John Dunn's Stories:
| A native son of Almonte, John was born here on September 12, 1919, the second of 13 offspring born to Dr. John Francis Dunn and Mary Helena Moynihan. After attending primary and secondary schools, he proceeded to St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto where he received his B.A. in History.
John entered the Canadian Army Service Corps as a private eventually rising to the rank of Captain. He served in England as an Education officer. After VE Day, he volunteered to serve in the Pacific Theatre. During the six week pass allowed, he married Marie Dewan. Their honeymoon was spent in a rustic cottage in the Gatineau Hills which boasted no radio, no T.V. and no phone. The war was over for three days before they ever knew! |
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John elected to attend Teachers' College and gained his teaching certificate in 1946. He taught English, History and Latin first in Copper Cliff and then in Almonte. In 1956, he joined the Civil Service making the journey to and fro by many and various routes always with history in mind. Meanwhile, the Dunn family increased to embrace 12 children - five boys and seven girls, all of whom have gone on to various degrees and rewarding careers.
John had two passions - history and music. He was known as the town historian, often leading tours of the area. He played the piano each day on his upright Steinway and monthly entertaining at the local seniors' residences. The organ at St. Mary's Church knew his fingers too. After retirement he revelled in the hours spent at the restored house at Rosetta where he kept bees and raised Christmas trees. In the kitchen there, he became an expert in making bread, especially a whole grain variety called Pilgrims' Bread which he donated to many pilgrims along his travels!
John loved nature. He could see more the natural countryside features than the rest of us. He often spent hours at his computer, turning out small stories and essays, many of which are available to read here. A small book called, "The Doctor's House" contains fascinating insights into the life of a small boy growing up in that milieu.
For the last 11 years of his life, John and Marie basked in the glorious setting of No. 213 Millfall where the Mississippi flows and the waterfall cascades with its lulling music.
The various links below are rough groupings of stories, yarns and correspondence. These writings are for personal reading and use with no intent of pecuniary intention. The use of this material for the intent of monetary renumeration is forbidden. If in doubt, please write to me at dunnmj, put the "at" sign in then gmail dot com. Happy reading!
| Humour | Serious | History | Dunn Family History | Poetry | Church | Doctor's House || People of Almonte | Almonte Area History | Lanark County History |