Many happy returns
High school buddies in the 1960s have found an interesting way to stay in touch
A yellowing Christmas card that’s seen better days remains the symbol of a bond dating back decades.
Since 1968, Truro resident Ron Trowsdale and his friend Don Gorveatt of Prince Edward Island have signed and exchanged the same card, a reminder of their friendship as teens in Charlottetown.
“It’s made 50 trips over the water by parcel post, every time it’s marked ‘To Ron from Don’ and then ‘To Don from Ron’ and the year is indicated,” said Trowsdale, now 71.
Indeed, their fraying card is now a historical record of sorts. When Trowsdale first posted it in 1968, the United States was at war in Vietnam and student protests rocked both Europe and North America.
Trowsdale himself still lived in a far calmer Prince Edward Island at the time, but just two years after his and Gorveatt’s rst card exchange, he was posted to Halifax for work.
After another couple of years, in 1972, Trowsdale and his wife Gloria moved to Truro, their present home.
Trowsdale managed the local Glidden Paint and Sherwin Williams locations in town until he retired. He also served as a volunteer re ghter and as president of the Truro Legion.
All the while, Trowsdale and Gorveatt continued their Christmas card exchange into the 21st century.
eir increasingly battered card now has tape supporting its spine. Between Christmases, Trowsdale said he and Gorveatt “guard this card with our lives.”
“ e card is starting to ll up,” said Trowsdale. “We have it on the inside and now the back. Hopefully we’ll need an insert, if you know what I mean. We plan on carrying on for as long as we can.” However, the two friends’ Christmas tradition started almost on a whim 50 years ago.
Sherwin Williams sent Christmas cards to its employees, including Trowsdale. He snagged a card for Gorveatt and posted it to him.
“I’m amazed with ourselves for carrying on with this,” said Trowsdale. “It’s one of the highlights of my Christmas.”
His Christmas tradition with Gorveatt is one way Trowsdale keeps up with his birth province.
Both he and Gloria periodically visit their siblings in Charlottetown, as well as Gorveatt, who lives just outside the city.
is year, the couple hosted their children and grandchildren at their home in Truro for Christmas.
While Truro is now home, Trowsdale describes both himself and Gloria as “transplanted islanders.”