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By
Mrs. M. A. Stewart
Memories of Killarney
In 1883 we went to Killarney to a homestead on 2-4-17. We only
lived for two years here, so my recollections of this particular part
of the country are limited. I was also kept at home with two
small babies.
I remember Mr. Arthur Rollins had a grocery store in a room of his
home, and his was a very hospitable home. The missionary – my
husband – was always welcome. We met here many of the settlers,
and some became life-long friends.
I have always remembered with the most kindly thoughts the neighbours I
had when living on the homestead. On one side were Mr. & Mrs.
Fairhall, father and mother of Mr. Thomas Fairhall.
After Brandon became a railway town, Mr. Fairhall, who had a team,
would call for our list of needs and do all our shopping for us.
This was a great help to us who did not have the means of locomotion to
cover the long distance one must go to get one’s provisions.
He it was who brought us our wood from the lake and from time to time,
fulfilled many kindnesses and errands that made life easier for those
with whom he came in contact.
Mrs. Fairhall was always so good when there was sickness. They
were real neighbours. As Henry Van Dyke says, “They were friends
in need and friends indeed.” On the other side lived Mr. and Mrs.
Burns, parents of Mrs. Smail of Killarney.
No one was ever a better friend and neighbour than Mrs. Burns.
She would walk a mile and a half to come and see me when I was sick and
was ever ready to give comfort and help where there was so much need
for such a friend.
And the prairie fire. It is a long story, but one needs must
curtail it. It was while I was living at 2-4-17 that the prairie
fire passed over us. I saw it coming. Saw the light on the
sky. Saw the Burns’ family out fighting it. On it came
toward our home, and with great effort, we fought it off. It
passed us. We heard a bang as it passed over the slough, and
after, the ground was covered with dead birds.
No time had passed, and Mrs. Burns’ son came to see if I was all
right. She knew that my husband was away and ever thoughtful, her
first consideration was for her neighbour. No mishap befell
us. No comfort was lacking. No effort too great for these
wonderful neighbours. Mrs. Burns always saw to it that she played
her part – that of the best friend that ever lived.
(This was written in the 1930’s)
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