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 PATTERSON
Born Jean Annie Patterson, Oct.1917 at Royal Columbian hospital, New Westminster,
I arrived a week or so later at the small flag stati
on the G.N.R. called Ocean Park where I spent most of the next 25 years.
My parents had bought 10 acres of bush on Sylvan Ave. at $1.00 per acre
in 1914. They cleared the land, built a house and out-buildings and started
what mother called a stump ranch. Over the next 30 years, we raised animals
such as a horse, cows, pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, had a large
garden and orchard. We ate lots of clams, crabs, smelts and oysters from
the sea. We picked wild berries that grew well on the charred ground,
and logs, left from a former fire in the area.
Our supplies at first were delivered from Crescent Beach by Pop Taylor's
truck. Later Mother made out an order for things to be delivered once
a week from David Spencer's Westminster Department store. Our first post
office was at Crescent Beach in Captain Williams' hotel. Miss Horner was
the first Postmaster. Before the addresses became R.R. #1 White Rock,
the post office moved to the former grocery store location, kitty-corner
to the Community Hall.
The first Christmas party that I remember was at Taylor's Store in Crescent
Beach, where their son sang "Yes, We Have No Bananas" at the
concert that preceded Santa's arrival. I rode on father's back as the
family walked along the railroad track home that night. I still remember
the pain in my chest from the hours ride and standing in the cold against
a telephone pole while the train went by. The wind took off mother's hat
and there was further delay while father took the lantern in search of
the hat.
Elsie Cope accompanied me to the Crescent School, a mile from home during
my first years. Concerts and community parties were held in the school
until the Hall was built. School picnics, the school garden and the fair
at Surrey Centre were highlights of my youth. The ITA was in a constant
battle with the School Board to get necessary things. Mr. Catt, the janitor,
lived next door.
After the church was built on property donated by Captain Williams, the
Minister would often arrive at the Ocean Park station by train and stay
at our home overnight before taking the service. We walked the logging
road to church and Sunday School every Sunday for years.
Mother led a Sunday School class. Later when it became the United Church
I also had a class. The Anglican church moved to Crescent where a bunch
of the young people sang in the choir with leader Mr. Elliot. We were
confirmed there and in 1943, I was married there.
Mother was involved, like everyone else, in community activities. She
organized a singing group of young people. One of the highlights was Christmas
caroling around the community, and skits to entertain at garden parties,
etc. We spent many happy hours in the new Community Hall. Liquor was banned
from the premises. The Ladies' Aid served refreshments. One person later
told me, "If I never again eat another cress sandwich it won't be
too soon!"
In the early days, in order to pay taxes and buy other necessities, we
sold milk, eggs, and vegetables to the summer campers. My father got a
job as night watchman for the railway. When he got bumped from that job
he worked with Dr. Darwin of the United Church as camp caretaker during
the winter months. He was also in charge of the ram that pumped the water
up the hill for use at the camp. One of the early highlights were the
lantern slides at the Tabernacle Sunset Services.
Summer life was really carefree, mostly spent at the beach. It was a family
affair where all the neighbours helped clear the swimming area of rocks.
Tom Broatch took his horses down one summer to move the big rocks. Ocean
Park beach was crowded all summer long.
We had an Atwater-Kent radio with ear-phones powered by a wet battery
which had to be recharged in Cloverdale, at Dan's Radio and Repair Shop.
The Province newspaper told us of the world's problems! I travelled by
bicycle, and on foot, over trails and dirt roads. Our first bus to New
Westminster was by the Moorehouse Stage Line via Scott Road.
- Jean Rogers
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