1957 Mossy Vale Mailing Label

My dad, Geordie Smith, held on to this reminder of his farming days at Mossy Vale. Now, more than fifty years after the disappearance of the community, and with memories similarly-faded for some of us who lived there, the mailing label on this publication helps to confirm that Mossy Vale was once "quite" real. (Click on the image to view a larger version.)

The heading (in red) for the lead story of the journal is interesting in it's own right--a sort of non-intentional omen for the soon to be announced "water" development that would signal the end of Mossy Vale.

Birch Island Beavers (1957)

"The most feared ball team in the area," remarks Hjalmer Larson. "We were all pretty heavy hitters. Good memories!"

From Left (back): Marvin Reimer, Allan Grassing, Morris Mitchell, Dennis Anklovitch, Andrew Hamilton. (Front): Ellis Hamilton (coach), Arnie Cameron (student minister—and incredibly good shortstop according to Andrew), Hjalmer Larson, Lavern Larson, Forest Anklovich, Murray Anklovitch (coach)

Photo courtesy: V. Weighill

Horseback Riders

The two horses in this well-composed picture snapped by Clara (Hamilton) are Princess and Doidge (large Percheron). On this day they were the main mode of transport for these young people.

From left: Wesley Dalke, Bernice Bell, (both visiting cousins of the Hamiltons), Alice Reimer, Verna Reimer, Walter Hamilton, Marvin Reimer, Andrew Hamilton. Era probably early 1950s.

Photo courtesy: C. Weighill

The Hamilton "V" for Victory

It was war time, and around the time of Miss Leitz's school play. The Hamiltons, whose livelihood depended on their farm and Ellis's trapline, found their own meaningful way to show support for the effort that was taking place overseas. Some of Ellis's winter trappings were arranged in this substantial "Victory V". In the picture are Ellis, Andrew, and Clara.

Photo courtesy: C. Weighill