Fifty Years from Riverview

Newly arrived from Ontario (mockingly called “Upper Canada” by some Monctonians) and not knowing anybody in the Maritimes, I looked up and wafted a hopeful wave to the young couple around our age who were in the process of moving in, three doors down. The movers were gone, and they were emptying their car of a few remaining belongings, mostly potted plants and breakable items.

“Welcome to Suffolk Street!!” My voice rose up strong from a lonely place in my chest.

The tall and gangly man responded with a spirited “Thank you!” and a wave. His shorter, ponytailed partner nodded my way as she stepped into the house. She hoisted a clay pot in the air with both hands to protect the cascading babies of a spider plant which was amusingly similar to our own. He took a few steps in my direction, the bangs of his post-Beatles haircut sticking to his forehead from the exertion of the move. I stood up and came closer to introduce myself. I told him my husband “Larry” was at work at a government office downtown. He said they were local teachers, Stan and Angelica Goodman. We agreed the four of us should connect for coffee or a beer some time, after they got settled in.

We did the typical neighbourly things like lending or borrowing tools, and we socialized from time to time – a movie, picnic in the park, or playing cards at our place or theirs. Stan was in a community choir. I had enjoyed singing in church, high school and university, so when he invited me to check out the group, I accepted. After a brief audition prior to the first rehearsal, the conductor offered me a spot in the Alto section. The choir was fun, and a good way to make new friends.

In 1976, Larry and I moved to Dieppe, which is adjacent to Moncton, east of Riverview. Our first child was born in 1977. We lost touch with Stan and Angelica, and were left with only pleasant memories of them and our lovely view of the river.

As the years went by, our lives were transformed in a number of ways: Larry’s job transfer to Fredericton, a second son, then divorce in 1983, and eventually, moves by both Larry and me back to Ontario, and new partners. I returned to school and switched careers. The Goodmans would occasionally cross my mind, but after a while I forgot their names and rarely gave them a thought.
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Reconnecting with Stan stirred up other memories of my brief time in that townhouse in Riverview – recollections which contrast sharply with the friendly couple I’ve described. They involve the man who lived next door.