Picnics, ball games and priests

The audience in a crowded Barry’s Bay Railway Station listened to Sean Conway interviewing Joshua Blank about the annual picnics held by St. Hedwig’s Parish from 1912 to the mid-1960s. Many of those present chimed in with recollections and stories about the picnics, the baseball games, and the priests who presided over the social life of the community decades ago. Conway and Blank, both born in the Valley, have in their own ways been instrumental in keeping alive the stories of a bygone era. Blank’s article “Pitching, Pies and Piety: Early Twentieth Century St. Hedwig’s Parish Picnics” (pub. Canadian Catholic Historical Association) chronicled the launch of the picnic by a young Father Peter B. Biernacki in 1912 to help build his St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church in 1914. Listeners heard how the picnic became famous to the extent that on one occasion, nine railway cars were filled with picnickers coming to Barry’s Bay for a day out to enjoy the baseball and the picnic.

The formidable Monsignor Biernacki, a great ball player and organizer of parish events, inspired vivid memories among members of the audience. From recollections of his sports prowess to examples of his leadership qualities to tales of how he inspired terror in his confessional box, the stories came tumbling out.

Conway and Blank ensured that the memories were interspersed with explanations of social, political and legislative matters of the time. As always when talking about the Valley, the problems relating to alcohol, temperance and liquor licensing laws entered the picture. Father Biernacki’s strategies for reducing alcohol consumption at the picnic were debated. A few admissions about gambling were also revealed, as was an “incendiary” story from Don Kosnaski!

All told, this episode of The Local lived up to its billing and is a fine addition to the series about the Valley’s heritage buildings and the people associated with them. If you missed it or want to relive the experience Click HERE to listen to The Local: St. Hedwig’s Picnics (1912-1960s) 

From left: Audience members Beverly Flynn Glofcheskie, Karen Yakabuskie, Marie Herron Tait share their memories of the picnics at St. Hedwig’s and Monsignor Biernacki.

Author’s Note: I’m still looking for the recipe my grandfather, Thomas Bonnah, used for his sand-baked beans at that first St. Hedwig’s Picnic in 1912. Please provide any suggestions in the Comments section below.