Author Archive for Margaret Haylock-Capon
Maggie Haylock is a freelance writer and former newspaper reporter who has co-authored several books with her husband, Alan Capon.
Why I remember ‘Christmas of the Mumps’ with a smile
When recalling Christmases past, this week, I dusted off memories of seasonal mayhem through the years. Our holidays did not always go smoothly, and like Elvis our family celebrated the occasional “blue Christmas.” The most memorable one occurred in 1961, when my older sister Mary arrived home from Shiloh, Manitoba with a special gift for […]
Upbeat attitude makes life better for woman and her best friend
by Margaret Haylock Capon When Gay Halpenny adopted an unsocialized two-year-old named Judy, her family and friends were annoyed with her. “They asked me what I was doing, but I felt I could do this,” says the Picton resident who has successfully proven that a woman with multiple sclerosis and a German Shepherd who spent […]
Common(s) Folk have an air of excitement
An invitation to attend Christmas for the Common(s) Folk, a block party for residents of Hill, Broad, Fairfield, Bockus, and Division Streets, brought back fond memories of childhood days in my old neighbourhood. Four generations of both my father and mother’s families lived on The Commons and it was to be my home for more […]
Silent auction of Christmas tree and gifts supports Loyalist Humane Society
Megan Hutton, left, and Anna Stellatos with the beautiful Christmas tree Anna decorated in memory of her miniature Poodle, Nikki. A silent auction on the tree and an assortment of other holiday gifts is now in progress at Angelo’s Restaurant in Picton. In memory of your pet, and in support of the Loyalist Humane […]
Remembering veterans on parade in Picton
By Margaret Haylock Capon While working as the Belleville Intelligencer’s bureau reporter, in Prince Edward County, in the 1970s and 80s, one of my annual assignments was coverage of the Remembrance Day services at the Picton cenotaph. Year after year on Nov. 11, I stood in Monument Park, with a small group of on-lookers waiting […]
Your vote will help Loyalist Humane Society get to second round
It’s Liza here, reporting from the laundry room at the Loyalist Humane Society. My worst suspicions have been confirmed. Mrs. Moffat is determinedly playing matchmaker. She is desperate to hook me up with Franco. Last week, she sat me down beside his crate and suggested that we chat. I ignored him but he did not […]
Autumn on The Commons
“Indian Summer” Along the line of smoky hills The crimson forest stands, And all the day the blue-jay calls Throughout the autumn lands. Now by the brook the maple leans, With all his glory spread; And all the sumacs on the hills Have turned their green to red. Now, by great marshes wrapt in mist, […]
Birthdays are banner days wrapped in big red ribbons
Each fall, as my birthday approaches, I find myself recalling long ago childhood birthday parties on The Commons (Hill Street). Celebrations always took place in the home, for Ronald McDonald had not yet been born and there was no such thing as a DQ cake. Traditionally, my mother always baked an angel food cake for […]
Young exhibitor ‘gilded the geranium’ at The Picton Fair
By Margaret Haylock Capon In 1967, Canada’s centennial year, Picton Fair featured many special classes themed to this important occasion. As a first-time exhibitor, I was keen to enter as many of them as possible. After carefully reading the prize list, I chose several categories in the flower division and started making plans. My mother, […]
Picton fair was always an exciting school holiday
When I was a child, growing up on The Commons, Picton Fair was a highly anticipated event. Each fall, many of Prince Edward County’s elementary school pupils marched in the opening day parade. Practice sessions for the parade began, soon after our return to the classroom, in September. It was generally accepted that Mr. James […]
