Every Friday for years, the band played at the Legion and thank goodness, the club is open again.
There is a gal there that exemplifies what is best in our branch - good vibes and she spreads it around. Faye Swales, yes - by marriage, to Frank ‘Fat’ Swales, of that famous old Midland family.
Faye is a hardy descendant of Captain Hardy of the Battle of Trafalgar, so sailors are in her blood.
All the descendants are beautiful and bright lights, just like their Grandma. Faye denies being a Grandma of course, as she is our Dancing Queen.
These sketches have to be short, and that is why I chose Faye for the sketch. Don’t start with the small packages are filled with dynamite either.
Faye might just as soon bop you on the noggin; outspoken and honest as she is. Will she have a drink with you? If you are feeling glum, she lifts your spirit and, at 93, she has been doing it for a fair bit. Good on you girl.
This isn’t a biography, but I wanted to pass along what a man her man was.
May 1, 1940, a tragedy for all of Midland unfolded on Lake Superior, when the S.S. Arlington and Captain Fred Burke went to the bottom in a terrible storm that battered the ship for three days.
The crew of 23 were saved by the S.S.Collingwood and they entered Midland Harbour grieving for the loss of Captain and ship.
Deckhand, Frank Swales said it was his first trip and his last. Faye was grateful.
René Hackstetter, March 4, 2022.
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