Village Squire, 1978-07, Page 18window looks out on the pack yard where her father built a
beautiful rockery and ponds.
While in many towns the buildings that now line main streets
are second or third generation due to either aging or the
tremendous fires that constantly endangered early communities,
the Grand Central is the original building on the site. In the
basement, Valerie says, you can see the seven -foot thick stone
foundations.
Although Valerie Marshall's family goes back to the earliest
days of St. Marys, it's really much older than that. Her family
made its way to Canada up through Massachusetts, New
Hampshire and Quebec. She has traced herfamily tree back to
1403 in England.
A guest book sits on the counter at Marshall's. It 's been a
tradition in the store and Valerie says she doesn't have any idea
how many such books have been filled up. Some of the visitors
have come from such exotic places as Japan, Holland, the West
Indies, Denmark, South Africa, Australia and nearly all the U.S.
states.
One of the things she likes about running the shop is the
pleasure one gets meeting people of all sorts from all over the
world.
There's never a dull moment running three businesses she
says. When things are slack in one thing it seems to be the peak
season in another. There are always orders to be made, details to
be looked after.
The combination of old and new amidst a feeling of tradition
makes it an interesting place to work in and an interesting place
to visit.
0
The Gardener
The gardener who works amidst his shrubs and flowers
Has fond memories of many pleasant and fruitful hours.
He will often sit and meditate beneath the shade of the trees
And watch the humming birds, butterflies and bees.
His thoughts will often travel down the road of time
When gardening was man's most fruitful line.
For God gave Adam a strict but simple command
To dress and beautify, this, His fair land.
Man was to cultivate and dress the garden under His direction
And man would receive praise, love and protection.
So whether it be grass, vegetables, shrubs, flowers or trees,
There is a special place for all of these.
Now consider the lily of the field, it does not toil or even spin,
Yet man with all his knowledge can not compete with the beauty
that's within.
So if you need companionship, love or a few relaxing hours
Then go to the humble gardener and walk with him amidst all his
flowers.
Percy Barker
Goderich, Ontario.
PG. 16. VILLAGE SQUIRE/JULY 1978.
Cool. easy...totally relax-
ed. Casual little skirts and
sporty little tops.
Summer's softness and
style all for you at
\IF'RRY RAGS.
4 Miles South of Grand
Bend Traffic Lights, on
Hwy 21.
Open 7 days a week 10-6
p.m.
Thurs. & Friday until 9
p.m.