Remembering our roots – Irene Dougan

Times Contributor

 

Irene’s maiden name was Shrumm, and her Dad’s family moved from Ontario to Coaldale, Alta around 1907, where they farmed. Her dad, Claude Shrumm, was two years old at that time, the youngest of three children. When he was old enough to get married, he returned to Ontario and found his bride to be – Olive Allen. 

They returned to the Coaldale area, where they were married on the farm in 1929. Irene was born on September 22, 1937, the third daughter of six girls. She completed all her education in Coaldale, before attending the University of Alberta for two years, where she graduated as a teacher. She taught elementary grades at Shawnessy, near Picture Butte, for four years, where she lived in the teacherage. Later she moved to Lethbridge, where she boarded with three other teachers, but this required her to commute daily to Shawnessy in all kinds of weather. Her landlady was a bit of a matchmaker, and she finally persuaded Irene to apply for a teaching job in the Standard/Strathmore area, so that she could meet the landlady’s cousin. Unfortunately for him, Irene was appointed as an elementary teacher to the Samuel Crowther School in Strathmore in 1962. Through her attendance at the Strathmore United Church, she met Bryce Dougan, and they were married on November 9, 1963. This marriage produced one daughter and two sons, who have given Irene seven grandchildren, and a great- grandchild is expected any day. 

On the arrival of their first child, Irene became a full-time mother and piano teacher to between 30-40 children, who came to their house. 

Irene and her mother-in-law May Dougan became members of the Women’s Institute (W.I.) in Nightingale, but she let her membership lapse after her mother-in-law’s death in 1972. Irene has been very involved in church activities throughout her life, especially after moving to town. She became the United Church organist after Mary Mercer retired, and at the same time became the Choir Director. It was normal practice to see Irene playing the organ with one hand, and directing the choir with the other. She still plays the organ from time to time. 

In 1972, she joined the Order of The Eastern Star, after Bryce became a Mason. They were Charter Members of the Wheatland Whirlers Square Dance Club, which was formed in 1974, and they danced for the next 30 years. In 2005, Bryce and Irene separated.

The main changes she has seen in this area is the population explosion of Strathmore. She thinks that when she moved here in 1962, the population was between 1,200-1,500! Look at it now. 

Irene really appreciates the community of Strathmore, for all it has done for her, and all the people involved in her life, especially her family.