In the spring of 1952, almost exactly 10 years after he first sighted the fieldstone school at Dicksons Corners, Gordon decided to return his family to Perth County. Teaching in the era before unions, was not lucrative, and Gordon, who had brothers-in-law who were aspiring businessmen, decided to leave teac
hing and to enter business in partnership with Walter Clarke the owner of a thrivings hardware store in St. Marys. Lois, who had grown to love her life and independence as the schoolteacher's wife at SS#3 North Oxford was particularly sad to leave. However, she recognized -- and agreed with Gordon that -- at least financially -- they would be better off in St. Marys. At a presentation in the township hall, the departing family was given a series of gifts. A linen tablecloth decorated with large red bunches of roses was presen
ted to Gordon and Lois. The girls were given a reading lamp for their bed and the two boys were each given a silver dollar. The lamp as shown still hangs on what we call the girls' bed, and the silver dollars were put away in an envelope and only recently resurfaced, somewhat tarnished but never used. Along with the silver dollar was a note from Gordon explaining its importance.
In the spring of 1952, almost exactly 10 years after he first sighted the fieldstone school at Dicksons Corners, Gordon decided to return his family to Perth County. Teaching in the era before unions, was not lucrative, and Gordon, who had brothers-in-law who were aspiring businessmen, decided to leave teac
hing and to enter business in partnership with Walter Clarke the owner of a thrivings hardware store in St. Marys. Lois, who had grown to love her life and independence as the schoolteacher's wife at SS#3 North Oxford was particularly sad to leave. However, she recognized -- and agreed with Gordon that -- at least financially -- they would be better off in St. Marys. At a presentation in the township hall, the departing family was given a series of gifts. A linen tablecloth decorated with large red bunches of roses was presen
ted to Gordon and Lois. The girls were given a reading lamp for their bed and the two boys were each given a silver dollar. The lamp as shown still hangs on what we call the girls' bed, and the silver dollars were put away in an envelope and only recently resurfaced, somewhat tarnished but never used. Along with the silver dollar was a note from Gordon explaining its importance.
