Cookie Witch Ramblings
Victoria History
Wed, October 3, 2007 - 12:24 PM
Parrot took role of intercom, cellphone
Times Colonist
Published: Sunday, September 09, 2007
When I was growing up in Victoria in the 1920s and 1930s, there was a stream that ran along the north side of View Street behind where London Drugs is now.
There were several small homes on that side of the street and most of them had little bridges or catwalks to their front doors.
The family that lived directly across from my dad's business, the Pacific Auto Wrecking Company, had a parrot whose favourite perch was on their bridge railing.
This was before intercoms or cellphones, so when Dad wanted one of his employees, he would whistle -- a special whistle for each chap. The parrot soon learned these and would mimic those whistles at any time of day.
You can imagine the frustration on my dad's and his employees' part as they would go tearing out to find it was only the parrot!
I am sure the parrot learned a few more colourful words as a consequence.
Rubymay Parrott,
Victoria.
© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2007
Wed, October 3, 2007 - 12:24 PM -
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7 Comments
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Wed, October 3, 2007 - 12:46 PM
That little stream must still be there - it's probably what is making Vancouver street sink so deeply at View Street (I've heard it is a multimillion dollar road fixing problem - that one intersection. I say : bring back the stream! Make View and Vancouver for bikes and pedestrians, maybe even fish!)
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Unsu...
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Wed, October 3, 2007 - 1:00 PM
parrot? go figure vic was full of pirates!
and....i have tonnes of old b/w negs/prints of old building details, gravestones (i'm sure smashed by now) and other architectural stuff from my days of wonder(ing) in victoria.
sadly, i currently have minimal connection, but would like to put it out to you as i sit here at work - would you know anyone who would have use of these? victoria heritage society or some sort? |
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Wed, October 3, 2007 - 1:17 PM
he he.. When I was growing up in Victoria in the 1980s and 1990s, there was a empty parking lot that ran along the north side of View Street behind where London Drugs is now. My boyfriend lived in a big card board box there... A few of other friends lived there with him... in boxes. Oh Victoria has changed so much.
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Wed, October 3, 2007 - 2:12 PM
Star we digitize stuff like that and archive them on our website vibrantvictoria.ca - if you want to make them available to the internet.
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Thu, October 4, 2007 - 7:38 AM
Star I would love those Photos I am a photographer and Julia or Cara can give you my contact info, Cara I know from Personal experience just how frustration Parrots can be, My room mate has one and when we were more then just room mates The parrot would mimic other sounds, made me wish some one would invent a Parrot muzzle.
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Thu, October 4, 2007 - 11:30 AM
I've been trying to research this, and find a picture or two even, but so far no luck. The Pacific Auto Wrecking Co. that she mentions is buried in history - the only two companies by that name I could find were in Ontario (wtf?) and San Diego. Her name ... RubyMay Parrott, made me wonder if it was authentic. Still digging, you guys let me know if you find anything! It is a leettle mystery!
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Thu, October 4, 2007 - 7:13 PM
that's such a great anecdote for any days yore place and even cooler that it's in such a familiar location. it is such a funny little dip there, and couldn't agree with you more Kyla, the place should be daylighted and turned into park/bike lanes. that's one of my major thoroughfares as it is, the place has a commuter nexus vibe to it and a creek underneath would help explain a lot of the why's about that area.
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