Resident has fond memories of wrapping parcels, working retail Tuesday, December 20, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
One Christmas she recalls selecting a petite tartan suit with a pleated skirt and blouse for a doctor’s wife.

Men and boys came from as far as Kingston to buy their wives and mothers presents at GE Fraser and Sons, a Picton department store, founded by GE Fraser. They sought Alice Hill’s advice, a long-time employee of the store who worked in ladies’ wear. She was familiar with the women’s sizes and tastes in housecoats, sweaters and other garments.

“Everybody knew Fraser’s store,” says Alice, now 99, and a resident of West Lake Terrace long-term care home in Picton.

“I sold many lovely things at Christmas time,” she says, noting she wrapped hundreds of parcels during the holiday season. “I boxed them nice…tied them up with really good paper and ribbon. I put roses on some. It was an expensive store.”

Alice has fond memories of working at the store during the Christmas season. Fresh out of high school at 18, she joined GE Fraser and Sons and stayed there for 40 years. She married Robert Hill, a baker, and the couple never had children so she had no reason to give up her job, says Alice. They lived in Picton.

Christmases were spent at her parents’ home where she gathered with her four sisters. Her only brother was killed while on duty during the First World War. “It was sad for the first Christmas. It was heartbreaking,” she says.

Most of her Christmases were happy occasions with 16 family members. “We always had a houseful of young people.”

But Alice mainly recalls being at the store during the busy retail season. “I really enjoyed it,” she says. “It was like home to me.”

This Christmas Alice will celebrate the holidays at her niece’s home with her niece, Eleanor, and her niece’s grandchildren.

Julie Clarkson, West Lake Terrace life enrichment co-ordinator, says there are also a number of celebrations at West Lake Terrace.

“It’s a busy (time of year),” says Julie.

“Some find it difficult because they’re not in their own homes. Others still enjoy the business of the season.”

Festivities this week include a performance by a children’s choir, a Christmas lights tour and a visit from Santa Claus Christmas morning. On Christmas day, a traditional meal is prepared and families visit or residents spend the day with loved ones outside of the long-term care home.