The Basilica Recreation Centre — Befi2re and After

the time, was a good bowler, but preferred to play pool. He was a frequent visitor to the hall, and I am sure knew what was going on at all times.

THURSDAY SOCIALS

The second floor, or auditorium, was a multipurpose hall. Besides sports events, the hall held socials and concerts. One of the most popular events was the Thursday afternoon dance when the students, mostly from St. Dunstan’s University, and the girls from Notre Dame and St. Joseph convents would come to socialize. “Socialize” may not be an appropriate word, because there would be about 100 girls lined up on one side of the hall and 100 boys lined up on

the opposite side waiting for The Downtowners, a local band, to play a dance number. When the band started, all the boys would walk toward the girls to ask for a dance. This went on for the whole afternoon. At that time, St. Dunstan’s students were permitted to come to the city on Thursday afternoons and one night a week, but had to sign in by midnight. If there was any trace of liquor on them, a student usually got a one month suspension. A taxi to the university was 50 cents, which meant that five students would each pay 10 cents.

The Downtowners were the most popular band in the 19405 and ’505. Back row left: Wendell Murphy, Jim Coady on the drums. Front row (l-r) Ivo Cudmore, Elmer Gallant, Les Alexander and Red Soy on the piano.

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