From The Day We Met...
And Through Part of Our Courtship
To keep the anonymity of those persons who played a major role
in our lives, I have used fictitious names,or just "Blanked"
them.
On a beautiful sunny morning,15 May 1946,I was to start a new job at Safeways on 88ave and 109st. I was to be a 'Roving relief girl,'covering for those on sick leave or holidays. I was told that the manager was a very young man who always took the southbound streetcar to work.
Since I always made a point of being early for any appointments,I arrived fifteen minutes early and waited at the door of the store for him to arrive.
As I stood there watching the people leaving each streetcar, I'm not sure what, but something made me turn and look in the other direction.There I saw this handsome young man in a navy burbury crossing the street.The streetcar he had been riding had come from the south and stopped a block south of me, where I couldn't see the people getting off.
At the same time that I looked around, this young man looked directly at me and I heard a voice [it actually sounded as though it had come from way out and yet as though it were someone standing right there beside me, speak into my ear], say, "That is the man you are to marry." There was no one else around,
just this dashing young man and me, a street apart. [I did hear this same voice later on in my life] I always felt the Lord was with me and would let me know when Mr.Right came along, but I didn't expect this.
A thought crossed my mind. There were two other young men, [nothing serious] in my life at the time, and I felt I shouldn't be corresponding with them if I were going to even consider becoming involved with another man. Besides I didn't even know you, and nice girls don't openly chase a man, especially a stranger.I wasn't about to chase you, anyway because I knew I
didn't have to, it would come to pass and we would marry eventually. So I turned back to watching for my new boss.
An elderly gentleman came to me, from the same direction you had gone, introduced himself as "Pop C" manager of the meat department and asked. "Are
you the relief girl sent to cover for "Miss.M?" We were to call everyone Mr. Mrs. or Miss. I replied with a yes and he suggested I come over and meet the rest of the staff who were waiting in the 'Sugar Bowl Cafe.' When "Mr.C" arrives he will let us know.
Lo and behold, there you were having coffee and a cigarette with the others. I didn't know you had gone into this cafe. "Pop" introduced me to two young ladies and this handsome young man I was to marry. As he introduced us I was surprised to hear him say. "You will be working with "Max" here for the next six weeks. We all chatted as we waited for "Mr.C"
You and I worked together behind the same counter for the six weeks, no sign of any getting together whatsoever. Just two people doing their job.
We didn't wear gloves and had to handle the liver with our hands when we filled the tray, otherwise we had tongs to pick it up a piece at a time to show the customer. The first time I had to fill the tray, I got sick. You felt sorry
for me and made sure you filled it after that.
Remember how the rolls of butcher paper were in holders under the counter, at each end? We had to reach down and tear off a piece, as needed. I remember when I reached under the counter to tear off a piece to wrap a roast, and accidently touched your knee. You looked down at me and with a grin growled. "Waaaatch it!" After that I used the roll away from you. It wasn't always so handy, but I didn't want you to think I was being forward.
Correspondence with the two fellows, both very nice young men, started to taper off. We wrote less and less until there were no more letters. The one fellow, I did tell I was expecting to get married, because he was getting serious.The other was already spoken for.
What had started out as a wartime duty of writing to our young service men had carried on after the war, corresponding for some time. I had met them both in 1944. Mother met the one who was getting serious and actually wanted me to marry him. He had made a trip to Edmonton, from his farm in Saskatchewan.
I found out later she had sent him an invitation to our wedding, hoping he could stop me from marrying you. She didn't know..., nothing would stop us from getting married, it was our destiny.
Monday, six weeks later, I was to report to another store to cover while the manager went on vacation.I decided to ride my bicycle to work. From this store on 116st and Jasper,I took the High Level bridge bicycle lane home, which came up to the corner where you would catch the streetcar,the shortest way home.You would have leftwork the same time as me and been on the streetcar before I would come up the hill. You didn't know where I'd been sent,because I hadn't said.
That Wednesday afternoon as I pedalled my way up the hill there you were, waiting for me, with your bicycle.I had no idea how you knew I was using my bicycle to get to work, but there you were.
You rode along with me to see me home.You were there every night,for the rest of my stint at that store. Still no talk of dating.
Surprisingly,I was sent back to 152 to cover while the produce manager went on his vacation.This was when I met "Miss.M"
"Mr.C" was a little concerned because couples working together in the same store was not allowed. He held a staff meeting to discuss the implications without actually mentioning any names. Since no one felt there were any couples involved things were okay with all of us.
During our morning break, which we happened to have at the same time on that particular day, you mentioned to me that you thought he was talking about us. I had no idea where this was coming from.
Whenever you walked to the area where the steel was kept to sharpen your knife, which was across the room from where I was working, I would hear the blade run down the steel and look up to see you watching me. It was as if you were signaling me to look your way.
Your way of sharpening your knife sounded different than when "Pop " sharpened his. Perhaps it was you looking at me that drew me to look over. Maybe this was what "Mr.C" was referring to.
It was at this time I was told by "Miss.M" that she had designs on you and actually thought you were going to marry her. I had no idea why she felt she had to tell me this. I wasn't concerned, I knew you and I would marry eventually. And because I heard those words at the same time our eyes had met,I was sure you had heard them too. I felt that you were approaching the
eventuality slowly.
"Miss.M" had asked you to get a box down from the ledge where spare boxes were kept. I guess when you tossed it down, she stood there watching it descend and for some reason didn't move. It got her on the forehead. You jumped down from the ledge and kissed her on the spot where the box had landed.
Perhaps this was why she thought you were in love with her.
The company picnic was coming up and "Miss.M" asked me to ask if you would be there. I suggested she ask you herself, but she was sure you would go if I asked you. I have no idea why she thought this.
I just asked if you planned on going and passed on the fact to her that you had said "maybe".I wasn't going,but had not mentioned this to any one. As far as I was concerned, it was too far to walk. I quess you didn't go either. She was somewhat unhappy at work the following monday morning.
Exibition week and Wednesday being a half day for work and citizens day,"M",
"H" and I decided we would go together."M" wanted me to ask you to come with us. Again, she was sure you would come if I asked you. And as before I just asked if you had planned on going, "Most likely" was your response.
Wednesday after work the three of us went to the grounds. All "M" wanted to do was look for you. At the horseshoe arcades she had "H" stand at one entrance while she stood at the other. I was to go through to see if you were inside. Why me, I don't know.
She should've gone through herself. Oh well! After two or three hours of checking every possible place you might be,I said to her,"Maybe he isn't coming.He had said. 'most likely,' not yes." None of us felt like doing anything else by now.It was late,exhibits were closed and I had a long walk ahead of me, so we decided to call it a night.
Next day at work the three of us decided to go again Saturday night."H" said. "I'll be alone for the week-end and thought it would be nice if you came over when the grounds close and spend the night. We could go to church together in the morning and spend a quiet afternoon. She was boarding with an aunt and
uncle I had known from my last job.They were customers at Wensels' General Store. "M" didn't ask me to ask you this time so we didn't expect she would want to look for you again, but she did. And again we repeated the same routine. This time, however, we didn't spend as much time looking for you.
Later,as we were walking slowly down the midway,talking,I noticed three young men sauntering along ahead of us.The moment I realized it was you, you turned around and spotted us.You and your friends came back, and as you joined us, you fell into step with me. One of your friends left after introductions,
but the other stayed,and the five of us spent the evening together, going on rides,talking and laughing.When we were turned upside down on one of the rides,
a mickey fell from your pocket, hit the ground and broke. You didn't need it.
You walked beside me all the time,conversing mostly with me,which upset "M" somewhat. You didn't know she had designs on you.You bought tickets for the Ferris Wheel for all five of us. This became our favorite ride,looking out over the city.Whenever we went to the grounds we always took a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
While we were standing in line, you beside me, talking, "M" suddenly kicked a young man, who was standing in line behind her, in the shins. We never knew why, she then turned and left. So you had this extra ticket, which you put into your album as a keepsake. Midnight as the grounds closed your friend went
home and you walked "H" and I to her home. You didn't stop in but went home from there. Next morning she and I attended Church services and had dinner,
which she prepared,liver and onions.I wasn't impressed,but since I'd never had it before was game to try it.I didn't like it.
Off to another store,182 on 95st and 118ave,to cover,in the meat department,
for one of the girls going on vacation. From here I took the streetcar then transferred to a bus at the corner of 100st and Jasper ave. Now that I was working northside stores I didn't have contact with you or the girls in 152 for sometime.
I was sent as a relief to another store 153 on 124th St., while the manager was going on his vacation. During this time I niether heard from, nor saw you, but I wasn't concerned. All in good time.
Then back to 152 to cover for "Miss.M" again in the meat department,as she went on her vacation.I was riding my bicycle every day now.When you rode your bicycle we would leave together.You would see me home.It did seem we were destined to get together.
"Miss. W" decided I should know she was going to marry you. She had even had a dream where you and she were walking down the aisle.I was sitting in a pew watching, my face was white as a sheet and I was chewing my fingernails.I thought it rather melodramatic,but heard her out,since I knew we were to marry,
I wasn't concerned. We were meant to be, and you had no idea,how she felt.
We did a lot of joking, enjoying our work. Once when you came into the cooler while I was inside, you stole a kiss, "Pop" was suspicious and lectured me on some of the things that could happen to me, when a boy kissed me. He was being like a father. You thought he was jealous of our youth, but we decided not to be in the cooler together if it could be avoided.
I teased you about the way your eyes started at the feet of a customer and moved up to her face,and about your cute bottom and your look of a doleful puppy. It was an enjoyable two weeks of working together, and the trips home, after work were pleasant. We were both riding bicycles every day now. No talk of dating, yet.
I was sent back to 182 for another two weeks, in the meat department while the meat manager was away on his vacation. This was when I found a chance for permanent placement was coming up.I was given a choice of two stores, since both managers wanted me to work in their store I had to choose which one I would like to work in. They were both good people to work with and I liked
the customers in each. I had a hard time deciding which I would go to. Either store was as far from home, but since I was working in the 118ave., store I kinda leaned that way.
"Mr.L" was waiting for me to work in his store on Whyte Ave. But I was not given his as an option. He was the one who got me interested in going to apply at Safeways. He had asked my Dad, as we were regular customers in this store, to have me come in to see him, at which time he suggested I apply.
We had to go to the Unemployment Office to apply for a job, during this time, I guess so the government could keep tabs on us. This I did, and was told I didn't have enough experience to go to work for Safeways. The employment officer sent me to apply at Wensels' General Store, which I did. After the interview, he had said. "I will let you know in a day or two."
The next morning he came knocking on our door. Mother called to me. "There is a Mr. Wensel here to see you about a job." I was asked if I could start next morning. So it was, I was on my way to gain the necessary experience that was supposedly what I needed to work for Safeways.
It was a good place to work and I met many wonderful people. Learned to understand, but not speak, several different languages, which pleased me very much. In my mind I still had thoughts of going to work for Safeways, in this store on Whyte. It was too bad, because I never did get the chance to work there.
When I felt I had gained enough experience, I gave my notice.No one wanted me to leave, customers had told me that where ever I went to work they would follow. So it was I was on my way to apply at Safeways. Mr.Weir and Mr.Maddison were upset with the unemployment officer for sending me elsewhere to get experience,since they trained their own employees. I guess it wasn't time
for me to meet you yet.
We were not supposed to talk to the customers,but I always showed them the courtesy of responding to their talk.
From what I had been told by our regional manager, and you too,I brightened up all the stores I had worked in. One store seemed so cold and dismal when I walked in the door I felt I needed a sweater, it wasn't the temperature either. I never knew people who were cold and distant could make a place feel that cold. No one smiled, or made a cheerful remark to the customers. No good
mornings or goodnights, not a thank you was heard from anyone, but I soon changed that. It wasn't long before I had them smiling and being warm and friendly to the customers. I don't remember any names, but I do remember their faces. "Mr.C" was manager here. This was my other option.
Not only the manager,and customers wanted me back, but so did the rest of the staff. Customers often commented on how much brighter the stores seemed to be, since I came there and had asked me to return to the stores where they shopped, but I couldn't continue as a roving clerk with two positions opening up.
There were plans in the making for a larger store to go up on 109st and Whyte later on, which,"Mr. L." would be managing. No one knew when, but
"Mr. Weir" our regional manager had told me I was slated to be Head Cashier when it opened.
We hadn't seen each other, during the time I was making my decision.
END PART ONE
To continue Click on PART TWO
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THREE FOUR FIVE
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