View photos of The River Otonabee of My Boyhood
Paperback: 146 pages
Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1412077451
ISBN-13: 978-1412077453
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches |
The River Otonabee of My Boyhood
Vincent's story, as seen through the eyes of a boy, takes you into his youth during the hard times of the late 1920's and 1930's. He tells of his mother and father and their struggle to raise a large family during the Great Depression. Mother's first washing machine, their first telephone and electric lights, of the horse and sleighs, and the steam engines on the railroad.
The River became a most important part of his life as it gave him entertainment and good fishing. It is where, in his mind, great adventures happened. First in a house of spirits, and in the summer when the river teamed with fish, and where he learned to swim. The weather grew cold as winter came on and the river froze, sometimes to a depth of twelve inches. Skiing became a favorite pastime.
The frosted windowpanes, snow forts and igloos, of a snow tunnel and a roof of pure ice. How the children walked to school in the freezing cold. The time when the fields were ploughed with horses, the blacksmith shop that made shoes for the horses. Milk and bread were delivered to your door by horse and sleigh or wagon.
He tells of his first job at 13 years of age, in a bowling alley for $2.50 a week. Finding summer work at 75 cents a day, picking tomatoes and what a thrashing was. Because of poverty, began working in a carpet mill at 15 years of age, what it was like to watch the great looms working. At 16 years of age, what his older brother Len, thought he should know to be a man. He worked as steel fitter when he met a young lady. How his life changed from his youth to that of a young adult.
Book Reviews
This book was really good! Everything you described was very easy to visualize. Your job at the bowling alley was really funny! And the French woman who gave you the Johnny Cake and called you little English sparrows.
Like you I was not able to go to school because of lack of money. Your book gives me hope for the future because even when things seemed very hard you always persevered and over came the obstacles. But I have to say my favourite part of the book was when you met Lillian. What you felt for her at the time was very touching especially when you left your parents in Peterborough to follow her to Lakeview. The way you described your mother and father sent chills up my spine because I felt like I was there.
Love Joseph, Lakehurst
I too grew up on Crawford Drive and have many great memories of that area. Thanks for explaining the meaning behind 'Yankee Bonnet'. That one always puzzled me. I too am a May 23rd baby. While we grew up in a little different era than you, I can fully relate to your many descriptions, locations and names. The South End was a great place to grow up - we were on the edge of the city but we were still country.
Small world! Anyway, enjoyed the book and will no doubt purchase your book on your war experiences.
All the best, Gary, Peterborough
I enjoyed reading your book. We really did have fun at the River. You brought back many memories Vince, for me. My 3 girls are all anxious to read it. Thanks.
Frances, Peterborough |
