Wringer washers, sad irons, 'n hog jowls! Such was rural life in Cowichan back in the 50's! Stratfords Crossing: growing up on a small truck farm near Duncan, B.C. was vastly different from what kids experience today. From party lines to bucksaws! A hard-working life interspersed with the antics of several, often dysfunctional, family members. From Nestor Nelson, the hermit, to Mr. McGonagal who blew himself up with dynamite! Bottle-diving in the Chemainus River. Eating home-made yummies washed down with milk straight from the cow's teat. School days: from Old Somenos School (now the Community Center) to Cowichan High. And all under the shade of that unusual red 'crossing house' named Stratfords. 242 pp. b/w illus.