Parties, presentations and poems

Such was the way folks celebrated everything from weddings and anniversaries to farewell parties. And every community had its bard

by CAMPBELL CORK

It was the local custom for about 40 years, beginning in 1930, to honour newlyweds with a “presentation” or reception. It usually took the form of a card party or dance put on by the community in the local hall, maybe the agricultural hall, the Women’s Institute Hall or the Independent Order of Odd Fellows hall. Volunteers collected money from the neighbours – 50 cents to $2. This was used to buy a useful gift for the couple’s home. A washing machine often topped the list or a chesterfield or chrome table and chairs.

Better Farming - May 2011