David Milnes House (1952)

 David Brown Milne
House

As it looked 1n1952

Appreciation for the arts was a cornerstone of our household. My father, in particular, held a deep admiration for David Milne, who remarkably, was the sole artist of repute in our quaint town of Uxbridge. Our paths often intersected, as I found myself in school with David Milne Jr., a peer a year ahead in third grade. I recall a specific afternoon spent with David at his home. We were engrossed in play when his mother informed us that Mr. Milne had returned and that I would have to leave. I departed with polite goodbyes, casting a look of admiration at Mr. Milne as he entered, slightly envious of the family's intimate bond with such an artistic talent. There was a fascinating dynamic in the neighborhood as well; the Milnes had a neighbor who occasionally took care of young David after school. In gratitude, Mrs. Milne offered this neighbor one of her husband’s paintings. Surprisingly, the neighbor returned the artwork, expressing she would never display it in her home. Even more intriguingly, a local dentist had similarly declined a trade that offered dental work in exchange for a Milne painting. Shortly thereafter, our family kindled a friendship with Duncan Macpherson, another esteemed artist who had recently relocated to Uxbridge with his own family. We found great delight not only in admiring Macpherson’s artwork but also in the company of his family. During this period, the railway system played an integral role in life within Uxbridge. Without personal cars, traveling to Toronto necessitated a train ride. One particular trip etched into my memory is a tale my father shared about accompanying Duncan Macpherson and David Milne on such a journey. While passing through Stouffville, David remarked on the beauty of a haystack they observed through the window, admiring its lush green hue. Duncan challenged this observation, insisting the haystack was red. My father remained silent during their debate but privately perceived the haystack’s color as a radiant shade of yellow. These recollections capture not merely my encounters with significant artistic figures but also embody the diversity and subjectivity within art perception—vividly coloring not just the memories themselves but framing an early understanding of beauty and art from various viewpoints.