MY FAMILY

by Harold Burch

My twin sister Violet and I were born in Prince Township in 1923. I had three brothers. The oldest is Jim, who is now in Tender Care Nursing Home on Great Northern Road. There were also Herb and Ted, who were born between Jim and us. Herb and Ted are now deceased. Our farm was next door to the School House, where Jim's house now stands.

I can remember when my older brothers, Herb and Jim, used to have parties at our house. I think Jim used to be the one who organized them. One time Jim decided to have a party, and he needed music for dancing. He talked my father into playing the mouth organ, and it seemed to work out all right and they had a good time. My sister and I were too young to join in the fun.

One time in winter, I remember them having a toboggan party at our house. We had a toboggan and I think someone else brought theirs. There was a good hill for sliding behind our house.

Some of the people who used to come to the parties were Ernie Evans, Stan Evans, Elsie Hill, Helen Hill, and others.

Later on, I can remember my brother Herb having a violin and a guitar. He used to take me along to Harley Sharp's and Harley used to teach him how to play the violin. He used to play his violin at parties, and my brother Jim would call for a square dance. My brother Herb used to play the guitar as well and had a good voice. Another person who used to play the guitar and sing was Oliver Reid. He used to sing Wilf Carter songs, and even yodel. Later on, we did get a gramophone and we used to get records of Wilf Carter, and others.