My Father's Parents

William Hay (Grandfather) --Jane Scott (Grandmother)-- Robert A. Hay (Father)

My grandmother died in 1946 before I was born. My only memories are a picture of her and a few oral stories from my father. My father's parents showed little if any outward sign of affection or emotion towards their children. This characteristic was also very evident with both my mother and father. My father did tell me that his mother did love the family camp on Stinson Lake and spent her summers there. My father also said his mother was very sickly until her death. My grandfather started the family business (Fitchburg Plumbing Supply Co. Inc.) with a partner. He must have brought out the partner early in the relationship. My grandfather lived to the age of 85 and died in 1970. My most vivid memories of my grandfather in the 1950's was his Olds 88 car and taking a ride in it on a highway at a high rate of speed (probably 70-80 mph). I also remember that my grandfather had a friend (Jimmy) who would drive my grandfather around in his Olds. I don't know if my grandfather even had a license. Another memory is that my grandfather retained his Scottish Brogue and for me he was very hard to understand. Another memory was that he had a full head of white hair at the age of 85. My grandfather fell and broke his hip in his 80's and he lost one of his legs from that fall. He is buried with my grandmother in a Mausoleum in Fitchburg near Electric Avenue. My father's stories about his father told about his kindness to his fellow man. During the Depression several people owed my grandfather money. He ended up taking ownership of their homes with the promise that when they got on their feet they could get their property back. My grandfather was the founder of the "poor house" in Fitchburg on Watatic Road. He was president of that organization for many many years. My grandfather was actively involved with helping the poor for many years from the 1930's to 1970's. I feel that his legacy is that many family members have been very active in volunteering for community activities over the past 60 years. My grandfather enjoyed his drink (Scotch) in the last year's of his life (probably his whole life). It was said that the patrons of the bar or club enjoyed seeing him enter for he generally bought a round for the house.

My father's cousin (they never met) has done family research and it is on line. Doug Hay lives in Canada with his wife and two children. I met Doug on line thru my family searches. Doug's information can be found at http://members.shaw.ca/doughay/

Information about my grandparents birth areas can be found at http://www.anesfhs.org/links.htm