The Icelandic Canadian - 01.11.2007, Qupperneq 28

70
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 61 #Z
its poorest families produced some of its
brightest scholars and were highly respect-
ed.
In the days before television took over
our lives, we improvised our own enter-
tainment. At least once a month we gath-
ered in the Lutheran Church in the evening
to hear musicians such as violinist Joe
Palson, pianists Lilja Martin and Sigurlin
Bergen, and several local singers. There
were readings and talks by the famous
poet, Gutti Guttormson, whose extraordi-
nary wit was unmatched anywhere.
Saturday nights we danced to the
music of “Johnny and his Musical Mates”
in the community hall. There was always
someone’s birthday as an excuse for a
house party, which included music, good
conversation and wonderful food. And
who among us will ever forget Stebbi
Sigurdson’s rendition of A1 Jolson’s
Mamie? These were truly the good old
Pickerel • Salmon • Crab
Shrimp • Goldeye •
Lobster • Hardfiskur
and more!
We pack for travel
596 Dufferin Avenue
589-3474
625 Pembina Hwy
h__________________6
days.
I made many life-long friends in
Riverton: Sylvia Sigurdson (my first
Icelandic friend), Beatrice and Dora
Olafson, Judith Sigurdson, Helga
Dahlman, Sigurlin Bergen and Anna
Thorarinson. There was also my helpful
sister-in-law, Pauline McCabe and my
wonderful neighbours, Runa Anderson,
Asta Gislason and Anita Einarson.
In the early 1960s I returned to teach-
ing and enjoyed working with people like
my principal Thor Johannson, Eleanor
Egesz, Margaret Johnson, Irene Kwasiuk,
Gunna Sigurdson and Peggy
Gudmundson. These were very interesting
years.
I must mention a special friendsip.
During my early years in Riverton as I
walked the fair distance to school along
Thompson Drive, I often encountered the
poet Gutti Guttormson. He invariably and
courteously greeted me with “Bonjour
Mademoiselle,” the only time I ever heard
French spoken with an Icelandic accent.
We had great conversations - in English!
In 1972, our youngest son completed
high school and we moved to Winnipeg to
a home on Waterloo Street where we reside
to this day. Over the years, we have kept in
touch with our Riverton friends and rel-
tives, though their ranks are getting thin-
ner. Some have died, some have retired
elsewhere, but all the good memories
remain of the friends relatives, neighbours,
students and fellow teachers of a unique
community.