Before social distancing: Love-in at Beacon Hill Park

With the need for physical distancing constantly on my mind, I’ve been drawn to crowd-themed photos. Here are a few fascinating photos from 1967, when hundreds of people of all ages converged on Beacon Hill Park to attend Victoria’s first love-in. Victoria people - do you recognize anyone in these photos?

Below is a transcription of a Times Colonist article published on May 2nd, 1967 about the love-in:

The love-in was like a modern-day version of an old-fashioned band concert in the park.  Most people came in to enjoy themselves and show a warmth for humanity.

But in particular respects it was completely different.  The old-brass band one would expect … had been replaced by the electric guitars and microphones of the preeminent Blues by Five group.

And a liberal scattering of hippies – young dropouts from society who are sometimes dubbed latter-day beatniks – was on hand to shock the older generation by its utter disregard for conformity and conventional appearance.

 The hippies, whose very movement was followed by admiring glances from sympathizers of their own age group, paraded briefly around the parks in groups of twos and threes, and everybody seemed to have a good time doing nothing. The air was filled with the odour of burning incense sticks and with blaring music.  Balloons and jelly beans were handed out to all who wanted them.

Some youngsters wore sandals, a few were barefoot.  Many wore flowers in their hair and in their lapels, and some wore costumes.

It was probably one of the strangest gatherings Victoria has seen since quiet Sunday afternoons in the park…

Now back to 2020. Face-to-face “love-ins” are not viable in today’s COVID-19 world, but we are getting closer - as we flatten the curve in British Columbia - towards increasing our social connections. In the meantime, let’s continue to be there for each other, our neighbours, and our communities - virtually.

Original photos are from the City of Victoria Archives.