THIS ARTICLE IS A REPRINT FROM MY “ALTERED REALITY – LIFE IN A PANDEMIC” SERIES. IT WAS PICKED UP BY SASKATCHEWAN FOLKLORE MAGAZINE FOR THEIR SUMMER 2023 EDITION.
June 29, 1954 – South Arcola, Saskatchewan
I am looking for volunteers to join a baseball team. The objective is to have some fun, but there is a competitive aspect to it as well. Be prepared to travel some distance, and back in time sixty-seven years, to 1954.
The team we will be competing against is an all-girls softball club, from the community of South Arcola. You might think we will have an unfair advantage, but you have never seen these athletic women in action. The South Arcola Women’s Baseball Club do not place second very often.
Back Row: Ester Ingram, June Sturgis, Anne Bird, Ethel Kramer, Marlene Kramer.
Front Row: Gail Lees, Twins Marjory and Margaret Johnston, Darleen Worden.
Coach: Harold Worden.
Two team members are missing, Thelma Anderson is having a baby and Muriel McElroy is tied up milking cows today. To round out the 9-person team, the South Arcola Club has recruited Ethel’s 10-year-old daughter Marlene (top row, far right) to fill in.
Marlene is the reason we are here today, and why we so badly need to win this game. I must impress this young lady.
In 1961 I had a serious crush on Marlene. Our driveway and Kramer’s were on opposite sides of the road. Before the school bus picked us up, she and I would spend a few minutes alone together. It was glorious! Marlene was in Grade 11, and I was in Grade 1, but the 10-year age difference didn’t faze me, I was head-over-heels in love with this girl. Marlene even spoke to me once!
So guys help me out here, we need to win this game and impress these girls. You can chat any of them up after the game, …
…. Except Marlene.
Colleen Brownridge
I sat on the bus next to Marlene, and had the same age difference. I thought she was so beautiful, and she was, and she smelled glorious. We spoke a little bit too, and I was always so thrilled. She was a wonderful person!
Russ
She really was. I have a small confession to make though. It was pointed out to me that the girl in the picture is Maureen Singleton, not Marlene. It doesn’t affect the story though.
Shelagh Benning
I love this! Thanks for continuing to entertain!
Russ
Thanks Shelagh! Marlene was the first in a litany of heartbreakers. 😂
Gervais
Your writing, choice of whimsical subjects, and style just keep getting better.
Russ
Well thank you! I will get the coffee tomorrow!