A Span, The Length Of Memory 113

Picnics in the long ago were big events and the picnic table and supper were the highlights of the day. It was an occasion that equalled the church teas and the wedding suppers as a chance for the women to show off their culinary skills.

In those days of large families, picnics did not just happen they had to be carefully planned and prepared for. As many as twelve members of a family would go, from the very youngest who nestled on mother’s lap to grandmother, who would occupy the most comfortable seat in the farm wagon. This sturdy but rough means of transportation would be cushioned with an armful of hay to help ease the bumps and the hay would serve as the picnic lunch for the horses. Two heavy planks would be placed crosswise on the wagon box as seats and the carefully packed provisions, including dishes, cutlery, pots, etc., arranged where space allowed.

Going on a picnic usually meant leaving home in the morning and going to Stavert’s Shore at North Bedeque, and it also meant returning home in time to milk the cows in the evening. At the picnic. games of all kinds were contested. Many people went bathing while others walked barelegged through the water if suitable swim wear was not available.

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