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- After their wedding, Merrille and Georgina established their home in Waubaushene, where they raised 11 children, five daughters and six sons. In 1901, the young family rented a three-room house on ¼acre on Concession 10, Lot 10, in Waubaushene. TheC'est ave?e acusaole?ees18 Rivitab» «tab»y lived in this community for almost their whole lives. The large household was completely bilingual: both English and French were spokenso all of the children grew up knowing both. However, as many of themleft home to work in the predominately English-speaking workplace, they nearly all forgot their first language. Only Pamela, Alda, Orval, andBud maintained their ability to communicate in French. In 1937, the family purchased their first car, a 1935Studebaker for $700. Their youngestson Bud learned to drive in this car and often drove his parents around visiting family and friends.
Merrille spent most of his life working for the Georgian Bay Lumber Company. In winter, he cut logs in the forest. In summer, he worked in thesaw mill in town. As a young family, they endured hard times and the daily challenges of the era. Their dedication to work did eventually payoff, though. In 1933, at the age of 60, Merrille was able to purchase a farm adjoining the village of Waubaushene.He carried on a mixed farming operation until his retirement in 1948 at the age of 75. He remainedon the farm until 1955. Children of the extended family and their friends fondly remember Merrille'sfarm, where they often played. They also went to pick morels. Taking a tin can with some butter, they would go into the fields,pick the morels, and cook them right there on a little fire. Picking violets at the farm became an annual affair. Easter was also a joyous time when family visited from Toronto. This was usually maple syrup-making time. They also came to hayin the summer.
In 1956, Merrille took up residence in the Beechwood Nursing Home in Penetanguishene. Georgina had been bedridden and paralyzed since experiencing a stroke in 1942 and had been a resident of the homesince 1950. InApril 1956, a large party was heldat the nursing home for Merrille andGeorgina to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. In addition to their 11 children and 37 grandchildren, they also had 20 great-grandchildren at that time. Like his father, Merrille was a laborer who workedhard all of his life, giving up only as old age set in. Merrille and Georgina died within a couple ofmonths of each other. He on 21 January 1957in Penetanguishene and she on 11 April 1957. They were buried next to each other inSt John's Cemetery inWaubaushene.
Merrille and Georgina are remembered by their children as being very good to them and extremely understanding parents.
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1873 - 1957 (83 ans)
