Connecting the past with the present
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
John Godsman, Strathmore resident and writer, has put together a compilation of his Remembering Our Roots articles into a book of the same title. Remembering Our Roots Volume One contains 55 articles written from May 2010 until December 2012.
“Some of the people that I have seen over the last two years, three years whatever, have been pushing me to put this into book form, so that they could give it to their grandchildren,” said Godsman.
The book is filled with interviews and history from Strathmore’s residents, outlining how they came to be in the area, and what they are doing now.
Godsman and his wife Anne, moved to Strathmore in 2000, and in 2002 he retired. He joined the seniors club and spent the next four winters playing cards throughout the day.
“After four years, I decided there had to be something better to do in retirement than sit and play cards all day,” said Godsman.
He was reading a history book ‘Strathmore: the Village that moved,’ known as the green book to many, that had been printed in 1986, when an idea sparked. He wanted to know who was still living in the area from back then, and see what they had been up to.
Bob and Jan Giles were his first interview for his new column. Godsman said he only ever interviewed one person that he found in the green book. It was Art Eeles. After that, he spoke with members of the Wheatland Whirlers, and members of his congregation, until he was given a list of names to contact.
What originally began as a winter project has grown to become bi-weekly articles in the Strathmore Times.
“When I started the project I thought it might last six to nine months, and in May it (was) three years. The articles have evolved, initially I started off with 250 to 300 words. Now I am up between 600 and 900 words, because I’m talking to older people who have a longer life time to talk about,” said Godsman.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing this, it’s been wonderful. I wish I had done it earlier, I have so many people I want to see and talk to.”
For the first printing run of the book, Godsman had 100 copies made up, and he has the option to order more at any time in the first year.
“They’re going like hotcakes, I can see I’m going to sell 100 no problem at all,” said Godsman.
Volume Two is scheduled to come out in 2015, with 52 articles. For now though,Volume One is available for $40 per book. To purchase the book contact the Strathmore Times at 403-934-5589. There will also be books available for sale at various locations around town.
On June 8, Godsman will be at the Strathmore Municipal Library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to share his book and story.