Vancouver College - Collegian Yearbook (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada)

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In the Ways Even as far back as 1924 College was presenting highly entertaining productions, such as “It Pays to Advertise.” But academic and physical growth did not satisfy the wants and needs of the student body. It became apparent that although studies pertained to all, sports was limited to only the select few who were endowed with the ability to participate in it. Therefore in order to provide equal opportunity for all, to enable all to fully utilize their talents, various extracurricular activities were in- troduced. One of the most popular, both on the part of students and parents, was Drama. Such plays as Macbeth in 1924 and Julius Caesar in 1927 drew capacity crowds for every performance at the Orpheum Theatre. Although not a primary goal, such awards as the Open Division final for the Best Play of the Year in ’36 and the Comedy Trophy in ’42 were won. Besides ex- ceptional talent, another contributing factor to the success of the plays was the limited opportunities for entertainment, radio being in its infancy and T.V. non-existent. College received wide acclaim and publicity in the news media of the day, and critics could not be more effusive in their lavish praises. However, Drama was but part of the spectrum of activities to be offered. Step Dancing was taught to boys in primary and grammar school grades. Development in one’s ability to express oneself, both coherently and with confidence has always been en- couraged. Here the winners of one of the earlier Public Speaking Contest in 1958 display their trophies proudly. Pictured here is the high calibre 1924 orchestra under the direction of Professor Talbot. The historic background is the famous handball alleys that occupied the whole back yard of the Richards Street School.

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of Athletics One of the most demanding sports is undoubtedly gym- nastics, above, requiring both skill and strength. First in- troduced in 1928, interest in this sport has been sporadic but sustained. Even in the early days, College sports games, right, were drawing large crowds and making the headlines. This tradition has been maintained up to the present day. Soccer, below, at V.C. had its beginning in the early years of the school’s history. In 1923 a College team won the Gibbons Cup and the Leader Trophy in soccer com- petition. Leagues were formed for intramural play and lasted several years after V.C. stopped playing other schools. New Canadian Rugby League Launched In City COLLEGIATE RUGGERS CLASH TODAY VANCOUVER COLLEGE WINS GRID TITLE RUGBY TEAMS CBDYER COLLEGE ALL SQUARE SEATS rasin ' 6-1, . r j ., Tt: ' :. - 1 ilsiSsg ' SrWizmgfg - - • z ' vsi arsity Ruggers P ,„ great shkies ro ii in tk ksch oi.a.stk titiT FUfCOliYQI COLLD Beat Vancouver , — WINS LABEIT TFOF College Boys, 6-1 . . . Vancouver ■ ■ College b idders M ins Game Play Well

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of Culture and Art Among the boys is Brother Walsh with an early group of skiers up on Grouse in 1927. The Vancouver College Cadets stand at attention while being reviewed by Major Critchley. The Irish Jig, Eight-hand Reel and Horn- pipe, not to mention the French Minuet, were perfected to such an extent that many were asked to appear at public func- tions through the year. Physical Culture was promoted through the routine of the barbells, scepters, and bolas swinging. After months of practice and perseverence the reward was to be selected to represent the school on the night of the annual entertainment. The Band meanwhile, began with a meagre nine participants but soon grew to 45. Instruments consisted of the xylophone, the traps, brass and reed in- struments, and many violins, all joining to produce a harmonious euphony -- sometimes. By 1926, College could boast of the best school orchestra in the city. Public Speaking also found a place in the College. The Debating Society included the entire academic department. Each class had its own schedule of debates, and in turn debates before the entire school were held. The eloquent and bombastic oratories of the seniors could be traced to their hopes of appearing in the prize debate at the Hotel Vancouver. These were the activities, along with the ever present part-singing groups, which played a major role in the College curriculum. Then on April 6, 1940, at the request of the Minister of National Defense, the Cadet Corps was formed, College being the second school to form such a group. Under Major Norman Burley of the Seaforths, and Brother P.J. Reilly, instruction in ceremonial drill, signalling, first aid, fieldcraft, and the use of the rifle was given. The original number of 60 cadets increased to 100 before its disbandment in 1945, symbolizing the Spirit of the boys towards both school and country. Even to this day, College has never given up its unending quest for variation in satisfying the needs and providing for the diverse talents of the students. Today, Drama and Debating are still present, and in addition to these are scores of newer, contemporary activities which reflect the growth of College as shown in the pages of the Yearbook. Vancouver College is per- petually growing -- ACADEMICALLY, PHYSICALLY AND CULTURALLY.