KISBEY — It was a sizzling day June 18 south of Kisbey for the James and Hale farm auction. The breeze sure made it more bearable in the heat. In the morning, the clouds looked ominous, and it sent down a short shower, but it was not enough to delay the sale, nor to cool things down. It reached 30 C that day, but this did not stop people from coming out to either bid or just to socialize.
Dellan Mohrbutter and his crew from Key M Auction Services, located out of Wauchope, kept the auction moving quickly and smoothly throughout the day. The approximately 160 bidders could be seen scoping out the items they wanted and would bid till the item became theirs.
Cliff and Mavis James bought their farm in 1972, in the Arcola area. After 50 years of farming, they have called it quits. They raised their four children on this farm and had friends and family members grace their doorway, and they hope this will continue at their new place. James said, “we will miss the Arcola area, but it’s time for a new adventure.”
James and his wife packed their bags, loaded the trailer, and headed west, but only as far as Moose Jaw where they purchased a new home for them to retire.
So why did they pick Moose Jaw? They felt it was a nice size city, not too big and not too small. “It has everything a person needs,” said James. James also said, “it has a great hospital and all the services, which is important.”
They both enjoy their new home, and the neighbourhood is great. Their home overlooks a park where they can see children playing and people walking their dogs.
It is their plan to travel and just enjoy life. When they were married 50 years, their plans to travel east were cancelled due to travel restrictions, so this remains on their to-do list.
Now, Grant and Marilyn Hale will remain in the area for the time being. They purchased their farm in 1976, and 47 years later decided it was time to hang up the towel. Their farm is located by Kisbey and was situated beside his parents’ farm, which he also worked on. He began to drive tractor at the age of seven, like so many local farm boys.
Hale remains busy looking after the Kisbey museum. It will open in July and August on Thursday afternoons for those who wish to visit. He is also quite involved in his church and the Silver Thread Seniors Club in Kisbey. They gather for coffee daily. It is their hope to bring back their potluck monthly suppers soon. It is held at the Kisbey hall.
Being a collector of LP records, Hale has over 300 old country classics, but he also enjoys collecting hats and hockey cards, but feels he will need to downsize those collections if they move.
The auction brought friends together after years of not seeing each other. Brothers, sisters, and other family members also took the time to support the families.
On occasion, items went lower than thought, while others went above. The antiques went over very well, and often a bidding war would begin till one dropped out.
Overall, it was a wonderful day filled with special memories for the families.
