Village Squire, 1979-01, Page 14like the Devonshire or Cornish coastal areas of England. But she
later followed her son and daughter-in-law to Toronto and such
thoughts were left behind. After the Jacksons opened the gift
shop last spring, though. they began to think about the
possibility of operating a tearoom as a way of attracting more
people into the shop. The idea is to provide an interesting and
relaxing place for people to drop in for a cup of tea or coffee or
perhaps a light meal. From the small kitchen off the tearoom
Mrs. Jackson not only provides tea or coffe but English muffins.
crumpets. sandwiches (including Dagwood sandwiches) and
even Quiche Lorraine. The room is intimate and comfortable with
just a hint of English tradition in the rough plastered walls and
vmod. Clarice Jackson says she loves small town life. When she
announced that she was leaving Toronto to operate a tearoom in
Listowel. she says some acquaintances thought she was crazy
but she enjoys the lifestyle in a small town much more than that
of a city. she says. She's been that �•:ay even since she was a
child and her mother would take her to the city and she'd
inin cdiately ask when they could go home.
Jennifer Jackson joins in. quoting her husband saying that in a
small toy. n you can be a somebody. not in the sense of being a
Vary Important Person butin the sense of feeling you belong and
von count for something. That's why though her husband has
recently been transferred back to Toronto the Jacksons plan to
keep their home in Listowel.
Like many people in small businesses. one of the big
attractions for both women is getting a change to meet people. "I
like potpie." Clarice Jackson says. "It's nice to think they can
come in and hay five minutes peace." Jennifer Jackson says
That the nicest part of the business is meeting people and
adiusting yourself to the people: some want to be talked too and
others don't.
Reaction to the tearoom has been both encouraging and
discouraging. People v. ho have come in. Mrs. Jackson senior
says. have hecn very complimentary and that's been really
encouraging. More and more people from out of town have been
discovering the place. The disappointing part has come from the
local community where the %yomen expected more traffic. So far
people either haven't discovered the place or are not used to the
idea of a tearoom.
While the tearoom serves both coffee and tea the interesting
thing is that tea predominates by far despite the popularity of
coffer in the general population. Most people just seem to think
that it wouldn't be right to have coffee in a tearoom. One young
visitor even questioned that fact that it % as available at all.
While the Jacksons arc bringing a little bit of English tradition
to Listowel they are by no means among those from the old
country who talk as if Canada was still a colony. Mrs. Jackson Sr.
talks of the interesting places in Britian but she marvels at the
%.ondcr of Canada. "When I worked in Toronto." she says.
"People used to come to me and say they were going to England
for three weeks and ask for what to see. People should really go
for three years." she says. "so that when they come home they'll
realize %vhat a wonderful country they have."
This corner of Canada at least has been enriched by the arrival
of a tradition from another land that adds to the variety of places
to cat and relax in.
Timekeeper:
Your heart works harder
when you're not in the game.
Get fit—and turn the
clock back.
qffappyewwuv
From The Management & Staff
at
inion
Since 1894
WOOL
LEATHER
PRODUCTS
Rainton.
A Landmark In Huron County
The Original Old Mill in
BLYTH
at the Railway Tracks
Famous for Leather and Wool
Products.
Your choice is greater
the prices are lower.
See and compare.
SEE OUR GREAT SELECTION
OF NEW STYLES FOR 1979
on Lines of Discontinued Styles
WINTER HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 9-6
Friday 9-9
Saturday 9-6
Sunday 1-6
TELEPHONE 523-9666
January 1979. Village Squire 11