«W
kept the home fires burning while he pursued his political career. The couple had no children of their own but, after the death of A. E.’s sister, they raised her son, Roy F. MacLean.16
A. E. had a great interest in community activities. He was an active member of the Lot 16 Presbyterian Church, serv- ing as an elder and, for a time, as choir leader. He was a very friendly and companionable type of man who had the facul- ty of making friends; if it was in his power, he was always willing to help.
In 1912, when the boom in the fox industry was starting, A. E. built a large ranch at Lot 16. He promoted the A. E. MacLean Silver Fox Company of which he was president. In 1916, when he came to reside in Sumrnerside, he moved the ranch to the outskirts of the town. He was also a promoter of the Dominion Fur Sales Co Ltd. of which he was the first president. For a number of years, he produced and sold live foxes for breeding stock, continuing even after the bottom fell out of the breeding market. A. E. became a buyer of pelts and had many connections in London, England.
Alfred E. MacLean had a remarkable political career,
defeated only once in all of his campaigns. That defeat came in his first election in the 3rd district
Etta Hutchinson was a of Prince when he lost along with twenty-seven
young girl at the time other provincial Liberal candidates. A. E. ran again cars were starting to in his home district in 1915 and successfully appear on Island roads. defeated his opponent. He was the winner again in One day as she played the 1919 election.
outside her home, a car While A. E. was representing 3rd Prince, a law went by and the occu— was passed restricting cars on the roads except for pants waved to her. She a couple of days a week. This law was not satis- waved in return. Etta’s factory to some people in Lot 16. A. E. MacLean mother told her not to came to Lot 16 and held a public meeting. The
be waving on the principle of, “Don’t ' not be allowed on the roads at any time. Because
encourage them
239
”18
consensus among the voters was that cars would
Mr. MacLean could not agree with the law and at . , the same time go against the will of his con- stituents, he resigned his seat in the House. He was later re- elected. ‘7
POLITICIANS