Page 71 - William D. Roach, Woodcarver

ISSUE : Issue 60

Published by Ronald Caplan on 1992/6/1

by 10, on a piece of paper. Was out of a ?? scribbler--had the lines in it, you know. And I drew that, and brought it to her as a present. And she hung it on the wall--she had it for years, (And Marguerite saved everything,) Yeah, yeah. Because she had little buoys and little boats and things that I had carved her. She had it on her-- she called it a chain. And some of my stuff was hanging on that, that I had carved her. Because she was good to us. And I was always making stuff for her. So that picture, when I gave that to her, she cried. And she knew what I could do with drawing and carving and that. She al? ways used to say, "Keep it going, 'Cause," she said, "that's a good thing. It is some? thing that's going on," And at that time there were quite a few whittlers, But she knew, somehow, that it was going out the door, you know, "Someday," she said, "the carvers'11 be rare," She said, "You're go? ing to see those days," She said, "I think you should keep at that, and some day I think you'll make a living at it." So, it encouraged me to keep going. And everything I'd make, I'd go over there and get her opinion on it. Just go over there and show it to her. Because she was one that could give me a pat on the back. And it felt good; it kept me going. And Marguerite was one that was good for doing things with people, and encouraging peo? ple. When she saw something people liked, she always gave it that extra boost, you know. That was pretty good. Because she took interest in things that some other people wouldn't look at, you know, (That's interest - ing. Her house, I guess, when you went into it--did you find it differ? ent than any other house around?) Oh, yes. Yes, she had everything. She had-- well, everything from a nail to a--I don't know what else I could men? tion- -to something the size of a stove, you know. That people had given her--even if it was something a per? son would throw away in the garbage. And they would think of Marguerite. And they would say, "Well, maybe Marguerite would want this." They'd bring it over. And with her, it wasn't the idea that, of the piece they brought--it was the idea they brought it to her. And she appreciated anything that was given to her, it didn't matter what. Because she was a people lover. I could bring her something that was worth nothing, and she'd make a big fuss over it. And I think it was just the fact that she felt somebody was thinking of her, you know, when they did this. "We'll bring this to Marguerite. She likes this stuff." You know? So she was always making a fuss. Keltic Lodge, The Spirit of the Highlands A resort on clifife overlooking the ocean, commanding a view like no other. Special Wne Packages Romantic Interiude The champagne is chilled and waiting for you. Fresh flowers, fruit and our own Keltic-made chocolates are already in your room. Get ready to make your escape! Golf Getaway Are you up to the challenge of the famous Highland Links Golf Course? Designed by Stanley Thompson, it's a par 71 walking course. Both packages include two nights accommodations plus dinners and breakfasts. For information and reservations, call or write: KELTIC LODGE "' tradition of excellence' Keltic Lodge, Middle Head Peninsula, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia, Canada BOC ILO Tel: (902) 285-2880 Fax: (902) 285-2859

Cape Breton's Magazine