Stardust
Any generation who’s visited a corner store has long revered their favorite sweets. Toted in baby strollers or riding banana bikes, the family-run neighborhood central, tells its story some 365 days a year.
Well beyond your kid’s after school hangout, 80s Cornwall was abuzz with folks eating pickled eggs and catching up on the latest gossip.
Like many post-war generation men, Edwyn MacMillan worked at Howard Smiths. Despite his quiet nature, he was a worker bee with the mind of an accountant. When he was 33, Edwyn purchased his first business with his wife Jean (nee Michie) at 456 Fourth Street West.
The couple put their money together investing in rental properties and convenience stores. Known for being meticulous with stamina to burn, Edwyn’s philosophy on life was to get up off your butt and get the job done.
Based on the concept of helping others, hearth and home were sacred to Edwyn. In later years he and Jean purchased a log cabin in Dickinson Center, New York where they could totally relax and be themselves.
When operating their wholesale business, the couple built connections with the locals and found their voice in the political arena. A year older than her husband, Jean expressed herself in a wholly unique way. Oozing charisma, she understood the importance of active listening. She was fun to be around and made people feel at ease. A major part of Jean’s life was spent throwing parties for the family and politicals of the day. (The meatballs were legendary).
Hyper to the point of death, Jean loved to shop but understood the responsibility on her shoulders as the brains behind the family business. A voice for women, she was a feminist who protested the Vietnam War on Parliament Hill.
As a young girl, Cynthia MacMillan loved going barefoot. While at the beach in Long Sault, she hated the feel of wet sand between her toes and beseeched her dad to carry her to the car. With feet bobbing in the air and arms wrapped around his neck, a memory of stardust sprinkles across the years.
At 12, Cyndi learned to drive the family car and was introduced to the writings of Gloria Steinem. At high school, a student patrolling the hallways gave chase to her and a girlfriend. Crossing at the light, Cyndi avowed her independence from conformity and dropped out of school.
Known as the happiest times of her youth, Cyndi began working for her brother Randy and wife Josalyn at the Cumberland Street store.
Meanwhile, she grew an incredible friend base and solid record collection.
When she was 30, Cyndi sent a letter to Gloria Steinem and learned about true feminism. A famous Steinem quote about seeking approval but finding respect instead, was the education of a 70s girl in green aviators.
Raised Atheist, Cyndi believes that religion is a man-made construct. By choosing Autonomy, Cyndi can appreciate her own beliefs are aligned with her core values.
With ease of recall, she recites the many homes and central locations serving the front-facing customer. Within walking distance, corner stores are prized locations where people cross paths, gather and chat.
In 1984, Jean purchased the Loose Caboose for $1,000. It was several thousand more to deliver with the rails intact. In 2006 she and Edwyn sold the Marlborough Street business to Cyndi and her husband David St. Pierre.
In reward for feeding Cornwall families for over 30 years, the couple spent more time at their cabin, travelled to Scotland and spoiled their grandchildren.
As a youngster lacking confidence, Cyndi lost herself in books promoting women’s rights. In her 50s, she was appalled at the persistent thieving public, intent on destroying her parent’s hard fought legacy.
Finding strength and voice in saying the hard things, Cyndi broke from her mother’s opinions and rebuilt her own garden.
Along rows of yellow lockers, a cool girl at ease with herself, made a connection one crisp September morning. For some, a sense of humour lends to the natural outcome of one’s upbringing. Although there is no manual for honesty or frugality, being a solid friend matters much.
In gratitude and sometimes a sharp tongue, we learn that No is a complete sentence. Seeing the positive goodness of life has no price tag. Memories of Cowdenbeath.
In Cyndi’s happy place, bringing it all together includes 70s rock on the turntable and a kitchen saturated with the results of a cook fest. ~ All is right with the world.
Lisa Gray Copyright © July 2024
