The House That Built Me: Memories of My Grandmother’s Home in Keenans

As the famous song once said, “A House is not A Home,” but this one certainly was. It was a place where memories were made, stories were shared, and love was felt. It was a place where family gathered for Sunday dinners and Christmas Eve gift openings. It was a place where neighbors became friends, and where dogs roamed the yard. It was a place where the smell of fresh baked bread and donuts filled the air, and where the Christmas lights twinkled on the snow. It was a place where the creak in the stairs and the sound of the wood stove crackling were familiar and comforting. It was a place where, even though the physical structure may be gone, the memories and the love that were built there will always remain.

Growing up as a young boy in the eighties, there was no place I loved more than my grandmother’s house in Keenans. Keenans is a small hamlet that lies along the Miramichi River and it was there that I spent endless summers exploring the great outdoors and making memories that would stay with me forever.

My sister Jennifer and I spent a good chunk of our childhood at Gram’s house, often staying all night with her on the weekends and eventually many weeknights – Gram didn’t like to stay alone. I slept in the bedroom across the hall from Gram’s. Before bed, I would always check on her to make sure she took her pills, and in the morning, she would always yell out from downstairs to wake me up for breakfast. I’d snuggle up on the couch with a bowl of cereal in hand, eagerly anticipating the latest episode of Mr. Dressup or Romper Room, yearning for that moment when Fran would work her magic with her mirror and call out my name. She never did.

My grandmother’s house was a modest one, but it was always filled with warmth and love. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt at home. It was that two-story home where my grandparents raised their ten children. I remember climbing the steep staircase to the second floor, the wood creaking under my feet as I went. Each step was well-worn and held a lifetime of memories. The bedrooms were cozy, with old-fashioned wallpaper and windows that let in plenty of light.

In her kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread and fried donuts filled the air. Her homemade bread was always warm and soft, perfect for slathering with butter or dipping in gravy. And her donuts were simply the best. When they were golden brown and crispy, she would dust them with sugar, and we would devour them while they were still warm. The kitchen was the heart of my grandmother’s home, and her love and care for her family was evident in every delicious bite.

In the afternoons, the kitchen table was a hub of activity, especially when her brothers-in-law, Ephriam, Gerard, and Hugh, came to visit. They would sit around the table, sipping cups of tea and snacking on homemade donuts that my grandmother had made earlier in the day. I loved listening to their conversations, as they reminisced about the past and shared stories from their youth. As Gerard told his stories, I would listen attentively while he rolled paper in his hands – a little habit of his. They would sometimes speak of my grandfather Joseph. I never knew my grandfather Joe, as he passed away years before I was born, and the few family photographs that I had seen were my only connection to him. But, in a way, these visits with his brothers helped me to feel closer to him.

The house had a welcoming front veranda with a wraparound built-in bench, and it was the perfect spot to relax on a warm evening. It would later be converted into a windowed porch, but I favored the freedom of the veranda. I remember sitting there with my grandmother, listening to the crickets chirping and the soft rustle of the leaves in the trees, watching the fireflies dancing in the warm summer breeze. I remember my grandmother’s sisters-in-law, Grace, Marie and Yvonne, sitting with Gram, chatting and gossiping about the latest news. They’d always have a funny story to tell.

On other days, she’d have a visit from Beatrice, one of her neighbours who lived up the road. I remember how she would often walk down to visit and chat for hours on the front veranda, sipping tea and enjoying each other’s company. Beatrice had a boisterous laugh! I can still picture her sitting on the porch, her head thrown back in laughter, and it brings a smile to my face even now.

Gram’s house was not only a place for family gatherings and memories but also a haven for beloved pets. Gram’s dog, Brownie, was her constant companion and was always by her side, wagging his tail and looking up at her with adoration. He would follow her everywhere, from around the house and yard, out to the mailbox, and even down the road to my Uncle Ernie’s camp, eager to be wherever she was. Uncle Billy’s three-legged dog, Lucky, was also a fixture of the house. He would spend hot summer days digging holes under the front porch steps to cool down in the sand, and we would often find him napping there with Brownie.

Ernie’s camp was a small rustic cabin that stood below the side hill, next to the brook. We would walk down the path to the camp and would explore the woods and play by the brook, skipping rocks across the glistening water.

The memories of those happy times spent there remain just as vivid as those spent at my grandmother’s house. In fact, they’re a reminder of the many special places and moments that make up the tapestry of my childhood, each one a thread in the fabric of my past that has helped to shape the person I am today.

Across the brook and up the hill was Lou’s store – a small, cozy one-room shop that was the go-to place for my grandmother to send me for things like eggs and, at the time, cigarettes. It was a different time back then, before the era of cell phones and social media, and I was just a curious seven-year-old kid walking down to the store, picking up a pack of ‘smokes’ for my grandmother, who’d be watching from the other side of the hill. It was something that was not unusual at the time, and Lou would always give me a kind nod, a friendly smile and a bag of penny candy as he handed me the goods, his wife Patsy holding the door open for me. I’d race back across the brook with a bag of cherry sours in one hand and a pack of Rothmans King Size in the other.

One of the best memories of spending time at Gram’s was having my cousins stop by to play Red Rover, Hide and Seek, and other games that never seemed to get old. The kids that lived in Keenans were all cousins, whether it be first or second, twice removed. We would play outside for hours on end on the front lawn with its uneven dips and rises, until the sun had set, and the streetlights flickered to life. It was our sign that it was time to head indoors, but we never wanted to leave the fun and laughter behind. Sometimes we would stay a little longer and one by one the mothers of Keenans would stand on their front porches and call out to their children, beckoning them to return home. We would make our way back to our respective houses, filled with fond memories of the day’s adventures and eager anticipation for what the next day would bring.

My grandmother never scolded us for getting dirty or making a mess. Instead, she would let us be kids, and we loved her for it. We knew that no matter how much mud we tracked into the house, or how many grass stains we got on our clothes, we would always be welcomed with open arms.

In Ephriam’s yard, there stood a mighty tree that captured my imagination as a young boy. Its thick branches reached towards the sky, and its sprawling roots seemed to go on forever. I would spend hours climbing and exploring that tree, feeling like I was on top of the world when I reached its highest branches. Sometimes, my cousins would join me, and we would play games or just sit and chat while swaying in the gentle breeze. The tree was a constant presence in our lives, a symbol of the unchanging nature of our childhood in Keenans.

When we weren’t exploring the brook or climbing trees, we would often play in the sandpile at the “crutch of the road”. It was a spot just a short walk from my grandmother’s house where the Howard and Foot Bridge Roads split in two, creating a triangular-shaped area that became our playground. The sandpile was our favorite spot, and we would dig tunnels, and make roads for our toy cars.

Swimming in the river was another favorite activity of mine. We would often swim out to the abutment, where the river was deeper and the water was cooler. As we swam, we would take turns climbing up onto the abutment and jumping back into the river with a splash.

When I wasn’t playing outside, I would lounge in the living room of Gram’s house, watching old episodes of Cheers, Murder She Wrote and reruns of The Littlest Hobo on her analog TV. The TV had two channels, six and twelve – the CBC and CTV, and was a relic from another time. It required constant adjustments to the antenna to get a clear picture and once midnight came, all you could watch were test patterns.

Laying on the floor watching hours of classic TV, I could always hear my mother and her sisters playing cards in the next room. A soft background hum filled the room, created by the shuffling of the deck and the gentle clinking of teacups on the kitchen table. Sometimes, I would peek over at their game, watching as they laughed and joked with each other. Some nights, the porch would be alive with the sound of my uncles playing darts. The rhythmic thud of the darts hitting the board, accompanied by the occasional cheer or groan, filled the air with an energetic buzz.

Sunday dinners and Christmas Eve were always special occasions at my grandmother’s house in Keenans. Every Sunday, many of my aunts and uncles would gather around the kitchen table for a big family meal of meat and potatoes, and of course homemade rolls.

And on Christmas Eve, we would all sit around the tree, trimmed with tinsel and bulbs, and watch Gram open her presents. The room would be filled with laughter and excitement with Kenny and Dolly’s Once Upon a Christmas album playing in the background. The warmth of the ever-burning wood stove would spread throughout the room, making it feel extra cozy. Gram would bring out her fresh-baked molasses cookies and cinnamon rolls. I remember those days well, the days when time seemed to stand still, as if it had paused to take a breath.

Sadly, my grandmother’s house in Keenans is no longer standing. In its place is an empty lot, with nothing but grass and a few scattered trees. It’s a strange feeling to look at that empty space and know that it used to be the place where I spent so many happy days as a child.

But even though the physical house is gone, the memories remain. I can still close my eyes and picture the front veranda, the creaking stairs, and the living room floor where we watched TV. I can still hear the laughter and chatter of my aunts and uncles, and I can still taste the homemade donuts and cups of tea. I can still picture my grandmother gently swaying in her rocking chair, lost in thought while taking small sips of her King Cole, with her loyal Brownie resting at her feet.

In a way, those memories are even more precious now that the house is gone. They serve as a reminder of the love and joy that once filled that space, and of the special bond that my family shared. And while I may never be able to go back to that house, those memories will always be with me, a cherished part of my past that I can carry with me always.

Read more about Gram and her life here: Memories of Mama – A Tribute to my Grandmother

68 Comments

  1. Jeff Hambrook on February 24, 2023 at 4:21 pm

    Great group of people grew up in that house…

  2. Marlene Waye-Sullivan on February 24, 2023 at 3:16 pm

    Love this! ♥ ♥

  3. Ernie Keenan on February 24, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    Beautiful job Les it was an honour to be her son and I’m thinking it was even better to be a grand child thanks love you

  4. Donna Carson McKeil on February 24, 2023 at 12:08 am

    Beautiful, and I know I was in this home.

  5. Krista Keenan Fisher on February 23, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    So well written. I will forever cherish those childhood memories. Us kids just going in and out of all those homes in Keenans, we were surrounded by so much love and so incredibly lucky ♥

  6. Cecilia Brophy on February 23, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    She always had a great smile….. great memories for her family.

  7. Heather McCormack on February 23, 2023 at 2:40 pm

    What an excellent story! Brought up so many memories of family, youth and innocence. Rural New Brunswick, oh how I love our little corner of the world! From the comments your story has touched the hearts of many. Very well done, Les.

  8. Larry Conners on February 23, 2023 at 12:51 am

    Imagine if we could go back in time for just a few moments. ♥

  9. Myrna Mccully on February 23, 2023 at 12:50 am

    Thank you for sharing this! Beautiful memories

  10. Ruth O'Donnell on February 23, 2023 at 12:50 am

    Beautiful. Brought a tear to my eyes. I miss those happy childhood days.

  11. Lysa Jardine on February 23, 2023 at 12:49 am

    I love these old stories most were friends of my parents and family. Noreen Jardine(Parker) my mom and my dad Harold Blaine Jardine. My Great aunt Emma Price and great uncle Reginald Price. Every summer we went for 2 weeks to spend time in Blackville with all our family. My uncle Lori Jardine on the hill across the river and Grandmother Moody down the hill. Best times of my life with warm cherished memories. ♥

  12. Ashley Jardine on February 21, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    This is so beautifully written Les ♥ . Playing on your grams front lawn with all the dips and bumps was the best fun, and I also have fond memories of climbing that big tree by Ephriams. Those were the best days.

  13. Natalie Keenan on February 21, 2023 at 10:51 pm

    This is grams ♥ heaven on earth for sure ♥♥ love you Les and thanks again for the read

  14. Barb Curtis on February 21, 2023 at 10:50 pm

    Wonderful memories. Beautifully written, Les!

  15. Dawn Brophy Dunn on February 21, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    So beautiful Les McLaughlin ♥ We are so blessed to have been part of this family ♥ Gram was a constant go to, good, bad, happy, sad, she was our rock ♥ So many wonderful memories in that old house, everyone was welcome and the teapot was always on ♥ We are so blessed to have had her, and to have her teach us what is the most important in life, family and friends in every situation ♥ Beautiful Les, thank you for the reminder ♥♥ xo

  16. Eugene Donovan on February 21, 2023 at 5:48 pm

    Best story I have read in a long time, if ever. Thanks Les, my mom and dads was the hangout when I was growing up. It didn’t hurt that my father was a cook.

  17. Mary Monica on February 21, 2023 at 5:47 pm

    Loved reading this childhood memory

  18. Hazel Downer Johnston on February 21, 2023 at 5:46 pm

    Beautiful memories, it brought back many memories of me myself going to my Grandparents home, you always felt so safe and Loved. Love these kind of Stories.

  19. Carmel E Matchett on February 21, 2023 at 5:46 pm

    Beautiful memories

  20. Caroline Vickers on February 21, 2023 at 5:45 pm

    Thank you for sharing!!!

  21. Barbara Rose-Reynolds on February 21, 2023 at 5:45 pm

    What a beautiful story of your fond memories of your grandmother and your beautiful family. I think everyone can relate to these memories of yours, I truly enjoyed reading this, also I didn’t that house was gone, please think on writing more about this in novels which would be a real seller, thank you for stirring up memories for me.

  22. May Hollier on February 21, 2023 at 5:44 pm

    Just finished reading it. Beautiful. Bradley spent a lot of his younger years up there. He told me many of stories from up there and time he spent with Ephriam.

  23. Linda Dickson on February 21, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    She was a great lady we love her

  24. Lorna Stephen Underhill on February 21, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    Love this! ♥ ♥

  25. Brenda Burns on February 21, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    Ahh this is beautiful she was a great person ? and reminded me so much of Nanny Nash ♥ I loved both of them so much, times sure has changed but we will always have great memories

  26. Cecilia Brophy on February 21, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    I am sure there is some great memories.

  27. Pauline Hatty on February 21, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    There was lots of memories there

  28. Sheri Dunn on February 21, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    Beautiful story about my Grams house, written by my talented cousin Les . Such wonderful memories ♥♥

  29. Helen Muck Keenan on February 21, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    I remember those days

  30. Betty Gray on February 21, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    Love this. I lived across the road cousin to your mom… great memories

  31. Mich Marie on February 21, 2023 at 5:37 pm

    Beautiful! The simple pleasures of childhood.

  32. Annie Hallihan on February 21, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    I remember this house.

  33. Shawn Cindy Underhill on February 21, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    The story of my childhood… even though it was written by my younger cousin, what he writes took place when I grew up there too, just a few years earlier, you captured it so well for all of us Les… thank you for taking me back… I really needed a reminder of the ‘simpler times’ and dream about being back there again ♥♥♥

  34. Nan Carol Storey on February 21, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    Beautiful memories to share.

  35. Blair MacWilliams on February 21, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    What a nice read and such a great family. ♥♥

  36. Wanda Marie on February 21, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    Family, love, home ♥♥ Thank you Les McLaughlin. Beautifully said.

  37. Lois M Preston on February 21, 2023 at 5:32 pm

    WOW!!

  38. Betty Donovan on February 21, 2023 at 5:32 pm

    Beautiful memories of your childhood

  39. Lori Coughlan on February 21, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    Beautiful

  40. Judy Kennedy on February 21, 2023 at 5:29 pm

    Great memories and great family, love you all. xoxo

  41. Micheal Vickers on February 21, 2023 at 5:28 pm

    Had some good times there as boy

  42. Jackie Brophy Jardine on February 21, 2023 at 11:00 am

    Les, you described everything to a “T”, even down to the dips and bumps in the front yard. My best childhood memories were down at Gram’s. We were /are blessed. Thank you for sharing Gram’s (and our) story. ♥♥

  43. Kathy Colford on February 21, 2023 at 10:58 am

    So beautiful Les. She was a great woman and was loved by everyone.

  44. Nicky Jardine on February 21, 2023 at 10:57 am

    I spent many Sunday afternoons visiting at your Gram’s. We went to my grandparents (Clark and Clara’s) every Sunday when I was growing up. The highlight was walking up the tracks to the swinging bridge and then to Noreen’s. Loved your story.

  45. Patrice Orser on February 21, 2023 at 10:56 am

    Beautiful memories ♥♥♥♥

  46. Patricia Keenan on February 21, 2023 at 10:55 am

    I love this so much!!! Brings back so many memories!!

  47. Aleta Porter on February 21, 2023 at 10:55 am

    What a nicely written story Les. That is the story of the childhood of so many of us. Kids today don’t know what they are missing.

  48. Ruth Hallihan on February 21, 2023 at 10:54 am

    This is so nice Les. Loved reading it

  49. Brenda Mountain on February 21, 2023 at 10:54 am

    Loved this Les.

  50. Bernetta Daigle on February 21, 2023 at 10:53 am

    Lemon pie – the best. Great laughs.

  51. Lacey Underhill on February 21, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Everything you wrote I can relate to my own grandmother Kelly’s house. Oh they was the best days of our lives. What a great read!

  52. Wendy Astle on February 21, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Oh Les, thank you for taking me right back there. I could almost smell that bread. This is one of the best things I have ever read.

  53. Kelsey Alisha on February 21, 2023 at 10:50 am

    I love this Les! Even though I spent time there in a different time than you, it’s clear to see we all have the same fond memories of her house over the years ♥

  54. Joy burns on February 20, 2023 at 10:30 pm

    What a great story to read remember, a lot of those places you mentioned, and a lot of the people. Sometime is great growing up in a small place that you know everybody everybody waves to everybody when I drive-by they stop and talk to you on the sidewalks. I wish Fredericton was more like that.

  55. Kim (Williston) Arbeau on February 20, 2023 at 10:26 pm

    You have so beautifully put into words what I too was lucky enough to to have in my family. Thanks you for the memories an moments that take me back to the good times. Family gatherings on Sunday’s, visitors who came for tea and.a lunch, I hope my kids and future grandkids can feel these moments and the same great love.

  56. Kim keenan on February 20, 2023 at 10:10 pm

    Great Story I remember going to Keenan’s ever Sunday when I started dating Greg everyone alway made me feel just like family. And your gram was just another beautiful soul I got to know. nice taking a walk down memory lane while reading this

  57. Tracy on February 20, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    Ahh Les I am sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks… You described Gram’s so well. I don’t think we ever fought Mom and Dad on going to Gram’s because we always knew we would feel like being home. She welcomed everyone who came through that door and always offered them food and a drink. Memories are the best when I think of Gram’s and this story was absolutely beautiful! ♥

  58. Colleen on February 20, 2023 at 8:29 pm

    Beautifully written Les! Brought tears to my eyes. Your Gram would be so proud of you!

  59. Marion Curtis Arbeau on February 20, 2023 at 7:44 pm

    My, oh my, what memories of your Gram’s house and Keenans. Our family lived on the Howard Road not far from your Gram’s house (Marie and Joe’s). In fact, their daughter Louise and her husband bought my parent’s house (Eldon and Annie Curtis). My sister Lillian, brother Ronnie and I went to school with your relatives. I was so pleased to see Billy at Lillian’s funeral last week at the Baptist Church. Thanks for sharing your great memories of our old neighborhood!

  60. April Brophy on February 20, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    Wow, great story. My mom Bonnie Brophy (Fortune) took me to visit a lot when I was a preschooler. I always remember the exact thing you describe I was that young and it left me with fond memories. Lots and lots of laughter. The House that built me is in Blackville. John and Joyce Fortune’ s porch is one of my favourite places to be. Loved your story so relatable.

  61. Sheri on February 20, 2023 at 6:42 pm

    This took me right back Les. Gram’s is was one of the best parts of my childhood. From the homemade goodies to always having someone to play with. I remember the shuffling of the cards and the ‘just one more hands’ when it was bedtime and wanted to go home. Also, with you and Jenn being at grams so much made you more like siblings to me, rather than cousins. This was beautiful. Thanks for sharing ♥

  62. Joanne on February 20, 2023 at 6:41 pm

    Well that brought tears to my eyes! I remember spending lots of time there with Jenn. She was more like a gram to me than an aunt. I will cherish all the memories I have with her as well.

  63. Sandra on February 20, 2023 at 6:33 pm

    Aww Leslie, this is incredible piece. Those memories are golden of a great lady. I remember the card games so well in her kitchen and the stories and laughter was always great.

    • Wanda on February 20, 2023 at 7:22 pm

      Les this is absolutely beautiful!!! She was the glue that held us all together. Our memories will always be there. We all grew up so close and we will always be. Love you bud. Love this story ♥

  64. Pauline Underhill on February 20, 2023 at 6:27 pm

    Enjoyed reading this so much Les. It brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of the way it was when I was young and raising my own kids. Family gathered more often and enjoyed talking, laughing and the company of one another. You are so blessed to have these special memories of your Gram and hope that my grandchildren will remember me with such adoring love. You really should write a book.

  65. Tina Othberg on February 20, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    Les I’m from the other end of the Howard Road and this resonated with me so much I’m sitting here crying. You could easily have been talking about my Nan’s house. Thank you.

    • Patricia on February 20, 2023 at 7:06 pm

      Oh my ♥ that was beautiful. Your gram was awesome. I remember going there with Jennifer sometimes. She was such a wonderful lady.

  66. Helen furlong on February 20, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    Love this Leslie. I loved to visit n play cards. Even the nite before she passed. That was when I was leaving to go home, she roared out I love you.

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