When I first moved to Saint John, I found out that you could easily tell the native Saint Johners. They’re the ones
who give directions according to landmarks that used to be there ("Just take the first street past where the Woolco used to be . . . “) That same spirit is behind this book. In West Side Stories, David Goss has compiled memories of West Saint John going back a century or more. He shares his own reminiscences as well as stories told to him by other West Siders and gathered from old newspaper accounts. The result, painted in careful and loving detail, is a picture of a way of life that has since been lost.
From the simple nostalgia of ferry rides across the harbour and community outdoor skating rinks, to the exotic stories of gypsy camps and shanghaied sailors, David Goss evokes the spirit of another age. He gives the background information that makes you stop and take notice of those landmarks that you would normally drive by without another thought, such as Emerson’s castle, St. George’s clock tower, or Saint’s Rest Beach. Or he discovers the stories behind the Fairville Department Store, the Star Restaurant, and other notable attractions that live only in memory.
He tells several stories in the seasonal spirit, recounting an employee Christmas banquet from 1879 and telling about his very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Describing the sensation made by Saint John’s first Christmas tree lights, he goes on to tell how they were loaned out to various churches and civic groups every year before finally ending up in the New Brunswick Museum.
However, the book covers all seasons and topics, from sensational axe-murders to the touching account of a minister breaking the news of a grandmother’s death to a family of young children. One inspirational story, told simply but poignantly, describes how a farmer fulfilled his dream and built a church in the wilderness. And some of the stories aren’t really stories at all, simply scenes of idyllic childhood--after supper games of kick the can in the backyard, neighbourhood plays and circuses, forbidden rafting in a spring pond.
Although one chapter deals specifically with memorable people, the entire book abounds with original characters. Doctors who are still talked about decades years after they last practiced medicine and pastors who won the respect and recognition of their community share theses pages with other lesser known but just as entertaining citizens. And you don’t have to be from West Saint John to appreciate the humour and dignity in their stories. Their appeal is universal.
If you are from the West Side, however, this book will have a special appeal for you. And you will have one great advantage that the rest of us lack: a knowledge of the geography. A map would have been a good addition for those, especially outside the city, who will pick up this book and be rather in the dark trying to follow the myriad of street and community names.
David Goss has made quite a name for himself as a journalist and historian, both with his previous books and his contributions to the Telegraph-Journal and the New Brunswick Reader . This newest book can only add to his reputation. Having read West Side Stories , you will never again see the West Side in quite the same way. Always hovering just outside your line of vision will be the images of people and landmarks which passed away years ago yet still linger in memory, images that David Goss has helped to preserve.