maybe some of you would be crossing the 1000 Island Bridge if the borders were not shut down.1000 Island Bridge 1938 from Jay Playfair’s album from Lanark County/ courtesy Laurie Yuillopening day 1938 thousand island bridge
1000 Island Bridge 1938 from Jay Playfair’s album from Middleville –Lanark County/ courtesy Laurie Yuill
All Postcards from 1938 from Jay Playfair’s album from Lanark County/ courtesy Laurie Yuill
Photo Linda Seccaspina 1000 Islands US Bridge and Canadian flag. When the colonists in New York City found out about the Declaration of Independence from George Washington who read it in front of City Hall on July 9, 1776, a riot broke out, in part as a reaction to the fact that British naval ships were occupying the harbor at the time. During the riot, a statue of King George III was torn down… and melted down to make 42,000 musket balls for the revolutionary army
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
From Left to Right Back Row, Brothers Brian and Jack, Patsy Noreen Regan, children in front Row Kenneth and Janet Lahey
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.
Noreen Tyers—Grandparents in front of Richards Castle, in Snow Road around the 1940’s John and Charlotte (Mavis) Lahey Summer holidays at the Stone House.
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 of course 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.
On most evenings there would be a baseball game. There would be two teams, City kids against the farm kids. I do not think I need to tell you who won most of the games. I am sure any game we would win was not skill but a matter of being let win, to keep us interested. The men folk did enjoy their fishing expeditions, and everyone enjoyed the meal after. I do believe that there was more freedom for our parents as the cottages were well maintained and looked after and should a problem arise there was always someone to fix it, grandpa didn’t have to.
I feel as a child I was so fortunate to have family that felt it was important to make memories. I can now bring back some of them and hopefully members of our younger generations will also be able to enjoy these lines I have penned. I do them just for YOU! This time it’s the Duncan’s I thank for helping create another Memory and just so much Fun From the Pen of Noreen July 22,2018
lindaseccaspina 