A COUNTRY STORE

Lazarus McGaugh was born in Bear River in 1896. He was a prosperous farmer, and later operated one of the local grocery stores.

In 1923, he left home to seek a career in Boston, where he joined the Dutch Steamship Lines, and worked on the supply boat, earning his Quarter Master’s License. From there, he moved on to San Francisco, where he stayed for two years. Lonesome for Prince Edward Island, he packed his bags and returned home, sporting his newly purchased car known as “The Star.” He jokingly told everyone about the twenty- one flat tires that he had en route home.

In 1930, he married Mildred Hanning, and they were blessed with two sons. They carried on a mixed farming operation in St. Margaret’s, but Lazarus was anxious to return home to his birthplace of Bear River. In 1946, he purchased a local grocery store in the community from John and Loretta O’Keefe.

For a few years, he continued to maintain the farm, moving the animals to Bear River for the winter months, and then herding them back to St. Margaret’s in the Spring. This was a difficult task since the animals did not appreciate walking along the highway, and many times, they refused to cooperate. Then, they had todrive back and forth from Bear River to St. Margaret’s everyday to milk the cows. Eventually, they gave up the farming operation.

Operating the store was a new venture for Lazarus and Mildred. They had no experience in purchasing supplies. They had to submit payment for their purchases within thirty days, so there were many trials and tribulations.

Father Floyd McGaugh recalls the day that they moved into their new home. He drove from St. Margaret’s on his bicycle which had a tire on the back, and only a rim on the front. He was exhausted when

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