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/ caused by the lack of transpor- tation to the mainland. ' There were several days be- tween the time the island ferry, the Amherst Islander, broke down and the introduction of the tug service as a temporary measure. , "It is something you make up your ,mind to," said Mrs. Bierma. "When I moved here four years ago I was constant- ly afraid of just such problems arising. "It took me a while to adjust to the inconveniences," s h e said. "Neighbors are wonder- ful. In time of need they gather around and help. "I wanted to see the Sound of Music Wednesday night in Kingston. We took a horse and sle i g h and crossed the ice. Where there's a will there's a way." Mrs; Bierma and her husband operate the local cheese factor an L SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1966 tented a problem for the resi- ents of this Lake Ontario is- land, three miles south of Mill- haven. The inhabitants had been with- out transportation to the main- land until Syl Apps, MLA for Kingston and the Islands and A.T. McNab, deputy minister of highways partially solved the problem by providing temporary transportation on the tug Sal- vage ,Prince. , Automobiles are driven to the point of departure and left until the return trip. This is not a completely satisfactory arrange- ment for some but it is a way of receiving mail, supplies and on the Island. ' transportation for people em- "Fear of someone going By ANN LEVANDOSKI played on the mainland. through the ice is always at ha | E Staff Reporter The daily routine of a woman Living on Amherst Island pre- sents no problem 99 per cent f the time; It's that remaining fine par cent that can cause the rouble. it The last two weeks have pre- During an interview Friday back of one's. mind," said Mrs. .with five women living in the, Strain, insurance agent and tax village of Stella -- Mrs. Earle. adjuster. Willard, Mrs. Ross Filson, Mrs. When asked what an expectant George Bierma, Mrs. Estel mother would do if a complicat- Strain and Mrs. Ernest Flem- ed delivery was encountered, ing --- I learned of some of the she mentioned an example in- problems and inconveniences volving her daughter and ex- PAGE SEVENTEEN re en Pregg rm'v--u-- . , Social life for the women in cludes Women's Institute meet- ings, church organizations, Leg-' plained that early arrange- ments are' made for accom- modations on the mainland _ weeks before the scheduled ar- 1°" dances! card games and rival to insure medical atten; house parties. Mrs. Bessiel tion is available. ' Tugwell, an 82-year-old w1dow« . . . (and piano player) is alwaysi This 15 .an absolute necesslty' available for any social event. as there Isn't a doctor on the , The local WI is assisting coun- lsland. Most of the women rely. cu in providing a park on the on Mrs' Cufiford Glenn 1" ume,' island, part of a centennial pro- of emergencies, she said. Mrs. ject. Glenn is a registered nurse and' , _ . During the Interviews the according to the women IS al- women were asked if they felt ways available. the island was on the upswing. Mrs. Ernest Fleming, mother - ' ' ' " " of Reeve Harry Fleming, recal- led former winters on the Is- land when people just stayed at home, during this time of year. Most of the families lived on farms then, she' said and there was always plenty to eat. Women prepared food ahead of time just as they do today with the only difference being that the freezer is now used for storage. Mrs. Fleming's farm has been They all agreed it was. ' A frame home built ten years ago has'more than doubled in value. They also said more people are coming to the'island than leav- ing it every year. The present population is approximately 400, made up of active farmers and summer dwellers. There are three grocery stores on the island which have supplies of fresh fruits and _ fvegetables most of the time. A the homestead for the Fleming hairdresser is centrally located family Since 1830 and during in the village and also a dress- her years on the Island could maker. The women rely on one not recall a single death re- another in time of need and for sulting from lack of emergency social hours --- a fine example medical. attention. She did, of living together in harmony. however, recall two lives being They had suggestions to make lost several years ago whenl regarding a solution to all their people fell through thin ice, inconveniences and fears. A Mrs. Filson and her husband bridge linking the iSIRnd to the have operated the island con. mainland would be an ideal so- fectionery store and coffee shop lution. However, an additional for the past ten years. She third CI'eW Operating the ferry said they saw the need of ac. would help solve their prob. commoda'tions near the ferry lemsr théY'believe- and this prompted them to give "' up farming. Her son is now operating 'the family farm. Her concern is not with present accommoda-! tions but more with future transportation for high school students who in September willl be required to attend Napanee High School. She agreed with Mrs. Bierma that greater op- portunities are available at the Napanee school, but when an inconvenience such as the ore- sent one arises, she feels some arrangements have to be made to make sure students can re- turn home each day. ' l h .