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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1980-12-11, Page 9• When Robert Oevenlock returned to Harpurhey in 1852, following his adventures in Mexico, Panama; and the' aIWornit gOla fields, lie Wrote later What a rOlieflt '7rwaS to Knemi thg• I was in a civilized country 'again where. life and FilVerty were safe."' „ ' YT1O fact of frontierlife which GoVerileck had wiyiessed again and again on his travels was the violence and lavviessnesS- life was :cheap 'so cheap that. often Men WoUld.,helo led Over .truner disagreements and qiinipals ratild be tried, sentenced and hanged in less than an hour, qeNterfloeit witnesses men hanged from the limb of;.a. tree, and executed, in very sloppy fashion, by a Mexican firing squad.f rontierjustiee,,particularly in Mexico; was a tough' business at best - at one point, Goventocic% Who, had mastered Spanish in his travels, Was offered a fob with the Mexican rangers - $200 a month pay and $50 for every Indian scalp brought in. He decided to turn down the qfver "as I did not relish the thought of scalping anVene; Mexico in 1850 was an exotic land to a settler from upper. Canada - exotic and dangerous. After crossing the, Rio , Grande, the men .found themselves crossing the. desert. The sand -was up to their ankles, "Tlie sup rose wit a burning heat" and the men plodded on, without a tree or shrill?, for shade and with a rapidly dwindling supply of water. Soon, "we had no inclination to. eat, just:wanted water." Govenlock IcePt a lead ,hall in his mouth to encourage a bit of moisture to form in his parched' meuth. Eventnally, when it seemed the wagon train teamsters and horses Would perish, the animals "raised their heads and began to neigh. They smelled the water in the air before we were within two miles of it. ''1 men and animals both drank their fill and then 'collapsed in exhaustin, qleeping the rest of the day. One of the villages the men happened upon in their 800 mile trek to the city of Durango was a village of about 500 people, built in a square with the houses forming a:wall all around. For safety, the doors and windowS were atl inside the town. The 'houses were built of clay, and there were old, rusty cannons on top of the town walls, appatently a scare tactic to keep any roving band of Indians :away. STRANGERS - KEEP OUT! Goverdock and his companions discovered - there was only one entrance to the town, a huge gate whIch• was hauled up and dropped down at night to keep strangers out. Inside the walls was the village's prize possession - a well,- rumoured -to- be -deep-. - When the men approached the Mexican village, again desperately in need'of water,The natives lowered the gate. Govenlock was sure a favourite pet dog that travelled with him was about to collapse from thirst. so the men . a erenaipuy by Alice Gibb threatened to storm the gate. Thelt treats weren't stieeeSklu” but , another bargain 'unit was. ,The villagers agreed to raise the gate for apriced the men staye in the villlage for two clays, resting up for the next Jeg,of their journey to the Mexican coast. The village, Goveplock diseeVered, existed at a primitive. level. It was'owned by one wealthy man, and the villagers" , were Mostly herders. They managed to live for about five cents a day and Govenleek' guessed it didn't cost them more than $1 a year to put clothes on their-bi do it," Whiie Govenloett's adventures may buve,been stuff of which' ,Hellywood Movies are made d indeed soineope did consider filming his tale t p glamour and excitement comes lunch easier to those o us reading the story, rather than actually living througl it. ' After a voyage of 10 days On board tramp. steamer, wieleart eptrhoevf940d-binedibleowl s .o of seandbiscuitsthecaptain aQ and 5131id unpopular.erepods liealt rp • fled, for his life whetrthey.reaehed the first Orr, the adventures landed at California. California, here 1 conic: had been their rallying erv for over a year. The'nline, where gold nuggets Were supposedly there for the, picking, were in Nevada (I'm not certain if that is the State, or the name of a California town). GoVenlock. now only a few days from his destination, fell 'ill with malaria, picked up in Mexico, and no longer able to walk, was left behind by his friends. "My heart was in my mouth when they all left the, sick and withour a dollar," he wrote years later. But all wasn't lost." 00Venlock still had a splendid Spanish saddle he'd hoped -to, britig-back-ro McKiltop as a souvenir of his travels. When two men, in a wagon, happened along on route to a town near Nevada, Goverilock made a deal - his saddle fora ride. Ironically, he reached his destination -ahead of the friends who'd had to leave him behind. - The men first worked in the Nevada mines for $6 per day to build up their savings, and then headed out'to do what they'd planned all along. GOLD! "I worked some time with a Yankee. who had several claims. He wanted me to go into partnership with hitn. but I did not think they were paying very well, so I did not do it. I was earning ten dollars a day at this time. Finally, Joe Wentworth and I bought a mule and started out on a prospecting tour. We spent nearly three •months prospecting, but did not strike anything we thought would pay. We found plenty of gold, but no way of getting water to wash It out. We went back ,to Grass valley, where Wentworth had some old claims on Gold Run, leading out of Grass Valley. These were cnnsidered the richest diggings in California." Next week: Govenlock finds gold, but decides Canada calls - the final chapter in the story. While the villagers weren't slaves y vre trapped'rt a feudarsystern reminiscent of early England. If a Man got into another's debt to the amount of 512. lie could be bound over as his creditor's servant Until the debt vvas paid. His family would he bound over at the same time, , ith_wages of....abruit 24 tents per day, the Picistence___ was hand-to-mouth. Since the peasants were uneducated. Govenlock discovered they never knew when they ifere out of debt, so they continued in the same indentured state for years and years. Mexico, concluded Govenlock, was a strange .country which couldn't quite be judged by Huron :County staeudards. When they entered the country, "at the first town we reached, we were asked for passports." The men had neglected to obtain the papers "however, as we knew, the official could not read a word, we :;handed ,him an old letter instead, which he looked at very seriously tor a while and then handed it back with a nod, :I could hardly keep my face straight, as the paper had no bearing ., on passports vvhatever," "Anyone travelling through Mexico, as we did, could endorse every word that Solomon says about there being nothing new under the sun. The ,people here seemed ,to. live as we read of in the Old Testarhent. They wore 'sandals on their feet. Every morning the women grind the, corn in a stone slightly raised at one end and hollowed out in the centre." The corn was made into bread and "is all the poorer classes ever get to eat." MAZETLAND AT LAST The men eventually reached their, goal - the Pacific " -Goasteseaport ef-Mazellaifd, Where they hoped to catch a steamer to California. Govenlock doesn't mince words about the end of the trip - "oh, how glad I felt when our hard journey was over. 1 felt that. if I was offered all of Canada to turn and go back over the same road. I could not and The Senior Choir of First Presbyterian Church held their 'choir party at the horfte of the President, Charlotte Duke and Rev. T.A. A. Duke on Sunday evening, December 7th, when choir members and their families had a very enjoyable potluck supper. The children played games etc. Christmas carols were sung by everyone with Carol Carter at the organ. Vistors with May and Wesley Roe on Saturday were Mary Lou and Allan Justason and Sandra also Lois and Bill Orr,Rickie and Steve. Dr. Stephen Brady has been informcd he has successfully passed his certification examinations in Plastic Surgery. He intends to establish his practice in Brampton Ontario early this month. - The ,winner of the draw held by Scott's Flowers was Mrs. John J. Maloney, Seaforth. Her lucky ticket was drawn by Sandra Menhecre. • . • New Year's Eve DANCE Dec. 31st SPONSORED BY SEAFORTH BEAVER OLDTUVIERS Dancing 9 till? (Disc Jockey) Smorgasbord meal by Mrs. V. Miller AT SEAFORTH COMMUNiTY CENTRE $20.00 per couple TICKETS AVAILABLE: Jack IVIcilwain Ron Driscoll. Bob Beuttenmiller 4' New Year's Eve t. PARTY PINERIDGE CHALET R.R.#2, Hensall DANCE TO: Joe Overholt & the -Standbys '912 a.m. Hats, horns & favours "All you can eat" smorgasbord, baked rainbow trout, ham, turkey and Salads. $25.00 couple TICKETS AT CHALET OR CALL 236-4610, 262-2277 People Egmondville Mr. and Mrs. Charles Geddes, Egmondville visited with Mr. and Mrs. James Cameron as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Dungey, all of Sarnia. Christmas 'TREES GORDON NOBEL 83 Jarvis St., • Seaforth 527-0840 USE. EXPOSITOR WANT - ADS Phone 527-0240 LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GODENICH SERIES 1,'ritsiints A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT G.D.C.I. Saturday, December 20th soire.m. featuring the "Starscape Singers" Substriptioris I coritarts Adult `111.1141 • family 22441 AT CAMPBELL'S Of GODiRICH 1. CLINTON NEWS RECORD INDIVIDUAL ADMISSION ADULT '6.5:4 STUDENT 'LH A ROTARY PROJECT -SUPPORTED BY THE WILY FORMAT/OR i. THANK YOU On behalf _of the Seaforth Lions anb we wish to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the successful Santa Claus parade on Saturday. We think particularly of the bands and those other oronizations that co-operated so enthusiastically with, the committee and the many people who prepared and entered floats and took part in other ways to ensure the success of the event. IRWIN JOHNSTON Chairman Parade Committee WM. P. McLAUGHLIN President Seaforth-Lions Club AFTERNOON SOCIAL with famous clairvoyant. VERA 1VIeNICHOL Saturday, Dec. 13th Vanasira Recreation Centre 2-4 p.m. Tickets available at • door S2.00 Males and Females 16 yrs. and over welcome Proceeds to Brownies, Guides andPathanders Sponsored by Vanastra and District Lioness THE HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMBER 11, 1980 ' • What's, happening . is a weekly column, space' donated by The Huron Expositor, To list your event, call the Recreation Office at 527,0852, • ° DATE EVENT Thiire, Dec 11 Men's Broornbell Fri, Dec. 12 Clinton vs Jr. Ringette :14 FrL Dec, 12 'Huron Park vs Midgets Story Hour'' Public Skating Blyth vs Atoms . Wingljam ,Nm Pee Wees Lunen Vs Ce;itenaires ' . VVinghom vs Bantams Mitchell vs Midgets Mom's & Tots skating Listowel vs Jr. • Ringette Listowel vs Jr. R i n gette Women's Broomball Sat. Dec. 13' , Set. Dec, 13 • ,.Sat. -Pec. 13 . 'Sal. Dec. 13 Sun. Dec, 14 Sun. Dec, 14 Tues. Dec, 16 Tues. Dec, 16 Wed .1, Dec. 17 , - VVed. Dec. 17 • Wed. Dec. 17 Wed. Dec. 17 . PLACE ' Arena Aron? Arena ' Library Arena Arena Arena Arena Arena Arena Arena Arena • Time " 7;15 p.m. 8 Pall - 9 p.m. 1:30-2:30 P,M, 1 :30-3 p;m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 2 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 6:45 p.m. S:3Q p.m. 1-3 p.m. Arena Arena Arena • 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 8:15 p.m. Sua band entertains Huronview residents were entertained with a selection of Christmas mesic by mem- bers of the Seaforth-Dash- wood Community Band re- cently. Nelson Howe of Staffa area accompanied step dancing by Shannon, and this was fol- lowed by accordion select- ions by Mary Verlinde of Hensall. The Clinton Clinkers. NI - der the direction of Lila Seaforth Royal Canadian Legion • Branch 156 New Year's Eve DANCE Dec. ,31 Social 7-8 Buffet Dinner 6-9 Dancing to Solld Ivory 9 - 1 a.m. 510.00 per person TICKETS AVAILABLE: Jack Muir, Gary Betties, Jack Eisler, Gary Osborne,' Don Jefferson. Queens Hotel Seaforth • We specialize in home -cooked meals • DAILY LUNCHEON SPECIALS SERVED FROM HOT BUFFET WEEKEND SPECIALS: SPARE RIBS CHICKEN WITH FRIED RICE ENGLISH STYLE FISH & CHIPS HOT BUFFET IN DINING LOUNGE FRI. & SAT. EVENINGS 5 - 8 P•m• $-$ It I 1 It $01444 t 111111.11110711.1114 Storey. entertained . with group. stepdancing. to the accompaniment of Nelson Howeson the fiddle. Vic Fox of Walton then an two solos. How Great 'thou Art and. A White Christmas. with Mrs. Hend- erson on piano. The audience was led iii a rousing singsong by Harvey •H�ffa,i with - the Seaforth- Dashwood-band accompany- ing the singing. The band concluded the concert with Silent Night and their regi- mental march. Old Comrad- es. The afternoon ended with a social hour in the Huron - view lounge. The community band re- cently played in the St. Mary's Santa Claus parade and in the Seaforth parade on Saturday. Next Saturday they travel to Exeter for their Santa Claus parade, which concludes their busy 1981 season. Seaforth Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 156 Christmas r. DANCE Friday, Dec. 26 MUSIC BY IAN WILBEE Dancing 9 P.M. TO 1 A.M. S4.00 per person • • 41101;44111.4" `goner Ver,geet......laTarp.44111r FINANCIAL‘ MANAGEMENT (To help you make the most from your forming dollars) Centralia College of Agricultural Technology and area OMAF personnel in co-opwation %grids Canada Employment and Immigration Commission offer this CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY in two locations WHEN: February 3-26 (Tuesdays9:00 a..ro 400 p.m ond Thursdays 1 00 p m - .4,00 p.m) WHERE: legion Hall, Wingham WHEN: February 4-27(Wednesdays 900 a.m. and Fridays 100 p m 4.00 p.m) WHERE: Centralia College, Huron Park FOR MORE 1NFORAMTION CONTACT: 0.M.A.F. Hut -on, Clinton, Ontario (519) 48244211 0.M.A.F. Bruce, Walkerton, Ontario (519) 881-901 Continuing Education, Centralia College of Agricultural Technology Huron Park, Ontario (519) 228-669,1 400 p m. CD Ontarro Ministry of ligricutrirri and Food Seaforth 527-0180 To thank you for your patronage With every pizza (While quantities last) an old fashioned 16 oz. Coke Glass Eat in or Take out HOURS pPEN Sun. - Thurs. 11 A.M. - 12 Midnight Fri. - Sat. 11 A.M. -AM - Gift Certificates available for Christmas giving / Help with that Christmas gift search Looking for a gift Ma! comes once a month and fells your friends what they need to know about the arts in Western Ontaribl Vilfage Squire magazine covers the music and theatre scene along with features on interesting new stores and craftspeople Pn the area Some- times there's fiction and histor;i And every month thefe's a restaurant review, a day trip, dining out and coming attraction listings Or maybe you know a retired farmer or someone who's recently moved Into the rural area who'd like to keep up with the'people 111 farming in Western Ontario Give. them Rural Voice for Christmas It's a monthly magazine for the whole farm family Each magazine is only S5 a year and they're available here in Seaforth at The Huron Expositor We'll send a gift card in your name Perhaps you need some small gifts, stocking stutters or a little something to take to your Christmas season hostesses. There are still some Huron Expositor Christmas Cook- books left, at 51 each if you'd like we'll mail them anywhere for another 50 cents. Stop at The Huron Expositoryoulkget sornething for everyone on rur Chirlsrlas 15 11.111 41 "algid siesiit•sn r.tos•tkras I -a 1 -11;1100rbit tilts sir A •