Charlie Parker Remembers Madame Modova (4 photos)

Postcard Memories is a weekly series of historic postcard views and photos submitted by René Hackstetter.

The Parkside still lingers in the memory, as does Charlie Parker, who had served as Midland’s Mayor more than a few years ago.

Less well remembered might be Madame Modova, the spiritualist and teacup reader who had her stand next door.

“Madame Modova was actually Ethel Smith, and she was a neighbour of mine for years,” Charlie Parker recalls in Bits and Pieces of Midland’s Past by Robert and  Sharon Armstrong. "Originally, she came from Toronto, but moved here after she fell in love with the town as a tourist.

"Madame Modova was a very normal person," Parker recalls. "She didn’t claim consistently to be a spiritualist. She didn’t claim to be a psychic. She had sincere intentions and gave a lot of sound advice...especially to young people.

"Madame Modova didn’t use any particular medium. She would read a teacup if you asked her, but she didn’t need anything. Because she concentrated consistently on one path, she became very efficient at her profession."

Apparently, Madame Modova solved one of the few cattle rustlings in the area by identifying not only what had been stolen from a local farmer, but also providing the police with a phone number that ultimately led to a conviction. She managed this feat using only her psychic powers.

Charlie Parker and Madame Modova were spiritually connected with their affection for the Ouija board. Parker served nine terms as Mayor of Midland, so must have had some foresight...perhaps from Modova?

These are stories, however, for another time and place.

Ethel Smith is buried in St. Margaret’s cemetery, in the town she had grown to love.

Copyright. René Hackstetter March 30, 2020.