Here is a photo of the old Oyster Pond United Church in Oyster Pond, Nova Scotia. I don’t recall ever having been inside it, but there are at least two significant family events that happened in this church.
My parents were married here in 1971. And, my Grandad’s (Alan Mills) funeral was held here January 24, 1995. Most of his ashes are buried with his mother Arabella in the church cemetery.
And now, let’s see what’s happening down in East Jeddore in January 1947. It’s a new year and it looks like my great-grandmother is sure busy making mats.
Wednesday January 1, 1947:
New Year’s Day
Lord guide and keep us
forgive our many sins
May we all love and serve thee more
Thursday January 2, 1947:
Alan, Rose, and family
were down with Otis
yesterday New Year’s
Friday January 3, 1947:
Ralph + Elsie here for dinner
We were down there
tonight (snowing)
Saturday January 4, 1947:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest
tossed and you’re discouraged thinking
all is lost, count your many blessings
Sunday January 5, 1947:
Mr. Jim Chase brought
Olive home today.
Alan + Ralph here for dinner.
Monday January 6, 1947:
I finished my first mat
this winter Fred here
for dinner about 2 inches of snow
Tuesday January 7, 1947:
Earl & Bud started
to chop our fire wood
down on Ralph’s land
Wednesday January 8, 1947:
Oh what peace we often forfeit
oh what needles pain we
bear.
Thursday January 9, 1947:
Olive and I hooking
some on my second
mat this winter
Friday January 10, 1947:
I am safe when by
thy side. I would in thy
love abide
Saturday January 11, 1947:
Coldest night
roads awfull icy and
snowed some today
Ralph up tonight
Sunday January 12, 1947:
Olive + Robbie down
to Elsies. came
home for supper
Monday January 13, 1947:
I washed and got
clothes dry
a nice cold fine day
Tuesday January 14, 1947:
Ralph walked out to
the channel on ice
Earl got 2 rabbits
Wednesday January 15, 1947:
I finished my second mat.
raining tonight
Thursday January 16, 1947:
Saviour like a shepherd
lead us. Much we need thy tender care
Friday January 17, 1947:
Olive washed
this morning. gone up to Annas afternoon
Saturday January 18, 1947:
Olive + Robbie up to
Ednas this after
noon
Sunday January 19, 1947:
Mr Jim Chase came
after Olive + Robbie
they went back 2 oclock
Monday January 20, 1947:
I have a bad cold
in my throat and
chest.
Tuesday January 21, 1947:
When we walk with
the Lord what a
light he shows on the way
Wednesday January 22, 1947:
Anna + Edna here
hooking I got some
tablets from the doctor
Thursday January 23, 1947:
There’s peace and
contentment in
serving the Lord
Friday January 24, 1947:
I had a letter
from Hon today.
Saturday January 25, 1947:
Earl + Bud cutting
fire wood down
on Ralphs land.
Sunday January 26, 1947:
Lord you know my
heart is weary I am
tired of living wrong
Monday January 27, 1947:
I washed and
ironed a fine day.
Tuesday January 28, 1947:
I started my third
mat. a nice fine warm day
Wednesday January 29, 1947:
Anna, Edna, + Elsie here hooking for me
Ralph + Uncle Rob here
Thursday January 30, 1947:
Earl + I up to Ednas
tonight. awfull
cold out no snow
Friday January 31, 1947:
Bless me oh my Saviour
bless me. As I bow
low at thy feet