Oh sweet childhood, with just so many memories, one wonders if anyone else out there has them. Adventures at Dalhousie Lake at the Duncan’s Cottages. You have followed me on some of my little happenings at Richard’s Castle in Snow Road, but did you know I had another spot that held so many fun memories.
The place was close to Snow Road, just down the road, or come to think of it maybe up the road. We also spent holidays at Dalhousie Lake, and the Duncan’s Cottages.As with Snow Road, it seems to me our extended family was never very far away, just next door or down the path at another cottage. I am sure in some ways it was more of a holiday for the grown ups as there were always load of kids to chum with.
This left our parents, aunts, uncles, and ofcourse the matriarch of the family Grandma and Grandpa, time to do as they please without so many children underfoot. Oh they must have been tired with all the questions, as we were city kids, and here we were at the cottage and a stones throw to a real live working farm, cows and all.Mr and Mrs. Lindsay Duncan were just wonderful people, and like my own grandparents always there to show you how something worked. In a way they must have been overwhelmed with our questions. Our parents did not seem to worry when we went to the farm as they knew someone would keep an eye on us, and give us direction should we need it good or bad.While at the Lake not only did we have the opportunity to swim and fish.
But there were just so many more things going on. During the day you could watch the eggs being gathered or the cattle being milked. As children we were shown and had the opportunity to experience these tasks. I can say that my best times were on the hay wagons, the Duncan boys would be throwing the bales of hay from the ground onto the wagon. Yes This girl did try and I do not think the bale was even pulled out of place,Most of the time I was a dreamer thinking I could pick it up and then put it on the wagon. We were allowed on the wagon but you were directed where to stand. Now when the Wagon was empty, we were allowed to jump into the pile of hay from the second floor of the Barn.
Poor Mr.Duncan by the time we would go back to the cottage I am sure he would be worn out. Just think of it a bunch of scrawny little city kids thinking they could keep up with Farm Chores. I am sure he would have a headache from the questions and keeping an eye on us to keep us safe.The first time we went to get the milk, and cream my mother took us,from then on if you were at the farm you would bring it home with you.
If it was too early you would come back and Mrs. Duncan would give you what you needed and back to the cottage you would go. Sometimes we would go gather up some wild berries and we would be treated to some berries and whipped cream. This was a treat as Mom Would make sure she packed her hand whipper to whip up the cream. That was my Mom always thinking what would make our life enjoyable. I don’t know if you know how small wild strawberries are, but it sure took some hunting and picking to get a small cup. That was fine for it was just the experience of doing it that mattered and it kept us busy.
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 and The Tales of Almonte
-
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun Screamin’ Mamas (USA) and The Sherbrooke Record
I am Afraid of Snakes- From the Pen of Noreen Tyers
Hitching a Ride Cross Town — From the Pen of Noreen Tyers
My Old Orange Hat –From the Pen of Noreen Tyers of Perth
Out of the Old Photo Album — From the Pen of Noreen Tyers
lindaseccaspina 