her restlessness and her inability to sit still. She would drop her plate or spoon when eating, and her mother noticed Etta’s jerking movements in her neck and upper extremities. The doctor diagnosed her as having a disease known as chorea, better know to many as Saint Vitus’s Dance. She suffered from this ailment until she reached adulthood, when it left her completely. Anna, a sister six years older than Etta, looked after her constantly. It is believed that her recovery was due to a high—caloried diet, and a very happy home atmosphere.
During this time of sickness, the neighbours were very kind. Although most were without a surplus of means themselves, they still wanted to help. They left bread, milk, and other necessities on a snow bank in front of their house. What they had, they shared.
There were Indians living in Bear River at that time. They would build a camp in the woods, anywhere that would suit their need. At that time, they had permission from the government to settle anywhere in the woods. They could cut wood, and clear land for a garden, and not need a deed for the land. Catherine Mitchell was an Indian whom Marjorie found very remarkable. Marjorie’s family would visit this lady and bring her bread, or other food—items. In return, Catherine would give them a colored straw—basket, one of the many that she made.
On one occasion, Catherine came to visit at Marjorie’s home, and she noticed that Marjorie’s mother had a very large ulcer on her leg that was very painful. Catherine left, went to the woods, and gathered moss and other material from the trees. She returned, mixed it with some yellow soap and made a poultice which she applied to the sore. A few days later, the ulcer dried up and disappeared. Mrs. MacDonald was very grateful to this good neighbour.
Marjorie recalls a forerunner which transpired in the community. She was then a little girl, and claims that this is true. It seems that Joe
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