Growing up Before the Internet

I was born in 1963 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, where my grandparents owned Henry's Bakery. It was the main supplier of bread for Maple Creek and the surrounding communities. With a staff of 10-20 employees, many local teenagers had their first job at Henry's Bakery—including my mom's family. That's where my parents met as teenagers. My dad was Henry Jr.

After they married in 1953, they remained in the bakery business, eventually opening a modern Henry's Bakery in Swift Current in 1964 that produced up to 700 loaves of bread each day.

Even now, the smell of fresh bread drifting from a bakery instantly transports me back to childhood—rolling dough, sneaking warm donuts, and watching the bakery come alive before sunrise.

The world looked very different in the 1960s. My mom was one of the few women who worked outside the home. She spent her days at the bakery while my dad slept after working through the night. When they sold the bakery in 1968, she went to work at Martinizing Dry Cleaning, while Dad began selling appliances.

As a child, I never understood why Dad earned twice as much as Mom when her work seemed every bit as demanding. Looking back, it reflected the social expectations of the time. Men were considered the breadwinners—Dad took that title quite literally!

Even with a full-time job, Mom still carried most of the responsibilities at home. Mondays were devoted to housework, including washing clothes through a wringer washer before hanging them to dry. She did the grocery shopping, cooked every meal, and somehow kept everything running.

Working in an appliance store had one advantage—we were usually the first family to own the latest household inventions. I remember the excitement of getting our first spin washer, tumble dryer, ceramic-top stove, dishwasher, and microwave. Dad was proud that he could make Mom's work a little easier, although he did find himself in the doghouse after giving her a new family television for her birthday instead of something personal like perfume or jewelry.

Entertainment was simple. We had one television channel, and I spent countless mornings watching Mr. Dressup and The Friendly Giant. While many children dreamed of visiting the Tickle Trunk, I dreamed of owning one. More than anything, I wanted endless craft supplies so I could build whatever my imagination dreamed up.

I also loved watching Mr. Dressup draw. He made it look effortless, and I believe he was the first person who inspired me to learn to draw.

Years later, when my first daughter was born, Mr. Dressup returned in reruns. This time, I watched through her eyes. By then, I had finally achieved my childhood dream. Our home had its own version of a Tickle Trunk, overflowing with paper, jewels, stickers, fabric, and every art supply imaginable. Together we built, painted, and created for hours.

Meeting the real Mr. Dressup while he was on tour remains one of my favourite memories. I never had the chance to tell him, but his encouragement and love of creativity helped shape the artist, and teacher, I would one day become.

Reflection:

“Looking back, I realize my creativity didn't begin with an art class or a paintbrush. It began in the ordinary moments of childhood—in the smell of fresh bread, the encouragement of a television artist, and a home where imagination found room to grow. Often, the experiences that shape our future seem unremarkable at the time. Only years later do we recognize they were leading us somewhere all along.”