The Rural Voice, 1996-08, Page 30The railway has played an important part in St. Marys.
The railway trestle is an impressive landmark.
Scenic, solid, full of history,
St. Marys, for its residents is
STONEHEAVEN
By Edythe Mugford
write you a picture - fill your
JwiII
ears with music, your eyes with
beauty, and your heart with love.
I want you to fall in love with my
town - St. Marys, Ontario.
Known as Stonetown, St. Marys is
solidly built in a valley beside the
cool, silver lace-like falls. They
tumble gently, bringing beauty to
each season. The Thames River and
Trout Creek, flowing under the stone
arched bridges, meet, and dance
together a while before cascading
over the falls.
The stately white swans, the timid
wild ducks in their fluorescent attire,
and the Canada geese, floating like
decoys, know the safety distance of
the falls. A summer -time joy is
skimming down the river in a rubber
dinghy, enjoying the sights and
sounds, to end at the falls, being
caressed by the refreshing tumbling
waters.
There is delight when the
handsomely built stone opera house
comes into view. Thoughts fall back
26 THE RURAL VOICE
to those glamorous evenings of live
music and colourful performances.
Listen! Is that music? Yes, the music
of the spheres. It coaxes a pleasant
few minutes' drive through the lush
countryside to attend the Shakespeare
Festival in nearby Stratford.
From the river can be see the
steeples of the old stone churches,
rising towards the heavens, built
amongst the grand aged stone and
brick homes, with the odd modern
home mingled in. Listen now - for
there are the bells of St. Marys,
chiming out the time of day, from the
picturesque stone town hall and the
churches.
At the other side of town is the
Quarry, welcoming swimmers to its
crystal clear, and so refreshing,
waters. The tennis court beckons
players to come across the street to
play, or a baseball game may be on at
Teddy's Field. The ever -active arena
is not too far away either. A walk
along Trout Creek is enchanting any
season, but especially in springtime:
the air wispy with the scent of wild
roses and wild iris, birds singing
amongst perfumed blossoms, and the
elegant Queen Anne's lace waving
royally as you pass.
Look to the east, and rising above
the creek is the stone railway trestle,
connecting the outside world with
this paradise.
Just to stroll past the well -cared -
for yards and flower gardens, to shop
at the Victorian shops is so
pleasurable. Wander along the hilly
streets to discover the Friendship
Centre, a haven for senior citizens
who arrive with a devoted volunteer
driver, together for food, fun and
laughter. The same drivers give of
their time to deliver meals on wheels
to those confined to their homes.
of far away is the James
N
Purdue Centre, with kindly
young people tenderly
assisting citizens in wheelchairs,
walking with them for a coffee
perhaps or the mobility bus will
appear to anyone who calls.
Close by is the impressive
Kingsway Lodge, where senior
citizens live in a loving, caring
fashion. Amidst this are the stone
library and fine schools teaching the
young.
An early Saturday morning walk
to the open air Farmers' Market is so
refreshing. Folks mingle amidst fresh
fruits and vegetables, fresh baked
goods, sometimes topped up through
the festive addition of live music.
Perched on a tree -covered hill is
the Historical Museum, welcoming