Author Carl A. Leybourne has written his second book, Tales of Ramsbottom Acres.
The stories are taken from a lifetime of memories of the late Rutherford Hughes, the muse for the book.
Back in 1957, using pen and paper, a young Leybourne wrote down stories as the 92-year-old farmer recalled them. As there were no laptops back then, Leybourne believes the work was worth the writer’s cramp.
They book includes stories of farm life, colourful characters and the supernatural. They may often remind the reader of sitting around a campfire telling stories. Probably true, more probably embellished, the tales merit both historical and humanistic value. Rendering insight into 19th century rural life, the stories would otherwise be dust in the wind.
Leybourne met Hughes at a farm auction in the spring of 1957 where they “talked” tractors. Hughes had to show Leybourne his International 45 back at his farm and they had much to converse about.
Hughes felt compelled to share his stories and, recognizing a likely candidate in the new teacher, asked Leybourne to write them down over a period of months. In turn Leybourne was appreciative of the colourful character he saw in the near-century-old farmer and agreed to the task. Perhaps they recognized the talented storyteller in each other.
A bachelor, Hughes would ask, “Why marry … when I can keep house the way I want and wear my manure-covered rubber boots across the kitchen floor without some nagging woman harping at me?”
His keen observations and curious nature are reflected in the stories about people and incidents. Leybourne brings them to life with his own keen perceptions, relating to those rural roots. His writing is pure and a pleasure to read.
Intriguing segments of the book include Characters of Ramsbottom Acres, Strange Events and Rutherford’s Philosphy.” There are stories about bears, good neighbours, unsolved murder, a haunted house, interracial marriage, memorable characters and disturbed burial sites.
Tales of Ramsbottom Acres is a good read, a sweet read, told in simple language and in larger print. Copies are available for $15 at Wilkins’ Jewellery Store in Fergus, Nieuwlands Feeds in Elora or by calling Leybourne at 519-843-3562.
