Your last Downhome (Feb 2024) re seventy five years of confederation evoked a flood of memories for me. In September 1947 a foggy, misty night with my little suitcase I walked up the lane to Government House. I was 16 years old. I was let in, introduced, given my uniform and shown to my room. The next morning I was on duty in my charcoal grey uniform, black stockings and cream coloured headband (British). I was taken to the dining room by the girl I was to be working with. Two were responsible for the dining room from flowers for the table (fetched from the hot house adjoining) to table settings and presentation of food. I met the Governor, Sir Gordon MacDonald, Lady MacDonald, daughter Glenys and son Kenneth. The referendum was all the news during my time there, 1947-1949. There are three occasions that I remember well. One night, a crowd of delegates – anti-Confederation –gathered near the CLB armory, Harvey Rd. and marched to Government House to show their displeasure to the government/ Governor at that time. Nothing happened, but I remember the lights being dimmed, the Governor returning to his office and all others to their rooms. I also remember shortly after the singing a gala dinner was served. Among those attending were Prime Minister Saint Laurent, Yousef Karsh, the noted photographer, Joseph Smallwood, Cabinet ministers and Sir Albert Walsh, our first Lt. Governor. Lastly, I remember the staff shaking hands with the Governor and his family as they left to board the ship that took them home to England. On a personal note, I wonder if there are other survivors of that time? Family members, I would love to hear. I remember them all. It may appear that I was a waif from the streets and just wandered in. My cousin, John (now deceased) let me out at the gate. He was not allowed to enter the grounds. Those days one did not get a job looking in the want ads or online. Mostly by word-of-mouth. I had no interview, just a chest x-ray. I had to start somewhere, so I picked the biggest and nicest house in the land! Sincerely, Marguerite Hodder Dartmouth, NS