Rod Chatterson
On the weekend of July 29-31 over 175 people attended the Chatterson Reunion. The well-planned event was held at the Sleepy Hollow Campground in Wolseley. A large tent was set up at the campground which facilitated the registration desk, a memorabilia wall and a makeshift kitchen.
The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with registration and a meal of barbequed hamburgers. The famous Black Angus burgers were provided by Laurie and Joanne Chatterson of Wolseley.
On the Saturday morning many from the reunion took part in the pancake breakfast that was sponsored by Dam Days. This was an opportunity to renew acquaintances with friends from many years past. That afternoon mant took part in a rural tour showing the Chatterson descendants the farming area, including five farms, where their families had once lived. A highlight of the tour was a visit to Poplar Grove country school, where many Chatterson children received their schooling.
A pig roast was held for the Saturday evening meal. The caterers, Myron and Sandy McLeod of Maxim, Saskatchewan, were the same ones who had catered the last reunion back in 1986.
That evening, a variety show was held at the Wolseley Town Hall/Opera House showcasing a multiplicity of Chatterson talent. Heat Kai, the son of Cheryl Chatterson and Lamont Kai, was the co-ordinator and MC for the evening. A wide array of talent was shown, from comedy acts to piano solos, singing and an outstanding guitar performance by Craig Brown, son of Doreen (Chatterson) Brown. The evening ended with a sing-a-long, with many old familiar tunes, one being the ever popular, “Elmer’s Tune.”
On Sunday morning, many from the reunion took in the pancake breakfast that was sponsored by Dam Days. This was an opportunity to renew acquaintances with friends from many years past. In the afternoon, Harvey McFarlane of Summerberry came with his team of horses and wagon to give a scenic tour of Wolseley. Those interested in golf took part in a tournament held at the Indian Head Golf Course, organized by Kyle Chatterson and Bruce Chatterson.
Relatives travelled from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and California for this occasion. The reunion gave many relatives a chance to meet each other for the first time; for others, it was an opportunity to get reacquainted with family they had not seen for many years. Four generations were represented. The last Chatterson reunion was held twenty-five years ago in 1986 at the Elmer Chatterson farm.
In 1907, Charles Henry and Sarah Chatterson along with their nine children – Annie, Pearl, Levi, Russell, Dave, William, Dougal, Luella and Tac – came to the Wolseley district from Whitby, Ontario. Wolseley represented a new frontier with endless opportunities.
Relatives attending the reunion directly descended from the original families were: Winona Hardy, Verna Bains, Doreen Brown, Lois Sutherland, Elaine Melvin, Roy Chatterson, Allan Crozier, Marlene, Darwin and Murray Chatterson.
