MINE

My son Henry has very recently internalized the concept of "mine", and he often walks around the house holding a favourite toy saying "mine, miiine" over and over again.  This is, of course a normal part of toddler development, and an opportunity to teach about mine, yours and sharing, but it also reminds me of the way I feel about Swords.

 

 

 

I woke up the other morning with a desire to visit "my" Swords.  Now, I know there are many people in the area and beyond that can lay more claim to it than I, but I still feel a strong connection.  I feel drawn to the place, and when I see footprints or evidence of other people at the site, I think "no! Mine!".  Just like Henry and his toys.

 

 

 

This time last year my interest in Swords was just beginning to spark.  With the snow melting, my desire to be up there has returned. My goal this year is to find out more about the personal stories of Swords.  When I look up at he windows in the old store, I can feel the lives that have gone before.  There is a strong presence  there.

 

 

 

Our neighbour has many things to share with me, and we spoke at Christmas about getting together sometime to chat.  I think I'll have to pay a visit soon.

The Third House, and a sad story...

Find all of my posts on Swords in one place - The Swords Project


In a previous Swords post, I wondered what had become of the third company house build by the railroad.  I think I have my answer.

I have a picture of the general store in which a roof is clearly visible, but seems too close to be that of the house that is beside the store now.  I just finished reading this:

"In 1944, Frank Helmkay and his children, Isabel, Bernadette, Donna and Edward were living in the "company" house adjacent to the store when it burned at Christmas time."

This story becomes doubly sad when you consider that poor Frank's wife had just died that summer after the birth of a baby.  She had also finished her Christmas shopping before she died, and the family lost everything when the house burned. 

So, maybe that solves the mystery of the third house.  It seemed strange to me that the other two and the store have survived, but nothing remained of the third house.  I had always assumed that it was located farther south, rather than directly beside the store.

If my assumption is correct, the house would have stood on the far right of this photo.

When I think about where I live, it's rather isolated. Quiet, little traffic. I can't imagine the bustling centre it used to be, not all that long ago.  Again, I'm reminded of the hopes and dreams, sadness and joy that has gone before me.  Lives beginning and ending in Swords, and increasingly fewer people left to tell the story. 





Source of information -
Christie Historical Committee, Meanderings and Memories, 1894 - 1995, Christie Township