Tag: writing

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DKW

Its been a while. And to make matters worse, I shot this house in 2023! I need to get it together.

That being said, let’s start with a house that I can’t tell you a whole lot about, mainly because the archives are sparse and the details are shrouded in mystery. The first family I could find any history about was the third owner of the land, who purchased the estate in the early 1900s.

Born in Northern Ireland in 1893, he spent his early years surrounded by the lush green hills and rich culture of his homeland. In 1912, seeking new opportunities, he moved to Canada, where he initially farmed for a local landowner, experiencing the challenges and rewards of rural life in a foreign land. However, in 1915, with a strong sense of duty and patriotism, he enlisted to serve in the war, joining the Field Ambulance Militia, where he played a crucial role in providing medical support to soldiers in France amidst the chaos of battle. After several grueling years of service, he returned to his home area in 1923, bringing with him not only memories of his experiences but also a renewed perspective on life. It was during his time overseas that he met Beatrice, whom he married soon after settling back in Canada, eager to start a new chapter together.

DK and Beatrice raised two daughters, both of whom were born in this home, and retired from farming in 1949, after many years of hard work and dedication to their land. The home was filled with laughter and love, as the family created cherished memories together, celebrating milestones such as birthdays and holidays in the warmth of their rural setting. Their daughters grew up immersed in the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of family, which were instilled in them by their parents through countless lessons learned on the farm. As their farming days came to an end, DK and Beatrice looked forward to new adventures in retirement, reflecting on a life well-lived while maintaining connections with their community and the land they had nurtured for so long.

On this day we had a little friend out with us. The neighbouring farm dog joined us on our walk out to the house. Honestly, given my fear of dogs, I was more concerned about the bull that was watching us from across the pasture! We survived.

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THE LAIDLAWS and THE QUEEN’S OWN CAMERON’S

The first recorded landowner for this property is listed in 1891. I can find no history for that family or the 3 families after them which allegedly lived and farmed on this section of land before Mr. Laidlaw settled here. I can also tell you that the current residents are not so welcoming. While I only saw one who decided to photo bomb my roadside stop, there is two vultures who now reside at this house.

I can tell you about Walter though. Walter came to Canada when he was 28 years old. He left Scotland by steamship in 1904 and landed in Halifax. He carried on to Brandon and from wagon headed to Newdale, Manitoba where he worked for a few months. He worked for a few years firing a steam engine for a local man and then was a stooker for other farmers in the area. Walter and his wife settled here sometime around 1918.

In 1918 Walter married Jeanne from Switzerland. Jeanne immigrated from Switzerland to the Cartwright area and ran the millner shop. Two years later she married and the couple went on to raise 5 children of their own. All but one of their children served in the miltary except the eldest who as a child was kicked in the forehead but a horse. The boy was stitched up at the kitchen table but as a result of the accident, the injury left him with muscle damage to his eye which caused his eye to turn inward. Because of this, he was unable to serve like his siblings so he farmed with his Dad. It is said that the injury to his eye didn’t prevent him from being an excellent shot during hunting season.

In January, 1946, upon his return from serving with the Queen’s Own Cameron’s, in France, Belgium and Holland, the second eldest son, Herman, returned to the area and started farming his parents land. Herman later married but did not have children of his own. Herman passed away at the age of 82 years.

What is the Queen’s Own Cameron’s? Well I had to google it. Given that the family was of Scottish decent, it makes perfect sense as to why and how Herman ended up serving with them. Winnipeg has always had a strong Scottish tradition so after years of intense pressure from the local Scottish community, the government finally authorized the raising of a highland regiment in Winnipeg. Gazetted in 1910, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada are the oldest highland regiment in Western Canada.

I love the color of this house! These were roadside shots so I don’t know how well the inside is holding up but one day I would love to get a closer look.