I’ve never been a big fan of the private lives of politicians being lived in public. Seems somewhat tawdry; I tend to look the other way. Nevertheless, it was hard to miss Sunny Boy’s declaration of love last week, when he took a day off from meeting with the leaders of the free world in Japan to celebrate eleven years of wedded bliss with his wife.
Could this have had anything to do with the fact that the place was packed to the rafters with international paparazzi and a yappy bichon frise by the name of Elbowgate was snapping at his heels? Surely you jest. This selfless act was a declaration of our man in Ottawa’s undying belief in achieving the optimum work/family balance.”
What about the fact that the couple was actually married on May 28th? This means that, this year, their anniversary fell on the Saturday after they returned from the land of the Rising Sun? Petty details. Besides Saturday was set aside for far more important family fun… the Liberal Convention in Winterpeg.
It’s early days yet. However, I predict that, if the ship of state is foundering in the polls as it approaches the distance shores of its first mandate, the stork might make another just-in-time delivery to the PM’s household. Rest assured. If you’re not feeling manipulated now, just wait until then.
Catherine Chisholm MacLeod (1873—1971)
As you’ve no doubt gathered by now, this is a bit of a slow week. My various communication devices have grown cobwebs awaiting the flood of local news items that never came. But never fear. Like rodents everywhere, I have put aside a store of material to help tie me over in these lean times. Today’s story comes from my favourite series of go-to tomes for Dunvegan lore: the Tweedsmuir Histories.
As many readers will recall, the Tweedsmuir Histories are scrapbook-style books that document the local history of some Canadian communities. The initiative was named after Lady Tweedsmuir whose husband, Lord Tweedsmuir, was the Governor General of Canada from 1935-1940. She urged our Women’s Institutes to compile historical accounts of their communities and many branches, including the Dunvegan W.I., did take up her call. Today’s tale comes from Dunvegan’s Tweedsmuir History devoted to local personalities.
It is the story of Catherine Chisholm MacLeod, written by her daughter, Gretta Muir. I believe it was written sometime in the mid to late 1970s. Gretta’s mother, Catherine, was born in Skye, Ontario on January 12th, 1873, and died on September 14th, 1971 at the age of 98. She was the daughter of Margaret McRae of Bonnie Hill (that’s the wee hill on Dunvegan Road, just west of the crossroads) and John A. Chisholm of Skye. Her father was the eldest son of a family of ten, and resided on the farm of his parents, who had emigrated from Scotland in I830. From this point on, I think it makes more sense for Gretta to tell her mother’s story in her own words. Remember though that these words were penned around 40 years ago, so some of the persons mentioned may have passed on.
“In (my mother’s) early childhood, a commodious brick house was built, and still stands to this day occupied by Wesley and Flora Chisholm. She was the eldest of a family of ten. She had a happy home life, a gentle loving mother and a stern, but kind, father. Their home was a meeting place for many relatives, neighbours, and friends. This early social life was the beginning of a lifetime of good fellowship.
She attended the nearby Skye School. Although her home language was Gaelic, she obtained a good basic education, which enabled her to converse freely, and correspond widely with friends and relatives in a most interesting and amusing manner of everyday events.
She was a regular attendant of Kenyon Presbyterian Church all her life. In the early years, during the summer, she and her sister would walk to church, carrying their Sunday shoes. Near the church they changed their shoes, and hid their farm shoes in the fence. People did a lot of walking in those days, as the farm horses were needed for work during the week.
The land was chosen to raise sheep, as it was rocky, with a creek running through it. The creek provided an easy means of washing the shorn wool, by (Catherine’s) mother and the girls. The washed wool was put on the fences to dry. Then the wool was carded and spun. Catherine was kept very busy doing housework; although of short stature, she was quick in action.
When she was eighteen, she went to Montreal for the first time during the winter months, to be employed as a domestic in the wealthy homes. This was an opportunity to earn money, but more importantly, it was an experience in refined city life. It was a happy rewarding three-year period.
On June 20th, l894, she married a neighbour, Duncan Wm. MacLeod. He had been preparing his large farm with its two cleared fields, for her arrival. They spent the first few weeks in a new granary, while the log house was being built. She lived there all of her life. The house still stands today, occupied by her dear son, Willie, and his wife, Maud, surrounded by highly productive land. There were many acres to clear, and during her lifetime she saw them develop and improve into one of the most prosperous farms in the district, where awards and prizes for grain growing are won year after year.
Life could not have been easy in those early-married years, with few mechanical devices or means of communication. During the first summer, her sisters walked the three miles to see her, bringing milk and butter.
Her husband, Duncan William, was a remarkably capable man. They were blessed with nine children. One child, Myrtle Elizabeth, died at the age of two months, after a buggy accident. (She was thrown out of the buggy when the horse became frightened and ran away.) Duncan William died in Feb. 1919, aged 52 years, following surgery. In spite of her tragic loss, Katie carried on the enormous task of holding the land, educating the family and keeping them together.
Sewing — and especially the piecing of quilts — was a pastime and pleasure for her, to give as gifts or donations to various societies. One of her proudest achievements was piecing a quilt in her 94th year. It was a well-designed Centennial quilt. Canada’s birthday. 1967. Unfortunately, that same year, she broke her hip and was hospitalized for the first and only time in her life. She made a remarkable recovery and was able to return to her home again.
A tendency to motion sickness prevented her from taking long journeys, but she took short trips, even if occasionally, it meant an emergency stop-over at certain houses along the way. In those days of unlocked doors, she knew where to find the nearest kitchen sofas.
She was known as “Aunty Katie” to relatives and friends alike. The young and old came to visit her from far and wide. She had a keen interest in people’s welfare – laughed with them in their joys, and cried in their sorrows. Each year her Birthday Party was an enjoyable occasion for her… a time when friends and neighbours came to see her, bringing greetings and gifts to honour her birthday
During her lifetime Katie took an active part in all community events, and church groups. When she could no longer attend regularly, she encouraged others, especially the newcomers to get involved, and contribute whatever talents they had… Her influence and interest ranged far and wide over the countryside. Her life extended over nearly a century, from horse and buggy days to the space age and the landing of men on the moon. Faith in God, and faith in her fellow man, stood her in good stead all of her life. We could all benefit by remembering her love of life, her strength, her faith and caring ways of sharing, loving and giving.
125… and counting
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, our neighbours to the southwest are celebrating their 125th anniversary on Saturday, June 11th. While it’s too late to buy tickets to their big Pig Roast BBQ (although you might be able to find a friendly scalper with one or two), Carma Williams, the Maxville Chamber of Commerce and other hard-working volunteers have a barrelful of fun planned… and it’s all free.
To kick-start the day, Maxville’s 18th annual Village Sidewalk Sale will get underway at 8:00 AM. It will run until 2:00 PM… at which point bulldozers will clear the vendors and their treasures from Main Street in preparation for the next event: the 125th Anniversary parade.
Once the floats and marching bands have had their place in sun, the action shifts to the Fairgrounds where the planned activities include: a Maxville-themed historical display at the Metcalfe Centre… an appearance by “Uncle George” (I went to the North Glengarry web site for more information, but no luck. This might be referring to former counselor, George Currier, but probably not)… a Mini Caber Race at 7:30 PM… toe-tapping music by Fridge Full of Empties at 8:00 PM… and then a fireworks display at dusk to end the anniversary celebration with a bang.
Yes, I know this isn’t a Dunvegan story. However, it is the town where many Dunvegan families schooled their children, at least for the primary grades. And I know they’d return the favour if our hamlet had a documented date of incorporation… one of the prerequisites for an official anniversary celebration.
Heigh Ho, Heigh ho
… it’s off to explore Glengarry we go! That’s right, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum’s Annual Driving Tour will take place on Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 AM to 4:00, approximately. I’m still waiting for the Tour organizers to send me details about where we’ll be visiting this year, but I thought I should give you a head’s up.
Why… because you MUST make a reservation in advance by calling 613-527-5230, or emailing info@glengarrypioneermuseum.ca. The cost is $25 per person (not car) for members, and $30 for non-members. This includes lunch and all admission fees.
More details will follow next week.
Trees, Bees and Weeds & Dunvegan’s First “Smith-In”
Next week, I’ll have more information two other exciting museum events: the Trees, Bees and Weeds lectures on June 19th and the Smith-in Blacksmith Festival on June 25th and 26th. In the meantime, if you’re desperate for more information, visit www. GlengarryPioneerMuseum.ca.
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