Place Settings: Collected Works Celebrating the County of Brant

How wonderful to hear the story in Lynn's voice and to also hear that the tale was a true account. Lynn and I are cousins so the characters are "real" to me. Thanks so much - enjoyed it.

We're so glad you enjoyed it--thanks for sharing! -- Christine MacArthur, Digital Initiatives Librarian, County of Brant Public Library

Thanks to Joyce Deagle/Osinga and the Middleport Heritage Society this 4 year old story has been shared with many dozens more I would imagine.

Tom Howden I knew well. He and his wife Evelyn farmed their heritage dairy and mixed farm along with their son Graham. The Atkinson’s had the farm to the east of the Howden farm at the cross roads of Brant #22 and Baptist Church Road. Before the automobile there was a small village called Conboyville at that intersection).

The Howden farm was sold to Bernie Faloney ( a famous Hamilton Tiger Cat) and Jack Gisborn (a well known equestrian champion). The partners operated the farm as an equestrian centre. It still is an equestrian centre but has changed ownership several times in recent years.

Tom Howden was a solid well respected man. Those of us who had the privilege to have known him (even if only a child in my case) can hear his voice and feel his influence empowering the other three in the foursome to build up the courage to make the long skate in the Moon light from the mouth of Big Creek to Caledonia and back. Tom was likely 19 or 20 years old at the time in 1935.

Thanks so much for the additional information, Wayne. It was wonderful to see this recording recently shared by the Middleport Heritage Society!

Gary Jermy

Coordinator, Outreach and Community Impact

County of Brant Public Library