Hello to all in this unique and trying time. ‘Self isolation’ and ‘social distancing’ are phrases that have become the norm. But, it is amazing to observe the kindness, positive goodwill, accommodation, and acceptance that people demonstrate one to the other whenever out and about. So, be safe and take care as we wait for more normal patterns to reemerge.  

My last column, the one about Nestor Hryciuk’s recollections of bygone days at the Bohemian Ball Park elicited some most interesting emails to me. I feel they should be shared, as, I am certain, they will bring back even more memories for many of you who read - ‘Whale of a Tale.’   

Henry Strelioff, a retired teacher here in Prince Albert, wrote: “Morley, re ‘House of David’ ( a touring bearded ball team that Nestor remembered coming to play at the Bohemian Field) were a barnstorming team out of Michigan. They raised money for their colony. David would be the Biblical David. They had some pro players like Satchel Paige, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Mordecai Brown. They were like a cult. They would hide baseballs in their beards.”  

Those hidden baseballs must have led to some hilarious hi-jinx. 

Connie Sampson, a local published writer,  wrote: “Re the Bohemian baseball team: my late father-in-law, Bill Sampson, was one of three pitchers on the team. Annie Sampson, his wife, played semi-pro hockey here for the Elks.”

I am sure Connie’s comments will awaken many recollections for you – my patient readers.

 Henry’s and Connie’s emails caused me to phone Nestor to tell him how his memories sparked stories for others. 

Our conversation led to more recollections from Nestor. I will share a few in hopes of sprouting similar flashbacks for the readers of this column

First, Nestor recalled the old Prince Albert Swimming Pool that existed in our river on its north side. Two booms served to enclose the pools – one for younger swimmers and another further out for those more daring and capable. Nestor said the dressing rooms were buildings taken from the #6 Elementary Flying School that existed at our airport during W.W.II. 

Nestor can remember riding his bike out to the ‘Pool’ and then continuing on along the Cinder Creek Walk to the Little Red Park. The cinders, he believes, came from the old Sanitorium’s coal fed boilers.

But one of Nestor’s recollections that I found amusing was one of a more personal nature. It dealt with the purchase Nestor made of a Pontiac Parisienne convertible in the late 1950’s. Nestor was attracted to the car, but Connie, Nestor’s wife, was totally captivated by the black beauty with its gleaming red interior attired by shiny chrome fittings. 

There was no choice. Nestor bought the car. Nestor said, however, it might not have been the best idea. Prince Albert, at the time, had very few paved streets. Nestor and Connie enjoyed romantic outings in their unique chariot whilst  fighting off the dust clouds raised on the gravel and dirt roads. 

Oh! What love can endure.

Brian Allbright, another retired teacher friend of mine, eventually purchased the car. But, Brian told me, the car fell victim to rust. The back seat floor boards had to be replaced when Brian went through them while buttoning down the roof cover. Eventually Brian gave up on the car when the headlights fell out of their rusted moorings on the way home from Candle Lake one summer eve. Brian tied them back in place and made it safely, but slowly, home. After that the car rested on a nearby farm lot. Then after a few more homes, the almost dilapidated beauty was sold to a professional vehicle restorer living in Edmonton. From there, with all its glory back in place, the car made its way to New York City.

So see, Prince Albert has some very distant off-springs.

I hope these stories interest and perhaps amuse you. We need to reminisce and pass on our memories as ‘One Story Leads to Another.’