15. The Snowstorm of 1922 During the winter of 1922, the western part of the island was hit hard with snowstorms. Alphy remembers one particular storm - in some areas, the snow banks were fifteen feet high; the roads were blocked, making it impossible for vehicles to travel. Teams of horses made their way around the drifts, but even this was very slow. The trains had come to a halt, as the railroads were buried in the snow. The Canadian National Railways was hiring any able-bodied men and youth to shovel the snow from the train tracks. Alphy who was now fifteen years old, and Edmond twelve years old - were no strangers to work. They had heard that they could earn money shoveling snow from the railroad tracks in Tignish . They had made plans to go to Tignish with their shovels. Some of Alphy's friends were also going and it was arranged for the neighbours to take them by horse and sleigh. Henri had given Alphy and Edmond money for their lunch, as they would be shoveling all day. He had instructed the boys to go to a friend's house, the home of Howard D. who lived on the . Henri told Alphy and Edmond to let Howard know that "You are Henri Doucette 's sons and he will let you eat there." Alphy and Edmond paid close attention to their father's instructions, and left for Tignish . When they arrived they had no problem getting hired. There were plenty of men and youth shoveling already, but it could be days before the tracks would be cleared for the trains. By noontime Alphy and Edmond were very hungry; they put away their shovels and went to Howard D's. They knocked at the door and then looked at each other, not sure what to do. Howard came to the door, and Alphy started to tell him that they were hoping to get a bite to eat. 32