To the Editor:
I just read a tribute to J.R. Harris in the Barrhead Leader. I did not go to Mosside’s one-room school, but I can speak to his influence on the students he taught.
J.R. Harris influenced every kid in the countryside. His Christmas concert was the event of the year at a time when absolutely nothing else was going on.
In the 40s, we had no television, of course. Only some people had radio. The telephone system was shared by everyone who picked up the phone.
J.R. seemed to inspire in his students the confidence to take part in theatre. Such acting! I will never forget it. Farmers came in whatever convenience they had, including horses and wagons.
Getting there was a must. Nobody had babysitters back then, so all the little ones were wrapped in blankets and placed in carriages around the balcony. Parents took turns checking in on all the babies.
You don’t miss what you never had. There was no running water. Some families consisted of 15 siblings. They were raised with produce they grew themselves. Rarely did anyone get new clothes. They were happy with what they had, and the food they shared was fresh and wholesome.
Incidentally, Mr. Harris had a very peculiar way of writing the letter “R,” and I bet there are three generations who still write the J.R. in that distinctive style.
Mona Baker
Formerly of Barrhead, now living in Airdrie
