"We are 25!!!" It has been a while since I could say that...and probably awhile for some of you too. We can all say it this year though...as Old Ottawa South's Community Centre turns 25 this year. Yes, the Firehall is 25, a quarter of a century old, and fondly looking back on its birth in 1978.
Ahhhh...1978...Think back...Can you hear the Bee Gees singing in the background; girls fighting over whom they love most, Sean Cassidy or Parker Stevenson; the sound of paneling being installed everywhere; parents fighting with their adolescent boys to take down the poster of Farrah Fawcett; and turn down the KISS music.
In 1978, college toga parties were the rage, polo shirts, tight jeans and running shoes were in fashion, and Dallas was a Sunday night phenomenon. The top movies were Grease, Superman, National Lampoon's Animal House, The Deer Hunter, and Up in Smoke. The New York Yankees beat the L. A. Dodgers in the World Series, the Canadiens took the Stanley Cup, and Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova won at Wimbledon. We were all dancing or roller skating to After the Lovin by Engelbert Humperdink, Beth by Kiss, How Deep is Your Love by the Bee Gees, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Dancing Queen by Abba, and Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers.
Locally in Old Ottawa South, the population was 6,701, had a high proportion of seniors, and was in decline. The average price of a home was $47,000 and the average income of a family was $12,648. Hopewell Public School was experiencing a sharp decline in enrollment with only 444 students, as was St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, with student enrollment at 148.
There were 72 businesses along Bank Street. Carleton University students filled most rental units. The community centre had just opened its doors and provided eight programs in total (After School Care, Mom and Me, Bridge, Stay Trim, Rag Doll Making, Tapestry, Yoga and Dog Obedience). Quite a change from today.
The OSCA 25th Anniversary Committee has been planning a very large celebration for our community centre and we would like to invite you all. The festivities take place on June 21 between 4p.m. and 10 p.m. We are having a large street party with a variety of entertainers, such as Little Ray from Ray's Reptiles, Stephen Mah, The Cowguys, The Sox, etc. There will be a variety of kids games, a watermelon eating contest, facepainting and more. Inside the Firehall, come and trip down memory lane where various photos, write-ups, etc. from the last 25 years will be on display for all to peruse, and reminisce over.
Local artists will be on hand selling their wares. Contact Deirdre McQuillan at 247 4872, if you would like to participate. Take part in our various quizzes and see how much you actually do know about the 70's and Old Ottawa South. The tea room will be open for anyone wishing a spot of tea and a chance to chat with neighbours. Our official opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m., with the opening of our new garden and the cutting of the birthday cake. Please join us for a free BBQ supper and then stay to dance the night away with the Sox.
Happy 25th birthday to the Firehall! You don't look a day over 50..oops I mean 20! No, seriously we love you...wrinkles and all. We can't wait to help you blow out those candles.