"THE SIMMONS " The home of Mr. and Mrs. John Simmons , situated on the Trans- overlooking Westmoreland River , is one of the older homes in Crapaud . It was built by the late George Howatt about the year 1865. Mr. Howatt was proprietor of a general store, which stood on the lot just north of the house. The large two-storey house had the third floor fin¬ ished for a schoolroom, and a private governess was employed to teach the children of the household. In connection with the property is approximately one hundred and twelve acres of land. The property was purchased by Mr. John Moore about the year 1883. While in his possession a large acreage of apple orchard and nurseries were planted, from which stock was sold. On account of his large apple orchard he named the farm "." Mr. Moore also built a half-mile race track on the farm for local horse racing. Two noted trotting horses, which broke earlier records on this track, were, Provider, and John E. Rysdeke . He will also be remembered for being instrumental in organizing the Crapaud Creamery Co., which built the first Butter Factory in the province. His three daughters, Annie, Bessie, and Ger¬ trude, were among the Island's successful school teachers. About the year 1906 the property changed hands again. Mr. Moore sold it to Mr. Woodland Simmons of Freetown , and went to live in . The next owners were Mr. Robert Simmons of Lot 16 and Lady Fane , and his wife, the former Jane Simmons of Westmoreland , who pur¬ chased the property in 1913. Their family consisted of:— Margaret, Mrs. Fred Oakes , Westmoreland ; George and Alfred, who made their homes in Lloydminster, Sask; Mable, Mrs. Parker Francis , Lady Fane ; Edna, Mrs. Urville Large , Albany; John, who married Ruth Dunsford of ¬ ville, a school teacher; and Arthur, who married Aletha Large of Albany. Mr. Simmons was one of the pioneers in the Fox Industry of P.E.I. , being one of the shareholders in the Riverside Ranch in Wilmot Valley . The first pair of foxes, which he purchased in partnership with four other stockholders, cost the neat sum of thirty thousand dollars. He later dissolved partnership with this company and built a ranch on his own property, which he operated in partnership with his two sons, John and Arthur, until his death in 1930. John and Arthur continued in the industry until prices declined to an unprofitable figure a few years later, when they disposed of all re¬ maining stock and devoted themselves to mixed farming on this and the adjoining farm. At time of writing, Ruth and John are sharing the large house with Dr. Peter MacDonald , who carries on a large Medical practice from his Office there. CHRISTOPHER SMITH Christopher Smith , with his wife, Deborah Foster , and family, were among the "Valiant" settlers who came to Crapaud in 1817. They left a comfortable home at Clack Farm , near Armotherly, Yorkshire, England , but this family, with the Wiggintons, Bulpitts, Hudsons, and others, chose to make a new home in a new land. These families left Crapaud many years ago, but the descendants of these pioneers of 1817 are to be found in every province in Canada -4 63 }§►••-