Memories of Dr. A. A. Metcalfe of Almonte– Florence Watt

Photo of my Curiosity Box made by Dave Goodings with Dr. A. A. Metcalfe in the photo

The Old Country Doctor. A tribute to the late Dr. A. A. Metcalfe

Years have passed since those old days,

And I think I can see him yet,

The Country Doctor, coming along,

Our worries and troubles, we’d soon forget.

When sickness came into our home

We tried every remedy that we knew

When all things seemed to fail,

We’d call our doctor, and he’d come through.

Snow-filled roads or sleet and rain

Our good old doctor always came,

His step at the door, and a shake of the hand

Was always welcome, for he’d understand.

His horse was put in the stable and fed,

And doctor was ready, with his patient in bed,

The temperature he’d take, and a look at the tongue

And then his medical work was begun.

The concern was seen in his keen old eyes,

But the sick little patient got no surprise

For he was as kind as he could be

And they soon felt better when him they’d see.

When a new baby was on its way,

He’d settle down, prepared to stay.

Till the new-comer arrived, and all was done,

Pleased that it was over, he’d head for home.

He was our doctor for forty years,

Always sharing our joys and tears,

A friend on whom we could depend

Down through the years, to the very end.

We missed him so when he passed away

One cold and stormy winter’s day.

But a just reward will surely come

For the good deeds that he has done.

MRS. FLORENCE WATT, Almonte , Ontario

Photo of my Curiosity Box made by Dave Goodings

Deb Bogaerts My parents took me to Dr. Metcalfe when I was 5 (1960-ish). He made up a prescription for my eczema and it helped so much. If I remember correctly, he used quite a bit of native american medicines.

I still have the prescription. It was horrible stuff with tar in it – it burned. One parent would put it on and the other would hold the fan on me. It did a great job and really the only thing that ever worked but I never want to go through that again.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 12 Apr 1952, Sat, Page 12

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 09 Jan 1907, Wed, Page 7

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)