My Granny, who had been indeed a pioneer, making her own candles and soap, and carding a spinning wool and other things to numerous to mention, used to tell me about the times, on cold winter nights, when the wolves used to jump up on the frozen snow-banks by the sheep-pens, about a hundred yards from the house, and howl their spine-chilling cries. I never did ask her if they had killed any sheep; I guess I was too awe-stricken at the thought!
Threshing time and harvest was a wonderful time too. Just to watch the old steam engine pulling an enormous threshing machine up our long lane, emitting tall columns of black smoke, conveyed to one and image of long, hard work. All the neighbours exchanged help at this time; it was my job to count the number of men that we were to feed. I never saw so much food disappear so quickly!
On Sundays, Church was a “must”; dad drove our horse and buggy to St. Andrew’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I used to take a couple of oatmeal cookies in a bag, to help stave off starvation if the minister was especially long-winded! After lunch, it was a two-mile walk to the Methodist Church in Virgil for our Sunday School classes.
Virgil Public School was where I started my schooling; it was a two-room school, necessary to accommodate the numerous children of the area. Although we all grumbled at having to go to do school work, I’m sure that it was one of the happiest times of our lives. The friendly rivalry amongst my classmates during a geography or a spelling match, spurred us on to improve out responses for the next one. Niagara High School was next. Now it has been annexed to the old Niagara Historical Building, presently used to display many historical artifacts.
Field Day, Commencement and Cadet Inspection were special times too. We were especially proud of our cadets because they had been thoroughly trained and put through their paces by Sergeant Majors from the adjoining summer army camp on the common.
After High School, it seemed as if my childhood had suddenly ended; it was necessary to make plans for my future. Finally, I applied to the Mack Training School for nurses, influenced by my elder sister, who had already graduated.
Three long years - would I ever make it? Well, apparently I did! The years weren’t so long or so terrible. They were filled with lots of study and interesting classes and, on the Ward contact with patients whose recovery was so worthwhile and gratifying. At my graduation, I felt highly elated yet humble at the same time.
Some years later, I married and raised my family of five wonderful children, who are making their way in life today.
