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A Cottage of Many Rooms

he cottage, situated just off the train tracks, was a labyrinth of functional charm. Entering through the front door, there
Twas a spacious kitchen to the right, complete with fold-down wooden windows that had screens stapled into place.

Despite the screens, tiny bugs always found a way in. On the left was what used to be an icehouse but later became our back
kitchen. This area hosted a dartboard, where missing the target wasn’t a problem—darts simply stuck into the wood be-

hind it. The main living area was expansive, measuring 28 by 20 feet. At its center was a massive table, still standing today,
surrounded by an assortment of chairs. Shelves nailed into the walls by my dad held books and knick-knacks. A narrow
staircase led to the upstairs, where the front part of the house had four bedrooms. My room was in the front corner, with
Mary’s next to mine and my parents’ room nearby. Later, my mother opted for a separate room for more comfort. Beyond

the front area and above the kitchen and back kitchen was another section. This area had a bedroom where Helen and I
stayed after we got married. Further down the hall was a room with a record player, a tub and a crib, and beyond that, there

was a washroom with a sink, and finally a separate toilet room. The cottage layout was spacious yet cozy, with an eclectic
mix of practical features and quirks.

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