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6 Orono Weekly Tîmçs» Wednesday, July 1 m 2000 ! Old Pete's Place Jim Rutherford of Kirby dug up this reprint of an article article that was first published in the Orono newspaper, in the early 1900's. The events recounted in this story, actually actually did occur, says Rutherford. Mrs. Hazel (Cooper) Cowan who was known for her ability to rhyme, wrote this story about the farm where she spent her childhood. childhood. The farm was originally originally owned by Peter Galbraith, and was often referred to as Old Peter's Place. The farm, on Jewel Road, is now owned by the Magders. Old Peter's Place Old Peter's place was a lovely farm And to many it held a warmth and charm That in our hearts still lingers on Though years have passed and long since gone. A grey stone house with many gables, The great long barn with loft and stables, Where the swallows darted to and fro And the pigeons crooned so soft and low. While slanting rays of wavering light Patterned the floor with colours bright. Enchanting the place where we used to play, Fragrant from lofts piled high with hay. Our dear mother the best pal of all Who shared our troubles both big and small, Was never too busy to explain right from wrong, To tell us a story or sing us a song. In a corner we stood if in disgrace, 1 Oh those haunting sweet memories of Old Peter's Place. Often the neighbours would join in the fun, Mother ' and daughter, father and son. The violin would be taken down from the wall Charlie, would play and Will Rutherford call. None would remember the time by big ben, When Will Little would read about setting the hen. Then dear Uncle Hugh, who was loved by all, Would join in the fun and help Bill call. Oh, the pranks we played and fun we had, With once in awhile the taste of a gad. When the C.N.R. was still just talk, A prank was played that proved a shock. One night three imps, I won't tell who, Surveyed a railroad straight and true. The stakes they placed with infinite care, A station here and a siding there. All through the night into the dawn, They steered their course through field and lawn. Then with the coming of the day, They waited with expectancy. Oh Man! Oh boy; What a hullabaloo! At last, the road is a cornin' through Most farmers agreed 'twas a wonderful thing. But, "Begad it will ruin a dandy spring." And "Poor Jonathan's farm will be cut rightin two - No wonder he's lookin so haggard and blue." The farmers stormed the blacksmith shop, No wonder Our Smithy grew bald on top. He would work the bellows bellows with great ado, To find he'd forgotten which horse to shoe. Tobacco juice travelled far and fast "The road she's a cornin' through at last!" "Our cattle won't lose a quarter the weight. • Like shippin' ■ from Newcastle C.P. freight." One of the culprits at school the next day Carelessly grabbed a stake while at play. The -teacher rushed forward forward and hauled him back, "There's a heavy fine if you meddle with that." When finally the truth came out, With sheepish grins 'twas ftirgotten about. The boys went cheerfully on their way, No doubt wondering what next to play, Swiftly the passing years roll on, Some .friends have stayed and others gone. But deep in our hearts there is always space For memories of Old Pete's place. Hazel Cowan IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE TIMES 983-5301 Clarington Fire Calls The Clarington Fire Department responded to the following calls during the period of July 10 to July 16, 2000: 4 property fires; 2 prefire prefire conditions: 6 false fire calls: 6 public hazard calls; 3 rescues; 16 medical/resus- citator calls and 2 other responses. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ORONO WEEKLY WWW-299 (àH'p.ritt. EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF NATURE AND WILDLIFE FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-6 1/2 DAY CAMP PROGRAMS, MORNING OR AFTERNOON FUN AND EDUCATIONAL CRAFTS AND GAMES HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES WITH A VARIETY OF ANIMALS *'• S' .a, S 1*1* s s ém* ■ e* As • At ■ ■ •w w w" w 'IP' JUNGLE CAT WORLD WILDLIFE PARK ORONO, ONTARIO (905)983-5016 FAX (905)985-9858 www.junglecatworId.com info@jungkcatworld.com plus lax MEDIA DSG Multi-Media (proud sponsor of the Darlington Under 13 Rep Soccer Team) 210 King Street East, Bowmanvilie (905) 697-9949 Email us at: dsgmm@home.com Check out our Web Site at: www.dsgsystems.com