sort the mail, putting each in its own slot, or pigeon hole as he called it. It was a difficult task for Mr. Whalen at first, since he had four patrons with identical names, and another three who had the same surname. It was difficult trying to decide which one should get the letter, when there was only an initial in front of the name. One had to know everyone in the area, including the seniors and the very young. During his term as mail-carrier, he missed very few days. He felt that the mail must be delivered, and subscribers were anxious to receive their newspaper which was also delivered at the same time. Frank was prepared for the trip, and carried salt, a shovel, and some old carpet with him in case he would get stuck while on his journey. There was one occasion when his shovel came in handy. He drove down the hill making his deliveries in Lower Rollo Bay . On his return trip, he found that the road had filled in, and he couldn't get through. He got out his shovel and made a path up the hill, and later returned to the post office. He not only picked up letters to be mailed, but, often, he had to put the stamps on them as well. If someone did not have a stamp, he or she would leave coins in the box to cover the cost. Mr. Whalen , being a good natured man, placed the stamp on the letter, and sent it on its way. There was only one cheque that he could not distribute, and it was a family allowance cheque. It was addressed to someone in Bear River , but the person did not live in that community. It was later discovered that the cheque belonged to a person in Bear River , Nova Scotia . The Christmas season really made him work for his money, because the mail-order parcels quickly filled his car. Occasionally, he had to leave some for the following day. There were many Christmas cards to deliver, as well, and that made his job hectic at times. However, when Christmas arrived, his stocking was well-filled with gifts from his many patrons. One Christmas, he received thirteen boxes 133