The Horaceville manor house at Pinhey's Point Historic Site in Dunrobin (Ottawa), Ontario, Canada.

 

The Honourable Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey (1784-1857) immigrated to Canada from England in 1820 to develop his estate, Horaceville, Pinhey's Point. That same year, 1820, he built the first Pinhey house to which additions were made over the next 28 years.

 

This property remained in the Pinhey family until 1971 when March Township purchased it. In 1990 the City of Kanata (now part of the City of Ottawa) acquired Pinhey's Point.

 

Acolyte

 

The Prologue:

Julie had come alone. Having missed her ride with a friend to deal with some pressing servant related issues, she had taken her father’s roadster out and had driven the curving, often bumpy road into the city by herself. Parking it, she had made her way to where the festivities were already in full swing.

She now stood at upstairs entrance, allowing herself a minute to unwind from her driving to breathlessly take it all in. As she stood to one side, allowing the swarming mass of guests to pass uninhibited by her as they headed downstairs to the party chambers below, her eyes grew wide with the splendor below.

Julie still possessed some of the awkwardness of youth, and it showed by the way she carried herself. From her constantly gawking eyes, to her nervously moving hands, down to the high heels on her feet that occasionally still tripped her up as she walked. But despite all that, she still managed to present a total picture of elegance and grace, the result of years of etiquette being forced down her pretty throat.

Now, anyone down below who happened looked up at the entrance, would have given Julie a second look, and they did.

With that second look the following would have been taken in; long brown hair hung down in silken masses past her shoulders. The hair framed an oval face, with large, innocently wide, eyes, heavy with the mascara that always gave her face a perpetually surprised look. Resplendent in a long soft gown that seemed to pour down forever over her quite perky youthful figure, a purple satin sheet of flowing liquid, broken only by the black bolero jacket with its shimmering ornament. The hem of her gown almost covered the pointed toes of her coal black high heeled shoes.

A diamond necklace blazed in rippling fire hung from Julie’s throat, its brilliance matched by the long diamond earrings that peeked in and out as they swayed vibrantly, like a twin beacons. A sparkling diamond brooch with swinging sapphire’s that matched the colour of Julies eyes , had been placed high on one side of her black satin bolero styled jacket. She wore no gloves, and her bare fingers were home to a rather lively assortment of gem encrusted rings.

Soon two ladies also broke away from the crowd and joined Julie in her observation, as they commented to one another about the scene below. They then asking Julie if she agreed, as if the strangers and she were old acquaintances, Julie gave them both the once over as she reluctantly agreed with them.

Both Ladies were red heads, although the younger one, with pretty hazel eyes, was more of a ginger ( like Julies maid), Julie finished giving both a swift appraisal before turning her attention back to the crowd, looking for an opening to make her escape. The ginger, a young miss stunning in a gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, apologized for the intrusion, then let out a small squeal, commenting on how adorable Julie’s jacket was, as she lifted it up, of Jules of Paris( Pariee is how she pronounced it), and your gown, it’s of the house of Yevonne, is it not, the young lady asked? No Julie said, starting to shake her head, which made her earrings sparkle even more erratically, as the other lady continued admiring Julie’s satin jacket, momentarily covering the bright brooch from view. At the same time the other lady, a bit older ,becomingly clad in a fine gown of red wine colured Taffeta, placed a hand on Julies other shoulder, asking the now disconcerted girl if she knew how late the orchestra was playing, Julie continued shaking her head, as she looked into the older lady’s deep green eyes, mesmerized as they just oozed kindness , No, sorry ma’am she answered obediently . The younger one finished her admiration of Julie’s s attire by patted Julie’s shoulder, well nice meeting you, and with a cheerful tootles, both women left, melting ahead into the crowd.

Julie watched them for a few seconds as the pair swished downstairs, straightening her jacket as she did. Suddenly all thoughts of the two ladies were pulled from her mind as she realized something was amiss. It took her but a second to realize the brooch her maid had pinned onto her jacket was now absent. Bother she said under her breath as she looked around her on the empty floor, it must have fallen off in the roadster! Under her breath she chastised both the roadster, and the road, remembering the way the vehicle had lurched to and fro on the bumpy roadway in her haste to reach the city. She must have words with that maid of hers for not fastening it properly, that brooch was simply too valuable for her to be so careless... Julie then puts the brooch out of her mind; she decides she will have the maid search the roadster for it in the morning.

And she makes her way out into the stream of guests and begins her descent, carefully as her high heeled feet negotiate the stairs…..

***

The Tale

Dazzling!

This was the word that best described the vision enclosed within the massive chamber that evening. Filled wall to wall with a seemingly endless swarm of guests, presenting an endless sea of colourfully be gowned, be gloved, and bejeweled ladies, escorted by a small army of tuxedoed and top hatted male chaperones. The crème del a crème of the huge cities finest citizens were there, displaying a good portion of what their all the hard cold pounds and guineas could buy.

The guests had entered via a large double stair case that led down into the sub street level chamber. On the east end was a mammoth stage, which stood about 4 feet above the dance floor, easily holding the 30 piece orchestra with room to spare. The music that was played was as diverse as the guests in attendance, appealing to every age group present.

Couples and singles milled about talking merrily, just a low murmur heard just below the music. A jazz number was being played and a number of the “young bright ones” were on the floor dancing earnestly with various random moves.

A stream of fresh guests had entered, making their way downstairs, gaining the attention of a few of those already in attendance. Jewels sparkled radiantly as many a satin gloved hand was raised in greeting, many a female head was turned to point out someone they could spread gossip about, and in the process exposing a multitude of jeweles in various sparkling colours.

One of those newcomers, a raven haired, black eyed woman with a dark features, possessing an almost feline like beauty, came onto the upstairs landing. She was probably aged in her mid-twenties, surprisingly alone and unescorted. She was waved to by no one, pointed out to by many. Looking around she suddenly spied something down below that made her smile, a wide Cheshire cat like grin that quickly spread across her wickedly pretty face. She scurried down the stairs, pushing, not gently, a young miss in in a purple satin gown and black jacket, who had been moving slowly ahead of her, wobbling in her high heels, the poor girl fell against the wall, clutching it for support with well ringed fingers.

The raven haired beauty parted several more pairs of guests as she made her way down, moving too slow for her, without a word of apology. At the middle landing, she shoved her way past a pair of ladies, moving slowly as they regarded the pretty scene being played out below in the well lite chamber. One was red head wearing a tailored wine coloured taffeta gown that made a swishing noise as the lady passed, and her companion, about the same age as the intruder, (a kid sister, or cousin of taffeta gown?) was dressed in gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, her long hair done up in a high bun, held by dangling rows of rhinestone ropes. She looked at the lady who was unexpectedly cutting between them, but said nothing; as the lady paid neither one no never mind. The raven haired lady continues down, and still never uttering a word or wearing even the slightest look of apology, trips up yet another lady, clad in a long pure white satin gown, with emerald bracelets dangling from her white gloved wrists, who actually had started to fall, and would have if the pair of red headed ladies in wine and emerald gowns had not caught and steadied her, and in the process an emerald bracelet is lost to sight.

The raven haired, dark beauty finally landed onto the chamber floor and began snaking through the crowd, licking her vibrant red lips as her eyes darted about searching for any distractions to avoid keeping her from her selected designation, (and prey)! Her long thin figure was sleekly covered by a lengthy body-hugging black satin sheath, her heavy mascara, and long flowing hair matching the dress. She wore opera length satin gloves, red as her lips. Her jewels were all white diamonds, earrings, necklaces bracelets, and a large brooch hanging from the low cut of her gowns neckline. She wore a number of fancy rings, one of which was a large diamond cocktail ring on her left hand, while her right, gripping a red satin clutch purse, was home to 3 smaller versions of the same ring. She slowed down suddenly, and opening the purse pulled out a long telescoping holder, and opening a gold (14k) case extracted a long white cigarette and inserted it.

She than bee lined and circled around, flanking a young miss wearing(limply) a long pretty satin dress of pink coral, white pearls hanging expensively down from her ears and neckline. She wore white wrist length satin gloves, with a diamond merrily glittering from a long slender finger on her left hand. She was talking to a rather handsome youth her own age, dapper in his tails and top hat, a precision trimmed Saxon style beard, and a face with solid Welsh features, and hazel coloured twinkling eyes. A long gold chain and fob held a solid gold engraved pocket watch to his chest (all 14 k) and he wore a ruby pin in his black ascot.

As she stole behind the back of the poor princess in coral, she gave her a venomous gaze, which quickly changed as she touched the young man on the shoulder, as he turned to her, the raven haired beauty, whose name was Lilith, eyes were now brimming with contrived admiration.

Hello darlings Lilith said, in a syrupy low voice, addressing them both, although she did not even glance at the girl. Both hoarsely said hello back, and the boy took the offered hand and kissed it, her large ring shinning, blindingly in his eyes. Would you be a dear then? She asked, waving the cigarette holder in front of his face. He obligingly lit it, and she let out a puff of smoke, aimed directly in the girls face, who started coughing Lilith smirked, panting her on the back, sorry dearie, mind if I borrow him for a bit, and she led the young gentleman away, before the pretty girl in coral and pearls could regain whatever composure she had left. Charles! Be a dear and buy me a drink please Lilith asked him, and he (with proper breeding of the titled) led her off without question, abandoning the young miss who watched them trot off with tears brimming in her blue eyes.

 

The drinks came, and Lilith sat her cigarette holder down next to them, dance with me Charles, and she took his arm and led him off to the dance floor, just as his fiancé in the coral gown and borrowed pearls had managed to catch up.

 

Charles held Lilith in his arms, as one might hold a cold blooded serpent. She moved close, appropriately hissing in his ear. Why are you wasting time with that silly Ginny creature, don’t you know her parents are about to lose all their money, and that Ginny’s only interest was in his title, and his parents fortune, silly bean. Charles looked warily at Lilith, than over at the forlorn Ginny, just standing there. He genuinely liked , maybe even loved, Ginny, even had given her a friendship ring, signifying his desire to become closer , But there were the rumors of her father being swindled of his fortune, and if his parents ever found out!. He looked back into his dance partners beady black eyes, they held a seductive fire which played immensely to his vanity. She was smiling winningly at him, she had made her selection, and although it would never show in her eyes, in the back of her devious mind, she was starting to think how the letter would go that his parents would anonymously be soon receiving concerning Ginny, the little pipsqueak, Lilith called her silently in her mind.

***

Meanwhile the pair of red haired ladies who had had the cheekiness to stop on the middle landing of the grand staircase, impeding Lilith’s progress, were now walking the perimeter of the mammoth chamber, meandering, taking in all of the sparkling and shininess of the surroundings, their eyes missing very little as they talked. The young, ginger haired one, pretty in her gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, seemed a little peeved about something, and her companion noticed that her grey eyes had turned a certain shade of green, always a sign of something amiss. She stopped her and asked her to please spill it out.

Oooh how I despise that witch, a seething Lydia said to her companion in the wine coloured taffeta gown, spitting out each word like a hissing cat, even Lydia’s back was arched a little like a feline. Her friend, whose longish flaming red hair was lying over her left shoulder, hanging down in a picturesque manner over her full bosom, was surprised at Lydia’s reaction. Who dear? Asked her friend, Angie. The lady in white satin Angie asked? No, spit out the usually collected Lydia, not her, she was really fuming. Angie continued, I was going to say, if it was, than taking her emerald bracelet should have been revenge enough, Angie stated, then continued. So just who are we talking about Lydia?

 

That one!, Lydia snarled, nodding her head, the witch in black who rushed through us on the stairs and went that way! Angie stopped, looking off in the direction Lydia had nodded. Oh her, she said, the one in black satin. Lydia just glared, and Angie knew she had gotten it right. She asked Lydia, does this witch have a name? Lilith! Lydia spat it out like a swear word, followed by a gushing tirade. She is a backstabbing creature who can charm any man into submission while making a girl cringe and wince with the merest of glances. She is a gold digger extraordinaire with two ex-grooms who couldn’t see her for her true colours until they had been gutted by her gilded claws!!

Really exclaimed Angie, her green eyes becoming brighter! Two of them? Yes, Lydia went on, both wealthy, both became available when their parents received anonymous poison letters about their then betrothed.

I’d give anything to knock her down a few pegs, Lydia continued through clenched teeth.

Angie mulled it over; realizing anything more she said would just add fuel to Lydia’s fire. She decided to let her simmer down on her own, and then perhaps they could get on to their business. She suggested a drink, and they moved off, passing a forlorn young lady in a limp coral coloured gown, wearing a nice display of pearls, who seemed to be staring off in the distance at something with tear filled eyes.

Skirting the dance floor, they soon attained the lounge and settled in……..

 

***************************************************

It had now been four years since Angie had taken the charmingly talented young Lydia under her wing.

She had encouraged her blossoming skills, abilities that Lydia herself had self-taught by playing games with her siblings, until she encountered a professional she could learn from. That professional had been Angie. Lydia now possessed the little dog eared ancient pamphlet that had been the secret to Angie’s success as a light fingered lady pickpocket, focusing mainly on the fine jewels worn out and about by rich girls and women in society.

 

(Please visit our albums section and peruse the various Angie Albums for more background stories on Angie and her “light fingers” the Eds.)

 

It had cost Angie a necklace to acquire the pamphlet, and it had been worth it. It had cost the younger, ginger haired Lydia her brooch and ring for a chance to do the same. Lydia caught on quickly, mastering certain moves in half the time it had taken Angie, and for which Angie gave her high praise.

 

But sadly it was now less frequently that they worked as a team, each after a time branching off on their own paths.

 

Lydia was a different creature than Angie in the respect that coming from a wealthy family she was supported, even though most of the family lands, money and titles would go to the heir, Lydia’s twin brother. For her lifting items from her wealthy friends and relations had started out as an edgy game. Now it had evolved into a challenging pastime, a trophy hunt of sorts where she collected jewels like her father collected animal relics. Some of her lesser trophies were passed onto Angie, who had the connections to dispose of them, turning them into ready pound notes.

 

Whereas Angie had been born to impoverished English parents who had immigrated to Canada. They made her, their only child, an orphan at age 6 upon their untimely deaths in an epidemic. At the crowded orphanage the nuns taught her a little about manners, how to act properly for a lady, and the rest she had learned on her own, what she needed to say to please them and avoid the “floggings” that they administered to those who refused to “fit” in. She fled the orphanage when she was 14 and forged her own, often lonely path in the years that followed. For her lifting a ladies valuables was a means of lively hood as much as it brought her thrills. And she had accomplished it all without Lydia’s advantages, which had been a pair of a willing accomplices, AKA a sister and brother, to practice on!

 

But the pair remained in constant touch and it had been at Lydia’s beckoning that Angie had met her in London a few days prior. From London they had travelled by rail to attend this once a year function, and to attend the various balls and other affairs that were the natural outgrowths of the Gala.

 

It had been an eventful journey, the train ride had proven to be even more profitable than usual for the two light fingered ladies.

 

Lydia had written Angie a letter (to Angie’s solicitor who she saw at least one a month) telling her about the upcoming gala, and how would she would like Angie to join her in for the hunt. Their plans were to attend the gala and its outgrowths, then spend a few months of the upcoming party season continuing Lydia’s education. They had met at the London station, and after checking their bags found themselves with a little time to kill before boarding. Now outside the station there was a sprawling green where several vendors had set up their wares, a haven for those possess a light fingered touch. The two ladies meandered, catching up on what had been happening in their lives since they last time they had been together.

 

Now as they walked the green, they also kept their eyes open, and it was the second time they had passed a group of small benches, across a path from where an organ grinder was performing with a pet monkey, which they stopped, giving some serious attention to something they had both glanced at the first time in passing.

 

There was a trio of young ladies by one of the benches. Later they learned the trio were three sisters awaiting for the arrival of their parents and older brother. All three wore eye catching outfits, the younger 2 siblings in silk dresses of canary yellow and butterscotch, the elder sister was in a long flowing black skirt with a glistening silver coloured ruffled satin blouse. The jewels the three were innocently wearing in public were also worth a second look. The youngest (12) wore a pretty selection of silver, the middle (14) wore gleaming pearls, their older sister and chaperone (19) was wearing gold bracelets, a fine collection of rings and (probably unwisely) an expensive sapphire brooch at her throat.

 

Now the first time they had passed the oldest was seated at a bench reading a magazine, while her siblings played on the lawn. They had stopped to watch the sisters, under the pretense of watching the crowd around the organ grinder and his monkey. They watched both groups with some interest, but were distracted when Lydia pointed out a pickpocket working the crowd across the way. Angie spotted him immediately, he was chatting to a pair of ladies wearing fashionable day gowns of shiny damask. It looked to be a wealthy mother and her younger sister. As the grey top hated gentleman thief engaged the mother in conversation, he was reaching around and gingerly lifting the silver watch of the younger sister, her attention being paid out to her two young nephews. They watched until he had pocketed the watch, his skill level about average for the type, before Lydia and Angie headed off for the far side of the green.

 

The second time around they saw that the oldest had fallen asleep, sitting on the bench and the younger two were sitting on the grass, watching the monkey from across the way. The grey top hated man who had relieved the lady of her watch, was now lurking on the scene, eyeing the two sisters sitting on the grass, their dresses splayed out, making the small glistening pools that had probably been what first caught his attention, before noticing their jewels, which were ripe for the picking now that their chaperone eyes were closed.

 

Lydia and Angie, without a word between them, moved in for the kill. Lydia went straight to the younger sisters, while Angie made a wide circle, cutting in front of the top hatted gentleman, who nodded to the pretty, clever faced, red head. Angie than seated herself on the far end of the bench, primarily to keep the grey top hated man and any other opportunist who may also have designs on the sound asleep older sister’s jewelry, at bay.

 

Lydia meanwhile had come up behind the younger pair of sisters, laying a hand on the older ones shoulder as she chirped a happy hello to them. Asking them if they would give some coins to the monkey for her, they got up and allowed Lydia to lead them across the path.

 

The girls called to the little monkey and handed him their coins, while they all laughed at the tricks he performed for them. The younger one was looking up at Lydia who handed her another coin; she scrunched down, and gave it to him, as they waited for him to perform again. Lydia placed her hand on thy older sister’s silken covered shoulder, than her fingers quickly slid up to the necklace of pearl, and with two fingers, flicked open the hook and eye clasp, and pulled away the pearls in one motion. She then moved back, leaving the younger siblings to play with the monkey and melted back into the crowd,

 

Watching all this, Angie made a noise after Lydia had vanished from sight, waking the sleeping lass, who immediately looked around for her wayward sisters. Spying the pretty red head sitting at the end of the bench, she smiled (girls always felt more at ease around other women), Angie smiled back, and looked towards the monkey, and the sister also looks, and spies her siblings. She calls out to them, and as they come back Angie sees with satisfaction that Lydia had been busy. The sister also notices something amiss; the middle one is missing her pearls.

 

They begin to look, with the concerned red head kindly offering her” a hand” in their search. After a fruitless 15 minutes spent searching through the crowd of huddled people watching the organ grinder and his monkey, the nice red headed lady gave her apologies’, saying she must leave to make her train. The pretty lady takes her leave, holding the girls hand as she earnestly expresses her hopes that the pearls are found. She holds out her arms, and is given a hug for helping by the grateful older sister. Angie places a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes, as her other hand reaches up and unhooks the sapphire brooch from the sisters satin blouse, palming it effortlessly.

 

As Angie disappears in the crowd the search goes on in earnest, It is not much after the red headed lady had swished her way through her crowd towards the train, that the older sister discovers she is wearing on less ring! As she in bewilderment places a hand to her silk covered chest, her fingers feel nothing, and start to feel around fruitlessly for her brooch, her sapphire brooch, its gone, not even so much as a tear on her satin blouse where it had been pinned by her maid that morning. The older sister feels a hand placed on her shoulder, she looks up into the smiling eyes of a dapper gentleman in a grey top hat, I something wrong my dear? He asks her, showing genuine concern in his smiling eyes.

 

As the gentleman in the grey top hat was giving his upmost attention to the young lady Angie had been “helping”, Angie entered the train, and walking to the end of the last passenger car, settled into the seat next to Lydia.

Lydia Turned towards Angie, and speaking in French, Commented:

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise !

Dear, Angie said in an almost motherly tone of voice, I really wish you would not go about quoting that Arsène Lupin wretch, as a pickpocket the man is a butcher.

Angelica, Lydia teasingly chided, you say that about all men with light fingers, like our gray hatted friend back there.

Honey, Angie smiled, most men like that are serpents, and Lupin is still a butcher.

Lydia watched Angie settle back in her seat with a secret smile. She did not know too much about Angie’s past, but there was something there about Monsieur Lupin, (whose exploits had been made into print, tickling her young girls fancy, as she poured over them), that seemed to get at Angie’s goat. A lot about Angie’s past life was a secret to Lydia, but she knew well enough when to let sleeping dogs lie..

Lydia than settled in as the train lurched forward, taking them safely away from the London park, along with the sister’s “trinkets “the pair had obtained.

 

A little later, it became Lydia’s turn to show her mettle.

 

An hour after leaving London Station, the train stopped at a fashionable suburb. Lydia watched with half opened eyes, the disembarking passengers, and the new arrivals now walking to and fro along the wooden platform. Suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she made a small noise. Angie looked up from her book with interest, immediately spotting it too.

 

A young couple was walking past their window. He was wearing a 3 piece suit, walking stick, a silver timepiece, and a small brown derby. It was his wife, though, upon which the ladies interest lay. She was sporting a slinking satin frock, pretty in itself as it lay along her voluptuous figure, but it was her necklace that stole the show, and as she walked it was noticed by more than a few of the people she passed. It was a buoyantly bright gold drop necklace that encircled her neck, with a large stone ruby in the center of the drop that lay along her bare throat. The necklace really vexed Lydia’s interest and she watched it, and the lady who wore it for as long as she could before finally losing sight and settling back in the seat with a long sigh.

 

Only a few short minutes later she her heart leapt in her throat. The couple had entered their car, probably heading for one of the private cars at the end of the train she reasoned, as her eyes took in every detail. But no, the couple stopped at the empty seat just before the one Angie and Fiona occupied.

 

Now Lydia and Angie had the end seats in the car, their back was to the cars wall, and directly across from them was a small storage room, , so the seating across the aisle started up about three rows, which meant that basically no one could see them unless they were walking past. Lydia continues to watch with interest as the couple settled in, the wife taking the window seat, in front of Lydia a. Angie just kept her nose buried in the book she was holding; this was all Lydia’s show. Lydia watched the lady as she sat back, her and her necklace reflected in the windows, The ladies shoulders were just above the seat, and after she had settled in, she made a show of doing up her long hair in a bun, giving Lydia ample time to study the valuable necklaces gold box clasp, and plan her way to it.

 

After listening to the few sharp words the lady gave her husband, Lydia decides this elegantly coiffured lady was somewhat a prima donna. Her husband tries to place his arm around her, but is chased off. They both finally fall off to sleep, and as the twilight outside takes over, Lydia sees her chance and seizes it. Lydia reaches over, and after licking her fingers, plays with the man’s ears. He groggily wakens, still aroused now that he thinks his wife is also now amorous, he reaches over and pets her affectionately. She wakens, angry and pushes the husband away. But Lydia is prepared, as the wife leans towards her husband, and away from the window, Lydia’s fingers have already flicked open the box clasp and whisked of the gold necklace from the opposite direction, towards the window, where she catches its reflection as slips over the back of the ladies seat and curls up in Lydia’s open palm.

 

Lydia and Angie now had private, “front” row seats for when the wife’s loss was discovered. It was always a performance that Angie never tired of watching when she could chance it. And Lydia? Sticking around and watching her victim’s reaction at being pickpocketed was one of the reasons she started lifting jewelry in the first place. Neither of them was disappointed on this occasion.

 

Now wide awake, the wife settled back down to read her book, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen while she was chastising her husband. As she did her fingers brushed her neck, she stopped reading, and carefully felt around her throat, before letting out a yelp that woke her husband, and several of the other passengers ahead of her. She cried out (in a heavy Italian accent) my jewels, La mia collana , è svanito, it is gone? In panic she rose and started to look around, her hand to her throat, giving everyone watching a nice display of her pretty figure in its shiny dress and of her remaining jewelry. Angie, Lydia, a Stewart and the couple two seats ahead got up and helped in the fruitless search. Her necklace had somehow mysteriously vanished.

After things finally settled down Angie and Lydia made friends with the husband, but his wife remained angry and distant….

The rest of the trip had been uneventful, mainly because Angie and Lydia had had their fill of their appealingly pretty little games for the time being.

*******************************************************************

Angie suddenly perked up, letting go of her thoughts. She looked over at Lydia who was nursing her drink, her eyes looking a little less peeved. Did you see her, she asked? Who? Answered Lydia, Lilith? No answered Angie patiently. Not the Girl in the coral gown and pretty pearls, that one looked miserable enough without our help, stated Lydia? No, not her, but Angie reflected, Her pearls were nice, I almost suggested a go at them, but glad we didn’t, your right she did seem sad enough as it is. No, I mean that one over there, and she threw her eyes over to the entrance of the lounge.

Oh, Lydia exclaimed, I see what you mean. In the corner just outside the enclosed lounge area stood a lady in teal velvet, carrying a purse, her silver satin gloved wrist and fingers, home to a rather nice set of blazing emeralds and diamonds, matching those around her throat and hanging from her ears. Lydia looked over the situation.

 

The new mark wearing the teal velvet, was idling looking around, obviously trying to spot someone. Lydia looked at Angie, her Hazel eyes turning green with anticipation. Who gets her, she asked sweetly. Angie nodded,( wanting something to take Lydia mind off …..) she is all yours princess ( a nickname that Angie sometimes used on Lydia, and about the only person in the world Lydia could tolerate calling her that).

And watch her movements, added Angie in an instructing tone, See how she jumps up to peer over the crowd? Try and use it to your advantage. Lydia smiled and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

 

Now Lydia’s forte was lifting necklaces, so that whenever it was Angie’s turn to be the spotter, she would always be on the lookout for Ladies wearing necklaces that would be within easy reach of Lydia’s talented fingers. Likewise Lydia, when spotting for Angie, kept an eye out for brooches. So, when Angie told Lydia the mark was hers, it was her emerald necklace that received close study first.

 

Lydia waited until the lady had her back to them, and she rose and carefully threaded herself through the maze of tables to the entrance of the lounge, her gown rustling against any object it touched. She came up on the lady in teal. Violet she cried out, as she raised one arm, wrapping around it around the girl’s back, while the other gripped the girl’s arm as Lydia drew the lady up against her figure in an embrace..

 

The girl tried to turn, squirming in Lydia s clasp, and as she did so, Lydia’s hand had already snaked up to the studied necklaces clasp, popping it open. I’m not Vio…. the startled girl tried to say, but as she turned around, Lydia exclaimed, you’re not Violet, oh I ‘m so sorry she said, asking for forgiveness sweetly,( undoing the clasp of the necklace and lifting up one end) I thought you were my cousin violet, Lydia apologized profusely, while her one hand squeezed the girls arm, finger bails digging in, as the other one holding the end of the necklace on her shoulder, moved down behind teal velvets back, slipping away the fiery necklace with it.. As Lydia balled up the necklace in her hand, she begged her leave, expressing regrets that she did not have time to chat with her new friend, have to find where Violet wandered off to she explained, squeezing the girl’s arm.

 

The mark was only too glad to accept the pretty stranger’s apology at not being able to stay and chat. The lady watched Lydia swish off into the swarming crowds. Her eyes slightly puzzled, before she remembered that she was also looking for someone, and went off, soon forgetting the entire incident ( and later, when the loss of her necklace was discovered, her brief encounter with Violet’s confused cousin was not even thought of)!

 

As Lydia sauntered off she stowed away the emerald necklace, and then meandered about the chamber, taking her turn to spot fresh victims, whose jewels were doomed to disappear under Angie’s talented fingers.

 

Meanwhile across the Ballroom another scene was being played out…..

********

Lilith was now holding court at the edge of the dance floor; her second straight dance had ended with the young gentleman she was leading to believe fascinated her. She was busy continuing chatting him up, expressing her utter delight at the wonderful dancer he was, when Ginny timidly approached. She drew near her erstwhile boyfriend, asking him for their dance, as she desperately tried to keep her lips from trembling. Lilith’s eyes lit up in false apology (Ginny could see that all too well), darling! Lilith exclaimed, could I borrow your young man for a bit more, he promised me a drink. She placed her arm around him, isn’t that right darling? The overly polite boy, choked up a bit, unsure of what to do, his breeding not letting him wanting to hurt either Ginny, or Lilith, despite what his true desires actually were, and that was to be alone with Ginny! Although the seeds of doubt that had been planted in his mind by Lilith were beginning to take root and he was starting to have worries about what if future with Ginny would become an actuality.

 

Ginny, Charles started, faltered, than tried again, Ginny, the band is going to play The Charleston, you know how you like to dance to it, why don’t you go and I’ll catch up with you soon, promise. Yes darling, Lilith chirped maternally at poor Ginny, It will be just a quick one darling, and taking Charles by the arm, led him off, leaving Ginny standing there, wilting away as the Lilith’s words and actions burned through to her very soul. The music stared, and she reluctantly, if not a little obediently, did as Charles wished. Three dances later, he still had not shown up as promised, and Ginny danced on, a burning hole opening ever wider in her heart.

**********

Meanwhile, as poor Ginny started dancing to her second of three solo dances, we visit another end of the chamber, where Lydia is found talking merrily with three girls around her own age that she had collected around her. She had lured them into her web by engaging the considerable charm, elegance and sophistication that had been bred into her by her parents pretty much since birth.

 

Three pretty maids all in a row, overloaded with a multitude of dripping jewels, and Lydia was waiting for Angie to make an appearance and lighten their load! A blond haired lady in shiny red satin, a brown haired maiden in bright blue, and a tow headed damsel in silky gold. As Lydia was chatting up the three girls, her eyes, discreetly and unobtrusively, take an account of their jewels, their placement and their value.

 

Amongst the jewels the lady in red is wearing the most valuable is a necklace of small diamonds and a ring around her right hand’s pinky that is a large diamond cluster that shimmers spectacularly as she plays with a locket of her lion’s mane like blond hair.

 

The pretty maiden in blue was displaying a nice collection of gold jewelry, braided chains with small flecks of silver woven in. But above her left breast, was her only jeweled piece, pinned with a simple c-clasp, a gold brooch with a center stone of blue topaz surrounded by dazzling ½ caret diamonds.

 

Then there was the damsel in the pretty gold coloured gown, woven of some type of exotic, overly expensive, material that just shimmered in the massive chandelier’s light. She was also wearing opera length gold satin gloves, from which were dangling a pair impressive jeweled bracelets, their stones a multitude of rainbow coloured gems. She also wore a long pair of dangling diamond earrings, held loosely by rather ancient hinge clasps. Although her many other jeweled pieces were pretty valuable, these two twin sets were by far the most valuable pieces that anyone in the group was wearing.

 

Lydia feasted on the show her three marks jewels were displaying as she won them all over, soon bringing them into fits of giggling and laughter as they started to talk about the things most groups of women by themselves talk about, men! Out of the corner of her eye Lydia spied Angie coming up and around to see what’s up. She circled past each of the girls, slowly, nonchalantly, attracting no notice from the others in Lydia’s little group.

 

As Angie passed behind the blond in red satin, Lydia adjusted one of her rings, like it was bothering her, the motion caught Angie’s eye. Then Angie passed behind the gold gowned miss, and her eyes darted to Lydia, who lifted up her hair, exposing her ears, than absentmindedly started playing with a bracelet. Then Angie went behind the little blue gowned miss, and saw Lydia suppressing a cough, patting her chest to stifle it, her fingers splayed just above her left breast. Nodding, as much to herself as Lydia, Angie melted back into the crowd, and made a wide circle before approaching Lydia’s side.

 

Angie touched Lydia on her shoulder and she swirled, delighted that her “new friend” had shown up. (for whatever the reason, it always makes the mark(s) more comfortable when a pair of newcomers are related or are friends, Gaston Monescu, page 15 paragraph 2), Lydia excitedly introduced Angie to her three new chums, explaining to them how Angie and her had met on the train and had bonded, and how nice Angie was, and how very interesting a life she had led, along with other bits of flummery.

 

Angie’s first formal introduction was to red satin, Jessica. Whom Angie took by the hand, then reached around and hugged her, receiving a warm embrace in return. After the embrace, Angie clasped Jessica’s right hand in both of hers, praising Jessica on her pretty gown. As Jessica looked down, lifting a portion of the gown’s skirt with her left hand to show it off better, all eyes looked down. As everyone’s attention was diverted for that fraction of a second, Angie released Jessica’s right hand, slipping off from Jessica’s satin clad pinky, the large diamond clustered ring. Angie discreetly passed off the ring to Lydia, who was standing close to one side.

 

Then Lydia introduced Angie to the elegantly gold gowned young lady, Abby. Angie raised one arm, wrapping it around Abby’s back, while the other gripped her wrist, flicking open the jeweled bracelet‘s safety chain, as she drew the gold gown wearing Abbey up against her figure. The girl tried to turn, squirming in Angie’s embraces. Angie’s hand patted the girl on the back as the girl halfheartedly did the same, feeling Angie’s face bury itself in her shoulder. Effectively blocking from view the hand the held her wrist, which was picking open the bracelets clasp. Angie pulled away, looking the young miss in the eyes, everyone else eyes were also on Angie, which is what she was aiming for. And as she told the sweet young thing that it was her pleasure, she patted the ladies wrist, squeezing open the bracelet, slipping it off and into the slightly open purse at her side. As she does, her other hand goes up to the lady in gold’s dangling earring,( all eyes follow this movement) admiring the earring openly, taking its clasp into consideration for possibly an attempt later if they meet somewhere outside after hours. One never knows.

 

The last one to be introduced was the pretty Miss wearing the blue gown, Meria. Lydia, laughingly teasing her about being last, led her by the elbow and pulled the Meria towards Angie, and while she was turning, Angie took a small step forward and made sure her left side would bump against her. As Angie drew her in for an embrace, her right hand right hand was on the brooch while Angie’s left was grasping Meria’s left shoulder. Performing a move so familiar and well-practiced it was almost second nature, her middle finger pushed the c clasp out of its hook releasing the brooch into Angie’s palm. Pulling her hand down, she deposited the brooch into her purse, as she enveloped the girl in a hug. Then she stepped back, and began chatting with all three, soon winning them over like Lydia had done, keeping them distracted from themselves and their missing fine trinkets. Angie told them a quick, funny story about a man she had met on the train recently, which soon had them all giggling.

 

Angie took her leave after about 5 minutes, making an excuse that she needed to freshen up, she again took each ladies hand in goodbye, including Lydia’s, whom Angie slipped off a ring from her finger, so if things got sticky, she would be one of the victims also.

 

Lydia stayed behind to keep the three darling ladies occupied. She noticed one by one the missing jewels of each girl. The three shimmering silken lambs had been most professionally sheared, the most expensive of their jewels disappearing in such a manner that requires a ladies touch, no mere male, not even the talented Arsène Lupin, could have done better in the same scenario. As she looked them over, Lydia mused that with the mass quantities of jewelry each of the three were wearing, it would be some time before any of them realized some were missing.

 

********

 

Meanwhile across the ballroom, as Angie had been introduced to her last of the three ladies and their jewels that Lydia had lined up; another scene had started being played out…..

 

Lilith had just finished her second drink with Charles, while the third song of a five song set had just started, fast and one meant for singles (favored mainly by the ladies, one of who was the wretched Ginny). Lilith looked at Charles, and suggested he should join the gentlemen up in the smoke room (she had seen him watching them mass exodus of gentlemen heading that way when the current set of songs had started). Charles hesitated, I should really see about Ginny, he cautiously stated, not sure of Lilith’s reaction. Lilith smiled, licking her re lips, don’t you worry yourself over the poor dear, I will go and keep her company until you return, she promised happily.

 

Defeated, Charles wearily accepts her suggestion, and Lilith watches him depart, then smugly looks in the direction of the dance floor, and exultantly plucking the fag from the gold holder, squashes it down quite hard in an ash container. She snaps closed the telescoping holder, and with a positively wicked grin, leaves her seat with a pounce and heads onto the dance floor, her hips swinging her black satin gown with a fluid motion, not unlike like a black cat making a move against a frightened mouse, or perhaps a snake slithering towards its victim.

 

It is a known fact that in the wild herding animals will avoid any member who is ill or dying. This may explain that, with Ginny’s 3rd dance of the 5 song set, she was still alone. It was like her wretchedness was felt by others and so kept their distance, leaving poor Ginny alone in her own empty circle, dancing at a far end of the chamber. This is also why she was not hard to spot by one who was now specifically seeking her out.

 

Ginny jumped as a hand grasped, not softly, her shoulder, and a voice said her name, with an evil hiss into her ear…

 

Ginny turned to face Lilith, whose look of utter hatred made that she gave the poor girl, made Ginny cringe as she backed away, dancing was now the last thing on the poor girls mind.

 

Darling, Lilith said spitting out the word as she looked around to make sure no one else was listening in, I have some very bad news….

 

Lilith launched into a tirade filled litany of reasons of why “Her” dear Charles would simply never be able to have anything more to do with her. Starting with her jewelry( really dear, you had to borrow them?) jumping to her moneyless parents( penniless in-laws, really darling it just isn’t done ), her now lowered position in society, (not to worry though , after she(Lilith) and Charles were marred she would find Ginny a maids position somewhere). And finally, that Charles was leaving because he was angry with the jealous way the sniveling Ginny had been acting.

 

With each sentence that was thrown in poor Ginny’s face she stepped back, the hateful words (some of which she knew had truth in them) slicing like a knife into the already tormented girls soul.

 

Finally she could take it no longer, and openly weeping she turned and tried to flee, looking fruitlessly around for Charles, but Lilith was quick, and grasped the poor girl before she could make good her escape..

 

Oh, you poor darling, I haven’t hurt your feelings have I spat Lilith in mocking tones, her , and she drew Ginny to her in a tight embrace, feeling the girl squirming in her arms, much like a mouse would squirm under a cat’s clawed paw, or perhaps wrapped in a serpents coils( both scenarios fit Lilith). Lilith finally released the poor thing, who fled recklessly away.

 

Lilith stayed and watched Ginny bolt, an indulgent smile creeping upon her face. She started to move in rhythm with the music, extremely pleased with herself, her sleek, slinky black gown and gloves flowing down along her devastatingly pretty figure making her appear like some slithering serpent rising up from the bowels of some glittering hell….

It was no more than 2 minutes later that a hand was placed from behind on Lilith’s shoulder.

********

As Charles headed off to relish his cigar, and Lilith headed off to relish tormenting Ginny; Lydia was continuing to entertain the three young ladies, while biding her time until the next conquest of the evening.

 

Suddenly Angie appeared from the crowd, again behind the three unsuspecting girls still under Lydia’s spell. Angie gave her a subtle signal, indicating that she has spotted fresh prey in dire need of being shed of her jewels, and needed Lydia’s help with the shearing. Lydia encourages the three ladies to meet her a little later, she sees a gentlemen (winking) whom she had promised a dance. They let their friend go, thinking she should wait for a slow dance, the music being played now was no way to dance close and personal, but they unknowingly were quite wrong.

 

After leaving the 3 young ladies, Lydia soon reached Angie’s side by the edge of the dance floor. Angie turned and nodded her head indicated one side of the floor, is that Lilith? She asked Lydia’s eyes followed Angie’s nod, soon eyeing the solitary lady in black standing at one end talking with the girl in coral and pearls.

  

Yes it is she answered, why? Attend, said Angie, and Lydia listened as Angie laid out her plans before her, as Lydia watched her witch, and the diamonds she wore that flickered around her black encased figure like so many evil tongued serpents. Suddenly she saw the girl in coral whose pearls the ladies had admired earlier, suddenly turn and flee, crying. Still up to your dirty tricks, are you Lilith!, Lydia thought spitefully.

Ready, the pair of scheming red heads than made their move.

*********

Lilith turned to see whose hand it was, half expecting to see Ginny, she checked herself quite nicely when turning, when she saw Lydia’s beaming face.

The two ladies dance in step for a few seconds, than Lilith gushes, why Lydia dearest, I hadn’t noticed you were here. Perfectly lovely darling, then Lilith added, but who brought you this evening? She asked, appearing very casual.

 

Lydia stayed silent on the subject; she wouldn’t give Lilith the satisfaction of knowing that she had not found anyone since Lilith had stolen Lord St. Claire, her longtime Beau, from under her nose.

 

Instead, Lydia praised Lilith, her lovely figure and gown, false praise, and Lilith knew it. They both continue dancing, almost sparing like a pair of fencers, with sharp eyes, and tongues rather the swords.

 

***********

Having been pre-warned by Lydia that the situation would become volatile very fast, Angie had come up behind Lilith very quickly, and started to dance behind her, coming ever closer, unnoticed by Lilith whose guard was totally centered on Lydia.

 

Angie saw her chance and tripped on Lilith’s Gown, sending her into Lydia’s waiting arms. Angie’s hands at the same moment had flew up to clasp of Lilith’s diamond necklace, unsnapping it, and sending the necklace falling into Lydia’s hands as she pushed away Lilith, who was in the process of turning and rounding on the person who dared ruin her expensive gown. As she spat at Angie, reprimanding her for her careless ness, Lydia moved in between, flicking the clasp of Lilith’s diamond broach in the process. Pushing the pair apart, Lydia apologies, as her right hand neatly slipped of the opened broach from Lilith’s satin gown, saying it was her fault for dancing so close to Lilith that she had backed poor Lilith into the lady.

Lydia took Angie’s hand, apologizing, slipping her the necklace and broach into Angie’s half open purse in the process. And with that, Angie turned and went on her way, never looking back, Hearing Lilith saying something to Lydia about the clumsy bitch, as she left.

 

************

 

Later that evening found Angie walking through the lounge of an upscale hotel, having joined in with the spillover from the fancy dress ball that had gathered there. She had stashed in her hotel room the shimmering collection of purloined jewels that Lydia and her had lifted while attending the Ball proper.

For the past half an hour she had been having an enjoyable conversation with the sparkling (both in personality, and attire) tow headed lady in silky gold that Lydia had introduced her to at the ball, and who still had not noticed she was shorn of a one of her bracelets from her gloved wrist,. Angie had come across the damsel sitting alone by the bar, her friend (The pretty maiden in blue who had been displaying the nice collection of gold jewelry- less one brooch) had left her to party on with a male friend of hers.

Angie had just left the pretty ladies side, also leaving her without the bother of placing her earrings and one of her twin bracelet in the hotel safe that evening. She as of yet failed noticed that now her dangling diamond earrings that had been loosely held by their ancient old fashioned clasps, had gone the same route as her Bracelet. Angie had slipped off the earrings while giving her a generous hug of greeting after watching and waiting for her to be alone.

 

*******************************

 

Lighting a cigarette Angie left through the lobby and headed into a late night pub. As she nursed her first scotch, neat over ice, a familiar figure approached and slid onto the empty stool next to her. Thought I’d find you here, chirped a much happier Lydia. Just wanted to pop to give you an update, She waited and made small talk until after the bartender had taken and served her drink (a whiskey Soda) then began to fill in Angie.

So what was her reaction when you pointed out her jewels were missing, Angie asked Lydia with great expectations of what had happened? Well when I pointed them out, instead of thinking you (Angie) had been the culprit, Lilith assumed they had been taken by” Ginny” (the sad one wearing the coral gown and pearls) when Lilith had been hugging her. That little toad, Lilith had spat out to Lydia, and turned to hunt Ginny down.

Poor dear, said Angie, felling a small pang of sorrow for the little Ginny creature. No, answered Lydia, not really, and she continued…

Lydia had followed, realizing that Lilith was out of control, worried that someone innocent may be hurt.

And she was correct, because Lilith approached Ginny and lit into her something fearsome.

Lilith literally grabbed Ginny and started shaking her, demanding that she give them back. The girl was petrified, and Lilith started calling her some pretty nasty names.

A crowd started gathering.

Then all of a sudden this bloke wearing a gold pocket watch, cuts through the crowd and rescues the poor girl from Lilith’s clutches. Like a white knight Angie commented. Well he was in black tails, and boy was he angry with Lilith, he held the girl in coral tight as he looked at Lilith lividly, his face the reddest I have ever seen on an angry young man.

Lilith finally, collected herself, and I saw all fire drain from her face, and she turned around and stormed out of the chamber. I don’ know, nor care what became of her, stated Lydia.

 

Feel better now, princess? Angie asked Lydia.

 

Lydia smiled perking up, actually for the small bit of solace it may have been worth, it had made her feel better now that she had thought about it.

 

She smiled at Angie, producing a necklace of pearls, it seemed easier to do when she was so happy, Lydia confessed. So you do feel better Princess, Angie stated happily.

 

Lydia smiled, and the pair finished their drinks in thoughtful silence.

 

Lydia was the first to leave, smiling she bade Angie a good night, and began walking away.

Lydia had only gone a few feet, when she turned, and looked at Angie who had been watching her.

Lydia, a sly smile brightening her face and eyes, happily quoted “Assistez à un oeil de demoiselles dans vos s , chatouiller les dames de fantaisie avec une main”

Angie finished Lupin’s quote quote with a faraway look in her eyes

“tout en soulevant ses bijoux avec l'autre”

Till the morrow, Princess, Angie said in parting.

Till Tomorrow answers Lydia, turning with a skip, her gown flowing out behind her as she, now in very good humor, leaves into the smoke swirled darkness of the city to walk the few blocks to her hotel.

*****

The Epilogue:

Late afternoon of the next day, after attending an early afternoon Garden Soiree, Lydia and Angie are strolling through a park, both still dressed in their party dresses, both still wearing their fancy day jewels, (worn so they would fit in with the well to do female attendees), and both with secret pockets holding jewels lifted from some of said female attendees.

Lydia looks back at Angie, Lifting that silver dragon brooch with the ruby eyes and diamond scales was a nice move on your part Angie, she praises.

It was a lot easier with your help Lydia, Angie responded.

Lydia turned her head back onto the path, her pony tail whipping around, the pearls she had woven into it shining a bright white.

Angie said to Lydia’s back, that girl in the crème satin dress, you know I was going to go for her gold braided necklace, then you came out of nowhere and beat me to it.

Lydia just smiled satisfied to herself, I know she responded,, I wanted it to be my coup, she did not turn back to look at Angie’s reaction., but continued.. you laid down the gauntlet ,(or in this case satin glove) Angie when, as you commented on how pretty the necklace looked as it slithered along the front of her crème satin dress, you said it would take extremely deft fingers to slip it off her throat. Although I though her sisters pearls were a better score.

Angie, still walking behind her now had a secret smile on her face, and her eyes had glazed over as if her mind was drifting a million miles away from that quite park in the English countryside where the pair were now walking.

The two pretty red heads continue to walk on a bit, both in the silence of their thoughts.

Angie, Lydia asks, plopping down on a bench.

Yes dear, Angie says, her train of thought broken.

Lydia pulled out a long her gold braided necklace and was admiring it. The lady in the Crème satin dress who wore this lovely thing,; her sister, the one wearing the emerald silk gown and the pearls I fancied, you said she reminded you of a story you promised would tell me sometime? Could you tell me it now?

Angie smiled, Princess, you certainly are an inquisitive one! Let me think a minute…

Angie settled down next to her, and after mulling it over a bit, finally began…

It was during my first time in Monte Carlo, I had left the states soon after I had scored a major haul, and decided to ply my trade in new waters. It was during the fall of…

Lydia interjected, It was because of your haul at that politicians daughter’s wedding, (see album Angie being receptive)

Yes princess, that and a few other functions helped fund that trip. Angie confirmed, then went on…

I had met this pretty young like in an emerald silk gown, positively dripping in gold jewellery with rubies and emeralds…

Lydia cut in again, please start at the beginning; we have the rest of the day all to ourselves.

Angie smile, very well, I will start at the beginning: …….

 

( We will post in the album’ Angie “holidays” in Monte Carlo’ the rest of the tale stated in the epilogue. Once the story we recently unearthed in previously unknown chronicles of Angie’s life have been modified …The eds)

  

The lifting away a young lady’s jewelry is as a feather taken

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise

 

Editor’s Notes:

Our Thanks to Mr. J. Gardner for pointing out the existence of Mr. Monescu’s 1826 guide

If you enjoyed our little story, please like and leave a comment.

And if you wish, describe what intrigued you the most about it…

Thank You

 

And last, but not least,

Kudos to the Light Fingered Lady who planted the seed of the flower that became Lydia

 

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

 

Don't know much about your life.

And I don't know much about your world.

 

I used this stock on top at a low opacity.

 

I saw Kai's photo and decided, since I was tagged, to combine my 365 and the ten fact note below. Those of you whom I tagged and have done this before or simply aren't interested in doing this, don't worry about it. : ) I wish I could add more of you, but the rules state to select only ten flickries. : (

 

1. I am of Russian origin. All of my relatives reside there, except for my parents and I. I'd also like to mention that immigrating to Canada 7 years ago was possibly the best decision my parents have made to this point, besides starting this family. I love it here. Thanks, mum and dad. : )

 

2. I got my first, and only, SLR mid-August 2009. Thus, I have been using it for around 6 months up to this point. However, most of my progress was made during my 365 project. Those of you considering starting one, I really advise you to! : D

 

3. I come from a musical background. I play piano, saxaphone, and sing. I listen to a variety of music in my spare time, and like to chat about newly-found artist with just about anyone.

 

4. If I could be any animal, I would be a cat. There is such a pleasant aura about them, and they are so graceful, and carefree.

 

5. I love the television series Glee. My favourite movie is Moulin Rouge.

 

6. I spell favourite, colour, and centre the way I do because I'm Canadian. And I take offense to Microsoft Word who feels the need to correct me every time I do. Haha.

 

7. I have a passion for oriental cultures. I listen to a lot of Korean music, watch Japanese dramas, and really enjoy Chinese food.

 

8. I am going on a testimonial spree soon. So please check occasionally for any new testimonials, guys. ; )

 

9. I really love to cook. I'm hoping to find another recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking and bring it to life in the near future. I got the book for Christmas from a close friend of mine, and I've been so excited to use it ever since. : )

 

10. I dream a lot at night. The craziest fantasies take over once I fall asleep. I attempt to recreate them in my photos one at a time. Hopefully, by the end of this project I will have enough experience and knowledge to bring just about any idea to life. : )

 

Wow, that was a lot of writing. I hope I didn't put you to sleep!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!!

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John Scadding (1754-1824) the Manager of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe’s Devonshire Estate immigrated to Canada in 1792 and came to York with Simcoe the following year. He was granted 250 acres on the east bank of the Don River south of Kingston Road where in 1794 he built a log cabin. After living in England from 1796 to 1818 Scadding returned to York and sold the cabin and part of his land to William Smith Jr. whose descendants along with the York Pioneer and Historical Society moved the cabin here in 1879. Toronto Historical Board 1978

this was done for Kim Klassen's Beyond Beyond ,,,, she asked us to pick some of our favourite cups and share them in the group,,,,, the 2 cups at the top are special to me,,,,,they were given to our family by a special couple soon after we immigrated to Canada,,,, I also treasure the other 2 which belonged to my husband's family,,,,, wishing everyone a good day and thanks for your visits….. thanks to Kim for one of her textures,,,,

Excerpt from torontobiennial.org/work/denyse-thomasos-at-small-arms-in...:

 

Denyse Thomasos is best known for her large-scale, semi-abstract paintings. Her work often references architecture and structural elements as a means of discussing themes as varied as slavery, mass incarceration, immigration, and urban life. Many of the colours and motifs in her pieces are inspired by non-Western societies, specifically those in West Africa, India, and China—the three main cultural influences in her native Trinidad.

 

Denyse immigrated to Canada as a child in the early 1970s, settling with her family in Toronto. As a Black person in a largely white education system, she struggled with feelings of isolation and a lack of accessible information about her history and culture.

 

The architecture of the transatlantic slave trade looms large in her work. In a 2012 interview shortly before her passing, she expressed: “I was struck by the premeditated, efficient, dispassionate records of human beings as cargo and also by the deplorable conditions of the slave ships—so many Africans stacked and piled into the tiny, airless holds. In my artworks, I used lines in deep space to recreate these claustrophobic conditions, leaving no room to breathe. To capture the feeling of confinement, I created … paintings of the structures that were used to contain slaves—and left such catastrophic effects on the Black psyche: the slave ship, the prison, and the burial site. These became archetypal for me. I began to reconstruct and recycle their forms in all of my works.”

 

The Toronto Biennial presents three large-scale charcoal drawings from the artist’s student days showing the emergence of motifs that would play a significant role throughout her career. They demonstrate tangible links to the foundational concepts that she would later expand upon with her paintings.

One of three 787's operated by Westjet. Two are now employed on the Gatwick routes daily.

This is the only named 787.

 

Clive Beddoe (born May 26, 1946) is a founding shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of WestJet.

 

Beddoe was born in Dorking, England,[1] grew up in Leatherhead, England and immigrated to Canada in 1970.

 

As a pilot himself, it was his interest in aircraft that helped form WestJet. Clive first started flying gliders at Epsom College in England during his teenage years. While talking to a friend one day, he decided to move to Canada on a whim to start a job at a real estate development company, further on creating his own commercial development company called Hanover Management, a named based on Hanover Square, London a location where he once worked. He also owns Western Concord Manufacturing, a plastic manufacturing company based out of Delta, British Columbia.

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Collective Memory, by a Spanish and Italian team, is composed of bottle-lined walls. Visitors are encouraged to take and leave messages about their experiences immigrating to Canada, using the bottles as the means of exchange. The concept was inspired by the statistic that by 2031 nearly half of Canadians over 15 will be foreign born or born to foreign parents, and through public interaction it should tell a compelling, complex and dynamic narrative about what it’s like to land on new shores.

Source:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/toronto-public-878/

The Finnish Labour Temple was constructed in 1910.

The eclectic design consists of two hipped-roof sections joined by a central, gabled-roofed section. The symmetrical facade features a three-storey central polygonal tower, square end bays, regularly arranged windows, and stairs leading up to the porch-covered main entrance. The imposing size of the building speaks to the importance of the area as a centre of Finnish immigration, as it contains offices, meeting rooms, museums and features an original restaurant and large auditorium. It served as a hall for two Finnish organizations representing the active role Finnish Canadians played in the labour movement in Canada. Official recognition refers to the building on its footprint.

HERITAGE VALUE

Finnish Labour Temple was designated a National Historic Site of Canada because:

- it is an architecturally eclectic building built in 1909-10 to serve as a hall for two Finnish organizations

a socialist Local and a temperance society – this imposing labour temple speaks to an era of significant

Finnish immigration to Canada, and reflects the active role of many Finns in Canada’s labour movement

in the first half of the 20th century as well as their commitment to collective organization to improve the

lives of workers and their families;

- as a Finnish haali (hall), it played an important social and community role for Finnish immigrants,

making available a range of social services and mutual aid, housing newspaper offices, and operating a

reading room, library and the Hoito, a cooperative restaurant established in 1918; and,

- its spacious auditorium hosted a vibrant mix of theatrical productions, concerts, dances, sporting events

and festivals, thus contributing to the expression and later the preservation

of Finnish cultural traditions throughout Canada.

The Finnish Labour Temple reflects a period of significant Finnish immigration to Canada during the mid 1870s following the promise of work and unsettled land. Thunder Bay, Ontario became an increasingly popular settlement of Finnish Canadians, leading to the establishment of Finnish culture within the area and the rise of collective organizations. Constructed in 1909-1910, Finnish Labour Temple housed two large Finnish organizations - the Socialist Local and the New Temperance Society, both associated with socialist thought in Canada. The Finnish Labour Temple represents the active role Finnish-Canadians played in the labour movement in Canada and the community’s commitment to political and collective organization. It also acts as a venue for the preservation and celebration of the Finnish community’s unique culture and traditions, reflecting the multiculturalism of the area. Additionally, the Finnish Labour Temple houses the Hoito Restaurant, an internationally acclaimed restaurant established in 1918 which continues to serve traditional Finnish meals. Finnish Labour Temple is an important symbol and landmark to the Finnish community as well as an anchor of Thunder Bay’s Bay-Algoma Street area.

 

~ www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=18724 ~

 

Unfortunately, the Finnish Temple caught on fire on December 22, 2021. Extensive damage was caused to the upper levels of the building and roof collapsed along with the cupola.

  

Don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without explicit permission.

© All rights reserved

  

A February Sunday day trip into rural Saskatchewan, I grab a default cup of coffee at Tim Horton's before heading North where I'll catch the choice mid afternoon descending light. I hadn't overheard any interesting stories at the city coffee franchise, maybe the day would bring something entirely different. Patrons seemed rather non-chatty.

 

An hour later, a friendly Larry B. from Mendham, Saskatchewan greets me on main street while out walking his dogs and spunky cat. Little remains from those thriving days, I focus on Jeff's Farm Supply and a modern Credit Union. Some ice is melting on the street, the air is country fresh.

 

"This must have been the gathering spoon for coffee daily, it has a good vibe" I suggest.

 

"A few of us currently meet in that tiny post office facility, Jeff's Farm Supply closed the doors ten years ago." says Larry. "It was a beehive once. We just tore down the old building across from Jeff's last year."

 

"We're now down to 19 residents from 35. Curling rinks used to pull these communities together, connecting families, creating purpose. At one time we had multiple grain elevators, a general store, meeting places, town hall, a curling rink, churches, bakery, farm implements, and other amenities. It's difficult finding a doctor to remain in residence for the long haul, naturally they're attracted to the cities lights."

 

As I left I feel some sort of hidden attachment to this village, yet couldn't place a finger on the connection. Some digging back home, it all starts making sense. I discover my Grandfather farmed this area shortly after immigrating to Canada.

 

I offer to buy Larry a coffee, but our options are limited.

"I'll look you up when I'm in the city sometime, catch up on urban legends" he replies.

    

*Please view LARGE for best rural detail

**Textures courtesy of Brenda Starr

***Always___Thank You for your generous visits and comments

  

[Mendham is a village in Happyland Rural Municipality No. 231 in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan]

HAPPY VALLEY is an unincorporated settlement in the Western Communities area of Greater Victoria on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. HAPPY VALLEY, which is located south of Glen Lake and west of Triangular Hill, had its own post office from 1896 to 1922. Happy Valley, BC is not an official municipality - it is a part of the municipalities of Langford and Metchosin, BC. There is no mayor for this specific area. The settlement began c.1860 when blacks who came to BC from the United States settled there. One account of the name says it was their singing which inspired the name, another says it was one of them, Isaac Mull, who conferred it because of his happiness at becoming a free man under British rule.

 

- from 1908 "Lovell's Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada" - HAPPY VALLEY, a post hamlet on Vancouver Island, B.C., in a good farming and fruit growing section, 4 miles from Langford, a station on the Esquimalt and Nanaimo RR.. 8 miles north of Victoria.

 

(from - Wrigley's 1918 British Columbia Directory) - HAPPY VALLEY - a post office and mixed farming district, 12 miles from Victoria, on the Mechosin Road, in Esquimalt Provincial Electoral District, reached by stage from Victoria. Colwood on Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway is nearest railway point, and Luxton, distant 2 miles, the nearest telegraph office. The Canadian Northern Ry. from Victoria to the new railway ferry for Vancouver and the Mainland, is being laid through the valley. The valley is about 4 miles in length, at

each end are Anglican churches. Good schools, public halls, and stores variously situated. The population in 1918 was 200. Local resources: Sheep ranching, poultry and hog raising, fruit-growing, dairying, with Victoria the market. There are two saw mills, one steam, the other water power.

 

The HAPPY VALLEY Post Office opened - 1 August 1896; closed - 30 September 1922.

 

LINK to a list of all the Postmasters who served at the HAPPY VALLEY Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

- sent from - / HAPPY VALLEY / DE 11 / 09 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) is not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1896 - (RF D).

 

Message on postcard reads: Happy Valley, P.O. - Victoria, B.C. - Dear Rose (his sister) & Harry - Adela & I were at Gorden Head the last week end and are spending a few days at Xmas. Mother & Father are well & everything is alright. I will write a letter during the next week & this is only to wish you both a happy Xmas & all good luck for 1910. Love from Percy.

 

Percy Owen Gray

(b. 14 July 1884 in London, England - d. 19 April 1953 at age 68 in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada) - Burial - St. Mary's Churchyard, Metchosin, British Columbia, Canada - occupation - Chief Steward at the William Head Quarantine Station in Metchosin for many years - 1907 Immigration to Canada on the Empress of Ireland, landed at St. John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia, 20 December 1907. LINK to his death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/5b...

 

Quarantined: Life and Death at William Head Station, 1872–1959 LINK - www.theorca.ca/visitingpod/quarantined-life-and-death-at-...

 

His wife - Adela Kate (nee Skelton) Gray

(b. 2 February 1878 in Ettwall, England - d. 7 April 1973 at age 95 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) - Burial - 10 April 1973, St. Mary's Churchyard, Metchosin, British Columbia, Canada - they were married - 1 February 1911 in Victoria, B.C. - LINK to their marriage certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/f8... LINK to her newspaper obituary - www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-adela-kate-gray... LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/af...

 

- addressed to: (his sister and brother-in-law) Mr. & Mrs. H. Plymsell / 8 Netherton Road / St. Margarets, / Twickenham, / London, England

 

Rose Elizabeth (nee Gray) Plymsell

(b. 24 May 1879 in Pimlico, London, England - d. 21 August 1957 at age 78 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) - LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/45...

 

Rose Elizabeth (1884-1957) was the fifth child in the Gray family. She was considered quite a beauty and was the only one to remain in London when the rest of the family sailed to Canada. She had married Admiral Harry Plymsell. Years after we had left Victoria Rosie and Harry joined the others and made Victoria their home. There were no children of this union.

 

Her husband - Henry "Harry" George Plymsell

(b. 20 March 1864 in Middlesex, England - d. 12 September 1939 at age 75 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) - they were married in 1905 in England. LINK to his newspaper obituary - www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-obituary-for-he...

Postcard photo taken by: Fred William Conway / Nelson, B.C.

 

Fred William Conway

Birth - 7 Oct 1867 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, USA

Death - 7 Mar 1929 (aged 61) in Nelson, Central Kootenay Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

 

He immigrated to Canada in 1896 - in 1911 his occupation was listed as a "Steward" on the Steamer Nelson.

 

Kuskanook was a wooden, stern-wheel driven steamboat that operated on Kootenay Lake, in British Columbia from 1906 to 1931. After being taken out of service, Kuskanook was sold for use as a floating hotel, finally sinking in 1936. The vessel name is also seen spelled Kooskanook.

 

Kuskanook was built by James M. Bulger at Nelson, British Columbia in 1906 for the Canadian Pacific Railway. No sternwheeler had been built in Nelson since Moyie was launched in 1898. Kuskanook was one of a pair of nearly identical vessels ordered by CPR, the other being Okanagan, which was placed into service in 1907 on Okanagan Lake. Both Kuskanook and Okanagan were based on the design of an earlier vessel, the Arrow Lakes sternwheeler Rossland.

 

The vessel cost $104,145.37. The parts had been manufactured in eastern Canada and brought to Nelson to be assembled. The launch on May 5, 1906 was reportedly attended by 3,500 people.

 

According to one source, Kuskanook had 37 staterooms and was licensed to carry 450 passengers. Another, more detailed source, states that Kuskanook had four dining room tables, with total seating for 32 persons, with 39 staterooms, and a total passenger capacity of 400. By the mid-1920s Kuskanook could carry eight motor vehicles, mostly on the route between Nelson and the settlement of Kuskonook, just north of Kootenay Landing. Kuskanook had three decks, the freight and machinery deck, above which were the passenger deck and the texas deck. The wheelhouse was placed just forward of the funnel and stepped back from forward edge of the texas deck cabins. The passenger accommodations were the finest yet seen on the Canadian Pacific's sternwheelers. Kuskanook required a crew of twenty-eight, including seven officers.

 

Sarah Wisner writes on the bottom of this postcard: This boat is lovely - I was all over it - when I came here.

I'm am copying Mels info format!

  

Artist: Robert Dow Reid

Year: 1978

Collection: City of Kelowna Public Art Program

 

Artist:

Robert Dow Reid

Year:

1978

Collection:

City of Kelowna Public Art Program

+

-

 

The Work

This iconic fibreglass sculpture by well-known local sculptor, Robert Dow Reid has become a symbol for the city and is prominently featured in many tourism publications. Known locally as simply The Sails, the work is 12m high, and weighs approximately 1,820 kilograms.

 

The Artist

Robert Dow Reid was born in Scotland and has always drawn inspiration from the sea and aquatic life. His grandfather was a sea captain, and the artist travelled the seas on whaling vessels in the 1940s and 1950s. He met his wife, Isobel in 1956, and they immigrated to Canada in 1958. The artist and his family have lived in Kelowna since 1964.

 

Reid has created other large-scale sculptural installations in Vancouver, Surrey, Regina and Kasugai, Japan. Reid also works on a much smaller scale in rare and luxurious materials such as antique ivory, teak and honey onyx. His creations are in collections worldwide, including that of Queen Elizabeth II. The other work by Dow Reid in the City’s Public Art Collection is Rhapsody.

The Black Canadians (after Cooke) by Deanna Bowen still on the facade.

 

In this monumental new work, Deanna Bowen expands her family history into a broader examination of discrimination in North America over the centuries.

 

Rooted in a chronology that begins with the artist’s great-great-great grandfather and ends with the birth of her mother in 1943, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) also maps the United Kingdom’s abolition of slavery in 1833 and the trade’s colonial legacy.

 

The title references a Maclean’s magazine article written in 1911 by Britton B. Cooke, which presented his argument against Black immigration to Canada from the United States. Bowen’s forebears were such immigrants, and were fleeing deadly violence on Muscogee territory in today’s Oklahoma. The family’s journey was further complicated by discriminatory Canadian policies affecting Indigenous land rights and Black immigration.

 

This major work – among the largest the Gallery has ever installed – has been developed upon lines of research and archival documentation presented in Bowen’s critically acclaimed travelling exhibition Black Drones in the Hive (2020), organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; The God of Gods: A Canadian Play (2019), at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto; and The God of Gods: Berlin, Berlin (2020), presented at the Gropius Bau as part of the 11th Berlin Biennale.

 

In each of these exhibitions, Bowen created visual narratives drawn from publicly available archival sources to assess the different implications for European, Black, Indigenous and other racialized Canadians from the 19th to the mid-20th century. This era included Confederation, the South African War and two World Wars. It also comprised the founding of the National Gallery of Canada, in 1880, a formative moment during which a young country was striving to secure its place on the world stage, and sharing its vision through politics, arts and culture.

 

Exploring the complex history of colonialism, the trade of enslaved peoples, and Black migration through the lens of the artist’s own family’s experiences, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) restores generations of voices in a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring impact of prevailing cultural norms.

Wandering the back alleys of Vancouver's Mount Pleasant community checking out Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF) works.

 

This mural from the 2019 VMF titled "Taike-Sye’yə" by Keerat Kaur, Alicia Point (Musqueam, Stó:lō, Kwantlen) & Cyler Sparrow-Point (Musqueam) commemorates the Komagata Maru Episode of 1914.

 

The mural on the back side of the former Harry Stevens Federal Building (125 East 10th Avenue) depicts the Musqueam welcome given to the Komagata Maru passengers, combining Coast Salish, South Asian and surrealist art styles.

 

The piece was created by Musqueam artists Alicia Point & Cyler Sparrow-Point, and South Asian-Canadian artists Keerat Kaur, Sunroop Kaur and Sandeep Johal, with help from historian Naveen Girn.

 

The mural’s name Taike-Sye’yə uses the Punjabi word “Taike” — a Canada-specific word that roughly translates to “cousin” — and the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word “Sye’yə” which means “friend.”

 

"The word Taike is used because of the friendship created between these two Indians,” said Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow.

“We should celebrate (our) differences, and that’s what these artists have done. They have carried their history with them into the paintbrush.”

 

Mural artist Alicia Point worked on her half of the mural with her grandson Cyler, and said they were inspired by the two diverse cultures coming together.

 

Raj Singh Toor, a descendent of one of the Komagata Maru passengers, said he hopes the mural and removal of Harry Steven’s name from the building will help to educate the community.

 

“While it can’t right past wrongs, I hope it will help connect Canadians with their past to help build a more peaceful and tolerant tomorrow,” he said.

 

ABOUT THE EPISODE:

The Komagata Maru steamship arrived on Canada's West Coast on May 23, 1914, anchoring in Vancouver's Coal Harbour. Its arrival was a direct challenge to Canada's immigration rules at the time, which had grown increasingly strict and discriminatory.

 

The ship was immediately greeted by immigration officials who refused to let its 376 passengers disembark.

 

Twenty people determined to be returning residents were eventually permitted entry, but no one else stepped foot off the boat.

 

During the two months the Komagata Maru sat in the harbour, the ship became a spectacle, with near-daily newspaper reports of developments and crowds of hundreds gathering at the waterfront to gawk.

 

The Komagata Maru was formally ordered out on July 19. Four days later under the guns of the naval cruiser HMCS Rainbow, the ship was escorted out to sea and began the journey to Calcutta.

 

Upon its return to India it was met by British soldiers. Twenty passengers were killed in an ensuing riot, and others were jailed.

 

ABOUT THE BUILDING NAME & THE KOMAGATA MARU EPISODE:

The former Harry Stevens Federal Building at 125 10th Avenue will now be known only by its street address.

 

During an event to unveil the mural on 09 Aug 2019, federal representatives gathered to officially strip Harry Steven’s name from the building, citing the late Canadian politician’s involvement in the very tragedy now depicted on the side of the structure.

 

Media and guests heard how Stevens was instrumental in causing the tragedies that unfolded during the Komagata Maru episode, when a ship from India was blocked in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet for two months.

 

The ship carried about 375 passengers who hoped to immigrate to Canada, but Stevens worked with other officials to block its passengers from coming to shore, forcing them to endure long stretches without food or water.

 

During this time, historians say the Musqueam people helped the passengers to survive, paddling out in canoes to deliver food and supplies.

 

Still, the ship was eventually forced back to India by military officials where 19 of the passengers were shot to death upon arrival, and many others imprisoned.

 

Canadian Public Services Minister Carla Qualtrough said the Canadian “Continuous Passage Law” at the time prevented any immigration from distant places such as India.

 

“Members of the local Sikh community were unable to convince authorities to allow passengers to disembark,” she said.

 

“If it were not for the compassion of the local Coast Salish people who came to the ship by canoe, bringing food and water, this tragedy would have been even more horrific.”

 

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT APPOLOGY:

18 August 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has formally apologized in the House of Commons for the Komagata Maru incident in 1914, in which hundreds of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu passengers were denied entry to Canada and forced to return to an uncertain and ultimately violent fate in India.

 

Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, BQ Leader Rheal Fortin and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also rose to add their voices to the apology and to offer their own remarks.

 

"Canada does not bear alone the responsibility for every tragic mistake that occurred with the Komagata Maru and its passengers, but Canada's government was without question responsible for the laws that prevented these passengers from immigrating peacefully and securely, for that, and for every regrettable consequence that followed, we, are, sorry," Trudeau said.

In this monumental new work, Deanna Bowen expands her family history into a broader examination of discrimination in North America over the centuries.

 

Rooted in a chronology that begins with the artist’s great-great-great grandfather and ends with the birth of her mother in 1943, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) also maps the United Kingdom’s abolition of slavery in 1833 and the trade’s colonial legacy.

 

The title references a Maclean’s magazine article written in 1911 by Britton B. Cooke, which presented his argument against Black immigration to Canada from the United States. Bowen’s forebears were such immigrants, and were fleeing deadly violence on Muscogee territory in today’s Oklahoma. The family’s journey was further complicated by discriminatory Canadian policies affecting Indigenous land rights and Black immigration.

 

This major work – among the largest the Gallery has ever installed – has been developed upon lines of research and archival documentation presented in Bowen’s critically acclaimed travelling exhibition Black Drones in the Hive (2020), organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; The God of Gods: A Canadian Play (2019), at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto; and The God of Gods: Berlin, Berlin (2020), presented at the Gropius Bau as part of the 11th Berlin Biennale.

 

In each of these exhibitions, Bowen created visual narratives drawn from publicly available archival sources to assess the different implications for European, Black, Indigenous and other racialized Canadians from the 19th to the mid-20th century. This era included Confederation, the South African War and two World Wars. It also comprised the founding of the National Gallery of Canada, in 1880, a formative moment during which a young country was striving to secure its place on the world stage, and sharing its vision through politics, arts and culture.

 

Exploring the complex history of colonialism, the trade of enslaved peoples, and Black migration through the lens of the artist’s own family’s experiences, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) restores generations of voices in a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring impact of prevailing cultural norms.

Acolyte

 

The Prologue:

Julie had come alone. Having missed her ride with a friend to deal with some pressing servant related issues, she had taken her father’s roadster out and had driven the curving, often bumpy road into the city by herself. Parking it, she had made her way to where the festivities were already in full swing.

She now stood at upstairs entrance, allowing herself a minute to unwind from her driving to breathlessly take it all in. As she stood to one side, allowing the swarming mass of guests to pass uninhibited by her as they headed downstairs to the party chambers below, her eyes grew wide with the splendor below.

Julie still possessed some of the awkwardness of youth, and it showed by the way she carried herself. From her constantly gawking eyes, to her nervously moving hands, down to the high heels on her feet that occasionally still tripped her up as she walked. But despite all that, she still managed to present a total picture of elegance and grace, the result of years of etiquette being forced down her pretty throat.

Now, anyone down below who happened looked up at the entrance, would have given Julie a second look, and they did.

With that second look the following would have been taken in; long brown hair hung down in silken masses past her shoulders. The hair framed an oval face, with large, innocently wide, eyes, heavy with the mascara that always gave her face a perpetually surprised look. Resplendent in a long soft gown that seemed to pour down forever over her quite perky youthful figure, a purple satin sheet of flowing liquid, broken only by the black bolero jacket with its shimmering ornament. The hem of her gown almost covered the pointed toes of her coal black high heeled shoes.

A diamond necklace blazed in rippling fire hung from Julie’s throat, its brilliance matched by the long diamond earrings that peeked in and out as they swayed vibrantly, like a twin beacons. A sparkling diamond brooch with swinging sapphire’s that matched the colour of Julies eyes , had been placed high on one side of her black satin bolero styled jacket. She wore no gloves, and her bare fingers were home to a rather lively assortment of gem encrusted rings.

Soon two ladies also broke away from the crowd and joined Julie in her observation, as they commented to one another about the scene below. They then asking Julie if she agreed, as if the strangers and she were old acquaintances, Julie gave them both the once over as she reluctantly agreed with them.

Both Ladies were red heads, although the younger one, with pretty hazel eyes, was more of a ginger ( like Julies maid), Julie finished giving both a swift appraisal before turning her attention back to the crowd, looking for an opening to make her escape. The ginger, a young miss stunning in a gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, apologized for the intrusion, then let out a small squeal, commenting on how adorable Julie’s jacket was, as she lifted it up, of Jules of Paris( Pariee is how she pronounced it), and your gown, it’s of the house of Yevonne, is it not, the young lady asked? No Julie said, starting to shake her head, which made her earrings sparkle even more erratically, as the other lady continued admiring Julie’s satin jacket, momentarily covering the bright brooch from view. At the same time the other lady, a bit older ,becomingly clad in a fine gown of red wine colured Taffeta, placed a hand on Julies other shoulder, asking the now disconcerted girl if she knew how late the orchestra was playing, Julie continued shaking her head, as she looked into the older lady’s deep green eyes, mesmerized as they just oozed kindness , No, sorry ma’am she answered obediently . The younger one finished her admiration of Julie’s s attire by patted Julie’s shoulder, well nice meeting you, and with a cheerful tootles, both women left, melting ahead into the crowd.

Julie watched them for a few seconds as the pair swished downstairs, straightening her jacket as she did. Suddenly all thoughts of the two ladies were pulled from her mind as she realized something was amiss. It took her but a second to realize the brooch her maid had pinned onto her jacket was now absent. Bother she said under her breath as she looked around her on the empty floor, it must have fallen off in the roadster! Under her breath she chastised both the roadster, and the road, remembering the way the vehicle had lurched to and fro on the bumpy roadway in her haste to reach the city. She must have words with that maid of hers for not fastening it properly, that brooch was simply too valuable for her to be so careless... Julie then puts the brooch out of her mind; she decides she will have the maid search the roadster for it in the morning.

And she makes her way out into the stream of guests and begins her descent, carefully as her high heeled feet negotiate the stairs…..

***

The Tale

Dazzling!

This was the word that best described the vision enclosed within the massive chamber that evening. Filled wall to wall with a seemingly endless swarm of guests, presenting an endless sea of colourfully be gowned, be gloved, and bejeweled ladies, escorted by a small army of tuxedoed and top hatted male chaperones. The crème del a crème of the huge cities finest citizens were there, displaying a good portion of what their all the hard cold pounds and guineas could buy.

The guests had entered via a large double stair case that led down into the sub street level chamber. On the east end was a mammoth stage, which stood about 4 feet above the dance floor, easily holding the 30 piece orchestra with room to spare. The music that was played was as diverse as the guests in attendance, appealing to every age group present.

Couples and singles milled about talking merrily, just a low murmur heard just below the music. A jazz number was being played and a number of the “young bright ones” were on the floor dancing earnestly with various random moves.

A stream of fresh guests had entered, making their way downstairs, gaining the attention of a few of those already in attendance. Jewels sparkled radiantly as many a satin gloved hand was raised in greeting, many a female head was turned to point out someone they could spread gossip about, and in the process exposing a multitude of jeweles in various sparkling colours.

One of those newcomers, a raven haired, black eyed woman with a dark features, possessing an almost feline like beauty, came onto the upstairs landing. She was probably aged in her mid-twenties, surprisingly alone and unescorted. She was waved to by no one, pointed out to by many. Looking around she suddenly spied something down below that made her smile, a wide Cheshire cat like grin that quickly spread across her wickedly pretty face. She scurried down the stairs, pushing, not gently, a young miss in in a purple satin gown and black jacket, who had been moving slowly ahead of her, wobbling in her high heels, the poor girl fell against the wall, clutching it for support with well ringed fingers.

The raven haired beauty parted several more pairs of guests as she made her way down, moving too slow for her, without a word of apology. At the middle landing, she shoved her way past a pair of ladies, moving slowly as they regarded the pretty scene being played out below in the well lite chamber. One was red head wearing a tailored wine coloured taffeta gown that made a swishing noise as the lady passed, and her companion, about the same age as the intruder, (a kid sister, or cousin of taffeta gown?) was dressed in gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, her long hair done up in a high bun, held by dangling rows of rhinestone ropes. She looked at the lady who was unexpectedly cutting between them, but said nothing; as the lady paid neither one no never mind. The raven haired lady continues down, and still never uttering a word or wearing even the slightest look of apology, trips up yet another lady, clad in a long pure white satin gown, with emerald bracelets dangling from her white gloved wrists, who actually had started to fall, and would have if the pair of red headed ladies in wine and emerald gowns had not caught and steadied her, and in the process an emerald bracelet is lost to sight.

The raven haired, dark beauty finally landed onto the chamber floor and began snaking through the crowd, licking her vibrant red lips as her eyes darted about searching for any distractions to avoid keeping her from her selected designation, (and prey)! Her long thin figure was sleekly covered by a lengthy body-hugging black satin sheath, her heavy mascara, and long flowing hair matching the dress. She wore opera length satin gloves, red as her lips. Her jewels were all white diamonds, earrings, necklaces bracelets, and a large brooch hanging from the low cut of her gowns neckline. She wore a number of fancy rings, one of which was a large diamond cocktail ring on her left hand, while her right, gripping a red satin clutch purse, was home to 3 smaller versions of the same ring. She slowed down suddenly, and opening the purse pulled out a long telescoping holder, and opening a gold (14k) case extracted a long white cigarette and inserted it.

She than bee lined and circled around, flanking a young miss wearing(limply) a long pretty satin dress of pink coral, white pearls hanging expensively down from her ears and neckline. She wore white wrist length satin gloves, with a diamond merrily glittering from a long slender finger on her left hand. She was talking to a rather handsome youth her own age, dapper in his tails and top hat, a precision trimmed Saxon style beard, and a face with solid Welsh features, and hazel coloured twinkling eyes. A long gold chain and fob held a solid gold engraved pocket watch to his chest (all 14 k) and he wore a ruby pin in his black ascot.

As she stole behind the back of the poor princess in coral, she gave her a venomous gaze, which quickly changed as she touched the young man on the shoulder, as he turned to her, the raven haired beauty, whose name was Lilith, eyes were now brimming with contrived admiration.

Hello darlings Lilith said, in a syrupy low voice, addressing them both, although she did not even glance at the girl. Both hoarsely said hello back, and the boy took the offered hand and kissed it, her large ring shinning, blindingly in his eyes. Would you be a dear then? She asked, waving the cigarette holder in front of his face. He obligingly lit it, and she let out a puff of smoke, aimed directly in the girls face, who started coughing Lilith smirked, panting her on the back, sorry dearie, mind if I borrow him for a bit, and she led the young gentleman away, before the pretty girl in coral and pearls could regain whatever composure she had left. Charles! Be a dear and buy me a drink please Lilith asked him, and he (with proper breeding of the titled) led her off without question, abandoning the young miss who watched them trot off with tears brimming in her blue eyes.

 

The drinks came, and Lilith sat her cigarette holder down next to them, dance with me Charles, and she took his arm and led him off to the dance floor, just as his fiancé in the coral gown and borrowed pearls had managed to catch up.

 

Charles held Lilith in his arms, as one might hold a cold blooded serpent. She moved close, appropriately hissing in his ear. Why are you wasting time with that silly Ginny creature, don’t you know her parents are about to lose all their money, and that Ginny’s only interest was in his title, and his parents fortune, silly bean. Charles looked warily at Lilith, than over at the forlorn Ginny, just standing there. He genuinely liked , maybe even loved, Ginny, even had given her a friendship ring, signifying his desire to become closer , But there were the rumors of her father being swindled of his fortune, and if his parents ever found out!. He looked back into his dance partners beady black eyes, they held a seductive fire which played immensely to his vanity. She was smiling winningly at him, she had made her selection, and although it would never show in her eyes, in the back of her devious mind, she was starting to think how the letter would go that his parents would anonymously be soon receiving concerning Ginny, the little pipsqueak, Lilith called her silently in her mind.

***

Meanwhile the pair of red haired ladies who had had the cheekiness to stop on the middle landing of the grand staircase, impeding Lilith’s progress, were now walking the perimeter of the mammoth chamber, meandering, taking in all of the sparkling and shininess of the surroundings, their eyes missing very little as they talked. The young, ginger haired one, pretty in her gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, seemed a little peeved about something, and her companion noticed that her grey eyes had turned a certain shade of green, always a sign of something amiss. She stopped her and asked her to please spill it out.

Oooh how I despise that witch, a seething Lydia said to her companion in the wine coloured taffeta gown, spitting out each word like a hissing cat, even Lydia’s back was arched a little like a feline. Her friend, whose longish flaming red hair was lying over her left shoulder, hanging down in a picturesque manner over her full bosom, was surprised at Lydia’s reaction. Who dear? Asked her friend, Angie. The lady in white satin Angie asked? No, spit out the usually collected Lydia, not her, she was really fuming. Angie continued, I was going to say, if it was, than taking her emerald bracelet should have been revenge enough, Angie stated, then continued. So just who are we talking about Lydia?

 

That one!, Lydia snarled, nodding her head, the witch in black who rushed through us on the stairs and went that way! Angie stopped, looking off in the direction Lydia had nodded. Oh her, she said, the one in black satin. Lydia just glared, and Angie knew she had gotten it right. She asked Lydia, does this witch have a name? Lilith! Lydia spat it out like a swear word, followed by a gushing tirade. She is a backstabbing creature who can charm any man into submission while making a girl cringe and wince with the merest of glances. She is a gold digger extraordinaire with two ex-grooms who couldn’t see her for her true colours until they had been gutted by her gilded claws!!

Really exclaimed Angie, her green eyes becoming brighter! Two of them? Yes, Lydia went on, both wealthy, both became available when their parents received anonymous poison letters about their then betrothed.

I’d give anything to knock her down a few pegs, Lydia continued through clenched teeth.

Angie mulled it over; realizing anything more she said would just add fuel to Lydia’s fire. She decided to let her simmer down on her own, and then perhaps they could get on to their business. She suggested a drink, and they moved off, passing a forlorn young lady in a limp coral coloured gown, wearing a nice display of pearls, who seemed to be staring off in the distance at something with tear filled eyes.

Skirting the dance floor, they soon attained the lounge and settled in……..

 

***************************************************

It had now been four years since Angie had taken the charmingly talented young Lydia under her wing.

She had encouraged her blossoming skills, abilities that Lydia herself had self-taught by playing games with her siblings, until she encountered a professional she could learn from. That professional had been Angie. Lydia now possessed the little dog eared ancient pamphlet that had been the secret to Angie’s success as a light fingered lady pickpocket, focusing mainly on the fine jewels worn out and about by rich girls and women in society.

 

(Please visit our albums section and peruse the various Angie Albums for more background stories on Angie and her “light fingers” the Eds.)

 

It had cost Angie a necklace to acquire the pamphlet, and it had been worth it. It had cost the younger, ginger haired Lydia her brooch and ring for a chance to do the same. Lydia caught on quickly, mastering certain moves in half the time it had taken Angie, and for which Angie gave her high praise.

 

But sadly it was now less frequently that they worked as a team, each after a time branching off on their own paths.

 

Lydia was a different creature than Angie in the respect that coming from a wealthy family she was supported, even though most of the family lands, money and titles would go to the heir, Lydia’s twin brother. For her lifting items from her wealthy friends and relations had started out as an edgy game. Now it had evolved into a challenging pastime, a trophy hunt of sorts where she collected jewels like her father collected animal relics. Some of her lesser trophies were passed onto Angie, who had the connections to dispose of them, turning them into ready pound notes.

 

Whereas Angie had been born to impoverished English parents who had immigrated to Canada. They made her, their only child, an orphan at age 6 upon their untimely deaths in an epidemic. At the crowded orphanage the nuns taught her a little about manners, how to act properly for a lady, and the rest she had learned on her own, what she needed to say to please them and avoid the “floggings” that they administered to those who refused to “fit” in. She fled the orphanage when she was 14 and forged her own, often lonely path in the years that followed. For her lifting a ladies valuables was a means of lively hood as much as it brought her thrills. And she had accomplished it all without Lydia’s advantages, which had been a pair of a willing accomplices, AKA a sister and brother, to practice on!

 

But the pair remained in constant touch and it had been at Lydia’s beckoning that Angie had met her in London a few days prior. From London they had travelled by rail to attend this once a year function, and to attend the various balls and other affairs that were the natural outgrowths of the Gala.

 

It had been an eventful journey, the train ride had proven to be even more profitable than usual for the two light fingered ladies.

 

Lydia had written Angie a letter (to Angie’s solicitor who she saw at least one a month) telling her about the upcoming gala, and how would she would like Angie to join her in for the hunt. Their plans were to attend the gala and its outgrowths, then spend a few months of the upcoming party season continuing Lydia’s education. They had met at the London station, and after checking their bags found themselves with a little time to kill before boarding. Now outside the station there was a sprawling green where several vendors had set up their wares, a haven for those possess a light fingered touch. The two ladies meandered, catching up on what had been happening in their lives since they last time they had been together.

 

Now as they walked the green, they also kept their eyes open, and it was the second time they had passed a group of small benches, across a path from where an organ grinder was performing with a pet monkey, which they stopped, giving some serious attention to something they had both glanced at the first time in passing.

 

There was a trio of young ladies by one of the benches. Later they learned the trio were three sisters awaiting for the arrival of their parents and older brother. All three wore eye catching outfits, the younger 2 siblings in silk dresses of canary yellow and butterscotch, the elder sister was in a long flowing black skirt with a glistening silver coloured ruffled satin blouse. The jewels the three were innocently wearing in public were also worth a second look. The youngest (12) wore a pretty selection of silver, the middle (14) wore gleaming pearls, their older sister and chaperone (19) was wearing gold bracelets, a fine collection of rings and (probably unwisely) an expensive sapphire brooch at her throat.

 

Now the first time they had passed the oldest was seated at a bench reading a magazine, while her siblings played on the lawn. They had stopped to watch the sisters, under the pretense of watching the crowd around the organ grinder and his monkey. They watched both groups with some interest, but were distracted when Lydia pointed out a pickpocket working the crowd across the way. Angie spotted him immediately, he was chatting to a pair of ladies wearing fashionable day gowns of shiny damask. It looked to be a wealthy mother and her younger sister. As the grey top hated gentleman thief engaged the mother in conversation, he was reaching around and gingerly lifting the silver watch of the younger sister, her attention being paid out to her two young nephews. They watched until he had pocketed the watch, his skill level about average for the type, before Lydia and Angie headed off for the far side of the green.

 

The second time around they saw that the oldest had fallen asleep, sitting on the bench and the younger two were sitting on the grass, watching the monkey from across the way. The grey top hated man who had relieved the lady of her watch, was now lurking on the scene, eyeing the two sisters sitting on the grass, their dresses splayed out, making the small glistening pools that had probably been what first caught his attention, before noticing their jewels, which were ripe for the picking now that their chaperone eyes were closed.

 

Lydia and Angie, without a word between them, moved in for the kill. Lydia went straight to the younger sisters, while Angie made a wide circle, cutting in front of the top hatted gentleman, who nodded to the pretty, clever faced, red head. Angie than seated herself on the far end of the bench, primarily to keep the grey top hated man and any other opportunist who may also have designs on the sound asleep older sister’s jewelry, at bay.

 

Lydia meanwhile had come up behind the younger pair of sisters, laying a hand on the older ones shoulder as she chirped a happy hello to them. Asking them if they would give some coins to the monkey for her, they got up and allowed Lydia to lead them across the path.

 

The girls called to the little monkey and handed him their coins, while they all laughed at the tricks he performed for them. The younger one was looking up at Lydia who handed her another coin; she scrunched down, and gave it to him, as they waited for him to perform again. Lydia placed her hand on thy older sister’s silken covered shoulder, than her fingers quickly slid up to the necklace of pearl, and with two fingers, flicked open the hook and eye clasp, and pulled away the pearls in one motion. She then moved back, leaving the younger siblings to play with the monkey and melted back into the crowd,

 

Watching all this, Angie made a noise after Lydia had vanished from sight, waking the sleeping lass, who immediately looked around for her wayward sisters. Spying the pretty red head sitting at the end of the bench, she smiled (girls always felt more at ease around other women), Angie smiled back, and looked towards the monkey, and the sister also looks, and spies her siblings. She calls out to them, and as they come back Angie sees with satisfaction that Lydia had been busy. The sister also notices something amiss; the middle one is missing her pearls.

 

They begin to look, with the concerned red head kindly offering her” a hand” in their search. After a fruitless 15 minutes spent searching through the crowd of huddled people watching the organ grinder and his monkey, the nice red headed lady gave her apologies’, saying she must leave to make her train. The pretty lady takes her leave, holding the girls hand as she earnestly expresses her hopes that the pearls are found. She holds out her arms, and is given a hug for helping by the grateful older sister. Angie places a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes, as her other hand reaches up and unhooks the sapphire brooch from the sisters satin blouse, palming it effortlessly.

 

As Angie disappears in the crowd the search goes on in earnest, It is not much after the red headed lady had swished her way through her crowd towards the train, that the older sister discovers she is wearing on less ring! As she in bewilderment places a hand to her silk covered chest, her fingers feel nothing, and start to feel around fruitlessly for her brooch, her sapphire brooch, its gone, not even so much as a tear on her satin blouse where it had been pinned by her maid that morning. The older sister feels a hand placed on her shoulder, she looks up into the smiling eyes of a dapper gentleman in a grey top hat, I something wrong my dear? He asks her, showing genuine concern in his smiling eyes.

 

As the gentleman in the grey top hat was giving his upmost attention to the young lady Angie had been “helping”, Angie entered the train, and walking to the end of the last passenger car, settled into the seat next to Lydia.

Lydia Turned towards Angie, and speaking in French, Commented:

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise !

Dear, Angie said in an almost motherly tone of voice, I really wish you would not go about quoting that Arsène Lupin wretch, as a pickpocket the man is a butcher.

Angelica, Lydia teasingly chided, you say that about all men with light fingers, like our gray hatted friend back there.

Honey, Angie smiled, most men like that are serpents, and Lupin is still a butcher.

Lydia watched Angie settle back in her seat with a secret smile. She did not know too much about Angie’s past, but there was something there about Monsieur Lupin, (whose exploits had been made into print, tickling her young girls fancy, as she poured over them), that seemed to get at Angie’s goat. A lot about Angie’s past life was a secret to Lydia, but she knew well enough when to let sleeping dogs lie..

Lydia than settled in as the train lurched forward, taking them safely away from the London park, along with the sister’s “trinkets “the pair had obtained.

 

A little later, it became Lydia’s turn to show her mettle.

 

An hour after leaving London Station, the train stopped at a fashionable suburb. Lydia watched with half opened eyes, the disembarking passengers, and the new arrivals now walking to and fro along the wooden platform. Suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she made a small noise. Angie looked up from her book with interest, immediately spotting it too.

 

A young couple was walking past their window. He was wearing a 3 piece suit, walking stick, a silver timepiece, and a small brown derby. It was his wife, though, upon which the ladies interest lay. She was sporting a slinking satin frock, pretty in itself as it lay along her voluptuous figure, but it was her necklace that stole the show, and as she walked it was noticed by more than a few of the people she passed. It was a buoyantly bright gold drop necklace that encircled her neck, with a large stone ruby in the center of the drop that lay along her bare throat. The necklace really vexed Lydia’s interest and she watched it, and the lady who wore it for as long as she could before finally losing sight and settling back in the seat with a long sigh.

 

Only a few short minutes later she her heart leapt in her throat. The couple had entered their car, probably heading for one of the private cars at the end of the train she reasoned, as her eyes took in every detail. But no, the couple stopped at the empty seat just before the one Angie and Fiona occupied.

 

Now Lydia and Angie had the end seats in the car, their back was to the cars wall, and directly across from them was a small storage room, , so the seating across the aisle started up about three rows, which meant that basically no one could see them unless they were walking past. Lydia continues to watch with interest as the couple settled in, the wife taking the window seat, in front of Lydia a. Angie just kept her nose buried in the book she was holding; this was all Lydia’s show. Lydia watched the lady as she sat back, her and her necklace reflected in the windows, The ladies shoulders were just above the seat, and after she had settled in, she made a show of doing up her long hair in a bun, giving Lydia ample time to study the valuable necklaces gold box clasp, and plan her way to it.

 

After listening to the few sharp words the lady gave her husband, Lydia decides this elegantly coiffured lady was somewhat a prima donna. Her husband tries to place his arm around her, but is chased off. They both finally fall off to sleep, and as the twilight outside takes over, Lydia sees her chance and seizes it. Lydia reaches over, and after licking her fingers, plays with the man’s ears. He groggily wakens, still aroused now that he thinks his wife is also now amorous, he reaches over and pets her affectionately. She wakens, angry and pushes the husband away. But Lydia is prepared, as the wife leans towards her husband, and away from the window, Lydia’s fingers have already flicked open the box clasp and whisked of the gold necklace from the opposite direction, towards the window, where she catches its reflection as slips over the back of the ladies seat and curls up in Lydia’s open palm.

 

Lydia and Angie now had private, “front” row seats for when the wife’s loss was discovered. It was always a performance that Angie never tired of watching when she could chance it. And Lydia? Sticking around and watching her victim’s reaction at being pickpocketed was one of the reasons she started lifting jewelry in the first place. Neither of them was disappointed on this occasion.

 

Now wide awake, the wife settled back down to read her book, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen while she was chastising her husband. As she did her fingers brushed her neck, she stopped reading, and carefully felt around her throat, before letting out a yelp that woke her husband, and several of the other passengers ahead of her. She cried out (in a heavy Italian accent) my jewels, La mia collana , è svanito, it is gone? In panic she rose and started to look around, her hand to her throat, giving everyone watching a nice display of her pretty figure in its shiny dress and of her remaining jewelry. Angie, Lydia, a Stewart and the couple two seats ahead got up and helped in the fruitless search. Her necklace had somehow mysteriously vanished.

After things finally settled down Angie and Lydia made friends with the husband, but his wife remained angry and distant….

The rest of the trip had been uneventful, mainly because Angie and Lydia had had their fill of their appealingly pretty little games for the time being.

*******************************************************************

Angie suddenly perked up, letting go of her thoughts. She looked over at Lydia who was nursing her drink, her eyes looking a little less peeved. Did you see her, she asked? Who? Answered Lydia, Lilith? No answered Angie patiently. Not the Girl in the coral gown and pretty pearls, that one looked miserable enough without our help, stated Lydia? No, not her, but Angie reflected, Her pearls were nice, I almost suggested a go at them, but glad we didn’t, your right she did seem sad enough as it is. No, I mean that one over there, and she threw her eyes over to the entrance of the lounge.

Oh, Lydia exclaimed, I see what you mean. In the corner just outside the enclosed lounge area stood a lady in teal velvet, carrying a purse, her silver satin gloved wrist and fingers, home to a rather nice set of blazing emeralds and diamonds, matching those around her throat and hanging from her ears. Lydia looked over the situation.

 

The new mark wearing the teal velvet, was idling looking around, obviously trying to spot someone. Lydia looked at Angie, her Hazel eyes turning green with anticipation. Who gets her, she asked sweetly. Angie nodded,( wanting something to take Lydia mind off …..) she is all yours princess ( a nickname that Angie sometimes used on Lydia, and about the only person in the world Lydia could tolerate calling her that).

And watch her movements, added Angie in an instructing tone, See how she jumps up to peer over the crowd? Try and use it to your advantage. Lydia smiled and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

 

Now Lydia’s forte was lifting necklaces, so that whenever it was Angie’s turn to be the spotter, she would always be on the lookout for Ladies wearing necklaces that would be within easy reach of Lydia’s talented fingers. Likewise Lydia, when spotting for Angie, kept an eye out for brooches. So, when Angie told Lydia the mark was hers, it was her emerald necklace that received close study first.

 

Lydia waited until the lady had her back to them, and she rose and carefully threaded herself through the maze of tables to the entrance of the lounge, her gown rustling against any object it touched. She came up on the lady in teal. Violet she cried out, as she raised one arm, wrapping around it around the girl’s back, while the other gripped the girl’s arm as Lydia drew the lady up against her figure in an embrace..

 

The girl tried to turn, squirming in Lydia s clasp, and as she did so, Lydia’s hand had already snaked up to the studied necklaces clasp, popping it open. I’m not Vio…. the startled girl tried to say, but as she turned around, Lydia exclaimed, you’re not Violet, oh I ‘m so sorry she said, asking for forgiveness sweetly,( undoing the clasp of the necklace and lifting up one end) I thought you were my cousin violet, Lydia apologized profusely, while her one hand squeezed the girls arm, finger bails digging in, as the other one holding the end of the necklace on her shoulder, moved down behind teal velvets back, slipping away the fiery necklace with it.. As Lydia balled up the necklace in her hand, she begged her leave, expressing regrets that she did not have time to chat with her new friend, have to find where Violet wandered off to she explained, squeezing the girl’s arm.

 

The mark was only too glad to accept the pretty stranger’s apology at not being able to stay and chat. The lady watched Lydia swish off into the swarming crowds. Her eyes slightly puzzled, before she remembered that she was also looking for someone, and went off, soon forgetting the entire incident ( and later, when the loss of her necklace was discovered, her brief encounter with Violet’s confused cousin was not even thought of)!

 

As Lydia sauntered off she stowed away the emerald necklace, and then meandered about the chamber, taking her turn to spot fresh victims, whose jewels were doomed to disappear under Angie’s talented fingers.

 

Meanwhile across the Ballroom another scene was being played out…..

********

Lilith was now holding court at the edge of the dance floor; her second straight dance had ended with the young gentleman she was leading to believe fascinated her. She was busy continuing chatting him up, expressing her utter delight at the wonderful dancer he was, when Ginny timidly approached. She drew near her erstwhile boyfriend, asking him for their dance, as she desperately tried to keep her lips from trembling. Lilith’s eyes lit up in false apology (Ginny could see that all too well), darling! Lilith exclaimed, could I borrow your young man for a bit more, he promised me a drink. She placed her arm around him, isn’t that right darling? The overly polite boy, choked up a bit, unsure of what to do, his breeding not letting him wanting to hurt either Ginny, or Lilith, despite what his true desires actually were, and that was to be alone with Ginny! Although the seeds of doubt that had been planted in his mind by Lilith were beginning to take root and he was starting to have worries about what if future with Ginny would become an actuality.

 

Ginny, Charles started, faltered, than tried again, Ginny, the band is going to play The Charleston, you know how you like to dance to it, why don’t you go and I’ll catch up with you soon, promise. Yes darling, Lilith chirped maternally at poor Ginny, It will be just a quick one darling, and taking Charles by the arm, led him off, leaving Ginny standing there, wilting away as the Lilith’s words and actions burned through to her very soul. The music stared, and she reluctantly, if not a little obediently, did as Charles wished. Three dances later, he still had not shown up as promised, and Ginny danced on, a burning hole opening ever wider in her heart.

**********

Meanwhile, as poor Ginny started dancing to her second of three solo dances, we visit another end of the chamber, where Lydia is found talking merrily with three girls around her own age that she had collected around her. She had lured them into her web by engaging the considerable charm, elegance and sophistication that had been bred into her by her parents pretty much since birth.

 

Three pretty maids all in a row, overloaded with a multitude of dripping jewels, and Lydia was waiting for Angie to make an appearance and lighten their load! A blond haired lady in shiny red satin, a brown haired maiden in bright blue, and a tow headed damsel in silky gold. As Lydia was chatting up the three girls, her eyes, discreetly and unobtrusively, take an account of their jewels, their placement and their value.

 

Amongst the jewels the lady in red is wearing the most valuable is a necklace of small diamonds and a ring around her right hand’s pinky that is a large diamond cluster that shimmers spectacularly as she plays with a locket of her lion’s mane like blond hair.

 

The pretty maiden in blue was displaying a nice collection of gold jewelry, braided chains with small flecks of silver woven in. But above her left breast, was her only jeweled piece, pinned with a simple c-clasp, a gold brooch with a center stone of blue topaz surrounded by dazzling ½ caret diamonds.

 

Then there was the damsel in the pretty gold coloured gown, woven of some type of exotic, overly expensive, material that just shimmered in the massive chandelier’s light. She was also wearing opera length gold satin gloves, from which were dangling a pair impressive jeweled bracelets, their stones a multitude of rainbow coloured gems. She also wore a long pair of dangling diamond earrings, held loosely by rather ancient hinge clasps. Although her many other jeweled pieces were pretty valuable, these two twin sets were by far the most valuable pieces that anyone in the group was wearing.

 

Lydia feasted on the show her three marks jewels were displaying as she won them all over, soon bringing them into fits of giggling and laughter as they started to talk about the things most groups of women by themselves talk about, men! Out of the corner of her eye Lydia spied Angie coming up and around to see what’s up. She circled past each of the girls, slowly, nonchalantly, attracting no notice from the others in Lydia’s little group.

 

As Angie passed behind the blond in red satin, Lydia adjusted one of her rings, like it was bothering her, the motion caught Angie’s eye. Then Angie passed behind the gold gowned miss, and her eyes darted to Lydia, who lifted up her hair, exposing her ears, than absentmindedly started playing with a bracelet. Then Angie went behind the little blue gowned miss, and saw Lydia suppressing a cough, patting her chest to stifle it, her fingers splayed just above her left breast. Nodding, as much to herself as Lydia, Angie melted back into the crowd, and made a wide circle before approaching Lydia’s side.

 

Angie touched Lydia on her shoulder and she swirled, delighted that her “new friend” had shown up. (for whatever the reason, it always makes the mark(s) more comfortable when a pair of newcomers are related or are friends, Gaston Monescu, page 15 paragraph 2), Lydia excitedly introduced Angie to her three new chums, explaining to them how Angie and her had met on the train and had bonded, and how nice Angie was, and how very interesting a life she had led, along with other bits of flummery.

 

Angie’s first formal introduction was to red satin, Jessica. Whom Angie took by the hand, then reached around and hugged her, receiving a warm embrace in return. After the embrace, Angie clasped Jessica’s right hand in both of hers, praising Jessica on her pretty gown. As Jessica looked down, lifting a portion of the gown’s skirt with her left hand to show it off better, all eyes looked down. As everyone’s attention was diverted for that fraction of a second, Angie released Jessica’s right hand, slipping off from Jessica’s satin clad pinky, the large diamond clustered ring. Angie discreetly passed off the ring to Lydia, who was standing close to one side.

 

Then Lydia introduced Angie to the elegantly gold gowned young lady, Abby. Angie raised one arm, wrapping it around Abby’s back, while the other gripped her wrist, flicking open the jeweled bracelet‘s safety chain, as she drew the gold gown wearing Abbey up against her figure. The girl tried to turn, squirming in Angie’s embraces. Angie’s hand patted the girl on the back as the girl halfheartedly did the same, feeling Angie’s face bury itself in her shoulder. Effectively blocking from view the hand the held her wrist, which was picking open the bracelets clasp. Angie pulled away, looking the young miss in the eyes, everyone else eyes were also on Angie, which is what she was aiming for. And as she told the sweet young thing that it was her pleasure, she patted the ladies wrist, squeezing open the bracelet, slipping it off and into the slightly open purse at her side. As she does, her other hand goes up to the lady in gold’s dangling earring,( all eyes follow this movement) admiring the earring openly, taking its clasp into consideration for possibly an attempt later if they meet somewhere outside after hours. One never knows.

 

The last one to be introduced was the pretty Miss wearing the blue gown, Meria. Lydia, laughingly teasing her about being last, led her by the elbow and pulled the Meria towards Angie, and while she was turning, Angie took a small step forward and made sure her left side would bump against her. As Angie drew her in for an embrace, her right hand right hand was on the brooch while Angie’s left was grasping Meria’s left shoulder. Performing a move so familiar and well-practiced it was almost second nature, her middle finger pushed the c clasp out of its hook releasing the brooch into Angie’s palm. Pulling her hand down, she deposited the brooch into her purse, as she enveloped the girl in a hug. Then she stepped back, and began chatting with all three, soon winning them over like Lydia had done, keeping them distracted from themselves and their missing fine trinkets. Angie told them a quick, funny story about a man she had met on the train recently, which soon had them all giggling.

 

Angie took her leave after about 5 minutes, making an excuse that she needed to freshen up, she again took each ladies hand in goodbye, including Lydia’s, whom Angie slipped off a ring from her finger, so if things got sticky, she would be one of the victims also.

 

Lydia stayed behind to keep the three darling ladies occupied. She noticed one by one the missing jewels of each girl. The three shimmering silken lambs had been most professionally sheared, the most expensive of their jewels disappearing in such a manner that requires a ladies touch, no mere male, not even the talented Arsène Lupin, could have done better in the same scenario. As she looked them over, Lydia mused that with the mass quantities of jewelry each of the three were wearing, it would be some time before any of them realized some were missing.

 

********

 

Meanwhile across the ballroom, as Angie had been introduced to her last of the three ladies and their jewels that Lydia had lined up; another scene had started being played out…..

 

Lilith had just finished her second drink with Charles, while the third song of a five song set had just started, fast and one meant for singles (favored mainly by the ladies, one of who was the wretched Ginny). Lilith looked at Charles, and suggested he should join the gentlemen up in the smoke room (she had seen him watching them mass exodus of gentlemen heading that way when the current set of songs had started). Charles hesitated, I should really see about Ginny, he cautiously stated, not sure of Lilith’s reaction. Lilith smiled, licking her re lips, don’t you worry yourself over the poor dear, I will go and keep her company until you return, she promised happily.

 

Defeated, Charles wearily accepts her suggestion, and Lilith watches him depart, then smugly looks in the direction of the dance floor, and exultantly plucking the fag from the gold holder, squashes it down quite hard in an ash container. She snaps closed the telescoping holder, and with a positively wicked grin, leaves her seat with a pounce and heads onto the dance floor, her hips swinging her black satin gown with a fluid motion, not unlike like a black cat making a move against a frightened mouse, or perhaps a snake slithering towards its victim.

 

It is a known fact that in the wild herding animals will avoid any member who is ill or dying. This may explain that, with Ginny’s 3rd dance of the 5 song set, she was still alone. It was like her wretchedness was felt by others and so kept their distance, leaving poor Ginny alone in her own empty circle, dancing at a far end of the chamber. This is also why she was not hard to spot by one who was now specifically seeking her out.

 

Ginny jumped as a hand grasped, not softly, her shoulder, and a voice said her name, with an evil hiss into her ear…

 

Ginny turned to face Lilith, whose look of utter hatred made that she gave the poor girl, made Ginny cringe as she backed away, dancing was now the last thing on the poor girls mind.

 

Darling, Lilith said spitting out the word as she looked around to make sure no one else was listening in, I have some very bad news….

 

Lilith launched into a tirade filled litany of reasons of why “Her” dear Charles would simply never be able to have anything more to do with her. Starting with her jewelry( really dear, you had to borrow them?) jumping to her moneyless parents( penniless in-laws, really darling it just isn’t done ), her now lowered position in society, (not to worry though , after she(Lilith) and Charles were marred she would find Ginny a maids position somewhere). And finally, that Charles was leaving because he was angry with the jealous way the sniveling Ginny had been acting.

 

With each sentence that was thrown in poor Ginny’s face she stepped back, the hateful words (some of which she knew had truth in them) slicing like a knife into the already tormented girls soul.

 

Finally she could take it no longer, and openly weeping she turned and tried to flee, looking fruitlessly around for Charles, but Lilith was quick, and grasped the poor girl before she could make good her escape..

 

Oh, you poor darling, I haven’t hurt your feelings have I spat Lilith in mocking tones, her , and she drew Ginny to her in a tight embrace, feeling the girl squirming in her arms, much like a mouse would squirm under a cat’s clawed paw, or perhaps wrapped in a serpents coils( both scenarios fit Lilith). Lilith finally released the poor thing, who fled recklessly away.

 

Lilith stayed and watched Ginny bolt, an indulgent smile creeping upon her face. She started to move in rhythm with the music, extremely pleased with herself, her sleek, slinky black gown and gloves flowing down along her devastatingly pretty figure making her appear like some slithering serpent rising up from the bowels of some glittering hell….

It was no more than 2 minutes later that a hand was placed from behind on Lilith’s shoulder.

********

As Charles headed off to relish his cigar, and Lilith headed off to relish tormenting Ginny; Lydia was continuing to entertain the three young ladies, while biding her time until the next conquest of the evening.

 

Suddenly Angie appeared from the crowd, again behind the three unsuspecting girls still under Lydia’s spell. Angie gave her a subtle signal, indicating that she has spotted fresh prey in dire need of being shed of her jewels, and needed Lydia’s help with the shearing. Lydia encourages the three ladies to meet her a little later, she sees a gentlemen (winking) whom she had promised a dance. They let their friend go, thinking she should wait for a slow dance, the music being played now was no way to dance close and personal, but they unknowingly were quite wrong.

 

After leaving the 3 young ladies, Lydia soon reached Angie’s side by the edge of the dance floor. Angie turned and nodded her head indicated one side of the floor, is that Lilith? She asked Lydia’s eyes followed Angie’s nod, soon eyeing the solitary lady in black standing at one end talking with the girl in coral and pearls.

  

Yes it is she answered, why? Attend, said Angie, and Lydia listened as Angie laid out her plans before her, as Lydia watched her witch, and the diamonds she wore that flickered around her black encased figure like so many evil tongued serpents. Suddenly she saw the girl in coral whose pearls the ladies had admired earlier, suddenly turn and flee, crying. Still up to your dirty tricks, are you Lilith!, Lydia thought spitefully.

Ready, the pair of scheming red heads than made their move.

*********

Lilith turned to see whose hand it was, half expecting to see Ginny, she checked herself quite nicely when turning, when she saw Lydia’s beaming face.

The two ladies dance in step for a few seconds, than Lilith gushes, why Lydia dearest, I hadn’t noticed you were here. Perfectly lovely darling, then Lilith added, but who brought you this evening? She asked, appearing very casual.

 

Lydia stayed silent on the subject; she wouldn’t give Lilith the satisfaction of knowing that she had not found anyone since Lilith had stolen Lord St. Claire, her longtime Beau, from under her nose.

 

Instead, Lydia praised Lilith, her lovely figure and gown, false praise, and Lilith knew it. They both continue dancing, almost sparing like a pair of fencers, with sharp eyes, and tongues rather the swords.

 

***********

Having been pre-warned by Lydia that the situation would become volatile very fast, Angie had come up behind Lilith very quickly, and started to dance behind her, coming ever closer, unnoticed by Lilith whose guard was totally centered on Lydia.

 

Angie saw her chance and tripped on Lilith’s Gown, sending her into Lydia’s waiting arms. Angie’s hands at the same moment had flew up to clasp of Lilith’s diamond necklace, unsnapping it, and sending the necklace falling into Lydia’s hands as she pushed away Lilith, who was in the process of turning and rounding on the person who dared ruin her expensive gown. As she spat at Angie, reprimanding her for her careless ness, Lydia moved in between, flicking the clasp of Lilith’s diamond broach in the process. Pushing the pair apart, Lydia apologies, as her right hand neatly slipped of the opened broach from Lilith’s satin gown, saying it was her fault for dancing so close to Lilith that she had backed poor Lilith into the lady.

Lydia took Angie’s hand, apologizing, slipping her the necklace and broach into Angie’s half open purse in the process. And with that, Angie turned and went on her way, never looking back, Hearing Lilith saying something to Lydia about the clumsy bitch, as she left.

 

************

 

Later that evening found Angie walking through the lounge of an upscale hotel, having joined in with the spillover from the fancy dress ball that had gathered there. She had stashed in her hotel room the shimmering collection of purloined jewels that Lydia and her had lifted while attending the Ball proper.

For the past half an hour she had been having an enjoyable conversation with the sparkling (both in personality, and attire) tow headed lady in silky gold that Lydia had introduced her to at the ball, and who still had not noticed she was shorn of a one of her bracelets from her gloved wrist,. Angie had come across the damsel sitting alone by the bar, her friend (The pretty maiden in blue who had been displaying the nice collection of gold jewelry- less one brooch) had left her to party on with a male friend of hers.

Angie had just left the pretty ladies side, also leaving her without the bother of placing her earrings and one of her twin bracelet in the hotel safe that evening. She as of yet failed noticed that now her dangling diamond earrings that had been loosely held by their ancient old fashioned clasps, had gone the same route as her Bracelet. Angie had slipped off the earrings while giving her a generous hug of greeting after watching and waiting for her to be alone.

 

*******************************

 

Lighting a cigarette Angie left through the lobby and headed into a late night pub. As she nursed her first scotch, neat over ice, a familiar figure approached and slid onto the empty stool next to her. Thought I’d find you here, chirped a much happier Lydia. Just wanted to pop to give you an update, She waited and made small talk until after the bartender had taken and served her drink (a whiskey Soda) then began to fill in Angie.

So what was her reaction when you pointed out her jewels were missing, Angie asked Lydia with great expectations of what had happened? Well when I pointed them out, instead of thinking you (Angie) had been the culprit, Lilith assumed they had been taken by” Ginny” (the sad one wearing the coral gown and pearls) when Lilith had been hugging her. That little toad, Lilith had spat out to Lydia, and turned to hunt Ginny down.

Poor dear, said Angie, felling a small pang of sorrow for the little Ginny creature. No, answered Lydia, not really, and she continued…

Lydia had followed, realizing that Lilith was out of control, worried that someone innocent may be hurt.

And she was correct, because Lilith approached Ginny and lit into her something fearsome.

Lilith literally grabbed Ginny and started shaking her, demanding that she give them back. The girl was petrified, and Lilith started calling her some pretty nasty names.

A crowd started gathering.

Then all of a sudden this bloke wearing a gold pocket watch, cuts through the crowd and rescues the poor girl from Lilith’s clutches. Like a white knight Angie commented. Well he was in black tails, and boy was he angry with Lilith, he held the girl in coral tight as he looked at Lilith lividly, his face the reddest I have ever seen on an angry young man.

Lilith finally, collected herself, and I saw all fire drain from her face, and she turned around and stormed out of the chamber. I don’ know, nor care what became of her, stated Lydia.

 

Feel better now, princess? Angie asked Lydia.

 

Lydia smiled perking up, actually for the small bit of solace it may have been worth, it had made her feel better now that she had thought about it.

 

She smiled at Angie, producing a necklace of pearls, it seemed easier to do when she was so happy, Lydia confessed. So you do feel better Princess, Angie stated happily.

 

Lydia smiled, and the pair finished their drinks in thoughtful silence.

 

Lydia was the first to leave, smiling she bade Angie a good night, and began walking away.

Lydia had only gone a few feet, when she turned, and looked at Angie who had been watching her.

Lydia, a sly smile brightening her face and eyes, happily quoted “Assistez à un oeil de demoiselles dans vos s , chatouiller les dames de fantaisie avec une main”

Angie finished Lupin’s quote quote with a faraway look in her eyes

“tout en soulevant ses bijoux avec l'autre”

Till the morrow, Princess, Angie said in parting.

Till Tomorrow answers Lydia, turning with a skip, her gown flowing out behind her as she, now in very good humor, leaves into the smoke swirled darkness of the city to walk the few blocks to her hotel.

*****

The Epilogue:

Late afternoon of the next day, after attending an early afternoon Garden Soiree, Lydia and Angie are strolling through a park, both still dressed in their party dresses, both still wearing their fancy day jewels, (worn so they would fit in with the well to do female attendees), and both with secret pockets holding jewels lifted from some of said female attendees.

Lydia looks back at Angie, Lifting that silver dragon brooch with the ruby eyes and diamond scales was a nice move on your part Angie, she praises.

It was a lot easier with your help Lydia, Angie responded.

Lydia turned her head back onto the path, her pony tail whipping around, the pearls she had woven into it shining a bright white.

Angie said to Lydia’s back, that girl in the crème satin dress, you know I was going to go for her gold braided necklace, then you came out of nowhere and beat me to it.

Lydia just smiled satisfied to herself, I know she responded,, I wanted it to be my coup, she did not turn back to look at Angie’s reaction., but continued.. you laid down the gauntlet ,(or in this case satin glove) Angie when, as you commented on how pretty the necklace looked as it slithered along the front of her crème satin dress, you said it would take extremely deft fingers to slip it off her throat. Although I though her sisters pearls were a better score.

Angie, still walking behind her now had a secret smile on her face, and her eyes had glazed over as if her mind was drifting a million miles away from that quite park in the English countryside where the pair were now walking.

The two pretty red heads continue to walk on a bit, both in the silence of their thoughts.

Angie, Lydia asks, plopping down on a bench.

Yes dear, Angie says, her train of thought broken.

Lydia pulled out a long her gold braided necklace and was admiring it. The lady in the Crème satin dress who wore this lovely thing,; her sister, the one wearing the emerald silk gown and the pearls I fancied, you said she reminded you of a story you promised would tell me sometime? Could you tell me it now?

Angie smiled, Princess, you certainly are an inquisitive one! Let me think a minute…

Angie settled down next to her, and after mulling it over a bit, finally began…

It was during my first time in Monte Carlo, I had left the states soon after I had scored a major haul, and decided to ply my trade in new waters. It was during the fall of…

Lydia interjected, It was because of your haul at that politicians daughter’s wedding, (see album Angie being receptive)

Yes princess, that and a few other functions helped fund that trip. Angie confirmed, then went on…

I had met this pretty young like in an emerald silk gown, positively dripping in gold jewellery with rubies and emeralds…

Lydia cut in again, please start at the beginning; we have the rest of the day all to ourselves.

Angie smile, very well, I will start at the beginning: …….

 

( We will post in the album’ Angie “holidays” in Monte Carlo’ the rest of the tale stated in the epilogue. Once the story we recently unearthed in previously unknown chronicles of Angie’s life have been modified …The eds)

  

The lifting away a young lady’s jewelry is as a feather taken

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise

 

Editor’s Notes:

Our Thanks to Mr. J. Gardner for pointing out the existence of Mr. Monescu’s 1826 guide

If you enjoyed our little story, please like and leave a comment.

And if you wish, describe what intrigued you the most about it…

Thank You

 

And last, but not least,

Kudos to the Light Fingered Lady who planted the seed of the flower that became Lydia

 

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

 

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

 

Henderson House: The two story white framed clapboard home of Reverend Thomas Philip Henderson (b. Scotland, 1816 – d. 1887), served as his combined residence and religious library as well as the business office of Canada's first telephone company. In 1969 the house was carefully raised onto a flatbed mover and relocated from Brantford's downtown area (at 30, formerly 46 Sheridan Street, approximately three city blocks from the Bell Telephone Memorial), to the Homestead site where it was renovated to serve as a telephone company museum. The house had been donated in October 1968 by its then-owner, William C. Burles (born in Bath, England, 1885, eighteen years after Alexander Graham taught there at its Somersetshire College), and it is now known at the Homestead as the Henderson Home.

 

The house, likely built in 1843, had been Burles' family home for some 44 years. At the time of its donation he was living there as a widower along with his daughter, his wife having died the previous December. The four bedroom structure had previously been the home and office of Reverend Thomas Henderson (1817-1887), the close friend, advisor and associate of Melville Bell and his son Alexander Graham. Henderson had persuaded Melville and his family to immigrate to Canada in 1870 to prevent the death of his last son Alexander Graham, who was being consumed by disease. Melville Bell appointed Henderson as his phone company's general agent "for the Dominion of Canada" after Melville received 75% of the phone's Canadian patent rights from his son in 1877.

 

Henderson faithfully served Melville's company from 1877 until 1880, when he became an employee of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada (later Bell Canada) at their Montreal headquarters. Henderson served Bell in Montreal until his death in 1888. Henderson also supervised the telephone manufacturing being conducted at the Brantford telephone factory run be Bell's friend James Cowherd, son of the Brantford's hardware store owner Thomas C. Cowherd who had supplied the Alexander Graham with almost all of the stovepipe wire available, used for his Bell's first telephone line.

 

After the Henderson Home was transferred to its new Homestead location in 1969 it was then renovated and converted to a telephone museum, with exhibits of early telephone and switchboard technology stretching back to the 1880s. The museum's exhibits were developed in cooperation with Bell Canada, the Canadian successor to the phone company established by Melville with Reverend Henderson's assistance, after Alexander Graham gave his father 75% of the Canadian patent rights to the invention. The exhibits included a model of the nation's first telephone factory, a three-story building established by some of Bell's friends in Brantford, Thomas Cowherd and his son James. Other artifacts included telephone components, an original 'telephone exchange' or switchboard, and early model telephones leading up to the Contempra telephone produced by Bell Canada's affiliate equipment manufacturer, Nortel. In 1973 Bell Canada also later offered an "extensive and valuable" collection of telephone and telecommunications equipment on permanent loan for display in the museum.

 

Renovations planned in the early 1970s time included the conversion of its ground floor into a telephone museum and its upper floor rooms into a residence for the Homestead's caretakers, who were then residing on the upper level of Melville House, thus allowing the complete restoration of those rooms to their original condition as part of the Melville House museum.

Built in 1872 at nos. 22, 24, & 26 Oxford Street.

 

"Built circa 1872, it is one of four municipally designated buildings in close proximity to each other, each with its own distinctive details, resulting in a pleasing streetscape of preserved buildings representative of Guelph's early residential development.

 

Designated by the City of Guelph under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, March 18, 199, By -Law No. 91-13769.

 

22-26 Oxford Street is one of four residences that housed the merchants, medical doctors, factory owners, civic leaders, a senator and notable artists of early Guelph.

 

Historically this residence was the home of Hugh Walker, a local grocer, fruit merchant and alderman who was born 1836 in Aberdeen, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada at the age of 19. Working as a clerk and subsequent partner of George Warren, a grocery merchant in Guelph, Mr. Walker by 1861 established his own business. At that time, no one in Guelph handled imported goods so Mr. Walker developed that avenue, expanding into a fruit trade business as well.

 

By 1906, he was concentrating on the wholesale partnership with his son, having disposed of the grocery aspect. He retired in 1913. His civic duties included membership in the St. Andrew's Society from 1857, becoming its president in 1878. At the time of his death, he had been the oldest living member of the Masonic Lodge and Odd Fellows in Guelph. Possessed of a fine singing voice, he acted as precentor/choirmaster for a number of Presbyterian churches over a 33 year period from 1855. He was keenly interested in civic administration, representing St. Andrew's Ward for 5 years as alderman and in 1901 was a candidate for the Guelph mayoralty.

 

The historic value of this property is magnified by its association with Matthew Bell (1820-1883), a local builder, architect and sculptor. Matthew Bell is recognized for a number of richly ornamented stone houses in Guelph including 40 Albert Street, 49 Albert Street, and 96-98 Water Street (a nationally recognized building for its distinctive series of eight carved stone heads adorning the north-east gable). The architectural details of these houses closely resemble those of 22-26 Oxford, and are the basis for the association.

 

In 1877, the trustees of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church purchased the Oxford Street home of Hugh Walker, their precentor, to be the residence of the Rev. James Cowie Smith. At this time it became known as "The Manse". It was sold in 1900 to Edmund P. Hawkins, general manager of the Bell Organ & Piano Company. Manufacturer John Mitchell and Dr. Thomas J. McNally, the Medical Officer of Health, were some of the subsequent owners.

 

This well proportioned two-storey limestone house is characteristic of Italianate architectural style with its rich carved stone ornamentation. The carved stone details are attributed to Matthew Bell, known for the fine sculptural decoration in his buildings. The central projecting entrance bay extending the full two storeys topped by a front facing gable typifies the Italianate style. The large moulded cornice brackets, carved segmented arched hood mouldings over the windows and the segmented transom all contribute to the architectural and aesthetic value of this property.

 

On the interior the twelve-foot ceilings display intact cove mouldings, an original fireplace and hard wood flooring in the principal rooms. Hand hewn beams were used in the construction and remain visible in the basement.

 

22-26 Oxford St. is in close proximity with three other municipally designated buildings, each with its own distinctive architectural details, resulting in a historically cohesive streetscape representing early Guelph residential development." - info from Historic Places.

 

"Guelph (/ˈɡwɛlf/ GWELF; 2021 Canadian Census population 143,740) is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as The Royal City, it is roughly 22 km (14 mi) east of Kitchener and 70 km (43 mi) west of Downtown Toronto, at the intersection of Highway 6, Highway 7 and Wellington County Road 124. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it.

 

Guelph began as a settlement in the 1820s, established by John Galt, who was in Upper Canada as the first superintendent of the Canada Company. He based the headquarters, and his home, in the community. The area—much of which became Wellington County—was part of the Halton Block, a Crown reserve for the Six Nations Iroquois. Galt is generally considered Guelph's founder.

 

For many years, Guelph ranked at or near the bottom of Canada's crime severity list. However, the 2017 index showed a 15% increase from 2016. It had one of the country's lowest unemployment rates throughout the Great Recession. In late 2018, the Guelph Eramosa and Puslinch entity had an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which decreased to 1.9% by January 2019, the lowest of all Canadian cities. (The national rate at the time was 5.8%.) Much of this was attributed to its numerous manufacturing facilities, including Linamar." - info from Wikipedia.

 

Late June to early July, 2024 I did my 4th major cycling tour. I cycled from Ottawa to London, Ontario on a convoluted route that passed by Niagara Falls. During this journey I cycled 1,876.26 km and took 21,413 photos. As with my other tours a major focus was old architecture.

 

Find me on Instagram.

Happy Canada day!

I am forever grateful for my parents decision to immigrate to Canada. I have a fantastic life.

 

Few week ago my sister came to Kelowna to visit me. We played at Bertram Beach.

 

500px :Facebook

Instagram

Follow me on Snapchat: lichon.j

website

 

Pacific Mall is an Asian shopping mall in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Opened in the mid-1990s amid a period of significant Chinese immigration to Canada, Pacific Mall is the largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America.

 

Coming 2021: B&W Night Photography.

Coming 2022: 80s&90s Television.

When I immigrated to Canada at the age of 17 I went through a culture shock. The most differences between the Canadian society and the Iraqi society are the lack of commitment, and how lightly love is treated here. I first came to realize that commitment is not highly valued here at my first summer job: people simply didn't care about the company, the products they were producing, their co-workers, or the owners—they only wanted their pay checks. I don't even want to start talking about love here, because I don't know where to start and where to end! I just want to make one comment about love:

 

Love is not only a feeling, if it was our Lord Jesus Christ wouldn't command us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Because when was the last time you felt love towards your enemy? So love is also a commitment: while a feeling is something you can't control, a commitment you certainly can. It is after you make the commitment to pray and do good to your enemies that the feeling of love may come.

 

I remember while I was new in Canada I watched on a Judge Judy show a woman suing her common-law husband who is 25 years old because he does not work or help her around the house because he only plays video games with his friends, while she takes care of their 2 children. I had to laugh when I heard that, as I was new to this concept of a 25 years old man who does nothing with his life but play video games! Then around that time I heard in the morning news that a man was wanted in a drive-by shooting related to gang wars, and they said he was 35 years old! I was very shocked to find out that a 35 years old man is still in a gang and he goes around shooting people! It took me few years to figure out what is going on to a high percentage of people here: people (both males and females, but it seems males have a higher percentage) seem to go through infancy, childhood, adolescence, but have such a hard time passing into adulthood. Let me give you an example:

 

Boys in Iraq when they grow up they are constantly reminded that one day they are going to be men. For example, when my brother-in-law (who is from Egypt) goes to do a business deal he takes my 6 years old nephew with him because he wants his son to see that life is not all playing and that it requires seriousness and responsibility. And we are also told to keep our word—that is if we say something we stick by it. Because Iraq is a cultural society a man's worth is valued by how he values his own words. Let's say a man promises his neighbour to help him fix his car in the evening. If evening comes and the man doesn't show up then he cannot be trusted, if he cannot be trusted then he is not dependable, which mean his services will not be required, and if you are not needed in the society then you are not important. This idea here is almost non-existing. At university for example students are constantly being formed into groups of about 5 people and have to work as a group to get a project done. It is almost always that one group member or more either doesn't show up to a meeting, or is late, or has not done his or her part. Many have no feelings of responsibility or commitment. Yet, those same students are expected to graduate in a year or so and become leaders of families and our society!

 

The problem lies in that most people live here by preference rather than convictions. Their thoughts pattern usually goes like this: I feel like it therefore I will do it, or I don't feel like it therefore I won't do it. People live by preferences when they are selfish and self centred. But living by convictions and commitments requires selflessness and sacrifice. And as Christians it is essential that we keep our words and promises. Because if we desire to be like our Lord then we have to be trustworthy, faithful, selfless, and committed like Him. It is essential that we live by convictions.

 

Imagine marriage run by feelings alone? Who feels like taking the garbage out? Who feels like changing diapers? Who feels like waking up 3 times a night to a crying child? Who feels like paying the mortgage? Who feels in love the same with their spouse after 30 years?

 

Another problem people face here is that at such a young age they engage in sexual immorality, and associate love with it, and experience rejection. If a person has had multiple sex partners by the time they are 20 years old, what value does marriage, love, or commitment have to them anymore? That's why it is so important that Christians raise their children on Biblical principles and enforce those principles.

 

I am not saying that in Iraq people don't break their promises, and people in Canada are not trustworthy, all I am saying is that the percentage of people who are untrustworthy, take love easily, and don't value commitment is much higher here. And I am not saying that if you promise something you have to always keep it. If you promise in your anger to commit a sin then don't do it. Or if you promise doesn't fit God's will then don't do it. And I am also not saying you should become like a machine living without feelings but by commands alone. The goal here is not to be become a perfectionist or ignore your humanity; the goal here is to be trustworthy, dependable, and not disappoint God and people as long as it depends on you. The idea here is to be a adult (responsible) man or woman.

 

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Few months ago I read in the February 2009 InTouch magazine a story of a Christian man's divorce that really touched me. I cried when I read it because the emotions he expressed were so true of a rejected, fooled, deceived, mistreated, and disesteemed person. The story reminded me of a movie that was based on a true story of a man committing adultery with his secretary, and then divorcing his completely unsuspecting wife to marry his mistress. The sad part of the story is that he only felt guilty for a while, while she had to live with the feelings of being rejected, unloved, unimportant, deceived, and had to deal with disappointment, shame and labels (because of society), and having no support in raising their sons for many years. On top of that, when holidays came her sons went to spend time with their dad while she stayed home alone. It is amazing how the actions of one person can harm another so greatly. Sometimes we think that the person who does the wrongdoings reaps the consequences for his or her actions immediately, but often times this is not the case and that the victim suffers for much longer. At least that's sometimes true here on earth, but in heaven everything is fair and no time is longer than an eternity in hell.

 

Sometimes people say that it takes two people to ruin a marriage. I don't believe in that: I think it needs only one person to ruin a marriage (of course, it can also take two people). You only need one hand to be missing for you not to be able to clap. Few years ago at work a woman discovered her husband was committing adultery with a co-worker who was 20 years his junior. The wife was very crushed. Then a co-worker told me that her sons say that she doesn't even cook at home. I answered her, "That's non-sense, if he was that hungry he should cook himself, order food, or take them out for dinner. How is food connected to adultery?" It seems that we humans love to blame the victim for the crime, but this doesn't please God.

 

I also know a very godly Iraqi man who loved a girl with all of his heart for 3 years. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her as long as it made her happy and it wasn't a sin. Then one day she told him that she couldn't marry him because he was a construction worker, and even though he made good money he was worth nothing because he doesn't have a degree. He was shocked when he heard her say that to him, because he wanted to marry her! After all those years, money spent and efforts from his part, and all that love, that's what she thought of him? Few months later he heard that she got married to a doctor. Six months later she sent him an e-mail apologizing, asking his forgiveness saying that she still loves him. He wrote her back with the supervision of his pastor and addressing her as "sister" saying that what happened has happened, and he prays for her and her husband, wishes them the best, and that he doesn't want her to contact him anymore because she is a married woman now. Since then I wondered: Why make a mess of your life? Why not value someone who you know in your heart that this person genuinely loves you? And we all know how difficult it is to find someone who loves you unconditionally and is committed to you. Why marry someone for the wrong reasons and regret it later? I want to say this to the ladies reading this:

 

There is nothing more attractive in a woman than knowing she is wise, and have a strong character. (That's why so many men find girls who wear glasses attractive!) It is a beautiful thing in a woman to have an independent character. And by independent I don't mean rebellious or that she doesn't respect other people's thoughts, but I mean to be dependent on God's Word and to know who she is in Him and what His will is and to live a godly life—that she is not easily persuaded to do things. I am saying this because in the Middle Eastern culture and even among many Christians, women seem to be so easily influenced by whatever a man says. When I get married, if it is God's will, I want my wife to have her own character, her own thoughts and to ask, "Is what my husband saying correct? Is it supported Biblically?" And if it is not then I would love for her to correct me. Just as I am supposed to be the man of the house, she is supposed to be my helper, and how can she helps me when she just duplicates my thoughts, and doesn't question my decisions?! Interestingly, the most independent in her thinking godly woman I know is also the best wife I know. The Bible says in Proverbs 31:

 

"{10} A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

{11} Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value."

 

[How can a husband have full confidence in his wife if he knows she is easily influenced?]

 

"{13} She selects…. {14} She bringing…. {15} She gets up…she provides…. {16} She considers… she plants…. {17} She sets about her work…. {18} She sees that her trading is profitable…. {19} She holds…. {20} She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…. {21} She has no fear…. {22} She makes…. {25} She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. {26} She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

 

[This is a woman has an independent mind and a strong character, works hard, and make profitable deals, she is confident and makes wise decisions, and her husband has confidence in her and is respected—that's a godly woman.]

 

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So for few months now I have decided to take a photo to illustrate the pain a man or a woman go through when the wife or the husband commit adultery. And yesterday at university with the help of few classmates I was able to take that photo. The photo is dedicated to William Ryder (whose story is posted below), and all wronged persons out there whose only crime is that they loved so purely that they didn't see evil coming.

 

I hope you like the photo and the writing :)

 

PS: The one thing I don't understand about adultery is how come it is not against the law! I mean, marriage is a contract and both parties agree on its terms and sign it, right? Then how come the breach of this contract is not against the law? I mean, if you do it in business you get sued and have to pay for it. So why is destroying a family, and the lives of the wife or husband, and the children is not punishable by law?

 

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This (unexpected) Life

Surviving the pain of labels and “good intentions”

by William Ryder

 

I will always remember that night with crystal clarity. We had just moved to a new city eleven days earlier to enable Amy, my wife of three years, to begin a Master’s program. Having graduated from seminary ten weeks prior, I was working a retail job while I searched for a church ministry position. Weary from a ten-hour workday framed by a one-hour commute, I slowly climbed the steps to our new apartment.

 

Inside, I sank gleefully into my favorite chair and turned my attention to Amy, who was sitting at the edge of the couch beside me. She nervously cleared her throat and said, “We need to talk.” I was not prepared for what came next. In what seemed like a single breath she said, “Well, I have not been very happy lately. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out why, and I think I’ve finally realized the truth. I don’t love you. I don’t have the feelings for you that I think a wife should have for her husband. I think marrying you was a mistake, and I don’t want to be married anymore.”

 

Wow. There was simply no response in my mind to what she had said. I was numb. I stood up and paced the floor as I desperately strove to work through this information. I understand that in most divorces, both parties usually see it coming; however, there is occasionally that hapless idiot who’s caught completely off guard. That was me, catching butterflies in left field while my wife decided she no longer loved me.

 

Almost immediately, Amy moved out of our apartment to stay with a friend. She would speak to me only through e-mails and, soon after, her attorney. I stayed there alone for several weeks, pleading with her to change her mind. However, two months after the initial bombshell, Amy had divorce papers drawn up, and I realized that our marriage was truly over. Knowing her decision was final, and because I had no job or friends in the new city, I agreed to leave town.

 

I remember walking through the apartment, trying to separate “my” things from “her” things. It was impossible—like reaching inside of a baked cake, trying to pull out the individual ingredients. No longer was there a unity of belongings, but rather a collection of two people’s possessions thrown together. Looking over all our stuff, I was no longer able to see any gray; everything was either black or white, hers or mine, staying or going.

 

As I made the last inspection after packing all of my things into a U-Haul, my attention paused at a framed wedding picture on the kitchen table. For a moment, I stopped breathing. Picking it up, I looked into the eyes of that beautiful bride, and I trembled. Returning the photograph to the table, I became painfully aware of the now-defunct piece of gold on my left hand. I slowly pulled the wedding band off my finger, gently kissed it, and sat it on the table beside the portrait. Then I turned, walked outside, and locked the door behind me. At that moment, in every way, I was a man with no home.

 

Weeks later, I suffered the tremendous indignity of piecing together the abhorrent truth behind Amy’s departure. Her “rational, adult decision” to leave our marriage was a sham; she’d actually been embroiled in an affair with another man for almost a year—one third of our marriage. This was the “friend” with whom she was staying while I pled for her to return. With this insight, my last hopes were destroyed, and I signed the divorce papers . . . two days before Thanksgiving.

 

This is my story. Tragic? Absolutely. Pitiful? Without a doubt. The real question, though, is, Why should you care about all of this? Why did I have to invite you into the darkest part of my private nightmares? The answer, sadly, is that if you do not have such a painful story yourself, you can be certain that you know someone who does. Roughly half of all marriages in America end in divorce; for born-again Christians, the percentage is, surprisingly, higher. Despite all of these “newly single” people populating American churches, the church in general has no idea how to react, relate, or respond to the needs of this heartbroken crowd.

 

I believe the first obstacle that must be conquered is a matter of identity. Let me explain: In the past few years, I have become painfully aware of how, when, and where the word “divorce” is used. It often appears in a checklist under the heading “Marital Status,” which gives people four options: single, married, widowed, or divorced. I’ve seen this in the most unexpected places, from a church visitor information card to an application for health insurance.

 

The issue is that people have grown accustomed to categorizing others according to certain “pegs” in their social life. The problem with this, however, is that there is no such thing as a “divorced person.” Divorce is an event, not a condition. My divorce was something that happened to me, a tragedy in my past. However, that misfortune should not characterize my whole life from now on.

 

The church can go a long way toward ministering to the expansive population of “new singles” by simply striking the word “divorced” from its vocabulary. Using the term as an adjective simply identifies an individual by a horrible event in his life. In this, saying, “Will is a divorced person” is tantamount to saying, “Frank is a pancreatic cancer person.” No one would be insensitive enough to say the latter, so why should it be acceptable to commonly say the former?

 

The most shocking and hurtful appearance of the “divorce check-box” that I have seen was actually church-related. I had taken myself out of the ministry search for almost a year while I worked through my divorce. Then, as I began to test the waters, I wrote to local denominational associations, asking for help in finding possible positions in their areas. One group mailed back a Personal Inventory Checklist to be stapled to my résumé. The checklist contained a brief list of yes/no questions that inquired about any involvement in child abuse, spousal abuse, and other indiscretions. There, wedged neatly between “Obscene/Harassment Phone Calls” and “Do you use illegal drugs?” was the question, “Have you been divorced?” It was then I realized that, in many people’s opinions, my new peer group consisted of wife beaters and child molesters. I completed the form, but obviously never heard from any church in that area.

 

Another problem is the “civilian’s” inability to understand what divorce does to a person. Unfortunately, many well-meaning people attempt to help their hurting friends by uttering the five most potentially destructive words imaginable: “Get on with your life.” This encouragement is built on the premise that their friend’s life is still there, but he has just removed himself from it. This is a mistake. Even though he may still be breathing, your friend’s life, for all intents and purposes, was terminated by his divorce.

 

Let me demonstrate this point from my own experience. For eight long, continuous years I worked hard in school, held a full-time job, took on various church leadership roles, got married, and began making long-term career and family plans. However, my wife’s actions effectively ended that life. In a real sense, my divorce murdered the man and the minister that I was becoming. I will simply never be that man again.

 

The miracle is that God has raised a new life from the ashes. I now have a new career and ministry that I adore. I honestly cannot imagine being happier doing anything else. Does this mean that my current life will always be second-string to what “might have been”? I don’t think so; however, I do know that this life came about only through time, patience, and the determined work of God. Do not be quick to urge the newly single person to “get on with his life”; he may actually be stuck between the old life and the new. Only the Holy Spirit and a hearty amount of patience will truly enable him to get on with his new life.

 

When my ordeal first began in August of 2000, I met with a trusted mentor—a minister who had been through a similar situation. He said something to me that I’ll never forget: “William, nothing I say can make this less painful. But I do know that if you get through a major crisis like divorce with your faith intact, you will understand some things about God that a lot of people never realize.” Now, looking back, I see that he was right. I have never been more aware of the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit than I have these past few years. I have never before known the complete joy and release of casting everything at the foot of the cross and coming to God with a broken heart and empty hands. Mostly, though, I never expected to actually like my new life, but God was more gracious than I ever imagined.

 

If you are standing where I have been, or if you love someone who is going through the whirlwind of divorce, do no expect any trite words of comfort and solace here. However, if you are a hurting individual who is crying out to God for the strength to endure, be encouraged by His response through the apostle Peter: “[Cast] all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you . . . And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:7, 10). Even if the present seems insurmountable, you can trust that the future is wide open for your success, love, and happiness. How do I know? Because God said so, and because He has done it for me.

 

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Source: InTouch Magazine, February 2009

 

(Toronto, ON; fall 2009.)

 

Registration Fee - a) To October 31, 1963 - 20 cents was the minimum fee providing up to $25 indemnity. b) From November 1, 1963 - 35 cents was the minimum fee providing up to $25 indemnity.

 

5 cents forward letter rate + 20 cents registration = 25 cents

 

CINEMA, British Columbia - a small settlement 28 km north of Quesnel in the north Cariboo, asked why he named this settlement CINEMA, Dr. Lloyd Champlain is reported to have replied, "Cinema means action. Cinema is pictures in motion, and that is what we are, action." On the other hand, according to a local history published by the Hixon Women's Institute, Dr. Champlain and his housekeeper hit on the name to commemorate a trip they made to Hollywood around 1920.

 

The CINEMA Post Office was established - 1 February 1924 and closed - 1 December 1964.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the CINEMA Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

Stuart Fraser served as Postmaster at CINEMA from - 1 June 1960 to - 23 August 1962 - he immigrated to Canada in 1953 working many jobs and eventually found himself in Cinema, B.C. where he met and later married Lilian. Stuart & Lilian bought and operated Cinema Service (gas station; general store; post office; coffee shop; cabins; and a movie theatre!). Lilian also taught the local kids (grades 1 to 8) in a one-room schoolhouse. LINK to his obituary - www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/timescolonist/name/stuart-fr...

 

- sent from - / CINEMA / MY 23 / 60 / B.C. / - cds cancel

 

- / 9127 / CINEMA / 23 V 1960 / B.C. / - MOON backstamp (x2) in black ink.

 

- sent by registered mail - / R / CINEMA, B.C. / No. (674) / - registered boxed marking in black ink

 

- via - / PRINCE GEORGE / 13 / 23 V / 60 / B.C. / - cds (C- type / small letters) transit backstamp

 

- arrived at - / HIXON, / MAY 25 1960 / B.C. / - MOTO arrival backstamp in black ink.

 

- sent by - Charles A. Clowry / Cinema PO / B.C. / Box 2 /

 

Charles "Charlie" Alfred Clowry

(b. 28 February 1903 in Aylesford, Kings County, Nova Scotia - d. Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, USA)

 

(13 December 1957) - LINK to a newspaper article - Pair Admit Conspiracy - www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-pair-admit-conspi...

 

HIXON is an unincorporated community at the northern edge of the Cariboo region of the Central Interior region of British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the east (left) bank of the Fraser River, and is about midway along BC Highway 97 between the cities of Prince George (N) and Quesnel (S). It was named for Hixon Creek, which in turn is named for a 19th-century prospector in the area, by the name of Joseph Foster Hixon, who found gold here on the banks of the Fraser River back around 1866.

 

The region was called Hixon Creek, after the 19th century prospector, Joseph Foster Hixon. He was the man who first discovered gold in the area. The region thrived as a boom town for a small time, but has since shrunk to a small isolated community. Later the name was shortened to simply HIXON.

 

The HIXON Post Office was established - 1 July 1923.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the HIXON Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

The HIXON General Store also housed the Post Office for a short time...Myrtle A. Lockyer was the Postmistress at Hixon from - 11 March 1959 until she retired - 8 October 1970.

 

Myrtle Alin "Peterson" Lockyer

Birth - 11 Oct 1905 in Alexandria, Minnesota, USA

Death - 25 Feb 1997 (aged 91) in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

 

In 1958 Earl and Joyce Thorp bought Joyce's parents share in the Hixon General Store becoming partners with Earls brother Harold Thorp. Earl and Harold operated the until 1972.

 

Link to - Earl H. Thorp Obituary - webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:t5VfasMBYbg...

 

Addressed to : Mr. H. Sthorpe (Thorp) / Hixon General Store / Hixon, B.C.

 

Harold Thorp bought Hixon's General Store and ran the store for 20 years selling everything from clothing to fresh meat. Five of those years, he ran it with his father-in-law and the next 15 years he ran it with his brother Earl. The store is still in operation today.

 

Link to an article - Harold Thorp played a large role in Hixon, British Columbia - www.pgfreepress.com/harold-thorp-played-large-role-in-hixon/

 

Harold Edward Thorp

(b. 1923 in Orange County, California, USA - d. 13 August 2021 at age 98 in British Columbia) - he was a World War II Veteran served in Burma (Myanmar) in the 436 Squadron. The 436 “Can Do Attitude” served him well for life. An avid volunteer in a number of diverse areas, he received the Governor General’s Medal for Community Service along with many other awards, medals and accolades. LINK to his obituary - www.theprogress.com/obituaries/harold-edward-thorp/

 

His first wife - June Carrie (nee Lockyer) Thorp

(b. 2 July 1928 in Prince George, British Columbia - d. 3 November 1984 at age 56 in Prince George, British Columbia / Hixon, British Columbia) - LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/b9...

 

His second wife - Moreen "Reen" (nee Hamar) Thorp

(b. 27 April 1929 – d. 3 July 2016 at age 87 in Chilliwack, British Columbia) - LINK to her obituary - playersguild.ca/in-memoriam-2/

This is a tribute to my dear and courageous friend Bobi Papmehl whom I only discovered today passed away in April of this year. Bobi you were special to me and so many, thank you for the time you gave me and so many others, you will be sorely missed!

 

(Part of her obituary)

 

PAPMEHL, Beata Halina (Bobbi)

March 1, 1919 - April 17, 2014

Passed away peacefully at Ottawa general Hospital on the morning of April 17, 2014 in her 96th year. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia. which she left in 1920 with her family as a result of Civil War. Following a brief time in Finland, she eventually settled in Warsaw, Poland. Daughter of Polish mother Zofia-Maria Modzelewska (1889-1944) and Russian father Vladimir Alexandrovich Papmehl (1865-1936). Bobbi was involved in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 and served as liaison between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Polish resistance Home Army. In 1948, she fled Soviet-controlled Poland to the British zone in Germany; she lived and worked in England from 1949 to 1957 when she immigrated to Canada. Here she worked as a communications analyst for the Department of National Defense from 1959 until her retirement in 1984. Bobbi was a woman of distinction and elegance even to her dying day, comfortable in several languages, always at the cutting edge of technology and a purveyor of fine electronic equipment, including the addition of an ipad2 last year and a smart phone in the last few months of her life. She kept up on world events, news and trends through a variety of media, but it is her warmth, sharp wit, charm, curiosity and love that will be sorely missed by many.

   

- ex Tracy Cooper...

 

- from 1908 "Lovell's Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada" - BAKER, a post office in Kootenay District, B.C., 3/4 of a mile from Fort Steele, a station on the C.P.R., between Fernie and Cranbrook.

 

(from - Wrigley's 1922 British Columbia directory) - BAKER - a post office and ranching settlement in Cranbrook Provincial Electoral District, midway between Rampart and Mayook, on the C. P. R. Crow's Nest branch. Has Kootenay lines telephone.

 

(from - Wrigley's 1932 British Columbia directory) - BAKER - a post office and ranching settlement 12 miles from Cranbrook, in Cranbrook Provincial Electoral District. 1 mile from Mayook on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The population in 1932 was 100. (Baker & Mayook combined).

 

The BAKER name was chosen in 1904 for the new Post Office. It was named after Colonel James Baker (father of Cranbrook, MLA, 1887), who owned the large ranch on which Cranbrook was later built. The Mayook Post Office (1) was established - 1 February 1904 - it became the BAKER Post Office - 1 May 1905 it was located just northwest (one mile) of the Mayook Post Office; the BAKER Post Office closed - 15 September 1937.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the MAYOOK (1) Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record... - the BAKER Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record... and the MAYOOK (2) Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Record...

 

- sent from - / TRAIL / JUN 7 / 09 / B.C. / - cds cancel (partial strike)

 

arrived at - / BAKER / JUN 8 / 09 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1905. The second split ring hammer (A1-2) was proofed - 2 June 1920 - (RF D).

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Message on postcard reads: Hello Tom, How is everything getting along on the ranch. We will send back your housekeepers on Friday, so you will have them on Saturday. Mother has enjoyed the trip very well. I suppose Neil has left you by this time. I will write in a day or so. I will send you the Trail Week News and let you hear all the news. Will now stop - with best love from all. (initialed by one of the Cameron family)

 

Addressed to: Mr. T. G. Cameron / Baker P.O. / B.C.

 

Thomas Gray Cameron

(b. 7 May 1881 in Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland, United Kingdom – d. 16 February 1967 at age 85 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada)

 

His brother mentioned in the message - Neil Cameron

(b. 12 December 1887 in Scotland, United Kingdom – d. 8 May 1968 at age 80 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

 

His mother - Elizabeth (nee Gray) Cameron

(b. 17 December 1849 in Erskine, Renfrewshire, Scotland, United Kingdom – d. 6 May 1932 at age 82 in British Columbia, Canada)

 

His father - Colin McInnes Cameron

(b. January 1850 in Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom – d. 4 December 1914 at age 64 in Mayook, East Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada) - they were married - 4 June 1872 in Erskine, Renfrewshire, Scotland, United Kingdom - the Cameron family immigrated to Canada c. 1901.

In this monumental new work, Deanna Bowen expands her family history into a broader examination of discrimination in North America over the centuries.

 

Rooted in a chronology that begins with the artist’s great-great-great grandfather and ends with the birth of her mother in 1943, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) also maps the United Kingdom’s abolition of slavery in 1833 and the trade’s colonial legacy.

 

The title references a Maclean’s magazine article written in 1911 by Britton B. Cooke, which presented his argument against Black immigration to Canada from the United States. Bowen’s forebears were such immigrants, and were fleeing deadly violence on Muscogee territory in today’s Oklahoma. The family’s journey was further complicated by discriminatory Canadian policies affecting Indigenous land rights and Black immigration.

 

This major work – among the largest the Gallery has ever installed – has been developed upon lines of research and archival documentation presented in Bowen’s critically acclaimed travelling exhibition Black Drones in the Hive (2020), organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; The God of Gods: A Canadian Play (2019), at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto; and The God of Gods: Berlin, Berlin (2020), presented at the Gropius Bau as part of the 11th Berlin Biennale.

 

In each of these exhibitions, Bowen created visual narratives drawn from publicly available archival sources to assess the different implications for European, Black, Indigenous and other racialized Canadians from the 19th to the mid-20th century. This era included Confederation, the South African War and two World Wars. It also comprised the founding of the National Gallery of Canada, in 1880, a formative moment during which a young country was striving to secure its place on the world stage, and sharing its vision through politics, arts and culture.

 

Exploring the complex history of colonialism, the trade of enslaved peoples, and Black migration through the lens of the artist’s own family’s experiences, The Black Canadians (after Cooke) restores generations of voices in a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring impact of prevailing cultural norms.

TELEGRAPH CREEK is a small community located off Highway 37 in northern British Columbia at the confluence of the Stikine River and Telegraph Creek. The only permanent settlement on the Stikine River, it is home to approximately 250 members of Tahltan First Nation and non-native residents. The town offers basic services, including Anglican and Catholic churches, a general store, a post office, a clinic with several nurses on-call around the clock, two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers, and a K-9 school. Steep river banks and rocky gorges form the terraced nature of the geography. In 1874, Nellie Cashman, nicknamed "the Angel of Cassiar", opened a boarding house for miners in Telegraph Creek during the Cassiar gold rush. The road between Dease Lake, BC and Telegraph Creek is beautiful but rough, with 113 km (70 mi) of gravel, steep gradients (up to 20%), narrow passages along canyon walls with no guardrails, and sharp-angled switchbacks.

 

The name came from - The Western Union Telegraph Company's projected line to connect the Old World and the New by way of Behring Strait, in 1866, crossed the Stikine River at this point.

 

LINK to Doug Gent's history page on TELEGRAPH CREEK - www.gent.name/bc:towns:telegraph_creek:start

 

TELEGRAPH CREEK Post Office was opened - 14 June 1899.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the TELEGRAPH CREEK Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

- manuscript writing on the front of the cover - see packet enclosed / inverted watermark - (they must have been stamp collectors).

 

The "Telegraph Creek & Wrangell MAIL SERVICE" operated as an International Mail Service during the 1930's, between Wrangell, Alaska located on Wrangell Island near the mouth of the Stikine River, and Telegraph Creek some 70 miles up the Stikine River. A river steamer, the Duchcsnay, operated from Telegraph Creek to Wrangell. She was named after the C. P. R. superintendent at Revelstoke.

 

The Stikine was a difficult river for steamer navigation at best, and with the rush of vessels trying to make frequent trips between Wrangell and Telegraph Creek, the most challenging parts of the run through the Stikine Canyon became crowded. This fascinating photograph by Henry Woodside shows the sternwheel steamers Strathcona of the Hudson's Bay Company, the Stikine Chief and the CPR's Duchesnay waiting their turns to proceed upstream through the canyon towards Glenora and Telegraph Creek. A traffic control system was developed to prevent steamers colliding in the confines of the canyons and narrow channels. LINK to photo - steamboats.com/jpgs/KlondikeSteamersX3SternsForNORI.jpg

 

WW-16 - Telegraph Creek & Wrangell / MAIL SERVICE (Ludlow W-159 / RF 310 / in use 1930 to 1946).

 

WW-16.01 - Hammer No. 1 - Proofed - 25 March 1930 / ERD - 28 August 1930 / LRD - 4 September 1942

- "r" above "S"ervice

 

WW-16.02 - Hammer No. 2 - Proofed - 11 June 1935 / ERD - 28 August 1937 (now the 17 May 1937 is the ERD) / LRD - 1946 (more difficult to find)

- "C" above "S"ervice

 

LINK to the article (page 691) - bnaps.org/hhl/newsletters/bcr/bcr-2011-09-v020n03-w079.pdf

 

- sent from - / Telegraph Creek & Wrangell / MAIL SERVICE / 1937 / MAY / 17 / (complete date inverted) - rpo cds cancel in black ink (30.5 mm) - Hammer No. 2 - Note - this is the ERD for this hammer.

 

- sent by - Jefferay Vincent Boys

(b. 30 September 1909 in Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England – d. 19 November 2009 at age 100 in Victoria, British Columbia) - occupations - British Columbia Constable / Government Agent

 

(clipped from the) Times Colonist newspaper - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada • November 25, 2009 - Jefferay Vincent Boys passed away at home November 19, 2009 in the arms of his loving family, following a brief illness and having reached his goal of 100 years, September 30, 2009. Predeceased by Laura, his loving wife of 71 years, in March 2006; his sister Gwyn and brother Lionel, U. K. Survived by daughters Ann Patterson and Sheila Bridgman (Hamish) of Victoria BC; grandchildren Jeremy (Reagan), Samantha, Jennifer, Monty, Caerleon, Angus (Angela); great grandchildren Myles, Dylan, Cole, Sofia and countless nieces and nephews and their children. Jefferay's passion was his family. He was a wonderful Husband, Dad, Granddad and Great Granddad! Born in St. Alban's, Hertfordshire, England, in 1909. the youngest of three children, he immigrated to Canada in 1929. In the early '30s he joined the B.C. Provincial Police and while living in Telegraph Creek he met and married Laura (Robbins) in 1934. He joined the RCAF Ferry Command in 1942, flying countless missions during WWII. Following the war, he joined the Federal Civil Service as Indian Agent in Cranbrook, later transferring to Hazelton, Kamloops, Duncan, Ottawa, and finally to Vancouver as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for BC and the Yukon. Prior to retiring, he moved to Victoria with Indian Affairs, liaising between the Provincial and Federal Governments. In retirement he enjoyed golf (Royal Victoria Golf Club), fishing, travelling, gardening, music, friends, and all family endeavours. LINK - www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-obituary-for-je...

 

His wife - Laura Sylvia Augusta (nee Robbins) Boys

(b. 6 July 1908 in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada – d. 23 March 2006 at age 97 in Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada) - they were married - 1 September 1934 in Telegraph Creek, Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia, Canada - LINK to their marriage certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/ee...

 

Letter was addressed to his nephew - Stanley Boys / Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia / via Vancouver

 

Stanley Boys

(b. 2 April 1877 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand - d. 25 August 1940 at age 63 in Garden City, British Columbia) - he never married - he moved to Halfmoon Bay in the summer of 1928. He had a farm in Sicamous. B.C. in the early 1900's.

 

(clipped from the) - The Vancouver Sun newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada • September 28, 1940 - Stanley had been a keen student of nature and of worldly happenings. He was a familiar figure in his rowboat, with which he had made some long journeys, notably one to Victoria where he lived for a time. LINK - www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-stanley-boys...

 

- arrived at - / HALFMOON BAY / MY 22 / 37 / B.C / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-2) was proofed - 9 October 1926 - (RF C) - the first split ring hammer (A1-1) was proofed - 6 January 1915.

Some Scripts from the book:

{Half a century of artistic activities in the world of art and architecture}

"Seyhoun received his education at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, where he later served as a Professor Of Architectural Design and Measurement. Shortly after graduation, his graduation project won the first prize in an art show in Tehran. In the years following the Second World War, Seyhoun won several additional contests and prizes for his architectural designs, including a monument at Teheran's central railway station and a commemorative monument and mausoleum of the great Iranian philosopher and physician, Avicenna, in Hamedan.

 

"In his designs, stone, brick, concrete and steel were used in such innovative and varied ways that they remain architectural and design models to the present day. Geometrical pure forms, such as squares, circles and equilateral triangles, are used logically and extensively throughout his works, always bearing in mind beauty and proportion. During the next twenty years Seyhoun designed mausoleums for Omar Khayam, Nader Shah, and Ferdowsi, as well as completing the main complex of the Majlis, and numerous other buildings in Teheran.

 

"In 1962 Seyhoun was appointed Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Architecture at Teheran University and immediately undertook a major restructuring of the College. He introduced new academic fields such as musicology, urban planning and dramatic arts.

 

"Over the years there have been many exhibits of Seyhoun's work, both at home and abroad. A 1968 exhibit in Teheran featured a new style of abstract drawing with pen and ink. In 1972 his work was part of the large group exhibition in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA, which included the works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

 

"In the 1970's, Seyhoun rediscovered the traditional Iranian art form of felting. Seyhoun traveled to Semnan to learn the art. Seyhoun's felting designs have added a unique dimension to a traditional Iranian folk art that was nearly lost.

 

"On February 2, 1980, Seyhoun left Tehran for Paris at the invitation of the French government. The previous year the Mayor of Nice had invited forty artists from around the world, including Seyhoun, to participate in the opening of the city's newest museum, the "Hors du Temps". In 1981, the museum was officially opened, and one of Seyhoun's works was hung as part of the permanent exhibition. He was also given honorary citizenship. A year later, he immigrated to Canada where he now resides permanently and continues his artistic endeavors. In 1989 he was honored by the City of Los Angeles for an exhibition of his work at the University of Southern California."

 

(Thanks Dear HORIZON for his truly recommendation to taking this shot)

 

archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=12444

Monday, 5 July 2021: our temperature is 15C (feels like 14C) at noon. We are no longer under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon. Sunrise is at 5:28 am, and sunset is at 9:52 pm. The good news is that our heatwave has been broken the last few days, thank goodness, at least for now. Now we can all complain about the rain.

 

For a change, I am posting five photos taken on 13 August 2015. As so often happens, I post a handful of photos taken on an outing and then get busy and end up not posting more of them. I am adding the description that I wrote under a previously posted photo taken that day. The barn and house mentioned below are not the ones in the above photo. This old building stands next to the Nightingale Colony House (1909), in The Ranch area of the Park. It is the Finnish Sauna, built in 1910.

 

"Sylvester Saha immigrated to Canada from Finland in the spring of 1902, and built a house near Sylvan Lake, then known as Snake Lake, next to his brother's home. In order to have some of the traditional comforts of his home country, Sylvester built this sauna for his family.

 

After red-hot stones of the bathing room's fireplace were doused with water, bathers would enter into temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius on the higher platforms, or sit on benches and sweat for an hour or more. The sauna was donated to Heritage Park in 1985 by owners of the land previously belonging to the Saha family."

 

"This photo was taken when I spent about three hours with friends at Heritage Park in Calgary. One of them is a volunteer at the Park and she had very kindly invited us to visit.

 

The temperature got up to 33°C or 34°C that day!! We started our visit at 9:45 am, so it was still cooler than that, but as the heat increased in the afternoon, it became unbearable. Fortunately, I had a dentist appointment mid-afternoon, so I knew I would have maybe an hour and a half in air-conditioning before returning to my home that felt like an oven.

 

Our walk at Heritage Park was a combination of looking at the various old buildings and also checking on plants. There is a small native plant garden within the Hudson Bay Fort and we talked to a volunteer there, who I think may have learned a few new things from talking with us : )

 

Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable visit. Heritage Park is a place I always intend to go to, but somehow I rarely make it. This was a treat, so thanks so much, Susan!

 

"The barn was built c.1878, and the house c.1883, by Sam Livingston, an innovative farmer who was once contracted to supply fresh meat to the North West Mounted Police at Fort Calgary; Livingston was also one of Calgary's earliest settlers.

 

Livingston travelled extensively before finally claiming his permanent homestead in the beautiful Elbow River Valley. He built his two-storey log house to accommodate his growing family, while the cabin later became a granary, bunkhouse, barn and garage. Heritage Park Historical Village now occupies part of the former Livingston farm. Livingston died in 1897 and his land was eventually bought in 1930 by the City of Calgary, which donated the house and barn to Heritage Park in 1964. The exhibit was restored in 1968." From the Heritage Park website."

 

www.heritagepark.ca/park-information/attractions-and-exhi...

 

youtu.be/obVzHbnJggc

 

"The Glenmore Reservoir gets its name from Sam too; Sam and Jane started a school on their farm that Sam named 'Glenmore School' after a place in Ireland. Glenmore is a village in County Kilkenny and quite close to his birthplace in County Wicklow." From Wikipedia.

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Livingston

Exploring the Old Port of Montréal. January 2016.

 

As is the case in Québec City, Montréal also has history that pre-dates our country's formation (Confederation) in 1867.

 

Pierre du Calvet, born in Caussade France in 1735, was known as an importer/exporter, justice of peace, political prisoner and lampoonist. He immigrated to Canada in 1758. He participated the in last French victory battle on the coast of Lévis. After the conquest, he became a prosperous merchant and obtained the Sir Rivière David title where he also played the role of justice of the peace in Montreal.

 

He disappeared at sea March 28th, 1786.

 

The Calvet house (restaurant seen here) was built in 1725 inside the city's fortified walls, under the French regime. It is the oldest historical house that is open for public accommodations in Montreal. Located at the corner of Bonsecours and Saint-Paul streets, it is massive and imposing with its stone walls and enormous chimneys.

 

Bonsecours Street is located in the heart of Old-Montreal at a walking distance of the Old-Port. It is one of the oldest in the city with its cobble stone street. The chapel Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours and the Maison Pierre du Calvet are surrounded by historic homes that date from the XVIIIth and XIXth century.

The railway station was named Heffley, the post office (opened 1 June 1905) was named HEFFLEY CREEK ; named after Adam P. Heffley, long time rancher in this vicinity. Adam came to British Columbia in 1858, achieving some success in mining and packing. He settled on the east side of the North Thompson about 1865, and soon built up a fine ranch and horse farm. He died in 1872 and J. T. Edwards bought the land.

 

Clipped from - The Inland Sentinel newspaper - Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada - 4 February 1913 - At HEFFLEY CREEK a townsite is being surveyed in proximity to the proposed site of the Railway Station and this will be surrounded by a number of farms of from 5 to 50 acres. The Gold Ridge Temperance Hotel with its extensive range of stabling is one of the best known stopping houses in the district. In connection with the store is the Long Distance Telephone, giving communication with main points 40 miles north and; 300 miles south including the City of Kamloops 14 miles. In the same establishment is the Post Office opened some 6 years ago ann doing am increasing business.

 

Clipped from - North Thompson Star/Journal newspaper - Barriere, British Columbia, Canada - 21 Feb 2000 - When postal service came to the Heffley Creek area around 1905, Bedard family members were among the first postmasters. George Bedard became Postmaster in 1935 and held that post until his death in 1969, when his wife Kay took over. The post office was, and still is located in the original farmhouse. Many renovations and changes took place over the years, and in 1961 a larger post office was added to the house. Kay Bedard was Heffley Creek's Postmaster for many years. The job remains in the family, now the responsibility of son Joe Bedard and his wife Evelyn.

 

The HEFFLEY CREEK Post Office was established - 1 June 1905.

 

Dennis Spratt was the first Postmaster and served from - 1 June 1905 to - 6 December 1911. In 1900 he was living at Louis Creek, British Columbia (47 miles north of Kamloops).

 

Dennis Spratt

(b. 1867 in New York - d. 16 April 1913 at age 46 in Kamloops, British Columbia)

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the HEFFLEY CREEK Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

Mrs. Amanda Bedard became Postmistress at HEFFLEY CREEK on - 1 October 1924 and served until her death on - 21 September 1934.

 

Amanda Vitaline (nee Latramouille) Bedard

(b. 19 August 1872 in Hull, Outaouais Region, Quebec - d. 21 September 1934 at age 62 in Heffley Creek, British Columbia)

 

Her son - George Heladore Bedard took over as Postmaster and served from - 14 March 1935 to - 31 December 1969.

 

George Heladore Bedard

(b. 19 September 1903 in Kamloops, B.C. - d. 9 January 1979 at age 75 in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada) - Rancher and Postmaster. His wife - Mary Kathleen (nee McCarten) Bedard.

 

- sent from - / HEFFLEY CREEK / OC 4 / 24 / B.C. / - split ring backstamp - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1905 - (RF B).

 

Water Card was addressed to: Division Engineer / Dominion Water Power Branch / Box 429 / Kamloops, B.C.

 

Water card observation card signed on the back by the observer B. E. Calder. He did water height observations on Sullivan Creek, B.C..

 

Water Card - Observer / signed by Bertram Edward Calder (he replaced George Henry Phillips, who had died in August 1921, as the observer of River Heights on Sullivan Creek)

 

Bertram Edward Calder

b. 26 February 1886 in London, England – d. 11 October 1960 in Kamloops, British Columbia - He served in the United Kingdom, World War I Service from 1915 to 1918 - after the war the Calder family (his wife Gertrude and 3 children Cyril, Stanley & Nora) immigrated to Canada arriving in Quebec City, Quebec - July 1920 on the ship "Minnedosa". His occupation in England was a telegraphist - his intended occupation in the Kamloops, B.C. area was a farmer.

 

His wife - Gertrude Annie Thompson Calder

Birth - 7 Aug 1886 in England

Death - 7 May 1972 (aged 85) in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

A mural with Leslie Joe painted on a roll up door at the Cordova Street entrance.

 

Joe, in his late 80's, still goes to the wholesaler to purchase produce and works at the market, doing both daily.

 

Sunrise Market has been a staple in Chinatown for decades. Today it is one of the few produce markets left. Twenty five years ago there were 20 now only 4 as the drug trade chased away customers, gentrification demolished many of the buildings and old age owners closing their business has changed the community.

 

From Sunrise website:

Leslie and Susan Joe immigrated to Canada in 1956, where they recognized a demand for tofu in Vancouver’s Chinese community.

 

Leslie and Susan began making small batches of fresh tofu in the back of their grocery store, Sunrise Market. It did not take long for Sunrise Market to develop loyal customers in the community.

 

As the demand for tofu grew throughout the 60’s and 70’s, so did the business. In 1983, factory space was purchased nearby to transition the small operation into a large scale manufacturing plant.

 

Over 60 years later, Sunrise Market still operates and Sunrise Soya Foods is Canada'a largest manufacturer of tofu.

 

This 2007 painted mural by Cristina Peori depicts the Powell street shopping experience and was commissioned by the Jo family.

On the door is a depiction of Japanese ornamental cherry blossoms against a background of the metal fence that was originally fabricated by Mr. Jo.

Canadian Art

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa

 

Arthur Lismer (27 June 1885 – 23 March 1969) was an English-Canadian painter, member of the Group of Seven and educator. He is known primarily as a landscape painter and for his paintings of ships in dazzle camouflage.

 

Lismer was born in Sheffield, England. At age 13 he apprenticed at a photo-engraving company. He was awarded a scholarship, and used this time to take evening classes at the Sheffield School of Art from 1898 until 1905. In 1905, he moved to Antwerp, Belgium, where he studied art at the Academie Royale. Lismer immigrated to Canada in 1911 and settled in Toronto.

 

The Group of Seven, once known as the Algonquin School, was a group of Canadian landscape painters from 1920 to 1933, originally consisting of Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945), Lawren Harris (1885–1970), A. Y. Jackson (1882–1974), Frank Johnston (1888–1949), Arthur Lismer (1885–1969), J. E. H. MacDonald (1873–1932), and Frederick Varley (1881–1969).

 

Believing that a distinct Canadian art could be developed through direct contact with nature, the Group of Seven is best known for its paintings inspired by the Canadian landscape, and initiated the first major Canadian national art movement.

Philatelic cover...(a philatelic cover is an envelope prepared with a stamp and address and sent through the mail delivery system for the purpose of creating a collectible item).

 

The town of Croydon, British Columbia is very much the story of a boom and bust town. In 1929, over a hundred people called Croydon home. By the 1940’s, the population had dwindled to about sixty people and housed a post office, school and section crew on the south side of the river. The two room school on the North side of the Fraser River remained operational until the late 1950’s. While travel across the river was manageable in the depths of winter and in the warm summer, in early spring and winter, crossing the river was far too treacherous, hence the need for a school on both sides of the river. LINK to the complete article - www.valleymuseumarchives.ca/historytour/35/

 

(from - Wrigley's 1921 British Columbia Directory) - CROYDON STATION - a post office and station on the G. T. P.

Railway, 26 miles east of McBride, in Fort George Provincial Electoral District, and 13 miles west of Tete Jaune Cache. Has

G. T. P. telegraph office. Local resources: Lumbering. Post office address is Croydon Station. The population in 1921 was 100 by 1942 it had dropped to 60.

 

GTPR's CROYDON flag station was named after Croydon, England (identity of the namer, and the significance of the name is not known). It is located on the west side of the Fraser River between Valemount and McBride, Cariboo Land District, British Columbia.

 

The CROYDON STATION Post Office was established - 1 July 1917 and closed - 30 March 1968 - the office was permanently closed due to the retirement of the Postmaster and to its limited usefulness.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the CROYDON STATION Post Office - central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=posoffposmas&id=2...

 

- sent from - / CROYDON STATION / OC 15 / 63 / B.C / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was proofed - 9 February 1917 - (RF C).

 

- sent registered - / R / Croydon Station, B.C. / ORIGINAL NO. / (902) / - boxed registered marking in black ink / - also has the large "R" in an oval registered marking in black ink.

 

- via - / • JASPER & PRINCE GEORGE • / 195 / 17 X / 6(3) / R.P.O. / - rpo transit backstamp (WT-260 / RF D - Ludlow W-60A / RF 185) - this rpo hammer known period of use - 1 October 1955 to - 1 August 1965.

 

- arrived at - / PRINCE RUPPERT / 7 / OC 18 / 63 / B.C. / - arrival backstamp

 

Jessie Barnett was postmistress at Croydon for almost 42 years - serving from - 15 September 1927 to - 30 March 1968.

 

The post office and store were located in Jessie Barnett’s home. She would meet the train as it came in with her outgoing mail bag and collect the new mail. Residents would often wait with her at the station for the mail to come in. As there were at this point no telephones, if the train was late, the only option was to wait for it. This sometimes resulted in Jessie sorting the mail quite late at night. When the train finally came in, residents would trudge with Jessie the quarter of a mile to her house so that she could sort the mail and then pass it out to them. When Jessie retired in 1968, she was not replaced and the remaining residents of Croydon had to travel to the Dunster General Store to get their mail. LINK to the complete article and photo of Jessie Barnett - www.valleymuseumarchives.ca/historytour/35/

 

Jessie Stirling (nee Gray) Barnett

(b. 16 May 1888 in Glasgow, Scotland - d. 6 may 1975 at age 86 in McBride, British Columbia)

 

Her husband - Frederick William Barnett

(29 October 1886 in Glasgow, Scotaln - d. 15 November 1975 at age 89 in McBride, British Columbia) - his occupation was - farmer and a carpenter - they immigrated to Canada in 1905. They had two daughters Norah & Louise.

 

Addressed to: Mr. W. Whitehouse / 1022 West 1st Avenue, / Prince Rupert, B.C.

 

Wilfred "Wilf" Donald Whitehouse

(b. 5 January 1921 in Windsor, Ontario - d. 31 December 2007 at age 86 in British Columbia)

 

Wilfred "Wilf" Donald Whitehouse of Kamloops, B.C. passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2007 at 86 years of age. Survived by his wife Delphine Louise Whitehouse, A Kamloops resident for 36 years, Wilf was born in Windsor, Ontario on January 5th, 1921. He grew up in Vancouver after his family moved there when he was a young boy. Wilf served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. He married Delphine Louise Balagno in Prince Rupert in June 1952 where they raised their family of four children before moving to Kamloops on January 1st, 1971. Wilf worked for the BC Forest Service for 34 years. Wilf was an avid stamp and coin collector, a dedicated hockey fan and a gifted model builder. Building ship models was one of his favourite hobbies and his ships are in the collection of both the Provincial Museum in Victoria and the Maritime Museum in Vancouver.

 

Wilf was a Royal Canadian specialist who was a researcher and author on R.C.N. mail during the second world war. He was considered to be the authority on naval mail and Canadian Armed Forces Air Letters.

ROYAL MILLS / HANALL, B.C. - located sixteen miles north-east of Terrace. between Pacific and 3 1/2 miles from the hamlet of Usk on the Canadian National Railway. It was named after the saw mill there.

 

ROYAL MILLS changed name to HANALL in November 1922 - it was a flag stop on the CNR between Smithers and Prince Rupert where Olof "Tie" Hanson founded a sawmill community in 1921. The Post Office was known as HANALL until 1926 except for 1921 & 1922, when it was called ROYAL MILLS. The first part of the name "HANALL" comes from HANson's surname, and the last part of the name comes from his partner (and Postmaster) Robert "Bob" Emmett ALLen.

 

Link to Doug Gents History Pages - HANALL Point (Royal Mills) - www.gent.name/bc:towns:hanall_point:start

 

The ROYAL MILLS Post Office was established - 1 January 1921 - it became HANALL - 1 November 1922 and closed - 15 November 1926.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the ROYAL MILLS / HANALL Post Office - central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=posoffposmas&id=2...

 

- / HANALL / AP 2 / 25 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer was proofed - 29 October 1922 - (RF E / now is classified as RF E1).

 

Robert Emmett Allen was the Postmaster at ROYAL MILLS / HANALL from - 1 January 1921 to 15 November 1926.

 

Robert "Bob" Emmett Allen

(b. 14 July 1877 in Camp McDermott, Humboldt Co., Nevada, USA - d. 31 May 1965 at age 87 in Nelson, B.C.) - he immigrated to Canada in 1892. LINK to his death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/ae...

 

Clipped from - The Interior News newspaper - Smithers, British Columbia, Canada - 14 July 1937 - Entering the government service by easy stages, Mr. Bob Allen put in two summers as a road foreman for the public works department, while running a logging camp in the winters from 1908 to 1911, for the Silverton Lumber and Power Company, which was headed by William Hunter, the Slocan pioneer. In 1910 the Aliens moved to New Denver. It was in the summer of 1911 that Mr. Allen joined the forest service as a forest guard on Slocan lake, and in 1912 he was made divisional fire warden with headquarters at Revelstoke, A year later because of his lumbering experience, he was appointed district forester, with his headquarters at Hazelton, going up there in March, 1913, being joined by his young family in January of 1914. He remained in the north until 1917, when he was transferred to Prince Rupert. Two years later he resigned from the forest branch to re-enter business, this time in partnership with Olof Hanson, now federal member for the Skeena constituency. He remained a lumber operator / Postmaster at Hanall for seven years, finally in 1926 returning to his old chair at Rupert as district forester.

 

His wife - Agnes (nee McKay) Allen

(b. 6 September 1872 in Glasgow, Scotland - d. 12 October 1960 at age 88 in Nelson, British Columbia) - LINK to their marriage certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/97... - Link to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/5d...

 

Olof "Tie" Hanson

(b. 3 June 1882 in Tännäs, Sweden - d. 4 June 1952 at age 70 in Vancouver, B.C.) He immigrated to Canada in 1901. LINK to his death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/31...

 

He was a Liberal party member of the House of Commons of Canada. He was born in Tännäs, Sweden and became a businessman and lumberman.

 

Clipped from - Edmonton Journal newspaper - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - 23 April 1927 - FROM FARMER TO LUMBER KING - WESTERN CANADA WAS LAND OF PROMISE TO SWEDISH IMMIGRANT - Olof Hanson Came to Canada 25 Years Ago and Is Now Reputed Millionaire and Respected Public Official Farmed Near Edmonton in 1904-6 - Mr. Hanson's sawmill enterprises are conducted by, the Royal Lumber company, started by him In 1919. It has a sawmill established at Hanall, B.C., on the banks of the Skeena river. He is himself the directing head of all his lumbering operations Though under him he has office managers, supervisors, inspectors, mill and camp superintendents, he keeps in the closest touch will all his manifold undertakings. He is continually on the move from camp to camp and from place to place. He arranges the financing. He does much of the purchasing of timber rights. He is himself chiefly responsible for the marketing of the product. In pursuit of this he has traveled as far as the Fiji Islands In the Pacific and the West Indies in the Atlantic. The success of the marketing end of his business is entirely of his own making.

 

His wife - Martha (nee Johnson) Hanson

(b. 15 January 1893 in Stockholm, Sweden - d. 17 April 1977 at age 84 in Victoria, British Columbia) - LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/5e...

SAYWARD is a village located in the Sayward Valley on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is about one mile inland from Kelsey Bay on a spur from Highway 19. The village was called after William Parsons Sayward, a successful Victoria lumber merchant who was born in Maine in 1818 and came to Victoria from California in 1858. The 2016 population of the village was 311. The village lies off the coast of Hardwicke Island.

 

The PORT KUSAM Post Office was established - 1 March 1899. On December 1, 1911, the Post Office at PORT KUSAM was closed and it was moved to what was becoming a larger town at SAYWARD.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the PORT KUSAM and SAYWARD Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

A brief article by Islander author Eugene Cameron - Port Kusam was established in 1895 and is located in a just south of the mouth of the Salmon River on Johnstone Straight. The Ruby House at Port Kusam opened in 1898. It operated as a store, saloon, post office, and hotel until 1921, at which time it was bought by a family from Victoria for use as a place of residence. A Union Steam Ship stopped in the straight to off-load supplies, a rowboat would bring the cargo to Port Kusam. The Ruby House has long been abandoned. Its usefulness came to an end as families came to settle in the area and built their homes along the Salmon River in the Sayward Valley and docking facilities were built at Kelsey Bay. LINK to the complete article - www.newspapers.com/clip/98968911/port-kusam-ruby-house-an...

 

Herbert A. Armishaw was the Postmaster SAYWARD serving from - 16 September 1919 until his death - 17 September 1944.

 

Herbert Arthur Armishaw

(b. 19 November 1894 in Springhill, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, Canada – d. 17 September 1944 at age 49 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

 

Clipped from - The Vancouver Sun newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 19 September 1944 - Late H. A. Armishaw Sayward Postmaster - Herbert Arthur Armishaw, 49, postmaster at Sayward for 25 years, died Monday in Shaughnessy Military Hospital. Mr. Armishaw was born In Nova Scotia and had lived in B.C. for 45 years. Besides his wife, he leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Armishaw; one brother, George B., and one sister, Mrs. G. A. James, all of Sayward; one sister, Mrs. R. McCreery of Vancouver. Funeral services will be conducted in Harron Bros, chapel Friday at 3:30 p.m.

 

His wife - Alwen Elizabeth Armishaw took over as Postmistress and served from - 23 September 1944 until her retirement in 1969.

 

Alwen Elizabeth (nee Davies) Armishaw

(b. 4 July 1904 in Abersychan (Gwent), Wales - d. 24 July 1999 at age 95 in Port Alberni, B.C.) - they were married - 2 August 1930 in Sayward, British Columbia - LINK to their marriage certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/5c... LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/05...

 

Clipped from - Alberni Valley Times newspaper - Alberni, British Columbia, Canada - 28 July 1999 - ARMISHAW: Alwen Elizabeth (Davies) Armishaw of Port Alberni, passed away July 24, 1999. Alwen was born in Abersychan (Gwent), Wales on July 4, 1904. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1920 to live in Sayward on Vancouver Island. Predeceased by her husband, Herbert (1944), her brother Harry Davies and her sister Emmie Munro. After Herb's death, Alwen took over his job of Postmaster for Sayward, a position that she held until her retirement in 1969. In 1973 she moved lo Port Alberni. Alwen will be dearly missed by her daughter, Elizabeth Ryan (Lloyd); granddaughters, Lori Townsend (Mark), Tracy Tufnail (Roy), Lynn Epp (Daryl); ten great-grandchildren; three sisters, Edna Gill, Nancy Holloway, Peggy Giroux and one brother, John Davies (Vera), as well as many nieces, nephews, their families and many friends. A Memorial Service will be held for Alwen at St. Andrew's United Church, 4574 Elizabeth Street, Port Alberni, Friday, July 30, at 1:30 p.m.

 

- sent from - / SAYWARD / NO 26 / 47 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was proofed - 13 December 1911 - (RF B). (diameter 18.5 mm)

 

- sent by: Taylors, Sayward / Vancouver Island, B.C.

 

Morris Irvine Taylor

(b. 24 April 1913 in Vancouver, B.C. - d. 11 June 1982 at age 69 in Nanaimo, B.C.) - occupation - retail sales

 

Clipped from - The Vancouver Sun newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 16 June 1941 - Mr. Morris Irvine Taylor, son of Mrs. Taylor and the late J. I. Taylor, will leave tonight for the east to train with the RCAF. He is well known on the radio and a member of the Bach Choir.

 

TAYLOR, Morris Irvine of Nanaimo, formerly ol Sayward, passed away in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital June 11, 1982, age 69 years. Survived by his loving wife Jean; one son Ian; daughter-in-law Robin; granddaughter Rene, all of Nanaimo; his mother Mrs. L. Hinton of Victoria; one brother Douglas of Campbell River; one sister Marion Whale of Bramalea, Ontario; also nieces and nephews. LINK to the complete newspaper obituary - www.newspapers.com/clip/113676512/obituary-for-morris-irv...

 

His wife - Frances Jean (nee Booth) Taylor - they were married - 5 June 1937 in Whatcom County, Washington, USA.

 

Addressed to: West Coast Fancy Goods Co. Ltd, / 336 Water Street / Vancouver, / B.C. - (it was formed in 1945).

I've taken shots here before, it's an abandoned homestead down the road and there are about six buildings scattered about. They're all kind of falling apart…they've probably been there for 100 years. I think the last owners moved out in the early 70's, we had found some old mail in the house and it was dated. We also figured out the man who had lived here was born in the early 1900's.

 

Those who were born so long ago have seen so much change in the world, more change than I'll ever see in my life time. My Oma is almost a century old…wow…what a blessing to have been given so many years. Three more years and she'll be 100! Great-grandchild number 97 is expected this year…amazing hey. She was born in Holland and has gone through two World Wars and immigrated to Canada with my Opa and their young family in 1950…it took them ten days to cross the ocean to Halifax and the women and men were separated. They came to a country where they didn't know the language and they had to start a new life. I think about that and life is so easy for me compared to that. I am reaping some of the blessings of the generations that have gone before me and I am thankful. They were and are people of faith and that has been passed down through the generations…what a blessing.

 

All the material wealth that surrounds me will one day disappear, it will crumble, it will fall apart just as this building here and this body of mine too will one day disappear…it is but a vessel…it's what's inside though that will last forever. And just as my Oma and Opa and my parents passed on their faith, that is my desire too for my children and those I come in contact with. For me Jesus is the only lasting hope, the way the truth and the life.

 

My husband came to the conclusion the other day that in this world everything breaks…everything…we are constantly fixing things, whether that be material things or relationships. But one day the old will be made new.

 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. I am making everything new.!" Revelation 21: 4, 5b

 

~ hmam

tina-ramblingsofacountrywoman.blogspot.ca/2012/04/beach-i...

- written at - LIARD RIVER is a small community in northern British Columbia, Canada. It has a population of about 100 people. It is located at Kilometre 799 of the Alaska Highway, near the border of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

 

PORTER LANDING is a locality and former boom town at the foot of Dease Lake, British Columbia, Canada, in that province's far Northern Interior. LINK to a photo of PORTER LANDING taken in 1926 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_Landing#/media/File:Porter_L...

 

- sent from - / PORTER LANDING / JUL 16 / 27 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was proofed - 20 May 1920 - (RF E became RF E2 now is RF E3).

 

- via - / TELEGRAPH - CREEK / JY 20 / 27 / B.C. / - split ring transit backstamp - this split ring hammer (A1 -1) is not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1899 - (RF B).

 

Clipped from - The Province newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 23 June 1920 - Commencing July 1, 1920 a Post Offlce will be in operation at Porters Landing, In the Stikine country, and mail will be served via Telegraph Creek.

 

The PORTER LANDING Post Office was established - 1 July 1920 - it became the DEASE LAKE Post Office - 1 June 1930 and closed - 1 April 1934 - it reopened (second opening) - 3 February 1972.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the PORTER LANDING Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

Clipped from - The Province newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 27 September 1924 - The postal authorities announce that the last parcel mails this season for the Yukon will leave Vancouver on the C. P. R. steamer on October 1st. Only letter and newspaper mail can now be accepted for Telegraph Creek, and Porter Landing.

 

LINK to a 1924 article about Telegraph Creek & Porter Landing - www.newspapers.com/clip/93257013/telegraph-creek-and-port... and a 1925 article - www.newspapers.com/clip/93257152/the-victoria-daily-times/

 

- sent by - Theodore Vincent Sandys-Wunsch, O.B.E. was well-known within the Force as a ‘renowned straight shooter.’ His courage was demonstrated on many occasions in leading his men into dangerous situations.

 

Theodore Vincent Sandys-Wunsch was born on January 9, 1892 at Knutsford Cheshire England. His parents were Jean Eleanor (nee Roiter) and Edward Sandys-Wunsch. In 1910, he immigrated to Canada at the age of 18 and resided for a short time in Winnipeg where he obtained employment driving horse teams for W. Gorman of Birds Hill. On April 1, 1911, Theodore joined the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) as a Trumpeter and was assigned the regimental number (#5185). Over the next three years, he was posted to Regina and Holdfast Saskatchewan. On October 12, 1914, the Canadian Frontiersmen joined the 5th Platoon of the 3rd Lancer Cavalry Regiment which was a component of the 1st Belgian Division. With the 3rd Lancers, he fought at the first Battle of Ypres (October 17-31, 1914) and was wounded at Nieuport on October 21, 1914. During the battle, Theodore captured seven German prisoners and saved the regimental flag. For his actions, he was awarded the Yser Medal by King Albert I of Belgium. On May 8, 1919, Theodore re-engaged into the Force on May 8, 1919 at Buxton Derby England and was provide transportation orders to Canada. In 1921, Theodore won the Dominion Shooting Championship Gold Medal Match then the Saskatchewan Shooting Gold Medal as well as the first bronze medal awarded by the Canadian Rifle association. Then in 1923, he was a member of the Bisley rifle team and its adjutant in 1928. In October 1923, Theodore was transferred to Vancouver BC where he would remain until 1932. In 1926, he opened the RCMP Detachment at Liard, BC with Constables John Paton (Reg.#9261) and William Cooper (Reg.#9587). On January 16, 1927, the three members left Liard to take mail out to Porter’s Landing – 160 miles south of Dease River. For this mail run, Constable Paton led the group breaking trail through the deep snow with Theodore and William following each driving a dog team. While on route, Constable Paton developed frost bitten hands. Gangrene had set in on Constable Paton’s hand which resulted in Theodore amputating part of Paton’s finger. After 1932. he was transferred to Montreal to the position of Officer Commanding the Eastern Arctic. Over the next ten years, Theodore saw many transfers. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire on July 6, 1946 and was a serving brother in the Order of St. John. On February 28, 1947, Theodore retired from the Force after completing 35 years of service. He and his wife settled into their new home on Maple Bay Road near Duncan, BC. In retirement, he took up fishing, gardening and found time to volunteer in the community – president of the Boy Scouts’ Association in Duncan and a member of Temple Lodge No. 33, A.F. and A.M. On July 24, 1966, he passed away in the King’s Daughters’ Hospital at Duncan, B.C. LINK to the complete article - www.rcmpveteransvancouver.com/acommissioner-theodore-sand...

 

Addressed to: Mrs. Liddell / 3342 Point Grey Road / Vancouver, B.C.

 

Hazel Marian (nee Beck) Liddell

(b. 28 December 1890 in Manitoba, Canada – d. 2 May 1968 at age 77 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) - they had three children - 2 sons and one daughter.

 

Her son - Eric Beck Squibs Liddell a 16-year-old student of Kltsilano High, comes of a family of crack revolver shots, for his grandfather, the late Herbert H. Beck of Victoria was a celebrated marksman. Early In life Eric showed aptitude and under the coaching of Major H. B. King, principal of Kitsilano High School, Capt. T. V. Sandys-Wunsch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, developed into a sensational shot.

 

Inspector Sandys-Wunch of the R.C.M.P. (the sender of this letter) was an old friend of Eric's who helped him in earning some of his badges. LINK - www.newspapers.com/clip/93257741/the-vancouver-sun/

 

Her husband - Percival MacDonell Liddell

|(b. 26 May 1881 in Cornwall, Stormont, Ontario, Canada – d. 25 July 1960 at age 79 in Sacramento, California, United States) - they were married - 20 November 1912 in York, Ontario, Canada. They were divorced at some period after 1925. He married Violet Irene McCracken - 25 February 1954 in Reno, Nevada. LINK to his life story - books.google.ca/books?id=qPc0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA242&lp...

Published by T.N. Hibben & Co., Victoria, British Columbia. No. 22.

 

Thomas Napier Hibben - Link to the history of his bookstore located in Victoria, B.C. - www.agreeableplace.com/going-inside-t-n-hibben-co/

 

T.N. Hibben & Co., 69-71-72-74 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. Booksellers, Manufacturing Stationers and Printers Established 1858 The oldest Bookstore in British Columbia; T.N. Hibben & Co., Victoria, B.C. - link to a postcard photo of this bookstore - digital.lib.sfu.ca/pfp-7510/msc130-13391-01

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The Brunette River runs through East Burnaby and Coquitlam, flowing out of Burnaby Lake and to the Fraser River. According to a map and materials by Heritage Advisory Committee and Environment and Waste Management Committee of the City of Burnaby (1993), the number of native campsites discovered on the shores of the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet and Deer Lake and some petroglyphs suggest that the area was used extensively by local aboriginal peoples such as the Squamish, Musqueam and Kwantlen for hunting and fishing before the arrival of European settlers.

 

The earliest known European immigrant who settled on the banks of the Brunette River near the present-day North Road in 1860 was William Holmes. According to his daughter Charlotte, local native people gathered at their farm each season to catch and dry their winter supplies of salmon. She remembers that the salmon runs were so huge on the Brunette River that the fish actually crowded each other out of the water and if they had remained stationary "you could have walked across the stream without getting your shoes wet." The river was named by Holmes for its peaty brown colour.

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message on postcard reads - January 22, 1905 - Thanks for card rec'd - you did not say if you mailed another exchange. I live halfway between Vancouver & New Westminster - on the Electric Train Line. Yours Truly - Mrs. E. Barrett

 

Blanche Juniata "Wilson" Barrett

(b. 1859 in the USA - d. )

 

Her husband - Edward William Barrett

(b. 15 Sept 1861 in Columbus, Ohio, USA - d. 7 July 1938 at age 76 in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida / USA) - they immigrated to Canada in 1885 - and then back to the USA c. 1925 - his occupation was a grocery clerk / grocery salesman. His father was - Allen Bancraft b. in Columbus, Ohio.

Persian Beauty / Postal Library Bureau, Milwaukee, Wis.

 

This postcard is an artist signed, Angelo Asti, lovely lady. The lovely lady is titled "Persian Beauty" card was mailed with message in the front, as card was printed during the undivided back format days.

 

ANGELO ASTI (1847-1903) - Born in Italy in 1847, little is known about artist Angelo Asti’s early life and artistic career. Asti immigrated to the United States in his thirties, where he first discovered his aptitude for illustration while working at a lithographic production facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1890, Asti returned to Europe and settled in Paris, where he immersed himself in the French artistic landscape with daily visits to the Louvre and other notable Parisian galleries. Through years of careful self-study and practice, Asti refined his painterly technique and his first finished painting was accepted by the Salon de Paris with high praise. Asti continued to paint until his death in 1903, and his works are noted today for their harmonious, captivating depictions of female beauty.

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Message on postcard reads: Cahilty Post Office / January 31, 1909 - Dear Friend - I hope you will remember me. Write soon. Your friend - Eva J.

 

Evelyn Jagoe / Mary Evelyn (nee Jagoe) Calder (b. 30 or 31 October 1892 in Chase, B.C. - d. 22 April 1988 at age 95 in Kamploops, B.C.) - she normally went by her name Evelyn.

 

Her Husband: Findlay George Calder (b. 2 June 1881 in Tain, Scotland - d. ) - his occupation was a rancher - during 1915 in the Heffley Creek, B.C. Kamloops area. LINK to his Personnel Records from the First World War - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-wo... He served in France (Flanders) with the 72nd Battalion.

 

Her Father: John Broderick Jagoe (b. Ulster, Ireland) - he immigrated to Canada in 1890 - his occupation was listed as a farmer.

 

Her Mother: Mary Ann Hopkins (b. Paisley, Ontario - d. 18 November 1909 at age 47 at Kamloops, B.C.)

The 3c US stamp was not accepted as postage resulting in 6c postage due with a "6 cents due handstamp" - (3c + 3c penalty)

 

(from - Wrigley's 1918 British Columbia Directory) - ENGEN - a flag station on the G. T. P Railway, 13 miles east of Fort Fraser, and 11 west of Vanderhoof, in Fort George Provincial Electoral District, Vanderhoof is the nearest post office.

 

The ENGEN Post Office was established - 1 July 1919 and closed - 30 November 1985.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the ENGEN Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

The first Postmaster at ENGEN, B.C. was Cornelius Friesen Barkman (1888-1970) - He was born at Steinbach, Manitoba - 2 March 1888, son of Johan [John] Giesbrecht Barkman (1858-1937) and Margaretha Friesen (1858-1946), he attended Steinbach School, Mennonite Collegiate Institute, and reportedly attended Normal School at Morden, Manitoba. He taught at Steinbach School (1912) and Clearspring School (?-1915) before returning to Steinbach School as Principal (1916-1918), after which he quit the profession. On - 25 November 1917, he married Sara E. [Neufeld] Neufeldt (1895-1958, daughter of Reverend P. H. Neufeld) at Winkler and had two children. They moved to Engen, British Columbia in 1918, where he operated a grocery and served as postmaster (1919-1920). In 1920, they returned to Steinbach, Manitoba where he served as postmaster (1920-1955) until retirement.

 

LINK to a photo of Barkman's Store And Post Office at ENGEN, B.C. - search-bcarchives.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/engen-barkmans-stor...

 

- sent from - / ENGEN / MR 10 / 45 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A-1) was proofed - 19 April 1919 - (RF C).

 

- sent by - N.B. Dawson / Engen, B.C.

 

Newton Benjamin Dawson

Birth - 5 Oct 1876 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, USA

Death - 19 Sep 1968 (aged 92) in Enderby, North Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada - he was a farmer who was never married.

 

Newton Benjamin Dawson immigrated to Canada from Washington State - 11 Jul 1934 at Osoyoos B.C., applied for naturalization - 30 Jul 1943, per ancestry.com copy of Canadian Immigration Service Report of Admissions and Rejections - Action Taken "Landed." Intended destination Vanderhoof, B.C., referenced relative his brother M. L. Dawson of Elma, WA.

 

- Addressed to: B.C. Sash & Door Co. / Vancouver / B.C.

 

It was located at 533 Broadway, West Vancouver, B.C. LINK to a photo of a display of this store at the 1937 Pacific National Exhibition - searcharchives.vancouver.ca/b-c-sash-and-door-co-display

(from - Wrigley's 1918 British Columbia directory) - GRAY CREEK - a post office and ranching settlement located on Kootenay Lake, in Kaslo Provincial Electoral District, reached by C P. R. steamers from Nelson, and distant 8 miles from Proctor, which is also the nearest telegraph C. P. R. office. The population in 1918 was 45. Local resources: Fruit-growing, ranching, livestock, etc., on ten-acre ranches. Fine hunting and fishing. Gray Creek was named after John Hamilton Gray (1853 - 1941 who was a civil engineer and surveyor who was active in railway construction.

 

The GRAY CREEK Post Office was established - 1 February 1908.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the GRAY CREEK Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

sent from - / GRAY CREEK / JUN 22 / 08 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A-1) was not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1908 when the Post Office opened - (RF B).

 

Message on postcard reads: 21 June 1908 - Grays Creek, B.C. - How's everybody getting on in Brockville? You will be thinking I have forgot you all. Such is not the case. I have been dreadful busy. I will be writing W. (Wilson her husband) sometime when the spirit moves me, giving all details, but this must suffice for the present, as I am gradually getting worse at letter writing. I am more used with the spade, than the pen now. - Best wishes & kind regards to both, also best of family - I remain yours aye - Wm Linton

 

William Linton

(b. February 1884 / 1885 in England - d.) he immigrated to Canada in 1903. He was a fruit rancher and store keeper in Gray Creek from 1908 to 1916.

 

The Daily News Newspaper - 6 January 1913 - William Linton, Justice of the Peace and general storekeeper, has about 10 acres, four being cleared and planted. Some of his trees have arrived at the bearing stage. (he was appointed Justice of the Peace in August 1910)

 

BETTER MAIL SERVICE REQUIRED AT GRAY CREEK - (Special to The Daily News.) GRAY CRBEK, B. C. Feb. 17, 1914.—A public meeting was held In the hall on Thursday evening and the present Inadequate mail service was discussed. The chair was taken by William Linton. Several speakers emphasized the fact that there is no knowing how long the mail sack may be held on board the S.S. Moyle and the disadvantages of two mail deliveries a week. Saturday evening's mail sack now brings in four copies of The Daily News to each contributor here, and welcome as that newspaper Is its contributors would prefer receiving it in smaller and more frequent instalments, H. E. Croasdalle, H. Birkbeck and W. Linton were appointed a committee to draw up and forward to the proper quarters - a resolution asking for a reasonable and reliable mail service.

 

The Daily News 20 March 1916 - W. Linton sailed by the American line for England last week to do ammunition work.

 

Addressed to: Mrs. Wilson Cross / Brockville, Ontario / Box 10 Y

 

Wilson Cross

(b. 22 March 1876 in Northumberland, Ontario - d.) he was a railway agent

 

His wife - Carrie Gertrude (nee Lyons) Cross

(b. 7 October 1877 in Trenton, Hastings County, Ontario - d. 30 December 1927 in York, Ontario)

 

They were married - 30 June 1903 in Trenton, Hastings County, Ontario, Canada

 

Daughter - Munroe Tillie Cross (b. August 1896 in Ontario)

The following article was written by Greg Nesteroff for the Castlegar News - TARRYS, on Highway 3A between Nelson and Castlegar, is named for the Tarry family: James (1840-1917), his wife Lydia (1841-1945), and their six children. In 1889, Lydia’s failing health convinced the family to immigrate to Canada from Berkshire, England. They homesteaded near Saltcoats, Sask, then moved to Kamloops, where James was a wine merchant. In March 1896, they settled along the Kootenay River and planted an orchard called Riverview ranch. The Nelson Daily Miner of Sept. 5, 1901 reported: “Mr. James Tarry was in Nelson yesterday superintending the handling of a shipment of watermelons, muskmellons, and citrons grown on his ranch near Slocan Junction. Mr. Tarry has nearly 800 acres in his ranch, which is one of the best in the Kootenays … There are 500 fruit trees, most of which are bearing. Half of these trees are apple trees and the rest cherry, plum, pear, and peach. Mr. Tarry regards the land that is fit for cultivation along the river as presenting ideal conditions for fruit culture …” A Nelson Daily News story of Sept. 30, 1944 recalled that the family “cleared the land and built a spacious log house. They shipped cord wood to the Hall Mines smelter in Nelson and also sold wood to the CPR, as the engines were wood burners in those days … The first church services were held in the Tarry home, with Mrs. Tarry as organist.” Among other things, James was a justice of the peace and president of the West Kootenay Farmers’ Institute.

 

Tarry Station — also known as Tarry Siding, Tarry’s Siding, and Tarry’s — was added to the CPR timetable on May 6, 1906 and a post office opened later that year called TARRYS. James was postmaster from 1907-11 and when the Geographic Survey of Canada asked whether the office was named after him, he replied: “Yes … I might mention that my name is Tarry. The S was added when naming the post office.” The post office closed in 1932 due to “limited usefulness.” The railway siding name remained Tarry Station at least through 1915. After James died, Lydia moved to England to live with a daughter, but came back to Canada about a decade later and settled in Vernon. She lived to 103. Tarrys Creek, which flows into the Kootenay River, is also named for the family, as is Tarrys Road. However, today there’s some confusion over the demarcation between TARRYS and Thrums. The Tarrys fire hall sits opposite Kalesnikoff Lumber, whose trucks are marked “Thrums, BC.” Originally, TARRYS was four miles north of Thrums. LINK to the complete article with photos - www.castlegarnews.com/opinion/place-names-tarrys/

 

The TARRYS Post Office was established - 1 October 1906 - and closed - 30 June 1932 due to limited usefulness.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the TARRYS Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

Mrs. Mary Bridget T. Irving served as Postmistress at TARRYS from - 24 September 1929 to - 30 June 1932 when the Post Office closed due to limited usefulness.

 

Mary Bridget Theresa (nee McCormick) Irving

(b. 8 May 1879 in New Albin, Iowa, USA - d. 13 July 1962 at age 83 in Nelson, British Columbia / Tarrys, British Columbia) - LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/6a...

 

Her husband - Edward Joseph Bond Irving

(b. 15 August 1857 in Red Bluff, Tehama, California, United States - d. 2 February 1936 at age 78 in Nelson, British Columbia) - they were married - 1 November 1899 in Rossland, British Columbia - LINK to their marriage certificate - www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DTHW-9QP?i=1558&...

 

- sent from - / TARRYS / AP 15 / 13 / B.C. / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was not listed in the Proof Book - it was most likely proofed c. 1906 - (RF E now is classified as RF E1).

 

Addressed to: Messrs. J. A. Bruce & Co. / Hamilton, Ontario (Seed Merchants)

 

The Seed Warehouse of this firm, one of the largest and best equipped in Canada, was situated in Hamilton on the corner of King and McNab Streets, had a frontage of 30 feet on the former and 130 feet on the latter, occupying 7 plots. The business was established by John A. Bruce in 1850, and in 1861 his brother, F. C. Bruce, became partner. They popularized soybeans in Canada and beyond. Brothers John and Frank Bruce had supplied a Canadian market for quality seeds of all kinds since 1850. By the time John A. Bruce and Company first offered soybean seed for sale, it had an established reputation for introducing new and improved varieties of field crop, vegetable and flower seeds, tools, and ideas to farmers and gardeners throughout the Dominion of Canada. Their exhibit mounted by the Bruce Company at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was awarded the World’s Fair Medal and a diploma “for the superior quality of our exhibit of Oats, Peas, Rye, Millet and Timothy Seeds.” While the Bruce Company maintained a seed farm and trial grounds on Main Street East, Hamilton, in addition to its offices and warehouse at the corner of King and McNab Streets, many seeds sold by them in Canada were imported from Britain, France, California, and a few from Holland and Denmark. By offering larger quantities of seed at more favorable prices per unit, the Bruce Company targeted farmers who intended to plant soybeans as a field crop, not a garden or vegetable crop. John A. Bruce's seed-house encouraged farmers to buy their products "Farmers all over the Dominion are awakening to the fact that it pays to buy the very best seeds that can be procured, and our long connection with the best growers in the seed producing districts gives us exceptional advantages in securing the best samples offered, while our cleaning facilities are unequaled. The large annual increase in our trade with the farmers of the Dominion is an evidence of the superiority of our stocks and of the personal attention we give to the interests of our patrons. Our first grades of Clovers and Timothy are in all cases export seed." In North America, more seed and nursery companies came into being during the 2nd half of the 19C, especially after the US Civil War. Mail-order became much more common due to improved transportation networks and US postal reforms in the 1860s that made it cheaper to ship seeds and plant material, as well as catalog. Mail-order companies increased the size and number, often including colorful art, of catalogs they produced, and most catalogs were shipped to customers free upon request. As more business was done by mail, catalogs contained more detailed ordering and shipping instructions. John A. Bruce & Company, produced mail order catalogs and instructional leaflets from 1862-1932. LINK to article - amerseed-plantcatalogs.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-bruce-co...

Sunrise Market has been a staple in Chinatown for decades. Today it is one of the few produce markets left. Twenty five years ago there were 20 now only 4 as the drug trade chased away customers, gentrification demolished many of the buildings and old age owners closing their business has changed the community.

 

Sunrise Market owner, Leslie Joe and his family, are using COVID-19 time to refresh the business premises.

 

Leslie and Susan Joe immigrated to Canada in 1956 and shortly after opened Sunrise Market.

 

Lion Hotel at 324 Powell Street is a retirement home today.

 

This 2094 street level mural by Cristina Peori celebrates the Powell Street area experience. It contains details such as the Komura building at 269 E. Powell St. with the adjacent diminutive buildings along Gore Street (now demolished) that reportedly housed the first Saki distillery in Canada. Next to this is the basement of York Hotel that had remnants of Japanese baths and an underground tunnel. Other details include equipment from Nye’s Foundry, and decorative details from buildings in the area.

Grindrod is an unincorporated designated place in the North Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada. The community is located on the western bank of the Shuswap River, north of Enderby, and is sometimes considered to be part of the Shuswap Country. The population was 1,453 on the 2011 census.

 

(from - Wrigley's 1918 British Columbia Directory) - GRINDROD - a post office and station on C. P. R, Sicamous-Okanagan branch, 17 miles south of Sicamous, in North Okanagan Provincial Electoral District. Nearest C. P. R. telegraph office is at Enderby, 5 1/2 miles south. The population in 1918 was 135. Has one store, good school, excellent farming district north and south, with magnificent scenery, being located on the Spallumcheen River, in the Okanagan Valley.

 

GRINDROD was named by CPR officials after Edmund Holden Grindrod, first CPR telegraph inspector in British Columbia, 1886 - 1910 (when telegraph lines in Okanagan Valley, down Arrow Lakes and in Kootenay Country were constructed); afterwards a farmer south of Kamloops. Born at Rochdale, England - 26 February 1859. It is located between Armstrong and Sicamous, SE of Salmon Arm (city).

 

The GRINDROD Post Office was established - 1 November 1911, with John Monk, postmaster.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the GRINDROD Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

- sent from - / GRINDROD / OC 20 / 48 / B.C. / - cds cancel - (RF B).

 

- sent by: F. N. Hipp / Grindrod / B.C.

 

Forest Nicholas Hipp

Birth - 26 Oct 1908 in Minnesota, USA

Death - 3 Apr 1984 (aged 75) in Vernon, North Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Burial - Enderby Cliffside Cemetery Enderby, North Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Occupation - Farmer

 

Forest Nicholas Hipp was born on - 26 October 1908, in Minnesota, United States, his father, Nicholas John Hipp, was 23 and his mother, Elsie Maude Gorman, was 21. He married Irene Catherine Sullivan on - 9 September 1931, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. He immigrated to Canada in 1912 and lived in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1916 and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1926. He died on - 3 April 1984, in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, at the age of 75, and was buried in Enderby 2, North Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada.

 

Father: Nicholas John Hipp

Mother: Elsie Maude Gorman

Spouse: Irene Catherine (nee Sullivan) Hipp

 

Irene Catherine Sullivan was born on - 12 April 1912, in Shieldsville, Rice, Minnesota, United States, her father, John Michael Joseph Sullivan, was 40 and her mother, Emma Augusta Deroo, was 24. She married Forest Nicholas Hipp on - 9 September 1931, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. She lived in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1916. She died on - 26 December 1951, in Enderby, British Columbia, Canada, at the age of 39, and was buried in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

 

Addressed to: Kenneth McDonald & Sons Limited / Seeds, Bulbs, Plants / Ottawa / Canada / Market Square

 

Kenneth McDonald and Sons Limited was an Ottawa seed and nursery company that spanned three generations. Founded in 1876 by Kenneth McDonald, management was passed on to sons John Alfred (J.A.) and Kenneth P. (K.P.) McDonald, who incorporated the firm in 1912. J.A.’s son John R. and K.P.’s son Stuart Edward (Ted) took over in the firm’s later years, when his mother Marion and brother Douglas sat on the Board of Directors, making the company a true family business. McDonald’s began as a supplier for the lumber industry, but as agriculture grew, the firm shifted to carrying heavy farm equipment, clothing, farm seeds and eventually vegetable seeds. Demand from rural and urban women for flower seeds prompted further expansion, which was followed by provision of nursery stock, lawn grasses and garden sundries. At the height of the post-World War II boom, McDonald’s’ staff grew to over seventy-five. Hugh Cairney was responsible for creating the firm’s bi-annual catalogues, along with the buying of seeds and correspondence with customers. In its busiest years, McDonald’s sent out 65,000 Spring catalogues and 23,000 Fall catalogues. It served a diverse range of customers: small-town farmers in New Brunswick, the isolated Grenfell medical mission in Labrador, and the Prime Minister, Mackenzie King. Affected by increasing government regulation and the vagaries of climate, McDonald’s profits diminished as the years passed. The 1950s saw many of North America’s large seed companies go out of business. McDonald’s, too, made the decision to dissolve and did so in 1966.

Acolyte

 

The Prologue:

Julie had come alone. Having missed her ride with a friend to deal with some pressing servant related issues, she had taken her father’s roadster out and had driven the curving, often bumpy road into the city by herself. Parking it, she had made her way to where the festivities were already in full swing.

She now stood at upstairs entrance, allowing herself a minute to unwind from her driving to breathlessly take it all in. As she stood to one side, allowing the swarming mass of guests to pass uninhibited by her as they headed downstairs to the party chambers below, her eyes grew wide with the splendor below.

Julie still possessed some of the awkwardness of youth, and it showed by the way she carried herself. From her constantly gawking eyes, to her nervously moving hands, down to the high heels on her feet that occasionally still tripped her up as she walked. But despite all that, she still managed to present a total picture of elegance and grace, the result of years of etiquette being forced down her pretty throat.

Now, anyone down below who happened looked up at the entrance, would have given Julie a second look, and they did.

With that second look the following would have been taken in; long brown hair hung down in silken masses past her shoulders. The hair framed an oval face, with large, innocently wide, eyes, heavy with the mascara that always gave her face a perpetually surprised look. Resplendent in a long soft gown that seemed to pour down forever over her quite perky youthful figure, a purple satin sheet of flowing liquid, broken only by the black bolero jacket with its shimmering ornament. The hem of her gown almost covered the pointed toes of her coal black high heeled shoes.

A diamond necklace blazed in rippling fire hung from Julie’s throat, its brilliance matched by the long diamond earrings that peeked in and out as they swayed vibrantly, like a twin beacons. A sparkling diamond brooch with swinging sapphire’s that matched the colour of Julies eyes , had been placed high on one side of her black satin bolero styled jacket. She wore no gloves, and her bare fingers were home to a rather lively assortment of gem encrusted rings.

Soon two ladies also broke away from the crowd and joined Julie in her observation, as they commented to one another about the scene below. They then asking Julie if she agreed, as if the strangers and she were old acquaintances, Julie gave them both the once over as she reluctantly agreed with them.

Both Ladies were red heads, although the younger one, with pretty hazel eyes, was more of a ginger ( like Julies maid), Julie finished giving both a swift appraisal before turning her attention back to the crowd, looking for an opening to make her escape. The ginger, a young miss stunning in a gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, apologized for the intrusion, then let out a small squeal, commenting on how adorable Julie’s jacket was, as she lifted it up, of Jules of Paris( Pariee is how she pronounced it), and your gown, it’s of the house of Yevonne, is it not, the young lady asked? No Julie said, starting to shake her head, which made her earrings sparkle even more erratically, as the other lady continued admiring Julie’s satin jacket, momentarily covering the bright brooch from view. At the same time the other lady, a bit older ,becomingly clad in a fine gown of red wine colured Taffeta, placed a hand on Julies other shoulder, asking the now disconcerted girl if she knew how late the orchestra was playing, Julie continued shaking her head, as she looked into the older lady’s deep green eyes, mesmerized as they just oozed kindness , No, sorry ma’am she answered obediently . The younger one finished her admiration of Julie’s s attire by patted Julie’s shoulder, well nice meeting you, and with a cheerful tootles, both women left, melting ahead into the crowd.

Julie watched them for a few seconds as the pair swished downstairs, straightening her jacket as she did. Suddenly all thoughts of the two ladies were pulled from her mind as she realized something was amiss. It took her but a second to realize the brooch her maid had pinned onto her jacket was now absent. Bother she said under her breath as she looked around her on the empty floor, it must have fallen off in the roadster! Under her breath she chastised both the roadster, and the road, remembering the way the vehicle had lurched to and fro on the bumpy roadway in her haste to reach the city. She must have words with that maid of hers for not fastening it properly, that brooch was simply too valuable for her to be so careless... Julie then puts the brooch out of her mind; she decides she will have the maid search the roadster for it in the morning.

And she makes her way out into the stream of guests and begins her descent, carefully as her high heeled feet negotiate the stairs…..

***

The Tale

Dazzling!

This was the word that best described the vision enclosed within the massive chamber that evening. Filled wall to wall with a seemingly endless swarm of guests, presenting an endless sea of colourfully be gowned, be gloved, and bejeweled ladies, escorted by a small army of tuxedoed and top hatted male chaperones. The crème del a crème of the huge cities finest citizens were there, displaying a good portion of what their all the hard cold pounds and guineas could buy.

The guests had entered via a large double stair case that led down into the sub street level chamber. On the east end was a mammoth stage, which stood about 4 feet above the dance floor, easily holding the 30 piece orchestra with room to spare. The music that was played was as diverse as the guests in attendance, appealing to every age group present.

Couples and singles milled about talking merrily, just a low murmur heard just below the music. A jazz number was being played and a number of the “young bright ones” were on the floor dancing earnestly with various random moves.

A stream of fresh guests had entered, making their way downstairs, gaining the attention of a few of those already in attendance. Jewels sparkled radiantly as many a satin gloved hand was raised in greeting, many a female head was turned to point out someone they could spread gossip about, and in the process exposing a multitude of jeweles in various sparkling colours.

One of those newcomers, a raven haired, black eyed woman with a dark features, possessing an almost feline like beauty, came onto the upstairs landing. She was probably aged in her mid-twenties, surprisingly alone and unescorted. She was waved to by no one, pointed out to by many. Looking around she suddenly spied something down below that made her smile, a wide Cheshire cat like grin that quickly spread across her wickedly pretty face. She scurried down the stairs, pushing, not gently, a young miss in in a purple satin gown and black jacket, who had been moving slowly ahead of her, wobbling in her high heels, the poor girl fell against the wall, clutching it for support with well ringed fingers.

The raven haired beauty parted several more pairs of guests as she made her way down, moving too slow for her, without a word of apology. At the middle landing, she shoved her way past a pair of ladies, moving slowly as they regarded the pretty scene being played out below in the well lite chamber. One was red head wearing a tailored wine coloured taffeta gown that made a swishing noise as the lady passed, and her companion, about the same age as the intruder, (a kid sister, or cousin of taffeta gown?) was dressed in gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, her long hair done up in a high bun, held by dangling rows of rhinestone ropes. She looked at the lady who was unexpectedly cutting between them, but said nothing; as the lady paid neither one no never mind. The raven haired lady continues down, and still never uttering a word or wearing even the slightest look of apology, trips up yet another lady, clad in a long pure white satin gown, with emerald bracelets dangling from her white gloved wrists, who actually had started to fall, and would have if the pair of red headed ladies in wine and emerald gowns had not caught and steadied her, and in the process an emerald bracelet is lost to sight.

The raven haired, dark beauty finally landed onto the chamber floor and began snaking through the crowd, licking her vibrant red lips as her eyes darted about searching for any distractions to avoid keeping her from her selected designation, (and prey)! Her long thin figure was sleekly covered by a lengthy body-hugging black satin sheath, her heavy mascara, and long flowing hair matching the dress. She wore opera length satin gloves, red as her lips. Her jewels were all white diamonds, earrings, necklaces bracelets, and a large brooch hanging from the low cut of her gowns neckline. She wore a number of fancy rings, one of which was a large diamond cocktail ring on her left hand, while her right, gripping a red satin clutch purse, was home to 3 smaller versions of the same ring. She slowed down suddenly, and opening the purse pulled out a long telescoping holder, and opening a gold (14k) case extracted a long white cigarette and inserted it.

She than bee lined and circled around, flanking a young miss wearing(limply) a long pretty satin dress of pink coral, white pearls hanging expensively down from her ears and neckline. She wore white wrist length satin gloves, with a diamond merrily glittering from a long slender finger on her left hand. She was talking to a rather handsome youth her own age, dapper in his tails and top hat, a precision trimmed Saxon style beard, and a face with solid Welsh features, and hazel coloured twinkling eyes. A long gold chain and fob held a solid gold engraved pocket watch to his chest (all 14 k) and he wore a ruby pin in his black ascot.

As she stole behind the back of the poor princess in coral, she gave her a venomous gaze, which quickly changed as she touched the young man on the shoulder, as he turned to her, the raven haired beauty, whose name was Lilith, eyes were now brimming with contrived admiration.

Hello darlings Lilith said, in a syrupy low voice, addressing them both, although she did not even glance at the girl. Both hoarsely said hello back, and the boy took the offered hand and kissed it, her large ring shinning, blindingly in his eyes. Would you be a dear then? She asked, waving the cigarette holder in front of his face. He obligingly lit it, and she let out a puff of smoke, aimed directly in the girls face, who started coughing Lilith smirked, panting her on the back, sorry dearie, mind if I borrow him for a bit, and she led the young gentleman away, before the pretty girl in coral and pearls could regain whatever composure she had left. Charles! Be a dear and buy me a drink please Lilith asked him, and he (with proper breeding of the titled) led her off without question, abandoning the young miss who watched them trot off with tears brimming in her blue eyes.

 

The drinks came, and Lilith sat her cigarette holder down next to them, dance with me Charles, and she took his arm and led him off to the dance floor, just as his fiancé in the coral gown and borrowed pearls had managed to catch up.

 

Charles held Lilith in his arms, as one might hold a cold blooded serpent. She moved close, appropriately hissing in his ear. Why are you wasting time with that silly Ginny creature, don’t you know her parents are about to lose all their money, and that Ginny’s only interest was in his title, and his parents fortune, silly bean. Charles looked warily at Lilith, than over at the forlorn Ginny, just standing there. He genuinely liked , maybe even loved, Ginny, even had given her a friendship ring, signifying his desire to become closer , But there were the rumors of her father being swindled of his fortune, and if his parents ever found out!. He looked back into his dance partners beady black eyes, they held a seductive fire which played immensely to his vanity. She was smiling winningly at him, she had made her selection, and although it would never show in her eyes, in the back of her devious mind, she was starting to think how the letter would go that his parents would anonymously be soon receiving concerning Ginny, the little pipsqueak, Lilith called her silently in her mind.

***

Meanwhile the pair of red haired ladies who had had the cheekiness to stop on the middle landing of the grand staircase, impeding Lilith’s progress, were now walking the perimeter of the mammoth chamber, meandering, taking in all of the sparkling and shininess of the surroundings, their eyes missing very little as they talked. The young, ginger haired one, pretty in her gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, seemed a little peeved about something, and her companion noticed that her grey eyes had turned a certain shade of green, always a sign of something amiss. She stopped her and asked her to please spill it out.

Oooh how I despise that witch, a seething Lydia said to her companion in the wine coloured taffeta gown, spitting out each word like a hissing cat, even Lydia’s back was arched a little like a feline. Her friend, whose longish flaming red hair was lying over her left shoulder, hanging down in a picturesque manner over her full bosom, was surprised at Lydia’s reaction. Who dear? Asked her friend, Angie. The lady in white satin Angie asked? No, spit out the usually collected Lydia, not her, she was really fuming. Angie continued, I was going to say, if it was, than taking her emerald bracelet should have been revenge enough, Angie stated, then continued. So just who are we talking about Lydia?

 

That one!, Lydia snarled, nodding her head, the witch in black who rushed through us on the stairs and went that way! Angie stopped, looking off in the direction Lydia had nodded. Oh her, she said, the one in black satin. Lydia just glared, and Angie knew she had gotten it right. She asked Lydia, does this witch have a name? Lilith! Lydia spat it out like a swear word, followed by a gushing tirade. She is a backstabbing creature who can charm any man into submission while making a girl cringe and wince with the merest of glances. She is a gold digger extraordinaire with two ex-grooms who couldn’t see her for her true colours until they had been gutted by her gilded claws!!

Really exclaimed Angie, her green eyes becoming brighter! Two of them? Yes, Lydia went on, both wealthy, both became available when their parents received anonymous poison letters about their then betrothed.

I’d give anything to knock her down a few pegs, Lydia continued through clenched teeth.

Angie mulled it over; realizing anything more she said would just add fuel to Lydia’s fire. She decided to let her simmer down on her own, and then perhaps they could get on to their business. She suggested a drink, and they moved off, passing a forlorn young lady in a limp coral coloured gown, wearing a nice display of pearls, who seemed to be staring off in the distance at something with tear filled eyes.

Skirting the dance floor, they soon attained the lounge and settled in……..

 

***************************************************

It had now been four years since Angie had taken the charmingly talented young Lydia under her wing.

She had encouraged her blossoming skills, abilities that Lydia herself had self-taught by playing games with her siblings, until she encountered a professional she could learn from. That professional had been Angie. Lydia now possessed the little dog eared ancient pamphlet that had been the secret to Angie’s success as a light fingered lady pickpocket, focusing mainly on the fine jewels worn out and about by rich girls and women in society.

 

(Please visit our albums section and peruse the various Angie Albums for more background stories on Angie and her “light fingers” the Eds.)

 

It had cost Angie a necklace to acquire the pamphlet, and it had been worth it. It had cost the younger, ginger haired Lydia her brooch and ring for a chance to do the same. Lydia caught on quickly, mastering certain moves in half the time it had taken Angie, and for which Angie gave her high praise.

 

But sadly it was now less frequently that they worked as a team, each after a time branching off on their own paths.

 

Lydia was a different creature than Angie in the respect that coming from a wealthy family she was supported, even though most of the family lands, money and titles would go to the heir, Lydia’s twin brother. For her lifting items from her wealthy friends and relations had started out as an edgy game. Now it had evolved into a challenging pastime, a trophy hunt of sorts where she collected jewels like her father collected animal relics. Some of her lesser trophies were passed onto Angie, who had the connections to dispose of them, turning them into ready pound notes.

 

Whereas Angie had been born to impoverished English parents who had immigrated to Canada. They made her, their only child, an orphan at age 6 upon their untimely deaths in an epidemic. At the crowded orphanage the nuns taught her a little about manners, how to act properly for a lady, and the rest she had learned on her own, what she needed to say to please them and avoid the “floggings” that they administered to those who refused to “fit” in. She fled the orphanage when she was 14 and forged her own, often lonely path in the years that followed. For her lifting a ladies valuables was a means of lively hood as much as it brought her thrills. And she had accomplished it all without Lydia’s advantages, which had been a pair of a willing accomplices, AKA a sister and brother, to practice on!

 

But the pair remained in constant touch and it had been at Lydia’s beckoning that Angie had met her in London a few days prior. From London they had travelled by rail to attend this once a year function, and to attend the various balls and other affairs that were the natural outgrowths of the Gala.

 

It had been an eventful journey, the train ride had proven to be even more profitable than usual for the two light fingered ladies.

 

Lydia had written Angie a letter (to Angie’s solicitor who she saw at least one a month) telling her about the upcoming gala, and how would she would like Angie to join her in for the hunt. Their plans were to attend the gala and its outgrowths, then spend a few months of the upcoming party season continuing Lydia’s education. They had met at the London station, and after checking their bags found themselves with a little time to kill before boarding. Now outside the station there was a sprawling green where several vendors had set up their wares, a haven for those possess a light fingered touch. The two ladies meandered, catching up on what had been happening in their lives since they last time they had been together.

 

Now as they walked the green, they also kept their eyes open, and it was the second time they had passed a group of small benches, across a path from where an organ grinder was performing with a pet monkey, which they stopped, giving some serious attention to something they had both glanced at the first time in passing.

 

There was a trio of young ladies by one of the benches. Later they learned the trio were three sisters awaiting for the arrival of their parents and older brother. All three wore eye catching outfits, the younger 2 siblings in silk dresses of canary yellow and butterscotch, the elder sister was in a long flowing black skirt with a glistening silver coloured ruffled satin blouse. The jewels the three were innocently wearing in public were also worth a second look. The youngest (12) wore a pretty selection of silver, the middle (14) wore gleaming pearls, their older sister and chaperone (19) was wearing gold bracelets, a fine collection of rings and (probably unwisely) an expensive sapphire brooch at her throat.

 

Now the first time they had passed the oldest was seated at a bench reading a magazine, while her siblings played on the lawn. They had stopped to watch the sisters, under the pretense of watching the crowd around the organ grinder and his monkey. They watched both groups with some interest, but were distracted when Lydia pointed out a pickpocket working the crowd across the way. Angie spotted him immediately, he was chatting to a pair of ladies wearing fashionable day gowns of shiny damask. It looked to be a wealthy mother and her younger sister. As the grey top hated gentleman thief engaged the mother in conversation, he was reaching around and gingerly lifting the silver watch of the younger sister, her attention being paid out to her two young nephews. They watched until he had pocketed the watch, his skill level about average for the type, before Lydia and Angie headed off for the far side of the green.

 

The second time around they saw that the oldest had fallen asleep, sitting on the bench and the younger two were sitting on the grass, watching the monkey from across the way. The grey top hated man who had relieved the lady of her watch, was now lurking on the scene, eyeing the two sisters sitting on the grass, their dresses splayed out, making the small glistening pools that had probably been what first caught his attention, before noticing their jewels, which were ripe for the picking now that their chaperone eyes were closed.

 

Lydia and Angie, without a word between them, moved in for the kill. Lydia went straight to the younger sisters, while Angie made a wide circle, cutting in front of the top hatted gentleman, who nodded to the pretty, clever faced, red head. Angie than seated herself on the far end of the bench, primarily to keep the grey top hated man and any other opportunist who may also have designs on the sound asleep older sister’s jewelry, at bay.

 

Lydia meanwhile had come up behind the younger pair of sisters, laying a hand on the older ones shoulder as she chirped a happy hello to them. Asking them if they would give some coins to the monkey for her, they got up and allowed Lydia to lead them across the path.

 

The girls called to the little monkey and handed him their coins, while they all laughed at the tricks he performed for them. The younger one was looking up at Lydia who handed her another coin; she scrunched down, and gave it to him, as they waited for him to perform again. Lydia placed her hand on thy older sister’s silken covered shoulder, than her fingers quickly slid up to the necklace of pearl, and with two fingers, flicked open the hook and eye clasp, and pulled away the pearls in one motion. She then moved back, leaving the younger siblings to play with the monkey and melted back into the crowd,

 

Watching all this, Angie made a noise after Lydia had vanished from sight, waking the sleeping lass, who immediately looked around for her wayward sisters. Spying the pretty red head sitting at the end of the bench, she smiled (girls always felt more at ease around other women), Angie smiled back, and looked towards the monkey, and the sister also looks, and spies her siblings. She calls out to them, and as they come back Angie sees with satisfaction that Lydia had been busy. The sister also notices something amiss; the middle one is missing her pearls.

 

They begin to look, with the concerned red head kindly offering her” a hand” in their search. After a fruitless 15 minutes spent searching through the crowd of huddled people watching the organ grinder and his monkey, the nice red headed lady gave her apologies’, saying she must leave to make her train. The pretty lady takes her leave, holding the girls hand as she earnestly expresses her hopes that the pearls are found. She holds out her arms, and is given a hug for helping by the grateful older sister. Angie places a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes, as her other hand reaches up and unhooks the sapphire brooch from the sisters satin blouse, palming it effortlessly.

 

As Angie disappears in the crowd the search goes on in earnest, It is not much after the red headed lady had swished her way through her crowd towards the train, that the older sister discovers she is wearing on less ring! As she in bewilderment places a hand to her silk covered chest, her fingers feel nothing, and start to feel around fruitlessly for her brooch, her sapphire brooch, its gone, not even so much as a tear on her satin blouse where it had been pinned by her maid that morning. The older sister feels a hand placed on her shoulder, she looks up into the smiling eyes of a dapper gentleman in a grey top hat, I something wrong my dear? He asks her, showing genuine concern in his smiling eyes.

 

As the gentleman in the grey top hat was giving his upmost attention to the young lady Angie had been “helping”, Angie entered the train, and walking to the end of the last passenger car, settled into the seat next to Lydia.

Lydia Turned towards Angie, and speaking in French, Commented:

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise !

Dear, Angie said in an almost motherly tone of voice, I really wish you would not go about quoting that Arsène Lupin wretch, as a pickpocket the man is a butcher.

Angelica, Lydia teasingly chided, you say that about all men with light fingers, like our gray hatted friend back there.

Honey, Angie smiled, most men like that are serpents, and Lupin is still a butcher.

Lydia watched Angie settle back in her seat with a secret smile. She did not know too much about Angie’s past, but there was something there about Monsieur Lupin, (whose exploits had been made into print, tickling her young girls fancy, as she poured over them), that seemed to get at Angie’s goat. A lot about Angie’s past life was a secret to Lydia, but she knew well enough when to let sleeping dogs lie..

Lydia than settled in as the train lurched forward, taking them safely away from the London park, along with the sister’s “trinkets “the pair had obtained.

 

A little later, it became Lydia’s turn to show her mettle.

 

An hour after leaving London Station, the train stopped at a fashionable suburb. Lydia watched with half opened eyes, the disembarking passengers, and the new arrivals now walking to and fro along the wooden platform. Suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she made a small noise. Angie looked up from her book with interest, immediately spotting it too.

 

A young couple was walking past their window. He was wearing a 3 piece suit, walking stick, a silver timepiece, and a small brown derby. It was his wife, though, upon which the ladies interest lay. She was sporting a slinking satin frock, pretty in itself as it lay along her voluptuous figure, but it was her necklace that stole the show, and as she walked it was noticed by more than a few of the people she passed. It was a buoyantly bright gold drop necklace that encircled her neck, with a large stone ruby in the center of the drop that lay along her bare throat. The necklace really vexed Lydia’s interest and she watched it, and the lady who wore it for as long as she could before finally losing sight and settling back in the seat with a long sigh.

 

Only a few short minutes later she her heart leapt in her throat. The couple had entered their car, probably heading for one of the private cars at the end of the train she reasoned, as her eyes took in every detail. But no, the couple stopped at the empty seat just before the one Angie and Fiona occupied.

 

Now Lydia and Angie had the end seats in the car, their back was to the cars wall, and directly across from them was a small storage room, , so the seating across the aisle started up about three rows, which meant that basically no one could see them unless they were walking past. Lydia continues to watch with interest as the couple settled in, the wife taking the window seat, in front of Lydia a. Angie just kept her nose buried in the book she was holding; this was all Lydia’s show. Lydia watched the lady as she sat back, her and her necklace reflected in the windows, The ladies shoulders were just above the seat, and after she had settled in, she made a show of doing up her long hair in a bun, giving Lydia ample time to study the valuable necklaces gold box clasp, and plan her way to it.

 

After listening to the few sharp words the lady gave her husband, Lydia decides this elegantly coiffured lady was somewhat a prima donna. Her husband tries to place his arm around her, but is chased off. They both finally fall off to sleep, and as the twilight outside takes over, Lydia sees her chance and seizes it. Lydia reaches over, and after licking her fingers, plays with the man’s ears. He groggily wakens, still aroused now that he thinks his wife is also now amorous, he reaches over and pets her affectionately. She wakens, angry and pushes the husband away. But Lydia is prepared, as the wife leans towards her husband, and away from the window, Lydia’s fingers have already flicked open the box clasp and whisked of the gold necklace from the opposite direction, towards the window, where she catches its reflection as slips over the back of the ladies seat and curls up in Lydia’s open palm.

 

Lydia and Angie now had private, “front” row seats for when the wife’s loss was discovered. It was always a performance that Angie never tired of watching when she could chance it. And Lydia? Sticking around and watching her victim’s reaction at being pickpocketed was one of the reasons she started lifting jewelry in the first place. Neither of them was disappointed on this occasion.

 

Now wide awake, the wife settled back down to read her book, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen while she was chastising her husband. As she did her fingers brushed her neck, she stopped reading, and carefully felt around her throat, before letting out a yelp that woke her husband, and several of the other passengers ahead of her. She cried out (in a heavy Italian accent) my jewels, La mia collana , è svanito, it is gone? In panic she rose and started to look around, her hand to her throat, giving everyone watching a nice display of her pretty figure in its shiny dress and of her remaining jewelry. Angie, Lydia, a Stewart and the couple two seats ahead got up and helped in the fruitless search. Her necklace had somehow mysteriously vanished.

After things finally settled down Angie and Lydia made friends with the husband, but his wife remained angry and distant….

The rest of the trip had been uneventful, mainly because Angie and Lydia had had their fill of their appealingly pretty little games for the time being.

*******************************************************************

Angie suddenly perked up, letting go of her thoughts. She looked over at Lydia who was nursing her drink, her eyes looking a little less peeved. Did you see her, she asked? Who? Answered Lydia, Lilith? No answered Angie patiently. Not the Girl in the coral gown and pretty pearls, that one looked miserable enough without our help, stated Lydia? No, not her, but Angie reflected, Her pearls were nice, I almost suggested a go at them, but glad we didn’t, your right she did seem sad enough as it is. No, I mean that one over there, and she threw her eyes over to the entrance of the lounge.

Oh, Lydia exclaimed, I see what you mean. In the corner just outside the enclosed lounge area stood a lady in teal velvet, carrying a purse, her silver satin gloved wrist and fingers, home to a rather nice set of blazing emeralds and diamonds, matching those around her throat and hanging from her ears. Lydia looked over the situation.

 

The new mark wearing the teal velvet, was idling looking around, obviously trying to spot someone. Lydia looked at Angie, her Hazel eyes turning green with anticipation. Who gets her, she asked sweetly. Angie nodded,( wanting something to take Lydia mind off …..) she is all yours princess ( a nickname that Angie sometimes used on Lydia, and about the only person in the world Lydia could tolerate calling her that).

And watch her movements, added Angie in an instructing tone, See how she jumps up to peer over the crowd? Try and use it to your advantage. Lydia smiled and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

 

Now Lydia’s forte was lifting necklaces, so that whenever it was Angie’s turn to be the spotter, she would always be on the lookout for Ladies wearing necklaces that would be within easy reach of Lydia’s talented fingers. Likewise Lydia, when spotting for Angie, kept an eye out for brooches. So, when Angie told Lydia the mark was hers, it was her emerald necklace that received close study first.

 

Lydia waited until the lady had her back to them, and she rose and carefully threaded herself through the maze of tables to the entrance of the lounge, her gown rustling against any object it touched. She came up on the lady in teal. Violet she cried out, as she raised one arm, wrapping around it around the girl’s back, while the other gripped the girl’s arm as Lydia drew the lady up against her figure in an embrace..

 

The girl tried to turn, squirming in Lydia s clasp, and as she did so, Lydia’s hand had already snaked up to the studied necklaces clasp, popping it open. I’m not Vio…. the startled girl tried to say, but as she turned around, Lydia exclaimed, you’re not Violet, oh I ‘m so sorry she said, asking for forgiveness sweetly,( undoing the clasp of the necklace and lifting up one end) I thought you were my cousin violet, Lydia apologized profusely, while her one hand squeezed the girls arm, finger bails digging in, as the other one holding the end of the necklace on her shoulder, moved down behind teal velvets back, slipping away the fiery necklace with it.. As Lydia balled up the necklace in her hand, she begged her leave, expressing regrets that she did not have time to chat with her new friend, have to find where Violet wandered off to she explained, squeezing the girl’s arm.

 

The mark was only too glad to accept the pretty stranger’s apology at not being able to stay and chat. The lady watched Lydia swish off into the swarming crowds. Her eyes slightly puzzled, before she remembered that she was also looking for someone, and went off, soon forgetting the entire incident ( and later, when the loss of her necklace was discovered, her brief encounter with Violet’s confused cousin was not even thought of)!

 

As Lydia sauntered off she stowed away the emerald necklace, and then meandered about the chamber, taking her turn to spot fresh victims, whose jewels were doomed to disappear under Angie’s talented fingers.

 

Meanwhile across the Ballroom another scene was being played out…..

********

Lilith was now holding court at the edge of the dance floor; her second straight dance had ended with the young gentleman she was leading to believe fascinated her. She was busy continuing chatting him up, expressing her utter delight at the wonderful dancer he was, when Ginny timidly approached. She drew near her erstwhile boyfriend, asking him for their dance, as she desperately tried to keep her lips from trembling. Lilith’s eyes lit up in false apology (Ginny could see that all too well), darling! Lilith exclaimed, could I borrow your young man for a bit more, he promised me a drink. She placed her arm around him, isn’t that right darling? The overly polite boy, choked up a bit, unsure of what to do, his breeding not letting him wanting to hurt either Ginny, or Lilith, despite what his true desires actually were, and that was to be alone with Ginny! Although the seeds of doubt that had been planted in his mind by Lilith were beginning to take root and he was starting to have worries about what if future with Ginny would become an actuality.

 

Ginny, Charles started, faltered, than tried again, Ginny, the band is going to play The Charleston, you know how you like to dance to it, why don’t you go and I’ll catch up with you soon, promise. Yes darling, Lilith chirped maternally at poor Ginny, It will be just a quick one darling, and taking Charles by the arm, led him off, leaving Ginny standing there, wilting away as the Lilith’s words and actions burned through to her very soul. The music stared, and she reluctantly, if not a little obediently, did as Charles wished. Three dances later, he still had not shown up as promised, and Ginny danced on, a burning hole opening ever wider in her heart.

**********

Meanwhile, as poor Ginny started dancing to her second of three solo dances, we visit another end of the chamber, where Lydia is found talking merrily with three girls around her own age that she had collected around her. She had lured them into her web by engaging the considerable charm, elegance and sophistication that had been bred into her by her parents pretty much since birth.

 

Three pretty maids all in a row, overloaded with a multitude of dripping jewels, and Lydia was waiting for Angie to make an appearance and lighten their load! A blond haired lady in shiny red satin, a brown haired maiden in bright blue, and a tow headed damsel in silky gold. As Lydia was chatting up the three girls, her eyes, discreetly and unobtrusively, take an account of their jewels, their placement and their value.

 

Amongst the jewels the lady in red is wearing the most valuable is a necklace of small diamonds and a ring around her right hand’s pinky that is a large diamond cluster that shimmers spectacularly as she plays with a locket of her lion’s mane like blond hair.

 

The pretty maiden in blue was displaying a nice collection of gold jewelry, braided chains with small flecks of silver woven in. But above her left breast, was her only jeweled piece, pinned with a simple c-clasp, a gold brooch with a center stone of blue topaz surrounded by dazzling ½ caret diamonds.

 

Then there was the damsel in the pretty gold coloured gown, woven of some type of exotic, overly expensive, material that just shimmered in the massive chandelier’s light. She was also wearing opera length gold satin gloves, from which were dangling a pair impressive jeweled bracelets, their stones a multitude of rainbow coloured gems. She also wore a long pair of dangling diamond earrings, held loosely by rather ancient hinge clasps. Although her many other jeweled pieces were pretty valuable, these two twin sets were by far the most valuable pieces that anyone in the group was wearing.

 

Lydia feasted on the show her three marks jewels were displaying as she won them all over, soon bringing them into fits of giggling and laughter as they started to talk about the things most groups of women by themselves talk about, men! Out of the corner of her eye Lydia spied Angie coming up and around to see what’s up. She circled past each of the girls, slowly, nonchalantly, attracting no notice from the others in Lydia’s little group.

 

As Angie passed behind the blond in red satin, Lydia adjusted one of her rings, like it was bothering her, the motion caught Angie’s eye. Then Angie passed behind the gold gowned miss, and her eyes darted to Lydia, who lifted up her hair, exposing her ears, than absentmindedly started playing with a bracelet. Then Angie went behind the little blue gowned miss, and saw Lydia suppressing a cough, patting her chest to stifle it, her fingers splayed just above her left breast. Nodding, as much to herself as Lydia, Angie melted back into the crowd, and made a wide circle before approaching Lydia’s side.

 

Angie touched Lydia on her shoulder and she swirled, delighted that her “new friend” had shown up. (for whatever the reason, it always makes the mark(s) more comfortable when a pair of newcomers are related or are friends, Gaston Monescu, page 15 paragraph 2), Lydia excitedly introduced Angie to her three new chums, explaining to them how Angie and her had met on the train and had bonded, and how nice Angie was, and how very interesting a life she had led, along with other bits of flummery.

 

Angie’s first formal introduction was to red satin, Jessica. Whom Angie took by the hand, then reached around and hugged her, receiving a warm embrace in return. After the embrace, Angie clasped Jessica’s right hand in both of hers, praising Jessica on her pretty gown. As Jessica looked down, lifting a portion of the gown’s skirt with her left hand to show it off better, all eyes looked down. As everyone’s attention was diverted for that fraction of a second, Angie released Jessica’s right hand, slipping off from Jessica’s satin clad pinky, the large diamond clustered ring. Angie discreetly passed off the ring to Lydia, who was standing close to one side.

 

Then Lydia introduced Angie to the elegantly gold gowned young lady, Abby. Angie raised one arm, wrapping it around Abby’s back, while the other gripped her wrist, flicking open the jeweled bracelet‘s safety chain, as she drew the gold gown wearing Abbey up against her figure. The girl tried to turn, squirming in Angie’s embraces. Angie’s hand patted the girl on the back as the girl halfheartedly did the same, feeling Angie’s face bury itself in her shoulder. Effectively blocking from view the hand the held her wrist, which was picking open the bracelets clasp. Angie pulled away, looking the young miss in the eyes, everyone else eyes were also on Angie, which is what she was aiming for. And as she told the sweet young thing that it was her pleasure, she patted the ladies wrist, squeezing open the bracelet, slipping it off and into the slightly open purse at her side. As she does, her other hand goes up to the lady in gold’s dangling earring,( all eyes follow this movement) admiring the earring openly, taking its clasp into consideration for possibly an attempt later if they meet somewhere outside after hours. One never knows.

 

The last one to be introduced was the pretty Miss wearing the blue gown, Meria. Lydia, laughingly teasing her about being last, led her by the elbow and pulled the Meria towards Angie, and while she was turning, Angie took a small step forward and made sure her left side would bump against her. As Angie drew her in for an embrace, her right hand right hand was on the brooch while Angie’s left was grasping Meria’s left shoulder. Performing a move so familiar and well-practiced it was almost second nature, her middle finger pushed the c clasp out of its hook releasing the brooch into Angie’s palm. Pulling her hand down, she deposited the brooch into her purse, as she enveloped the girl in a hug. Then she stepped back, and began chatting with all three, soon winning them over like Lydia had done, keeping them distracted from themselves and their missing fine trinkets. Angie told them a quick, funny story about a man she had met on the train recently, which soon had them all giggling.

 

Angie took her leave after about 5 minutes, making an excuse that she needed to freshen up, she again took each ladies hand in goodbye, including Lydia’s, whom Angie slipped off a ring from her finger, so if things got sticky, she would be one of the victims also.

 

Lydia stayed behind to keep the three darling ladies occupied. She noticed one by one the missing jewels of each girl. The three shimmering silken lambs had been most professionally sheared, the most expensive of their jewels disappearing in such a manner that requires a ladies touch, no mere male, not even the talented Arsène Lupin, could have done better in the same scenario. As she looked them over, Lydia mused that with the mass quantities of jewelry each of the three were wearing, it would be some time before any of them realized some were missing.

 

********

 

Meanwhile across the ballroom, as Angie had been introduced to her last of the three ladies and their jewels that Lydia had lined up; another scene had started being played out…..

 

Lilith had just finished her second drink with Charles, while the third song of a five song set had just started, fast and one meant for singles (favored mainly by the ladies, one of who was the wretched Ginny). Lilith looked at Charles, and suggested he should join the gentlemen up in the smoke room (she had seen him watching them mass exodus of gentlemen heading that way when the current set of songs had started). Charles hesitated, I should really see about Ginny, he cautiously stated, not sure of Lilith’s reaction. Lilith smiled, licking her re lips, don’t you worry yourself over the poor dear, I will go and keep her company until you return, she promised happily.

 

Defeated, Charles wearily accepts her suggestion, and Lilith watches him depart, then smugly looks in the direction of the dance floor, and exultantly plucking the fag from the gold holder, squashes it down quite hard in an ash container. She snaps closed the telescoping holder, and with a positively wicked grin, leaves her seat with a pounce and heads onto the dance floor, her hips swinging her black satin gown with a fluid motion, not unlike like a black cat making a move against a frightened mouse, or perhaps a snake slithering towards its victim.

 

It is a known fact that in the wild herding animals will avoid any member who is ill or dying. This may explain that, with Ginny’s 3rd dance of the 5 song set, she was still alone. It was like her wretchedness was felt by others and so kept their distance, leaving poor Ginny alone in her own empty circle, dancing at a far end of the chamber. This is also why she was not hard to spot by one who was now specifically seeking her out.

 

Ginny jumped as a hand grasped, not softly, her shoulder, and a voice said her name, with an evil hiss into her ear…

 

Ginny turned to face Lilith, whose look of utter hatred made that she gave the poor girl, made Ginny cringe as she backed away, dancing was now the last thing on the poor girls mind.

 

Darling, Lilith said spitting out the word as she looked around to make sure no one else was listening in, I have some very bad news….

 

Lilith launched into a tirade filled litany of reasons of why “Her” dear Charles would simply never be able to have anything more to do with her. Starting with her jewelry( really dear, you had to borrow them?) jumping to her moneyless parents( penniless in-laws, really darling it just isn’t done ), her now lowered position in society, (not to worry though , after she(Lilith) and Charles were marred she would find Ginny a maids position somewhere). And finally, that Charles was leaving because he was angry with the jealous way the sniveling Ginny had been acting.

 

With each sentence that was thrown in poor Ginny’s face she stepped back, the hateful words (some of which she knew had truth in them) slicing like a knife into the already tormented girls soul.

 

Finally she could take it no longer, and openly weeping she turned and tried to flee, looking fruitlessly around for Charles, but Lilith was quick, and grasped the poor girl before she could make good her escape..

 

Oh, you poor darling, I haven’t hurt your feelings have I spat Lilith in mocking tones, her , and she drew Ginny to her in a tight embrace, feeling the girl squirming in her arms, much like a mouse would squirm under a cat’s clawed paw, or perhaps wrapped in a serpents coils( both scenarios fit Lilith). Lilith finally released the poor thing, who fled recklessly away.

 

Lilith stayed and watched Ginny bolt, an indulgent smile creeping upon her face. She started to move in rhythm with the music, extremely pleased with herself, her sleek, slinky black gown and gloves flowing down along her devastatingly pretty figure making her appear like some slithering serpent rising up from the bowels of some glittering hell….

It was no more than 2 minutes later that a hand was placed from behind on Lilith’s shoulder.

********

As Charles headed off to relish his cigar, and Lilith headed off to relish tormenting Ginny; Lydia was continuing to entertain the three young ladies, while biding her time until the next conquest of the evening.

 

Suddenly Angie appeared from the crowd, again behind the three unsuspecting girls still under Lydia’s spell. Angie gave her a subtle signal, indicating that she has spotted fresh prey in dire need of being shed of her jewels, and needed Lydia’s help with the shearing. Lydia encourages the three ladies to meet her a little later, she sees a gentlemen (winking) whom she had promised a dance. They let their friend go, thinking she should wait for a slow dance, the music being played now was no way to dance close and personal, but they unknowingly were quite wrong.

 

After leaving the 3 young ladies, Lydia soon reached Angie’s side by the edge of the dance floor. Angie turned and nodded her head indicated one side of the floor, is that Lilith? She asked Lydia’s eyes followed Angie’s nod, soon eyeing the solitary lady in black standing at one end talking with the girl in coral and pearls.

  

Yes it is she answered, why? Attend, said Angie, and Lydia listened as Angie laid out her plans before her, as Lydia watched her witch, and the diamonds she wore that flickered around her black encased figure like so many evil tongued serpents. Suddenly she saw the girl in coral whose pearls the ladies had admired earlier, suddenly turn and flee, crying. Still up to your dirty tricks, are you Lilith!, Lydia thought spitefully.

Ready, the pair of scheming red heads than made their move.

*********

Lilith turned to see whose hand it was, half expecting to see Ginny, she checked herself quite nicely when turning, when she saw Lydia’s beaming face.

The two ladies dance in step for a few seconds, than Lilith gushes, why Lydia dearest, I hadn’t noticed you were here. Perfectly lovely darling, then Lilith added, but who brought you this evening? She asked, appearing very casual.

 

Lydia stayed silent on the subject; she wouldn’t give Lilith the satisfaction of knowing that she had not found anyone since Lilith had stolen Lord St. Claire, her longtime Beau, from under her nose.

 

Instead, Lydia praised Lilith, her lovely figure and gown, false praise, and Lilith knew it. They both continue dancing, almost sparing like a pair of fencers, with sharp eyes, and tongues rather the swords.

 

***********

Having been pre-warned by Lydia that the situation would become volatile very fast, Angie had come up behind Lilith very quickly, and started to dance behind her, coming ever closer, unnoticed by Lilith whose guard was totally centered on Lydia.

 

Angie saw her chance and tripped on Lilith’s Gown, sending her into Lydia’s waiting arms. Angie’s hands at the same moment had flew up to clasp of Lilith’s diamond necklace, unsnapping it, and sending the necklace falling into Lydia’s hands as she pushed away Lilith, who was in the process of turning and rounding on the person who dared ruin her expensive gown. As she spat at Angie, reprimanding her for her careless ness, Lydia moved in between, flicking the clasp of Lilith’s diamond broach in the process. Pushing the pair apart, Lydia apologies, as her right hand neatly slipped of the opened broach from Lilith’s satin gown, saying it was her fault for dancing so close to Lilith that she had backed poor Lilith into the lady.

Lydia took Angie’s hand, apologizing, slipping her the necklace and broach into Angie’s half open purse in the process. And with that, Angie turned and went on her way, never looking back, Hearing Lilith saying something to Lydia about the clumsy bitch, as she left.

 

************

 

Later that evening found Angie walking through the lounge of an upscale hotel, having joined in with the spillover from the fancy dress ball that had gathered there. She had stashed in her hotel room the shimmering collection of purloined jewels that Lydia and her had lifted while attending the Ball proper.

For the past half an hour she had been having an enjoyable conversation with the sparkling (both in personality, and attire) tow headed lady in silky gold that Lydia had introduced her to at the ball, and who still had not noticed she was shorn of a one of her bracelets from her gloved wrist,. Angie had come across the damsel sitting alone by the bar, her friend (The pretty maiden in blue who had been displaying the nice collection of gold jewelry- less one brooch) had left her to party on with a male friend of hers.

Angie had just left the pretty ladies side, also leaving her without the bother of placing her earrings and one of her twin bracelet in the hotel safe that evening. She as of yet failed noticed that now her dangling diamond earrings that had been loosely held by their ancient old fashioned clasps, had gone the same route as her Bracelet. Angie had slipped off the earrings while giving her a generous hug of greeting after watching and waiting for her to be alone.

 

*******************************

 

Lighting a cigarette Angie left through the lobby and headed into a late night pub. As she nursed her first scotch, neat over ice, a familiar figure approached and slid onto the empty stool next to her. Thought I’d find you here, chirped a much happier Lydia. Just wanted to pop to give you an update, She waited and made small talk until after the bartender had taken and served her drink (a whiskey Soda) then began to fill in Angie.

So what was her reaction when you pointed out her jewels were missing, Angie asked Lydia with great expectations of what had happened? Well when I pointed them out, instead of thinking you (Angie) had been the culprit, Lilith assumed they had been taken by” Ginny” (the sad one wearing the coral gown and pearls) when Lilith had been hugging her. That little toad, Lilith had spat out to Lydia, and turned to hunt Ginny down.

Poor dear, said Angie, felling a small pang of sorrow for the little Ginny creature. No, answered Lydia, not really, and she continued…

Lydia had followed, realizing that Lilith was out of control, worried that someone innocent may be hurt.

And she was correct, because Lilith approached Ginny and lit into her something fearsome.

Lilith literally grabbed Ginny and started shaking her, demanding that she give them back. The girl was petrified, and Lilith started calling her some pretty nasty names.

A crowd started gathering.

Then all of a sudden this bloke wearing a gold pocket watch, cuts through the crowd and rescues the poor girl from Lilith’s clutches. Like a white knight Angie commented. Well he was in black tails, and boy was he angry with Lilith, he held the girl in coral tight as he looked at Lilith lividly, his face the reddest I have ever seen on an angry young man.

Lilith finally, collected herself, and I saw all fire drain from her face, and she turned around and stormed out of the chamber. I don’ know, nor care what became of her, stated Lydia.

 

Feel better now, princess? Angie asked Lydia.

 

Lydia smiled perking up, actually for the small bit of solace it may have been worth, it had made her feel better now that she had thought about it.

 

She smiled at Angie, producing a necklace of pearls, it seemed easier to do when she was so happy, Lydia confessed. So you do feel better Princess, Angie stated happily.

 

Lydia smiled, and the pair finished their drinks in thoughtful silence.

 

Lydia was the first to leave, smiling she bade Angie a good night, and began walking away.

Lydia had only gone a few feet, when she turned, and looked at Angie who had been watching her.

Lydia, a sly smile brightening her face and eyes, happily quoted “Assistez à un oeil de demoiselles dans vos s , chatouiller les dames de fantaisie avec une main”

Angie finished Lupin’s quote quote with a faraway look in her eyes

“tout en soulevant ses bijoux avec l'autre”

Till the morrow, Princess, Angie said in parting.

Till Tomorrow answers Lydia, turning with a skip, her gown flowing out behind her as she, now in very good humor, leaves into the smoke swirled darkness of the city to walk the few blocks to her hotel.

*****

The Epilogue:

Late afternoon of the next day, after attending an early afternoon Garden Soiree, Lydia and Angie are strolling through a park, both still dressed in their party dresses, both still wearing their fancy day jewels, (worn so they would fit in with the well to do female attendees), and both with secret pockets holding jewels lifted from some of said female attendees.

Lydia looks back at Angie, Lifting that silver dragon brooch with the ruby eyes and diamond scales was a nice move on your part Angie, she praises.

It was a lot easier with your help Lydia, Angie responded.

Lydia turned her head back onto the path, her pony tail whipping around, the pearls she had woven into it shining a bright white.

Angie said to Lydia’s back, that girl in the crème satin dress, you know I was going to go for her gold braided necklace, then you came out of nowhere and beat me to it.

Lydia just smiled satisfied to herself, I know she responded,, I wanted it to be my coup, she did not turn back to look at Angie’s reaction., but continued.. you laid down the gauntlet ,(or in this case satin glove) Angie when, as you commented on how pretty the necklace looked as it slithered along the front of her crème satin dress, you said it would take extremely deft fingers to slip it off her throat. Although I though her sisters pearls were a better score.

Angie, still walking behind her now had a secret smile on her face, and her eyes had glazed over as if her mind was drifting a million miles away from that quite park in the English countryside where the pair were now walking.

The two pretty red heads continue to walk on a bit, both in the silence of their thoughts.

Angie, Lydia asks, plopping down on a bench.

Yes dear, Angie says, her train of thought broken.

Lydia pulled out a long her gold braided necklace and was admiring it. The lady in the Crème satin dress who wore this lovely thing,; her sister, the one wearing the emerald silk gown and the pearls I fancied, you said she reminded you of a story you promised would tell me sometime? Could you tell me it now?

Angie smiled, Princess, you certainly are an inquisitive one! Let me think a minute…

Angie settled down next to her, and after mulling it over a bit, finally began…

It was during my first time in Monte Carlo, I had left the states soon after I had scored a major haul, and decided to ply my trade in new waters. It was during the fall of…

Lydia interjected, It was because of your haul at that politicians daughter’s wedding, (see album Angie being receptive)

Yes princess, that and a few other functions helped fund that trip. Angie confirmed, then went on…

I had met this pretty young like in an emerald silk gown, positively dripping in gold jewellery with rubies and emeralds…

Lydia cut in again, please start at the beginning; we have the rest of the day all to ourselves.

Angie smile, very well, I will start at the beginning: …….

 

( We will post in the album’ Angie “holidays” in Monte Carlo’ the rest of the tale stated in the epilogue. Once the story we recently unearthed in previously unknown chronicles of Angie’s life have been modified …The eds)

  

The lifting away a young lady’s jewelry is as a feather taken

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise

 

Editor’s Notes:

Our Thanks to Mr. J. Gardner for pointing out the existence of Mr. Monescu’s 1826 guide

If you enjoyed our little story, please like and leave a comment.

And if you wish, describe what intrigued you the most about it…

Thank You

 

And last, but not least,

Kudos to the Light Fingered Lady who planted the seed of the flower that became Lydia

 

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

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The purpose of these chronological photos and accompanying stories, articles is to educate, teach, instruct, and generally increase the awareness level of the general public as to the nature and intent of the underlying criminal elements that have historically plagued humankind.

 

No Part of this can reprinted, duplicated, or copied be without the express written permission and approval of Chatwick University.

 

These photos and stories are works of fiction. Any resemblance to people, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

As with any work of fiction or fantasy the purpose is for entertainment and/or educational purposes only, and should never be attempted in real life.

We accept no responsibility for any events occurring outside this website.

 

Chemainus is a community in the Chemainus Valley on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Founded as an unincorporated logging town in 1858, Chemainus is now famous for its 53 outdoor murals.

 

(from - Wrigley's 1918 British Columbia Directory) - CHEMAINUS, a post office in Vancouver District, B.C., and a station on the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway, 52 miles north of Victoria.

 

The Chemainus Post Office opened - 1 July 1871, named in association with Chemainus Bay; post office closed at some point (date not cited) then re-opened - 2 July 1885.

 

LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the CHEMAINUS Post Office - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/...;

 

- sent from - / CHEMAINUS / AM / AU 31 / 29 / B.C. / - duplex cancel - this duplex hammer was proofed - 16 March 1910 (Cloutier DBC-57 / ERD - 28 December 1914 / LRD - 16 January 1941).

 

Message on postcard reads: Dear Mrs Veale, We will come out on the 2:30 bus on Sunday next. All being well & bring Mrs. Speakman (?) with us. Hope you are both well. Sincerely from - A. Carthew

 

Adeline Maude (nee Bailey) Carthew

(b. 1880 in Devon, England - d. 1948 in England)

 

Her husband: Orlando John Carthew

(b. 1881 in Holsworthy, England - d. 1967 in Camelford, Corwall, England) - they were married in 1911 - after their marriage they immigrated to Canada (also in 1911). In 1921 they were living in Nanaimo, B.C. later moving to Chemainus, B.C. - he worked in the lumber trade. They returned back to England in the 1930's.

 

Addressed to: Mrs. J. de Coverley Veale / Post Office / Westholme, B.C. (Alice Augusta "nee Cogan" Veale)

 

Alice Augusta "nee Cogan" Veale (daughter of William Bamfield Cogan and Elizabeth Rogers) was born - 18 September 1867 in Clifton, Bristol, England, and died - 3 July 1949 in Salmon Arm, B.C. She married John Roger de Coverley Veale on - 3 July 1889 in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, son of Edward John de Coverly Veale and Rebecca (Rebekah) Woodhouse.

 

Alice was a very Victorian Lady, she almost always wore black or black and grey, and was very proper. She expected all children to speak when spoken to only. She was well educated having been to school in Belgium to study at a finishing school. She loved holyhocks and peonies. When Alices' father passed away in 1909 he bequethed to each of his six remaining daughters an equal share of his estate, which was paid to them on a quarterly basis. Although there were seven daughters, Flora had passed away in 1922 and her share was sent to her husband Crichton. After the second world war, Alice spent a great deal of time packaging up various items (which were difficult to obtain in England) and shipping them to many of her relatives in England. George Veale, and his daughter Judith were two of the appreciative recipients of these parcels. After her marriage to John, and the birth of their first two children, Will and Grace, they returned to Clifton, England where Jack and Gertrude were born. Somewhere in here was London,Ontario, the Homestead and the home in Yale, After their return to Canada, and their stint in London, Yale and Chemainus, they finally settled at "Tor Coomb" in the Salmon River Valley near Salmon Arm (Silver Creek is now the name of the Valley) and farmed for several years. John and Alice had moved to Westholme, near Chemainus, Vancouver Island as of Dec 10, 1928 after turnning the farm over to Leslie, Jack and Geofrey. John ran a gas station in Westholme during the next couple of years.They were getting ready for Christmas of 1928 and initially expected Leslie to visit for two or three days but he decided that it was too expensive and would come later in the Spring or Summer. In November 1928 John wrote to Jack, in Kelowna, to advise him to come to the Island to work, as Carpentry in Kelowna didn't look that good, and there was work at the mill in Chemainus for .40c per hour. There were other gratuities as well, lots of fish, lots of clams, bears, cougars, etc..As Jack was either working in Kelowna and Leslie was contemplating moving to the Coast to work, the responsibility for working the farm at 'Ida Hoe' was left to Geofrey. Leslie worked with Charlie in the bush at Adams Lake during the fall before Leslie moved to work at Chemainus with Jack in 1929. John and Alice were quite remorseful for not being able to attend the Kelowna Wedding of their son Jack, to Evangeline Battye Bowyer-Smythe, on 1 Dec 1928 and begged forgiveness for not making the trip, Notwithstanding their absence, Jack and Curly received a box of flowers from John and Alice filled with, not only flowers but, confetti as well.John compared it to his own wedding when Alice came to Churchbridge without a return ticket so had to marry him and stay. (An example of his English dry humour). John attended several sports events while they lived in Chemainus, senior and junior basketball was one of his favourites, as were senior and junior indoor baseball, bowling and pool, all popular in the area. Thoughts of moving to Blaney but not sure. Georfrey and Joyce were also married in that year, 1928. John and Alice had not been able to take a honeymoon since their wedding in 1889, and 1928 was the first opportunity for them to have a holiday, it is believed that they took this holiday when they moved to Chemainus on Vancouver Island. They were also to get a great deal of pleasure from their music, she played the piano and he sang his favorite songs, ie `Oh, for a closer walk with God' and the appealing `Man and Harvest' hymn. They also expressed their wishes so much during this time that Jack and Will, and the other children were closer so they could visit more frequently. In 1929 Jack and Curly moved from Kelowna to Vancouver Island to work at the Mill in Chemainus. Leslie continued to work in the bush or with Geofrey at 'Ida Hoe' but didn't go to the Island, at least not for any length of time. At the time 'Ida Hoe' was mortgaged @ $212. per year and payment were difficult even to meet that small amount Jack, Leslie and Geofrey preferred to sell 'Ida Hoe' and go on their own but it was not to be for quite a while. In mid summer 1930 Curly's father passed away and she inherited some funds which eventually provided them with the means to purchase their own farm, and in 1931 they moved to Okanagan Landing, near Vernon, B.C. to the old Philips place on the Lake. Leslie was married in 1932, and in order for the newly married couple to live in the house at 'Ida Hoe' they would have to renovate "Ida Hoe' and move the stairs so that they could live upstairs. During this period John and Alice moved back to Salmon Arm, but for only six months then they purchased 'Tor Combe', their new farm at Silver Creek (66 acres @ $2000.). Leslie and Geofrey continued to work 'Ida Hoe' but still prefered to sell out and go on their own. LINK to the complete article on the life story of Alice Augusta "nee Cogan" Veale - www.genealogy.com/ftm/v/e/a/Doug-J-Veale-BC/WEBSITE-0001/...

 

Westholme is a community located in the Chemainus River Valley alongside the Island Highway, between Chemainus and Duncan in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Chemainus Land District in the District Municipality of North Cowichan. Westholme is one of the original settlements on Vancouver Island. Once a thriving mining and farming community, it is now filled with hobby farms and upscale private estates on large acreages, many of which are owned to this day by the descendants of original settlers to this area. Westholme is located about 4 miles from Chemainus.

Art Knapp Plantland & Garden Centre, Surrey, B.C., Canada

 

Manufacturer: Chrysler

Production: 1945–1980

Model years: 1946–1980

Assembly: Warren, Michigan, United States

 

Body and chassis:

 

Class: Full-size pickup truck

Layout: Front engine, four-wheel drive Powertrain Engine:

230 cu in (3.8 L) Flathead I6

251 cu in (4.1 L) Flathead I6

318 cu in (5.2 L) LA v8

Dimensions: Wheelbase: 126 in (3,200 mm)

 

History of Art Knapp

 

Arthur William Knapp (May 4, 1914 - February 22, 1991), better known as Art Knapp, was a Canadian businessman and entrepreneur. Art Knapp is best known as the founder of the Art Knapp's chain of garden stores. Knapp was born in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and was the son of William Knapp and Zoe Saunders Knapp. As Knapp's mother died in childbirth, he was raised by his paternal aunt and uncle, Phyllis Knapp Jennings and William Jennings of Victoria, British Columbia. According to documents held at the Saanich Archives, the Knapp's and Jennings families, which included Frank Jennings and Elizabeth Walkden Jennings, all immigrated to Canada together from England on the ship RMS Empress of Britain (1906) in 1911. The same documents reveal that the family had an extensive background in horticulture and operated green houses in Victoria.

 

The store on King George Blvd. is now owned and operated by the VanderZalm family. As times changed the store has grown from a predominantly Nursery based operation to a Specialty 'General Store' with a great Garden Department - only one of many.

 

Mud Bay Village once comprised the area which surrounds the Art Knapp store and Garden Centre. The area which occupies the tract of land between the Serpentine and Nicomekyl Rivers housed a working farm (with barns and out-buildings) as well as a small church and a one-room school house, which was restored and resides in it's original location directly across from the store on King George.

 

The area was farmed by multiple generations of three families over the course of 100 years. Between 1885 and the mid 1980s the McBrides, Cosens and McDonald familes worked the land with everything from dairy and beef cattle to various cash crops including potatoes.

 

The McBride Family (1885-1945) developed and worked the land for 60 years and erected a school and church as well as building up a profitable farming business.

 

The Cosen's Family (1945-1958) purchased the farm from Bert McBride in 1945 and farmed until they sold out to Ken McDonald in 1958.

 

The McDonald Family (1959-1972) operated the farm for another 14 years. They kept the dairy farming going but also invested in cash crops, producing in excess of 400 tons of potatoes annually. They sold the farm and the cows in 1972. The land was purchased by the Greenbelt Fund which was the beginning of the Serpentine Fen (Serpentine Wildlife Area), home to many species of local and migratory birds and waterfowl. The McDonald's rented the land land until until the mid 1980s.

 

The small area of private land is occupied by Art Knapp, and the Vander Zalm family business ventures as well as adjacent parcels for other local businesses. The bulk of the land is part of the Conservation Area.

 

References:

www.artknappsurrey.com/history-of-art-knapp

 

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Thank-you for your visit, and please know that any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated!

 

Sonja

This postcard was sent by a Canadian soldier who was serving in the First World War in France, was on leave in England, sent to a friend living in Metchosin, B.C.

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The District of Metchosin is a municipality and community in Greater Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is a coastal community adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Metchosin is part of the Western Communities and one of the 13 regional municipalities.

 

Link to - Metchosin Museum Society - metchosinmuseum.ca/

 

Link to the history of the - Metchosin Post Office and Store - metchosinmuseum.ca/farm-life/post-office-and-store/

 

Metchosin is on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The origin of the name "Metchosin"is said to date back to the time when a dead whale was cast up on a local beach, causing the local First Nations people to refer to the area as "Smets-Shosin", meaning "place of stinking fish" or "place smelling of fish oil".

 

(1882) - Mails.—A weekly mail which is established between Sooke and Victoria, carries the Metchosin mails. It leaves Sooke and Metchosin every Monday arid returns the next day. There is no telegraphic communication. The population in 1882 was about 30.

 

- from 1908 "Lovell's Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada" - METCHOSIN, a post and farming settlement In Victoria district, Vancouver Island, B.C., 15 miles from Victoria, and 6 miles from Langford, on the Esquimait & Nanaimo RR. It has 1 Episcopal church and 1 saw mill. The population in 1908 was 125.

 

(from 1918 - Wrigley's British Columbia directory) - METCHOSIN - a post office and farming settlement, 16 miles from Victoria in Provincial Electoral District of Esquimalt, on the C. N. R. routed line, reached from Victoria by motor staire. The nearest railway point is Langford on the E. & N., 8 miles. Metchosin has local and long distance telephone connections. Anglican church. The population in 1918 was 150. Local resources: Fruit, poultry, sheep, lovely sandy beaches, school, etc. - ARTHUR D. HARDIE & CO. General Store. A. D. Hardie, Manager, and Postmaster.

 

Metchosin Post Office was opened - 1 April 1881 it closed - 1 August 1891; reopened, closed & reopened numerous times before closing - 11 July 1973.

 

LINK to a list of all the Postmasters who served at the METCHOSIN Post Office - recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record...

 

sent from - / FOLKESTONE / 230 PM / 8 MAR / 1918 / - machine cancel

 

arrived at - / METCHOSIN / MR 30 / 18 / B.C / - split ring arrival - this split ring hammer was proofed - 19 January 1916 - (RF C).

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Message on postcard reads: Folkestone, March 8, 1918 - Dear Mrs. Howitt, I am now on my way back to that (ola) called France. I had a good time, but I spent most of my leave at Yarmouth (England), & I found someone - leave is fine but its saying good-bye & going back is hard. Your old friend. Will L. G.

 

William Lionel Griffiths

(b. 11 February 1886 in Yarmouth, England - d. 14 October 1977 in Nova Scotia) - his occupation was a farmer.

 

LINK to his Personnel Records from the First World War - www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-wo...

 

His brother "Charles Estacious Whitney Griffiths" was living in Metchosin, B.C. and was listed as his "Next of Kin" on his Military Personnel Records. Charles Griffiths (b. 3 April 1885 in Norfolk, England - d. 28 December 1953 at age 68 in Vancouver, B.C.) - he married Dorothy Margaret Rowand (b. 30 March 1901 in Helena, Montana, USA - d. 26 December 1971 in Victoria, B.C.) on - 4 May 1938 in Victoria, British Columbia.

 

On the 1921 Canadian Census William Lionel Griffiths was living with his brother Charles in Metchosin, B.C. - LINK - central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1921&op=img&am...

 

The Griffiths' parents were:

Father - Charles Griffiths (b. in Builth, South Wales)

Mother - Charlotte Green (b. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England)

 

Postcard was addressed to: Mrs. A. Howitt / Metchosin, P. O. / Victoria / British Columbia / Canada

 

Ada Howitt (b. 1883 in England)

Her husband was George Howitt - they immigrated to Canada in 1904 / 1905 - they had three children - all born in Saskatchewan - LINK to the 1921 Canadian census - central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1921&op=img&am...

This is one of the last photos of my Great Grandparent's Steve and Margit (Makranyi) Kapcsos farmstead east of Strawberry Lake near the village of Hill Spring, Alberta. Built by my Great Grandpa Steve and local carpenter, logs were hauled from Pole Haven west of Mountain View, Alberta.

 

My Great Grandpa immigrated to Canada from Polgar, Hungary in 1927. He made it to Saskatchewan working fields rock picking for a farmer. After receiving very little money as was promised to him. He continued on in search of greener pastures, eventually making his journey west, until finally settling in the Hill Spring area.

 

He immediately fell in love with the beauty of this new foreign land that reminded him so much of his homeland of Hungary. He worked hard and received this land in return for his work. He eventually built a smaller shack in order to house his wife, Margret and daughter, who later immigrated to Canada once he had saved up enough money to send back to them for their long journey to Canada. He and another Hungarian carpenter built this house for his growing family. As their family grew the shack was added onto using the small railway waiting room moved from Parkbend, Alberta, 6km south of Hill Spring.

 

In 1947 Steve was struck by a stray bullet from nearby Strawberry Lake while working the fields. He was struck in his back and was taken to hospital where he recovered. Sadly he caught a cold almost a year later and died of kidney failure.

 

Their hopes to build a permanent home on this land was lost with the death of Steve. The now widowed Margit was left to take care of their 5 children and the farm.

 

The farmstead didn't have modern conveniences such as electric power until the mid 1960s. A hole behind the house was used to store food to keep cool, until the addition of modern convenience such as a refrigerator and electricity could be afforded.

 

Margit eventually moved to Cardston, Alberta in 1970 and later sold the farm in 1972. She lived here until eventually moving to a seniors home in Cardston until her death in 2004.

 

The old Kapcsos shack was about to be demolished almost 10 years later in 1980 when the new owners were going to build a new home on the present site. Luckily they decided to move the original home a little to the west for storage. Later it was used as a barn. It has been about 40 years since it was last occupied as a home, here it now sat as a reminder of what life on the Canadian Prairies was like until it was removed in 2009.

 

My Grandpa Steve Jr. was born in a barn just a little west and north of this home in 1932 (died 2015), The house is the last of the original farm and has lasted over 80 years until finally falling in on itself with a little help from a backhoe. It's a good thing we made it out there in time to see it go. I climbed through the hole in the roof and found a couple old tin cans shoes and neat old Hungarian newspapers dated back to 1936, which have now become family-heirlooms.

 

Cardston County, Alberta - March 22, 2008