1940-1949
If ever there was a golden age in the life of Maillardville, then the dawning of it came in the mid 1940s. The great migration brought people to the west coast throughout the thirties in search of work. This carried on into the forties as the Second World War saw a tremendous increase in economic activity. Training facilities on the West Coast brought others and after the war, the Veterans Land Act provided further opportunities. Many of those who came here were attracted by the dual enticements of rural life and an established French Canadian community. But others from different cultural and religious backgrounds also came to settle here. So, unlike the three previous decades, new influences were felt in the forties to challenge la Francophonie at Maillardville. The decade saw the development of a dichotomy of French versus "other" that was to both establish Maillardville as a vibrant and viable village and also to threaten the French culture that had hitherto flourished unchecked. As the forties unfolded, the fears and hardships of the War gave way to an astonishing increase in every kind of commercial and private development.
Moreover there was a sense of urgency in the rising of civic groups, both religious and community, which leaves the impression of a sudden burst of enthusiastic and optimistic commitment to the growth of Maillardville. We see the French and non French communities working together for a better future, yet the distinction between the two remains clear. The "Frenchmen" still held to their traditional way of life that centered on the Catholic Church, while the others worked toward developing the model of a strong economic district. The two groups collaborated to accomplish common goals, but French Maillardville remained a distinct entity within the Municipality of Coquitlam. Indeed, the forties brought new and exciting growth to Maillardville, but it is always darkest before the dawn!
Two major themes mark the early forties. There is, of course, World War II. And, with the ever-increasing population, there is uncontrolled building and growth in the village. War meant much the same for Maillardville as to any other community. Loved ones were called away to serve their country, some did not return. Measures and precautions such as rationing and coupon books and the restriction on the purchase of certain goods and materials such as tires were in effect. Maillardville had its ARP (air raid precautions) volunteers, the chief warden being Constable Jimmy McGarry. Throughout the war years, the ARP was financed solely through fund raising activities. A fully equipped ten bed emergency field hospital was set up at the Church hall at Our Lady of Lourdes. Thankfully it was never used. The air raid siren blared for precautionary events and "blackout" would come into effect. All lights were to be extinguished and no vehicle traffic except for ARP volunteers was allowed. Vehicles that were in use, required headlight covers, a mask that allowed for a four inch by half inch slot to allow minimal light. These precautions were taken seriously and when, during an early blackout, lights on Marmont were not immediately extinguished, protests and threats followed. Some of the men joined the Pacific Coast Rangers and went to training exercises twice a week at Hatzic Lake.
Fraser Mills went into overtime running three full time shifts. Most of its product went to the U.K. The production of lumber was deemed to be an essential service. This meant that some men were exempt from the military. In this, Maillardville differed from some other communities. Certainly many from the French village, employed at the Mill as they were, stayed home during the war years. Women too contributed as they were hired on to complete the Mill's work force. It is noteworthy that the ARP was responsible for bringing a volunteer fire brigade together that would later become the base for a permanent force. Gone were the hose reels. Hydrants were still scarce, but a truck was now in use and by 1946, a new station was being built next to City Hall. Council of the day felt compelled to do their best for the war effort and so in August of 1942 we hear from the local news;
"Council Offers Its Blood To The Canadian Red Cross…District of Coquitlam councilors are offering to donate to the Red Cross their blood for war purposes and believe they are the first in the Fraser Valley to do this as a complete Municipal council."
Maillardville and Fraser Mills also suffered the trial of the Japanese internment. In December of 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, the government required that all Japanese citizens be removed from the Coastal area of BC. Consequently properties were seized, including the entire Japanese fishing fleet of some 1337 boats. The men, women and children were taken away to internment camps in the interior of BC. Of course, Fraser Mills had their own "Japan Town". These men worked alongside the people of Maillardville. In many instances the children played and grew up together. The sudden removal of the Japanese from Fraser Mills and Maillardville was a tragedy. Friendships were broken and there was a sense that a true injustice was being imposed upon these people. Few, if any, returned after the war. When the war finally did end in August of 1945, there was much celebrating and dancing on Brunette.
1 Return to top next
