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Mitchell Family Newsletter
"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28
September 1998
Vol. 19 ISSN 1185-6211 No. 2
Karyn (Andrews) Kondro6 (Alexander3, William2), Box 10, Site 1, R.R. #2, St. Albert, Alberta, T8N 1M9 Tel.: (403) 973-5508
Pam (Jones) Mitchell (Kenneth H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2), 174 Oakridge Blvd., Nepean, Ontario, K2G 2V2 Tel.: (613) 225-1435/Fax: (613) 225-0130/ E-mail: pgmitch@cyberus.caFirst off, my apologies for this newsletter being late. I have been tending daily to an ill parent since August 1st. I hope you understand. Fall is in the air and my garden is definitely showing signs of neglect - I only hope the snows don’t come before we get a chance to clean it up. The squirrels are busy - is that a sign of an early winter??? Sure hope not. Still have lots to do.
Well, the reunion has come and gone and we are breathing a sigh of relief that everything came off as well as it did. It was a resounding success despite the fact we had a very low registration compared to previous reunions. Read more about it later in the newsletter. We certainly enjoyed touring around with all the cousins who came early and those who could stay on after the festivities of the reunion were over. It was great fun and a great opportunity to get to know each other even better.
ALL POINTS BULLETIN - anyone who attended Reunion ‘98 and has pictures - if we could have a set of prints (or the use of the negatives to make copies) for our display boards it would be greatly appreciated. As everyone knows, our archives of pictures from all the reunions is continuing to grow - at last count we had 45 sheets of bristol board covering the last six reunions, other various activities, as well as some historical pictures- it is a great history of our gatherings and our family. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.
We have been enjoying a visit from my sister, Kathy, from North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She came for a planned week’s holiday but arranged to change her flight to come earlier when our Dad was so ill. She arrived 49 minutes before the Air Canada pilots’ strike shut down the airlines! Her husband has just returned from a tour with the R.C.M.P. to Sierra Leone, West Africa and they were meeting here in Ottawa. Unfortunately they have to leave tomorrow - and with the Air Canada pilots’ strike, they have quite a "milk run" to get home - Air Ontario to Toronto, Air Nova to Winnipeg, Air B.C. to Regina and then a 2˝ hour bus trip from there home to North Battleford. They’ll be tired!
Ken is back at school and we are trying to get back into some sort of routine. He thinks he has a good class this year - but a large one at 33 pupils. For him retirement is looming - perhaps even as early as next June - we’re working on it.
Next on our agenda, is the arrival of the cast of Up With People. The cast (150 students between 18 and 25 years of age) will be in Ottawa in October and we are hoping to host at least two for the duration of their stay. In the meantime we have been asked to host one of the members of the Advance Team who come into the city about a month before the cast arrives to set up all the community service activities, arrange for all the host families, etc. We had a delightful young lady from Georgia arrive on Sunday, September 13th and she will be staying with us until October 19th when the whole cast departs. We will have the other two cast members from October 12th to 19th. It has been 3 years since UWP were in Ottawa last so we are really looking forward to a whole new group. This will be the fourth time we have hosted cast members and we have enjoyed the company of students from Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan), Japan (twice), the U.S. (California, Washington and Georgia), the Netherlands and Finland. We are eagerly anticipating two more in October.
We formally announced at the reunion the desire to find someone to do the newsletter. It is time you had some new blood - that doesn’t mean Karyn or Eileen - just me! Any takers???
We did manage to have an offer of assistance from Debbie (Steel) Mitchell (Dan6, William Noble3, Samuel2) from Toronto, Ontario. Thank you Debbie - we really appreciate it. If anyone has any news from the Toronto area please contact her at 2082 Blue Ridge Crescent, Toronto, ON, L1X 2N3. She will pass it on to us.Please keep in touch and let us know all your family news. Read on about the reunion.
Pam (Jones) Mitchell Nepean, Ontario
(Kenneth H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2)
God Da (Hello in Danish, so my neighbour says)
So how is everyone doing this fine September? We are all just ducky up this way. I have a lot of news to share with you, but first I must start off by saying how sorry I was that I couldn’t make it to the reunion. All intentions were there, however, circumstances would not allow me to be there, but I was certainly thinking of all that did attend.
Where do I begin with my news. Well let’s see, my brother Laurie and hubby Len, and two of our closest friends were in a plane crash in June. It made all the wives’ heart skip a beat. Lucky for all of us they walked away with only some stiffness and some very horrid memories. It all started when they decided they would go on a fly-in fishing trip. They drove 15 hours to Fort Smith where they then got on a Cessna 206 and attempted a take off, however, the pilot said they were too heavy so he turned around and proceeded to take some fuel off one wing. Thinking that they were fine, off they went for their second attempt. Well, to make a very long story short, their pontoon hit a dike at the end of the lake and they flipped right over onto the roof. Needless to say they were quite shaken as they knew they weren’t going to make it airborne this time either. With further investigation they were told that one of the pontoons had water in it which made the plane too heavy. I must say they got on a plane the very next day and proceeded with their trip. Now, would you call that determination, or just plain crazy. I, myself, would pick the latter.
Now onto some baseball. You always know I have to include baseball. As I’ve seen on T-shirts, "Baseball is my Life". In our case it’s our lives. Len, once again, went to Medicine Hat with the Westlock Grey Lions to take part in the Canadian National Old-timers. They were not favoured to do real well, however, ended up in the finals, but lost. It was great for all of them considering they only get together a couple of times in the year to play as a team.
Jeffrey, my nephew, also did very well in baseball this year. Laurie, his dad, was his coach. They played in the Provincials and ended up losing the final to Stony Plain. If they had won they would be off to Summerside, P.E.I. to represent Alberta in the Nationals. Well they were all very disappointed they had lost, in an extra inning, however, Stony Plain picked Jeff up to play with them. Off he went to P.E.I. Upon returning home I asked Jeff how they faired, and his reply "We stunk the house out". Anyways, I thought it was a great experience for him. Congratulations to Laurie and Jeff for a great year of baseball. You’ll get them next season.
Let’s see what else has happened. My garden is still growing fast and furious. We actually were eating new potatoes before the end of June which is quite good for us. Cucumbers are having the greatest year. I couldn’t keep up so I picked two wheelbarrows full and took them in to the Edmonton Food Bank. I have heard everyone is swamped with cucs. Most of my garden is in. Just have spuds, tomatoes and carrots to harvest as yet. Oh yeah - and more cucs.
My sister-in-law, and my other brother Darryl - get it - other brother Darryl - oh well, came to visit. It was a great time. Darryl decided one night we should have martinis. Well, we did and all I can say is they are GROSS. Thanks for the experience anyway and hope your shaker is doing a fine job.
Once again school is in full swing. Jay is in grade 4 and loves it. He sings and struts around with a smile on his face, excluding the mornings. Not a morning person. Devin starts kindergarten tomorrow. He is in 3 half days. He’s pretty excited because he goes to Jay’s school now, has new spiderman shoes, and a new backpack. Boy life is good. I have started a new job. I am working with high school students this year instead of junior high. I also am working at Fort Saskatchewan instead of the base. This is a brand new program for the school so I am sure there will be lots of mistakes and errors, but we will go day by day. It is interesting so far. As for Len, he is still working hard at Alberta Blue Cross and marked his 15th anniversary with them this spring.
As the fall rolls around you know that the almighty hunters are getting ready for their annual hunt. Len was out last night to make plans for their moose hunt in early October. It seems to be a fun thing for them, plus the moose meat is pretty tasty as well.
Len and Laurie will once again make their annual trip to Phoenix to play ball in late October at the Old-timers Mini World Series. It is a great time, lots of ball and even more aching muscles. As for me, I am staying home this year as I wouldn’t dare ask for time off a new job to go to Phoenix. Oh well, as they say, "Been there, done that".
Well, I have perhaps run out of news. Isn’t that a first! I will sign off and hope this letter finds you all well. Take care.
Love to all,
Karyn (Andrews) Kondro6 St. Albert, Alberta
(Alexander3, William2)
On my last birthday, this past June, my children and their spouses gave me a very interesting and timely gift. A 3-hour taping of my memories of my family. I was thrilled! Today, September 26, 1998, I did the taping. I must say I was proud, thrilled, humbled and emotionally moved by the experience. I was also very surprised (albeit the only one) that I talked non-stop for three hours without repeating myself once; all about my family from Grandmas and Grandpas Colbert and Mitchell, as much as I remembered.
I want to say here that I am very proud of the life I’ve had, regardless of adversities and drawbacks. One was not obviously aware of obstacles and hardships because that was "life". One never said "no way" - you just did what had to be done.
Born the fifth child into a family of twelve children, I was in what I would call the working half - the early learners. When I was only 6, I stood on a box to wash the dishes. I remember, I think I was 8, when Mom said to me "I think it’s time you learned to hem your own petticoats and summer dresses" (Mom sewed practically everything we wore until we started to work - and even after). I have to tell you I didn’t do too good a job, so since I had to do it all over again because my stitches weren’t even, I soon learned to do it correctly the first time.
Because there were so many in our family, you learned very early, and almost by instinct, that you had responsibilities, and surprisingly enough, I did do things that most people find hard to believe. Back then it was just called "helping out around the house".
I had alot of fun with my brothers and sisters, and sometimes we thought up some very hilarious schemes. I can’t ever remember any jealousies, but there certainly was competition.
Now that I’m older I feel so proud of my siblings and all that we have been through together. The great Depression, that affected many of our opportunities for education; followed by the second World War, in which four of my brothers were involved; the tragic loss of our 19-year old brother was such a traumatic experience (although I’m sure none of us understood the meaning of that word), matured us each in his own way. The separation and divorce of my parents was another huge leap in the development of my intellect.
I know and appreciate that I have a good sense of humour, which has been my shield of protection for many incidents that have hurt and still hurt. I have met and made friends with people who, unknown to them, have become almost like mentors for me. I have learned invaluable lessons from them. When I occasionally tell someone that I was painfully shy as a child and really never had any self-confidence until I was a young woman, actually after I married, they have a hard time swallowing that. Thanks are due to those people who unwittingly guided me. I just have to say here that my Mom taught me alot - good manners, good morals, cleanliness, personal pride and loyalty, and much more. When I first joined the work force, I was 16 and the types of employment were not always my choice, but I know now that what I lived through made me what I am today and I’m DAMNED proud of that!
When I met my Donnie I knew he was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. For 51 years and 2 months we had a marriage that was solid, settled, secure, contented and happy. I left "happy" to the last because when you married you just knew you’d be happy; but everyone who has been married as long as I was, knows that solid, settled, secure and contented means HAPPY! The old saying "the best part of a quarrel is making up" is very true! It was like renewing your marriage vows.
Some people get all their education in schools. I am sorry to say I was not one of them. I didn’t learn to appreciate books, music or good conversation until I was a young woman; but boy did I learn the latter! Listening to people talk of many things as I matured, gave me food for thought and that led me to good reading, which next led me to become interested in everything around me from education to politics.
I’m sure by now many of you readers will think me very egotistical to be writing so much about myself, but it started with the taping I made this morning. When I was finished I felt very proud of myself and of my life. I am in my 80th year of life and up until today my life has been full and good. I thank God and my family and all my relatives and many dear friends who have touched my life. Now - God willin’ and the crick don’t rise, you’ll hear from me again in the spring.
Love to you all,H. Eileen (Mitchell) MacMillan5 Nepean, Ontario
(William Noble3, Samuel2)
How’s your
Shamrock status???A
shamrock on the front page means you are paid up for next year - 1999.No shamrock
and your subscription is due for 1999.
Or, check your address label - the first line tells all!
Kerri Moore7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) and Jay Robert Bennett were married on June 6, 1998 at Ottawa, Ontario. Kerri is daughter of Nancy (Moore) Campbell6 of Ottawa.
Neil Stuart Hawkins6 (William3, William2) and Jennifer Louise Seamone were married on June 20, 1998 at Calgary, Alberta. Neil is son of Pat (Mitchell) Hawkins5 of Calgary.
Kelly Rouatt7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) and Christopher Howell were married on September 26, 1998 at Ottawa, Ontario. Kelly is daughter of John and Sharon6 (Killeen) Rouatt of Nepean, Ontario, and granddaughter of Earl Killeen (Ella5) also of Nepean.
New Little Cousins
Abigail Jane Campbell8 (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on April 26, 1997 at Fredericton, NB, daughter of Paul and Carolyn7 (Snell) Campbell, granddaughter of Paul and Margo6 (Smyth) Perry of Fredericton, and great granddaughter of Kay (McArthur) Smyth5 of Nepean, Ontario.
TWINS: Stephanie Nicole Huck8 and Ashley Elizabeth Huck8 (Alexander3, William2) were born to Derrick and Sherry7 (Jacks) Huck on September 20, 1997 at Calgary, Alberta, granddaughters for Barry6 and Carol (Diller) Jacks of Calgary, and great granddaughters for Les and Lois5 (Andrews) Reid of Brandon, Manitoba.
Jessica Anne Smith8 (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on October 18, 1997 at Ottawa, Ontario, daughter of Greg7 and Cheryl (Young) Smith of Ottawa, granddaughter of Glen and Carolyn6 (Smyth) Smith of Nepean, Ontario, and great granddaughter of Kay (McArthur) Smyth5 of Nepean.
Emily Lauren English8 (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on October 28, 1997 at Barrie, Ontario, a daughter for Robert and Karen7 (Harley) English and granddaughter for Walter and Gail6 (Kurtz) Harley of Barrie.
Daniel Bilson Merry7 (Alexander3, William2) was born in 1998 to John Bilson6 and Allison Caroline (Lassiter) Merry.
Grace Elizabeth Jane Cooper8 (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on April 4, 1998 at Ottawa, Ontario, daughter of Mike and Sharon7(Smith) Cooper of Ottawa, granddaughter of Glen and Carolyn6 (Smyth) Smith of Nepean, Ontario, and great granddaughter of Kay (McArthur) Smyth5 of Nepean.
Kiara Tallulah Hassan8 (William3, William2) was born on May 21, 1998 at Jouy-en-Josas, France, a daughter for Jawaid (J.D.)7 and Marcia (Gleeson) Hassan and granddaughter of Asif and Donna Lynne6 (Anderson) Hassan of Oakville, Ontario.
A Couple of Funnies!
A recent study shows that 75% of the body’s heat escapes through the head. I guess that means you could ski naked as long as you had a good hat!
"Did you hear about the bee that flew in the cow’s ear?" asked the farmer.
"No", his friend replied. "What happened to it?"
"It wound up in a pail of milk."
"How did it do that?"
"It went in one ear and out the udder."
Anniversaries
Eldon5 and Ruby (Anderson) Mitchell (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on April 4, 1998. Congratulations!
Ken6 and Pam (Jones) Mitchell (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 24, 1998.
Congratulations to Isaac and Marjorie5 (Mitchell) Thiessen (Alexander3, William2) of Dawson Creek, B.C. Isaac celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year and Marjorie will be 78 in December. They also celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 6, 1998. They were honoured by 18 of their family at an outdoor picnic gathering at Gordon and Shirley5 (Mitchell) Miller’s home. Congratulations to you both
In Memoriam
Deepest sympathies are sent to Ken P. Mitchell5 (William Noble3, Samuel2) on the passing of his wife, Patricia (Willett) Mitchell in Ottawa on August 21st, 1998. Pat is also survived by her children, Michael (and Mary Louise) of Edmonton, Alberta, Karen (and Jim) of Gloucester, Ontario, and Jeff (and Myra) of London, Ontario; and her grandchildren Chelsea, Alex and Parker, and James, Scott and Emily.
Deepest sympathies are sent to Tim Priestley7 and Brenda Daudlin (Henry3, William2) on the passing of Brenda’s sister, Becky Cruthers, on July 17, 1998 in Chilliwack, B.C.
Cousins in the News
Tami Schmidt7 (Alexander3, Samuel2) graduated in June 1998 with her Bachelor of Arts degree. Tami is daughter of Norb and Gay6 (Mitchell) Schmidt of Kelowna, B.C., and granddaughter of Nora (Martin) Mitchell (Melvin5) of Parksville, B.C. Congratulations Tami!
Dr. Jonathan B. Blair7 (Mary Ann3, William2) of Laguna Hills, California, has been granted U.S. patent #5,697,921 for his Blair Irrigation Basin along with its trademark BiB® registration. This is a sterlizable surgical irrigation basin designed to collect irrigation fluid from any and every body contour without leaks or spills. For all lacerations, abscesses and abrations; for irrigation of eyes, ears and sinuses; and even useful for nosebleeds. It has been in production for 1 year and is sold mainly to hospitals, offices and urgent care centres. It is now available as the container for sterile disposable suture sets although the basin is reusable many times. Comments or information 714-362-2806.
Saira Hassan7 (William3, William2) graduated from Queen’s University with an Engineering Chemistry degree on May 22, 1998. She also received an Honours History degree on May 29, 1998. Saira is daughter of Asif and Donna Lynne6 (Anderson) Hassan of Oakville. Saira took 6 years to get the two degrees - now she’s off travelling for a few months after all those summers of waitressing! Congratulations Saira!
Jeff Mahood7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Peterborough, Ontario, made the Dean’s List at Trent University in May 1998. Jeff is son of Donna Mitchell6 of Mississauga, Ontario, and grandson of Betty (Rogers) Mitchell (Stanley5) of Ottawa, Ontario. Congratulations Jeff!
Karen Mitchell-Morrison6 (William Noble3, Samuel2) was honoured with a HUGE surprise party for her 40th birthday on June 20, 1998. Happy birthday Karen!
Greg Mahood7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario, graduated from Sir Robert Borden High School on June 24, 1998. Greg is now attending the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Congratulations Greg!
Best wishes for good health are sent to Irene (Wardle) Mitchell (Cleland5, Henry3, William2) of White Rock, BC, who has been suffering from an extremely painful case of shingles. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Irene.
Grandma Dixie wanted to buy Ryan (Morgan) a pair of jeans for kindergarten. Upon asking his parents, Richelle and Nelson, what size his waist was, Ryan disappeared for a short while and returned saying, "I’m 27 Grandma". I asked how he got that number and he replied, "I laid across the scales with my tummy and it said 27, Grandma".
Dixie Mitchell6 Winnipeg, Manitoba (Henry3, William2)
PAT (WILLETT) MITCHELL
(Ken P.5, William Noble3, Samuel2)
It is with great sorrow and sadness that the family of Patricia Helen Willett Mitchell announces the passing of her life. Pat, or Patsy as she was known as, was a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend and last but certainly not least, a grandmother: beloved "Nana" to her six surviving grandchildren - Chelsea, Alexander, Parker, James, Scott and Emily. Pat was born on March 17, 1935 in Gaspe Bay, Quebec, the second youngest of seven children born to Philip Willett and Amy Legouffe. At an early age her family moved to Montreal, where she lived until she met and married Ken Mitchell in October 1954 and then moved to Ottawa where she lived until her death on August 21, 1998. Pat and Ken were the very proud parents of Michael (born 1956), Karen (born 1958) and Jeffrey (born 1960). Over the years they both became involved in Michael and Jeff’s hockey careers, which gave them the opportunity to form friendships with other hockey parents that have remained strong over 25 years. Karen didn’t mind too much (we hope) all the time spent at the hockey rinks, as her Grandfather Mitchell was all too willing to pay for the treats at the take out stands!
For over twenty years, Pat was employed at the May Court Convalescent Home and loved her work and her patients loved her too. Here, she also developed friendships that remained strong over the years.
In October 1980, Pat and Ken bought a cottage on Loon Lake, near Westport, Ontario and spent many happy times there with friends and family. Over the years the family grew, the three kids getting married and starting families of their own. Michael and Jeff moved away, but always knew they were welcomed home, at any time.
Pat loved her family first and foremost. Christmas was the most joyous of occasions and I know for us out west in Edmonton, our daughter Chelsea always looked forward to the Christmas parcel that would arrive from Nana and Grandpa. Alex and Parker (Karen’s sons) over the years developed a very special relationship with their grandparents as they were so close to Ottawa.
In November 1997, Pat retired and noticed she wasn’t feeling so great. On July 10, 1998, she was diagnosed with terminal pancreas and liver cancer. A strong and determined lady, she accepted her fate and made the best of her remaining days, helping her family and friends accept reality and also to settle her affairs. Her sisters, Madeleine, Anne and Bernice spent time in Ottawa with her before her death, along with her brothers Artie and John. Pat loved her siblings and they loved her.
On August 21, 1998, after a 6-week fight with cancer, Pat passed away at the Elisabeth Bruyere Pavilion in Ottawa with her husband Ken, daughter Karen and sister Anne at her side.
She leaves many, many friends, relatives and family who will miss her terribly - especially Ken, Michael, Karen, Jeff, Mary Louise, Jim, Myra, Chelsea, Alexander, Parker, James, Scott and Emily. There will never be another Pat; we will miss her love of life and her love for all of us. Pat was buried at Pinecrest Cemetery in Nepean on August 25th, next to her beloved granddaughter Kelly, who died in November 1988. May she rest in peace.
In loving memory from her daughter-in-law
Mary Louise (Gregotski) Mitchell Edmonton, Alberta
(Michael6, William Noble3, Samuel2)
A very special memory of Pat that I’d like to share is that a couple of weeks before the reunion, Pat and I made a trip to the costume house to check out our 1840's costumes for the reunion. Pat chose a gorgeous green linen dress with a matching dark green velvet bonnet bedecked with flowers. The dress fit her perfectly and she looked wonderful in it. I am so sad that I was the only one to see her in it. It is a memory of Pat I will never forget.
Pam (Jones) Mitchell Nepean, Ontario
(Ken H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2)
MEMORIAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT
The first of what, we hope, will be an annual event, the 1998 Stan Mitchell Golf Tournament is
already over. A collection of 60 golfers from across Canada teed it up at the beautiful Pontiac Golf Course under superb weather and course conditions. Though we doubt anyone is ready to compete in the Canadian Open, I do believe the goals of the committee in organizing the tournament were certainly all met. Everyone seemed to have a great time on the course followed by prize presentations and then capped with a well-prepared meal. I would like to thank all the participants and volunteers who made this a wonderful tribute to my Dad. At this time I would also like to express a special appreciation to Joe and Gilles and the rest of the family and staff at the Pontiac for their tremendous showing of hospitality. I, for one, can’t wait to go back and enjoy the course and their comradeship again.
Though I believe everyone was a winner, there are a number of individuals we would like to recognize at this time.
CLOSEST TO THE GREEN, hole 1 or 10
LONGEST AND STRAIGHTEST DRIVE, hole 3 or 12
CLOSEST TO THE PIN, hole 8 or 17
Donna Mitchell6 and John Bond -Tournament Chairpersons
Mississauga, Ontario
(William Noble3, Samuel2)
REUNION 1998
Well, reunion 1998, number 7 since we started in 1980, has come and gone and was a wonderful success. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the reunion and also the many outings doing "tourist-y" things with those of you came early and those who could stay after for a few days.
I have to admit that the committee was very disappointed at the number of registrations that we received - they worked so hard to make a great weekend - and it really was a GREAT weekend despite the low registration - and we can thank them for that. For those who came we really felt that we got to know each and every one of you a little better - that is a positive from having fewer attendees. This reunion was on the "red" side of the ledger with registrations but, thanks to the Vernon 1995 reunion surplus and also the most generous donation from Keith5 and Ada (Wareham) Mitchell (Alexander3, William2) of Brandon, Manitoba, we ended up "in the black". Thank you so much.
The festivities began with the Stan Mitchell Memorial Golf Tournament on Thursday, July 9th. It was a wonderful day - the sun shone, the golf course was magnificent and the meal fantastic. Everybody wanted to meet the butcher who supplied the steaks - they were great!
Friday evening we had registration and refreshments at the hotel - lots of pictures on display and, of course, the family tree - which has grown since the Vernon reunion. We also had our souvenir "booth" run by Edith Anderson and Jim MacCormack - they did a brisk business! Jenny Mahood was kept busy signing up everybody for the Saturday bus trip and Bob Mitchell and Ethel Matuska kept the registration table flowing smoothly. Jeff Mahood made sure everybody got "flagged" on the family tree.
Saturday was our BIG day - the tour bus (arranged by Jim Anderson) arrived at 9 a.m. and once everyone was on board, they were off to the Gatineau Hills of Quebec to the area where the ancestors first settled. Edith Anderson and Bob Mitchell were the tour guides and, from all reports, had everyone rolling in the aisles. Edith had put together a terrific brochure outlining all the sights along the way but, naturally, Bob had lots to add to it! The bus and cars found their way easily thanks to all the "shamrocks" along the route done by Brian and Gary MacMillan. The bus was met at the pioneer cemetery by 8 members of the organizing committee in 1840's costumes. It was a great surprise for everyone and, from our perspective as "costumees" it was a funny sight watching everyone pile out of the bus to take pictures - they looked like dominoes falling over each other! Our "preachers" for the service at the cemetery were Ken P. Mitchell and and the very reverend (tongue in cheek!) Orville Mitchell in his morning coat and top hat. They did a great job. Ken P., Ken and Bob were in 1840's farmers outfits which weren’t complete until Ken visited the farmer next door to the cemetery to borrow a pitch fork, and then had to collect some hay to make it really authentic! Betty, Donna, Jenny and Pam were decked out in long dresses with lots of petticoats and fancy bonnets. It was great fun. Janet Smedley also had a lovely period costume but it ran amuck of the wheels on her walker and not many saw her in it - she looked great too!
After the cemetery service we proceeded to the Rupert Fairgrounds where we were entertained by fiddlers, had a great lunch catered by the Ladies Auxiliary of Trinity Anglican Church, and then we were on to the games. Karen Mitchell-Morrison had a huge variety of games for the kids which they all enjoyed. Her brothers, sisters-in-law and dad were kept busy and their old fashioned lemonade stand (fresh squeezed on the spot!) did a rip-roaring business. Ken took on the task of organizing the horseshoe tournament. He expected about 10 to sign up for the horseshoes but was surprised to find 37 entries on his sign-up sheet! Oh yes, we mustn’t forget the tug-of-war between the branches. This time it was won by the Samuels - and it wasn’t the adults this time - it was the kids! Congratulations to all of you who took part.
All too quickly the time disappeared and we climbed aboard the bus for the return trip to the city and preparations for the banquet, prizes, silent auction and talent show. Ken handled the master of ceremonies duties and kept the evening rolling smoothly. The prizes were looked after by Sandy Latimer and, as usual, she did a great job. Thanks Sandy! Thanks also to Eileen MacMillan for donating the children’s prizes. During the evening we had a special presentation to Ken P. and Pat Mitchell for the many years of hard work dedicated to the restoration of the pioneer cemetery. They were presented with a serving tray made by Brian MacMillan from oak from the family homestead. The centre of the tray was a piece of needlework of our Parliament Buildings done by Pam. We were amazed at the number of people who signed up for the talent show and especially the number of children. Ian Mitchell and Greg Mahood looked after the talent show and managed to keep all the acts in line - a difficult task at times! The silent auction run by Eileen MacMillan raised a significant amount of money for the reunion and we thank all those who donated articles and especially all those who bid on them!
We ended our festivities with breakfast on Sunday morning and then everybody was on their way back home. We were sorry to see everyone leave! A special thank you to Arlie Purser and Danny Foote for all their help in putting up the displays and dismantling everything after the festivities were over.
SEE YOU IN
2001!!!Calling all BRANDON cousins - at Vernon in 1995 there were indications that you wanted to host the next reunion in 2001 - is that still in the cards??? Please let us know before Christmas. There are others waiting in line to host a reunion and are eager to get started.
THANKS!
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF OTTAWA REUNION
O
utstanding organizing committee, with terrific Master of Ceremonies (Ken Mitchell).T
alent, talent and more ...T
alent (what variety, loved the "add-ons" by the children).A
wesome chicken dinner (best chicken ever had), lunch (loved the little sandwishes) and breakfast.W
armth of smiles, hugs and handshakes.A
nd a labour of love found at the Reilly Cemetery with all the precious restoration work done.Realistic costumes of the 1800's worn by the organizing committee was a wonderful sight to greet us when our bus reached the cemetery.
E
ntertaining bus tour by the "old man" (Bob Mitchell) and the "contemporary lady" (Edith Anderson) with interesting brochure produced by the latter.U
nion of food, friends, fellowship and faith..N
on-stop action and excitement of the silent auction.I
ntimacy was created throughout this reunion ... got to know many people this time.O
ld fashioned fun at the picnic with horseshoes (at which the women showed their expertise), log sawing, homemade lemonade, lively tunes played during lunch, and much more.N
ever a dull moment and many fond memories, we’ll be back!!!Adele (Mitchell) Priestley6 Maple Ridge, BC
(Henry3, William2)
An excerpt from The Vancouver Sun, Monday, June 29, 1998
"Richmond’s historic schools face demolition"
For a woman educated in Mitchell school and who now works there, the loss of the link to the past hurts. In a community known for its flashy shopping malls, cultural change and fast-paced urban growth, Mitchell elementary school stands as a rare historic symbol of Richmond’s simpler rural roots. Once filled with the white faces of children from surrounding farms, the school is now hemmed in by commerce, traffic and subdivisions. Its student enrollment is also a more accurate reflection of the city’s ethnic diversity. As a window to the past, however, the future of Mitchell school, at the corner of Cambie Road and No. 5 Road - along with East Richmond elementary, on No. 8 Road at the Fraser River - seems short-lived. The two are under threat of demolition from Richmond school board, both considered too costly to maintain and upgrade despite their heritage value to a community of 154,000 people. For Louise Fontaine, the pending demolitions are especially heartfelt. She was born and raised on a farm on No. 8 Road, she attended Mitchell elementary from 1957 to 1963, her two daughters, aged 19 and 21 also attended the school, and now she works there as a secretary four days a week. "It’s sort of sad what’s happened to Richmond," she lamented. "We’ve lost a lot, changed so fast. It’s a bustling city now." As for Mitchell, she would like to see it preserved, but also appreciates that the school board’s primary mandate is the education of its 24,500 students - not heritage conservation. "I’m torn. The building is great. But if the money isn’t there, these things happen. I guess that’s progress."A two-level, wood-frame building with blue-painted shingle siding, Mitchell school was built in 1928 and expanded in the 1940s. An older one-room schoolhouse next door is gone. Over the years, the basement served as an indoor play area on rainy days - boys on one side, girls on the other - as an indoor swimming pool, and, more recently, for serving hot lunches to kids. Garry McLean, manager of facilities for the school board, said a study in 1994 estimated it would cost $2.4 million to bring Mitchell school up to modern building standards. The old school now houses five school classes as well as health board offices. Situated next to the historic building is a bland but modern one-level school dating back to the 1960s. The school board is expecting $1.2 million from the BC government towards a modular-style expansion of that facility by September 1999.
Currently, 439 students in kindergarten to Grade 7 attend both the newer and historic portions of Mitchell school. The school board estimates it would cost $50,000-$100,000 to replace the roof and other improvements to East Richmond School. McLean said the board is asking the public to come forward with plans to save the structures. A committee of school board, city council and heritage advisory officials will meet in the fall to consider options, including the possibility of finding a private partner...."
Submitted by: Adele (Mitchell) Priestley6 Maple Ridge, BC
(Henry3, William2)
Editor’s Comment:
We have learned that the land the Mitchell School was built on was gifted to the city by Alexander Mitchell3 (Samuel2) in the early 1900's.Many generations of Mitchell descendants have attended the school since it was built and there are Mitchell cousins attending it to this day.
Financial Donations to the Newsletter
We really appreciate donations as well as the many subscriptions we receive. All these funds will help keep the Newsletter going. An issue such as this one, costs approximately $800 to get out to you. If you haven't subscribed in the past, or know of someone who might like to subscribe, please consider doing so. All information pertaining to subscriptions appears on the last page. As always, a GREEN SHAMROCK on the front page of your Newsletter indicates that your subscription is paid up.Many thanks to the following for their most generous donations to the newsletter:
Dixie (Gray) Mitchell (Fred4, Isaac3, Samuel2) of Spirit River, Alberta, in memory of her husband Fred Wilmer Mitchell4 Keith5 and Ada (Wareham) Mitchell (Alexander3, William2) of Brandon, Manitoba Mitchell Memorial Restoration Project The Mitchell Memorial Restoration Fund is used for the upkeep of the old pioneer cemetery in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec. Anyone wishing to donate to this project may do so by making a cheque payable to Mitchell Memorial Restoration Fund and sending it to Pam for deposit in the fund. Many thanks for your continuing support. Many thanks to Orville Mitchell5 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario for his generous donation to the cemetery fund.There was lots of work done this year to get ready for Reunion 1998. We spent many hours clipping, trimming, painting the fence, adding gravel to the walkway etc. But - the highlight of the work was the installation of the new arbour over the gate into the cemetery. Brian MacMillan was instrumental in having the arbour made and installed - thanks Brian! The black wrought iron arbour with the white lettering and the white gate really look terrific. Now you can see the site as you drive up the road - before it just looked like a farmer’s field. For the reunion baskets of flowers were provided to hang on the brackets affixed to either side of the arbour - it really looked lovely for "our day in the country". Thanks to all those who helped out.
Ken P.5 Mitchell
Chairman, Mitchell Memorial Restoration Committee
Ottawa, Ontario
(William Noble3, Samuel2)
Our Mitchell family pin is a lapel pin, 3/4"
in diameter, shaped like a shamrock to depict the Irish background, with red, green and
white taken from the Mitchell dress tartan to depict the Scottish background.
"Mitchell" is inscribed across one white band. The pins sell for $5.00 each
(which includes postage).
Souvenirs
We have a small supply of T-shirts left from Reunion 1998. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost is $12.00 plus a little something for mailing. They are a plain white T-shirt with the same crest as our Mitchell family pins on the left front. If anyone is interested, contact Pam and Ken Mitchell.We also have some decals (for your car window or bumper) with the same family crest. They are available for $2.00 each. A sample is on the back cover of this newsletter. Again, contact Pam and Ken if you are interested in having one or more of these decals. They would make a great "stocking stuffer ". Newsletter Subscriptions
Please don't forget - we need your support to keep the Newsletter going! It is published twice a year - March and September.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $5.00 (Canadian funds) per year (multiple years or donations accepted with pleasure!)
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: Mitchell Family Newsletter
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NEXT NEWSLETTER: MARCH 1999
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: FEBRUARY 28, 1999
Lost Cousins
We have had mail returned
to us for the following cousins. Can you help us locate them - they are listed with their last known addresses:Thanks for your help.
"He only deserves to be remembered by posterity who treasures up and preserves the history of his ancestors."
Edmund Burke
