GRANDMA REMEMBERS
Throughout their long life together, my mother, Isabel Edna (McLean) McAlpine (December 5, 1895 - July 22, 1984), and my father, John Patrick McAlpine (May 26, 1896 - June 22, 1980), were always together, each very dependent upon the other. Of course, they had their disagreements and spats but these were soon forgotten, and they carried on as an inseparable team through good times and bad. This togetherness intensified in their declining years, and after my father died, "grandma" as her grandchildren called her, was lost for someone to talk to, someone to get around with, and for something meaningful to do. She had always enjoyed writing long, newsy, and witty letters to family friends and acquaintances. One day during a conversation with her, I suggested that she start writing short articles for the local newspaper, the Bancroft Times, describing what life was like during her lifetime. She took up the challenge with the same gusto and determination she applied to everything else she did. Her first article, "Christmas in Maynooth - fifty years ago" appeared in the Times on December 17, 1980. It was followed by some 86 contributions over the next four and one-half years. The last article, "Some unusual things", appeared on May 16, 1984, just two months before she died. All her articles are brought together here as a lasting legacy for her descendants and those who knew her. Some of the anecdotes are priceless gems to be cherished not only by family and friends but also by anyone interested in country life in the 1900's. I defy anyone to read them without being moved to laughter and tears.

Her son,
Francis McAlpine,
January 15, 1990

Grandma Remembers