Happy birthday Barrhead.
90 years.
I can’t believe it.
It seems like only yesterday you were a brand new town, nestled on a hill, looking over a valley.
A change in shipping lanes is, I believe, what led to Barrhead moving from its former location to its present one.
However, regardless of how it was done, I think I’ve decided that I’m more comfortable with your current geographical locale.
Granted, I’ve only been here for 2 years but I like what you’ve become.
While I can’t imagine what it was like living here in the early years, back before iPhones and the Internet and smart cars and drones, I have a certain amount of respect for the pioneers who came here from other places, fought against the frigid conditions of prairie winters and persevered.
My grandmother told us stories about people arriving in Saskatchewan and Alberta without any socks.
Can you imagine?
Not me.
Dress for the weather I say.
When I first moved here, people said the winters were cold but -40 was just a joke to me.
I didn’t believe you then but I know better now.
Some people around here have probably seen my beard.
It’s there for asthetics and it is a lifestyle choice, but realistically, the beard is also a built-in scarf and it helps keeps me warm enough.
So, my hat’s off to the settlers for paving the way on a number of items, not the least of which is this fashionable facial accessory.
Thanks too for having the grit to soldier on, to come together and to build a community that your descendents have done their best to make better.
Life changes and it goes on.
Barrhead may have lost Champion Feeds and its roads may not always be plowed but there’s always something on the horizon.
This is a community that has a will.
It is a place with morals and one where its people don’t shy from commitments.
I was born in Ontario and I’ve lived all across the country.
I’ve seen some of the most picturesque vistas one can find in this dominion.
That being said, I truly believe that there is nowhere else where all of the ingredients for home are so abundant or clearly obvious.
I’m glad that my career brought me here.
I’m even happier that I decided to stay.
May the next 90 years see even more prosperity.