I had asked Dorothy Elliott to write a little something for me about moving from the farm to the city and then I realized I moved from the city to a village. Some of my friends had taken bets we would be returning sooner than later, but it hasn't happened.
We've moved to a place where we have been accepted as part of a family. We have a comfortable home just big enough for two good friends. We keep busy all the time; Mel with his music and I of course working, being on council, arranging fundraisers for the hall and other events.
And yes, for those who know me, I miss my shopping. Living in the city, I could shop anytime if I had the urge but not here. Saskatoon has gotten so big and busy, I really don't enjoy going there that much.
There have been several people who have moved off the farm since we moved to Maymont - couples from Maymont, Ruddell and Sonningdale - Wayne and Vicki Acaster, Elsie and Ernie Voegeli, Margaret Johnston, Mert Large, George and Gladys Brehon, Robert and Thelma Patterson, Harold and Iris Close, Jim and Doreen Taylor and Dorothy and Stavert Elliott.
This is Dorothy's account of what it was like to move from the farm after living there for many years, to the city, in "our old age."
"In December 2006 we moved to North Battleford to Tara Condo. We had then been married for 58 years. Stavert had never lived anywhere but on the farm, so it wasn't easy at first. It helped to become involved with a good condo family. He could coffee with many old friends uptown who had moved to town or were in town shopping, and still does. He is still driving the van.
"We both missed seeding time and harvest time and seeing newborn baby calves. Our house has been sold and moved away, but the farm is still there, as yet, and in the family, so it must be easier than for someone who had to leave and sell their farm to strangers. We still go back to pick fruit from trees that I planted in 1966, but those trees will soon be giving up, and so will I. Carrie and Don still bring us an odd feed of asparagus from those beds I started many years ago. We have a deck at the condo where I can plant some flowers and a couple of tomato plants, so I can still play in the 'dirt' a bit.
"Masonic Hall is only six and a half blocks away, so I have carried right on with my Eastern Star activities. We both belong to the museum and take in functions over there. We also listen to music by local musicians at various functions. We are definitely not bored."
Congratulations to all the Maymont graduates. Graduation took place at Maymont Central School June 2. The grand march and social followed. The graduating class of 2013 are Brock Clayton, Derek Clayton, Ty Ellis, Kelsie Fouhy, Beau Garrett, Breanne Gray, Caitlyn Gray, Andres Moore and Katelynn Poss. Good luck in the future to all the graduates.
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Kelly Langley. Our deepest sympathy goes out to George and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sympathy also goes out to the family of Charlotte and Ida Gillatt on the passing of their brother Dave Boutilier. Our thoughts and prayers are with you also.
Correction
The following is a reprint of an item that was messed up in last week's column.
Long time residents of Maymont will remember Jimmy Rogers' little Imperial Oil service station and gas pump on the southwest corner of what is now Bill and Darlene Melrose's yard. Some will remember Jimmy's distinctive walk and "Copenhagen habit" as he made his way home at the end of the day. During 30 years as owner/operator of the service station, Jimmy and Mary (Reid) raised a family of seven children - Betty, Mary, Dick, Alice, Inez, Ellen and Murray. The last living member of the family, Inez Carriere (79) passed away last week. Some of the extended family members still in the area are Archie and Hal Robinson, who live in North Battleford. They are sons of Lance and Betty Robinson, formerly of Ruddell. Betty was the oldest of the family.
