An Emmanuel Memory of Elsie Power, 1905–1999

Back in the 1920’s, the most anticipated event of the year was the Sunday School Picnic held at Third Beach, courtesy of Mrs. Brown. In those days, few families had cars, so Third Beach was a distant and magical place.
On a sunny Saturday morning, we all gathered at the church, complete with swim suits and bag lunches, to await the arrival of 2 or 3 huge moving vans from Andrews Express. We always hoped for all open vans but, alas, there was always only one. Great was the competition for the open van (squelched by the teachers and parents), but eventually we all set off for Third Beach.

Arriving at the beach, we all piled out and dashed for the tents, set up by the Emmanuel Boy Scout Troop # 12. There was one tent for the girls to change and one for the boys, and one tent for lunches and shelter for the teachers and parish ladies who had come to help.

Then, oh bliss, a good long swim, under the watchful eyes of the scouts who had passed their lifesaving tests. Woe betide anyone who ventured out too far—he or she was sent ashore for what seemed an eternity. When the call came, “All out,” we came reluctantly.

Then came lunch, followed by watermelon (another treat for most of us.) In order to insure that everyone waited the prescribed hour before swimming again, races were held, again run by the scouts. Then came another shorter swim. This time, “All Out” was followed by ice cream and cake made by the ladies. After that, alas, it was time to go home. The vans arrived, we climbed in, and sunburned and sandy (there were no showers), we returned home after a happy day at the beach.

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Elsie Power, 1905–1999