Eva and Jay Babineau and Kay Greenslade accompanied Cliff Greenslade to Millet, Alta., to attend Alder and Jean (née Steele)'s 65th wedding anniversary and Alder's 90th birthday. The Peden clan were all there and wanted to say hello to everyone in Maymont.
The seniors' centre had a celebration for their 40th anniversary. The afternoon was opened by singing O Canada, then Kay Greenslade, president, read the history of the last 40 years. Carol Deagnon said a few words on behalf of the Village of Maymont and Linda Arnst, the zone representative for our area. Sarah Beaudoin had a few words of wisdom to say.
Shirley McIvor won the door prize donated by Bonnie Milman. Bonnie Milman read thank you cards from those who couldn't attend. There was entertainment supplied by Mel Deagnon, Tom Caldwell, Russ Fountain, Vern Hoknes, Bert Carpentier, Carl Ross, Walt Dumont, John Reddekopp and Dave Hiebert. Thanks, guys. The music was great.
In the early 1940s, a group of men formed the Old Timers. The president was Tom Sawyer, with secretary Alfred Andrew. Members were Andrew Melrose, Frank Butterfield Sr., Joe Penden, Bill Andrews, George Holler, George Mohler, etc. The group disbanded in the spring.
A meeting was called by the Maymont Board of Trade Jan. 15, 1973, to arrange a seniors' club. Morris Van-Der-Hafgen, president of the board of trade, chaired the meeting with Harvey Johnston as secretary. With 25 seniors attending, it was moved by Ethel Neill and seconded by Min Coleman that a club be organized.
The first president was Bill McCready, the first vice Frank Clayton, second vice Jack Bates, third vice Ethel Neill, secretary Vera Gray and the treasurer was Lily Reid. Decorates were Norman Melrose, Roy Gray, Morris Van-Der-Hafgen, Marjorie Clayton and Min Coleman.
Meetings were to be held the second Monday of every month. Fees for the women were $10 and for the men $20. The village donated the empty building where the seniors' centre is to this day. President McCready got in touch with Regina and joined SSA1.
With donations, the membership at the second meeting had $4,405 in the bank. Rent for the seniors' centre was only $25.
Over the past 40 years presidents have been Bill Broom, Derby Reid, Chester Miller, Bernice Wood and Bob McKenzie. Vice-presidents all became presidents. Secretaries were Vera Cray, Merle Johnston, Anna Brehon, Mert Large and Elsie McIvor. Treasurers were Lily Reid, Ethel Neill and Gertie Sherman. A few years ago the secretary and treasurer positions were combined.
In 1976 an entertainment committee was formed, made up of Ester Tebay, Gertie Sherman, Nellie Johnston, Dorothy Crawly, Loyola Van-Der-Hafgen and Franklin Mohler. The committee did their job organizing Kaiser, crib, whist, shuffleboard, skits and so on.
A mock wedding comes to mind with Bob McKenzie dressed as a bride and Franklin Mohler as the groom. Anna Brehon was the minister and, after they said the vows, Anna said you may kiss the bride. Bob turned, put his hands up and said that's gone far enough. He walked into the back and left Franklin standing. Lots of fun was had.
For a few years the senior ladies made yearly quilts and raffled them off. The men met in the back and played cards every day except Sundays, starting sharp at 9 a.m., until 11:30 a.m. Some went home to cold beans for dinner.
We are happy Mel Deagnon has formed a men's club to play cards Wednesday and Friday mornings. Kaiser was every Thursday afternoon with the ladies but has lacked because of not enough players. For the last 16 years a wellness clinic from North Battleford comes every two months for foot care, blood pressure, etc.
Every month we try to have a potluck supper with music to follow. Mel Deagnon, Tom Caldwell, John and Pat Reddekopp and Bert Carpentier, our local musicians, are joined by guests.
Many birthdays, anniversaries, banquets and teas are celebrated in our hall.
This past 40 years we have lost 131 members to death. Their names are on a memorial plaque. Some have moved to the city or are in seniors' homes. If Mrs. Loyola Van-Der-Hagen could have been here, she is the only one alive who joined 40 years ago. She will be 100 years young in November.
Today we have 23 members with president Kay Greenslade, vice Jay Babineau and secretary-treasurer Bonnie Milman. Maintenance is Mel Deagnon, Allan Carnahan and Jay Babineau. Entertainment is Mel Deagnon, Tom Caldwell and John Reddekopp. Decorators are Judy Gallie and Carol Deagnon. Cards to be sent are handled by Mary Carpentier.
You know, we have had famous people living in Maymont such as Tom Sawyer and Roy Rogers. We still have Carol Burnette.
God bless the past members and may the future continue to grow with new members, good food and fun and music. Kay would like to see another mock wedding. This information was supplied to me by Kay. Thanks for the great job you're doing; keep up the good work.
Anyone wishing to be a vendor in our trade show in Maymont at the Maymont Memorial Hall, please call Carol at 306-389-2440. If no one is home, please leave a message. Tables will be $15 and the date will be Nov. 16.
Mark Oct. 26 on your calendar for Maymont's big event, Legends 2013. More info to follow at a later date. We will be selling advance tickets this year as it will be a great night of music.
