A visit with Margaret Ransom

Ninety-one years ago, September 26, 1920, a little girl was born at Christie’s Island on the St. Lawrence River within the territory of Ahkwesahsne. This little girl was named Margaret Tekawennake Lazore. She joined a family of two sisters, Louise and Hatti, along with three brothers Jake, Abe and Bazil Lazore. Many people would probably remember the brothers, as they were well-known fishermen, who were best known for their night line-fishing skills to catch sturgeon.  These men would cut up their catches of sturgeon and pack them on ice and head to Massena where they would then have the fish shipped to New York City.

As young women, Margaret and her sisters helped their mother make baskets for a while.  As Margaret grew older she was given a job at a neighboring island called Winphreys.  There was a huge Hotel there and owned by a Doctor and his wife.  This place was so beautiful and had an elegant dining room.  Margaret’s job there was as a chambermaid, kitchen helper, and waitress. She stayed there during the week and then would go home to visit her mom on weekends traveling in her own boat, oaring her way.  This job paid her $5.00 per week.  After a little while she got her friend Julia a job there as well.  

Margaret remembers having to attend school at a Convent in Hogansburg before it was named the St. Regis Mohawk School. She went to school there for about 4 years. Nuns ran the school at that time in 1934. A lady who was well off provided the funding for the school and she wanted to make sure that the school educated the Native Americans.  The lady who was providing the funding became broke after about 5 years.  This is when the State of NY had to take over the school and has overseen it ever since then.

It was around this time that she met Alex Atsennaienton Ransom.  Their marriage took place on September 26, 1939 at the St. Regis Catholic Church.  Father Michael Jacobs, a new priest in Ahkwesahsne, presided over and blessed the marriage. Father Jacobs began his priesthood around 1934 in the village.  Margaret remembers the morning of her wedding because she, a brother and aunt were walking from Hogansburg to go the church, when along came Fr. Jacobs who met them halfway.  She will always remember this day because there was an inch of snow all around upon waking that morning. Can you imagine that in September?

As time went on, during the 30’s and 40’s, an annual event occurred which brought the community together – it was called a Tombolla. This was like a carnival and provided much fun for all in attendance. Another popular past time was the lacrosse games, which Father Jacobs was very involved with.  There was a huge building near the lacrosse field. Margaret remembers when the boys would play and if there was a scuffle, she would look up and see Fr. Jacobs yelling, “tshetshentawit thikon!”  This play area is now known as the Kateri Hall.  

Alex worked as a farmer most of his life since other work was scarce.  One of his other jobs was to help dig a ditch from Tarbell Road to St. Regis River.  It was quite deep and the men dug it manually by shoveling and using a horse to drag the dirt away.  The purpose of the ditch was for the field drainage and also provided for good spear fishing for the young men.  

Margaret began to work outside the home and one of her first jobs was to work at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena.  Again, she worked as a chambermaid, and kitchen helper.  Her boss also asked her to do some cooking when needed. He told her that hardly any people come to eat, but that first Sunday she was there she was scrambling with the rest of staff to get meals on the table.  Some had to leave because there was no room.  Now, could it have been her delicious cooking? That morning, Margaret even had to call in the bosses’ wife to come and help them serve. The wife wasn’t too happy about that.  

Margaret went on to another job after about 5-years in Massena. She was fortunate to land a job closer to home and began working as a cook at the St. Regis Mohawk School.  November 4, 1964 is when she started her job there.  Her service there amounted to 20 years along with leaving the taste of delicious food in the memories of so many children.

Margaret never let anyone leave her home hungry, she always offered something to eat or drink. During this visit, she shared a story about a neighboring couple. It was so unforgettable and funny. This man was on his way to work and said goodbye to his wife for the day. As he was leaving he grabbed one of two bags sitting on the table. At lunchtime, he began to open his lunch bag and saw that he had picked up a bag of potato peelings by mistake. He had left his lunch on the table and was so mad at himself, the wife couldn’t help but to have a good laugh.  

Basket making began for Margaret after her retirement in 1985.  She went to the classes and was taught by Ahkwesahsne’s greatest basket maker, the late Mary Adams.  Margaret had some experience already from her own mom so she had developed into another one of Ahkwesahsne’s bests.  She had stopped weaving about 5 years ago due to arthritis but she now wants to make baskets again.  She would like to get a hold of some good splint and move her fingers again, she is determined and will do it.  

Margaret has had the opportunity to travel to some other states such as Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio.  A couple of her children and grand children live there so with some marriages and births, they have drawn her there for visits and special occassions.  “The first time I went to Massena, I was 13 years old to get a communion dress and hat. It wasn’t easy to get around in those days,” said Margaret.

The biggest changes she has seen over these years has been the church, which has changed a lot.  Also, getting electricity in 1953 was so nice. “We used to have to melt ice and snow to get water, remember that?” she asked.

Well, this has been a real nice visit with a wonderful lady,  take care of yourself and stay healthy.