Farm Fresh
Wipe Away The Years
Description: This is believed to be Rutherford Mcilquham, the father of my grandmothers’ cousin Max. Their family farm in Lanark Ontario is thought to be the oldest continually-owned family farm in Canada. It has been passed down from one generation to the next since it was settled by James Mcilquham in 1821.
Family Resemblance
The Brothers Barr
Description: My great-great-grandfather on my grandmothers’ side, James Barr, is sitting on the far left of the front row. The other individuals have yet to be identified, along with the occasion for the photo. However, based on the age, it is believed to be a wedding in Lanark during the 1920’s.
A Strong Finish
Number Won
Description: My grandfather Brian Gibbs is seen here holding the trophy for the Ottawa High School Track and Field Championship at Lansdowne Park in 1949. He competed on behalf of Glebe Secondary School and set a new high-jump record of 94 inches.
The Rideau
A Car To Remember
Description: My Grandfather showing off his brand new 1957 Meteor Rideau 500. This was his first new car which was built and manufactured by Ford Canada and named after the Rideau River. More importantly, my grandmother loved this car — and as she has always told anyone who would listen, this is the real reason she married him.
A Royal Affair
The King’s Visit
Description: None of the subjects in this image could be identified, however, it had “The King’s Visit” written on the back. This information, combined with the Union Jack tie and pin, leads me to believe this photo was taken during the 1939 Royal Tour — the first time a reigning British Monarch came to Canada.
A Family Experiment
Picnic At The Farm
Description: These are two photos of my grandfather, his parents George and Harriet, and sister Bev. The images are from an afternoon picnic at the Ottawa Experimental farm, 1943. Unbeknownst to them, inside a small temporary building on the property a team of codebreakers was working tirelessly to decipher German messages for Britain.
Dressed to Press
George at Work
Description: Pictured here is my great grandfather George hard at work for Ottawa’s Mortimer Press in the early 40’s. Although he only worked for Mortimer for a number of years he spent most of his life in the printing business. Over the years he learned all aspects of the trade performing everything from setting to sales.