“re 1 listory nt.~\rgyle Shore

Electricity

Argyle Shore was hooked up to lV’Iaritime Electric in 1956 after much communitypersistence and determination. At the time some men from the community travelled to Charlottetown to meet with Premier Alex W. Matheson to lobby for it and a door to door poll was carried out by the Women’s Institute. In order to get the “lights", a certain number offamilies had to agree to have the electricity installed in their homes. Because it was a big investment for the individual families to have their homes wired, some people were hesitant to make the decision considering there would also be a monthly bill! After the installation of electricity, a resident related how it was something to come in from the fields in the evening and see the homes lit up. Another remarked how it was amazing to see the brand new wires glittering in the sunshine. One can only imagine how great it was not to have the kerosene or gas smell in the house from the lamps and also not to have to clean those smoky globes!

People did not immediately rush out and purchase all new electric devices at one time. Items such as electric irons, toasters, kettles, frying pans, etc all made gifts that were very much appreciated. Because most did not acquire electric stoves right away, the electric frying pan was a very popular item. It was said that one resident, Foster MacPhail, did immediately go out and buy a refrigerator. This would be a great convenience, considering that not all families had an icebox. Milk was most often kept cold in the creek during the warm weather, and other perishables were kept cool in the cellar. Cecil and Beverly Macl’hail were the proud owners of the first television set. Bev laughingly told us that they were a bit conscious of their new purchase as they owed a “few dollars" at the community store. Kenny MacDougall said his family sold the idea ofa television to his father, Johnny Alex, because of the Don lVIesser Show which was his favorite radio program.

”3 Bev and Cecil MacPhail had the first television. Everyone used to come to watch it. Bev said that Morris MacDougaIl would come every night. Morris would be watching a western show and get scared and he'd head for home. Mary would never leave an outside light on so it would be pitch black. One night Morris was going home through the field past the

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