Naming the West : Stories Melrose Family

Melrose Family Story 3:
Norris Family

Hello Mr. Martin.

So Mr. Martin the first question we would like to ask you is how did the Melrose school get its name?

Well a man named John Curry named the school. Him and his family moved from Melrose, Scotland. John Curry wanted to bring some of his heritage from Scotland so he entered the name Melrose. The school board decided that Melrose was a great name for the school.

Thank you Mr. Martin. Now to Jake.

What we also want to ask you is what did you do for entertainment and events when you were a kid?

First of all mine and many others favorite event was the dance everyone danced with everyone and else many people brought their instruments. They had everything from weddings to boxing matches and card games. The funny part was there were no babysitters so the babies slept behind the piano. There was no music on the radio so people had to bring their own instruments such as pianos or fiddles. People would sometimes square dance to the music. At the dances the girls would have cards the men would sign the cards that they could dance with them.

Were there any special occasions for these parties?

Well of course they had parties at Christmas and the end of the year. At the parties people had to have somewhere to go the washroom so they paid a man $2.00 to build an out house for the party.

What games would you play after school when you were a kid?

We played some games you still play today like kick the can and kickball.

Thank you for your time Mr. Martin.

No problem.