The Editor,

Re “Hills go ‘postal’ on address fiasco” (Low Down, Jan. 25 edition):

Here is my two cents worth on this fiasco! Born in Alcove along the river, in a house, a hop, skip and jump from the church in 1946, I have always been so very proud that my birth certificate and Canadian passport read(s) born in (north) Wakefield. When I correspond with my family by mail, I am assured that they’ll receive it because it is addressed to Wakefield.

I support all of my friends and especially my family, who wish that Wakefield will remain ‘forever’ the address of our heritage. All of my aunts and uncles (Elaine and Arnold, Carlene and Joe, Winnie and John) and all of their and my ancestors are so very proud of our heritage-born address, lived and living in Wakefield.

There is even a road (across the river) named after my family: McLinton Road. This is heritage at its ultimate recognition.

My grandfather Arthur and my father Leonard McLinton and my grandfather Harry and my mother Thelma Hamilton were very rooted in Alcove and Wakefield. To have La Peche substitute/replace Alcove-Wakefield would be an insult to their and my heritage.

If it is not broken, don’t fix it. On the farms of my grandparents, this is what was taught and learned by all the siblings.

When I visit back home and drive up to the Gatineau Hills and see the road sign on Hwy 105 showing La Peche with Wakefield in parenthesis, I clench my teeth. I hope and pray that all residents of Alcove and Wakefield make their feelings known to the people that will eventually determine if Canada Post should accept the proposal to have our name changed from Wakefield to La Pechification.

I look forward with anticipation in future copies of my Low Down subscription to the result.

Ward L. McLinton

Chapel Hill, N.C.