When researching stories of Delta's pioneer days, what better place to start than the archives. There are many family and community stories recorded throughout Delta's 135-year history.
As a youngster I was aware of various ethnic communities spread throughout Delta. The Norwegians and Swedish families were, for the most part, located in the Sunbury/Annieville area with their place of worship, community hall and general stores. Their homes were situated alongside the Fraser River and near marinas housing their fleet of fish boats. Sunbury Elementary provided early education with senior students bussed to the high school in Ladner.
The Chinese, Greeks and Italians, among others, located themselves in west Ladner alongside the Fraser River, their primary source of income. Early settlers from the British Isles pre-empted land in Ladner and East Delta, establishing crop and dairy farms. They, too, developed their community interests and centre of commerce in the Ladner area. These pioneers were all without power, sanitary systems or adequate fresh water, to name a few of their basic needs.
As difficult as the lifestyles were then, little could compare with the harshness and isolation of the first Greek settlement on Deas Island. Now a regional park and connected to the mainland, it was then surrounded by a fast flowing and blustery Fraser River.
Greek families and their countrymen began arriving in Delta around 1895, settled on the island and remained there for the next half-century. Thanks to the Capaduca memoir, we have insight into this early settlement.
By 1886, most of Delta's lands were held in private ownership. Likely because of their seafaring origins, they chose to live on the water next to a virtually uninhabited island. These industrious newcomers salvaged logs and building materials from the river and constructed a rudimentary float home settlement on the main channel.
The homes were secured by ropes and pilings and connected by wooden walkways to the island. At its peak, the community consisted of approximately 30 brightly painted float houses and approximately 80 residents.
The men turned to the river for income and became successful fishermen on the West Coast. The men enjoyed seasonal hunting on the island for ducks and pheasants to add to their food supply. The women and children planted vegetable gardens, raised chickens, goats and sheep, and made the best of their rudimentary housing.
Isolated by location and language, life was complicated. Travel off the island was by boat for supplies from Ladner's Landing or New Westminster, depending on tidal currents. School-age children rowed across Deas Channel to the mainland and walked through farm fields to Trenant School on Crescent Island.
Language played a role in some difficulties in the playground. Despite these challenges, these people prospered from the lucrative salmon runs, their ingenuity and perseverance in establishing a close-knit community.
The island community disbanded in the 1940s with many families relocating in west Ladner. Many of the descendents remain in Ladner, proud of their Greek heritage.
And a good night to you, Peter.
