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Alberta Online Encyclopedia

Marriage

The Cline-MacEwan wedding, July 26, 1935

Grant MacEwan's journal featured the names of women Grant had dated. Up until he met Phyllis Cline at the Halloween Party the female names changed rather frequently; however, following the masquerade Phyllis' name began to appear more frequently and then, exclusively. Originally from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, Phyllis was educated at both the University of Saskatchewan and Manitoba eventually finding a position as a well-respected grade teacher.

When Phyllis was in Saskatoon she would often accompany Grant on most of his official appearances relating to work. On other occasions, the two would enjoy other simpler forms of entertainment during the Great Depression: walks along the river bank, dances, movies, church affairs, and skating. After three or four years of companionship, Grant traveled to Churchbridge to visit Phyllis' parents. By the spring of 1935, both Phyllis and Grant were prepared to take their relationship to the next step. On July 26, 1935 the two were finally ready to get married.

The wedding was a simple yet elegant affair hosted by Phyllis' uncle. The maid of honour was Esther Wright, who had introduced the two, while the best man was Professor Al Ewen, Grant's dearest and closest friend. Their honeymoon was a lengthy trip to the Pacific Coast via trains and an occasional bus due to Grant's own frugality. No idle touring of the countryside allowed, Grant spent time observing the landscapes and gathered samples of roughage for later analysis. Phyllis tried once to change Grant's energetic lifestyle, encouraging him to slow down. In time, she realized Grant's quest for learning could not be quashed and was prepared to live with it.

When the MacEwans returned from their honeymoon on the west coast they purchased a home near the University of Saskatchewan campus. Their new home was an attractive, two-storey stucco house complimented by pleasant shrubs and greenery dotting the front yard. Phyllis wholeheartedly accepted the challenge of renovating and redecorating the interior. In months to come, the MacEwans often entertained guests on the weekend and that Christmas they hosted both Phyllis and Grant's parents. The MacEwan family grew when Heather was born on May 3, 1939 in Saskatoon. Rather than stay in the hospital for the customary week, Phyllis returned home by ambulance in a day or two. When it came to purchasing land Grant always kept his eye on opportunities in Alberta. In 1941, he and Phyllis drove to southern Alberta and bought some land near Priddis, Alberta.


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