Alvin And Irene Closson

Alvin Closson was born on the farm outside of Kenaston on the fourth of January, 1923. Alvin has three brothers and three sisters. His father, Grant Closson, was born in Mason City , Iowa . He married Velma McViegh from Van Buren County, Iowa. They came to Canada together in 1906. They farmed together and raised their family. Alvin has been a farmer all his life, and has also worked in many other occupations, such as the golf course. He was also widowed and has four stepsons from his previous marriage.

            Alvin married Irene Florence Wood on June 2, 1983, which also happened to be Irene’s birthday. She was born June 2, 1917 on a farm between Invermay and Sheho. She was the youngest of four girls. Her father, George Henry Wood, was born in England , as was her mother, Sarah Georgina Watkins. They were farmers and came over to Canada in 1904. Her father died in the war, so Irene and her sisters and mother took care of the farm, where Irene learned many skills. They also had many animals to take care of.

            They live in Wadena, their farm being their three lots, mostly made up of garden and flowers. Irene also used to care for children and lend helping hands to families that would employ her. She also did the ordering of the many plants in the Horticultural Society here in Wadena. They enjoy reading, watching television, and dancing, and are charted members of the singles club which they both joined before they were married. But what they really enjoy is horse races and chuck wagon races, and go to them every opportunity they get.

            When asked about some favorite memories, Alvin remembered how every year they would go to grandma and grandpa’s to spend the summer. Alvin went to the Westshore School , Northeast of Rose Valley, and Irene went to Newburn School Northeast of Sheho. Congratulations to Irene on making it to her 90^th birthday, and we hope that you both will have many more great years together.