Marjorie Louise Lawton, eldest child of Muriel and Edward Lawton, Old Black River Road. I had removed this page when her family complained about what I wrote about Marjorie, but I reread my words that were written from a vivid memory and with compassion, and found them, respectful and true. It is my point of view, and can only express my viewing points. I wrote about her as a child with feelings, as a child of the family in that time and place. A writer must see deeply.


Marjorie was the first child so I suppose she had first choice on the genes...she looked a lot like Mom when Mom was young. Marjorie also got Mom's rich and thick hair . When Marjorie wore it long it was lovely. Marjorie had Mom's determined way of walking, sort of putting her feet down hard to get somewhere fast. She kept her figure from all the years of walking to town to work as a kid, maybe, and from hunting for deer and moose, too.

Marjorie had to leave school early to go to work as many did then and she worked hard all her life. Having so many siblings come so fast must have been hard on the clothing and necessity budget. In those days, everyone had to buy their own school text books. I remember, Miss Hatfield at Simonds being upset that such a smart girl could not continue her schooling.

One day, not long ago, I met a man who said he delivered the Old Black River Road....I thought he was a doctor but, no, he was the bread man who went to every house with that"wonder" white sliced bread. He said that Marjorie was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

I wish he had told both her and us then. We would have been proud because it was a hard struggle to get up and going in the world and complements were few and far between.

Marjorie moved away to Ontario and that for us left at home was far indeed, for we never went anywhere. I remember her back, going down the road. I remember talking to her In later years, listening to her, rather, about all of her hopes, fears, personal thoughts on her childhood and her attitudes to her life and on the family. She was complex, as we all were, a good person who had many heartaches....haven't we all? She died young with some of her most pressing issues unresolved, and for this, I feel compassion for her.

Marjorie worked in industry, in the Labour Union and for the United Way, to name a few. She raised a family and was proud of her grand-children. We used to go together to Aunt Audrey`s to find kids clothing in Audrey`s clothing collections...found good stuff, too. We all talked a lot about our lives and Audrey wished she could have done more for us when we were young. Audrey led us by example, however, and I will never forget her determined posture and brilliant face from which a light shone out. I see that face now when I look in the mirror.

to be continued...

On Lawton farm, Old Black River Road, 1938.

Marjorie in center, Jean, left, Carole, right, at Eddie's house, Old Black River Road. About 1942.

Marjorie in center.
Marjorie playing in yard of Eddie's tar-papered house.




Muriel with Marjorie(left) and Jean on Lawton farm, Old Black River Road


125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal

The 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal is a commemorative medal struck by the Royal Canadian Mint celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. The Medal honours Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community.

The medal was only issued in 1992 . Nominations were made through the various branches of Government, as well as organization throughout the country.
This Medal was awarded to approximately 42,000 Canadians.

Marjorie received this medal for her idea, "Soup-Can Friday at the Dry Dock".






Eddie Lawton with baby Jim, Marjorie on ground. Marjorie and Jean, two beauties.



Marjorie holding Patsy, with Jim and Carole. The first 4, Jean, Jim, Marjorie, Carole.



Marjorie and Jean. Jean, Carole, Jim, Marjorie.

The first 5, Jim, Carole, Jean, Marjorie(on right), Patsy and Darlene( curtsying)


Darlene sitting on left, Marjorie holding a baby. Aunt Marion, center, Marjorie, arms folded.





Marjorie came up with the idea of " Tin-Can Friday" in which each dry dock worker would bring in a can of soup for charity on paydays....she received a local award for the idea , together with many others active in charity in Saint John. Her name is on the back of her parents grave...her ashes interred in same grave.



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