Here is another convenient way to send us your thoughts on down-home living, and comment on the stories you've read in Downhome. All will be considered for inclusion in the "Notes from Home" section of the magazine.
Hi To My Friends
I'm Dougie. This is a picture of me. I'm sitting in the wheelchair. I have my white cap on and my matching shoes. I'm outdoors, sitting on the grass (at the Hoyles Home). I'm listening to my boom box. I want to say "Hi" to my friends.
Dougie Dunne St. John's, NL
(3 rating, 6 votes)
Johnny Rowe It was with sadness that I read the death announcement of Johnny Rowe in Downhome (July 2009 issue, page 172). It immediately brought a flashback of memories. It was during the 60s era that I left Laurenceton, NL and came to Toronto seeking employment, as many of the young people did after graduating from high school. To find a boarding house was the common thing to do in those days. I was delighted to find ... click to read moreIt was with sadness that I read the death announcement of Johnny Rowe in Downhome (July 2009 issue, page 172). It immediately brought a flashback of memories. It was during the 60s era that I left Laurenceton, NL and came to Toronto seeking employment, as many of the young people did after graduating from high school. To find a boarding house was the common thing to do in those days. I was delighted to find the home of Dorothy Wheeler. She was a single mom (widow) who had also left Newfoundland along with her daughter Marilyn and son Scott. It was especially exciting to find a fellow Newfoundlander to live with - it definitely eased the culture shock of leaving a small town and coming to the big city. After my arrival many of my friends followed me to the Wheeler residence. It was during this time that Johnny Rowe became the longtime companion of Dorothy.
Johnny Rowe was an interesting man to meet to say the least. We quickly became aware that he was a marathon walker, something that he loved to do outside of his career. This Olympic style of walking was unique and new to me. It was fascinating to watch him walk with his long strides and upper body movements and to see his commitment to doing it. He would walk many kilometres on any outing, especially on the weekends. He would ask us boarders to help him by driving him to Oshawa, ON and drop him off so he could walk home to Scarborough where we lived at the time. He would walk along the 401 highway, which obviously you could not do today. Sometimes we would stop ahead to provide him with a drink along the way. These were the days leading up to and preparation for his famous walk across Newfoundland in 1966 to coincide with the opening of the Trans-Canada Highway in the province, which represented more than 900 kilometres.
Johnny Rowe was a unique individual in so many ways. He was a tireless competitor with a desire and commitment to help others. It was my honour to meet this fellow Newfoundlander and spend a short period as part of his life. One day it would be interesting to see a detailed write-up in the Downhome on the life of Johnny Rowe. He may have hung up his boots for the last time but his memories will last for a lifetime for us who knew him.
After reading your article in the July magazine on "Picnic on the Northern Peninsula," we decided to take you up on some of your advice. We spent a day at Western Brook park and it was absolutely amazing. Who says you need ... click to read moreAfter reading your article in the July magazine on "Picnic on the Northern Peninsula," we decided to take you up on some of your advice. We spent a day at Western Brook park and it was absolutely amazing. Who says you need to go down south to relax on a beautiful sandy beach? Not me, that's for sure. Thanks Downhome! Here is a picture of myself and my dog, enjoying the sun above us and the sand beneath!
A Trio of Newfies (1 comments) The Newfie spirit is alive and well in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. We had our annual Downhome Night at 888 Wing Air Force Assn. in Comox - what a time we had! Our cooks served us a fabulous Jiggs ... click to read moreThe Newfie spirit is alive and well in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. We had our annual Downhome Night at 888 Wing Air Force Assn. in Comox - what a time we had! Our cooks served us a fabulous Jiggs Dinner as usual and it was some good, b'y! The music was supplied by the Newfie Trio from Victoria, BC, and were they ever good. Dancing and toe tapping was done all night by the 120 people that were there and what great Newfoundland music it was. The picture is of the Newfie Trio; they are Hal Osmond from Port aux Basques, Vanessa Harvey from Fermeuse, and Herb Nicholas from Virgin Arm.
Surname Bessie
My grandmother was Sussanah Bessie. She was married to my grandfather Willis Burt. They lived in the Summerford, N.D.B. area. She had one brother that I know of, William Bessie, who lived around the Millertown area. If you know anything about that family could you please call or e-mail me at gaburt@telus.net or phone 780-882 7207. Thank you.
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Looking for Family
I was born in Happy Valley Goose Bay on Demember 6th, 1979. My name at birth was Corey and I know my mother's name was Pansy. My mom was 21 years of age and the youngest in a large family. I would love to meet members of my family to let them know I am doing very well and I wonder if they are too.
If anyone has any information to help me find family members and Pansy Roberts' name sounds familiar, please contact me at andrewhenryrogers@gmail.com. I have much more information if someone has questions.
Just wanted to touch base and say thanks for keeping a Newfie girl updated on the happenings back home. My husband and I have been living in Calgary for the past 12 years and I look forward to receiving my Downhomer each ... click to read moreJust wanted to touch base and say thanks for keeping a Newfie girl updated on the happenings back home. My husband and I have been living in Calgary for the past 12 years and I look forward to receiving my Downhomer each month. In May, we finally got to take one of our dream trips...to Ireland. We stayed in Dublin and made a trip to Waterford to visit the area my husband's family originated from. I took along my May Downhomer for some light reading. So I'm sending along a picture of me beside a sign in Waterford holding my Downhomer. So the Downhomer is travelling the world over. Cheers to all.
