I was just editing the last post when the phone rang. The permit was in hand. I clicked on publish and hied out to the site.
Peter was already on the roof with another Peter. His parents opened the first restaurant in the Aurora Shopping Centre fifty years ago. They knew me when I was Mayor. I was pleased to meet their son , a big burly man , on the roof of the Petch House at the side of Leslie Street, which wasn't even a part of Aurora when he was a boy.
So I stayed for a while and watched. I hadn't had breakfast. The sun came out and it was getting hot.
The part I really wanted to be there for would not be reached for a couple of hours.
The post was not fully edited. The permit was in hand.
I came home, picking up a Tim Horton breakfast sandwich on the way, to finish the last post and provide an update.
I want to be there ,when they uncover the roof boards. They haven't been exposed since the day they were nailed in place. The day, the farmer's family knew they would no longer be exposed to the elements of rough living because the cabin was almost finished.The roof was going on.
It must have been a great day.
I wanted to pay my respects to the people who made this place what it has been for the rest of us to enjoy.
There were no councils ,no bureaucracies, no government to speak of.
They built it all from scratch with nothing but hope , courage, goodwill of neighbours, the sweat of their brow, common sense and integrity.
Just like they built the rough-hewn cabin that still stands, with no help from the Chief Building Official of the Town of Aurora.
I would like to offer the Petch Family Bible if the Town is interested in having it blessed when it arrives at its new location and home.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Dave. You've had that artifact for quite a while, it's very generous of you to donate it. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem with the Petch bible is that it is missing the entire old testiment and on has Revelations from the new. It also needs a new cover and the spine is broken.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem with the Petch house is that it is missing the entire justification for all the attention bestowed upon it. It also needs a new vision and the spines of some of its so-called friends are broken.
ReplyDeleteDo I sense some discord between Ms Buck and Mr Watts?
ReplyDeleteA topic that they don't agree - truly a red letter day in the lives of this strange little town.
I have seen the Bible and it is in great condition and fully intact.
ReplyDeleteGreat condition for an early 1800 item.
To Paul E.
ReplyDeleteI would agree as I recall Mr.Heard sharing it at a Cultural Center function.It looked to be in impressive shape for its age and delicate vintage.I wonder why others are spewing untruths and venom.
Desperate Carrion Birds !
ReplyDelete