Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
In The News Today
The following is a translated letter wrote to the government of Quebec by the Magdalen Islands ZIP Committee, asking for help to clean up a severe situation in the Grand Entry Lagoon. In previous years the lagoon was used for raising scallop in suspended netted traps. The company, Imaqua Inc., which was owned by Mr. Joncas, ceased working the project and left, leaving the suspended gear, anchors and various other pollutants in place. Despite letters and requests to Mr Joncas, the breeding gear still remains, after many years....
Grindstone, February 14th , 2008
M. Joël Arseneau, Magdalen Islands Municipality
M. Donald Arseneau, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec
M. Paul Morin, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec
Mme Diane Chassé, Minister for the Sustainable Development of the Environment and Parks Quebec
M. Roger Simon, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
M. Pierre Lauzier, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
M. René Laperrière, Transport Canada
Object: Request of support in connection with the abandonment of the scallop suspension breeding structures in the Grand Entry lagoon of the Magdalen Islands.
Madame, Monsieur,
The Magdalen Islands territory is made up of five major interior water plans and seven Integrated Management Committees have been created for the lagoons. The Grand Entry lagoon is represented within the committees. These committees accompanied by the ZIP Committee and supported by the people, are given as a main mandate, the sustainable development of their water plans, with respect of all the users and the local environment. Some sixty representatives of the area worked voluntarily to favor attaining the aimed objectives.
Presently we, the members of the Management Committee of the Grand Entry lagoon, would like it noted that we have informed Mr. Joncas written correspondence, our discontentment on the subject of the abandonment of the polluting fixed assets within the framework activities of two companies already mentioned, within this bay.
This situation is, in our opinion inconceivable, and we strongly incite you to take, without waiting any longer, the necessary measures in order to correct the situation. This sad reality engenders unfavorable consequences for the Archipelago, at a time of social, economic and environmental levels, and you know that the situational advantage will worsen, if something isn't done.
We ask of you, Madame, Monsieur, in the name of the groups which we have representatives at the heart of our community, to take all legal means possible, in order to remedy the present situation and to avoid the repetition of such schemes in the future. Understand that you can count on our entirety support.
We wait for your availability, if you wish further information and we hope that you will take action helping us as soon as possible.
We sincerely thank you for your understanding and for your collaboration, we request from you,
approval, Madam, Sir, our best greetings.
The members and the resource people of the Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon of the Magdalen Islands.
________________________________
M. Claude Cyr, for the Integrated Manageent Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
________________________________
M. Yves Martinet, director of the ZIP Committee of the Magdalen Islands.
p.j. * Members of the Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
* Correspondance written the 8 February 2008 sent to M. Paul-Aimé Joncas.
Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
M. Adrien Bénard, Recreational Activities
Mrs Patricia B. Clark, Commercial Fishing
Ms Wynn Currie, Resident
M. Claude Cyr, Commercial Fishing
M. Jérémie Cyr, Commercial Fishing
M. Carlo Éloquin, Mariculturer
M. Mark Joncas, Industrial
M. Jonathan Lapierre, Municipality
M. Égide Leblanc, Resident
M. Yves Martinet, Resource for the ZIP Committee of the Magdalen Islands
M. Maurice Gaudet, Resource for MAPAQ
Mme Selma Pereira, Resource for DFO
Grindstone, February 14th , 2008
M. Joël Arseneau, Magdalen Islands Municipality
M. Donald Arseneau, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec
M. Paul Morin, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec
Mme Diane Chassé, Minister for the Sustainable Development of the Environment and Parks Quebec
M. Roger Simon, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
M. Pierre Lauzier, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
M. René Laperrière, Transport Canada
Object: Request of support in connection with the abandonment of the scallop suspension breeding structures in the Grand Entry lagoon of the Magdalen Islands.
Madame, Monsieur,
The Magdalen Islands territory is made up of five major interior water plans and seven Integrated Management Committees have been created for the lagoons. The Grand Entry lagoon is represented within the committees. These committees accompanied by the ZIP Committee and supported by the people, are given as a main mandate, the sustainable development of their water plans, with respect of all the users and the local environment. Some sixty representatives of the area worked voluntarily to favor attaining the aimed objectives.
Presently we, the members of the Management Committee of the Grand Entry lagoon, would like it noted that we have informed Mr. Joncas written correspondence, our discontentment on the subject of the abandonment of the polluting fixed assets within the framework activities of two companies already mentioned, within this bay.
This situation is, in our opinion inconceivable, and we strongly incite you to take, without waiting any longer, the necessary measures in order to correct the situation. This sad reality engenders unfavorable consequences for the Archipelago, at a time of social, economic and environmental levels, and you know that the situational advantage will worsen, if something isn't done.
We ask of you, Madame, Monsieur, in the name of the groups which we have representatives at the heart of our community, to take all legal means possible, in order to remedy the present situation and to avoid the repetition of such schemes in the future. Understand that you can count on our entirety support.
We wait for your availability, if you wish further information and we hope that you will take action helping us as soon as possible.
We sincerely thank you for your understanding and for your collaboration, we request from you,
approval, Madam, Sir, our best greetings.
The members and the resource people of the Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon of the Magdalen Islands.
________________________________
M. Claude Cyr, for the Integrated Manageent Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
________________________________
M. Yves Martinet, director of the ZIP Committee of the Magdalen Islands.
p.j. * Members of the Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
* Correspondance written the 8 February 2008 sent to M. Paul-Aimé Joncas.
Integrated Management Committee of the Grand Entry Lagoon
M. Adrien Bénard, Recreational Activities
Mrs Patricia B. Clark, Commercial Fishing
Ms Wynn Currie, Resident
M. Claude Cyr, Commercial Fishing
M. Jérémie Cyr, Commercial Fishing
M. Carlo Éloquin, Mariculturer
M. Mark Joncas, Industrial
M. Jonathan Lapierre, Municipality
M. Égide Leblanc, Resident
M. Yves Martinet, Resource for the ZIP Committee of the Magdalen Islands
M. Maurice Gaudet, Resource for MAPAQ
Mme Selma Pereira, Resource for DFO
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1875, the first Magdalen Islands Municipalities were erected. They were Etang-du-Nord, Amherst (Havre-Aubert) and House Harbour (Havre-aux-Maisons).
- from the official website of the Magdalen Islands
Ephemerides by Lise Bouffard
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
Valentines Day and I still haven't found the missing pages. The next date will be the 15th.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1889, a notice was sent to the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Mercier, by the population of the islands, concerning the holdings of the land on the islands.
In 1962, Mr. Hector Carbonneau, linguist, author, translator and Chief of personnel at the Parliment's General Translation Service of Quebec, died.
- from the official website of the Magdalen Islands
Ephemerides by Lise Bouffard
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In 1962, Mr. Hector Carbonneau, linguist, author, translator and Chief of personnel at the Parliment's General Translation Service of Quebec, died.
- from the official website of the Magdalen Islands
Ephemerides by Lise Bouffard
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1809, Jacques Bourgeois, son of Jean and Marie Chaisson was baptized. He was born on the April 20, 1808 and baptized at the home of his parents. The baptismal ceremony was supplied by the undersigned missionary, and named Charles Bourgeois as godfather, assisted by Adelaide Chaisson, whom had marked and X.
J.B. Allain.- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Monday, February 11, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1970, the special show of the Island Women of today, was shown on the television, and had created the very favorable impression of Magdalen Island women. For one time, we had seen and admired the beautiful side of our region.
In 1985, Father Andre Arseneault was no more. He had sixty years of pastoral service life of the Magdalen Islands. He was the director of the Saint-Pierre Academy and priest in charge of Laverniere for more than thirty years.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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In 1985, Father Andre Arseneault was no more. He had sixty years of pastoral service life of the Magdalen Islands. He was the director of the Saint-Pierre Academy and priest in charge of Laverniere for more than thirty years.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Saturday, February 9, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1941, the council of Etang-du- Nord proposed that a request be made to whom of the right by the ... will be continued
Pardon this error, the computer has slipped 12 hours in its internal clock. This story, which got missed, happened on February 10, 1941. The story will be corrected as soon as possible.
Friday, February 8, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1836, the undersigned priest, had baptized Emelie, born last fourth of February, of the legitimate marriage of Thomas Lapierre, fisher, and of Marguerite Vigneau, of this parish. Godfather: JosephLapierre. Godmother: Sophie Lapierre, as well it is noted that the father had not signed. Thomas Leandre Brassard, ptre.
Sorry for the error here, this fact actually happened on February 9th, 1836. My computer jumped ahead of me by 24 hours.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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For The Cancer Research Trust Fund
Sorry for the error here, this fact actually happened on February 9th, 1836. My computer jumped ahead of me by 24 hours.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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The Nomination of Pierre-Marcel Desjardins Is Welcomed
This comes from the Sounds of the Sea of CFIM
The vice-president of TAMASU (seal processing company), Paul Boudreau is satisfied of the choice of Pierre-Marcel Desjards as the independent expert charged with the revision of the regional areas of the seal hunt in the Gulf. This is no the first time the professor from the University of Moncton has worked with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO. Mr. Boudreau remembered that he assisted the Minister in the evaluation of the market price for snow crab, where he helped set a parameter for the establishment of fishing quotas.
Paul Boudreau said that he hoped the independent expert will have the courage to hold account that the Magdalen Islands harvests just the second stage of the admissible seal in the Gulf since the era where the industry of the white coats killed. The vice-president of TAMASU deplores that the real parts have been calculated on the base of the years of commercial inactivity which has survived the stop of this white coat hunt. This is not that in 2009, that the Minister Hearn will decide if he’ll modify, or not the actual part of the quota for the hunt in the Gulf, of which now 70% of the profits go to Newfoundland. The company TAMASU awaits this decision before making the decision to reconstruct their factory, which was ravaged by the fire at the Grindstone harbor, in January, 2007.
The vice-president of TAMASU (seal processing company), Paul Boudreau is satisfied of the choice of Pierre-Marcel Desjards as the independent expert charged with the revision of the regional areas of the seal hunt in the Gulf. This is no the first time the professor from the University of Moncton has worked with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO. Mr. Boudreau remembered that he assisted the Minister in the evaluation of the market price for snow crab, where he helped set a parameter for the establishment of fishing quotas.
Paul Boudreau said that he hoped the independent expert will have the courage to hold account that the Magdalen Islands harvests just the second stage of the admissible seal in the Gulf since the era where the industry of the white coats killed. The vice-president of TAMASU deplores that the real parts have been calculated on the base of the years of commercial inactivity which has survived the stop of this white coat hunt. This is not that in 2009, that the Minister Hearn will decide if he’ll modify, or not the actual part of the quota for the hunt in the Gulf, of which now 70% of the profits go to Newfoundland. The company TAMASU awaits this decision before making the decision to reconstruct their factory, which was ravaged by the fire at the Grindstone harbor, in January, 2007.
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1946, Magdalen Islander Sergent Emmanuel Leblanc was give a military honor, by Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery, Commander in Chief of the 21st, Britannic Army.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Thursday, February 7, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1880, at a special assembly of the municipal council of Alright, the council of Etang-du-Nord had submitted a proposition to build a mill. The council asked for a general assembly of the people in order to know the will on this subject, on the Saturday after at 10:00 am at the school # 7. Adjourned sine die. Francois Terriau, Mayor.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
In The News Today
House For Battered Women, La Maison à Damas, Closes Its Doors
This comes from the Sounds of the Sea of CFIMBecause of the lack of funds the women’s protection home shall close its doors on February 18th, 2008 for a period of one week. This closure is written up in the pressure movement taken by the groups of community organizations and alternatives in the area of mental health in the Gaspésia and Islands regions, which are working to get the Quebec government to raise its funding for their established members.
This is not the first time that the Maison à Damas had to close it’s doors. Since it opened 20 year ago, the lodging home for battered women or women who were going through difficult periods has periodically closed it doors due to lack of funds. According to the director, Collette Langford, it takes many hundreds of tohousands of dollars more than the Maison à Damas receives in order to offer adequate services and continue working.
The actual finances of the Maison à Damas is $192,000. The missing amount that must be made up is $1.2 million for the regions. Presently, only 68% of the 2.3 million dollars is available to the regional health sector are given to the homes for battered women. Collette Langford explained that a comparable mission, is requesting a financing of $500,000.
Collette Langford precisely said that during the closure week, the clientel already living at the shelter will continue to stay at the Maison à Damas. Depending on need, all the new requests will be directed to the Islands CLSC des Iles.
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On this day in Our Islands History
In 1935, at a special session of the council of municipality of Amherst: Considering that in certain areas, it was difficult to obtain gravel to cover the roads during the summer and the it was more economic to card this gravel during the winter, In consequence that it be ordered to the inspectors to see to the carting of gravel during the months of February and March. That the salary be that of $.20 an hour for each man and $.30 and hour for one man and a horse. It was adopted.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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In The News Today
Independent Examiner Chosen For Seal Hunt Analysis
This comes from the Sounds of the Sea of CFIM
A professor from the University of Moncton, Pierre-Marcel Desjardins, who is also associated with the Canadian Institute of Research in Political and Public Administrations, has been hired by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Quebec, Loyola Hearn to act as an independent examiner in the continuing dossier of the regional seal hunt.
Quebec has 30% of the annual quota of the Gulf whereas Newfoundland has 70% and the Minister wants all aspects of the file looked at and examined to determine an understanding and an agreement in this matter.
The evaluation is to come to an end in the fall of 2008. It must present various options to the Minister Hearn, so he may make various decisions easier for the 2009 hunt season. Therefore there will be maintenance this year, in the regional division, established on a temporary basis for the next two years.
For The Cancer Research Trust Fund
Quebec has 30% of the annual quota of the Gulf whereas Newfoundland has 70% and the Minister wants all aspects of the file looked at and examined to determine an understanding and an agreement in this matter.
The evaluation is to come to an end in the fall of 2008. It must present various options to the Minister Hearn, so he may make various decisions easier for the 2009 hunt season. Therefore there will be maintenance this year, in the regional division, established on a temporary basis for the next two years.
For The Cancer Research Trust Fund
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1794, at a general assembly of parishioners, after the Sunday sermon in Amherst, the elderly inhabitants and the new inhabitants came together on this fifth day of February, after several publications, have convened to name three churchwardens to take care of matters concerning the Community, which they did right away, of which the persons of Louis Boudrot, for syndic, Nicolas Cormier and Bourgeois Joseph for churchwardens.
In 1970, moon rock were placed on exposition at the Musee des Iles. This exposition was at the museum until February 26. A number of visitors had admired the exploits of the astronauts of the crew of Apollo 11 in July, 1969.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Monday, February 4, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1974, the Central Cooperative factory in Grindstone, was completely destroyed by fire. The fire ravaged one fish factory, two herring smokers and five other buildings. The loss was evaluated at $200,000 and put 175 workers out of work.
In 1987, Azade and Louise Bougeois celebrated their 75 wedding anniversary. Mr Bourgeois was age 95 years and his wife was aged 94 years.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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In 1987, Azade and Louise Bougeois celebrated their 75 wedding anniversary. Mr Bourgeois was age 95 years and his wife was aged 94 years.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Sunday, February 3, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1916, at a special session of the Amherst council, it was ordered and ruled as follows: The superintendent was authorized to put gravel in the burned woods and at the Bassin. He was to choose to cart it from the closest place and to see to the placement and the final report. The council put $120 aside for the burned woods and $30 aside for the Bassin.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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Saturday, February 2, 2008
On this day in Our Islands History
In 1910, by special courier, Her Majesty's Mail, left the islands by an unusual method of transportation, by the "Winter Magdalen Mail", to arrive at Nova Scotia.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
A few citizens of Amherst wanted to alert the federal authorities of the subject of the completely isolated situation on the Magdalen Islands since the underwater telegraphic cable broke on January 6, 1910. Alcide Gaudet, Octave Briand, Edouard Dupreuil, William Reid, Stanislas (Tanis) Cormier and others prepared a barrel, put the mail in it and set it afloat to sail to Port Hastings, Nove Scotia. In the mail, one letter was addressed to the Federal Deputy Rodolphe Lemieux, giving the isolated situation that was on the Magdalen Islands.
- From Deux siecles d'Histoire, Iles de la Madeleine 1793-1992, by Chantal Naud
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- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
A few citizens of Amherst wanted to alert the federal authorities of the subject of the completely isolated situation on the Magdalen Islands since the underwater telegraphic cable broke on January 6, 1910. Alcide Gaudet, Octave Briand, Edouard Dupreuil, William Reid, Stanislas (Tanis) Cormier and others prepared a barrel, put the mail in it and set it afloat to sail to Port Hastings, Nove Scotia. In the mail, one letter was addressed to the Federal Deputy Rodolphe Lemieux, giving the isolated situation that was on the Magdalen Islands.
- From Deux siecles d'Histoire, Iles de la Madeleine 1793-1992, by Chantal Naud
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Friday, February 1, 2008
“IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!”
My mum, Marion Clark Currie used to write her sister-in-law, my Aunt Blossom, when they were both mothers of young children. Every few weeks a letter would come through the mail and mum would be engrossed for long minutes, then peels of laughter and tears would come to her eyes. We would gather around to find out what was so funny.
Aunt Blossom lived on the Magdalen Islands, in mum’s home town, village really, of Old Harry. All her family, which was extensive with her being the youngest of thirteen children, lived in the area or passed through the area, while on vacation.
We, on the other hand, lived in Oromocto, New Brunswick or Geary which is 5 miles outside Oromocto. My dad was in the Canadian Armed Forces and stationed at Camp Gagetown. Yes, I know, and I’m proud to have grown up an army brat. But that is another story.
Getting back to the letter writing. This was something that became a ritual between the two good friends. Every two or three weeks this letter would arrive and laughter would sound out. It must have gone on a few years or more. Then the letters stopped arriving. After a few more weeks, Mum must have got frustrated by not having news of home, because she went to the shopping mall, if you could call it that - the Steinburg’s shopping center and bought a card. I remember the card well, for good reason even though I was but a child at the time. It fit in a number 10-sized business envelopment and was made from white card stock. The front had a black silhouette of a fashionable lady with a knee length dress on and high heels and her hair piled up on her head. Nothing else was on the outside of the card. On the inside, only the bold, black, printed words stood out on the right-hand page, “IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!”
She neatly put the card in its envelope, licked it and stamped and sent it to my aunt Blossom, without a word from her except the address on the envelope. A couple of weeks later the letters resumed and there was no longer any difficulties with communication.
Years went by. We had moved several times and each time the letters from home would catch up. Then Dad was stationed in Germany and we all went to spend four of the best teen years, a kid could ever have. Mum became very busy with all the moving, packing, unpacking (we lived in several different houses during those first few months), traveling and visiting all the surrounding countries - twice each. I guess she was too busy to think about family back home.
We were getting ready to take a trip to Holland, when through the mail came a letter clearly addressed to Mum with a return address Old Harry, Magdalen Islands. Mum was busy and put the letter in her purse, planning on reading all the news from home while dad drove the car. She opened up the letter while we were driving along the autobaum and stared at it for the longest while, with the rest of us wanting to know the news. Then she laughed and laughed and laughed. She couldn’t tell us what she was laughing at. My sister grabbed the letter/card and looked at it - a black silhouette fashionable lady on the outside cover. She opened the card and the only words on the inside were, “IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!” The card was in immaculate condition.
Mum had dad stop at the first Post Office in Holland and she sent the card back with only a postal stamp on the inside of the card from Holland and a short letter on a separate piece of paper from the hotel stationary where we stayed. From then on, this card traveled back and forth across the Atlantic ocean, every couple of weeks, for the next four years. Every time it was returned to Canada, it had a different stamp in it. It didn’t stop there though. When we finally moved back to Canada in ‘69, to Calgary, the card continued to arrive on schedule like clockwork and each time it was returned, it had a different stamp from the provinces or states that mum traveled to.
I don’t know when then the card stopped its voyage. Perhaps it was the day mum flew it back home herself and hand delivered it to Aunt Blossom, sometime in the seventies. I saw the card only once since then and I know it was at my aunt’s house long after cancer had taken both her and mum. My cousin took it out of a trunk. It was still in an ancient yellowed no. 10 sized business envelope, with faded addresses on the outside and no stamp. The card was worn and torn and had many finger print smudges, probably from my Aunt or Mum cooking up storms in the kitchen or digging up gardens.
Perhaps the card is still in that trunk. I don’t know. But I couldn’t get it out of my mind this evening and I had to write about it. I know that my son knows nothing of the card and I’m pretty certain my nieces don’t know about it either. This is a story that will let them know just a little more about their grandmother and grandaunt, because they will never know otherwise, any more than I know about my grandparents or great-grandparents.
“IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!”
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Aunt Blossom lived on the Magdalen Islands, in mum’s home town, village really, of Old Harry. All her family, which was extensive with her being the youngest of thirteen children, lived in the area or passed through the area, while on vacation.
We, on the other hand, lived in Oromocto, New Brunswick or Geary which is 5 miles outside Oromocto. My dad was in the Canadian Armed Forces and stationed at Camp Gagetown. Yes, I know, and I’m proud to have grown up an army brat. But that is another story.
Getting back to the letter writing. This was something that became a ritual between the two good friends. Every two or three weeks this letter would arrive and laughter would sound out. It must have gone on a few years or more. Then the letters stopped arriving. After a few more weeks, Mum must have got frustrated by not having news of home, because she went to the shopping mall, if you could call it that - the Steinburg’s shopping center and bought a card. I remember the card well, for good reason even though I was but a child at the time. It fit in a number 10-sized business envelopment and was made from white card stock. The front had a black silhouette of a fashionable lady with a knee length dress on and high heels and her hair piled up on her head. Nothing else was on the outside of the card. On the inside, only the bold, black, printed words stood out on the right-hand page, “IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!”
She neatly put the card in its envelope, licked it and stamped and sent it to my aunt Blossom, without a word from her except the address on the envelope. A couple of weeks later the letters resumed and there was no longer any difficulties with communication.
Years went by. We had moved several times and each time the letters from home would catch up. Then Dad was stationed in Germany and we all went to spend four of the best teen years, a kid could ever have. Mum became very busy with all the moving, packing, unpacking (we lived in several different houses during those first few months), traveling and visiting all the surrounding countries - twice each. I guess she was too busy to think about family back home.
We were getting ready to take a trip to Holland, when through the mail came a letter clearly addressed to Mum with a return address Old Harry, Magdalen Islands. Mum was busy and put the letter in her purse, planning on reading all the news from home while dad drove the car. She opened up the letter while we were driving along the autobaum and stared at it for the longest while, with the rest of us wanting to know the news. Then she laughed and laughed and laughed. She couldn’t tell us what she was laughing at. My sister grabbed the letter/card and looked at it - a black silhouette fashionable lady on the outside cover. She opened the card and the only words on the inside were, “IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!” The card was in immaculate condition.
Mum had dad stop at the first Post Office in Holland and she sent the card back with only a postal stamp on the inside of the card from Holland and a short letter on a separate piece of paper from the hotel stationary where we stayed. From then on, this card traveled back and forth across the Atlantic ocean, every couple of weeks, for the next four years. Every time it was returned to Canada, it had a different stamp in it. It didn’t stop there though. When we finally moved back to Canada in ‘69, to Calgary, the card continued to arrive on schedule like clockwork and each time it was returned, it had a different stamp from the provinces or states that mum traveled to.
I don’t know when then the card stopped its voyage. Perhaps it was the day mum flew it back home herself and hand delivered it to Aunt Blossom, sometime in the seventies. I saw the card only once since then and I know it was at my aunt’s house long after cancer had taken both her and mum. My cousin took it out of a trunk. It was still in an ancient yellowed no. 10 sized business envelope, with faded addresses on the outside and no stamp. The card was worn and torn and had many finger print smudges, probably from my Aunt or Mum cooking up storms in the kitchen or digging up gardens.
Perhaps the card is still in that trunk. I don’t know. But I couldn’t get it out of my mind this evening and I had to write about it. I know that my son knows nothing of the card and I’m pretty certain my nieces don’t know about it either. This is a story that will let them know just a little more about their grandmother and grandaunt, because they will never know otherwise, any more than I know about my grandparents or great-grandparents.
“IF YOU CAN’T WRITE ME - DRAW ME!!!!”
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On this day in Our Islands History
In 1897, at the Municipal Council of Etang-du-Nord, it was proposed by T. Carbonneau that the mayor be authorized to correspond by telegram with the Premier of the Province, in order to know if the Council can have the two hundred piastres, voted for a Pretendu road since the road from the Etang-du-Nord Cape just until the North beach.
- From the chronicle's of historian Father Frédéric Landry
Événements Historiques Agenda (Septembre 1993 à Septembre 1994)
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