Low Down Articles
Echoes from the Past
Article 25 of 111
This article first appeared in the "Echoes from the Past" column of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
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Faith Mission
THE BROOKDALE FARM complex was opened in October of 1954. Situated at the north end of Meech Creek Valley, it was intended for orphans of both sexes as well as those children with troubles at home. It was stipulated that the young people should be from the Gatineau and Pontiac.
The moving spirit was Miss Jessie Hyde (later Mrs. Lloyd Waterston) who was born on the Hyde homestead.
The set-up at the farm consisted of a dormitory building, a staff cottage, a small schoolhouse and a collection of farm buildings which were to serve the purpose for which they were designed. The aim was that the youngsters should learn the ins and outs of farming and at the same time feed themselves at little or no cost.
To get the scheme off the ground it was necessary to have both financial help - they started with $6.00 - and a committee or board to oversee the business end of things. Among the members were Hibbert Vipond of South Hull, James Thomson of Buckingham, Howard Harris and Dr. Harold Geggie, ever on the lookout to serve as doctor and raiser of funds, etc.
The staff consisted of Mrs. Jessie Waterston, matron and secretary. Lloyd Waterston, manager, Allyn Dennison, farm manager, Mrs. Allyn Dennison, house mother, Shirley Droh (?), school teacher, and Marjorie Moffat, cook. A qualified nurse was on staff during the summer.
On opening day the treasurer, Howard Harris reported that the original six dollars had grown to about $5,000, more than $3,500 of which was from donations.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Waterston were well qualified for the challenge they had undertaken, each was a Bible Institute graduate; he from London Ontario, she from Western Canada - from which she did not originate.
Indication of the careful planning was the granting of a charter by the Quebec Government in March 1953, more than a year prior to the opening on a sunny October day in 1954.