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CCEA NRA et i This week marks a year since the passing of a beloved member of this community, Pearl (Kent) Gerrow. Fur over sixty years Pearl was at the centre of the life of this town, First, as Chief Operator at our local Bell office, and later at Gerrow's Bakery, she touched many lives. In later years, after she retired, she was still a familiar figure in downtown Port Perry, her neighbourhood. Pearl was born at the turn of the century to Loretta and George Kent in Lindsay. Both sides of her fami- ly had participated actively in their growing community. Kent Street in Lindsay was named for her father's family. While still in her teens, Pearl went to work for The Bell Telephone Com- pany as a switchboard operator. The turning point of her life occur- red in 1921 when she was offered the position of Chief Operator in the town of Port Perry. This advance- ment meant leaving home. Her new territory, stretching from Seagrave to Myrtle and from Utica to Yelver- ton, was a large one. Pearl soon pro- ved herself to be an energetic and competent Chief Operator, and was held in high regard by her subscribers and by her staff. The young women on her staff were part of the legend of '"The Voice With The Smile." With ten to twelve phones on each rural line, the ak operator had to be an expert in public relations. When there was ex- tra pressure on the operators, Pearl would leave her desk and take her place at the board. Years later, "her girls' would remember these occa- sions with gratitude. A picture of these young women, taken in 1927, can be seen at The Scugog Shores Museum. During these years, Pearl was boarding at the home of the William Andersons at the corner of Mary and John Streets. It was a lively household. With Donald and his sister Helen at home then, the house attracted many young people. Pearl soon won the hearts of her new com- munity. She played the piano by ear and also shared her remarkable ability for reciting comic verse. Her new friends discovered she was a splendid mimic and a born enter- tainer. They also found in her a good friend, a friend for a lifetime. Pearl's friends included the young baker, Grant Gerrow. Grant had completed his apprenticeship in Oshawa and was now in business on Queen Street with his parents, Eli- jah and Maria. His sister Edna and his brother Mansell also worked at the bakery. Before long, romance bloomed at the boarding house. Young Donald was courting Edna Gerrow, and the baker himself was courting Pearl. Both couples were married in the spring of 1928. They Itching For Fishing Three and a half year old Andrew Maschke of Blackstock is all set for fishing season now. He and his Dad checked out the many items on sale at the Lions Club Flea Market on Saturday afternoon at Blackstock Arena and came away with a nifty piece of luggage and a fishing net. Neither purchase did much to help his itchy nose, however. took apartments across the hall from each other in the Archer Building, today occupied by The Royal Bank, and Pearl began a new career. at ra is Always resourceful and en- thusiastic, Pear] now participated in the family business. One of her - daughter Kent's first memories is a large preserving pot full of lemon pie filling which dominated the Ger- row kitchen every Saturday morn- ing. Whoever went by the stove was expected to give the heavenly mix- ture a stir. By this time Pearl's lemon pies were in great demand and had to be ordered ahead. Kent remembers that many a time, just when the mixture was ready, there would be a call from the bakery ask- ing for a second batch. During these years Pearl balanc- ed gracefully her roles at home, at business, and in the community. In the bake shop she had remarkable empathy with the children at the penny candy counter. And at home Kent remembers happy days, hap- py years, with music and laughter. Friends with whom Pearl was associated in community work recall her energy, her devotion, and her sense of fun. Pearl and Grant were involved members of the United Church where Pearl participated in the work of the Women's Auxiliary and later in the Rebekah Unit of the PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, June 3, 1986 -- 25 Obituary--Pearl Kent Gerrow U.CW. Of great importa ce to Pearl was her association with the Blue Ray Chapter of The Eastern Star in which, as a charter member, she held various offices for over thirty years. She was also a member "of the Maybelle Rebekah Lodge where she had many friends. In the early sixties, the Gerrows 'sold their bakery and looked for- ward to their retirement. Sadly, they had little time left together, for Grant died in 1965. In the years that followed, Pearl worked part time in the bake shop and participated in organizations close to her heart. True to her pioneering spirit, she was among the first to appreciate the importance of The Senior Citizens to which she devoted her extraordinary energy and organiza- tional skills. She sang in the choir there, organized many a bus trip, and loved to take part in the square dancing. In moments of relaxation, she crocheted for her friends. Pearl died on June 1, 1985. She is remembered with love by her daughter Kent Farndale, by her son- in-law Doug, and by many in this community who have been enrich- ed by her life. Scugog Duplicate Bridge winning scores 3 Table Howell - Afternoon - Avg. - 20 - May 21 1st Doris Phinney & Otto Czilok - 28'% pts. 2nd Elma Doyle & Norma Kenny - 23 pts. 3rd Joe & Ida Hurtig - 21% pts. 11 Table Mitchell - North & South - Avg. 135 - May 28 1st Kath Burley & Virginia Clif- ford - 165 pts. 2nd Peter & Audrey Francis - 143% pts. 3rd Tom & Evelyn Harris - 14215 pts. East & West - Avg. 1211, 1st John Bardeleben & Mary Taylor - 166 pts. 2nd Gwen Rennie & Bill Mahaffy - 148% pts. 3rd Diane Berkers & Fred Mar- shall tied Ken Halliday & Harold Brown 148 pts. "KRICKETS" Girls' Slacks - Skirts - Matching Tops Boys' Slacks & Matching Tops GIRLS' DRESSES - selected styles ALL TABLECLOTHS - assorted sizes & colours EFFECTIVE FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 4 to JUNE 10, 1986 20. Just Arrived! NET & PATTERNED - STOCKINGS - KNEE HIGHS - ANKLETS pr in fashionable colours, imported from France. Men's JACKETS selected styles 25% to 207% OFF Men's Summer T-SHIRTS assorted styles *9.95 DEPARTMENT STORE IUT-T-Ta BR = Ral -T-1 A =o Tol Al =1-Tol olV]