Russell & Nellie Dixon

Markdale Standard. Jan 2, 1964

My cousin Walter Dixon shared the following on Facebook from the group Markdale Standard Memories.

"Honored By Many Friends On Golden Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Dixon, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home on Main Street, on Tuesday, December 17th, when many friends, neighbors, and relatives called to congratulate them. Mr. Dixon, who, this week, begins his 11th consecutive term as Reeve of Markdale — an unparalleled record in the history of the town — is a son of the late William and Eliza (Seabrook) Dixon, and Mrs. Dixon, the former Nellie McKay, is a daughter of the late Robert and Ellen (Taylor) McKay. Both were born in the Township of Holland. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon moved to Markdale in 1941 from Walters Falls. Hon. John P. Robarts, the Prime Minister of Ontario, and Hon. John Yaremko, the Provincial Secretary and Minister of Citizenship, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, extended congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dixon on their golden wedding anniversary in the form of a framed illuminated scroll. — Markdale Standard photo."

Russell and Nellie Dixon were my grandparents on my mothers side. Their wedding anniversary would have been 50 years on December 17, 1963 (if the article is right). Walter and his brother Gordon recall that there was a family celebratory dinner at the Barhead Lodge which is just outside of Markdale. Russell had a feed mill in Markdale and another across the road from the Barhead. They raised their several children in Walter's Falls and moved to Markdale during the war years. Their two sons William (Mac) and Walter both served overseas during the war.

I have only vague memories of their anniversary being only 11 at the time. But I do have lots of memories of them and especially their home on the main street in Markdale. I have some old photos of the event from my parents collection, some from this event, that I ought to organizse. 

As a child I always thought they were both very old (he would have been 71 and she only 69 at the time of this anniversary). I don't think they were so old now as I'm at that age. I recall that not too long after this anniversary grandfather (1892-1965) had a debilating stroke and was hospitalized for his final brief years. Grandmother (1894-1975) lived longer but I think she died in '65 with him and was only buried 10 years later.

See also recollections this blog:

• Sgt Walter A Dixon (Nov 2021)
• Margaret Quinton - Grandmother's Album (Apr 2021)
• William (Mac) Dixon (Nov 2020)