As I told you before they moved out to Dad's little farm at Esk. Sask. The farm was in the Hiawatha School district which was one of the little one room country school houses. Now you know where the name of my blog comes from.
There was a group from the same church in the school district. Mom and Dad were devoted adherents of the Plymouth Brethern, Christians, Christians gathered in the name of the Lord and maybe there were more names. This small church gathering were very close. There was much socializing as they often visited in each others homes. I think they went out to someone's home for supper every week. They had three church services on Sunday and prayer meeting in the middle of the week. They did not have ministers as all men participated in the services. Sometimes a "preacher " would visit and they would have services every evening for a week or two.
So Mom and Dad found themselves in a very supportive community.
Mom and Dad were welcomed to the community with a special house party. Lots of visiting and good things to eat. They received small but practical gifts. One has to remember that this was in the depression of the 30's. Those small gifts were much appreciated.
One of the farmers had a talent for writing poetry at special occasions. Uncle Tom wrote a poem about Mom and Dad and it has always been a treasured family item.
Cute poem. I love that people used to socialize a lot in each others homes. I also think that no preachers and everyone take a turn is how it was in the Acts church.
ReplyDeleteUncle Tom wrote quite a few clever rhymes. A number of similar very conservative , exclusive evangelistic groups were formed in England.
DeleteHow nice to hear a bit about the history of your blog's name. It sounds like your parents had a lot of support and friendship from their church family. That can make a big difference when you are living in difficult time period. I can see how the gift of the poem would be cherished. It is a lovely and personal gift!
ReplyDeleteIt was a different age. You couldn't travel very far.
DeleteWhat a great story about your parents, and I love that clever poem! Thanks for sharing it, Red. :-)
ReplyDeleteUncle Tom wrote quite a few clever poems. It's quite something from a man who had little education.
DeleteA lovely poem, Red!
ReplyDeleteHe wrote quite a few poems about everyday life at that time.
DeleteThen and even now the best is about "community" for sure...:)
ReplyDeleteStrong community is what we're missing now.
DeleteI love that poem! Guy had a sense of humour and a way with words :)
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting post about a time that so many of us know so little about.
Uncle tom had very little education so he had a gift.
DeleteHAHA! What a cute and funny poem. I can see why it's a family treasure!
ReplyDeleteHe loved to play with words.
DeleteWhat a treasure to have a poem about your parents! They had a good foundation for a good marriage:)
ReplyDeleteUncle Tom wrote some kid poems and he had very little education.
DeleteI like the poem! Life was sure different back then, wasn't it.
ReplyDeleteUncle tom wrote many clever poems where he played with words.
DeleteI love the poem. My parents' church has always been the center of their social lives, too, with dinners, visits among the members for dinners, picnics, game nights, etc. Such a different world from today. I love the poem!
ReplyDeleteMuch was organized but and they didn't have TV to keep them in their house.
DeleteWe have a group of River Brethern who follow in the same path
ReplyDeleteThere are small groups scattered around. Garrison Kiellor was brought up in a similar group. He calls them sanctified Brethern rather than Plymouth brethern.
DeleteHi Red, This is great. Well, I've wondered for a long time where the name Hiawatha House came from. Now I know. Neat story about your mom and dad. The farmer was a good poet too! Thanks for sharing this!
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