Words to live by

Jessie (Fraser) Lovell (1874-1955) was the second child born to Douglas and Catherine Fraser. She moved west to Pilot Mound, Manitoba with the family in 1906, but moved back to Wroxeter, Ontario in 1921, when she married Joe Lovell. Upon his death in 1941, she spent time in both provinces and finally settled in Pilot Mound in 1952. As with several of the Frasers, she was a dedicated teacher.

Jessie left behind a collection of short verses clipped from different newspapers. The themes of optimism, friendship, generosity, and love of family are testament to this wise and kind soul.

A few selected clippings from her collection are copied below.

------------------------------

My Daily Creed

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little braver
When temptations bid me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be.
Let me be a little meeker
With my brother that is weaker.
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

-- Selected
------------------------------

It is what is left of a man after he has failed that counts. The residue is the measure of the real man. Just as the pure gold, which is left in the crucible, after the dross has been burned out in the host blast, is the real stuff.

-- Orison Swett Marden
------------------------------

Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test--
Time and change--are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow grey,
Friendships never know decay!
------------------------------

Thankful

Naught to be thankful for, did you say
As you sat by the old garage today.
The crops are poor and the cattle thin
And the spuds are not what they might have been,
And there isn't much you can sell this year,
You're going to be very hard up you fear.

Well, what if you are--why man alive--
If you have to struggle and scrimp and strive,
And pinch a dollar until it hurts,
For winter woolens and shoes and shirts.
We've all been over the trail before,
And poverty's often knocked at our door.

It won't hurt you a bit, old man you know,
If you have to put the gears in low.
When the crops were good and the prices high,
Say, didn't we soar and spend and fly!
The sky was the limit, we took the air
And blew our crops like a millionaire.

But there's always a time when we have to pay,
And the bills pile up for a rainy day,
And you start to think where you might have stood,
If you'd kept your head when the crops were good.
But care cost money, and trips, O say!
The dough has a habit of melting away.

And what crops we had in our countryside,
When the wheat threshed out like a golden tide.
And the god of harvests with lavish hand,
Scattered his riches across the land.
When the wheat poured out on the granary floor,
And there wasn't room for a bushel more.

But let's forget what we might have done,
There'll be more harvests and rain and sun.
And let's be decent and take the blame,
And be sports enough to play the game.
And let's come down to earth and say,
And get a grip on the things that pay!

-- Edna Jacques
(The Pilot Mound Sentinel, Thurs., Feb. 26, 1931)
------------------------------

Tunnels

Deepest nights, like longest tunnels,
Lead at length to day;
Interludes of dark enhancing
Light's returning ray.

Do life's troubles seem as tunnels--
Corridors to dread--
Not a ling'ring gleam of brightness;
Not a star o'erhead?

Undismayed, and forward pressing,
Gloom about us cast
Soon will yield to skies the fairer
For the dimness past.

Shall we then in fearsome shadows
Longer pine and grope,--
Sunlit avenues inviting,
Glad with cheer and hope?

There, emerged from gloomy boding,
Clear as day from night,
Faith o'er fear exults victorious:
After darkness, Light.

-- Cinda E. Williams
------------------------------

Build for yourself a strong-box,
Fashion each part with care,
Fit it with hasp and padlock,
Put all your troubles there,
Hide therein all your failures
As each bitter cup you quaff,
Lock all your heartaches within in,
Then sit on the lid and laugh.

-- Carlotta
------------------------------

Friendship

I'm richer far than Croesus, that wealthy kind of old;
I envy not the Midas whose touch turned things to gold;
I count not my possessions in money or in land,
In navies, planes or armies that move at my command.

My wealth is much more real than any of these things;
Its quality is constant and full enjoyment brings.
I never have to worry for fear it will not stay,
When other kinds of riches take wings and fly away.

This wealth consists of friendships--the greatest gift on earth;
And, as for other treasures, none can compare for worth.
They are my greatest assets, these friendships true and tried,
That stand life's strain and turmoil, the storms of time and tide.

That man is poor and wretched who is not blessed with friends--
The only sort of riches on which real joy depends;
Through poverty and sickness, through sorrow, loss and pain,
The real friend never changes, from year to year the same.

-- H. W. Barker
------------------------------

If you have work to do,
Do it now.
To-day the skies are clear and blue,
To-morrow clouds may come in view,
Yesterday is now for you;
Do it now.

If you have a song to sing,
Sing it now.
Let the tones of gladness ring
Clear as song of bird in spring.
Let every day some music bring;
Sing it now.

If you have kind words to say,
Say them now.
To-morrow may not come your way,
Do a kindness while you may;
Loved ones will not always stay;
Say them now.

If you have a smile to show,
Show it now.
Make hearty happy, roses grow,
Let the friends around you know
The love you have before they go;
Show it now.

-- Charles R. Skinner
------------------------------

The Optimist

I sing a song to the optimist,
To the man that is brave and strong,
Who keeps his head when things go right,
And smiles when things go wrong.

I am proud of the genial optimist,
His radiant voice and speech,
He helps to smooth the rugged path
Of all within his reach.

I like the way of the optimist,
Who looks for the bright and best;
He scatters the sunshine as he goes,
And leaves his fellows blest.

I am glad to meet the optimist,
With the message of good cheer,
He carries hope and confidence
To those assailed by fear.

So here's a song to the optimist,
Who joyously works and sings,
And daily shows this weary world
The way to better things.

-- Grenville Klesier
------------------------------

An Interesting Alphabet
for the New Year

Attend carefully to details.
Be prompt in all things.
Consider well, then decide positively.
Dare to do right, fear to do wrong.
Endure trials patiently.
Fight life's battles bravely.
Go not into the society of the vicious.
Hold integrity sacred.
Injure not another's reputation.
Join hands only with the virtuous.
Keep your mind free from evil thoughts.
Lie not for any consideration.
Make few special acquaintances.
Never try to appear what you are not.
Observe good manners.
Pay your debts promptly.
Question not the veracity of a friend.
Respect the counsel of your parents.
Sacrifice money rather than principle.
Touch not, taste not, handle not, intoxicating drinks.
Use your leisure for improvement.
Venture not upon the threshold of wrong.
Watch carefully over your passions.
Extend to everyone a kindly greeting.
Yield not to discouragement.
Zealously labor for the rights and success is certain.
------------------------------

Politically incorrect

We have always been a little disturbed over two photos in the Fraser archives of a very young Pete Fraser and a friend in full minstrel costume. It appeared to be some sort of college performance, and we excused the photos as naive entertainment of the day.

  

College student Pete Fraser, at left, with a fellow performer.

Indeed, it was 110 years ago today that the The Meaford Mirror of Friday, February 21, 1902 published the following account:

A BUMPER HOUSE
Band Boys Put Up An Excellent Minstrel Show.

The citizens of Meaford showed their appreciation of the town band by turning out in large numbers to the entertainment in the Town Hall Tuesday evening. The announcement that the band boys would appear before the foot-lights as a combination of colored minstrels sufficed to fill the hall to overflowing with an intelligent and appreciative audience. At noon hour the band had a parade with the object of giving our citizens a foretaste of the great treat that awaited them at the Town Hall in the evening. Mr. F. Muxlow went to considerable trouble to prepare banners for the procession. On these were inscribed, in large letters, the attractions in which the erstwhile descendants of Bro. Gardner were to make their debut. As an advertising scheme the idea was a capital one, and the rest of the brethren were so well satisfied with it that they voluntarily agreed to give Fred the first watermelon that grew in their patch.

But we are forgetting the entertainment. As already intimated, the hall was packed to the doors and many were compelled to stand the whole evening. The seats were all reserved with the exception of two or three, and people were wondering how these escaped the higher assessment. It was estimated that from forty to fifty persons were unable to gain admittance. At any rate the committee found it necessary to quit selling tickets about 7.30 o'clock.

That the band boys put up a good programme no one will deny. As minstrels they were a decided success. The overture by the full company would have done credit to any first-class minstrel troupe, while the spectacular effects were all that could be desired. Messrs. Stewart, Corley, Clarke and Spike as end men kept the audience in convulsive laughter with their jokes and conundrums. Bert Stewart had Sambo down fine, even to the dialect, and could very easily have robbed a melon patch or a chicken coop without revealing his identity. Mr. C. T. Sutherland proved a good prompter, giving the colored chaps lots of nuts to crack between the choruses.

Talk about singing. Why, some of the solos were as sweet as a midsummer night's dream. There were people in Meaford who had the idea that our young men were unable to strike a single note in the musical scale. The entertainment on Tuesday evening, however, removed this impression, and henceforth let no one say that Meaford is deficient in male vocal talent. Mr. Walter Smith sang a solo with good expression and clear enunciation. It was this young man's first appearance before a Meaford audience, but we are safe in saying it will not be his last, as few people had any idea that he could sing so well. Mr. B. A. Spike and Mr. F. Clarke are well-known soloists and their singing is always acceptable to a Meaford audience. Mr. Spike's impersonation and rendering of "Old Black Joe" was most pathetic and evoked enthusiastic applause. In his wrinkled features and haggard, care-worn expression could be traded the burden of a heart sorrowed with its present environments and longing for the land of rest. Mr. Spike was in excellent voice, and sang with ease and expression.

It is said that whistling is a sure sign of happiness. Be that as it may, everybody likes to hear a good whistler, especially if he is not an early riser or a night hawk. There are whistlers and whistlers, but none better than Arthur Sewell, whose warbling was a revelation to the audience. Honors for first place were divided between the mocking bird and Arthur, with odds in favor of the latter. He whistled to the music of the orchestra, and retired from the platform amid a shower of artificial boquets.

Messers. W. Riley and Lorne Hill performed some very difficult feats on the horizontal bar. Mr. Hill turned sommersaults over the bar with the agility of a professional athlete, while Riley as the irrepressible clown scored a huge success as a fisherman by baiting his hook with a loaf of bread and pulling out his confederate Hill in the shape onf an artificial frog.

A quartette by Messrs. F. A. Clarke, B. A. Spike, W. Coupland and Dr. Culbertson recounted their experiences at the animal fair, at which the birds and beasts were present in goodly numbers. The baboon by the light of the moon was combing his auborn hair; the monkey he got drunk and climbed in the elephant's trunk; the elephant sneezed and fell on his knees and that was the last of the "monk." In emphasizing the decline of the "monk" the quartette unconsciously drifted into dreamland and failed to realize their whereabouts until the fair was over. One by one the quartette retired from the platform with the sheepishness and leisureness of tread that the animals displayed in going into Noah's ark before the flood.

Messrs. Fred Johnston and Harry Pearse, robed in habiliments of orange, red and fine linen, embellished with loud silver buttons, appeared as a pair of wandering musicians anxious to demonstrate their musical abilities on the trombone, cornet and zelophone. Corley, the mysterious negro, without habitation or a name, was present with his ear trumpet in the shape of a large tin funnel, asking no questions and telling no lies. Fred Johnston produced what he was pleased to call his pocket diary in which were copied some pathetic epitaphs taken from the tombstones of a graveyard which he had visited. One of the epitaphs was particularly pathetic. The lines were dedicated to a man named Snell, who left his skates to his sister Nell because there was no skating in ----- and the music of the orchestra broke in before the exact location of Snell's whereabouts could be determined. Fred Johnston was an ideal negro, and had he undertaken to combat the popular theory of science and philosophy that the world is of globular shape, revolving upon its axis every twenty-four hours, the darkeys would have exclaimed "Bravo! thou art the King." Corley, the colored gent, who was so overcome with emotion by the reading of the tombstone epitaphs, that his eyes were suffused with tears, seemed anxious to go to that country where the wicked cease from trouble and the weary are at rest. But the remembrance of his past exploits in watermelon patches and chicken coops prevents his final departure.

Harry Pearse undertook to offer for sale a number of popular songs of significant titles, but Fred Johnston's criticism of the prices kept the audience from buying. "I am yours for fifteen cents" was one of the songs. Johnston thought that a girl that would offer herself for fifteen cents was not worth having. The clog dancing of Mr. Fraser, of the Business College, took the house by storm. Mr. Fraser has only to be seen to be appreciated. The "cake walk" was one of the best features of the evening. Those who took part in it showed that they had some knowledge of the science of dancing as practiced by the colored nobility since the time of the flood. Everybody laughed, and why shouldn't they, seeing that the performers were the only persons inclined to kick.

A patriotic song by Mr. F. A. Clarke, a number of young men in military uniform joining in the chorus to the "tune of the fife and drum," took the house by storm and Mr. Clarke and his accompanists were obliged to respond to a hearty encore.

The music was furnished by the band and Mr. Pearse's orchestra, both of which deserve the highest praise.

On the whole the entertainment was first class in every respect and all who took part in it are to be congratulated. For the benefit of those who were unable to be present on Tuesday evening the band boys have decided to reproduce the entertainment at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening next, when it is hoped there will be a full house. The proceeds are for the benefit of the orchestra.

Tribute to Douglas Fraser from his pupils

In 1896 Douglas Fraser (1848-1915) retired from teaching. His students held a reception and gave him this touching farewell. (The full transcript is listed below the scans.)



To Douglas Fraser Esq.

Dear Teacher

It is with mingled feelings of pleasure, and regret that we approach you on this occasion – regret that the very cordial relations so long existing between us as teacher and pupil are about to be severed, - pleasure that we are afforded this opportunity of conveying to you an expression of our respect and esteem.

For seventeen years you have been in charge of our school and during that time you have labored diligently amongst us – your energy, earnestness, honesty of purpose, and gentlemanly manner have endeared you to us all. But your energies have tended, not only to your more secular duties; by precept and example you have always striven to inculcate, those higher principles of honesty, justice, truthfulness and morality, without, Education is naught.

We are quite conscious of our many shortcomings, and failings. Our actions have doubtless often tried your patience, but you must ascribe much of it to the thoughtlessness of "giddy youth" rather than any desire to cause you annoyance. We trust that in whatever sphere of labor your lot may be cast, you will always look back with pleasant rembrances to the years spent in old "No. 2", and we further assure you that one of our most pleasant recollections will be when we are reminded of you.

To Mrs. Fraser: your worthy help mate, we also convey our expression of respect, and esteem, and ask her, as a token of such, to accept from us this Bible.

For yourself please accept this Easychair, and we trust that in the future when your days’ labors are over, it may give you physical comfort, and ease.

That the great blessings of peace, happiness, and comfort may attend you, and your family through the "journey of life" is the earnest wishes of these who now bid you a sorrowful farewell – the pupils of SS No. 2 Turnberry – Dec. 15th, 1896.

Tribute to Douglas Fraser from his senior class

In 1896 Douglas Fraser (1848-1915) retired from teaching. His senior class penned this tribute. (The full transcript is listed below the scans.)

To Douglas Fraser
Teacher of SS No. 2, Turnberry

Dear Teacher,

As we reflect upon the privileges we have enjoyed under you as our teacher, it is with feelings of pleasure and gratitude that we address you this evening.

We desire to convey to you the pleasing testimony that you have from your self-denying, painstaking and obliging qualities as teacher discharged your duties with honor to yourself, and satisfaction to us, and that everything connected with our progress and welfare has been by you promoted in such a manner, as to show that you have identified yourself with our interests and sought to promote them in every possible way.

The habits of application and self reliance acquired under your guidance, are in themselves an education, and this coupled with much sound and useful instruction, will enable us to discharge more efficiently the varying duties of life. The time spent in your school will always be a green spot in our memories and we trust that we shall sometimes be kindly remembered by our faithful teacher notwithstanding that we may often have acted in such a manner to render such reminiscences more unpleasant than otherwise.

As a token of our esteem please accept from us the Gold Watch, and Chain, trusting that whenever you may look at its face the hands only point to four.

To your esteemed wife we also give such, and we cannot justly estimate her share in your success but we know the true teacher’s wife has always the interests of his pupils at heart, and therefore to you Mrs. Fraser we present his Parlor Clock as a token of our esteem, and regard.

And, now wishing you both a long life, happiness and prosperity we subscribe ourselves
Pupils of Your Senior Class 

Turnberry says farewell to the Frasers

In 1906, the Frasers headed west, and the Township of Turnberry gave them a heart-felt sendoff. The local paper printed the tribute, prefaced as follows:

"On Tuesday evening, March 6 a large number of their friends from Wingham, Bluevale, Wroxeter and the surrounding neighborhood surprised Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fraser of Turnberry by assembling at their home with a purse of seventy five dollars as a token of love and goodwill on their departure for the North West. Soon after the visitors had gathered the presentation was made, A. McEwen, of Bluevale, reading the farewell address. Mr. Fraser was too much affected to make a reply beyond thanking his friends, Jas. Elliot, John Mosgrove, Thos. Bolt, and B. F. Carr of Wroxeter spoke briefly and Rev. W. J. West of Bluevale gave a pleasing address. The remainder of the evening was enjoyably occupied in social pleasures. There was vocal and instrumental music, and refreshments which had been provided by the visitors. The younger people remained until an early hour to dance. Regret is by everyone that Mr. and Mrs. Fraser and their family are leaving Turnberry where they have so long resided. Their future home will be at Pilot Mound, Man., where their daughter is teaching school."

(Full transcript of address below scans.)

To Douglas Fraser Esq.
Dear Sir

Your many friends in the Township of Turnberry where you have resided for so many years, having heard of your contemplated departure from among them, have met this evening to convey to you and your family our expression of respect and esteem. 

As teacher in two of the most important schools in this Township, for many years, you faithfully discharged the duties of your high and responsible position, and we trust, that the results of your labors in this respect may be far-reaching for good, and that this may be reflected in the characters and lives of those who were entrusted to your charge.

In your intercourse with your friends and neighbors, in both business and social life, you have always commanded the respect and esteem due to your good qualities of head and heart, and that confidence in your integrity and honesty has long been shown by the many years you have been chosen to discharge the duties of Auditor for this Municipality.

Nor in addressing you can we omit your esteemed wife, whose kindness, good-will and hospitality we have so often and so pleasantly enjoyed. That she may long be spared to you and to your dear family is the sincere wish of all.

We trust that when out in the wide western prairie, where the view is unlimited you may in imagination travel beyond the limits of vision and recall to memory the good old Township of Turnberry and the many pleasant memories connected therewith.

Wishing that yourself, your wife and family may long enjoy (still under the folds of the old Union Jack), happiness and prosperity, we ask you to accept from us this purse, as a token of our love and good-will.

And when your sojourn on earth is completed, may the Angel of Time dip his pen in the sunbeam and write in letters of gold on the purest white marble "Well done good and faithful servant." Turnberry Mar. 6th 1906 Signed –

James Elliot Herbert Henning John Mosgrove Andrew Gemmill A. Maclean J. T. Wylie John McNaughton

Douglas Fraser's students bid the family farewell

In 1906 Douglas and Kate Fraser moved the family from Ontario to Pilot Mound, Manitoba. Again, Douglas's students bid him a fond farewell. (Transcript follows scans.)

To Douglas Fraser Esq.
Dear Teacher

As the very cordial relations so long existing between us as teacher and pupil are about to terminate we desire to convey to you some token of our respect and regard.

For many years you have been our teacher and during that period you have labored diligently and earnestly to discharge the onerous duties of your high calling. By your earnestness diligence integrity and moral worth you have always been a good example to us and we trust that such example may be reflected in our lives.

We understand that in severing your connection with this school that it is your intention to retire from the teaching profession to which you have given the best years of your life, and whilst the reward in a worldly sense may not have been great, we know that you will have that other and far greater reward – the satisfaction that rises from a duty honestly and efficiently performed.

In conclusion we trust that your future life may be one of comfort, happiness and joy and that many years of useful endeavor are still before you and that your influence for good may be felt by all whom you may associate with. Please convey to your esteemed wife and your children an expression of our interest in their welfare and future happiness.

As a parting token please accept from us for yourself these gifts and for Mrs. Fraser this gift, and we trust that their use may recall pleasant memories of the many happy years spent in School Section No. 9 Turnberry. 

Bidding you an affectionate farewell, we subscribe ourselves in behalf of S.S. No. 9 Turnberry.

Turnberry

Dec. 22 1905

Eldon Henning

Russell MacKersie

Frank Powell

Nelson A. Higgins

Merry Christmas Miss Sharpe

In a 1963 birthday card to her son Murray Fraser, Annie's note mentioned that "My hand is getting pretty shaky. . . . I wish I could write as good as you did on the card you sent the Teacher." Enclosed was the following: