We have several stories or memories which we would like to share about Rose (Folwark) Flanagan:
1. Coming To Endeavour By Train
Because Aunt Rose is about 20 years older than me(Ken) , I do not recall much about her when I was younger as she likely left the Endeavour area in the early 1950s. However, I do recall staying with Gido(Grandpa) & Baba Folwark in Endeavour during summer school holidays likely in the late 1950s and walking with Gido to the train station as both Rose and Lillian were coming to Endeavour by train from Ontario. Because Gido did not have a car and likely never operated a motor vehicle in his life (except perhaps for a tractor), he took a wagon which he had and we both walked to the Endeavour train station in the evening to meet the train and bring back their luggage – in the wagon ! Obviously, they did not pack huge suitcases even if they were visiting for several weeks.
2. Building an Addition to House to Accommodate “Girls ” From Ontario
Baba and Gido had a very small house in Endeavour (i.e. the house next to the school) with one bedroom and no running water. Gido convinced my father, Frank ,and Uncle Mike Folwark to build a sleeping addition/bedroom to their house. Because Dad was quite a good carpenter, he and Uncle Mike completed the addition in several summer weekends and evenings in time so that Rose and Lil had a separate room to sleep in when they arrived via train from Ontario. Obviously, other siblings were able to enjoy these accommodations when Rose and Lil were not there and Baba ended up with cold storage / freezer space in winter when the room was not used.( photo of house and addition taken in Sept. 2020 to follow separately; the house, or what is left of it , is located on Bill German`s farm)
3. Phone Calls at Ukrainian Christmas
Ukrainian Christmas Eve is a very special time for most Ukrainian -Canadians for various reasons – special food, customs & traditions, family gathering , special Carols etc . Because Ukrainian Christmas Eve falls on January 6 in the middle of winter , it would be extremely difficult for Rose and Lil to make it back home for Christmas. So every January 6 after supper , a phone call would come in to Smith`s Store in Endeavour ( it had a pay phone booth) from Ontario and Elgin Smith would drive to Baba and Gido`s house in Endeavour to advise that Rose and Lil would be phoning back to the store in about 10-15 minutes. My Dad would then take Gido (and I went along ) back to Smith`s Store so that Gido and Dad could talk to Rose and Lil once the call came in. It was interesting seeing Gido talk on the phone for the first time as he wanted to speak into the ear piece component which was separate from the mouthpiece mounted on the wall ! Dad showed him what to do as he had a phone in the grain elevator where he worked. Please keep in mind that in the 1950s and early 1960s , very few people had phones in their homes in small town Saskatchewan and Endeavour was no different ; Smith`s Store and the Hotel were likely the only two places which had phones in Endeavour for a long time.
4. Camping Out (In The Garage)
Once Rose and Lil got married and started to fly to Saskatchewan from Ontario rather than take the 3 day train ride , the bedroom addition on the house was insufficient to house two married couples ( Rose & Don , Lil & Joe). So Gido and Baba came up with an ingenious plan to put two beds into the garage, complete with quilts, rugs on the dirt floor , wash basin outside , and , of course, the outdoor privy just around the corner! I recall going to visit them in their “luxurious” accommodations and because I was old enough , even got to enjoy a cold beer with them . They certainly gave the appearance that they were enjoying “camping out in the garage “. ( Photo of garage to be sent separately as it was moved to Bill German`s farm and is being used for storage).
5. Closing Comments
Aunt Rose, it is a real privilege to share these memories with you on your special day! You are a true Folwark and remind us so much of our mother, Anne . You two shared so many common traits – cooking , baking, love of plants and gardening, visiting and talking with family and friends; for both of you family is very important ! You and your family have always been a strong supporter of the Folwark Family Reunions. I can recall your delight at seeing the remnants of We-Own-It Hall, the Prairie Farm and Albert/Bill`s farm ( both now owned by Warren Folwark) during the tour at the 2018 Reunion.
Also , you still seem to be able to “burn the midnight oil ” and talk into the wee hours of the morning with whomever is still awake ( generally not me ! and you are able to sleep in until late morning).
Have a great birthday – you deserve it !
All of our love , Melody & Ken