The Boyle Park Media mission is stated “Remembering Our Ancestors, Preparing Our Descendants”.
We honour the history captured by our photographers—Bessie Butters, Lorna Seafoot, Lorraine Boyle, Margaret Lukey, Doug Aston – and many, many more. We also have recordings on audio tape, and video.
Most treasured are the stories such as the ones told by Mossie Boyle during her radio show in 1973.
Recently Aunt Shirley, my mom’s youngest sister, called me to relate a story. Then–after talking to Aunt Wilma, my mom’s second youngest sister– she called again to tell me the “corrected” story!
I then remembered that Aunt Shirley had the talent of telling stories in poetry. How many of her niblings and great-niblings remember her creating a poem to present at their weddings?
I have recently developed an interest in literature, including the epic poems of Homer and John Milton. I would suggest that Aunt Shirley has perfected the micro-mini-epic style of poetry. So here it is:
A Girlhood Dream
by Shirley Aston, 2025
Three girls of fourteen had this little scheme.
Their parents thought it was just a dream!
To Weyburn on bikes, nine miles to ride.
They’d stay with each other, side by side.
The year was 1945 , not like the world of 2025!
No worry of pranksters, gangsters, or speeders.
Besides, it was only Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred and Eighty-five metres.
One sunny day they packed a lunch and departed.
They pedalled full out and wished they hadn’t started.
A stop for lunch as they came nearer to town.
All three of them agreed they would rather lay down.
They all struggled that last few miles.
There were grunts and groans, definitely no smiles.
A rest overnight at the minister’s house.
These three, quieter than a mouse.
Next day the dreaded long ride home.
One little fact was then unknown.
Our Dad “Harry” with Cousin Roy at his side.
Would happen along to give them a ride.
Problem – Three bikes, only one guy to ride.
The answer – hold the bikes on the side.
The driver, three girls in the car to the task.
Of course, they did it, need you ask?
Can you imagine this picture today?
An old ’29 Chevy with two bikes on display.
The speed was 40 clicks.
The driver one handed, using the stick.
That the Chevy had “running boards,” a real perk.
Without those it might not have worked.
Three weary girls returned to their homes.
To school, and the farm, not soon to again roam.
Now to bring this tale to an end.
I dedicate it to “Wilma” my sister and friend!
About the Author
Aunt Shirley lives in Lloydminster. She is the widow of Doug Aston, who was a well-known Lloydminster pharmacist. It is probably not in good taste to mention Aunt Shirley’s age, so I’ll just note that she is 11 years younger than my mom and 12 years older than me. Yes, we do have a bit of a sister-aunt & nephew-brother kind of relationship.
