| Number 28 | August 1, 2003 |
THE REUNION OF 2003
The week of July 7 - 13th was a busy time in southeastern Prince Edward Island. The descendants of Vere and Elizabeth
Beck of Guernsey Cove began gathering early for their family reunion. Many came long distances to take part with
representation from England, California, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, Ontario, and many other places. Our chief genealogist,
Jim Beck and his wife, Barbara, arrived from Michigan on July 6th and soon were involved with last minute planning with
Eileen Tanner, the organizer of the event, and other members of the Reunion planning committee.
The first informal function was a lobster supper at New Glasgow, P.E.I., on Thursday, July 10th. An invitation was
extended to all who were interested to meet at the restaurant at 6 p.m. Murray and Shirley White handled the booking and they
reserved two tables, seating 24 people. That turned out to be exactly right as 24 people turned up for the meal, almost all
of them from off the Island.
The next morning the Reunion got down to business with an open house at the Community Centre in Murray Harbour. Jim
Beck and his assistants were on the scene at 9 a.m to talk genealogy with anyone interested. The Beck books were on sale
along with a CD containing just about all of the information available on the Vere Beck family, including more than 300
pictures. A desk was open to take advance registrations for the activities planned for the Northumberland Arena in Murray
River. People started arriving early and by 10 a.m. the place was quite busy. Jim looked at the crowd and said that if no one
else arrived all day, it had already been a major success. Morning and afternoon tours left from the Centre to visit the
Murray Harbour cemetery and the renovated Beck home.
Sarah Jackson and her sister-in-law Carol Beck had been cooking into the wee hours on Thursday evening and brought a
large quantity of food for lunch. More than 35 people enjoyed fish chowder, meat balls, rolls and dessert thanks to Sarah and
Carol.
The activity continued throughout the afternoon with more tours and a dramatic story by John Marfleet of what can
happen when you get off the beaten path in the Rockies. This was followed by a slide show presented by Murray White. The
pictures were taken at the second Reunion held in 1968. Murray provided a commentary and was able to identify many of the
faces in the crowd, including many who have since died.
The formal activities got underway at the Arena in Murray River at 7 p.m. that evening with a concert by Beck family
talent. Ron Harris acted as MC and participated in several numbers along with many other members of the Harris family. The
audio was handled by Alan Beck (1.11.8.3.1.1.) of Alliston and people went home satisfied that they'd seen and heard some great talent.
On Saturday the Arena opened at 12:30 and people had a chance to mingle and chat until the main program got underway
at 3 p.m. Eileen Tanner welcomed those in attendance and then paid tribute to those relatives who died since the last
Reunion, reading their names and lighting a candle in their memory.
The main speaker was Alan Windsor Beck (1.10A.3.2.2.) from Virginia. His parents separated before he was born and he grew up knowing little
about his father or whether he had any living Beck relatives. He knew that his father came from Prince Edward Island so in
1997 he sent an email to the Tourist department inquiring about Becks in the province. Rory Beck was Deputy Minister at the
time and so the message was handed to him. He referred Alan to his father, Dr. Mac Beck, and soon Alan had a copy of the Beck
listings and an invitation to attend the Reunion in 1998. He accepted and enjoyed himself immensely and has kept in close
touch with his Beck relatives ever since.
Callum Beck then paid tribute to his father, Mac, who died last fall. He said that while his father held many
important jobs during his career, his faith and his family always came first.
Another feature that went on all weekend was "the Beck Biography Bonanza." This was a project undertaken by Sharon
Beck (1.4.6.6.1.1,) and Anne Brooks (1.4.2.3,7,2.) to gather information on Beck family members. It was very successful with a lot of information collected. There was a drawing for a prize and June Nicolle was the winner. We'll have a full report in the
October newsletter.
At 5:30 the crowd sat down for a pot-luck supper. The Island relatives supplied the food and Paul White (1.4.6.7,2.5.) of Murray
Harbour organized the meal, assisted by Esther Mosher (1.4.4,1.5,1,) of Murray River. The food was arranged in buffet style and people went
up table by table and helped themselves to a great assortment of casseroles and a dazzling choice of desserts.
The Reunion ended on Sunday morning with a church service in the Arena at 10:30.
About 250 people registered during the three-day event, and while it was not the largest Reunion by any means, people
seemed to feel that it was one of the best in a long time. Plans are already underway for the next one in 2008 and we'll tell
you more about that in a later newsletter.
There were a lot of cameras in use during the Reunion and I'm sure that there were many good pictures taken. I'm planning to open an album on our Web site to display them. If you've got some good pictures, email them to me and I'll add them to the album and then the people who didn't get to the Reunion will see what they missed. Group photos, action shots, portraits, or whatever - send them along with a note to identify some of the people. My email address is at the bottom of the page.
NANCY HAS A NEW SHOW
Gracie Fields is coming alive on a Charlottetown stage this summer thanks to the efforts and talent of two Island performers, Nancy Beck (1.4.3B.7.2.5,) and Pam Campbell. "Amazing Gracie" is playing on Saturday nights all summer at The Arts Guild and is described as, "a fun-filled romp through the music and songs" of the irrepressible British performer.
Gracie's music has been a part of Nancy's life since she was a little girl.
"My mother's family was very musical," she told told Doug Gallant of The Guardian, "and they always had sing-songs and Gracie Fields' songs were the party pieces." Since then Nancy's continued to work such pieces as "Walter, Walter (Lead me to the Altar)" and "In My Little Bottom Drawer" into many of her performances. She said they proved to be show stoppers whether she was playing to school children, or seniors. "The material is silly, but its good, and it still makes you laugh."
Nancy and Pam spent the winter researching the material and they've woven more than two dozen of Gracie's numbers into the show. There is some dialogue involving descriptions of Gracie's life, "but mostly we let the music speak for itself," Nancy said. If the show is well received, Nancy says they will explore opportunities to take it to other audiences.
AIMING FOR THE BIG LEAGUES
It may be mid-summer, but for Danny Stewart (1.4.6.5,1.2A,1.1.) the ice beckons year-round. The 18-year-old Murray Harbour native is already a veteran of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and has spent the past two years playing for the Rimouski Oceanic. This spring he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League and he spent the first two weeks of July at their training camp in Quebec.
Danny was the subject of a feature story in The Eastern Graphic in early July and told Sean Kelly of his hopes and dreams. "For the most part, the draft is the easiest part," Danny said. Some guys can be drafted and go to the camps and work and play and never make a contract deal." He said he's not expecting to make it to the NHL any time soon. All he's hoping for now is some experience at the training camp.
On August 17, Danny heads back to Rimouski to start the Oceanic training camp. Keeping in shape is a year-round task and he fished all spring with his father hauling lobster traps, and at day's end headed for the gym for more conditioning.
As for school, Danny is taking correspondence courses. "There's no class time, but I work on it as much as I can," he said. "It takes longer to do it through correspondence, but it does get done."
UNIVERSITY HOCKEY BECKONS BELL
Thatcher Bell (1.4.6.5,3.6,3,) is opting for an education rather than playing hockey in the minor pro leagues. He says he will play in the Atlantic Universities Hockey Conference this year for the St. Thomas Tommies of Fredericton, N.B. It was a toss up between the Tommies and the University of PEI Panthers.
Thatcher said there was little to choose between the two as far as schools go, but he felt St. Thomas would give him an edge in hockey as he'd be more focused over there than he would be close to home in Charlottetown.
There is also another advantage to the Fredericton university. "Mike Eagles, the coach of St. Thomas, has a lot of connections, if I ever want to further my endeavours in hockey," Thatcher said.
By opting for St. Thomas, Thatcher gives up a chance to play with his brother, Zach, at UPEI.
"It would have been fun here, I think my brother is planning on playing next year."
Thatcher has played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the past four years - three in Rimouski and last year in Halifax. He was drafted by Vancouver of the National Hockey League, but was never signed. He could have pursued opportunities this year in the minor pro leagues, but decided against it.
"I figure with the package I have from Rimouski, it's almost a shame to throw that away," Thatcher said. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League provides financial support to players going on to university.
Thatcher is planning to study business. "If I go to school for three or four years and get my degree, I'm still only 25 or 26." He said there would still be lots of time to try to get into the minor pro leagues if he still wants to.
BOWERS HOPING TO JOIN THE MOOSEHEADS
Justin Bowers (1.4.6.5,10,1,2.) of Nashwaaksis, New Brunswick, is being watched carefully in Maritime Junior Hockey circles. He was named Most Valuable Player on the Fredericton Riverview Canadiens Midget team last year and was the first pick in the Maritime Junior A draft this spring. The Woodstock Subway Slammers had first pick in the draft and they used it to select Justin. The 18-year-old centre has been invited to try out with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this summer and has been told that there's a spot open for him. He said making the Mooseheads will be his first priority, but added that he would be happy to play in Woodstock if his bid for the Mooseheads falls short.
Justin is a Halifax native and finished second in scoring in the New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Midget AAA Hockey League this past season with 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points in 30 regular season games, one point behind teammate Mathieu Cyr. He added a league-high nine goals and 15 assists in the playoffs in leading his team to the provincial midget AAA championship.
An interesting point to note about the hockey players listed above is that they all come from the Harris line of the family. Thatcher, Zach and Justin are great grandchildren of Lou Harris and Zettie Beck, and Danny is a great, great grandson.
Wedding announcement
Myrna (1.11.8.3.3,) and John Robar would like to announce the marriage of their daughter, Jayne Helen (1.11.8.3.3,1) to Jared David Nichols. The marriage took place in Calgary, Alberta Saturday, June 8, 2002. Jayne and Jared are both engineers and live and work in Calgary. Jayne grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Jared grew up in Regina, Sask.
Front Row: Jayne Helen Robar, and Jared David Nichols
Back Row: John Robar, Myrna (Beck) Robar and their son, Peter John(1.11.8.3.3,2).
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Craig and Esther Bell (1.4.2.1,2.2.) of White Sands marked their 50th wedding anniversiry on July 18, 2003. Their children, Pauline, Jimmy, Alan, Patricia, and Austin and their families held an open house to celebrate the event on Saturday, July 19, at the Murray Harbour Community Centre. It's estimated that more than 300 people dropped in to wish the couple well. Craig's two sisters were home from Ontario and Austin was home from Australia.
DEATHS
ANNEAR: Areta H. Annear of Montague died at the South Shore Villa in Crapaud, P.E.I., on Sunday, June 1, 2003. She was 92, and the wife of the late Jack A. Annear.(1.11.6,4.) She is survived by five children: Ralph (Laurie), Morley (Jean), Harry (Sandra) all of Montague, Ilene (Stan) Moore of Charlottetown, and Ruth (Ernie) Stavert of Cornwall. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held from the Hillcrest United Church with interment in the Lower Montague Cemetery.
HERRING: Louis Francis Herring (1.4.2.6,2.) died at his home in Murray Harbour on July 7, 2003, at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife, Carrie (Chapman), a son, Friend (Florine) of Charlottetown and a daughter, Elaine, Murray Harbour. Other survivors include grandchildren, Josie and John of Charlottetown, and brothers John (Ethel) of Charlottetown, Hubert (Stella) of Calgary, Clifford (Norma) of Murray River, and sisters Joy Fraser of Hopefield and Margaret Herring of Charlottetown. He was predeceased by brothers, Harry, Friend, and Leonard, and sisters Myrtle, May and June. The funeral service was held at the Murray Harbour Church of Christ on Wednesday, July 9, with interment in the Murray River Cemetery.
MEMORIAL FOR VERA
The Montague Beautification Committee has planted a tree in front of the Town Hall in memory of one of its founding members, M.Vera Beck (1.4.3B.7.1,). Vera died last November in a Charlottetown nursing home at the age of 82. The Town has been known as "Montague the Beautiful" for as long as people can remember and Vera had a lot to do with that. She was one of the founding members of the Montague Beautification Committee which pushed elected officials into planting trees, shrubs and flowers to improve the look of the community. This year committee members planted an Emerald Maple Tree in front of the Town Hall as a living memorial to Vera.
BIOGRAPHY
Jessie Campbell (1.5,2.2B.5.) was born at Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton, in 1901. Her mother died when she was quite young, and since her older sister had gone out West to teach school, Jessie took over as the woman of the house. The younger children said they thought of her as their mother. The family spoke Gaelic at home as well as English.
When she was 19, Jessie went to Boston and found work as a housekeeper for a wealthy family. She sent some of her wages home regularly to help the family. She met Garnet Penny of Murray Harbour in Boston and they went together for a number of years before they got married. Her daughter, Linda, said Jessie started keeping a diary shortly after she met Garnet and its a record of day-to-day life in Boston and her social activities in the evenings. Linda said they socialized a lot and there always seemed to be something going on. "They were out every night of the week," Linda said.
Garnet went home to P.E.I. every spring to work with his father on his schooner.
Jessie and Garnet decided to get married in 1938 and the wedding took place in Saint John, N.B. Jessie travelled from Boston and Garnet drove over from Murray Harbour in his Model T Ford. From Saint John they drove to Cape Breton to visit Jessie's family and then continued on to Murray Harbour.
At first they lived in an apartment in a building behind Lea & MacFarlane's store. They bought a house in the village about 1940 where they raised their three children - two girls and a boy. Linda said her mother was a fabulous cook, and had honed her skills in the Boston home where she worked. Chocolate cake was one of her specialties.
Jessie was the librarian in Murray Harbour for about 15 years, from 1954 to 1969. She was past retirement age when she quit, but that didn't seem to be a problem. The library was only open three days a week, two hours a day. She also cared for the building, did the cleaning, and lit the fire in the wood stove as well as supervising the lending.
Linda said her parents had a lot of friends, especially among the members of the Presbyterian Church. She said they were always together and did a lot of visiting. Jessie was also active in the Women's Institute and other community activities.
She worked in the canteen at the rink and Garnet took his turn at the door selling tickets - both volunteer activities.
She enjoyed television and got hooked on the soaps later in life.
Jessie was healthy most of her life, but developed diabetes in her later years. Still she kept active up until she suffered a heart attack at the age of 79. She only survived a few months after that. Jessie was well liked in the community, and Linda said there was a very big turnout for her funeral.
HOMECOMING QUEEN
While the Beck Reunion was taking place in Murray River, Montague was celebrating its annual Homecoming Days event. There was a pancake breakfast put on by the hospital auxiliary, a fishing derby for the anglers, a soapbox derby for the youngsters, and a talent contest for entertainers to show their stuff.
Sixteen-year-old Mandi MacDonald of Milltown Cross was crowned Miss Montague, while Erika Nabuurs of Lower Montague was named first runner up. Mandi is the daughter of Debby Beck and was sponsored by Montague Computer.
BUSINESS EXPANSION
Stewart and Beck Ltd is branching out. It has purchased Kings Building Centre in Montague and so moves into the lumber business. George and Mark Beck were upbeat about the deal and said it will have a positive impact on business in the Montague area.
Mark said, "This is a tremendous opportunity for our business to grow and still be a part of town life." He said the addition of a lumber yard gives Stewart and Beck the capacity to provide customers with all the supplies and tools they need for their building projects. "It's a natural progression for a hardware store," Mark added.
The Becks expect there will be few changes at the building centre. Mark said there is a good staff there and he did not expect to see any changes at the new location.
THE LATEST BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE
Copies of The Vere Beck Family Listings, The Vere Beck Family Biographies, and The Beck Archives, a CD containing all of the family material, are still available. American orders should go to Jim Beck, and Canadian orders can be sent to me, Ivan Munn.
The price includes shipping and is $25 each with Americans paying in US funds and Canadians in Canadian funds.
The Vere Beck Family Home Page
We're always looking for news of Beck family members. If you know of any significant events drop me a line with the information. imunn@accesswave.ca
imunn@accesswave.ca