Should I set any resolutions or goals for 2010? Before, I answer that question, I want to look at 2009.
For 2009 my resolutions were as follows:
I resolve to
1. finish the soldiers' project
2. spend one hour a week on cleaning up citations in my genealogy program
3. continue research on Emily Iles nee Pugh (write a blog article on Emily)
4. post at least two blog articles a week on this blog
5. post at least two blog articles a month on Graveyard Rabbit of Grey County Ontario.
So how did I do in 2009?
1. The soldiers project is not finished. I had put it aside and when I went back to it, I realized I still needed to do the writing up of my research on the majority of the soldiers. We did have a celebration of the soldiers and the organ that was dedicated to their memory with a musical evening at the end of September.
2. I didn't spend much on cleaning up citations and I definitely didn't spend an hour a week on it.
3. I didn't write about Emily Iles nee Pugh but I did write a posting that concerned her mother Hannah
4. Two blog articles a week - except for a couple of months, I averaged more than two postings a week.
5. On Graveyard Rabbit of Grey County on Ontario - in two months, I only did one posting, but in all the others, I exceeded my goal.
So what did I accomplish in 2009 as it relates to genealogy and history?
1. I taught a four-week night school course in genealogy.
2. In January, I spoke to the Bruce Grey Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society about blogging for genealogists (available on slideshare.net)
3. In March, I spoke to the Grey County Historical Society about place names in Grey County
4. The Grey County Historical Society elected me to be their Vice-President in April.
5. In October, I became the co-President of the Markham Berczy Settlers Association
6. I have been in contact with various cousins via email concerning family history.
7. I completed another course in English Genealogical Studies concerning taxes, lists, business and electoral and insurance records.
8. I created the Grey County Historical Society blog and write regular articles for it.
9. In February, the Grey County Historical Society website was launched and it is my responsibility to maintain it.
10. I worked on some very interesting and challenging projects for clients.
So, should I make some resolutions for 2010 as most of the things I accomplished were not on my list.
Instead of resolutions, I am going to set some goals.
1. As I told Genea-Santa in my letter, I need to get organized and this applies not only to genealogy. So this is really my most important goal for the year and then once accomplished, I hope I can maintain it through the year. I am really good at getting started but I get so far and then other projects have my attention and organization doesn't happen.
2. After all the sorting of the family information, before I file the material, I want to make sure that everything is entered in my family database with proper citations.
3. Get more people involved in the Historical Society project of mapping all the churches in Grey County.
4. Write some articles for the Grey County Historian.
5. The soldiers' project is still on the list but what I get done will depend on other projects that will be given a higher profile.
6. Keep up with the blogging. I enjoy writing so I will have no problem in this area.
That's it.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 1994
15 Years ago - Christmas Day was mild and we had no snow!. Here is a photo of my mother and me. We have just come home from church. I miss wearing my beautiful hats.
Merry Christmas to all. I hope you are making memories today and taking photographs of the people you love.
© 2009 Janet Iles
© 2009 Janet Iles
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Christmas Eve
How did you and your family spend Christmas Eve?
I don't remember what we did when I was young. I am sure we tuned into the radio to hear the report of Santa's status. We would likely be excited and have trouble falling to sleep.My great Aunt Margaret spent many Christmas holidays with us when she was living in Southern Ontario.
In my teen years, I either went to church with my brother and his girl friend or went to one of the churches holding services on a rotation. As an adult, I remember going with my mother and father to our church. They were in the choir on Christmas Eve once they retired. (While we had the supermarket, Christmas Eve was a busy one right up to 10 p.m. when they closed. Then they had to come home to prepare the bank deposit.) If the weather was co-operative, we would go for a drive after the service and see the Christmas lights. Before the services became family oriented, I showed a Christmas Eve movie with the children in the Sunday School hall.
I usually go to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It is a family service at 7:00 p.m. Several times, I have been invited to friends' place for Christmas cookies and a visit after the service.
To all, I wish a Merry Christmas and a time of creating new memories for you and yours.
In the language of my Germanic ancestors Fröhliche Weihnachten. In the languages of my immediate family, I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad
photo from Christmas 1952 - Ted, Nancy and Janet
© 2009 Janet Iles
Monday, December 21, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Music
December 21 - Christmas Music
What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?
Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.
I still have a record player. Although, they are a bit scratchy, I listened to one of them. They bring back memories. After 78s, we graduated to 33 albums and single 45s, then cassettes and now CDs. There are so many beautiful Christmas songs and carols.
We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories. The orange record above had "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". The other disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."
I can only recall caroling once outdoors.
When my dad was in hospital all the 1989 Christmas season, he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course, the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. When my dad was moved from re-hab to the regular hospital building, he was able to have a small cassette player and miniature speakers in his room. He wanted to share the music with those who were spending time with him.
Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas.
updated from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?
Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.
We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories. The orange record above had "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". The other disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."
I can only recall caroling once outdoors.
When my dad was in hospital all the 1989 Christmas season, he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course, the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. When my dad was moved from re-hab to the regular hospital building, he was able to have a small cassette player and miniature speakers in his room. He wanted to share the music with those who were spending time with him.
Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas.
updated from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Ontario Genealogical Society 2010 - Registration is now open
The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, of which I am a member, is hosting the 2010 Conference of the Ontario Genealogical Society. The following is a press release from their publicity chair
Book your hotel room through the Conference 2010 web page before January 8, 2010 to take advantage of the early-bird discount rate: http://torontofamilyhistory.org/2010/accommodation-at-the-doubletree. If you would like to share a room with another attendee, send an e-mail to roommates@torontofamilyhistory.org.
For more about Conference 2010, visit www.ogs.on.ca/conference2010, and subscribe to the Conference blog to stay on top of the latest developments.
The Ontario Genealogical Society's three-day annual conference is the largest gathering of family historians inCanada
© 2009 Janet Iles
Largest gathering of family historians in Canada
OGS Conference 2010 - Toronto
The Ontario Genealogical Society's next annual provincial Conference will take place in Toronto
The Conference 2010 theme is: “Essentials, Innovations and Delights”. A carefully-selected roster of top-rated speakers will deliver a content-rich program that is packed with relentlessly practical lectures and workshops and sprinkled with inspiring case studies.
Thomas W. Jones, one of North America 's most highly respected and honoured genealogists, will lead off a special full-day lecture stream on Friday for the professional genealogist or advanced researcher, and will deliver the keynote Houston Memorial Lecture that evening.
The weekend programs will feature a full-day stream for the novice genealogist and two added specialized streams on the essentials of researching Dutch and Italian ancestry, and much more.
Saturday’s banquet speaker will be Karolyn Smardz Frost, the 1997 winner of the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction for her book I’ve Got a Home in Gloryland. Learn not only about Karolyn’s research subjects, the indomitable fugitive slaves, Thornton and; Lucie Blackburn, but also about Karolyn’s own 20-year research odyssey.
New this year will be a closing plenary lecture, to be delivered by John Philip Colletta. People are still buzzing about his 2008 appearance at an OCAPG event in Toronto
Extra options will include a pre-Conference “Hands-on Research” excursion, and a “Toronto's Irish Heritage” bus tour exploring the Irish connections in Toronto
For more about Conference 2010, visit www.ogs.on.ca/conference2010, and subscribe to the Conference blog to stay on top of the latest developments.
The Ontario Genealogical Society's three-day annual conference is the largest gathering of family historians in
OGS Conference 2010
May 14 to 16, 2010
Doubletree by Hilton, Toronto Airport
conference2010@ogs.on.ca
Blog: http://torontofamilyhistory.org/2010/© 2009 Janet Iles
Advent Calendar of Memories - Religious Services
Did your family attend religious services during the Christmas season? What were the customs and traditions involved?
Our family attended church every Sunday so it was no different during the Christmas season. Of course, there were some special services.
During the period leading up to Christmas there was Advent. I do not remember lighting Advent candles until after I was a Sunday School Teacher. The church would be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. During the years I was Sunday School Superintendent, the Advent Wreath was my responsibility. I would talk about the different candles and I would teach the congregation an Advent Candle song.
For many years, the most important service was the Carol Service. At first, it was only offered once but the demand was so great it was put on twice on a Sunday close to Christmas. The church organist/choir leader, Victor Kerslake, would work with the choirs for months. The church would be packed (near 900 people I figure). There would be choirs, ensembles and solos. The children's choir that I was part of would be in the side galleries - the boys on the east and the girls on the west. For many years, a wooden platform would be put up to extend the pulpit area. Unfortunately, a minister came who didn't permit this anymore. The intermediate choir (older teens and early 20s would sit on this extended platform.) The service was mostly music with only a few readings.
If Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, our family would open our gifts from Santa before going to church. The Christmas gifts would be opened in the afternoon after we had lunch.
As a teen, on Christmas Eve, I would sometimes go with my brother and his girl friend to her church for the special Christmas Eve service. One year, my sister and I were in a young peoples' group at a neighbouring church and our group looked after the service and the lunch that followed. That year, Santa had arrived before we got home but we did not look at what he brought.
When I was teaching French for the Central Algoma School Board (near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) 1971-2, I lived on St. Joseph's Island and went to Harmony-St. Mark's United, I joined the choir. At Christmas, we put on a Christmas Cantata with a gospel style. That was fun to do!
© 2009 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Shopping
How did your family handle Christmas Shopping? Did anyone finish early or did anyone start on Christmas Eve?
I do not recall anyone during my childhood/youth being last minute shoppers. My mother was a list maker and kept track of the gift giving as well as those gifts received in her notebooks . I am sure things were not left to the last minute as Christmas time was always a busy time in the grocery business. I still have the tiny notebooks. The earliest that I can find with the list of gifts written in shorthand was in 1955.
Gifts purchased have a check mark beside them. This is only page one of two for that year. Mom had gifts to purchase that had to be sent by mail so she would have to get those away early. She gave gifts to her siblings and her nieces and nephews. I can remember when there was enough mail around Christmas that we received two deliveries a day by Canada Post.
What did I get from mom and dad that year? -- Slippers, pyjamas, and telephone (toy of course)
My shopping for this year is almost complete. One more thing for my sister. As it usually happens, I end up buying something for myself. At one time, I could count on my mother to buy me the socks and mitts/gloves that I needed for our cold weather, but now it is up to me to make these purchases. I got some good deals on them when I went shopping this past week.
Hope you have had fun shopping.
updated from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
I do not recall anyone during my childhood/youth being last minute shoppers. My mother was a list maker and kept track of the gift giving as well as those gifts received in her notebooks . I am sure things were not left to the last minute as Christmas time was always a busy time in the grocery business. I still have the tiny notebooks. The earliest that I can find with the list of gifts written in shorthand was in 1955.
What did I get from mom and dad that year? -- Slippers, pyjamas, and telephone (toy of course)
My shopping for this year is almost complete. One more thing for my sister. As it usually happens, I end up buying something for myself. At one time, I could count on my mother to buy me the socks and mitts/gloves that I needed for our cold weather, but now it is up to me to make these purchases. I got some good deals on them when I went shopping this past week.
Hope you have had fun shopping.
updated from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
Friday, December 18, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Stockings
Did you have one? Where did you hang it? What did you get in it?
Christmas 1952 I am almost 3 years old. My sister and I are sitting beside the "fake" fireplace" Our stockings are hung waiting for Santa. The fireplace was made from wooden orange crates covered in "brick" paper. Did your family make use of these wooden crates for furniture such as bedside tables?
An orange usually was in the toe of the stocking. There would be a few toys and some candy.
In my teens, we graduated to tights and these were put over a chair. When we moved from the apartment over the corner store that we owned, the fireplace did not come with us. (not as a fireplace anyways).
originally published in 2007© 2009 Janet Iles
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Nativity Scenes
My Guatemalan Nacimiento
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Luke 2: 16)
The Nacimiento includes figures of village folk on their way to visit the new born Christ Child.
Today's theme was a grab bag - our choice.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bloggers go a Carolling - The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy
Our public school choir sang this song for a Christmas Concert and I have liked it ever since. There are many renditions out there but I do like this one.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dear Genea Santa (Carnival of Genealogy)
poster by footnoteMaven
Dear Genea-Santa
I hope you are doing well. This is such a busy time of year for you as all the genealogists are making their lists of wishes.
In 2009, I have tried to be a very good genealogist, citing my sources, keeping things organized and blogging regularly.
Genea-Santa - Do you have a helper like Peek-a-boo who helps you to see if we are being good genealogists and family historians? If you do, you know organization is one of my biggest problems.
So for this Christmas and 2010, I ask for
1. the gift of organization and the time to do it. (Yes, I know, I have to do my part to do it. If someone came in to organize and file, they wouldn't know that all those charts, photos and documents are so important to genealogists and family historians.)
2. the stick-to-it gene to finish my soldiers project and get it in a form that the information can be shared and preserved.
3. a photo of my great grandmother Emily (Pugh) Iles - I wonder what she looked like.
4. a scanner for slides so I can convert the best photos to a digital format.
Whatever you can give me from this list would be greatly appreciated and I will try my best to do my part.
Janet the Researcher
© 2009 Janet Iles
Monday, December 14, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Fruitcake
Did you like fruitcake? Did your family receive fruitcakes? Have you ever re-gifted fruitcake? Have you ever devised creative uses for fruitcake?
Sometimes your tastes change and you find that something that once you thought you didn't like, becomes a like. So far that hasn't happened with fruitcake. To be honest, I haven't tried it lately. so perhaps my opinion might have changed since 2007 when I wrote the following.
Fruitcake is a foe for me. It just doesn't appeal. Our family received fruitcakes and my mother made some but I didn't eat them.
If I were to receive any, I would graciously say thank you. I would likely offer the fruitcake for the coffee hour after church or I'd make my brown sugar sauce and warm the cake up and eat it like a pudding.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Sometimes your tastes change and you find that something that once you thought you didn't like, becomes a like. So far that hasn't happened with fruitcake. To be honest, I haven't tried it lately. so perhaps my opinion might have changed since 2007 when I wrote the following.
Fruitcake is a foe for me. It just doesn't appeal. Our family received fruitcakes and my mother made some but I didn't eat them.
If I were to receive any, I would graciously say thank you. I would likely offer the fruitcake for the coffee hour after church or I'd make my brown sugar sauce and warm the cake up and eat it like a pudding.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Christmas Travel
Did you travel anywhere for Christmas? How did you travel and who traveled with you? Do you remember any special trips?
Most years our family would stay close to home for Christmas. Occasionally, we would travel to see friends but it would only be a day trip.
During my teen years, our family travelled several times to Florida - Naples, Fort Myers and Sannibel Island. We flew. It was fun to get away from the cold and snow. I didn't mind not having a white Christmas.
When I was little my paternal grandparents lived across the street. At some point on Christmas Day, we would walk across the street to visit. Quite often, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.
As an adult, I have gone twice to my sister's for Christmas. Back in 1978, she was expecting child #2 any day, so we packed up everything and headed there for Christmas (via car). Now, I often go to my sister's during the days following Christmas.
Christmas 2002 was very special as my brother, sister and I would be together for Christmas Day. My sister and her son accompanied me to Guatemala. I had gone over to Barrie on the 21st travelling by coach. Early on Monday the 23rd, we left Barrie on an air-bus with door to door service to the Toronto airport. That began our adventure. It was a long day as we had also stops in the Detroit and Houston airports.
When we left the arrival lounge at Guatemala City, straight ahead in the mass of people were Ted, Doris and Sarah. I am not sure what we would have done if we hadn't seen them right away. By this time it was quite late. It was hard to believe we were there. A brightly lit Canadian Christmas tree awaited us at their home.
Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.
Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.
We were all waiting until midnight. Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.
Now it was time to open our gifts. Never have I ever opened Christmas gifts that early in the morning.
After 1 a.m. we posed for family pictures and despite the late hour and the long day, we still looked pretty good. Finally we headed to bed. During the night, the vibration of the firecrackers being set off, set off the sensitive car alarm.
In the morning, the crowing of the roosters announced that it was Christmas morning. What a great feeling to wake up where you didn’t look out of the window to fields and streets of snow - no thought of snow boots and heavy winter clothing and travelling on slippery, snowy roads with the fear of poor visibility.
That was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to see family and to experience Christmas in another culture.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Most years our family would stay close to home for Christmas. Occasionally, we would travel to see friends but it would only be a day trip.
During my teen years, our family travelled several times to Florida - Naples, Fort Myers and Sannibel Island. We flew. It was fun to get away from the cold and snow. I didn't mind not having a white Christmas.
When I was little my paternal grandparents lived across the street. At some point on Christmas Day, we would walk across the street to visit. Quite often, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.
As an adult, I have gone twice to my sister's for Christmas. Back in 1978, she was expecting child #2 any day, so we packed up everything and headed there for Christmas (via car). Now, I often go to my sister's during the days following Christmas.
Christmas 2002 was very special as my brother, sister and I would be together for Christmas Day. My sister and her son accompanied me to Guatemala. I had gone over to Barrie on the 21st travelling by coach. Early on Monday the 23rd, we left Barrie on an air-bus with door to door service to the Toronto airport. That began our adventure. It was a long day as we had also stops in the Detroit and Houston airports.
When we left the arrival lounge at Guatemala City, straight ahead in the mass of people were Ted, Doris and Sarah. I am not sure what we would have done if we hadn't seen them right away. By this time it was quite late. It was hard to believe we were there. A brightly lit Canadian Christmas tree awaited us at their home.
Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.
Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.
We were all waiting until midnight. Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.
Now it was time to open our gifts. Never have I ever opened Christmas gifts that early in the morning.
After 1 a.m. we posed for family pictures and despite the late hour and the long day, we still looked pretty good. Finally we headed to bed. During the night, the vibration of the firecrackers being set off, set off the sensitive car alarm.
In the morning, the crowing of the roosters announced that it was Christmas morning. What a great feeling to wake up where you didn’t look out of the window to fields and streets of snow - no thought of snow boots and heavy winter clothing and travelling on slippery, snowy roads with the fear of poor visibility.
That was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to see family and to experience Christmas in another culture.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Charity
Did your family ever volunteer with a charity such as a soup kitchen, homeless or battered women’s shelter during the holidays? Were you able to make the holidays special for someone less fortunate?
No, my family didn't participate in such activities. Whether any of my relatives or ancestors did, I do not know.
I know that my parents were generous givers to the church and to charities.
In Owen Sound, the Christmas Fund broadcast began in 1940 as an opportunity to raise funds to help the needy with Christmas baskets. The local radio station and the local newspaper celebrated last Sunday with the 70th annual broadcast being aired on CFOS.
To me this is the beginning of the Christmas season. It was always the time to decorate the Christmas tree as we listened to the broadcast. Back in 1940, the aim was to raise money for local needs. When I was younger, I remember it was the Save the Children Fund was the recipient of the funds raised. In more recent years, the funds raised have been distributed amongst various local organizations.
I do not recall whether my dad participated in more than one broadcast as a member of the local Georgian Gentlemen, a barbershop group. My mother helped after the broadcast some years. She went down to the Sun-Times office and received the money that people had pledged during the broadcast.
This year's broadcast showcased some excellent local talent. Since it was the 70th annual, there was lots of reminiscing of past broadcasts and stories about some who had worked for CFOS who have gone on to bigger things. This is the first time, I learned about a ghost at CFOS who know longer haunts the station since the renovations. The pledges and requests and challenges are aired between numbers.
I was very impressed with the talent this year.
© 2009 Janet Iles
No, my family didn't participate in such activities. Whether any of my relatives or ancestors did, I do not know.
I know that my parents were generous givers to the church and to charities.
In Owen Sound, the Christmas Fund broadcast began in 1940 as an opportunity to raise funds to help the needy with Christmas baskets. The local radio station and the local newspaper celebrated last Sunday with the 70th annual broadcast being aired on CFOS.
To me this is the beginning of the Christmas season. It was always the time to decorate the Christmas tree as we listened to the broadcast. Back in 1940, the aim was to raise money for local needs. When I was younger, I remember it was the Save the Children Fund was the recipient of the funds raised. In more recent years, the funds raised have been distributed amongst various local organizations.
I do not recall whether my dad participated in more than one broadcast as a member of the local Georgian Gentlemen, a barbershop group. My mother helped after the broadcast some years. She went down to the Sun-Times office and received the money that people had pledged during the broadcast.
This year's broadcast showcased some excellent local talent. Since it was the 70th annual, there was lots of reminiscing of past broadcasts and stories about some who had worked for CFOS who have gone on to bigger things. This is the first time, I learned about a ghost at CFOS who know longer haunts the station since the renovations. The pledges and requests and challenges are aired between numbers.
I was very impressed with the talent this year.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Little Ones at Christmas
The children of my two siblings are all ready for bed after a busy Christmas Day. Christmases were lots of fun when the children were little as the children were all close in age. David and Adam are three days a part. Matthew is a couple of years younger. Heather, Jeffrey and Andrew were all born in the same year.
The photo was taken at my brother's home at Sauble Beach. We would come for the day and then head back to Owen Sound sometimes in very snowy conditions.
Now the children are all grown up. Even the youngest grandchild is now a teenager. Christmases are not quite the same when you don't have children in the house.
photo original and digital owned by Janet Iles
© 2009 Janet Iles
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories & Smile for the Camera - Gifts
for December 10
Christmas 1963
What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give?
Well, when I think about this I honestly can't name a favourite gift that I received. It is not that I haven't received many great gifts because I have. My mother kept a note pad listing the Christmas gifts she was going to purchase. Even if you read the list before Christmas, you wouldn't know what you were going to receive because it was written in shorthand.
Janet - Christmas 1973
One gift that I received a few days before Christmas 2000 did not come wrapped in paper to be placed under the Christmas tree, nor did it come by parcel post. It came from a stranger via email. It was the helpful piece of information that took me back another generation in my Iles family. I wrote about it in A Gift of Genealogy.
My favourite gift that I gave was in Christmas 2000. I made three copies of a brief family history. I gave a copy to my sister and my brother. The book was printed on my computer printer and put into a binder. Our parents were the focus of the book. I talked about them, their families and traced only their direct lines as I knew it at that time. A couple of years ago, I did an updated version for four of my nephews.
One year, around 1993, my mother and I gave each other the same sweater. When we exchanged the gifts, only the two of us were there. She opened hers up first. At first, she thought something had happened to the gift tags. Then, I opened mine. We had a good laugh about how we both had chosen the same gift for the other. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes without consulting the other, we would both chose to wear this same sweater and the same coloured slacks to an event.
When I was younger, our family custom was one person to act as "Santa". This was usually my dad. He would dig under the tree to pass a gift to each person as it came their turn. Only one person opened a gift at a time. Everyone would ooh and ah! It didn't matter whether it was a pair of socks or a new toy or book. The giver would be thanked if they were present. My dad's big gift for my mom would always be given last. Often, it would placed somewhere other than under the tree. Someone would grab a camera to capture mom's expression when she opened her gift.
After all the gifts were opened, each person was assigned a spot to display their gifts. A list was made of what a person received. This helped when you did your thank you letters.
After my brother got married, we adopted his wife's family's tradition of passing out the gifts to each person at the start. Still, only one person could open a gift at a time. If it was your turn and your pile was getting a little short, you might pass until it came your turn again.
I enjoy taking my time to open the gifts and to see what each person received. I do not like to be rushed.
updated from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
Festival of Postcards - Black and white card of Sauble Beach
The above postcard was likely taken in the late forties or early fifties. I am not good at dating automobiles but they look like the style of the one we got in 1952.
I thought with the theme of white I would submit this one. I am already looking forward to warmer days next year. We vacationed at Sauble Beach when I was little and then we bought a cottage in 1955. We no longer have the cottage.
To see the other postings visit Evelyn's A Canadian Family
© 2009 Janet Iles
Advent Calendar of Memories - Cookies
December 8 - Christmas Cookies
Did your family make Christmas Cookies? How did you help? Did you have a favorite cookie?
My mother made cookies for both the family and church bazaars. I do not remember helping her. One year as an adult, I made many angel shaped sugar cookies for the church bazaar - "Invite an angel for tea". I don't remember how many but it was lots!
My favourite Christmas cookie is the melt in the mouth shortbread cookies. My mother also made cookies using a cookie press.
This is the shortbread recipe found in the small binder of handwritten recipes. Note - few instructions or details. I am not sure if these are the ones I remember.
1 cup lard
1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups All purpose flour
1/4" thickness - 375 degrees F (note that there is no time limit given)
Here is another Shortbread recipe from the cookbook
There are few details written down
1 cup butter beat
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cup flour
Spread on cookie sheet
at 300 degrees F for 50 minutes
I have not tried either of the above recipes so I can not vouch whether they are tasty. This last one looks easy.
In the 1970s, when the library had its "Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker" bazaar, the library staff (the women) had a cookie making party. We had lots of fun with each person given a task. The recipe was from the Canadian Living magazine - date unknown.
Check out the Canadian Living web site for the sugar cookie recipe.
When talking about cookies, I must also talk about the "Cookie Walk" at our church bazaar. We didn't come up with this idea. For many years, members of the congregation were asked to contribute at least 7 dozen cookies. People lined up to fill containers with this delicious and often colourful items. There were 2 sizes of containers. The price was a bargain but still a few people liked to cram the boxes extremely full. We always wondered if the cookies were smushed when they got home. The last time we had the cookie walk, volunteers gathered the day before and pre-packed an assortment in the boxes.
Recently, a nephew sent me a link to a web site with lots of Christmas related recipes. Check the side bar for other Christmas related links.
updated from 2007 posting
© 2009 Janet Iles
Did your family make Christmas Cookies? How did you help? Did you have a favorite cookie?
My mother made cookies for both the family and church bazaars. I do not remember helping her. One year as an adult, I made many angel shaped sugar cookies for the church bazaar - "Invite an angel for tea". I don't remember how many but it was lots!
My favourite Christmas cookie is the melt in the mouth shortbread cookies. My mother also made cookies using a cookie press.
This is the shortbread recipe found in the small binder of handwritten recipes. Note - few instructions or details. I am not sure if these are the ones I remember.
1 cup lard
1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups All purpose flour
1/4" thickness - 375 degrees F (note that there is no time limit given)
Here is another Shortbread recipe from the cookbook
There are few details written down
1 cup butter beat
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cup flour
Spread on cookie sheet
at 300 degrees F for 50 minutes
I have not tried either of the above recipes so I can not vouch whether they are tasty. This last one looks easy.
In the 1970s, when the library had its "Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker" bazaar, the library staff (the women) had a cookie making party. We had lots of fun with each person given a task. The recipe was from the Canadian Living magazine - date unknown.
Check out the Canadian Living web site for the sugar cookie recipe.
When talking about cookies, I must also talk about the "Cookie Walk" at our church bazaar. We didn't come up with this idea. For many years, members of the congregation were asked to contribute at least 7 dozen cookies. People lined up to fill containers with this delicious and often colourful items. There were 2 sizes of containers. The price was a bargain but still a few people liked to cram the boxes extremely full. We always wondered if the cookies were smushed when they got home. The last time we had the cookie walk, volunteers gathered the day before and pre-packed an assortment in the boxes.
updated from 2007 posting
© 2009 Janet Iles
Monday, December 7, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Parties
Did your family throw a holiday party each year? Do you remember attending any holiday parties?
The only holiday parties that I remember hosted by my family were the staff Christmas parties for the staff from our supermarket. For many years, it was held in our home. I started working when I was 14 but I am sure my brother, sister and I got to attend even before we started to work. (at least for the first part of the evening.)
It was a fun evening. The women would dress up in their best outfits. There was a gift exchange, some silly games and some singing. The staff gave my parents a gift. Of course, there was good food to eat. One year, a few of the young men (most in their teens or early 20s) brought their musical instruments and entertained everyone.
When I was in the junior choir at church, the church organist would have a party for all the children in the choir. In those days, the choir was very large. (The boys and girls did not practice together.) The highlight of the party was always the movies that the organist would borrow/rent for us to see. It was a big deal in those days. Many did not have television in the early years and if they did, they only saw one channel or the television was very small. Are there any former Knox junior choir members reading this who remember Victor Kerslake's parties?
This year, my Christmas parties are lunch out with friends from the church - the book club and the women's group. This year, it seemed strange not attending the Library staff Christmas party. Although I have been retired since the end of February 2005, I have attended it since I retired as I was filling in at the reference desk it seemed every December. I have good memories of those that I attended.
updated version of 2007 posting
© 2009 Janet Iles
The only holiday parties that I remember hosted by my family were the staff Christmas parties for the staff from our supermarket. For many years, it was held in our home. I started working when I was 14 but I am sure my brother, sister and I got to attend even before we started to work. (at least for the first part of the evening.)
It was a fun evening. The women would dress up in their best outfits. There was a gift exchange, some silly games and some singing. The staff gave my parents a gift. Of course, there was good food to eat. One year, a few of the young men (most in their teens or early 20s) brought their musical instruments and entertained everyone.
When I was in the junior choir at church, the church organist would have a party for all the children in the choir. In those days, the choir was very large. (The boys and girls did not practice together.) The highlight of the party was always the movies that the organist would borrow/rent for us to see. It was a big deal in those days. Many did not have television in the early years and if they did, they only saw one channel or the television was very small. Are there any former Knox junior choir members reading this who remember Victor Kerslake's parties?
This year, my Christmas parties are lunch out with friends from the church - the book club and the women's group. This year, it seemed strange not attending the Library staff Christmas party. Although I have been retired since the end of February 2005, I have attended it since I retired as I was filling in at the reference desk it seemed every December. I have good memories of those that I attended.
updated version of 2007 posting
© 2009 Janet Iles
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Santa Claus
December 6 - Santa Claus
Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?” Do you still believe in Santa Claus?
Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?” Do you still believe in Santa Claus?
Yes, I wrote letters to Santa. We saw Santa at the Santa Claus parade. Santa would also pay a visit to the Church Christmas Concert.
One of our favourite things in our area, when I was a young person, was to listen to the afternoon broadcast on the radio (CFOS). Santa would be joined by Peek-a-boo (a little elf who was invisible and could report to Santa whether you were good or not - name pronounced by Father Time as Peck a boo) and also Father Time. Another interesting character was also Jack Frost. Santa would wear special glasses to see Peek-a-boo. Santa would read the letters he had received.
Each programme would end with everyone repeating the Christmas wish with Santa. Now, is my memory serving me correctly? Do I have it right? Do any of you who are reading this remember these radio broadcasts?
"I wish that all the boys and girls in the world are happy this Christmas and that I can learn to be so good that every day is as happy as Christmas day." Of course Santa would end with a HO, HO, HO! and the "so" in "so good" would be stretched out.
During the Christmas Fund Broadcast,the radio station would connect with Santa for his message. On Christmas Eve, the Radio Station announcer would check in with Santa to get his final report and the reminder that it was time for little children to go to bed.
One year, in high school, at our annual Christmas concert, one of skits had our well remembered characters - Santa Claus, Father Time, Jack Frost and Peck-a-boo.
I wish I had a photo of Peek-a-boo to show you, but since he is invisible to everyone but Santa Claus you will just have to use your imagination.
revised from 2007 posting
© 2009 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Outdoor Decorations
December 5 - Outdoor Decorations
Did people in your neighborhood decorate with lights? Did some people really go “all out” when decorating?
Yes people in our neighbourhood decorated their homes with lights. Some had great displays.
One of our family's favourite activities during the Christmas seasons was going for a drive to see the lights around the city and sometimes out into the country. I still enjoy travelling around to see the festive displays -- not only on the buildings but about also in the yards. (can't say lawn because often they are quite snow covered).
For many years, lights were strung across the main street at Christmas time. Christmas lights were made in Owen Sound by Noma Lights. This custom of lights hung high above the street has been revived.
repeat from 2007 - I will try to get some photos to post when next I remember to take my camera with me when I am out at night.
In our city, we also have the Festival of Northern Lights. Many volunteers work on these displays. Check out the web cam to see a view of some of the displays in Queen's Park. Displays look best at night so be sure to visit again. We are on Eastern Standard Time. Bus tours come to see the lights throughout the city.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Did people in your neighborhood decorate with lights? Did some people really go “all out” when decorating?
Yes people in our neighbourhood decorated their homes with lights. Some had great displays.
One of our family's favourite activities during the Christmas seasons was going for a drive to see the lights around the city and sometimes out into the country. I still enjoy travelling around to see the festive displays -- not only on the buildings but about also in the yards. (can't say lawn because often they are quite snow covered).
For many years, lights were strung across the main street at Christmas time. Christmas lights were made in Owen Sound by Noma Lights. This custom of lights hung high above the street has been revived.
repeat from 2007 - I will try to get some photos to post when next I remember to take my camera with me when I am out at night.
In our city, we also have the Festival of Northern Lights. Many volunteers work on these displays. Check out the web cam to see a view of some of the displays in Queen's Park. Displays look best at night so be sure to visit again. We are on Eastern Standard Time. Bus tours come to see the lights throughout the city.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Friday, December 4, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Chistmas Cards
Did your family send them? Did your family display the ones they received? Do you still send Christmas cards?
Our family sent Christmas cards. My mom kept track of those she sent and received in a Christmas Card address book. We displayed our Christmas cards in different ways. We had an iron tree form that held cards. Special cards might be placed singly on a table or the television. After Christmas was over, we would re-read the cards with their notes and letters. I have a large box of Christmas cards that were received through the years. I recently weeded out those that didn't have special notes or ones from my parents' friends who I didn't know.
I still send Christmas cards. My list is not as long as my mom’s but I have some with whom I keep in touch with once a year. I look forward to hearing the thump as the mail is dropped through the mail slot. I run to see what has come. I am eager to hear the news from friends and relatives.
Some years, I have made my own computer generated Christmas cards. Below is a collage showing the card that I sent to those with whom I travelled in 2001 to Germany to explore where our ancestors had lived. The building is the Town hall in Altona, the port from which our ancestors sailed in 1792. That building was not built until 1895-8. The group shown are a few of my fellow travellers enjoying our last day relaxing on a mini Rhine Cruise.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Our family sent Christmas cards. My mom kept track of those she sent and received in a Christmas Card address book. We displayed our Christmas cards in different ways. We had an iron tree form that held cards. Special cards might be placed singly on a table or the television. After Christmas was over, we would re-read the cards with their notes and letters. I have a large box of Christmas cards that were received through the years. I recently weeded out those that didn't have special notes or ones from my parents' friends who I didn't know.
I still send Christmas cards. My list is not as long as my mom’s but I have some with whom I keep in touch with once a year. I look forward to hearing the thump as the mail is dropped through the mail slot. I run to see what has come. I am eager to hear the news from friends and relatives.
Some years, I have made my own computer generated Christmas cards. Below is a collage showing the card that I sent to those with whom I travelled in 2001 to Germany to explore where our ancestors had lived. The building is the Town hall in Altona, the port from which our ancestors sailed in 1792. That building was not built until 1895-8. The group shown are a few of my fellow travellers enjoying our last day relaxing on a mini Rhine Cruise.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories - Ornaments
Did your family have heirloom or cherished ornaments? Did you ever string popcorn and cranberries? Did your family make ornaments?
Some favourite ornaments that I can remember were glass Christmas balls. I still have some of them. I do not recall stringing popcorn and cranberries at home, but we have strung popcorn down at the church.
The decorations that are special to me now are those that were made by my mother and her church group (before I became a member). As I add each one to the tree, I think about my mom and the other women who made them. They used to have lots of fun making them for the church bazaars. The bell-shaped ornaments with gold and white beads shine in the Christmas tree lights.
I have two painted and decoupaged eggs that were made by a library member years ago. The library before the popularity of craft shows began had "The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick maker Craft Show" as a fundraiser. It was at this event that I purchased these eggs.
I particularly like each of my angels. Any that can stand are now added to my crèche scenes when I don’t put up a tree. Some are added to the spiral tree.
2007 version updated
© 2009 Janet Iles
Some favourite ornaments that I can remember were glass Christmas balls. I still have some of them. I do not recall stringing popcorn and cranberries at home, but we have strung popcorn down at the church.
The decorations that are special to me now are those that were made by my mother and her church group (before I became a member). As I add each one to the tree, I think about my mom and the other women who made them. They used to have lots of fun making them for the church bazaars. The bell-shaped ornaments with gold and white beads shine in the Christmas tree lights.
I have two painted and decoupaged eggs that were made by a library member years ago. The library before the popularity of craft shows began had "The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick maker Craft Show" as a fundraiser. It was at this event that I purchased these eggs.
I particularly like each of my angels. Any that can stand are now added to my crèche scenes when I don’t put up a tree. Some are added to the spiral tree.
Spiral Christmas tree 2008
I have been able to find miniature ornaments to add to my spiral tree and my Guatemalan yarn tree.2007 version updated
© 2009 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Advent Calendar of Memories 2009
The Geneabloggers are busy writing articles about Christmas traditions in their family. Over at Geneabloggers website, you can find links to all the postings. Click here. Click on the number for the day of the month and you will find the postings by genealogists. Thanks to Thomas MacEntee for organizing this event again this year. We did this last in 2007, when I was new to blogging.
Some of my articles will be repeats; some will have new material added and some will be completely new. I hope you will stop by and read my articles and as time permits, take a look at what others are writing.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Some of my articles will be repeats; some will have new material added and some will be completely new. I hope you will stop by and read my articles and as time permits, take a look at what others are writing.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Advent Calendar of Memories - Holiday Foods
Did your family have any traditional dishes for the holidays? Was there one dish that you thought was unusual?
I do not remember any unusual dishes at our home. Some years we did not have the big turkey dinner meal on Christmas Day. Instead we had it on Boxing Day (26th). Meals were kept simpler on Christmas Day. The Christmas season was a very busy one as my parents had first a corner store and then a supermarket. In my teen years, the supermarket was open to 10 p.m. and Christmas Eve was a hectic work day so we kept Christmas Day as simple as possible.
My mom often made different Christmas fare for the bake sale at the church bazaar. Extras were made to enjoy at home.
The traditional Christmas meal would be turkey with stuffing, potatoes and turnip. Although, we loved our Christmas pudding, it was often saved to another lighter meal. Sometimes, we would have our first course and then have a break, clean up and then when we had had a chance to digest the first course, those of us who loved the Christmas pudding and the very yummy sauce would sit back down at the table.
When my nephews and niece were young, we had a birthday cake for Jesus to remind us all of the reason we were celebrating Christmas.
The photo was taken in 1980. David, grandma Passmore and his cousin Adam pose for a photo with the birthday cake for Jesus.
© 2009 Janet Iles
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories - The Christmas Tree
December 1 - The Christmas Tree
Did you have a real tree or was it artificial? How big was the tree? Who decorated the tree?
Did you have a real tree or was it artificial? How big was the tree? Who decorated the tree?
When I was very young, we had a real tree and as a little child I am sure it looked big to me. From the pictures, I would likely say it was around 7 feet tall. The last real tree that I remember in our house was when I was a teenager. I recall taking it out and all the remaining needles were falling off, as the tree was pulled out the door. For many years, we had an artificial tree. I remember my dad being responsible for the lights and making sure that the icicles were hanging properly. As we got older, we helped with the trimming of the tree.
Christmas 1952 when Ted was a baby. Nancy is giving him a big hug and I am sitting beside them in front of the Christmas tree.
This is the Christmas tree from 1988
late nineties perhaps? As the nieces and nephews grew, our small living room became too crowded, so the Christmas tree moved to the family room in the basement. The only challenge is the ceiling is not very high which makes it more challenging to put the angel on top.
updated post from 2007
© 2009 Janet Iles
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