Disclaimer. In my writings here, I will be honest and very blunt about my impressions, in each part of “Somebody I Use To Know”.
Now finally, my maternal grandfather. He was born in 1900, in a small town just a few miles west of where I lived/brought up in my early years. He was the seventh of nine children. His parents were both born in Scotland. (More about them another time.)
Pop, as we all knew him was 56 when I came along. My very early memories of him are mostly non-existent. It was not until my school years that I remember more about him. He always wore a hat but never at the table. He usually had a long sleeve shirt on and wore bluish-coloured trousers.
I would say he was not smartly dressed either at home or when he went into town. However, in saying that, he would spruce up – wearing a white shirt, tie and formal trousers – usually to weddings and funerals. I don’t really recall him wearing a belt. I do remember as he got older and after Granma had passed – He held up his trousers with what looked like string – it was more likely to have been rope! Two things I do remember were he smoked and drank excessively! (A story on this will unfold soon.)
Memories.
- A farmer – He drove tractors, ploughs etc and fixed things about the farm.
- Very strict and a no-nonsense man.
- Never allowed elbows on the table – He would hit you with a stick if you did.
- Could never leave food on the plate. You had to sit there until your plate was empty.
- Manners – we always had to say please and thank you. Also, when leaving the table, you had to ask, “May I please, leave the table”. (What has happened to manners these days? One wonders!)
- We spent a lot of time with Granma and Pop at Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough.
- I never heard or saw Granma and Pop argue.
Always attended the Mackay show. I do remember at one show, my Mum got a call to say that Pop had fallen into a deep floodwater drain near the showgrounds – he was drunk as! Pop always frequented the Leap Hotel and many other pubs…
Christmas.
At the beginning of December, Pop would get on his tractor and head out to find a suitable tree…
Our Christmas Tree came from the farm (up the hill).
The decorations that were mostly used around Granma and Pop’s house were made from foil rolls of die-cast milk bottle tops.
More Memories.
He came across as a harsh person but deep down he was caring – I do recall, many a time, he had a tear in his eye but I never saw a reason.
He enjoyed photography. (Is this where I got this interest from?) He owned a box brownie camera.
I don’t think he did much about the house. I never saw him in the kitchen, nor set or clear the table.
He did make his own mint sauce and other sauces that had two ingredients: chillies and vinegar. I do remember him saying, “If you touch those chillies, NEVER rub your hands on your face and, in particular, not in your eyes”.
You were not allowed:
- to touch the piano without his instruction.
- to go into his room.
- to touch or look through any papers. Things were left lying around!
The open shed where the tractors were housed was full of old papers, magazines, newspapers etc. If only I had been game enough to have a closer look…
The garage where the Vauxhall car was stored was also full of books and magazines. Mostly relating to “old” film stars. I do not recall any of the titles. Again, was never game enough to look…
The threats from Pop were taken very seriously – he would hit one with that stick (It was like a walking stick so you can imagine what the “hit” would have felt like!)
I have no idea if Pop would actually hit anyone of us, but we never took any chances to find out…
Moving on.
After Granny died, I believe Pop did too. He looked as though he didn’t care anymore. He resented my father, as well as all of his grandchildren. He did everything within his power to not give us anything.
He befriended all types of people, who I observed were using him and taking anything and everything that wasn’t bolted down – yes, even Pop’s money – no proof – just observations on my part – There is more I could say but again I’d be only guessing. It wasn’t pleasant to see. And the effects it had on my parents, especially Pop’s only living daughter – my mother, was huge.
Telephone Call.
Weird as it is, Pop passed away in March 1992! Yes, the same year as Grandad. Again, I got a phone call from my mother, whilst I was at work in Bedford, England…
Smoke.
Stranger Things: It is quite weird that every now and then I can smell cigarette smoke. I know who it is and I know the reasons why. Pop’s presence is just there. It is still difficult to comprehend.
Note: Other details about my maternal grandfather in another writing.
Somebody I Use to Know… Complete…
So that’s the ending of the four parts.
I can say that I was extremely fortunate to have known ALL of my grandparents. I often wonder, is it a good thing or a not-so-good thing? I am the only one who can answer that. I have the memories – some good and some not so good. I have told/written about my memories and exposed my thoughts. These would be, most likely, very different to my siblings and my cousins. As I said, I am the eldest grandchild. Life comes at one from many different angles.
Take time and gather up, for we shall all meet each other again – much love to you all.
Take care… Grandma, Granma, Grandad, Pop… Somebodies I Use To Know…
Accreditations.
Pop – Charcoal drawing – unknown artist.
The Leap Hotel – c1972. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141635592/view
Howard, Bruce & Larkins, John, 1943-. Australian pubs (1972). The Leap Hotel, Mount Mandarana, Queensland, ca. 1972.
Ancestor Family 
1 Comment