The Paterson Family
From Dumfriesshire, Scotland to Ontario, Canada
 

 
Audio Interviews

Reviewing documents and looking at photos are great for learning about family history.  But there is no substitute for a good old fashion story, told by someone who is recalling historical events and personal experiences first hand.

We are fortunate to have spent time with two great grandchildren of James Paterson Jr. and Jane Irving and to have listened to their stories of growing up and some of their memories with their parents and other Paterson relatives.  Photos taken during these interviews and audio recordings of them are found below.

William Stacey 
Chatham, Ontario

William Stacey, known as Bill, is the son of William Albert Stacey and Mabel Paterson.  Bill was born on January 9, 1920, in Chatham, Ontario.  He married Eva Fletcher, known as Eve, on January 5, 1946.  They had three children: William, John, and Robert.

His cousins, Tom Coleman and Carolyn Skalnek, drove to Chatham to interview Bill and Eve at their home in April 2011.  After looking at some family photos, and having a nice lunch, the interview was conducted in their dining room.  Their son Robert and their nephew Richard were there too.

Bill spoke of events in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.  He said that his cousin Murray was his best friend as they were growing up as children.  Murray was the son of Bill's Aunt Margaret, his mother Mabel's sister. 

The interview was recorded on a digital voice recorder and was also video taped for the family archives.  Click on these links to listen to the audio recordings: part one, part two, part three, part four, more.

Bob, Eve, Bill, and Richard at the Stacey home in Chatham.

Betty Basler 
Carsonville, Michigan

Betty Lorraine Basler is the daughter of Arthur Roy Coleman and Margaret Paterson.  Betty was born on August 8, 1918, in Chatham, Ontario.  She married Casper Basler in 1940 and they had four children: Charles, John, Roger, and Connie.

Tom Coleman and several of his siblings drove to Carsonville, Michigan, for an interview of Betty in April 2011.  The interview was conducted at the home of betty's daughter Connie and her son-in-law Larry Panduren.  After the interview, the Coleman and Basler cousins went with Betty out to lunch to a restaurant in Port Sanilac.

Betty told stories about growing up as a child and her years as a young adult.  She is quite a story teller, and loves to embellish her stories with humorous punch lines.  Everyone enjoyed the visit.

The interview was recorded on a digital voice recorder and was also video taped for the family archives.  Click on these links to listen to the audio recordings: part one, part two.

Betty with her son Charles looking over old family photos.