The Fifties era has been described by historians as our last decade of true innocence. It was a time of peace and prosperity, when the social fabric of our small community was still tightly woven with the fibres of strong family values and cultural, spiritual and moral integrity. In the Fifties, the people of Bathurst and its surrounding area were content to enjoy the idylls of small town life. That is not to say there was no fun or excitement, because there was, and plenty of it!
Mainstreet Memories offers a glimpse into that delightful era. Besides chronicling the major news stories and exciting sports events, we also visit the ol’ swimming holes, hang out at the outdoor rinks, and listen to the latest rock ’n’ roll smash hits while on our way to catch the latest show at the Kent or Capital Theatre We take a stroll down Main Street and re-visit the stores, restaurants, and hangouts that were so popular in the Fifties. Included is a fun section entitled “In Our Own Words,” which offers recollections of and insights into the Fifties by those who experienced this unforgettable period.
Mainstreet Memories serves as a lively history lesson for the younger set, as well as a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for those who grew up in that fabulous era.

Ken Smith considers himself fortunate to have spent his boyhood in such an ideal decade as the Fifties. He is the author of Homegrown Heroes (1998), which chronicles the exploits of our local sports heroes of the past. A lifelong resident of Bathurst, he lives with his wife Verna, and they have two grown children.

The Bathurst Sports Hall of Fame had its initial year in 1985, when curling great, Mary McMurray, along wth legenday player and coach Everard (Ev) Doucet were inducted as its inaugural members.
Since its inception, over thirty-five members have been enshrined into its hallowed ranks, covering the three categories of Player, Team, and Builder. Via a series of profiles and accompanying photos, Homegrown Heroes chronicles the exceptonal talents, the illustrious achievements, and the enormous, selfless, and often lifelong contribution which these revered sports figures have offered their local community.
Spanning nearly a century of sports, and reaching from the Bathurst region to larger national and internation venues, the pages of this book can only serve to verify the tremendous and rightful pride the people of BAthurst have in their true Homegrown Heroes.