Saturday, February 25, 2012

Beachcombers 40th Anniversary

I was at DuaneBurnett.com this week and learned that it's the 40th anniversary of the iconic Canadian television sitcom The Beachcombers. He put together a tribute video using pictures from the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives in Gibsons, BC, Canada, and his own fan photos from his youth. Take a look.



Since we moved to Powell River, Wayne and I've heard about The Beachcombers. It was a huge hit across the country and was Canada's longest running TV series. We tried to purchase a DVD of the shows, but they aren't available. All we could find were a few clips on YouTube.

The show ran for 19 years and was about a log salvager (a beachcomber) who lived and worked around Gibsons BC. Prominent in the show was Molly's Reach, a restaurant on the Gibsons waterfront. You can still go there for a meal and see their boat the Persephone out front. You can even join their Facebook group.

Hope you get a chance sometime to see this little bit of Coastal BC history! -- Margy

12 comments:

  1. I went to Molly's Reach last year around this time and had their clam chowder soup. Omigod! It was so good and thick I could hardly finish it. Gibsons is a beautiful area and I'd love to live just up from there in the Halfmoon Bay area. It's on the list for when we are both retired.

    Oh, and yes I used to watch The Beachcombers on TV all the time.

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  2. I used to watch the Beachcombers and came across it just last week on Vision and the Waltons as well, another favorite of mine.

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  3. I have not even heard of it...I would of thought something that popular in English would of at least been aired here. Thanks for the awareness -- I'll check it out.
    PS - really liked your Birds-of-Paradise story. They were my mother-in-laws favorites.

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  4. Hi

    I worked at the pulp mill in Powell River for 7 years in the mid 60's, running dozer boat and pushing logs up the jack ladder. I had 20 acres just outside of town on happy valley road. I know Powell lake but never spent any time on it. Love your house boat.

    Bob Tyndall

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  5. And also, we watched the Beach Combers religiously. Used to drive thru Gibsons Landing on the way down to Vancouver.

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  6. Interesting post, Margy. I think I remember the series since Vancouver was one station we used to get years ago. .

    I too like the names of boats and always read them when at the marina. MB

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  7. We loved to watch the Beachcombers. It would be fun to go to Molly's Reach.

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  8. Leslie - I love their clam chowder too. Unfortunately, we rarely have enough time to stop since we are always running for ferries. But if I travel alone, I usually try to skip one and take some time to explore the lower Sunshine Coast.

    Tash - The theme about a small coastal town in BC may not have caught the attention of US stations. But people living near the border like MB often could get Canadian stations to watch.

    Bob - Running a dozer must have been a fun way to work. They look like water beetles scuttling around. We've found lots of people who've lived in Powell River, but have moved away. There is something about the town and region that sticks with people.

    Margy

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  9. Thanks so much for sharing the Beachcombers 40th Anniversary Video. Love all the great memories people have of the TV series :D

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  10. Brett Wilkie1:28 PM

    That was a great old show, it showed the magic of The Sunshine Coast. I remember back in the day I used to service Bruno's car in Vancouver, what a character he was. I wonder if the town of Gibsons will do anything for the 40 year anniversary like they did for the 35th?

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  11. Brett - Check Duane Burnett's site. He posts information about happenings on the Sunshine Coast. He's the guy who did the tribute vid. - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy