This is the continuing story of Edwin and Maud Harland who left their home in south east London for Canada.*
The story was written by Carol Spencer a direct descendant
"In the spring of 1913 Edwin set out to find his own piece of land. They went on to Saskatoon and he made a couple of expeditions out to find the land of his dreams.
He travelled up to Carrot River area but was sure there were not enough trees. (Carrot River is one of the richest farm areas in our province). Next he checked out Red Cross District in Northwestern Saskatchewan.
Carrot River has rich, flat prairie land with lots of water. Red Cross has many trees and rocky soil. To Edwin the choice was clear! Red Cross had trees for firewood and many rocks to build with.
Unfortunately rocks were not used much for building and trees needed to be removed before plowing. His lack of farm experience left them in a difficult, tough life style.
The train line had reached Edam by this time and Edwin again loaded his family and belongings on the train and headed to northwest Saskatchewan to claim his homestead.
Once in Edam a wagon and horses were purchased and all their belongings were loaded on to it and off to the claim they headed. It was about a 60 mile journey and would take 2-3 days.
The road was a dirt trail of wagon ruts that required them to cross the Turtle River over which there was no bridge.
To Edwin it looked quite shallow and narrow. He had Maude drive the wagon across then realized he was still on the wrong side of the river. Being fairly athletic he decided he could very likely just jump the river and rejoin his family.
It was quite cool and the water was very cold as the ice had just thawed. He backed up and took a running leap his long coat-tails flaring out behind.
Unfortunately he misjudged the distance and landed in the middle of the stream with the coat-tails floating out behind him.
Cold and wet he had to continue on as his family tried to hide their mirth!! There were several stopping houses along the way for the family to stop at nights until they reached their claim."
Next; their first summer in Canada
© Carol Spencer, 2013
Pictures; courtesy of Carol Spencer
*The Harland Family, http://chorltonhistory.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/The%20Harland%20Family
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| Edwin as a young man |
"In the spring of 1913 Edwin set out to find his own piece of land. They went on to Saskatoon and he made a couple of expeditions out to find the land of his dreams.
He travelled up to Carrot River area but was sure there were not enough trees. (Carrot River is one of the richest farm areas in our province). Next he checked out Red Cross District in Northwestern Saskatchewan.
Carrot River has rich, flat prairie land with lots of water. Red Cross has many trees and rocky soil. To Edwin the choice was clear! Red Cross had trees for firewood and many rocks to build with.
Unfortunately rocks were not used much for building and trees needed to be removed before plowing. His lack of farm experience left them in a difficult, tough life style.
The train line had reached Edam by this time and Edwin again loaded his family and belongings on the train and headed to northwest Saskatchewan to claim his homestead.
 |
| Maud with one of her sons to the right |
The road was a dirt trail of wagon ruts that required them to cross the Turtle River over which there was no bridge.
To Edwin it looked quite shallow and narrow. He had Maude drive the wagon across then realized he was still on the wrong side of the river. Being fairly athletic he decided he could very likely just jump the river and rejoin his family.
It was quite cool and the water was very cold as the ice had just thawed. He backed up and took a running leap his long coat-tails flaring out behind.
Unfortunately he misjudged the distance and landed in the middle of the stream with the coat-tails floating out behind him.
Cold and wet he had to continue on as his family tried to hide their mirth!! There were several stopping houses along the way for the family to stop at nights until they reached their claim."
Next; their first summer in Canada
© Carol Spencer, 2013
Pictures; courtesy of Carol Spencer
*The Harland Family, http://chorltonhistory.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/The%20Harland%20Family
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