Lawn Social

Hilda Van Netten
10 hours ago
2 min read

How can anyone decline an invitation to a Lawn Social? I've never been to a lawn social and until a month ago never really thought about lawn socials. I think I have a new favourite pass-time. Lawn socials.

100 years ago, according to the poster on the right, a Lawn Social was to be held on James Deviney's lawn. Today, a Lawn Social was held on his grand-daughter Laurie Deviney and her husband Jim Martin's lawn.

You can tell that an event is well thought out and organized when you are greeted by informative signs on the way in.

We felt like we were in Upper Canada Village. There are barns from the same era....

.... and even an outhouse!

Under the shady, gigantic maple trees, there were games from a century ago. A crokinole board was set out on a card table, croquet on the lawn, a bean-bag toss and a host of guessing games with prizes for the winners.

Old friends chatted and new friends were made.

Throughout the afternoon, this lovely group of musicians, the Donegal Fiddlers, regaled us to songs from the past: Tennessee Waltz! Be still my heart! I love that song.

Endless food and drinks were set out on long tables under the trees.

The highlight of the afternoon for many was the chance to learn an old dance that was "just a few easy steps". Maybe for some. Ted & I tried to co-ordinate ourselves, but we re-affirmed that we still have 2 left feet. Jim and Laurie were great instructors for the more co-ordinated folks and....

.... as the band played.....

.... fun was had.

What fun! Sorry for the large video file. I am posting this from Ted's computer as mine is away for repair. I miss my photo editing and video editing programs. Online editing had to suffice today.

After the dancing was finished, Jay Sherwin who is a cousin of the Deviney's regaled us with the true story of a neighbouring farmer who captured 45 German soldiers in one of the world wars single-handedly.

Prizes were announced and one of the winners was Ted! Apparently, he was able to identify a bunch of farm machinery parts. Interesting how things work out. When a young lady heard his name announced she looked around and saw me. I brought her over to Ted and big hugs were exchanged. Because of Ted's winning we got to reconnect with a dear friend who we hadn't seen in 15 years.

I had some clear pictures of these folks heading down the lane to the barns, but this one seems to capture my feelings of the day. We caught a glimpse of how life was enjoyed in Vernonville one hundred years ago. It was just a glimpse, maybe a bit fuzzy, but it was completely wonderful.