Elida Peers | Contributed
There have been a lot of changes in social life in recent years.
There was a time when popular large dances held in the Sooke Community Hall were the norm, but greater adherence to laws limiting drinking and driving brought about a significant change. More recently, of course, it’s COVID that has restricted partying.
READ: Sooke’s evolution from settlers to subdivisions
Fifty years ago, there were often a lot of physical fun activities, parlour games, and a lot of laughter.
This photo reminded us of some of the party times at private homes. In this case, the home was Doug MacFarlane’s, a house across from the Sooke Region Museum on the lowlands along the Sooke River.
We don’t have the complete list of who was at the party and participated in feeling legs. Still, the guests included Bud Hay, Lorne Hay, Tuck and Shirley Vowles, Pat and Lou Forrest and Daphne Lavender Hay.
In this photo, we see Daphne Hay blindfolded as she moves along the floor where seating holds rows of legs, male and female, bared and ready for their feel. Everyone got their turn to speculate about other people’s legs. We weren’t told what the prize was if you guessed right, but we know there were many laughs.
Everyone we’ve mentioned in this photo has died, but they all have relatives here. We remember they all worked hard, earning a living, contributing to the community’s life and having a fun time.
What party times are ahead?
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Elida Peers is the historian of the Sooke Region Museum. Email historian@sookeregionmuseum.com.