Rainy River Red Hats turn four

By Susan Douglas
Contributor

A wonderful 4th birthday celebration for the Les Rouge Rogues of Rainy River was held at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre on the banks of the beautiful Rainy River, August 26th, 2008. The Stratton ladies were our hostesses for this event.
Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung was declared a national historical site more than thirty years ago by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It encompasses more than three kilometers of Rainy River shoreline. The building which houses the gift shop, restaurant, and museum, is modern, and barely visible from the riverbank. Today’s archaeologists now know that this particular area contained a minimum of 30 villages and campsites and at least 17 burial mounds.
Our friendly guide, Sheri Wilson, was both informative and fun to be with. We began our journey by climbing aboard the golf type carts and speeding off to our first stop, the cemetery. A moment was taken to pay our respects at the gravesite of a young man, (24 yrs.), who had drown on June 20, 1894. The only other marker was of a married couple, she having died in 1898, and he in 1900, reading “faithful unto death.”
We made several stops en route while Sheri pointed out various local plants, and their healing properties, and other uses of wild plants and flowers. The girls savoured the liquorice tasting vegetation and chewed yarrow, which is good for insect stings. It was plain to see our guide also had photography practise, as she lined us up with ease for a photo shoot, complete with mounds and river in the background. We also took part in an aboriginal ritual of paying respects to the dead by placing tobacco and dirt on the mounds. Sheri then led us to the Round House where we walked about inside while she explained the dancing and placing of tobacco here as a symbol of respect to the departed. We enjoyed our time and learning experience very much. Upon returning to the gallery and restaurant we were served a delicious shore lunch. We then completed a quiz which was won by Lady Glitter (Brigitte McGreevy). Party favours were provided by the club to each lady, along with the door prize won by Queen La Diva (Susan Douglas). Lady Linda of La-Di -Da (Linda Budreau) gave a quick presentation on banners for our hotel doors in Wpg. and Lady Dolly of La Tea Da (Dawn Jarvis) gave some humorous readings.
Special thanks to Cyndi Bolen, Nancy Fretter, Jan Lee and Charlene Gustafson for hostessing this special birthday event!
Our next rendezvous will be held at the one room school house in Harris Hill from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The theme is “Little Schoolhouse on the Prairie” and the cost is $5.00 to be paid at the Record Office by Sept. 22nd. Ladies are required to pack an old fashioned lunch and come in period costume, (or as their lovely red hatter selves). For info on this particular event contact one of the hostesses-Brig, Eleanor or Caroline.
The Travelling Teapot made its way to birthday girl, Cyndi Bolen’s, on Sept. 11th

Her guest of honour was Helen Kellner who brought Elsie Morrison as her invitee. Other guests present were Queen La Diva, (Susan), accompanied by Lady Linda of La Di Da (Linda Budreau) and Lady Love lee, (Jan Lee). Charlene Gustafson, Governess of Guitar, was also in attendance. The table was set with fine china atop a checkered fall tablecloth with a red hat lady teapot for the centrepiece. The tea of choice for this event was peach steamed in a pure silk bag. A light lunch of cheese, and grapes were served with lemon fluff dessert square. Helen received a pretty knit purple scarf as a gift from the hostess. Cyndi also received a few birthday gifts from the ladies. Following a delightful visit the women divided into teams of two, gathering on the front lawn for a game of ladder ball. Before we headed home we sang Happy Birthday to our hostess and cheerleader. Thanks Cyndi for a delightful afternoon!
Our monthly luncheons are held the 2nd Tues. of the month. For Sept. nine ladies came out to the already busy Roadside Restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious lunch while planning for our upcoming Funvention in Wpg. Sept. 19th-21st.
Our next luncheon will be Tues. Oct. 14th. Please come early ladies to ensure a seat at the table! For information on how to join the local red hat chapter, Les Rouge Rogues, contact Susan at 852-1937.