It's been a busy fall and winter with a new baby in the house, but now that Christmas is over and we're in a new year, it's time to put those resolutions to the test. I've been devoting more time to my family history project and right now, I'm working on scanning pictures and getting them in some sort of order. Here's a few little tidbits for you to enjoy! This first picture is of James Oliver Bowen, his wife Gwendolyn Anne (nee Fraser) with their first child, Cecilia Merle Bowen, who was known as Merle throughout her life. She was Mary's mother and of course, my grandmother! I never knew my great-grandfather but I remember Grandma Bowen fondly.
Jimmy and Gwen were married in February 1912 and nine and a half months later, on November 22nd, Merle arrived! She was born in either Prince Albert or Turtleford, Saskatchewan but until I can find a copy of her birth record, I don't know which. She appears to be about 6-12 months old in this picture.
This next picture was taken in Saskatchewan and is part of a series of pictures that appear to be taken the same day. She is wearing the same locket that she is wearing in the first picture - I wonder if it still is around today?
Mary's notes on the back of this picture says the dog's name was Bingo. I estimate that Merle is about 2-4 years old in the picture, probably on the younger side of that bracket. (Note: I've added the writing on the bottom of the picture so that the information stays with the digital image).
The last picture I've posted has created a new question for me. It's Merle and her brother Fraser, and I remember my mother telling me this picture was taken on the farm in Saskatchewan. Up until I scanned this picture, I never questioned it. But...when I compared this picture to my family records that Mom left me, it shows that Fraser was born in Peterborough. So the question is - was Fraser born in Saskatchewan or Ontario? A new mystery for me to solve.
So if anyone out there has information on birthplaces of Merle and Fraser, or how to get in touch with Fraser's family, I would really appreciate it. It will help solve some of these little mysteries. For that matter, if you have any questions or information, you would love to share on our family, I would love to hear from you.
1 comment:
Hi Terri,
The locket is still around! My mom has it and about 10 years ago, I took it to a jeweler and had a picture of her mom and dad put in each side. She wears it all the time. Merle is also wearing a tiny little ring in the first picture. My mom used to talk about it and wonder where it was. One day, I was looking for a button in an old tin (of Grandma Bowen's) and I found the little ring, a little bent but otherwise in great shape. I had no idea what it was until I asked my mom what the "M" stood for. My mom was so happy!
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