-
Stylin and Profilin… In my North Stars and GWG’s
When you go to Sport Chek or similar places, there are more brands of sneakers than you can count. Same with jeans. There are stores that specialize in them.Growing up back home though there were very few available. And of course we all got them at the Chain Store. I remember later on, I saved a lot of money and bought a pair of Brooks from Roses Plumbing and Heating (Yes, I’m serious, the plumbing store sold sneakers).
Of the sneakers available to us were the old canvas high tops with the rubber thing right at the ankle bone. I’m sure they were modelled after Converse, but I really don’t remember if they were real Converse or not. Then there were Cougars. They were usually more like shoes than sneakers though. But the one we all likely remember best are North Stars, with their distinctive double stripes. Whether intentional or not, they kind of look like Adidas. And of course we all had them for gym. and beating around. and everything.
And of course with our fancy shoes, we all had to have designer jeans to match. And what else would we wear but GWGs. The letters stood for Great Western Garment company. The Levis of Canada. I still remember the stitching on the pockets. Similar to levis, but swooping down to make a loop below. I know there were a few other options. Like Levis for one, and Wranglers for another. But I can’t remember any others now to be honest.
And of course we got them at the Chain Store too. I mean where else was there?
Anyone remember any other brands? Anyone still have any?
Raised in outport Newfoundland in a town of 65 people, I pursued a post secondary diploma in Information Technology right out of High School.
I’ve always been a geek at heart, but yet I love the rural life I grew up with. Fishing, hunting, camping and the great outdoors are still loves of mine, even if I don’t pursue them as often as I once did. Sports were always a big part of our lives, and I played many (badly) and loved them all.
One thought on “Stylin and Profilin… In my North Stars and GWG’s”
Leave a Reply
- Out on the SoundRandom Island is separated from the Bonivsta peninsula on the island’s north side by Smith Sound. This is about 1-3 miles across in most places if memory serves. Sometimes in my memory we’ve had the sound freeze completely over, and can remember people ski-dooing, skating to Harcourt, hauling wood on …
March of DimesShort post, but for whatever reason, was driving along somewhere today, and something jogged my memory of the March of Dimes, or more specifically, the little folder we got at school (I think). It wasn’t exactly like the one pictured, I think it held more dimes for one thing, but …
Nar bit Contrary!Dad’s brother Lindo died in 1979, when I was 14. I don’t have a lot of fully fleshed out memories of him, but lots of little anecdotes I guess. From other people’s recollections, I’m pretty sure he was liked quite a bit, though some or all might say he was …
Howick jeans and Cougar boots, Lee overalls that zipped up the front. I never wore North Stars, only Adidas, but everyone else had North Star runners