THE BECK BULLETIN



Number 35 October 1, 2004

HOCKEY GRAIL IN PEI

There's never been a day like it in Murray Harbour. More than 10,000 hockey fans descended on the village of 350 residents on August 3, 2004, hoping to get close to hockey hero Brad Richards and the Stanley Cup, emblematic of NHL hockey supremacy.
Visitors had to park outside the village, with hundreds of cars detoured to temporary parking lots in three fields on the outskirts. From there, people were taken to the scene by bus.
The event got underway with a parade through the village at 11 am with Brad on a float holding the Cup aloft to the cheers of the crowd. The parade ended at the local ball field where a tent was set up to house the Stanley Cup and two other trophies won by Brad last year – the Conn Smythe and Lady Byng trophies.
After some brief speeches by the Premier and Brad himself, fans lined up to file past the Cup in hopes of having their picture taken with it. Because of the size of the crowd, many were disappointed.
Stuart Beck, (1.4.6.8B.3.) his wife, Carol, their daughter and grandson stood in line for more than three hours and didn't make it to the tent. The line was cut off at the people in front of them and there were many more behind them. Stuart did manage to snap this picture of the crowd shown above.
The hardware was packed up and taken away at 3 pm in order to catch a flight to Halifax, the next stop on its tour.
Ethel Beck, of Montague, who is almost 90,(1.4.3B9.) was another fan who made the trip to catch a glimpse of Brad and the Cup. Ethel, the widow of Tyler Beck, is a Richards and Brad is her grand nephew. She relaxed on a shaded porch just across from where the parade ended. She was surprised at how long it took to make the drive from Montague.
"We probably should have left at eight or nine. Usually the drive only takes about 25 minutes, but we spent an hour and a half getting here," she told the Eastern Graphic.
It's hockey tradition that each player on the Stanley Cup winning team has 24 hours with the cup. Brad had a bit over that, and savoured every second.
But once the ceremony in Murray Harbour was over, it was on to the next challenge for Brad. He had been selected as a member of the Canadian National Team in the World Cup of Hockey. First there was the training camp followed by the competition itself and Canada eventually emerged undefeated to claim the World Cup of Hockey.

STORM CLOUDS FAIL TO DAMPEN SPIRITS AT BECK PICNIC

By Sharon Beck

On August 14th there were some thunder clouds and some light rain but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at a Beck family picnic in Gladstone, PEI. About 30 people gathered at Kings Castle Provincial Park for an old-fashioned picnic and potluck supper.
The turnout was fairly large considering that another Beck family picnic and a wedding were happening at the same time as the Kings Castle gathering.
The picnic was coordinated by Sarah and Hugh Jackson and was announced in the last Beck Family Bulletin. People began to gather at 1:00 pm and the last left at 6pm after delicious food and delightful conversation.
The get together boasted attendees from as far away as California and Michigan, as well as several from Halifax and the rest were from the local area.
Attending the picnic were many of Ethel Beck's family, including her daughter, Beverly Cantelo, and some of Beverly's children and grandchildren. In fact four generations of women in the family were present. Ron Harris and two of his sisters, Anne Bell and Beth Havill, were there as well as their spouses and some of their children.
During the picnic, stories, pictures and genealogical information were shared. The children played on the park playground equipment, and some people went down to the beach and enjoyed the sea breezes. Click here to see pictures of some of the people who attended.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2008

Planning is already underway for the next Beck Family Reunion. Jim Beck of Michigan is co-chair of the Planning Committee for the meeting in the summer of 2008. He has been assembling a committee in the past few months and has Ron Harris as his co-chair. Other members are Angus Beck of Charlottetown, John Herring of Hamilton, Sharon Beck, California, John Brehaut, Charlottetown and Ivan Munn, Dartmouth. Jim had planned to hold the first meeting on Tuesday evening, August 17, but since a number of people were not available he cancelled that. Instead he held an impromptu meeting of those members present at the Saturday picnic. Jim, Ron and Sharon found a table and began with a discussion of the future of the reunions. Ron said that with each succeeding generation, there is less interest in the reunion. Jim agreed that this was true but said the involvement of more young people should help to maintain interest. John Herring was named Treasurer, taking over from Ivan Munn who has been acting in that capacity since the 2003 reunion when Eileen Tanner stepped down. Jim contacted Angus later by phone and he suggested that the committee try to do more of its work by e-mail, because of the difficulty in getting everyone together at one time. Jim also contacted Tammy MacLeod of White Sands to see if she would join the committee. She has done a lot of research on her own family tree. Tammy is reluctant to become a member just yet, but offered to assist as a contact person in the Murray Harbour area.

A BOY AND HIS DOG

After years of performing in public, Garnet Buell (1.6B6.5,2.) has decided it's time to bring out a CD. The new release contains 18 tunes and will be launched at the Murray River Hall on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Five of the songs were written by Garnet himself, including the title number, A Boy and His Dog, about the warm relationship he had with his Collie, Shep, while growing up in Abney, P.E.I.
Sally Cole, a feature writer for The Guardian, tells Garnet's story in her column in the newspaper. Garnet said he had been thinking about a CD for a long time and last fall finally decided to get started.
He's best known for volunteering tirelessly at benefits, fundraisers, seniors homes, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital equipment drive, so this is a big change for him.
The executive director of the Hospital Foundation, Barb Dunphy-Gotell, says he should be commended for his hard work and determination, as well as his concern for others.
“Garnet came up with the idea of doing ceilidhs to raise money for the QEH Foundation’s 21-Hour Equipment Drive four years ago.
“Since then, he and his committee have raised over $50,000 for our hospital,” she says. To Garnet, it’s all about giving back to the community.
“When I moved back home, I made a promise to myself that I’d do good things for people,” says the retired CN employee who has spent his life working in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and his native P.E.I. He found an outlet for that in sharing his music with others.
Copies of his CD are available at many locations including Stewart and Beck in Montague, The Old General Store, and Amelia's Bakery in Murray River and the Cape Bear Lighthouse.

PLAYING FOR ROYALTY

Jill Harris (1.4.6.5,3.1.)of Murray Harbour belongs to a very exclusive club on Prince Edward Island. She is one of the prime movers in Island Harpers, an Association for harpists with a membership of just over 30. Jill is in demand to perform at various functions across the Island but is also ready and willing to help others who are interested in the instrument.
Writing in the Folk Harp Journal, Jill explains that every March Joan Woods of the Island Harpers offers an introductory workshop for beginners. Other members of the group pitch in to assist, and Jill says their motto is, “Each One, Teach One.”
In the summer of 2003 Jill and Joan set out on a “harp quest” that took them from PEI to Red Wing, Minnesota, by car and trailer. The trip involved visits with a number of instrument makers starting in Maine, then two stops in Ontario, and on to Chicago and Red Wing. They videotaped the harps they saw at each stop and brought back the sights and sounds so members of their Association could learn from their experience.
Jill is often called upon to perform at special functions. She was booked for the the pre-reception at the opening night Gala for the Confederation Center Main Stage Musical Festival on June 18, 2004. She also entertained at a pre-show reception at an Anne of Green Gables performance in honour of Princess Takamado of Japan. However the highlight of her work was playing at a Private Reception for Prince Edward and Sophie Rees-Jones at a Premier's reception in Charlottetown.

MARRIED

Margaret Gwendolyn Munn (1.4.2.2,2.2.2,) and Norman Rodney Wendt of Dallas, Texas, were married on August 28, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gwen is the daughter of Ivan and Sheila Munn of Dartmouth, N.S. and Rod is the son of Gordon and Elaine Wendt of Ottawa, Ont. They are both employed in the high tech industry in the Dallas area.
For their honeymoon they took a two week European cruise from Copenhagen to Lisbon with numerous stops along the way.
They reside in Allen, a Dallas suburb.

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Family and friends of Roderick and Barbara (Penny) MacKenzie (1.5,4.3.2.2,) got together recently to celebrate the couple's 50th wedding anniversary. The gathering was held in the Church of Christ Hall in Montague on Saturday, August 28, 2004, from 7 to 9 pm. There was a large turnout including Hughie and Sarah Jackson. As usual Sarah had her trusty camera with her and snapped this picture of Roddy and Barbara.

DEATHS

Hubley: Victor Goodwill Hubley (1.4.1,6,5.) of South Pinette died at the Beach Grove Home in Charlottetown, P.E.I., on September 20, 2004. He was 79. He was predeceased by his parents, Rupert and Lucy (Penny) Hubley, by his brothers, Amos and Luther, and by his sisters, Rena Hubley and Annie Gillis. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, September 23, at 2 p.m., at St. John's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Belfast. The Eldon Royal Canadian Legion Branch #7 held a service of remembrance following the committal service.

MacPherson: Lorne E.(Mac) MacPherson (1.6A.4,6.1,1.) died August 13, 2004, in the North Bay, Ont. General Hospital after a short illness. He was 72. A native of Murray Harbour South, P.E.I., he was the son of Laura Roberts MacPherson and the late Roland MacPherson. He joined the RCAF and retired with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He is survived by his wife, Moira McLeod Dakers, a daughter, Janice (Peter) Murdoch, and a granddaughter, Kimberley Murdoch of Prescott, Ont. He is also survived by a brother Ralph, (Myrna) of Murray River, P.E.I., and a sister, Bonnie (John) Barton of Burnaby, B.C. The funeral service was held in North Bay with interment in the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

MCI97 WINS BEAUTIFICATION PRIZE

Debby Beck (1.4.3A.3.4.3.)got a pleasant surprise when the Montague Beautification Committee selected her company as the winner in the business section of the competition. She said she was not expecting it because she thought you had to put your name in to be considered. The ceremony took place at the September 13th meeting of the Montague Town Council. David and Sandylee MacLure of Hillcrest Avenue won in the homeowners section.
Debby is president of Montague Computer and said they improved the look of the property this year by adding window boxes and a bench and keeping the area clean of trash and weeds. She said that over the summer people stopped in or called to comment on the flowers.
“It was really encouraging to hear from people,” she added.
Debby said that another Montague business, Woodland Gardens, made the boxes and did the flower arrangements, using colours that really matched the building. She plans to challenge other businesses to improve the exterior of their properties next year. It doesn't take a lot of time or money, she said, and it makes the town much more attractive. Her prize was a $100 gift certificate from Schurman's Garden Centre.
Faye Fraser, co-chair of the Beautification Committee, said its goal is to encourage the town to live up to its name of Montague the beautiful.
Readers of this Letter have a special interest in Montague Computer since Debby provides space for our web site free of charge.

A VISIT TO THE OLDEST CITY IN GERMANY

By Peter Murdoch and Janice MacPherson Murdoch (1.6A.4,6.1,1.1)

The ancient, charming city of Trier - a fascinating blend of architectural styles and historic sites – lies on the Mosel River in southwestern Germany. It was founded in 16 B.C. by Emperor Augustus I.
We entered the city through the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), which was built during the 2nd century as part of the wall of the Roman fortress. Limestone blocks, blackened with age, are held together by iron clamps embedded in lead.
A walking tour of Trier led us to several UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. Dominating the centre of the city is the Trier Cathedral, built between 336-380 A.D., with a capacity of 12,000. The Cathedral today is only one-quarter the size of the original structure.
The Kaiserthermen (Imperial Baths) were constructed in the 4th century under the rule of Constantine. This 830 ft. long structure was part of the medieval fortifications. The complex consisted of sports grounds, changing rooms, and hot and cold water baths. An underground labyrinth of service tunnels, which still exists today, connected the different areas.
Once part of the fortress wall, the imposing 2nd century Amphitheater could seat about 20,000 spectators who were bloodthirsty for gladiatorial combat and executions. The acoustics of the arena also provided an excellent venue for theatrical productions, which are still held today.
Trier - capital of the Western Roman Empire, site of numerous well-preserved ruins, birthplace of Karl Marx, and an intriguing blend of Roman, medieval and modern history – is definitely worth another visit!

PEI AS IT USED TO BE

Today's kids complain of having it tough, of having to ride the bus to school each day, but they don't understand what it was like to have to walk a mile-and-a-half each way to class. So Lloyd Beck MacLeod (1.11.8.2,2.) decided to write an account of what it was like growing up in the community of Grandview during the depression and the hardships his generation faced. The result is a book called, The Way Things Were, about life in the 30s and 40s in PEI.
Lloyd started writing at Christmas 2003 and self-published his book through Kwik Kopy in Charlottetown. The retired Agriculture Canada agronomist now lives in Stratford across the river from Charlottetown. Mary MacKay tells of his efforts in a feature story in The Guardian. The book begins with the early settlement of P.E.I. and the background of his paternal MacLeod/Bruce and maternal Beck/Campbell ancestors as well as a brief genealogy.
Lloyd trudged back and forth to the Grandview School daily from 1936 to 1946. The children made their own entertainment and played baseball with a homemade bat and a rubber ball. In winter the children built their own sleighs and made cross-country skis and used floor wax to make them slide better.
“My brother, Willard, and I made them. They never worked very good, we couldn’t get the attachments right where your foot went in. We just had leather straps ...,” Lloyd said.
A trip to the local general store was a big outing. “They had anything you could imagine, anything practically that you’d need.”
In 1947 Lloyd left Grandview for Charlottetown and Prince of Wales College. From there he went to Macdonald College at McGill University where he earned his masters of science degree in 1953. While working with Agriculture Canada’s Research Branch in Nova Scotia, he met and married Audrey Lawrence. He eventually earned his PhD from Cornell University in New York and was transferred to the Agriculture Canada Experimental Station in Charlottetown, where his research focused on the nutrition of forage and cereal crops. In 1970, he was appointed director of the Charlottetown Research Station, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. During that time, he published a total of 49 scientific papers.
The Way Things Were was launched at Park Royal United church hall in Charlottetown, Thursday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.

TWO SILVER MEDALS FOR ALYSSA

Fourteen-year-old Alyssa Chapman of Murray Harbour, PEI, was one of three Island athletes to win medals at the 2004 Special Olympic Summer Games held in Halifax. Alyssa came second in the 100 meter backstroke to earn her first silver medal. The other medal winners from PEI were Amber Metcalfe of York, and Janet Charchuk of Elmsdale.
The three swimmers also recruited a fourth from New Brunswick to swim the 4 x 100m relay, with the team placing second for another silver medal for each of them.
The director of the Special Olympics PEI program, Charity Sheehan said, "We're so proud of the great results the girls produced in Halifax, especially considering it was Amber and Alyssa's first time competing at a Games. Since they are all age-eligible for the Canada Games, we were also using the Nova Scotia event as an identification camp for the 2005 Canada Games in Regina so it turned out to be a wonderful experience on all fronts for all three participants."
Alyssa is the daughter of Kenny and Michele Chapman and the granddaughter of Cecil (1.7.2,4,10.) and Amy Chapman.

STREET SAFETY TO BE ENFORCED

Montague Town Council is concerned about the problem of jaywalking. Intermediate and high school students have been ignoring crosswalks when crossing streets. Councillor Rick Beck (1.11.8.3.4.1.) has been holding meetings with safety officials to discuss the problem.
Rick is chairman of the Montague public safety committee and says students need to be educated to the dangers involved in such actions. He says the town will start issuing $25 jaywalking fines if necessary. He added that motorists need to be reminded that they are required to yield to anyone in a crosswalk, and the town will make an effort to mark crosswalks better.
Rick said, “We're very serious about this. We don't want to see kids hit by cars.”

AUCTIONED OFF

A big crowd turned out in mid-September to bid on the possessions of the late Gordon Beck (1.7.3.1B.6) of Murray Harbour. The sale took place in the yard of his home on Machon's Point Road.
Gordon died last May 7th at the age of 79. A bachelor, he lived there all his life and fished lobsters every spring. The house itself is fairly new, but sits only a few feet from the home Gordon grew up in.

FOOD BANK DIVIDENDS

In the last newsletter, we told you about the Beck Family Concert in aid of the Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank. It was held at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on Sunday night, August 15. Sixteen members of the family took part in the concert of Gospel Music with the proceeds earmarked for the Food Bank, which has been in operation for 16 years. A cheque for $1,616 was turned over in late August by Jock Beck, his daughter, Christie, and her daughters Leah and Katie Jordan.
The Summer program at the Playhouse this year was under the direction of Nancy Beck and she participated in the Gospel concert too. Also taking part were her brothers Rob, Jock, Scott and Cam, and Pam, Christie, Rachel, Amy, Laurel, Lisa, Quincy, Leah, and Katie from the next two generations.

NEW ADDITION

SANDY AND SHEILA MUNN SHARE A QUIET MOMENT

Sandy is the newest member of the Munn household. He is a Cocker Spaniel and was born Aug.1, 2004, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He was one of a family of eight brothers and sisters, and moved to Dartmouth on Sept. 17th at the age of seven weeks. He missed his family for about 24 hours but after that he decided it was great to have the spotlight all to himself. He spends all his waking hours chewing on anything within reach, so if you need any chewing done don't hesitate to get in touch. Sandy's rates are very reasonable and his work is first class.

The Vere Beck Family Home Page

The Marfleet 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

That's it for this edition .. please share it with relatives who aren't on line. The next edition will be out on December 1st.

Copyright © 2004 The Beck Bulletin