C.G.I.T. and Sunday School and spent time
practising with some of us to sing solos and duets.

Yranna Calvert, a local lady and a school
teacher, who could make costumes, decorate to suit
any occasion, as well as play the piano.

Donna Wedow (Wright) taught school and at
recess and lunch hour would have her desk
surrounded by we girls, as she taught each one how
to knit a sweater. She also led our C.G.I.T. group,
along with Betty Cuming (nee Wright). They were
instrumental in acknowledging our completion of
the program, enabling my friend, Joyce Lintott,
and I to graduate with other C.G.I.T. members
across Manitoba, in a special ceremony in First
Presbyterian Church, Winnipeg. As our school was
too small to have a High School Graduation, this
was a highlight in our teenage lives and an
enriching experience, never to be forgotten.

Jean Wright and Belle O’Brien gave generously
of their time and talents in C.G.I.T. leadership.

William Domitrack, Grade 9—11 teacher, taught
all subjects, but in particular, gave me an
appreciation of literature. He taught us folk
dancing and we always performed in the concerts.

Doagal Beswitherick, local electronic, was an
accomplished organist who played for church
services, weddings, funeral and choir. We were
fortunate to have such an accomplished musician
in our community.

Zena Beswitherick also played for many
occasions and taught us in Sunday School. She
was a special family friend and accompanied our
family on many picnics and outings.

Lena Thorn (Mrs. Howard Thorn) was often
our substitute teacher when our teachers would
attend Teacher’s Convention around Thanksgiving
each year. On her last day at school she would
bring a treat for all of us. “Cracker Jack” popcorn
was the specialty that we remember so well. She
also taught many of us in Sunday School,
involving us in good discussions.

Rev. Jack Shaver, the local minister, was also
a substitute teacher. Geometry came to “light” for
me on one of his visits and which was a welcome
accomplishment. He lead an active Young People’s
Group, as well as Boys’ Groups.

Reta Ham, Alma Dankesreiten Tranna Calvert
and Art Thorn (different times and courses), led
the Manitoba Boys and Girls Club and latterly the
4-H Club. The local Women’s Institute sponsored
the 4—H and we benefitted greatly from the
foresight these women had in offering the youth
the varied courses, in sewing, handicrafts, cooking
and gardening.

33

Martin Olson coached the Boys’ Hockey,
during these years assisted by Gilbert Graham and
Ken Williams. They travelled many miles as a team.

Fred Wentzel delivered coal with his truck. He
would then place straw in the box so that he could
transport the boys to their hockey games in the
various rinks at MacGregor, Austin and Worby,
Etc.

Mr. McKenzie was a favourite School Inspector
who visited our school and lived in Gladstone. We
always felt we had to be on our toes when he asked
a question.

To the many people who helped with the
Community Picnics, we looked forward to each
year, sponsored by the Reliance Grain Elevator
Company with Mr. Dave Smith as the local Agent.

We are grateful to those who shovelled off the
rink, put on the first at the rink so that we could
skate each evening to “The Skaters Waltz” or
“Life in the Finland Woods” etc. or play hockey
and broomball. We won’t forget those who
flooded both the skating and curling rinks, with
very little equipment.

To all of these people and many more that
touched our lives, we pay a special tribute.

Throughout our lives we have spent many
happy times back in our home town. As Donna
and her family lived in the north for several years,
Sidney was always a “home base” for them and
a central point on the Trans Canada when they
came south. Their children always felt this was
“home” for them as well.

There are many incidents that happened, some
more vivid than others in our memory.

On the last day of school in June 1951, classes
were finished at noon. Garry (12 years) and
Mervyn O’Brien decided to help with the tarring
of the roof of the new garage. Our Dad was away,
Huck was fixing a tractor. The boys climbed on
the roof and tarred a section of it. Garry stepped
backward and onto the tar. His foot slipped and
Mervyn tried to reach for him, but he was unable
to catch hold of him (or both would have been
on the ground). Garry rolled down the roof in the
tar and landed on the cement outside the garage
door, inbetween a set of harrows and scrap iron.
Huck ran to his rescue, picked him up and carried
him home. It was certain he had to go to the
hospital. Mother had a difficult time removing the
tar from his body and clothing in order to make
the trip by car to the hospital. Mr. Domitrack, the
local school principal, witnessed the incident, as
he lived at the Dave Smith home down the street