14

J.A Tulk was a close family friend from England who visited St. Albans each year in the fall for a hunting trip. Each year Tulk would arrive with new gun and upon his leave would give it to one of the boys. After each of the boys had received one he left them a bicycle.
Mr. Tulk's visits were always written in Percy's diary:

"Wednesday, March 28

Mr. Smith brought me two letters and a number of newspapers from J.A.Tulk who wants to know when he is to come out to visit us. Of course I shall be delighted to see him, but fear he will be dreadfully disappointed at the place and its comforts, while as for me, I shall simply shock him. I have become such a veritable savage."

15

Camping at Ninette
Circa 1916
Ninette, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

16

Alma wrote:
"These were trips for fun and learning, as the groups around Norman never tired of hearing him talk about his friends, the inhabitants of Nature's world. His description of flora and fauna, his tales about their wonders fascinated his listeners."

17

Log Hunting Lodge
Circa 1900
Swell Lake, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

18

Hunting was a way of life for the family, but also a sport.

Mr. Tulk came every year for his hunting trip, and Harry and Edwy Vane both became very good sharp shooters winning many tournaments.

19

Maida, Julia and Friends
Circa 1917
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

20

The females of the house were also taught this sport.

21

Hockey Team
Circa 1899
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Kathy Noel

22

During the winter skating occupied many hours at St. Albans. Neighbours would be invited to go down to the river and then return back to the house for supper and an evening of entertainment with Percy presiding at the organ.

23

Skating at the well
Circa 1897
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

24

Due to the long trek to the river a rink was made close to the Well Oak. The boys' first attempt was a circular rink with a 20ft. diameter. It was estimated that 600 pails of water were needed. They later got the use of a borrowed tank. This eased the laborious task and with it they made a rink with a circumference of 60 yards and according to Norman required 1750 pails of water.

Harry Vane was an excellent skater that could do many tricky maneuvers with confidence and grace leaving onlookers in awe. Percy wrote:
"Harry bids fair to become a first rate skater - he only requires style and elegance. His back skating is brilliant and some of his tricks look jolly risky but he does them all with dash and confidence".

He was just as agile when it came to hockey,

25

Percy Criddle at the Organ in the New House
Circa 1911
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

26

On November 28, 1906 the house was considered ready for occupancy, and the family moved in.

After many of these sporting events the visitors would be invited back to the house for eintertainment, usually provided by Percy. He enjoyed playing the organ and singing, preferably for a crowd of people. The visitors would dance through the music room and into the dining room to the zesty beat that Percy often played.

27

Percy with Telescope
Circa 1895
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Alistair Abell
Sipiweske Museum