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Outsiders may think that
since Jaffray is in the middle of nowhere, families were
socially isolated and lonely. That may have been true
for some, but for Elmer and Mary, their family, friends
and neighbours, life was rich and full.
One
of the many family get-togethers |
Elmer and Mary were surrounded
by family from both sides. Elmer's brothers and sisters remained
in the area. The girls got housekeeping jobs in Cranbrook before
they married but all came home regularly. All but the oldest sister
married and produced families.
Mary's sister, Gwen, married Elmer's brother Walter and the two
couples with their children often gathered together. Get-togethers
of all kinds occurred for the slimmest of excuses. Neighbour ladies
held a tea in honour of sighting the first spring bluebird. Jaffray
was rather unique because there were several lovely lakes nearby
which by the 1920s were tourist attractions.
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Nearby Rosen Lake and
Tie Lake provided not only swimming, boating and fishing
opportunities for local residents, but also attracted
summer visitors from Alberta and elsewhere. |
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The Matsons were surrounded
by family and friends and their social life was full and exciting
Mary
and friends posed for a postcard photo at nearby Rosen Lake.
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