MRS. M'S BOARDING HOUSE

Mr. M. had died, while working on the Centre Island ferry,
Mrs. M. decided, that she'd not ever remarry!
Found Halifax dull and Kingston not quite right!
With thoughts of nearby prison, keeping her awake, at night!
So, back to Toronto...now, what could she do?
Would char in an office..work in Eatons or Simpsons,
Be ideal for any of you?
This was not her desire....there just was no way,
So, she purchased a boarding house, the very next day!
She had the down payment, from the Insurance money,
Some of her friends thought her idea was funny!!
But, one friend said, "You can cook and bake."
"Get along well with youngsters....it will be great!"
The old, brick house was cheap....and the owner was selling,
Just off Yonge Street, a dilapidated dwelling!!
After payments, fees, kitchen improvements and fire escape,
Had just enough cash, to buy a cardboard and make,
A sign that said, "Roomers Wanted"....and some flour to bake,
Then they all came...students from the University, too,
Ryerson! Normal School! Osgoode Hall! Quite a few!!
She became House Mother, for this mad house, so funny,
Gave them both breakfast and supper...they were always hungry!!
One lad paid, in potatoes, turnips, apples, so he could learn,
Brought from his parent's farm, each time he would return!
Orphans and delinquents, all came for her care,
Some paid! Some didn't!....which wasn't really fair!
She would mother them, press their clothes
And improve them, some way!
And in each case, she was rewarded each day!
Later, they'd write.....and go off to the war,
Then they'd be gone and she never heard any more!
She shed many tears, for those who died in the fray,
Remembering all the fun they enjoyed, most every day!
Hot cocoa, in her kitchen, each night....after studies,
Bridge, chess, poems, stories, read to their buddies!
Sharing the daily chores and learning so much!
Eating stacks of good food....such a ravenous bunch!
They all remembered her kindnesses and they also knew,
They'd never have survived, without her bread, pies and stew!
There on her shelf, some of their books still remain,
Inside, she can still see each precious name!!

Pauline Banning

W4-1016-98-D10

I am convinced, that Mrs. M did not plan to live out her days, mothering
all of these students, that came to her door, lonely and hungry, in an
unfamiliar city, where they had to find their way, while studying....during
the Great Depression. She was a shining light....there to guide and
encourage....and kept them healthy and strong, during difficult times. I am
sure, that the money she received, barely met her needs, but she gained
more than the few crumpled dollars they paid. Her real reward was their
appreciation, for her efforts on their behalf....and she was their
surrogate mother, while they were so far from home.

While I lived in Toronto, I took in a couple of students and I often think
of them. One girl had come from Singapore, to study at the University. She
was such an intelligent, lovely person and it was painful, to hear how she
was often treated, by racist groups. The remarks they aimed at her, truly
proved, that she was above their status....and even after she finished and
had wonderful credentials, in Economics, it was impossible for her to find
work....even in a restaurant. She would have gladly accepted anything, in
order to remain here....but, eventually returned to Singapore and
married....later, sent me a picture of her new baby...and thanked me for
helping her and treating her like an equal. She was an equal...or even
superior...for her sweet personality and compassion for others, was above
and beyond, what you would usually find.

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