Heroines at emily carr House
Merna Forster celebrated Women’s History Month with her new book 100 More Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten Faces. Emily Carr House hosted the lively event on October 2. Merna enthralled the tightly packed parlour with tales of extraordinary women, many with connections to Victoria. Interviews with several of the enthusiastic guests follow.
An historian, Merna discovered many remarkable women in Canada’s records. They excelled in areas of arts and entertainment, politics, science, sport, exploration and medicine. In war and peace, their exploits make fascinating reading.
For example, in 1945, Lieutenant Joan Fletcher commanded a troop of armed Japanese soldiers on a rescue mission through the jungles of Sumatra. To express his admiration, one Japanese officer presented Joan with his Samurai sword, a family treasure.
“When I realized these women were virtual unknowns,” says Merna, “I opted to change the situation.” Merna uses her website, publications, talks, and media interviews to spread the word. This is Merna’s second book in the series. “The sequel evolved from public interest and input,” she says. Her 2004 book on 100 Canadian heroines featured a forward by Kim Campbell, Canada’s first woman Prime Minister. www.heroines.ca
Heritage Houses of Victoria by Nevin, 2011
Public education and community involvement are alive and well at Emily Carr House.
Jan Ross, resident operator of the heritage site, says: “Our mandate is to honour the inspiring legacy of Emily Carr.” This mandate blossomed during Victoria’s 2011 Season of Emily spearheaded by the Victoria Symphony. Jan met Merna while serving on the Emily Carr Statue Committee (proudly erected in October 2010). www.emilycarr.com
Actress and musician Molly Raher Newman brings a joyful vibrancy to her portrayal of Emily.
Emily Carr was on of the heroines featured in Merna’s 2004 book.
“Emily inspires women in many ways,” says Molly. “She believed we should have faith in our skills and talents.” Multi-talented and outspoken, Emily founded The People’s Art Gallery in her home to further inclusivity.
“I’ve become a motivational speaker,” laughs Molly, “through Emily’s writings and quotes I encourage people to express themselves and focus on success.
“Documenting history is important,” Ida says, “because we all come from different places.” Ida’s mother struggled as a young woman in China during revolutionary times. When Ida reads books about that era, her mother’s stories come alive.
Visiting Carr House was the cabinet minister’s third official function of the day. “My presence means something to people,” she says, “and I respect that.”
Ida Chong Liberal MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, was one of the first Chinese-Canadian women elected in 1996.
Catherine Armstrong
(Bart’s mother) was one of three Victoria women who rallied for Women’s History Month in 1992. “Mom realized that men just want to write about other men and their achievements,” says Bart.
Catherine won several awards for community service including the Person’s Award, the Order of Canada and the Queen’s Jubilee Metal.
Bart Armstrong does research on Canadian men awarded the US Medal of Honor.
Mahinder is delighted to help launch Merna’s second book about heroines. Her own book, Zhindagee contains self-written short stories of first daughters born to Asian Indian mothers between 1900-1950 in Canada. The author’s sister (born in 1930 in Canada) is one of these women and the book honours her memory.
“Getting these women to write about their experiences was a challenge,” she says. Many of the women questioned the worth of their recollections. “Who will read and care about my story?” they asked Mahinder.
Mahinder Kaur Doman is editor and publisher of Zhindagee: Selected Stories of our First Daughters.
Sarah Hamster (left) and President Melanie Arscott
of the Victoria Genealogical Society.
Sarah Hamster directs Special Interest Groups at the Genealogical Society. Her satisfaction comes from helping others with research techniques and sharing in success.
“The internet is an outstanding source of material related to Genealogy,” says Sarah.The society is excited about a full day seminar on October 29 with Lisa Louise Cooke. The host of a Podcast about Genealogy, Lisa will share search strategies using innovative technologies like Google earth. www.victoriags.org
Women, as mothers, are a vital link to our heritage, explains Melanie Arscott. Founded in 1978, the society is thriving as people worldwide seek out their roots, explains “We are like detectives who look for clues,” she says, “found in family stories, mementoes, documents and photographs.”
Melanie’s recent adventure involved a mysterious book of photos found at Laurel Point Inn. Many of the photos pre-dated WW1. It took five months to track down a living descendent, who lives in the US. “We celebrated our success with a presentation,” says Melanie.
“Emily” (Molly Raher Newman) with Kate Cino.
Barbara Strachan is the President of the Canadian Club of Victoria.
In 2011, women play an important role in the Canadian Club. “We foster Canadian unity by increasing awareness of public issues,” says Barbara. Monthly meetings host speakers in the areas of heritage, culture, science and business. The club’s honourary patron is the Lieutenant-Governor of BC, Steven L. Point.
In January, the club honours area recipients of the Order of Canada at a reception. “We welcome new members and are non-sectarian and non-partisan,” says the president.
Web Design, Content and Photos:
Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.
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