The Neelin Street Geese — Where are They Now?

 

 

Photo-Carleton Place Moms

 

Jennifer Hudebine Derstroff sent me an email about a hot topic on Carleton Place Moms on Facebook last week that was initiated by Tamara Hill. It was all about the two ceramic geese that used to sit in front of a house near the arena on Neelin Street. If my old laptop had not died I would have a picture of those ducks– but nothing is forever right? 

Karen Fleming Ferguson

 

For those who were asking about the geese, we wanted to let you know that they have settled into their new home at Carleton Place Childcare Services. Staff have organized their clothing and they are now sporting new outfits!

 

 

 

 

 

My son Schuyleur loved the Storyland Bunny so much he bought it when Storyland closed and it sits at his car dealership Motorhouse on Highway 7. Some people don’t really get what things mean, and after some complained ‘that it was too scary’  he had to move it over on the side that faces The Thruway restaurant.

Sky and Perry 1990

Sky and Perry 2013

 

2016 Storyland Bunny at Motorhouse on Highway 7 Carleton Place

 

The older folk in Carleton Place will remember the Rubber Tree on High Street in the 50s or the Alligator sign that sat in the former clay pits/ swamp just before the corner of McNeely and Lake Ave East where the new condos are.

Thankfully that Alligator sign was saved, and you can still see it in the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum ‘lobby”.  I  got a new sign made up when the other was ‘expropriated’– but Ralph Shaw had to take it down. Again things don’t last forever. 

 

So what happened to those geese that are no longer sitting on those steps on Neelin Street?  Did the original owners know how many people counted on seeing the geese? Some even said that families used to drive by that house specifically on their way to and from hockey to see what they were wearing.

As the ladies quizzed each other on the Facebook group Kate Lackey mentioned they had been for sale and Kels Uden’s mum had bought them and they were now sitting at the front door of Carleton Place Childcare Services (Arklan) safe and sound. One of them even dons a life jacket now– and believe me these geese have something to wear every single day by looking at the boxes of clothing that came with them!

 

 

Photo- Karen Fleming Ferguson

Some memories never fade– and even though things move, or photos are gone- the memories still last forever. We don’t remember days– we remember moments– especially those from our childhood. The Neelin Street Geese now have their very own forever spot and their fans are thrilled. Thanks to all those that cared!

So what do you remember as a child? What thing stands out in your mind as a personal landmark?

I would love to gather all the ‘landmark’ memories you remember– so please post them in the comments below so I can document them. 

My Granddaughter Sophia with them -September 2016

 

Talking about geese? Don’t forget to buy Carleton Place author Natasha Peterson’s new book Gayle the Goose Goes Global and her other books at:

To order copies of the book, simply ” fly” to Natasha’s website which is www.polarbearpress.com

You will be delighted with your purchase!

 

 

The William Street Ducks– What Happened to them? Let me guess– they are geese right? LOL

 

 

Related Reading:

One of the 7 Wonders in Carleton Place

So What was in That Old Alligator Hole Anyways in Carleton Place?

Gluten Free Corn Dogs and the Old Carleton Place Alligator Hole –Chef Ben White

Crikeys! The Elves Have Been Busy in Carleton Place

The Elements of Storyland-Are Those Bunnies Now in Bali Ha’i ?

The Day That Storyland Died (photos take time  to load)

So What are the Mysterious “diamond cross” cut-outs seen on barns in Lanark County?

The Preaching Rock of Lanark County

A Giant’s Kettle in the Middle of Lanark County

So Where Does the Water come from Under my House?

Lanark Mormons and Mormon Tree?

One of the 7 Wonders in Carleton Place

Where Was Meyers Cave?