There’s something timeless about a good laugh shared among friends. In a small town like Squamish, those moments have always meant more than entertainment — they’ve been the heartbeats of community life.
The year was 1972, and a group of locals gathered for what looks like a lively costume party. The photo, preserved in the Squamish Public Library Archives, carries a playful caption on the back: “Would you believe.” It’s an image that instantly draws you in — people in homemade costumes, smiling in a haze of laughter and flash photography, frozen in a moment that perfectly captures the character of early Squamish.
One person stands out in a long white beard, dark glasses, and a tall hat with a sash reading “Goodbye Ye Old Year.” Next to them, someone in a zebra-pattern outfit grins for the camera, and another wears a handmade mask and a costume that looks half toga, half invention — proof that creativity in Squamish didn’t need a big budget, just imagination and community spirit.
The Social Hubs of 1970s Squamish
The 1970s were a defining decade for Squamish. The logging industry was strong, new families were moving in, and the town was just beginning to expand beyond its frontier roots. In those days, social life revolved around gatherings like this — dances, fundraisers, parades, and impromptu celebrations in community halls and Legion basements.
The Squamish Times, which ran from 1957 to 1995, often covered these events with photos and short blurbs. The local paper wasn’t just about news — it was about people. It reminded everyone that life here wasn’t only about work or weather; it was about connection.
Before smartphones and social media, community events were where stories were made. You didn’t scroll through highlights — you showed up, you dressed up, and you shared the night.
Homemade Costumes, Big Personalities
Looking at the photograph now, it’s easy to smile at the ingenuity. These weren’t store-bought costumes or elaborate productions — they were pure Squamish. Outfits came together from what was around the house: fabric scraps, cardboard, and a bit of boldness.
That sense of fun, that unpolished authenticity, is part of what made small-town events like this so memorable. Everyone participated, and everyone belonged — whether they wore a full getup or just showed up to cheer.
Capturing a Town in Transition
By 1972, Squamish was slowly shifting from a working town to a recreation destination. The highway had improved connections to Vancouver, and visitors were starting to discover the beauty of the mountains and rivers locals had always known.
Still, the heart of the town remained close-knit. When people gathered for an event like this, it wasn’t just a party — it was an expression of who they were. Playful. Resilient. Proud of their growing community yet grounded in neighbourly tradition.
The Legacy of Laughter
Today, Squamish continues to celebrate that same spirit through events like the Squamish Days Logger Sports, the Santa Claus Parade, and countless local fundraisers and festivals. The costumes might be more refined now, but the heart behind them hasn’t changed.
What we see in this 1972 photo isn’t just a group of people in funny outfits — it’s a reminder of how Squamish has always known how to come together, find joy in the everyday, and make something memorable out of simple things.
