THE HOMES THAT I HAVE LIVED IN (longer than 6 months)

This is not necessarily a composition with any other intent but to entertain the Reader with a historical record of the nomadic nature of this Writer’s life. I will add true humor as there is much of it that occurred in those places where I resided alone and with my family.

1. Farmhouse at Canora, Saskatchewan
   1. Address – Section 25, Township 31, Range 3, West of the 2^nd Meridian
   2. South side of road on the shore of a large pond
   3. Family purchase in 1936 from the Katasanoff Family.  It was later, sold to the Fred Dergousoff Family
   4. Occupants:

                               i.   Father, Bill (Wasyl) Verigin

                              ii.   Mother, Annie (nee Morozoff)

                            iii.   Brother Lawrence

                             iv.   Brother Russel

                              v.   Sister Mary

                             vi.   Elmer was born on August 12, 1940 in this house and lived there to the Spring of 1943

5. I am told that the house was moved to another location nearby and is unoccupied. Other buildings have been added to the original site by Fred Dergousoff, the current owner, but no one lives there.
6. A coincidence is that our friends, Keith and Sonia Tarasoff purchased another Dergousoff farm directly north. Marilyn and I have visited them often. I walked over and enjoyed the spirits that came to me as I entered the farm.
7. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   One of our neighbors was the Negraeff family who became very special friends. One of their sons, Peter Negraeff went to Teacher’s College. Peter taught me in Pelly from Grade 8 through to Grade 12 and became my role model

                              ii.   I recall that raisins were stored on top of the china cupboard in that house. Although I knew that “snitching” raisins was not allowed, I still climbed up unto the bench by the table and was able to reach up for the can of raisins. I took a large handful, replaced the container and then snuck away through the living room and unto the back porch where I sat and ate them. I got away with it, you might say, and they sure tasted good.

                            iii.   I always was a dog-lover and this incident went like this:

1. 1.   Mother always made a large batch of “blincee” (a Doukhobor crepe) on Sundays. This permitted the family to have snacks later.
2. 2.   My dog Nigger (not a good name in these times) was giving me the eye and so during breakfast, I snuck a blinets under the table, to his delight.
3. 3.   Once everyone went their way, Nigger continued to give me that pleading eye and so I would reach up to the cupboard, get a blinets and have him beg for it. Then I would toss it in the air and have him catch it with his drooping large lips et al.
4. 4.   This game continued until the entire batch disappeared.
5. 5.   Mother blamed my oldest brother Lawrence for the Blincee disappearance but Nigger was the only evidence as he dragged his sagging stomach out of the house  passed out on the porch and burped in the sun.

                             iv.   We waited for Dad to come home from his weekly trip to Canora as he always had a box of Cracker Jack for us. Very exciting to find that little “toy” somewhere in the box.

                              v.   I understand that the dry ‘30s contributed to crop failures and the mortgaged farm was not able to make the payments. Although I have heard various versions of the demise, I am not sure of the exact details and leave that to history

2. Farmhouse at Veregin Saskatchewan
   1. Location – 1 mile North, 2 miles East and then 1 mile North of Veregin
   2. East side of road
   3. Rented from Evdakim Chernoff
   4. Occupants:

                               i.   Everyone as listed in Canora

                              ii.   All lived there from Spring of 1943 through to the Spring of 1947

5. The decaying house still stands on this site
6. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   Brother Lawrence recalled to me, an incident that was uncanny. The family owned five (5) horses when we moved. Prince was very adept at opening barbwire gates. He learned to reach over and take the wooden arm that tightened the gate to the post and move it over the top of the gate. He then let go and the gate was open to free him. Kooleena was a leader and could spirit other horses into action by biting them on their mane.  Her two fillies, Molly and Jesse, along with Jack, Tudor and Younzick, all became free. They decided that they wanted to go back to the farm in Canora. After a frantic search, our father, much later, called Sergei Shkurut, a former neighbor in Canora, to see, if by chance, the horses were there. Sure enough, they were peacefully grazing on the road outside the gate of the former farm yard. The distance, the horses travelled on their own, would be approximately 16 ½ miles.

                              ii.   It was on this farm that I used to hitch my dogs, Gypsy and Nigger to my sled or wagon (depending on the season) and pretend I was my father. I used to haul wood to the house and whatever else I could find to move wherever I thought it needed to be hauled (I am sure that I was humored by the adults as well)

                            iii.   I must have been four, when Mother took me visiting to our relatives in Kamsack, the Pete Haleshoffs. Well, I needed to know where the outhouse was and it was explained that there was a toilet in the house (Kamsack had sewer and water at that time) and I was showed this well furnished room with very white fixtures. As the door closed behind me, I started to wonder, “How was I going urinate in this room? If this was the place where will I do it?” I inspected everything and I noticed this clean water in a porcelain bowl and agreed with my thoughts that “who would urinate into a well?” I kept thinking that someone made a mistake and politely came out and started fidgeting again in discomfort. Finally I convinced mother that I wanted to leave. Reluctantly she left her visiting session and went back down town. I immediately went to the Livery Stable where our horses were and ducked into the stable to relieve myself. I never did confess to my mother about this episode but my older siblings explained to me, my stupidity. Well okay, I still remember the incident 68 years later.

                             iv.   I started grade 1 in a Primary School in Verigin that was on the north side of the street along the tracks. The school has since disappeared as has the Veregin Hotel that was adjacent to it.

1. 1.   We had separate girls and boys outhouses with three adjacent openings in each so that three children could simultaneously deal with nature. Such efficiency in those days! Yes the boys’ toilet was a challenge in the winter, when young boys “dribbled” causing ice to literally freeze over the openings. It was a stressful life even in those days!
2. 2.   I got my first strap from Mrs. Chernoff because I broke the yardstick when I chased the teasing grade 3 girls (Trofemenkoff and Rilkoff) outside. I swung to hit them but hit the teeter-totter instead, breaking the yardstick. We did not have a “mafiosa system” (don’t rat) in those days and I admitted to the wrong-doing as I had to tell the truth (I didn’t even know who George Washington was).  I received another lickin’ when I got home. It sure cured me of the affliction of breaking yardsticks to this day. I think my siblings ratted on me at home.

                              v.   We took a short cut across the Trofemenkoff farm one spring. Lawrence, Russel, their buddy Fred Chernoff and Peter Remezoff, very ably, crossed the creek and the mud with sister Mary a short distance behind as she did not want to be seen walking with Peter. I made up the rear as I was crying after having lost my rubber boot in the mud of the creek. Yes, Mary felt sorry for her kid brother but little did she realize I was being teased by my older siblings to stop being a “Peeyowka” and learn to survive which would benefit me in the future. (I made up the last part of this sentence but nature has its messages)

                             vi.   Everyone in those days had a “chamber pot”. The siblings (4) had ours at the top of the stairs. Everyone took their turn to empty this pot before going to school. One evening it was realized that the pot was not emptied by brother Russel. It was mid winter with freezing temperatures and a blizzard outside and Russel already half-prepared for bed. He took the pot and ran bare-footed along the frozen path to dump it and return with the remark,” The toes just started to tingle”.

                           vii.   Dad continued to bring us individual boxes of Cracker Jack. I remember the taste to this day.

3. Farmhouse at Veregin, Saskatchewan
   1. Location – 3 miles North of Verigin
   2. South East corner of intersection
   3. Rented from Mr. Clark
   4. No buildings remain on this site
   5. Occupants:

                               i.   All as listed in previous two houses

                              ii.   All lived here from Spring of 1947 through to late fall 1947

6. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   Although the stay here was temporary, it was still necessary to have fences to pen our horses and cattle. Just as my Father, Lawrence and Russel had stretched the top barbwire of a fence from the barn to the next post, was when I came charging around the barn ahead of Harold Hobanoff who was chasing me in our game of “cops and robbers”. I was looking back and when my head came back around; there was the top strand of wire which provided a deep gash into my left cheek. Of course, there was a great deal of blood, cursing and few other choice words from my father. I don’t remember who won out in our game but poor Harold (he was older) got the blame for the accident and got sent home while I got a scar for memory.

                              ii.   I recall that the house was just framed up with no finish on the walls. Mother hung up sheets on the partitions to permit some privacy.

                            iii.   I always liked being around my father who owned a large threshing machine that operated most efficiently with 8 rigs (farmers with a rack and a team of horses) to pitch sheaves from each side to keep the thresher running at maximum capacity. I just loved the banter amongst the farmers, the smell of sweating horses, the monotonous drone of the tractor and the vibrating action of the thresher. A kid of 7 years gets hungry at least 5 times a day and so my father sent me across the Podmaroff field to the farmhouse ahead of the crew for supper. He knew that the women would realize that they had a waif on their hands and feed me. I recall the packed dirt floor in the combined Kitchen / Dining / Living Room and the many women preparing dinner for the threshing crew along with the pungent odors of baking tarts. There were Raspberry, Cranberry, Strawberry and Saskatoon tarts by the dozens. My lips drooled along with unblinking eyes that were devouring all this cooking. The sympathy of the ladies soon produced a selection of tarts along with the accompanying fresh cream. To this day, I cannot forget that taste! It would be too embarrassing to admit how many I devoured in that sitting but I needed little more to eat when time arrived for the actual dinner.

                             iv.   My Dad was always fixing his Model “A” before we could go to town. The windshield on Mother’s side had a hole in it and the wind would blow through so that she had to “hang on to her hat” so to speak. The car “died” that fall. We never did have a car after that.

4. Farmhouse at Pelly, Saskatchewan
   1. Location – 2 miles East and 1 ½ miles North of Pelly
   2. North half of section located on West side of road
   3. Owned ½ section (320 acres) purchased from Louis von der Sompel
   4. Occupants:

                               i.   All as listed in previous 3 houses

                              ii.   Lawrence left for work in British Columbia in 1950

                            iii.   Russel left for work in British Columbia firstly in 1952 and returned in 1953 to put the crop in and then left, permanently, that Fall

                             iv.   Mary married John Khadekin and left in 1955

                              v.   Elmer left for work in British Columbia every summer starting 1956 and returned every fall to complete High School. Final move was in June 1958 after graduation

                             vi.   Elmer returned for a few days to visit that fall and then left permanently in September 1958 to enter University of Saskatchewan at Saskatoon

                           vii.   Father Wasyl died in October 1958 from a heart attack while shoveling wheat into a wagon box in preparation for market

                          viii.   Mother Annie, moved from the farm in the Fall of 1958 to live with John and Mary Khadekin in Benito, Manitoba

                            ix.   The farm sold in 1960 to the Hrabchuk family

                              x.   No physical signs of buildings remain at this location.

5. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   These were the most influential years of my life when my character was developed and become the pattern for my life. Today, when I meditate, I immediately visualize the scenes at this farm and I become relaxed as I deal with my present day challenges.

                              ii.   The scene of Billy Goat chasing brothers Lawrence and Russel right into the house and not being able to slow down until he slid on the wet floor right up to Mom who was washing the floor on her hands and knees with her rear end to what was developing. I never saw goat hooves slip as frantically as they did to avoid a wet floor rag hitting him. Even animals understand treacherous situations very well.

                            iii.   Father walking out in his Stanfield’s underwear to greet Mary’s boyfriend on a later evening call to the embarrassment of Mom and Mary.

                             iv.   This is where I had the experience with siblings “leaving the nest”, so to speak:

1. 1.   Lawrence left for the Kootenays in British Columbia with his friend Fred Barabanoff in the spring of 1950
2. 2.   Russel left to follow Lawrence, for the summer in 1952 and returned to then permanently leave in the Spring of 1953
3. 3.   Mary married John Khadekin and left in 1954 to live in Benito, MB.
4. 4.   I just had my dogs and all the deserted neighboring farms as my territory to roam about and dream that I was a pioneer living in the bush.

                              v.   This was also when I realized that I suddenly acquired an interesting special attraction to girls.

                             vi.   This is where I dreamed about my future wife that I knew I would meet sometime and how many children I would have and their possible names

                           vii.   Lonely winter nights were tolerated with my thirst for information and reading under a coal oil lamp:

1. 1.   I read all the supplementary books in the school library right through grade 12 when I was still in grade 8
2. 2.   This thirst resulted in accessing books from the Provincial Library in Regina. They had a good system where a poor resident could receive the book by mail and return same all paid by the Library
3. 3.   Sometimes I found it hard to walk to school through a blizzard  so I continued reading all day instead.

                          viii.   The family farm always required help and so the siblings threshed, seeded, fenced and did whatever was necessary so that paid help would not be necessary. I recall a time in Grade 7 when a letter was received from the Ministry of Education addressed to my father, demanding an explanation as to why his son only attended 120 of the mandatory 200 day school year. My father could not read but he recognized it was a letter from the Government. “What does it say?” he asked me. Knowing that there was little that he could do to change the situation, I responded “It is Statistics Canada asking to respond to a survey on how much livestock we have and acreage planted, etc.” He looked at me and may have suspected that I was not on the level but ended the enquiry with “Can you answer them?” I nodded but the letter never did get answered. I was one of the fortunate farm students that, somehow was able to continue through school with a low B average despite the absenteeism.

                            ix.   I rode my horse Molly to school and left her in a barn at Zarchikoffs.

1. 1.   Riding bareback into the wind became problematic when i had to hold my lunch and books. Also, the wind in the winter added a “windchill temperature” of another 20 degrees to the already 40 below
2. 2.   So I made the reins continuous so that they could hang over the mane while I turned my back to the wind. The horse just followed the frozen path anyway.
3. 3.   Once we crossed the open field we entered a bush area when a rabbit ran out startling Molly to a halt.
4. 4.   I continued flying through the air to land in the snow still clutching books and lunch
5. 5.   Molly stood there snorting at me and I made a face at her too after which I just mounted again and off we continued.

                              x.   It was hard leaving my dog Duke to go to University

5. House at Trail, British Columbia
   1. Address – 3487 Laburnum Drive, (Glenmerry)
   2. Part of basement was rented in this House by brother Lawrence and Mable Verigin from Mable’s parents Pete and Tina Soloveoff
   3. I used the living room chesterfield
   4. My stay here alternated between brother Russel and Lawrence’s places in 1956 and 1957 summers
   5. This house remains on site
   6. Occupants:

                               i.   Pete and Tina Soloveoff

                              ii.   Lawrence and Mable Verigin

                            iii.   Helen Soloveoff

                             iv.   Harry Soloveoff

                              v.   Lily Soloveoff

                             vi.   Elmer Verigin

7. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   Somehow, I felt rather apart from this family in that they appeared much better off, financially than my family back home.

                              ii.   I really enjoyed Harry as he was easy to talk to and very creative as a budding Artist at that time. We became great friends that lasted.

                            iii.   It was new to me that there seemed a lack of responsibility by each Soloveoff family member to a job function as compared to the farming community where everyone had a job, integral to the success of the family. Somehow Harry and Lily had no responsibility and could lie around and amuse themselves in whatever fashion they could find.

                             iv.   Mable was a great cook and I still have a high regard for her acceptance of me in my brother’s family.

6. House at Castlegar, British Columbia
   1. Address – 1009 –  2^nd Avenue
   2. Partially rented house by brother Russel and Tillie Verigin from Tillie’s parents George and Mary Cheveldave
   3. Bedroom
   4. My stay here alternated between Russel and Lawrence’s places in 1956 and 1957 summers
   5. This house remains on site
   6. Occupants:

                               i.   George and Mary Cheveldave

                              ii.   Russel and Tillie Verigin

1. 1.   Son Allan Verigin

                            iii.   Mary Cheveldave

                             iv.   Elmer Verigin

7. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   This was my first immersion into seeing fruit trees and being able to eat as much fruit as I wanted

                              ii.   The Cheveldave family made me feel very much at home

                            iii.   Tillie was an excellent cook and Russel and I ate far too much

                             iv.   Tillie packed our lunches for work but we would eat most of it for the morning coffee break. A comment, on the side to Tillie, by Russel, resulted in a large box being packed for us the next day that a crew of 6 men could not possibly eat in one day. No, we did not complain after that.

                              v.   This location was adjacent to the historic CPR Bridge, spanning the Columbia River. This was used as a pedestrian crossing by all those on the north side in the Doukhobor communities of Raspberry, Strawberry and Brilliant. I was able to meet many of the youth and enjoyed my summers with them. The bridge still exists but the pedestrian walkway has been removed.

1. 1.   My first real girl friends were met on the other side

7. House in Trail, British Columbia
   1. Address – (about 900 block) Byers Lane (directly north of the existing Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Offices and Fire Hall)
   2. Rented house by Lawrence and Mable Verigin from Cutello Family
   3. My stay here alternated between Lawrence and Russel’s places during the Summers of 1958 through to 1960
   4. This house has been demolished to make room for the Highway 22 access
   5. Occupants:

                               i.   Mabel and Lawrence Verigin

1. 1.   Daughter Patti Verigin

                              ii.   Elmer Verigin

6. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   This was a second floor apartment of an old house in the heart of “Gulch” as it was referred to in the Italo-Canadese part of Trail. The street was narrow and definitely gave you an immersion into Italy from whence they all had migrated.

                              ii.   Tiny balconies on the second floor with clotheslines secured to a corner of a neighboring house. Occupants sitting on these balconies, gossiping to neighbors

                            iii.   Every noon, this one neighbor would come out to call his daughter…..”Silviaaaaaaaaaaa, Sliviaaaaaaaaaaa followed by a quick Silvia, Sylvia…” A few minutes later, this would be repeated. I always wondered what Silvia looked like and whether she is still alive.

8. House in Trail, British Columbia
   1. Address – 1415 Green Avenue
   2. Rented house by Lawrence and Mable Verigin
   3. Bedroom used by Elmer Verigin
   4. My stay here alternated between Lawrence and Russel’s places during the Summers of 1958 through to 1960
   5. This house remains on site
   6. Occupants:

                               i.   Mabel and Lawrence Verigin

1. 1.   Daughter Patti Verigin

                              ii.   Elmer Verigin

7. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   A tremendous vantage point to see downtown Trail and the Smelter in Tadanac from the same window.

                              ii.   Green Avenue is a narrow street that is basically clinging to a hillside. The parking space was tight to the house and just off the street to allow traffic by. It was always a wonder to me that Lawrence was able to park his 1953 Pontiac after having to go east up the street to maneuver a U-Turn and then park in front of the entry. (I didn’t drive at that time)

                            iii.   It was at this house that I was able to watch television for any length of time as there were no TV Stations back home in Pelly, and when Yorkton did get a Station, our family could not afford this luxury.

9. House in Trail, British Columbia
   1. Address – 2307 Rockland Avenue (Shavers Bench)
   2. Rented house by brother Russel and Tillie Verigin
   3. Basement bedroom
   4. My stay here alternated between Lawrence and Russel’s places during the Summers of 1958 through to 1960
   5. This house remains on site
   6. Occupants:

                               i.   Russel and Tillie Verigin

1. 1.   Son Allan Verigin
2. 2.   Son Brian Verigin

                              ii.   Elmer Verigin

                            iii.   Lorne Tamelin for a short time.

7. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   Tillie and I ate an entire apple pie

                              ii.   I took on the job of painting the bedroom after Russel installed a wood floor and fixed up the walls. That is why to this day I never get asked to paint as the job was less than acceptable.

                            iii.   Lorne Tamelin was my room-mate for a month or so but that is another story in itself.

                             iv.   It was here that Lorne and I had decided that we would travel to Mexico for the winter and live under orange trees

1. 1.   This good idea prompted my brother-in-law John Khadekin, to travel all the way from Benito, Manitoba to Trail, British Columbia to have a chat with me.
2. 2.   I guess that is why he had a major in Psychology because somehow he convinced me to return to the UofS for a third year in Chemical Engineering
3. 3.   I still wonder how the orange trees ever made it in Mexico without Lorne and me.

10. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. Address – 2525 Ewart Avenue
    2. Board and one bedroom on main floor
    3. My stay was from September to December 1958
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Owners of house with a child

                              ii.   Elmer Verigin

5. There is no confirmation that this house exists
6. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   A very young farm couple who moved into the City for a more reliable way of life. They were very shy and not very talkative

                              ii.   It was in this house that Nick Nahornove brought me the news that my father had passed away one evening. I had to make all the arrangements to leave that night by bus.

                            iii.   It was here that I had a major spiritual experience

1. 1.   I had just returned from my father’s funeral
2. 2.   I had to catch up on two weeks of missed classes
3. 3.   I now had less money than the meager amount that I had before because of travelling to the funeral
4. 4.   I was still walking the entire distance to the UofS
5. 5.   So I started to cry when I noticed a pile of something on the sidewalk
6. 6.   As I approached, I recognized a legless man sitting beside crutches, having a smoke.
7. 7.   I asked “can I help you?’
8. 8.   With a smile he responded “I am just having a break and I will soon be on my way. Are you having a good day?” he questioned.
9. 9.   I stuttered with “yes, not bad!”
10. 10.            He prepared to rise up using his two crutches in a manner that he was obviously used to.
11. 11.            “Can I help you?’ I wanted to assist this apparent helpless man.
12. 12.            “No, I am fine”, as he rose on his crutches, bag over shoulder with pant legs dangling.
13. 13.            As I watched him walk away, I could not help thinking about my foolishness of feeling sorry for myself when this man was using the rest of his body to live without complaint.
14. 14.            Was this a message for me? An Angel perhaps?
15. 15.            All I know that this incident really straightened me out.

11. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. “House of Moe” located at the East end of the 25^th Street Bridge
    2. 3 storey house was on the North side of College Drive directly in view of the 25^th Street bridge
    3. 3^rd Storey bedroom facing 25^th Street Bridge
    4. This house has been demolished for the street changes at this location
    5. Occupants

                               i.   Couple that owned the house and offered Board

1. 1.   Their daughter

                              ii.   Elmer shared bedroom with Lawrence Cheveldayoff from January through to April 1959

                            iii.   There were 10 other boarding students

6. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   This was a collection of some very different boys from all walks of life and enrolled in many different courses. I needed to acclimatize for eating challenges to get my share of the food. There were no lunches and I could not afford to buy one. So it was a long day for a hungry,young man.

1. 1.   So we made sure we were there on time to get our allotment of bread (it disappeared quickly)
2. 2.   There was supposed to be one extra pork chop on the patter to fight over but somehow there was always one short

                              ii.   There were other interesting incidents that one can read about in my chronicle on “The House of Moe”

                            iii.   The window overlooking the South Saskatchewan River was not too tightly sealed and the prevailing West wind blew the snow right in over our homework. This is no exaggeration!

                             iv.   My room-mate’s parents Alex and __?__ Cheveldayoff used to bring boxes of “Care Food” for their son. There were times he would give me some which I appreciated very much. There were other times that my hunger was such that I would “snitch” which to this day, guilt bothers me.

12. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. Address – 2525 Ewart Avenue
    2. Board and one basement bedroom
    3. The stay here was from September 1959 through to April 1960:
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Owners of house and two very young offspring

                              ii.   Elmer Verigin

                            iii.   Anton Pryslak

5. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   I promised this couple that I would come back this year (after leaving at Xmas 1958 at the urging of Lawrence Cheveldayoff) and bring a friend and so that is why I went back with Anton:

                              ii.   This couple had it all calculated how they were going to make money at $60 from each us for Room and Board. So they made hamburger on their farm in the fall and served a variety of meals for Anton and I:

1. 1.   Two hamburger patties, boiled potatoes and a vegetable, or
2. 2.   Four meat balls, boiled potatoes and a vegetable
3. 3.   They did pack a sandwich.
4. 4.   That was it from September through to April.

                            iii.   Anton and I would make a trek to a neighborhood Corner Store and buy a garlic sausage to sustain our young,growing bodies.

13. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. Address – 701 Avenue H North (Corner of Rusholm and Avenue H
    2. Owned by Bill and Susan Tarasoff
    3. Occupants

                               i.   Owners Bill and Susan Tarasoff

                              ii.   Married daughter Ruth and John Sirota

                            iii.   Donna Tarasoff

                             iv.   Susan’s mother at times

                              v.   Elmer shared a basement bedroom with son Keith Tarasoff from September 1960 through to December 1961.

4. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   I had just entered into Heaven with Susan’s cooking and a fridge that could be accessed at any time.

                              ii.   I was like an adopted son and brother.

                            iii.   We had great times with Keith and formed a friendship bond that exists to today>

                             iv.   We had friends that would come visiting on weekends that would curtail our studies.  We would then conduct research on how much beer a student could drink before functioning ceases.

                              v.   Keith and I established a friendship bond that exists to this day

                             vi.   This is where Marilyn and I got reacquainted and became “steadies”

                           vii.   I left the Tarasoff house to get married on December 23, 1961 and exchanged Keith for Marilyn as my room mate for the rest of my life.

14. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. Address – 517 Avenue G South
    2. Owned by Marilyn’s Aunty Strelioff
    3. West side
    4. 2 storey house with multiple apartments
    5. Time frame December 23, 1961 through to April 1962
    6. Occupants:

                               i.   Landlady Strelioff

                              ii.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin had a 2 room apartment on the second floor

                            iii.   Anne

                             iv.   Jeanette

                              v.   Renee and Marcel

                             vi.   Another couple

7. Interesting events at this location:

                               i.   We shared one bathroom with Jeanette and the other tenants on the second floor. As one can appreciate, there were challenging times, especially when someone decided to have a bath

                              ii.   Aunties, Polly and Lillian (mom’s sisters) dropped in to visit the newly-weds as they stopped on their journey to the Coast to attend Uncle Sam Morozoff’s funeral. Marilyn decided to make hot cakes and no matter what she did, the batter and the pan would not cooperate. The Aunts understood perfectly and were most appreciative of the hospitality and were very complimentary of the brunch.

                            iii.   The bus stop was a block and a half away to Avenue H and so it took 2 minutes to get there in the winter. The Saskatoon Transportation system was absolutely phenomenal with a bus service always on time.  Elmer would arrive at the stop just as the bus arrived, opened its doors and he would launch himself in with the assistance of the bar by the door. The Bus-Driver, bless his soul, would immediately take off to continue his tight schedule. Meanwhile Elmer’s glasses would fog up and he would be thrown against all the crowded people standing in the aisle so when he grabbed an available restraint, sometimes a slap in the face from a female Rider, resulted in much better judgment next time.

                             iv.   The landlady confessed to Marilyn that our bed had been used by two previous professional “Hookers” that used to hide money in the mattress. We checked and there was none.

                              v.   Marilyn and I could not understand why there was always a Saskatoon police cruiser standing in front of the house. We soon discovered that this married Sergeant had Ann on the main floor as a ‘confidante’ and perhaps ‘other’ reasons.

15. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address – 3000 – 4^th Avenue
    2. Owned by brother Russel and Tillie Verigin
    3. Occupied from May 1962 through to August 1962
    4. Rented basement bedroom

                               i.   Occupants:

1. 1.    Elmer and Marilyn Verigin
   1. a.    Nona was born on June 27, 1962
2. 2.   Russel and Tillie Verigin
   1. a.   Son Allan Verigin
   2. b.   Son Brian Verigin
   3. c.   Son Dan Verigin

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   We all got along just fine. Marilyn and Tillie established a special bond as sisters rather than sisters-in-law

                              ii.   The entire group was a harmonious family.

                            iii.   Responsibilities were distributed and everyone did their share

                             iv.   Eating pies, cakes, etc., continued to be a hobby with Tillie and I while Russel and Marilyn watched in humor.

16. Boarding House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1. Address – 517 Avenue G South
    2. Owned by Marilyn’s Aunty Strelioff
    3. West side
    4. 2 storey house with multiple apartments
    5. Time in was September 1962 through to April 1963
    6. Occupants:

                               i.   Landlady Strelioff

                              ii.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin had a 3 room apartment (Aunty Strelioff’s personal suite) on the main floor

                            iii.   Anne

                             iv.   Jeanette

                              v.   Renee and

                             vi.   Another couple

7. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Marilyn and my role were to serve as Caretakers in exchange for a token rent, which was much appreciated with our student budget. Little did we know that this was like taking a Sociology course in Family Relationships

                              ii.   Well the Saskatoon Police Sergeant continuing “visiting” Ann during the day. Obviously they were up to some covert operation.

                            iii.   Jeanette had a married boyfriend whose wife showed up one afternoon to explain the facts of life to Jeanette very verbosely. Jeanette was at top of the stairs and the boyfriend’s wife was at the bottom with language in use that a Linguistic Professor could prepare a research paper for another PhD.

                             iv.   Renee brought this married woman home to his basement suite and locked themselves in for some “private time”. His room-mate came home and started knocking and knocking repeatedly. Our bedroom was above and it was disturbing Nona (a 6 month baby at this time) and Marilyn and I. So I had to go down and determine the problem. The room-mate explained that his key worked but that Renee had shoved a butter knife into the door casing. Well at this time I had enough and charged the door, breaking the casing to stop this ridiculous issue from continuing. There was Renee and with his toes sticking out from the blanket on the sofa with two female sets of toes pointing toward his. Thinking that this was over, we were awakened by the door bell persistently ringing at 5 A.M. I went to door to meet a Cabby with two galoshes in his hand and a request for a $5 cab fare. “What’s this all about”, I asked. “Well this lady that I picked up early this morning sent these back collect”. I took the galoshes down later to the basement apartment to collect my $5 cab fare and the explanation was that the room-mate decided to hide her high heel shoes which caused this all to occur.

                              v.   A raid by a large contingent of undercover Saskatoon Police from all doors to the house startled Nona and Marilyn. Apparently our landlady was known to manufacture her own “Brew” and sell it. So the raid was to search for evidence

17. House in Prince Rupert, B.C.
    1. Address – 317 – 7^th Avenue
    2. South side of Street
    3. Rented entire house May 1963 through to April 1965 from a Knutson
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Virgin

1. 1.   Daughter Nona Verigin

                              ii.   Daughter Lori Verigin born December 14, 1963

                            iii.   Boarder Robert (Bob) Miller, the entire time expert for a winter when he attended 4^th Year Mechanical Engineering in the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg

                             iv.   Boarder Pierre Baux (a summer student in 1993), a budding Architectural student from the University of Manitoba

                              v.   Ms Hurst (a French High School Teacher) from May to July 1963

                             vi.   Fred Trotter, a Mechanical Engineering Student in the University of Alberta in Edmonton, May through to September 1964

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Our house was “Grand Central Station” as all the single Engineers at the Pulp Mill seemed to congregate at our house, socially, as they had nowhere else to go and were new to Prince Rupert

                              ii.   Ron Wright, a long time local Engineer introduced Ron Ross and I to shrimp as follows:

1. 1.   “The boats are coming in to Port Edward so we should go and get some cheap shrimp” he suggested
2. 2.   Ron and I loved seafood so off we go and get two pails full of shrimp each
3. 3.   Ron and I were Prairie boys and we did not realize that raw shrimp was a pile of hair with two eyes peeking out
4. 4.   “So what do we do with them” the novices asked?
5. 5.   “Boil a large pot of water and throw then in for 15 minutes”, our illustrious leader responded
6. 6.   “So how do you shuck them” we questioned further
7. 7.   “Take a probe and poke the eyes out and that releases the prawn from the hair”, he seriously recommended
8. 8.   Well the boys went to work at our house with the aid of Marilyn and Elaine and did as instructed until we got to the shucking stage. It just looked like too formidable a task to poke of the eyes which resulted in a phone call to our “Instructor”
9. 9.   “Are you sure that we poke out their eyes”, when I got Ron Wright on the phone.
10. 10.            Well I could hear the receiver fall and a whole string of laughter and I realized we had been had

                            iii.   Social functions were a necessity at Prince Rupert because of the rain and so I thought I should introduce the Pulp Mill Staff to “Shishliki”, marinated lamb on a (skewer). The Pipe Shop manufactured skewers from 317 Stainless Steel rods, the lamb was cut up and eagerly marinated by the gang, guests (most of the Engineering Office) were invited and a remote site chosen for the event. Someone decided that all the bachelor men should have female partners to the reluctance and shyness of the males. A visit to the Hospital produced a bevy of immigrant nurses from Scotland who turned out to be darn good-looking.  Bob and Pierre ended up marrying their “bind dates” in the end.

18. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address – 3000 – 4^th Avenue
    2. Owned by brother Russel and Tillie Verigin
    3. Time spent here was from May 1965 to about June 1965
    4. Rented basement bedroom

                               i.   Occupants:

1. 1.    Elmer and Marilyn Verigin from May 1965 through to June 1965
2. 2.    Nona and Lori Verigin

                              ii.   Russel and Tillie Verigin

1. 1.   Son Allan Verigin
2. 2.   Son Brian Verigin
3. 3.   Son Dan Verigin

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   It was a busy time as the brothers had to get the Verigin Construction company rolling

                              ii.   We were busy looking for temporary lodging and deciding how we would build our new house

19. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address 507 – 9^th Avenue (formerly 3^rd Avenue and the number may have changed)
    2. Rented main floor from Pete Cheveldave
    3. Occupied from June 1965 through June 1966
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

                              ii.   Daughters Nona and Lori Verigin

                            iii.   Daughter Tamara was born July 25, 1965

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   We were having work parties at 830 Silver Birch Lane to construct our new house

                              ii.   There was a great deal of company at this house

                            iii.   The Savinkoffs were great neighbors

20. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address – 830 Silver Birch Lane
    2. Built and owned by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin
    3. Occupied June 1966 to July 1965
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

                              ii.   Daughters Nona, Lori and Tamara

                            iii.   Son Kimbal was born October 19, 1971

                             iv.   Nona graduated from Stanley Humphries High School and left home 1981

                              v.   Lori graduated from Stanley Humphries High School and left home in June 1982

                             vi.   Tamara graduated from Stanley Humphries High School and left home 1984

5. Elmer moved Vancouver, B.C., in 1984
6. Marilyn and Kimbal moved to Tsswwassen in August 1985
7. The house was rented to Nona and Stacey MacKinnon
8. The house was sold in 1986
9. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Brothers Russel and Lawrence helped immensely, as did many other friends

                              ii.   Bill Novakshonoff did all the electrical wiring work as  a donation

10. This house became a social hub with many friends enjoying many occasions to celebrate
11. This was the beginnings of meetings that eventually created the Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA)
12. Many meeting took place with Pete Oglow to conduct specific planning on the creation of the Doukhobor Village Museum
20. Motel Suite in Vancouver, B.C.
    1. ___?___ Fraser (??) Highway
    2. Rented officially by Marbella Pacific Construction Ltd during construction at Expo
    3. August 1984 to 1985
    4. Occupied by:

                               i.   Dave and sometimes Shirley Bruce

                              ii.   Elmer had a separate bedroom

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   I really got to know Dave Bruce and Shirley, when she was able to come and visit from Fruitvale. We had many discussions in the evenings about a whole spectrum of subjects

                              ii.   I became the cook as Dave did not like that part. Some of the stuff that we got to eat would be a story unto itself

                            iii.   Weekends were the worst when I was alone and Dave went back to Fruitvale. Vancouver, downtown, can be a lonely place and so I would take long walks. I watched jealously at people and families in the park. Then I would drive in to work at the office to distract myself

                             iv.   I remember that the shower floor had separated from the rest of the bathroom floor by one inch and the dirt floor under was visible along with wild animals that lived there

                              v.   We were trying to save money but in reflection, it was a “rat hole” and has been demolished since.

22. Apartment in Vancouver, B.C.
    1. __?___ – 13^th Avenue (behind the Best Western Hotel and “kiddy corner” from the Vancouver City Hall)
    2. Rented officially by Marbella Pacific Construction Ltd during construction at Expo ‘86
    3. August 1984 to __?__ 1985
    4. Occupied:

                               i.   Russel and Tillie Verigin

                              ii.   Elmer had a bedroom

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Tillie and Russel lived by themselves for a time. I joined them later

                              ii.   It was nice to have us all together again as in the “old” days

                            iii.   I spent a lot of times going back at our offices on Mainland and the trip over Cambie Street bridge was a short one

                             iv.   One time Fred Ratushny visited us and Russel, Fred and I decided to go swimming in the Jaccuzzi (located in the patio area of the apartment complex) after midnight. We were a bit inebriated and decided to break the rules and enter the pool area after 1100 P.M. the prohibited time and “No Noise after 11:00 P.M.” posted pool rules. Well we ended up in the dark pool, whispering when we realized that someone else was in the pool with us. So we all sat there very quietly wondering what to do. The young couple there with us admitted that they were “skinny dipping” and so did we. It was interesting to plan our mutual exits without determining who we were. This charade was soon interrupted when the apartment Manager shone his light into the patio area and recommended that we “get the h _ll out of there”

                              v.   Gene Rivard, President of Territorial Steel at Expo ’86, also had an apartment at this location. He liked Tillie’s Borsch so much that he ate 4 bowls along with a loaf of Tillie’s home-baked bread in one sitting.

                             vi.   Ann Zibin, Vera Dergousoff and Nancy Cheveldave would drop in many times while they were taking Cancer Treatment at the Vnacouver General Hospital. It was great for them to visit with Tillie and when Russel and I were able to join them

23. Apartment in Vancouver, B.C.
    1. Rented officially by Marbella Pacific Construction Ltd during construction at Expo ‘86
    2. __?___ 4^th Street, Vancouver, B.C.
    3. ___???? 1984 to 1985
    4. Occupied by:

                               i.   Elmer Verigin

                              ii.   Marilyn sometimes came to visit from Castlegar

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Dave Bruce was sent to be superintendent in Nelson House School near Thompson, Manitoba. Shirley moved up with her family to an apartment there. Russel was sent to be superintendent at Tadoule Lake, Manitoba. Tillie decided to move back to their house in Castlegar. I did not like this crummy motel suite and wanted to be closer to the office and so I found this third floor apartment in the “not so nice” district.

                              ii.   Once when I got back from the Kootenays late one Sunday night, I discovered that my apartment keys somehow were left in the Apartment and so it was too late to wake up the Manager. I decided to sleep in the car. I was wakened to screaming a shouting. I cautiously raised my head a bit to realize that a pimp was chasing his prostitute and the dispute was over how much money she had given him from a recent “trick”. I decided that being inconspicuous might be healthier than getting involved. So I listened to the continued argument, hollering and screaming until somehow the girl got away. Oiii ya youii!

                            iii.   I shopped for groceries at a small store about two blocks up from this apartment and realized that life in Vancouver certainly had its challenges for many people.

                             iv.   My weekend walks took me through a neighborhood park with challenges for families stuck in this “cheaper living” environment. I decided that it was not worth the cost savings and started looking for a house so that Kimbal and Marilyn could join me.

24. House in Vancouver, B.C.
    1. __?___ Nanaimo Street
    2. Rented by Marbella Pacific Construction Ltd
    3. __?__ 1985 to 1987
    4. Occupied

                               i.   Russel and Tillie Verigin

                              ii.   Geoff Verigin

                            iii.   Elmer had a bedroom

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   The apartment was getting a bit expensive and so Russel and Tillie looked for a house and this particular one worked fine for them

6. I stayed with them for a short time and when Russel left for Tadoule Lake and Tillie decided to move back to Castlegar, this was shut down
24. House in South Delta, B.C. (Tsswwassen)
    1. 4959 – 2A Avenue
    2. Purchased and owned by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin in August 1985
    3. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

                              ii.   Kimbal Verigin

                            iii.   “Griz” (Clark W. Griswold), Kimbal’s cat

4. Kimbal graduated from South Delta High School in 1991 and moved to Fruitvale to attend Selkirk College
5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   The Marbella Christmas parties were held at this house and were very enjoyable but brothers Russel and Lawrence were not invited by Fred and Bill as they were not part of the “team”. I laid down the law that I was not going to be the host if my original partner brothers were not part of the celebration and the parties ended at our house. Some of our superintendents would get a bit boisterous as they left at 2:00 A.M., telling all of our very prim and proper neighbors what a good time they had.

                              ii.   There was an abundance of blackberries in the B.C. Hydro right of way behind our house. I had just picked about 7 ice cream pails when Peter and Elsie Rezansoff came to visit. Peter got the idea that wine needs to be brewed and he decided to teach me how to do it. So I bought a hygrometer, jugs, yeast sugar, etc., and followed the instructions perfectly. Peter kept calling to encourage a check on the specific gravity and then, several weeks later, came the time to rack. “I will come down and help,” Peter said. So the appointed day came and Peter shows up in his white suit and fancy shoes with Elsie’s comment “you will get all that black juice over yourself. Please change clothes!” Pete shrugged her off and the tube went into the brewing pail and the racking started into the jug. I thought it was part of the process, but somehow the hose fell out and sprayed everyone. Yes, Peter’s suit and shoes got the brunt of it. I don’t believe there was so much laughter possible as there was that day.

                            iii.   We had many raccoons in the back yard. I never experienced “coons” before

                             iv.   Ozeroffs and Tarasoffs came to visit and experience Expo ’86. Marilyn bought 20 steaks and put them in our freezer located in the carport. Just when we were going to barb-b-q, we found that they had been stolen. A new experience for us

                              v.   The DCA came to visit us from Castlegar. We have never had that many people stay overnight. Some on top of the pool table, some under, the chesterfield, floor and anywhere anyone could find a spot. A wonderful time was had by all.

26. Manufactured Home in Sechelt, B.C.
    1. Address (Somewhere in North Sechelt)
    2. Rented in 1988 to 1989
    3. Used as residence during construction of St. Mary’s Hospital renovations in Sechelt

                               i.   Occupants

1. 1.   Russell Verigin
2. 2.   Elmer Verigin
3. 3.   Ben Lammerts
4. 4.   I believe that Dave, Shirley Bruce and family moved in with us for a short time until we could find a house for them to rent

4. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Tillie would visit and make supper relieving me from that chore. Of course Varenekee was and Borsch was the requested menu. This she accommodated very well. Ben’s comment as he watched Russel and I put away 23 Varenekee each “you guys are gluttons!” Our response was that once you get an appetite for this stuff, you too will do that”. Well on Tillie’s next trip back, Ben was victim to 25 varenekee.

27. House in Genelle, B.C.
    1. Address – 1601 – 7^th Avenue
    2. Purchased in August 1993
    3. Renovated and owned by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

                              ii.   “Griz”

5. Sold to daughter Lori and Richard Woodhouse in January 02, 2002
6. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   Fred Chursinoff drove our rental truck full of furniture from Tsswwassen. As we drove over in the morning after spending a night with Russel and Tillie, we noticed “Garage sale” signs posted all over with the 1601 – 7^th Avenue address. Sure enough, just as we pull up to the house we met a number of people who had come for the garage sale. Then we got the message that our friends, led by Violet Plotnikoff, had arranged all this so that Marilyn (a garage sale fiend) would be welcomed home. There were sure a number of disappointed Garage Sale Professionals when they found out there was no garage sale.

                              ii.   The social events became very much an appreciated “home coming” for Marilyn and I

28. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address – 901 – 6^th Avenue
    2. Purchased in January 02, 2002
    3. Renovated by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin in 2002
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

                              ii.   A rotary exchange student Sebastion __?___ from Germany,boarded in an upstairs bedroom

5. Sold in November 2007
6. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   This was to be our retirement house once we sold our large Genelle house to Rick and Lori. We fixed the basement with bookshelves all around for our large collection. We completed an office for Elmer with shelves and a desk. Marilyn had a room completed for all her collections (it was far too small and never did get sorted out)

                              ii.   Grandview Housing became a project that we could not resist and so we sold this house so that we could afford to buy a unit at Grandview Heights and be with our DCA friends who initiated the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative as their contribution to Society

29. House in Genelle, B.C.
    1. Address – 1601 – 7^th Avenue
    2. Owned by Rick and daughter Lori Woodhouse
    3. Rented basement bedroom
    4. Lived them from November 2007 through to April 2009
    5. Occupants:

                               i.   Rick and Lori Woodhouse

                              ii.   Grandson Sean Chahley

                            iii.   Granddaughter Kara Chahley

                             iv.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

6. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   The house in Castlegar sold the same day it was listed and so the new Owners needed to move quickly. This meant we had no place to go. Rick and Lori invited us here for a short time that ended being a 15 month stay

                              ii.   We had this sorted out quite well:

1. 1.   Rick and Lori were off to work
2. 2.   Sean and Kara were at school
3. 3.   Elmer walked Shadow and Nemo
4. 4.   Granny both the groceries and cooked dinner
5. 5.   Elmer had the rum and coke mixed as soon as he saw Rick and Lori come home
6. 6.   Rick and Elmer stayed out of the debates between Mother and Daughter
7. 7.   We got along just fine

                            iii.   Elmer got instructions as how to operate the new snow blower and on the first run, he somehow lost the “key” which just shut down the machine. Some frustrating hours later and a visit to see Frank at the Downtown Shell got me another key and everything went well. Rick found the original key in the Spring

                             iv.   The entire Woodhouse family went to New York for Xmas leaving Granny and Gramps in charge of the “farm.” Instructions were listed on a spreadsheet with spaces to check off events on an hourly and daily basis:

1. 1.   Let dogs out in the morning
2. 2.   Check water in bowls
3. 3.   Let dogs out in evening
4. 4.   Feed at 1900 hours every night in separate bowls
5. 5.   Take dogs for a walk at noon
6. 6.   Don’t leave dogs out too long as they bark and disturb the neighbors

Everything went well except Granny and Gramps decided to invite their friends over for a Xmas party and forgot to put the chocolates away. Well Shadow and Nemo knew it was Xmas and proceeded to treat themselves to the entire box. Granny made some frantic calls to the Veterinarian which resulted in “just watch them for anything unusual and then call.” Nothing resulted. Urban farming is very stressful for two grandparents who were raised on farms in Saskatchewan

30. House in Castlegar, British Columbia
    1. Address – 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive
    2. Contractor built and owned by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin
    3. Moved in on May 01, 2009 and remain at the time of this writing
    4. Occupants:

                               i.   Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

5. Interesting events at this location

                               i.   One of the bedrooms became the offices for the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Cooperative and so the 1,120 square foot house became instantly “too small” for all our stuff. Nothing was supposed to go into the crawl space but Nona conspired with her mother and soon half of the “precious artifacts” were soon in the crawl space. The double garage continues to be a “Sorting Warehouse” with our one car parked outside. We may need to buy another bungalow to get organized.

                              ii.   This is where I began to write more frequently and begin sorting my writings

                            iii.   Nona organized a “Blog” for me and I am now posting a select number of articles

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