Dear Editor,
While it has been over 50 years since I left Point Edward to travel to Toronto, it is clear in my mind that I was raised in a rarified place and time. Point Edward is, and definitely was, a place of community; a place where I was known as “The Anderson eldest”; where I was recognized 25 years later at “the grey store” as “one of the Anderson girls”. Community … that close, family kind of belonging that nobody talked about, you just knew … you belonged. And that feeling is clearly broadcast, beginning with the sign at the corner Michigan boundary with Sarnia: “Welcome to POINT EDWARD - Progressively Independent Since 1878”. 1878 … that’s a long time to gleefully thumb your nose at the larger city adjacent, always ready to take it over. Point Edward. Community. Belonging. And I haven’t really felt that way since. Until just this afternoon.
A close friend received an invitation from Coldwell-Banker to attend the “Client Christmas Extrav.” at their Christina Street office, and she invited me to come along. The first thing I noticed was that the parking lot attached to their office was quite full, and “free”. When we went round to the front door, there was an “old truck”, painted red, with a fresh-cut Christmas tree in the back. That’s when the memories started to crowd in.
We were welcomed at the front door by a young man, clearly representing the company, who welcomed us sincerely and directed us towards the rear of the building. Santa sat eager to have his picture taken with excited children. On long tables there were crock pots of hot chili and soups. As we walked towards the “park area” attached to the building, we passed an office that was dedicated to children: kids quietly coloured, huddled around long tables; someone did face painting on eager faces; and there was a long line of moms, dads and kids waiting patiently for their chance to be involved in the activities there. That was just inside.
Outside, bails and bails of hay made for easy comfortable seating; a horse trough was commandeered, filled with ice and turned into an easily accessible cooler for the cold drinks and juice boxes; fire pits burned enticingly, urging you to sit awhile and chat. There were booths and knowledgeable hosts, wonderful fresh cookies, hamburgers on the grill, even a fellow singing filling the air with celebration.
What a happy, joyful celebration of community, an old-time chance to once again be part of what community should be … a place of acceptance, a place of sharing, a place of belonging.
Well done to everyone who contributed to this event, and a sincere thanks to Caldwell-Banker Real Estate for the invitation.
Marg Johnson, CYW