BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST
For years a skating rink was built in the winter on Providence Motherhouse grounds for the enjoyment of the Sisters. These photographs and extracts from the Congregational Annals offer a glimpse into winters past:
Extracts from the Congregational Annals:
January 18, 1940 – The skating rink being all in readiness, the Sisters made a start by donning skates this afternoon. It proved to be a fatal move however in one direction – Sister Mary Urban fell and hurt her left wrist.
February 3, 1940 – The Sisters availed themselves of the advantage of an outing on the skating rink. The teaching Sisters enjoy this privilege on Saturday and Sunday in their free time.
January 13, 1954 – The skating rink for the Sisters is now in good condition for use and those who want to skate gladly avail themselves of the outing and fresh air.
February 2, 1955 – Good skating on the rink – Sisters from the Providence and St. Mary’s of the Lake have been coming out for a skate.
January 18, 1959 – Snow and more snow continues to fall regularly, very cold too, the rink is in good shape but the sisters have not had much time for skating, but they love it when they can get out. Tim and Mr. Davis have had busy days keeping the driveway and paths clear of snow, the one using the tractor, the other a shovel. This is a familiar sight around here this winter.
January 23, 1966 – Sisters Mary Stella Maris, Mary Carmel, Mary Cleta and Wilfred Marie accompanied thirty High school students from Belleville on an outing to Kingston. Following their visit to St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital and the House of Providence, they proceeded to Heathfield, where early supper was served shortly after their arrival. Several Sisters took the girls on a quiet guided tour of the Mother House before joining the novices and postulants for a skating party. Then refreshments were served to the enthusiastic group by the Novitiate Sisters. The arrival of the chartered bus brought to a close a very delightful visit which the students thought had passed by too quickly.
February 6, 1967 – Although the mercury fell below zero, the Sisters took advantage of the inviting ice and went skating. After Msgr. Hanley’s conference three Hotel Dieu Sisters and the Novitiate Sisters joined the group. Refreshments were served in the Novices Recreation Room.
