Alfred is starting a family in the far western corner of the province, Essex County. He grows tobacco, peaches, beets etc. He has help from his father and brother, hired men and a Barnardo Home Boy (Frederick Gale, i.e. “Fred”). Join them as they pick chestnuts, fish in the ditches, butcher hogs and hunt muskrats. Alfred and Minnie’s first baby is born in 1908. Alfred buys Minnie a new sewing machine and Fred helps her on wash day. Lucky for us, Alfred is an amateur photographer and several of his photographs have survived.

Alfred and Minnie, courting in a new buggy.

Wedding photo of Alfred Arner and Minnie Adams.

Fred E. Gale, age 12-13. Born 1893, York, England. The Barnardo Boy who lived with Alfred and Minnie.

Alfred butchering hogs.

Alfred standing among tobacco plants.