Memories of the Soo

You Know You're From the Soo If...

This list was recently sent to me via email from a cousin of mine now living in the USA (thanks Mike). I had to include it on the site and modify/add a few of my own. I've added a few editorial comments to some of the items as even I don't know the references. Any enlightenment is appreciated.

You Know you are from the Soo if...

• You are fully aware of the fact that Aurora and Mrs. B is the same person, and can violently debate over the plus/minus factors in both pizza recipies.

• You know of, and despise, the Station Mall train guy at Christmas.

• You have ever participated in and/or drove around SSM observing the Christmas light competition.

• You know that Bon Soo is not Bon Homme. They are separate winter carnival entities - if anything, Bon Homme is a rip off of Bon Soo.

• You have ever demanded to ding the gong at Antlers.

• You know of the West Side Cafe, and can name your favorite poutine.

• You know what a "gouligan" is, and have even had class cancelled because they "couldn't make it in".

• You recall, with bittersweet memories, the days of Cornfest with alcohol.

• You know what the phrase Hound Pounder means.
  [Ed. Note: I'm not familar with this one. Anyone care to explain?]

• You have even been, with your parents, to a place called The Palace Saloon.

• You know of, and worship, the genetti.

• You proudly tell your incredulous southie friends that there is a mythical place called The Back Door where you can ACTUALLY get $.50 drinks and Canadian money is at par.

• You insist Bellevue Park is one of the most under-rated romantic places on earth.

• You know what a ski-durd is and thought skid was a dumb replacement word when you moved to Southern Ontario.

• You have seen the Ski-Doo parking at Korah.

• "Going to the show" means going to the movies, a "packsack" is a backpack, and "going to camp" doesn't necessarily involve a tent. It's a CAMP not a cottage.

• You have ever stolen anything from Burger King or Taco Bell across the river; bonus points for being on a first-name basis with Taco Larry.

• You are convinced that if exposure to Algoma Steel and St.Mary's Paper don't kill you outright, it'll have made you stronger.

• You ever were or hoped to be The Sault This Week's person featured in Smile of the Week.

• You can sing the "Station Mall, the centre of it all!" and "Something for everyone, Cambrian Mall" jingles.

• You hated 99.5 YES FM for playing the same 20 songs over and over, but listened to it anyway because the alternative was MIX 100.
  [Ed. Note: What about CKCY or CFNY? Or am I really dating myself here?]

• You ever went on a 'cruise' on the Chief Shingwak with your elementary school.

• You know where Topsail Island, the P-Patch, Gros Cap, Harmony and the Locks are.

• You are proud of the fact that The Soo has not one but two Husky Truck Stops, and have eaten perogies or a full breakfast there after midnight at least once in your lifetime.

• You know "Going up the line" means going north of the Soo to work.
  [Origin: Most likely a reference to working on the Algoma Central Railway]

• Your non-Soo friends are convinced there's something wrong with the water in the Sault because of all your crazy friends and stories that originate there.

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  If anyone wants to add to this list please contact us at soomemories@yahoo.ca

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