July 1959, one week before my birthday, John J. McCormick drove up my parent’s long lane to ask them if I could go work for him. Being the oldest of the family, it wasn’t easy for my parents to say yes. But I wanted to try it. I did, and stayed ’till May 1960, when I left to get married.

I worked with Georgette Paiment, Mary Kennedy and Yolande Belair. We had rotating shifts: 7-3, 3-11 & 11-7, if I remember correctly, then we would have a week off and would go home. While on night shift we would sleep on the couch so we could hear the calls. We would assume daily chores ? meals, housework and errands. Nights were usually quiet, except Wednesdays, the night of the auction sale at Omer Poirier’s.

I believe I earned $35.00 a week, which was good then as we had no expenses, other than sharing on groceries.

Our evenings were spent watching TV, going for a walk or playing cards. We were allowed to have friends and family over. At Christmas we’d have family members and serve a snack.

The only thing we didn’t have was a “real bathroom”. One big pail did the trick, then Mr. McCormick had the job to empty it as it was too heavy for us. I can still see his face; it wasn’t a pleasant job.

I truly enjoyed the work. I made new acquaintances and made friends with the girls I worked with. I will always cherish the memories.

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