Fish plants and a Hang-out

In my final photo essay of locations in ALL NATIVE, the novel, I present the two main fish plant locations in the book, as they are now, as well as a spot that was a popular hang-out then and perhaps still is.

BC PACKERS

The original BC Packers, which had a shed and cold storage building, with a separate lunchroom building and house for the manager, is gone, but a new fish plant stands in its place, owned by Canfisco. The big, deep water dock was able to accommodate dragger boats.

NELSON BROS.

If you turn a right before the current store in Port Edward and go down the road to the tracks, you'll see the site of the former Nelson Bros. Cannery, which was the biggest employer in the community in the 60s. There were three village canneries further along, just outside of Port Ed.

THE GENERAL STORE

The old Port Ed General Store, which was just at the bottom of the hill going to the cannery. The Nelson Bros. payroll office was upstairs. This photo was taken in May and, as you can see, that old wooden bench was still out front!

RUSHBROOK CLIFF

Accessible via Overlook Street, this spot provided a fabulous view and privacy for wayward teens and young men to hang out at.

The forest leading to the cliff area.

"Building" a story

In another installment of photos of locations and sights in ALL NATIVE, the novel, I bring you significant buildings, that the boys spent a lot of time in and that played big parts in the story. All photos were taken by me.

Before there was a middle school, there was ...

BOOTH MEMORIAL HIGH

Located on Hays Cove Circle just before the bridge, "Booth" was the school I enjoyed the most, although, of course, King Edward Elementary is right up there. This is where Nate and BJ meet; where Nate achieves his first step in his master plan, and BJ becomes an unlikely student council candidate and has an awkward experience with a girl.

The top photo is the view of the school that I saw a lot of, as I crossed the field to get there from the area I lived in.

The bottom photo is what is left of the original school (it was torn down and a new elementary school, named Lax Kxeen, was built). This original building, which housed classrooms and the library, is now the school district's maintenance and tech building. Back then, many students used these side exits to go hang out in the toolies by "the pipeline."

PRINCE RUPERT SECONDARY SCHOOL

It is now a Middle School but this was the senior high for as long as I can remember. The old PRSS is located on Ninth West near the golf course and Hays Creek, and a minute's walk away from the Civic Centre. This is where Nate shoots for Rainmakers glory and one of the two big games in the book takes place. It also hosted the All Native Tournament for two years after the original Civic Centre burned down.

JIM CICCONE CIVIC CENTRE

Known simply as the "the Civic Centre," it was given Jim Ciccone's name after his tragic death, which was fitting considering that he was a long-time great Rupert basketball player and community booster. This is where the magic happens; the All Native, every February, where thousands of people flock to, to watch great basketball, buy First Nations art, eat delicious traditional foods, and renew old acquaintances. The facility opened in 1972 and the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre, beside it, was added 10 years later.

RUSSELL GAMBLE GYMNASIUM

The main gym, named after one of the All Native's original founders, Russell Gamble. This is where the biggest games have been played for 48 years. This is a photo I took a couple of years ago. If you look closely enough at the crowd in the upper left corner, you'll see 'Makers coach, Mel Bishop, watching, as he does every year. And, not far down from him is George Sampson, long time Friendship House Intermediates team coach and ANT volunteer for the Elders Group!

ALL NATIVE: The long walk home and McClymont Park

Continuing on with the Photos of Places in All Native, the novel, I take a look at the places BJ wandered through on the day after he got into trouble, and one of his and Nate's favorite hang-outs, McClymont Park. My memory might be off on some of these sites so don't be shy to correct me if I'm wrong! Thanks to my son, Conall, for taking on the role of "strolling kid."

DOUG KERR FIELD

First up was the Doug Kerr field, and the bleachers BJ first rested on that afternoon. It still looks pretty much the same, although the bleachers and the sign are new. Fun fact: Several years ago, this park was claimed by dog lovers as an unofficial dog park and the Roosevelt park field was made the Doug Kerr field (I actually oversaw this, at the behest of city council, in my rec director days), but it was short-lived and it is, once again, home to little league ball!

KIN HUT

During his walk, BJ took a bit of a nap on the bleachers at the Kin Hut site in McClymont Park. The empty space in the background was once occupied by the Kin Hut, where specials events/parties were held, and live bands performed in front of. There was a lawn in the foreground that filled in, of all things, a former outdoor swimming pool! Of course, this and the lower part, is now a skate park.

THE STRETCH

The main pathway through the park along Hays creek.

"EIGHTH TO THE LEFT OF ME, SHERBROOKE TO THE RIGHT, HERE I AM ..."

The new-ish bridge crossing the creek on the path between 8th East and Sherbrooke Avenue. I believe the old bridge had the classic, round orange metal railings, and there were no railings at all off of the bridge itself.

THE WAY TO 8TH AND THE INNER SANCTUM

The path to 8th East. About two-thirds of the way up the stairs and into the bushes on the left, is approximately where I envisioned the boys' favorite fort, or Inner Sanctum.

WHO THE HECK'S BILLY JACK?

"The Tree," where the boys liked to meet, get high and philosophize, which is just a little farther in along the trail than described in the book. I was really tempted to hang out for awhile. :)