Looking back in time at the many things that occurred in her life, Mrs. Ena Farrell Edwards of St. Lawrence wrote of some of her experiences. Mrs. Edwards was the "young girl of renown" when, in 1942, she captured on her Brownie camera the sinking of the two US Navy vessels, the Truxton and the Pollux. She writes:
It was one of those cold, nasty winter nights, shortly following the naval disaster of the US Destroyer Truxtun and the Supply Ship Pollux, in February 1942. Naval ships of many types had been back and forth to St. Lawrence from the US Naval base at Argentia, carrying out salvaging operations after the recent disaster. This particular stormy night, around 7 o'clock, the naval ship that entered port was enroute to Lamaline, further up the coast, with a contingent of US Army Air Corps personnel that was being stationed at an outpost on Allan's Island.
My brother, a supervisor with the American Mining Co. here, had at this time occasion to be at the pier where ore was being stockpiled, when the naval boat tied up. In talking with the captain, he learned it was the first assignment for these young soldiers, and many of them had been very sick in the stormy bay crossing. My brother felt they needed a little cheering up, so he asked some of them - twelve, to be exact - to come to our home for a few hours and we'd share hospitality with them. Our family made them very welcome, and after a hearty lunch we proceeded to have some entertainment. We had lots of music in the family; all three sisters played the piano, one brother played the guitar, violin and mandolin, everyone sang, so it was easy to have a nice party. Our newfound friends got in the swing of things very quickly and soon a full-fledged sing-song was underway. Fortunately, ours was a big, three story house, large living room and big hallway, which was always great for dancing, and was used quite frequently. We asked a few friends in, so it wasn't long before lots of dancing was being enjoyed. Singing and some games for variety passed a very pleasant evening.
We felt we were bringing a little happiness to a few lonely young soldiers, and most importantly, we had begun a friendship that outlived the war era and lasted for many years after. They asked if they could come back to spend short passes from time to time, which most of them did, sometimes bringing a new friend with them. Their post was only twenty miles away. The friends with whom I mingled were all the outdoors type and we spent a lot of time hiking, picknicking and swimming in the summertime, skiing, skating and tobogganing in the winter, so when they visited there was always fun and activity in which to participate. They always looked forward to coming, and particularly enjoyed the big outdoor fires we had at the beach, toasting wieners under a full moon or a starry sky, with lots of tea and coffee to go around - brewed in a three-gallon galvanized kettle. Memories are made of stuff like this! They particularly enjoyed the good, home-cooked meals, and my aunt's delectable chocolate cakes were an all-time favorite.
The doctor attached to the Corps was Captain James Bennett. He spent many passes at our home and, I may add, performed many acts of mercy in assisting the sick and ailing in the vicinity, plus attending several accidents at the mine, and it was all from the goodness of his heart. At that time, medical services were almost naught in St. Lawrence and nearby areas, and this man cheerfully responded whenever called.
A strong tie has existed between St. Lawrence and our American friends ever since the tragedy of the Truxtun and Pollux, and the event has become an integral part of our history. The bond was further cemented when many of the survivors of 1942 returned for the Homecoming '88 Reunion, and again in July of '92 for the observance of the 50th anniversary. "Echos of Valor", a large memorial monument, was erected and dedicated.
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Updated: June 24, 2004