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(p) "AS IT WAS TOLD TO US "Many men who came to the prairies were not endowed by nature or temperament to become farmers. Raised in an environment so foreign to that which they found here, many could not adjust to the difficulties encountered in breaking and farming land. Many filed on impulse, the rumor of free land, good land and a quick fortune overcoming their good sense. At one time a whole railroad crew, running short of supplies, decided to go to the land office and file on land. Whether any of them stayed is not known. Long hours, poor food and separation from their families was more than they could stand. "Some became overwhelmed by the vast open spaces and the overpowering solitude. Some men were impatient with animals and the doughty ox could try anyone's temper. Carpenters, lumber-jacks fisherman (sic) and sailors, they found themselves in a land alien to their nature. After a few years many left to return to native lands but I'm sure have never forgotten their brief sojourn on the prairies of Canada." "A Salute "... we've become very aware of the raw courage it took for the man of the family to make the decision to homestead. A man needed great faith in himself and his ability before he could take the steps cutting himself off from everything that was familiar ( and as such represented security) to trek west to make a home and livelihood. ..." "Filing for the Future Townships 1,2, & 3, Range 23." The Clay Centre Handicraft Club, July 10, 1967 (Available in Eastend Saskatchewan.) (published local text) |
image © D. Wall
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