You will see in Val's message in another thread that I am going to provide her with some history on the 40s and 50s Den. It occurs to me that all members should have a 'hand' in this so I am asking those of your who read this in the next couple of weeks to post what YOU remember or to add to what someone else has written.
To the best of my ability I will start with this...
The Den opened in MSN chat early in 2001 and as I recall WeeParts was the first Manager. People felt we needed an alternate place to chat for Canadians (at the time 40sPLUSCanada chat had been open for several years). Membership quickly grew and in a short space of time, on any given night - we would have upwards of 30 people chatting. I remember hosting one night when we reached the maximum number (at the time MSN would only allow 100 people in a room at a time).
Members quickly came to the realization that to really get to know each other we should hold regular chat parties. We did so - thanks to the efforts of some of our members who made the arrangements and parties were held on a regular basis in Toronto, Burlington, Ottawa and Kingston (I think there was even one in Sudbury). Attendance ranged from 15 to 50 at each of these parties and at one - in particular - SlowRik's 60th Birthday we had a record 76 people turn out!
I guess what I remember most about our chats is the number of hours I sat here and laughed until I could not see through the tears. We went through tough times for members together as well - and I know many found support from the friends they made in the Den.
Even now.. almost 2 years since MSN ended our ability to chat many of us are still in touch with each other one a regular basis.
AHHHHHHHHH memories of the den. I have been a member of that room since the day it opened. Weeparts was an amazing man and I had the honor of actually meeting him in person before he left us. Many friends were made in that room lots of laughs and tears as well. i know personally I made many life long friends who I still keep in touch with. I loved to do the happy dance in that room and I hope all of my old friends are doing the happy dance as we speak. Hope to see you all in our * new * home.