My husband, Dr. William Singer, was a clinical psychologist at the V.A. hospital in Vancouver during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, and we lived on the Post for ten years. Our two-storied duplex had 11 rooms and was more than adequate for our family of three.
I recall what a bargain it was at $35 a month, which included heat, provided by coal furnaces, and water. We only paid for our telephone. The yards were beautifully maintained by workers from the hospital staff. There were a few single homes. We were allowed to keep pets, including our gentle German Shepherd.
The location was ideal — close to town, close to the hospital and the barracks below, where many community events occurred. There were a lot of children living there on the Post, with much room to play, to learn to skate and ride bicycles and to swim at the large Vancouver indoor pool. There was a lot of play room, including the area where the P.U.D. building is now.
The school bus picked up my daughter, Jane, who first attended Harney Elementary School and then “Mac” Junior High.
