No one asked me …. Who poured the booze in the spring?

It was July 1958, in Fielding (a dot on the road) in rural Carleton County, New Brunswick. The occasion was the 50^thwedding anniversary of Nelson and Lottie Rogers. Their nine surviving children, down from the original fifteen, were assembled with their spouses and children. Aunts, Uncles and cousin both first, second and once removed were also in attendance. To judge by the photos it was a fine time.

 

Valerie centre left, Brenda centre right

From my perspective, at the ripe old age of eight, I had a new dress and many new cousin playmates.  From the many, Brenda was my cousin of choice.  Although cousins we had only seen each other a few times.  This was our opportunity to bond.

 

We found a grassy spot behind the house and went toe to toe;

“I’m older than you!”  From Brenda

“I’m bigger.”  That was me.

“I am two years ahead of you in school”, Brenda.

“I lived in British Columbia and travelled all across Canada, twice!”

“I ..”  We never knew what came next for I hissed “Sshhh!”

I could hear the sounds of men talking around the corner. And they were discussing liquor, which was verboten with this Pentecostal family.  It appeard that two of the uncles and two older cousins were making a trip to Perth.

”Why Perth?”  I mouthed to Brenda.

“Liquor Store”, whispered back my worldly wise accomplish.

We had a mission for the day, while the older cousins simpered and had tea with Grammy we watched out for the debauched renegades.  In the afternoon we saw the four return, bags in hand. We watched from a vantage point as they set their purchases to cool in the spring. 

Lottie and Nelson

Now I must explain about the spring.  Since time immortal there has been a wonderful, gravity feed spring on the property where my Mother’s family made their home.  Modern conveniences came late to this part of New Brunswick, electricity has just arrived a year or two before.  My grandparents, like most of their neighbours, brought their drinking water in from the spring in a galvanized pail.  Now their children had united to purchase a pump, dig the line, hire a plumber and install a sink and taps and viola running water in the kitchen.  A ribbon cutting, arranged by Aunt Eva was happening soon.

 I do not think that Brenda and I went immediately to the spring. We probably visited the outhouse and talked to the pigs.  Then ….we went to the spring.  I remember no discussion; we just opened the bottles and poured them in the water.  One was 40 ounces of gin or vodka (clear at any rate) and we refilled it with water.  We returned the bottles to their original place and scampered away.

We were just time for the ribbon cutting, and the ceremonial drinks of water as the dipper was passed around. Every one proclaimed on the quality of the water and the phrase Adam’s ale was oft heard.  Brenda and I exchanged a gleeful glance.  We spent the next few hours running in and out of the house and drinking as much water as we could possibly hold!  After we were banished from the house for our silliness, we rolled around on the grass convinced we were inebriated!

The evening meal was eaten, darkness fell and the parents who lived nearby were gathering their children.  From the vantage of the back shed Brenda and I were plotting our course.  Then we heard a roar from the direction of the spring, followed soon after by the call of our names.  We were watching out the back shed window and could see the four angry men nearing, yet we were frozen to the spot.  As the first man reached the steps we were grasped by two large pair of hands.  Our fathers, both of whom did not condone drinking, grabbed us in their arms.  I cannot remember what happened after that.  My Father held me and protected me, like wise Brenda and her father.  Soon I was in Uncle Earle’s car with Brenda and her family, off to spend the night.  I think Charlotte inquired about the dust up. “A misunderstanding”, replied Uncle Earle.

And no one ever asked me ….. who poured the booze in the spring?