Saturday, February 18, 2012

Douglas Fraser's students bid the family farewell

In 1906 Douglas and Kate Fraser moved the family from Ontario to Pilot Mound, Manitoba. Again, Douglas's students bid him a fond farewell. (Transcript follows scans.)



To Douglas Fraser Esq.
Dear Teacher

As the very cordial relations so long existing between us as teacher and pupil are about to terminate we desire to convey to you some token of our respect and regard.

For many years you have been our teacher and during that period you have labored diligently and earnestly to discharge the onerous duties of your high calling. By your earnestness diligence integrity and moral worth you have always been a good example to us and we trust that such example may be reflected in our lives.

We understand that in severing your connection with this school that it is your intention to retire from the teaching profession to which you have given the best years of your life, and whilst the reward in a worldly sense may not have been great, we know that you will have that other and far greater reward – the satisfaction that rises from a duty honestly and efficiently performed.

In conclusion we trust that your future life may be one of comfort, happiness and joy and that many years of useful endeavor are still before you and that your influence for good may be felt by all whom you may associate with. Please convey to your esteemed wife and your children an expression of our interest in their welfare and future happiness.

As a parting token please accept from us for yourself these gifts and for Mrs. Fraser this gift, and we trust that their use may recall pleasant memories of the many happy years spent in School Section No. 9 Turnberry. 

Bidding you an affectionate farewell, we subscribe ourselves in behalf of S.S. No. 9 Turnberry.
Turnberry
Dec. 22 1905

Eldon Henning
Russell MacKersie
Frank Powell
Nelson A. Higgins