Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Wordless Wednesday ~ From the big city to the little village!


To: Mr. George Johnston, Milden, Sask 
Feb 7, 1917
Los Angeles  Cal

This is the way we
we go riding here.
Best wishes to you all
Yours Truly
Henry Roux

Dated  February  7 1917. Amusing and unique! This postcard was sent to my grandfather, George JOHNSON, from his friend and neighbour, Henry Roux.



Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday ~ George Albert JOHNSON and his wife Emma CLARK

JOHNSON
1875  GEORGE  1964
1879    EMMA    1956
~ LIFE'S WORK WELL DONE ~
Marriage: 13 September 1899,
Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario

George Albert JOHNSON was born on 2 November 1875 and he died on 30 January 1964, aged 89 years. His wife, Emma CLARK was born 17 February 1879 (but there are Census Records with dates as early as 1874 for her birth). Emma died 24 November 1956, aged 77 years. (or using 1874 as her birth date, aged 82 years).

LIFE'S WORK WELL DONE ~ George and Emma moved from their birth places in Ontario, first to Manitoba in about 1902, then on to Saskatchewan in 1905. Their first home on the Prairies was a sod house that they built in 1905 and lived in until their homestead was proved up in 1908.


They were prominent members of this farming community, helping to build churches and schools. The village of Milden, Saskatchewan was incorporated in 1911. They spent the rest of their lives in the community that they helped to establish.

George Albert JOHNSON and Emma CLARK are my maternal grandparents.



Sunday, April 25, 2010

A Gift to Me ~ A Gift to You

Boogie Jack is one of my favourite sites. It's creative, educational, informative, inspirational and humourous. On a recent visit I saw that Dennis has a wonderful give-away: REASONS FOR HOPE. It's a collaborative effort and a special gift for me and you.

It's hard to compare BoogieJack.com with other sites. Created by a published book author on web design, the web design tutorials are written with humor and ease, the free graphics archive has some beautiful works of art, and his writings about life are always enlightening.

My great marbleized header is one of many headers and backgrounds designed by BoogieJack.com and available for free. 

Your gift is waiting for you. REASONS FOR HOPE You'll see there's even more when you visit Boogie Jack. Thank you Dennis.

Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,
Adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter day.
~ ~ ~ Oliver Goldsmith



Saturday, April 24, 2010

Vintage and Antique Jewellery ~ Family Heirlooms

The popularity of vintage jewelery never wanes. Instead, it seems to grow with each passing year. Rings, brooches, necklaces, charms, bracelets, lockets and other adornments quickly become families’ most precious heirlooms as they pass from one generation to the next.

I've always enjoyed wearing jewelery; glitzy brooches and dangle earrings. When my 12 year old grandson was little, he liked to wear my pretty brooches and help me make dangle earrings!

What is more fun to a young girl than to poke about in her grandmother’s jewelery box searching through these treasures? The memories alone of such ventures, coupled with the historical accounts of each item of jewelery, can endear grandparents to their descendants in unexpected ways, forming close personal ties forever.

The cost doesn't necessarily determine the value. Even inexpensive trinkets can bind lives and hearts becoming a woman’s most cherished possession if they once belonged to her mother, her grandmother or her great-grandmother.

Of course, although antique jewelery can be fun to flaunt in front of friends, family and associates, it can also be a great investment. Even if the component parts of jewelery have little inherent value, it can become something of value by virtue of its maturity. Jewelery can become valuable just by surviving to a ripe old age. Many people love to adorn themselves with jewelery from various periods such as Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro and Art Nouveau, or even older when it can be found.

If you plan to make purchases from jewelery dealers, make sure you use reputable ones. With reputable dealers you can be more certain that you are buying authentic pieces.

At estate sales, auctions, collectible shoppes or even yard sales, you may be able to find some nice antique or vintage jewelery items. However, if you aren’t a jewelery expert you may be disappointed with some of your purchases. Some items may not be as valuable as you hope. Still, much of the pleasure comes with the search.

CLICK HERE for this comprehensive antique jewelry reference guide may help you become your own expert! Learn about history, design, hallmarks, precious gem stones, metals, etc.



Surname Saturday ~ CLARK

We know that my grandmother's father was Robert CLARK, Scottish, emigrated from the US, and was an engineer (of what?). Robert was married to Sarah SMITH, an American. I found Census records that confirm he was born in Scotland and show his occupation as "Engineer in a Mill."

My grandmother, Emma CLARK, was the tenth of twelve children, born between 1854 and 1875.

Emma CLARK was born 17 February 1874, Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario. She died 25 November 1956, Rosetown Hospital and is buried in Milden Cemetery, Village of Milden, Saskatchewan.

George Albert JOHNSON and Emma CLARK were married 13 September 1899, Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario.

Their marriage was witnessed by one of Emma's younger brothers, Wesley CLARK and one of Emma's older sisters, Mary Jane CLARK, both of Penetanguishene. The ceremony was performed by Reverend G. M. Kingston.

They were married for 57 years, until the time of Emma's death in 1956. George lived on for another eight years, until 30 January 1964, aged 89 years.

This photograph had been tucked away for 45 years by a cousin of mine. Although it was badly damaged, the restoration worked quite well. Also, this is the only photograph that we have as Emma as a young woman. Other photographs of her are when she is a grandmother in her 60's.
SOURCE:  © private collection.