Beachcomber Relics
The Beachcombers are firmly associated with Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast. Although the popular TV series is long over, it remains imprinted in the memories of Canadians who grew fond of the quirky stories of the scenic seaside village, on the edge of Canada and away from big city life. Filmed in 'real time,' the series spanned 19 years and holds the record for Canada's longest running TV show. It can now be considered an important piece of Canadian film history, as well as valuable documentation of life in Gibsons.
The popular series was viewed in over 60 countries around the world and ran for 387 episodes from 1972 to 1990. It was a Canadian 'original' and one of the first major Canadian series that did not follow an American prototype. The show was also at the forefront of its time when it came to representing First Nations culture and actors. Squamish elder Chief Dan George often made guest appearances on the show. He is best known for his role opposite Dustin Hoffman in the film "Little Big Man." Dan George passed away in 1981.
Molly's Reach was home for the character of Molly Carmody and her grandchildren, Margaret and Hughie, for their boarder Nick Adonidas (and his log salvage office), and for Nick's partner Jesse Jim. Nick, the Greek beachcomber, was the main character played by Bruno Gerussi, an Italian.
Gerussi was born in Medicine Hat and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts and joined the Stratford Festival in 1954 to become a respected Shakespearean actor at Stratford and London. Bruno starred in other TV series, including "Celebrity Cooks," a celebrity cooking show. He passed away in 1995 at age 67. Bruno coauthored a cookbook entitled "Bruno: Love in the Kitchen," with his partner Nancy Morrison.
Robert Clothier played Relic, Nick's arch rival. He too was a veteran stage and TV actor. Clothier was born in Prince Rupert in 1921 and studied architecture before pursuing sculpting and theatre in England. He passed away in 1999.
Constable John Constable, played by Jackson Davies was another memorable character in the series. He now lives in Tsawwassen but visits the Sunshine Coast periodically.
The Beachcombers series is an integral part of the history of Gibsons.
The Persephone
The Persephone was originally named the 'John Henry' and was built in 1965 for Harry "Smitty" Smith, of Smith's Marina in Gibsons. She was registered April 26th 1965 and was intended to be used as a medium-sized tugboat in the waters of the Sunshine Coast.
She is best known for her long stint as the log salvage boat for The Beachcombers character Nick Adonidas.
The engine was removed at the end of the series in 1991 and ownership was officially transferred to the Town of Gibsons and kept at the public works yard on Henry Road.
In 2003 ownership was transferred to the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives Society for the duration of her restoration. Countless hours of labour - much of it volunteer - went towards the transformation of the decrepit vessel into its original state. The Town of Gibsons reassumed ownership in 2007. It was agreed that the vessel would never be used in the water again.
The Persephone was officially installed by the Town of Gibsons during the Sea Cavalcade celebrations of July 2007 and now rests on Gower Point road near Molly's Reach.
