Transcribed by Wanda Garrett, December 2014
Page 24 – Meeting of the Postmasters Association
The Random Zone #3 of the Canadian Postmasters Ass’n of Newfoundland and Labrador, held their final meeting for 1966 at the Clarenville Post Office on Thursday December 8th. Following the regular business procedures the Zone Chairman, Mrs. Doreen Avery called upon Miss E.M. Oldford, Past President of the Ass’n to give a report of the executive meeting held at Lewisporte in October, and a summary of business covered at the National Board of Directors meeting held at Ottawa in November.
In her report Miss Oldford brought greetings from the President of the Ass’n. Mr. H.P. Mercer, Postmaster at Windsor, who due to previous engagement could not be present. She spoke on collective bargaining, affiliation with the CUPW and the long awaited pay increase for semi-staff postmasters assistants and revenue, and sub postmasters.
Following her report, Mrs. Avery then introduced Mr. D.R. Clarke, Dist. Director of Postal Services and Mr. G. Pike Supt of Postal Service Requirements. Both of these gentlemen had taken time out from their busy schedule to attend the zone meeting.
Approximately 30 Postmasters and Assistants from the Random area were present, and availed themselves of the opportunity to air their complaints and problems. At the close of the meeting the folks moved to the Canadian Legion Hall to enjoy an old fashioned Christmas party. A very delicious lunch was first served to all Postmasters, their husbands, wives and sweethearts. Special guests included Mr. Clarke, Mr. Pike, Mr. Parsons (Representing Dept. of Public Works), Mr. and Mrs. George March, Mrs. Irene Vey and Mr. and Mrs. L. Leawood.
At the conclusion of the supper Miss Oldford, on behalf of the zone, made a presentation to Mrs. Irene Vey (retired PM of Long Beach), and to Mr. George March from the PO Staff at Clarenville, who recently retired from mail courier service after completing 11 years.
In making the presentations Miss Oldford referred to the caliber of service given by these two persons, as well as that of Mr. L. Leawood who retired in 1965 from Postermaster at Britannia, (and was presented with a medal for 50 years faithful service by Mr. Cunningham, representing the Postmaster General during the annual conference period in May 1966).
Mrs. Avery presented corsages to Mrs. Vey and Mrs. March, and Miss Oldford, then called upon Mr. Clarke, Mr. Pike and Mr. Parsons to speak. Each of these gentlemen expressed their pleasure at being present, extended greetings and wished the zone continued success. The final well wisher for the evening was Mr. R.T. Vardy, who in his own humorous style welcomed all to the Canadian Legion Hall, extended greetings from Branch #27 and assured us that at anytime we choose, the facilities of the Canadian Legion Hall would be placed at our disposal.
The old fashioned party continued well past midnight and all attending reached home safely (without incident).
Page 40 – Social Notes – Wedding Anniversaries
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Vey, formerly of Clarenville, celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary in Labrador City on December 30th.
Page 42 – Mrs. Alex Vey and daughter Karen have returned to Labrador City after spending some months at home.
Page 47 – Hillview
- A birthday party was held for Mrs. Naomi Price at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Francis Stoyles. A large crowd gathered to make the evening a success, on the occasion of Mrs. Price’s 80th birthday. Some beautiful gifts were received which were opened by her little grandson Brian Stoyles, and cards read by Mrs. Clayton Frost. Cards were played and prizes won by Mr. and Mrs. Ern Frost. Mrs. Price enjoys good health despite her advancing years, and is very active.
- Mr. and Mrs. George Critch will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary on December 22nd. They were married in St. Alban’s Church, Gooseberry Cove by Rev. R.S. Templeton. Mr. Critch is a veteran of World War I and celebrated his 74th birthday on November 20th. He enjoys fairly good health and likes to be kept busy.
- Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Loder, St. John’s visited relatives and friends here recently.
- Velma Smith, who is employed in Gander Terminal spent a few days home.
- Ross Stoyles who has been employed at Port aux Basques has been transferred to Harbour Breton.
- Francis Stoyles and his son Roy have both found employement.
- Get well wishes are extended to Mrs. Phyllis Vokey of Weybridge.
- Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Balsom of Hodge’s Cove are sorry to hear of the death of their son Freddie. Deepest sympathy is extended.
- Mr. Charles Price received an injured hand in a very painful accident while working at Buchans which resulted in the loss of one of his fingers, and severed bruises.
- Mr. and Mrs. Jehu Dodge, St. John’s visited relatives.
- The sale of poppies was satisfactory here this year. The collector was Mr. George Critch.
- Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Stoyles and family of Gander visited Mr. Stoyles parents Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Stoyles.
- Rendell Marsh is attending school at Horwood High in Clarenville taking Grade XI. He took his other high school grades at Grand Falls.
- Mrs. Silvanus Marsh visited her mother Mrs. Noah Rendell of Bishop’s Falls who is very ill. She also visited her sister Mrs. Barnett Spurrell of Windsor and Mrs. Charles Churchill.
Page 51 – Special Birthday
Greetings to Alvinia Jacobs and Shirley Jacobs in Clarenville and Christine Martin of Little Heart’s Ease from the family of Mrs. Harvey Jacobs in Clarenville.
Page 52 – Hatchet Cove
- Mr. Archibald Burt of Virgin’s Arm visited his nephew Freeman Curtis at Hatchet Cove. It was his first visit to the community.
- Albert and David Curtis who were employed with Blundon Brothers returned to their home at Virgin’s Arm on December 11th, where they will spend the winter months.
- Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of Windsor visited Mrs. Smith’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Eliah Blundon at Hatchet Cove. Mrs. Smith was the former Hilda Blundon.
- A ‘House-warming Party’ was held for Mrs. George Lambert on the 3rd of November. Fifteen women attended and the gifts were opened by Mrs. Annie Avery of Deep Bight. A very enjoyable evening was spent by all.
- A shower was held for Mrs. David Tucker at her home on November 23rd. Eleven women attended and gifts were opened by Mrs. Alice Smith and cards were read by Mrs. Loretta Curtis.
- A ‘House-warming Party’ was held for Mrs. Wesley Lambert at her home on December 9th. Six women attended from Hodge’s Cove and seven from Hatchet Cove. An enjoyable evening was spent by all. The gifts were opened by Mrs. Lambert’s mother Mrs. Susie Peddle of Hodge’s Cove.
- The relatives and friends of Wesley Lambert will be glad to know that he was discharged from the hospital before Christmas.
Page 54 – North West Brook
- Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cooper celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on November 21st.
- Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Norris celebrated their 11th anniversary on December 13th. Mrs. Norris is living at North West Brook for the winter while Max is employed in St. John’s with Avalon Telephone Co. where he was transferred from Grand Falls.
- The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Barrett was given the names Eric Allen on Sunday November 2oth. Pastor Callahan officiated.
- The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Chaulk was given the names Frederick Donald Franklyn on Sunday November 27th at the Pentecostal Church.
- A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Eleazer Avery on Sunday November 27th at the Walwyn Hospital.
- A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Brace Jr. on November 13th. This was also Alex’s birthday.
- Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Crocker and family recently visited Mrs. Crocker’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Frank Norris.
- Mr. and Mrs. Eric Benson of St. John’s recently visited Mr. and Mrs. Frank Norris. They were accompanied by Mrs. Norris’ daughter Doris who is working in St. John’s.
- Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Avery recently visited friends and relatives at Grand Falls Hospital, Glenwood and Gander Hospital.
- A ‘Stork Shower’ was held for Mrs. Eleazer Avery on November 14th. It was largely attended. Mr. and Mrs. Avery and son recently moved here to live. Mr. Avery is on the teaching staff of the U.C. School.
- Mrs. Alex Brace Sr. is a patient in the General Hospital.
- Mrs. Samuel Baker is a patient at the Gander Hospital
- Mrs. Bram Vivian has returned from St. John’s where she spent time in hospital.
- Verna, Valerie and Bernice Baker are presently with their sister Mrs. Ray Reid in Marystown. They will stay there while their mother is in hospital.
- Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Soper spent a weekend visiting Mrs. Soper’s parents Mr and Mrs. Rendall at Bishop’s Falls.
- Calvin Baker recently spent a weekend home visiting his family. He was accompanied by Miss Christine Watkins.
- Mr. and Mrs. John Norris are spending the week in Grand Falls. While there they will be attending the wedding of their grand-daughter Barbara Norris on December 10th.
- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Norris, accompanied by Beverley and Lynn, recently paid a visit to their daughter Karen who is employed with the Avalon Telephone Co., St. John’s.
Page 58 – In Memoriam
In fond remembrance of a loving husband and father Eldon Drodge of Little Heart’s Ease who was accidently drowned on November 19, 1936 aged 27 years.
On the nineteenth of November
Thirty years ago,
My life was filled with loneliness
By a sad and bitter blow.
But death stepped in so suddenly,
And grasped him by the hand
Leaving me with a helpless babe,
Too young to understand.
Often in my lonely hours
His form I seem to see
He was such a dear companion
Who meant so much to me.
As I wander back in memory
Teardrops fill my eyes
Often there’s a heartache
When only God is nigh.
Just a tribute of affection
Is all that I can bring
As long as life and memory last
I will always think of him.
Composed by Mrs. Ben Smith of Hillview, at the request of Mrs. Claribel Drodge, Little Heart’s Ease.
Note of Thanks – Mrs. Lorraine Balsom wishes to thank those kind friends who helped in any way alleviate the sorrow caused by the sudden passing of her dear husband; especially those who helped with the funeral arrangements, and all who sent messages, cards and wreaths.
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.