancing and the crowning of the May Queen. Ambleside beach was the community’s summer hot spot, especially after the outdoor pool opened in 1954. In the fall football season kicked off, everyone gathered at Ambleside field to cheer for the North Shore Cougars. And on Nov. 11, when the community came together to remember those who served, Mollie and Sidney stood with their families at the Memorial Park Cenotaph.
“We all went to everything. That was never a question. In those days, everyone participated. May Day celebrations. The Cenotaph on Remembrance Day. No question. Everything was supported. This brought a tremendous spirit and togetherness to the community.”
Prosperity came to West Vancouver after the war, and with it would come change. “Park Royal opened in 1950, and it was a big event for everyone. We all dressed in our Sunday best and went. Who wears white gloves now?”
After graduation, Mollie spread her wings and set off to work in Europe. Sidney married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Smith. The following year, Mollie and Brian Anthony married. Their friendship deepened during weekend ferry trips to Langdale when the families repaired to their respective cottages, Anthonys to Gambier Island and Smiths to the Sunshine Coast. Over the years, Mollie and Sidney passed friendship’s greatest test – travelling together, on journeys longer and more exotic than their weekend ferry crossings.
The two friends will be separated by a ferry crossing on Remembrance Day this year, but they will be sharing memories. Both had family who served in wartime. Mollie’s father, Chard Brimacombe, was with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Her grandfather, Vyvyan Chard Brimacombe, received the Military Cross for service with the Canadian Forces at Vimy Ridge, 100 years ago this year.
Sidney will observe Remembrance Day on the Sunshine Coast and Mollie will lift her voice in song with St. Stephen’s Community Choir on Nov. 12, following the Remembrance Day service at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in West Vancouver.
“Coming together at school and at church, coming together at May Day and Remembrance Day, gave everyone a tremendous supportive spirit and feeling of togetherness. You don’t miss it if you haven’t experienced it, but when it goes, there is a feeling of loss. We hope this article might jog some memories. We hope it might inspire restoration, or at least remembrance, of the sterling qualities from those days – friendship and community spirit – that made West Vancouver unique.”
Coming together in song lifts the spirit and nurtures the seeds of friendship and community connection. The St. Stephen’s Community Choir rehearses Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and new members are welcome. For information, visit ststephenschurch.ca or call 604-926-4381.
Laura Anderson works with and for seniors on the North Shore. Contact her at 778-279-2275 or email her at [email protected].
