The Chilliwack Progress from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada • Page 14

4 THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS. July 27, 1966 9l Sugar and Spice 1 By Bill Smiley (EhUluwark JrngrpsB Established 1891 Published at 39 Yale Street East every Wednesday by The Chilliwack Progress and authorized as second class mail. Post Office Department. Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash. Postal address Box 160.

Chilliwack. B.C. Member Audit Bureau of Circulation and Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association. Subscriptions: 10c per copy, by mail, rates anywhere in Canada. $4 00 yearly.

United States and Foreign. $5 00. payable yearly or half yearly in advance Cecil Hacker, Publisher John Davies. Editor Doing A Good Job Chilliwack Visitors and Convention Bureau deserves a pat on the back from citizens of this district for its efforts in recent months. It has been busily trying to add to the prosperity of this area by a series of steps designed to attract tourists into the Chilliwack district and make them happy with their stay.

The work of this volunteer group has included joining with Harrison in the establishment of an information bureau at Jones Hill, just as Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in getting the government to set up the bureau at Highway 401 and Whatcom Road. In less than a month, around 1,000 cars called in at the Jones Hill bureau and many of them are known to have visited the Chilliwack and Harrison areas as a result. The Visitors and Convention Bureau was also responsible for the publication of an excellent district brochure and pictorial map, and have put up a total of 34 signs in this area to help tourists find their bearings and locate places of interest This type of activity, of course, does not supplant the wider promotional program needed to draw visitors into Canada, into British Columbia and into the Pacific Northwest. These objectives are best handled on a federal, provincial and inter-community level which is precisely the present approach. But once tourists have been drawn into this general region, it becomes the community's responsibility to encourage them to visit, specifically, Chilliwack.

The Visitors and Convention Bureau seems to be making a good job of it. Pastoral scene near Yale Road West, Chilliwack Bob Blackwell photo Mrs. Gordon Miller Community Portrait Prairie Couple Came Garden of Eden1 My wife keeps asking me why my hands shake. It would not be polite to respond, "Baby, living with you would make anyone's hands shake." So I blame it on the war. Some fellows have burned faces, aluminum legs, sleeves pinned up, glass eye.

Some have great shrapnel wounds on abdomen or buttocks, which they will happily show at the Saturday night party. My hands shake. She doesn't believe the war bit anymore, so I blame it on booze, the tension of teaching, or the pills I take for my bursitis. But the real reason is that living with her would make anybody's hands shake. What brings this to mind is that I've just gone through about 48 hours of domestic purgatory.

Cowardly husbands go quietly off to mental institutions, or have heart attacks. My hands shake. The occasion was the reception of our son's marks at the end of first year university and about $1,700. Plus tax. When the paper arrived with the first-year results, threw it on the table, ran to the bathroom, locked myself in, and started flushing the toilet at twelve-second intervals.

Sobs Of Grief As I suspected, it was futile. The alternative sobs of grief and shrieks of rage penetrated my refuge. I had to come out and be a father. I know you won't believe it, but that kid's name was not at the head of the first-class honor list. Nor the second-class honors list.

Nor the third. (He had told me, just before leaving for the west coast job, to start looking for his name from the bottom of the page up.) At least it was there. I tried to console the Old Lady with stuff like, "Rome wasn't built in a day, you know," and "You can't grow roses without thorns, you know," and "What the hell, we'll all be dead in fifty years, you know," and similar bits of homespun comfort. It was as useless as trying to hum Flow Gently, Sweet Afton with a Beatles record going full bore. Kim was a big help, though.

She sat there tossing, "What a lazy bum! Why weren't you tougher with him? How could he be and other bits of oil on the fife. Frankly, I was relieved that he'd passed. My wife was infuriated alternatively with the Lord, who hadn't caused a miracle to pass, his professors, who had barely allowed the kid to pass, and the kid, who had allowed a year to pass as though he'd been on another planet. But she couldn't just keep on sobbing and uttering maledictions. We had arranged to go on a picnic with another family and their four little kids.

So we went. And the results proved to me once again that stupid old platitude that "life goes on." It was a wonderful combination: sun and sand; their baby eating algae and ants; their little boys burning themselves as they roasted marshmallows; and a most peculiarly potent potion of Gordon's lemonade I'd mixed. On The Mend Under this prescription, my old girl was so relaxed that she burst into tears of shame and rage only four times during the picnic. Next day she was definitely on the mend. She cried until noon, brooded on her bed until four p.m., but got up and put the chicken legs in the oven for some people we'd invited for dinner.

By great good luck, their kid had failed this year outright and dismally. That cheered things up a bit. Later in the evening, an old friend, a professor of Eng When Mrs. Gordon Miller's husband first saw the Fraser Valley he was so impressed he telegraphed these words to his wife: "We have struck the Garden of Eden and will look around." unknowingly also found their particular 'pot of gold' for the 20 acre farm he found in Sfrdis, rented in 1934 and bought in 1941, has become a subdivided little community. The move was made to British Columbia in desperation and hope after the tragic rooms.

She hopes to return some day for she has only happy memories of her sojourn there. She was taught the deaf sign language though she has forgotten many of the words. She could in an emergency converse by spelling out- each word in a sentence. When she had enough money, she left to join her father who, while recuperating, had homesteaded near Frontier, Sask. She took her teacher's training at Regina and began to teach school in Frontier before she was 20.

She also continued to keep house for her father. School term was from April 1 to Dec. 1 with no summer vacation so she missed most of the winter snows in her daily nine-mile horseback ride from her home to the school and back again. She again became an interpreter of sorts when she taught grade one students of Scandinavian extraction to speak English. She began by showing an object repeatedly to them until they could give the name in English.

"It was a slow process but most interesting for they were intelligent," she exclaimed. "A small child can conquer a new language very quickly and become bilingual." She still has reunions with her former students. She explained that in small rural schools, miles from entertainment and other schools, the teacher and pupils become quite close. Mrs. Miller taught school for five years before she married Gordon Miller when he taking the afternoon shift so he could do the chores in the morning with Mrs.

Miller looking after the cows and chickens at night. "I thought i had it made when my boys were old enough to help with the chores," she laughed. Mrs. Miller, the former Maude Mallory, was born in Belleville, Ont. Her mother died following birth of Mrs.

Miller's only sister. When her father left for the prairies after developing chest trouble the two girls were raised by their grandparents. She feels she was fortunate to have the religious upbringing she had for it has made her very tolerant of the rights of evrvone. "Grandmother," she said, "was an Irish Catholic and grandfather was a Methodist preacher." Mrs. Miller grew up in the Sudbury district where her grandparents moved when she was five years old.

She attended SeDarate School where she learned to speak French, for French was used exclusively. She was 12 before a public school was opened. Because she was bilingual she was often excused from the class room to go as an interpreter for the RCMP, priest or salesmen into a home where only English or French was spoken. Following graduation Mrs. Miller's one wish was to earn enough money to join her father.

She became supervisor for two years of the Ontario School for the Deaf and was in charge of the children during the times they were not actually in the class returned, on crutches, from France after World War One. They have two sons, Lome, living across the street on Miller Drive; Keith in Sardis; and one daughter, Mrs. John (Jean) Enns, who lives in the family home at 6064 Miller Dr. There are seven granddaughters. For many years the large family home, renovated over the years, was the mecca of many of their prairie friends who now find Mr.

and Mrs. Miller in their small home at 6028 Miller Dr. When he had a heart attack two years ago they moved into one of the duplexes he built in 1954. Her home has always been a haven for those in need of help or just a kind word. A modest person, Mrs.

Miller does not like to be praised for doing something which cornes naturally to her. "It is my natural bent to help. My life has not been spectacular but if I find I can help I do," she remarked. "If you see a man walking with a pack on his back it is only natural to help, isn't it?" Mrs. Miller is a member of Ruth Rebekah Lodge, Vedder Crossing Women's Institute and the Mizpah group of Carman United Church Women in Sardis.

But the organizations take second place in her inborn wish to make her home a haven for her family and friends alike. "We have been fortunate to have all our old friends come to visit us," Mrs. Miller said with a smile. "It is wonderful to have company. I love people." F.P.

An Important Step It is hardly necessary to make speeches about the importance of the regional mental health centre, opened in Chilliwack last week by Hon. Eric Martin, provincial minister of health. It is part of the government's program to regionalize mental health services as far as possible and, along with it, a further recognition that mental illness is a highly important health problem today. This community has had a financial role in the bulid-ing of this centre. But, since we often chide Victoria for stinginess in other directions, it is only fair to point out that the provincial government met a very large percentage of the cost.

One problem which will have to be settled is the respective roles to be played by private and public practice. If a person is in need of psychiatric help, what would be the yardstick used to decide whether he goes to the psychiatrist's private office or whether he heads for the mental health clinic? At the moment, there seems to be no clear answer to that question. But, as public medicine extends further into the field of treating illness rather than just preventing it, some definite guidelines ought to be framed. mm lish, dropped in with his wife. They were on holidays.

Their daughter an extremely brilliant student in high school, had also just completed first-year university. They hadn't yet seen her results. We had the extreme pleasure of telling them that she, like Hugh, had barely staggered through. They left, looking sick. We went to bed, the boss almost buoyant.

And she wonders why my hands shake. Capitai Uiewpoinfa eu Taken from th Files of Tho Progress Bv JAMES K. NESBITT workmen discover that heavv of Trade members he expects paving of Yale Road to start John Rodgers portrait sale of their belongings and farm at Bracken, Sask. Mrs. Miller said everyone was trying to help the other and with no money to buy.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller farmed at Bracken for 12 years but after the disastrous seven year drought and the nerve-wracking hordes of grasshoppers and gophers, the wind and sand storms, Mrs. Miller said she could take no more. She instructed her husband to take the family car and the Canadian route and drive as far west as necessary, and find her a spot where she could grow a garden.

Mrs. Miller's home and a garden are very important to her. She feels that everyone should have their own home no matter if it is a single room, an apartment or a house. It took a great deal of courage for her to give up her home in Bracken. The historic trip took place in the spring of 1934 a spring so far advanced that when Mr.

Miller arrived the end of May he found the cherries were ripe. (The following year Mrs. Miller canned large quantities and still has some jars apparently in good condition which she is saving for a 50-year-old celebration). The family moved out in the fall onto the Crankshaw farm which later became the Miller subdivision. "It was broken down from ice storms but a haven of hope," Mrs.

Miller explained. "With the kindness and encouragement of the late William Dusterhoeft, a new home was started. He was just like a daddy to us. We had a struck at first, though, you may be sure." In 1940 Mr. Miller found work with the FVMPA plant, VICTORIA Arthur Douglas Crease, Q.C.

of Victoria is the oldest native British Columbian on Canadian Centennial pioneers list, now being compiled for next year's 100th birthday celebrations. (To be a Centennial Pioneer one must have been in Canada prior to Dec. 31, 1891, and be a resident of British Columbia at the time of registration. Registrations are now being taken by the centennial committees in all parts of the province). Meat Inspection Despite setbacks, meat inspection still seems to be a live issue.

A recent meeting of the Lower Mainland Municipal Association called for the establishment of a meat inspection area from Hope to the sea, as well as passing a resolution on the denaturing of condemned meat. The subject, readers will recall, was debated at length in the Upper Fraser Valley. However, the two Chilliwack councils decided not to become part of a meat inspection area since such a move could conceivably put certain abattoirs out of business. This was not due to anything lacking in their operation, but resulted from concern over the stringent type of building standards which the federal and provincial governments apparently require. The idea of meat inspection is, of course motivated by a desire to protect the consumer public.

Few farmers have any quarrel with this. Obviously their continued success depends on retaining the good faith of the consumer. In fact many large retail outlets, sensitive to the demands of their customers, will sell only government-inspected meat. This makes it a worthwhile move for producers and consumers alike to have meat inspection in the upper Fraser Valley. In addition to providing meat inspectors, some regulation of building standards in abattoirs is obviously necessary.

But surely they need not go to the point of destroying established businesses which, over the years, have built up a sound reputation in the district. Before councils in this area are likely to approve any meat inspection program, they will probably want to assure themselves that any building regulations are sound, sensible and necessary for the protection of the public. It would thus be helpful to have their requirements precisely spelled out. The only explanation we have had so far from the provincial department of agriculture is that provincial standards would be similar to those in use federally "less some of the frills." This is a nebulous enough statement that many people are still left wondering what, exactly, it means. Arthur JULY 25, 1956 Reeve W.

T. Richardson announces that a public meeting will be held in near future to explain to the public the natural gas plans of Chilliwack township and city councils Swiss anthropologist Rene Dahinden, 26, on expedition to seek out the Sas-quatch in the Chehalis area behind Harrison Lake Lacol banks say hay loans will be available to dairymen at 5'2 per cent under provincial government's emergency aid program Aid. Bruce Gleig and Coun. Harvey Webb named to eight-man committee which will prepare arrangements for the 1958 centennial First All-Arubiun horse show ever to be held in Canada will be one of the features ot this year's fall fair Chilliwack cameraman O. H.

Borrodaile is photographing a TV film for the CBC on Kyuquot Island, off west coast of Vancouver Island. JULY 23, 1941 After a torrid week in which the thermometer reached 99, the hot weather ends with one of the most violent thunderstorms for a decade bridge route to Cultus Lake closed when holiday traffic has weakened the wooden structure of the bridge Rotary Anns, by selling gift roses donated by H. M. Eddie and Sons gardens, raise $187 for the Queen's Canadian Fund for air raid sufferers W.I. and Women's Association members can beans for the Red Cross in temperatures over 90 degrees.

JULY 23, 1931 Bright future is foretold for the Sumas tobacco crop, area of which has been extended from five acres in 1927 to 400 acres at the present time The Ayrshire show herd belonging to Reeve E. A. Wells, Edenbank Farm, Sardis, and exhibited by George Hay, carried away 23 awards at the Edmonton fair John H. Izod of Lady smith is being appointed manual training instructor at the Central School to replace the late A. G.

Jamieson Mrs. H. D. Hipwell and Dr. L.

A. Patten win the two-ball handicap contest at the Golf Club this week. JULY 28, 1921 Minister of Agriculture E. D. Barrow, visiting Chilliwack over the weekend, tells Board next summer Sept.

7 set as opening day for this year's Chilliwack fall fair and exhibition At joint meeting of producers and retailers, organized by board of trade, pleas made for organizational measures to bring an end to the importation of "millions of dollars' worth" of produce while locally-grown crops rot JULY 26, 1911 B.C. Milk Condensing Co. has opened a new plant on South Sumas Road Eighty workmen on CNR lines above Popcum forced to quit work because of mosquitoes Telephone Company has spent $12,000 improving cables and carrying out extensions in the Chijliwack area In the urban High School entrance examinations Bessie Nevile Smith of Chilliwack scores top marks in the whole province Rev. Canon J. Hinch-cliffe elected president of Chilliwack Boy Scout troop.

JULY 24, 1901 Chaired by President H. Kipp, B.C. Fruit Growers' Association meets in Vancouver and arranges for fruit growers to get together regularly with the expert packer engaged in the association. and Okanagan Valleys, the White Rock and Richmond areas are popular with the senior citizens. Here's a list of those born prior to 1880 (but not including Victoria and Vancouver) with year of birth, birthplace in brackets, and present abode: 1867 Eliza Ann Clifford (Ontario), Penticton; 1869 -Annee Phillips (Kanaka Bar), Lytton; 1870 Sarah Morrison Leckie (Ontario), Penticton; 1871 Jabez Kneller (England), Vernon; Felix Leo (Mount Currie, B.C.), Mount Currie; 1872 Cornelius Kel-leher (Washington State), Ab-botsford; William (Siska, B.C.), Lytton; James Sankster (Ontario), Hedley; Mary Elizabeth Bradshaw (England), Nelson; 1873 Thomas Henry Wilson (Ontario), Silverton; Henrietta Olive (Victoria), Lytton.

1874 Charles William McKinnon (Prince Edward Island), Chilliwack; Alice Eliza Preston (Ontario), Penticton; 1875 Mary Evangeline Cook (Ontario), Penticton-Grieve Elliot (Ontario), West-bank; Bertha Windiate Pin-chin (Ontario), Harrison (Continued on page 5) born in Victoria March 1, 1872. which maVpc him QS His father was Sir Henry Per-ing 1 1 Crease, first attorney gen eral of British Columbia, and his godfather was Sir James Douglas, founder of Victoria and father of British Columbia. There are now about 1,300 pioneers registered. Not all the old-timers prefer the rains of Vancouver and the winds of Victoria. The Fraser.