MEMORIES OF DAD : Henry Lynn Tatro – The Move to Saskatchewan or “The Bee House”

St. James Street house in North Battleford, Saskatchewan – 1920 Vern on railing, George centre, Bee (Gladys) on the right

“Once again Lynn was out of work. He was pleased to get word from Grace’s mother that there was lots of work to be had in Saskatchewan. In October, with Grace, Vern and baby Gladys (fondly called Bee-bee), Lynn hurried to Canada, where he readily got work with the newly established Imperial Oil Company in North Battleford, when the oil industry was in its infancy. Although Battleford, across the North Saskatchewan River, had an illustrious history, the “North Town” had come into existence on the advent of the railway only eleven years previously, and it was thriving with industry and surrounded by productive farmland.”

Dad says he figures the railway was built on the north side of the river because it was easier to build, the south side had a lot more hills and valleys, and because the railway company could get free land that they would then sell to people to build new homes on. It is always about the money.

Lynn and The Grey Dort about 1920
Lynn and George at the lake – 1920
Bee (Gladys), Grace and Vern at the lake – 1920

“The family took up residence in a good home on James Street in North Battleford. A gift from Grace’s Grandpa Barker, who made frequent visits from Argyle, Minnesota, helped to furnish the home very comfortably. As the family prospered, Lynn bought a Grey Dort car which provided transportation to the Strachan farm and to many outings for picnics and swimming at Eight Mile Lake and Meota Beach. On September 11th, 1918 George Orin was born at home. (Grace had no faith in hospitals expecting much better care amongst her family.) This time Grandpa Barker got to offer the middle name, choosing that of his friend from Civil War days in Andersonville Prison.

About this time too, Lynn helped to construct a small building on the Strachan farm. It seemed to little Bee-bee (Gladys), that it was a fine place to play, so she took possession of it as Bee-bee’s House. That building became quite a mystery to neighbors and friends when, for years to come, it was always referred to as “The Bee House”; they expecting the production of honey.” *

In later years, Dad says, when he was 13 or 14, he and his brothers, George and Bud, would sleep in “The Bee House” when they stayed at the Strachan place to help with field work. Early mornings, around 4 a.m., he says, Dave would come knocking on the door to wake them for the day’s work.

Tap, tap, tap on the door they would hear. Then Dave’s voice with its heavy Scottish accent would announce “Sun is up. It is such a nice day”. A while later again would come the tap, tap, tap and “Are ye up lads?” and a comment on something that was seen or heard in and around the farm. Several more times would come the tap, tap, tap and “Are ye up lads. It’s time to be at work” before the sleepy teens would manage to make it out the “Bee House” door for the days work.