1911 Journal: Noteworthy Excerpts #1
Let's get back to Kate's 1911 journal, one of the resources I used when writing Threaded Through Time. This is the first of two posts about journal entries that stood out for me. I've excerpted the interesting bits.
U.W. meeting in the afternoon with Mrs. Buchannan (whose husband has returned from India for a while). The woman was too emotional and as a result got quite a number of the girls in a hysterical condition. I left as early as I could. Not hysterical but tired of it. - February 24, 1911
I gather that Mrs. Buchannan was telling them stories about the horrible conditions in India. That's my guess, anyway. I chuckled as I imagined all these women swooning and groaning in horror, and I'm not surprised that Kate got the heck out of there. She doesn't come across as an emotional woman in her journal, and apparently she didn't suffer emotional women gladly, either.
Coronation Day but as it rained in the morning did not go up to see the celebration on the Hill till too late to see anything. – June 22, 1911
This is of historical interest. It refers to the coronation of George V, the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II. Canada is part of the Commonwealth realm, so the British monarch is also Canada's monarch and head of state. I wasn't around for Queen Elizabeth's coronation, so I don't know if there was a celebration on The Hill for that one, too. I doubt there will be any for future coronations.
Cat house on Parliament Hill
The Hill refers to Parliament Hill, the location of Canada's parliament buildings. See the linked Wikipedia article for some nice photos. I'll visit The Hill later this year. The main attraction for me will be the Canadian Parliamentary Cats. Who cares about the politicians? If you look closely at the upper-middle part of the cat house photo, you'll see one of the numerous statues on The Hill. It looks like it's walking along the tree branch.
One final entry for today:
In evening went to see the reception to Sir. W. Laurier. Such an enthusiastic one. Sir W. made a happy speech. C. and I came home then. Had ice-cream. – July 12, 1911
Another one of historical interest. Sir Wilfrid Laurier was Canada's prime minister from July 11, 1896 to October 6, 1911. He's mentioned in Threaded Through Time, which is set in Canada.
Enjoy your weekend!
