Western Pulp and Paper

 February 1969 Page 2

OCEAN FALLS REPORT by George Nairn

A few months ago management announced that No. 1 paper machine would be starting up again. That means all our machines will be producing again, with the exception of old No. 3, which is now used as a convenient place form which to get spare parts.

There are 25 clubs or organizations in Ocean Falls, the majority of which have just recently moved into the Cascade Lodge. This building was made available and modified by CZ and is now one of the most up to date community centers in the province. Some of the organizations that have moved into this building are: ceramics, archery, judo, photography, painting, guides and brownies, teen town and pistol and rifle shooting. We also have a swimming pool, bowling alley, theatre, legion hall and pool hall, CBC radio and televison and live programming is expected to come in the spring.

Ocean Falls Library The first library was started in 1916, when Pacific Mills Limited started construction here. Space for shelves was provided in1917 in the Dental Parlour. A fee for use of the books was charged to cover cost, the Provincial Travelling Library books being used along with donations of books from the residents.

Rev. E. Hodson and a committee arranged the move to new quarters in 1922 and a reading room was provided. The library was very small and contained about 300 books, with no provision for expansion. From 1922 to January 1925 only slight improvements were made. A public dance was held to obtain funds to provide new books. In 1928 the library was incorporated under the "Public Library Act"and a Library Board was elected to run the Ocean Falls Public Library.

By this time due to grants from Pacific Mills Limited the library consisted of 1,048 books and had 138 members. New quarters were required and the company agreed to donate rent, light and heat and the Librarian's salary. The library was moved in February 1929 to a location in the Big Hall.

The Library Board was able to steadily increase the number of books available to members to around 6,500. Rev. E. Hodson and Mrs. S. Bligh were librarians for many years and were primarily responsible for the good showing the library made for the benefit of the residents of Ocean Falls at that time.

The present building was built as a Centennial project in 1958 with the Centennial grant from the BC Government and by subscription from residents of Ocean Falls; also a donation of funds and materials was made by CZ.

Mr. Morley Patterson was the Chairman of the Centennial project. A time capsule was imbedded in the cement in a corner of the building, with the names of all the people and organizations who donated to this community project.

Last year's membership was 541 with a circulation of 11,061 books. The membership fee is $2.00 for adults, children free.

A FRESH LOOK AT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE by J. Forrest On Saturday January 25th, 1969 I attended a parade of all the Boy Scouts, Wolf cubs, Girl Guides and Brownies in Ocean Falls. The occasion was the presentation of citations to Charles MacLeod Duncan (12) and Keith Forsyth Duncan (9), the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Duncan of this town. This is the story of their heroism:

Mr. Betts, who is in his sixties, was fishing with the two brothers when he slipped and fell in. Weighed down by his heavy clothing Mr. Betts was unable to reach the shore and called for help. Both boys dived in to rescue and succeeded in bringing Mr. Bets to the slippery, rocky shore. Keith climbed up a little way, stuck his knife in between rocks, and hung on with both hands while Charles climbed over him and Mr. Betts hung on to his feet. Charles then helped Mr. Betts climb to safety.

Charles completed his Scout Water Safety Badge and Swimmer's Badge courses at the Ocean Falls swimming pool under the late Bob Fisher, and the quick thinking and prompt action of the boys is a direct tribute to the training they received through the Boy Scout Organization at Ocean Falls swimming pool.

Mr. Adam Mlodzik, vice-chairman of the Boy Scout Committee, introduced Mr. Morley Patterson, the Resident manager who made the presentation.

The audience was informed at this ceremony that Charles and Keith will be attending an investiture in Ottawa to received their medals from the Governor General and Chief Scout for Canada.

[photo Mrs. Duncan and Charles] [photo Mr. Duncan and Keith]