The Delta Museum and Archives Society recently launched Our Delta Stories, a project that asks community members to share their favourite Delta story in 250 words or less. The stories will be posted to the society's social media pages and website, while some will also be printed in the Optimist. The first story comes from Doug Husband, a former mayor and fourth generation Deltan.
I spent 21 years living in a "Mayberry" village called Ladner prior to the George Massey Tunnel opening in 1959. Cut off from convenient travel across the Fraser River in the 80 years following incorporation, Ladner retained its small town rural atmosphere.
Earlier history: Port Guichon destined as the river's super port with ferry service from Victoria and ports south. European sail and steamer ships found their way up the west coast of South America and North America, unloading and loading cargo in Delta. The port's halcyon days peaked in 1892, lasting until 1919.
A cannery, warehousing, hotel and rail station accommodated European cargo and travellers destined for points south and onto Eastern Canada. All fell victim to a tidal river and the silt laden shallow side of the Fraser. The industrial and commercial site was slowly but inevitably abandoned. Ladner survived with its farming and fishing industries.
Ladner supplied full service for all Delta residents. One could purchase cars and farm equipment locally and service for its fishing fleet, with all household furnishings and services, including theatre and recreational activity. There was little crime and during my teen years Delta employed three uniformed police officers, all known by their first names.
First names were the norm in all retail outlets. Everyone knew each other and, in fact, we were related to many. My favourite store amongst many was Innes & Fenton on Elliott Street. We could buy a tea cup for mom for 10 cents or a box of shotgun shells for $2.49 from a wellstocked inventory.
