From Maire Merriam (now Maire Lewis) (via her daughter, Nancy Merriam), remembering times together with Doris and Maurice and her husband, Dick Merriam in Red Deer.
This story is, unfortunately, politically incorrect, and especially inappropriate in today’s climate. But it was told to me by my mother as a happy time between the men, who were hunting, and the women, who were having fun despite the men being away. Also, in those days, which was likely 60 years ago and in Canada, we weren’t aware that dressing as black-face was wrong – it was much like a woman dressing up like a man, or a man dressing up as a woman. I think of how unusual it was for these women to have been seen so differently and not be recognized. This apology is actually longer than the story….
Dick and Maurice were away hunting antelope. Maire and Doris went to a Kinsman costume party and dance, without the men. The women dressed up as black-face not saying a word to anyone all night so that no one knew who they were. The dance of the day was the twist which they were able to do without partners and they danced like crazy all night. They had a ball and won first prize for their costumes! Their husbands couldn’t believe they went without them.
Doris and Maurice’s help when Dick died was unforgettable. She stayed with them in Edmonton during Dick’s stay in the hospital. Maire will always remember the night she returned to their home around 1 AM and fell into a deep stupor. It seemed that no time had passed when Maurice gently shook her awake and told her Dick has passed. Their caring, kindness, and support was deeply moving and appreciated. Maire can’t thank them enough.
Maurice and Dick were best friends, but after Dick died and Maire remarried Hiram Lewis they accepted Hiram, visiting Hi and Maire in Colorado at their ranch where the men fished together at the pond they named “Maurice’s pond”. They also golfed together in California, High River, and Fernie. This friendship from Red Deer days continued over many, many years, and has connected the families forever, no matter how much time has passed.
From Nancy Merriam
Doris used to let Nancy walk around in her shoes, which fit her when she was 8 or 9 years old. They had chunky heals, and were really cool, especially in comparison with her little girl shoes. A silly memory, but it was really sweet of Doris to let her do this!
Doris visited Nancy when Nancy was a student at Brooklyn College in 1983 or 1984. They went into Manhattan for the evening, with Doris carefully removing all her jewelry because, well, it was New York City. They went to Chinatown and had dinner which was most likely eggplant with black bean sauce. At one point on their way back to the subway station, Doris tapped Nancy’s arm and said “Nancy, Nancy there’s a man back there on the corner masturbating!” Nancy’s reply was “what a great story you’ll have to tell everyone back home!” Alas, Doris told no one and Nancy had to remind her (and anyone else who would listen) of the memory, whenever she could.
