serenaders went on and on until they exhausted themselves and every- one else within hearing. Still, afterward, it was counted the best shiva- ree ever held in Kings County.

‘ .-' I At Wer date a shower was usually given to the bride-to-be. The gifts were not as elaborate as they are now but often they would be home-made or something of a practical nature that the new housewife would need. The women often composed verses which went with their gift. The following are two of these verses:

ROLLING PIN EGG BEATER

I really am a pin, although Here’s to the cake

You cannot see the point, I know The bride will bake;

Upon your hat or ’neath your chin Oh, may I help to beat it!

It surely would provoke a grin; May Fate be kind,

So, pray, please do not wear me so, And Love stay blind,

But use me freely on your dough. So, hubby dear, can eat it! River Fun

Swimming off the bridge.

The Cardigan River itself provided entertainment in winter as well as summer. In summer, it would provide anyone so inclined a chance to cool off. The Cardigan wharf was a main attraction for swimmers. The shallow water above the bridge provided an area for beginner swimmers. It was a proud day when a young swimmer got up the courage to swim under the bridge to the wharf. After that there was no looking back and soon she/ he was jumping or diving off the bridge or wharf with the best of them.

When the steel bridge was replaced with a causeway, Cardigan lost a landmark and a way of life for the young people.

Fishing was very popular with the men in the area. Cardigan was known to have been an ideal place for trout fishing. One story claims that one day two men cought 162 salt-water trout on the Cardigan River. This is said to be a true story although some may suggest it sounds like a fish story. Boating was also a popular pastime for many people.

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