Below is a piece that originally appeared in the Brantford Expositor on December 1, 1992. It was written by my Grandma Hazel (Vansickle) Finch. She shares her Christmas memories as a child, a mother, and grandmother. Click the photo to view the original size. Enjoy.
In honour of my Grandma Hazel Aileen (Vansickle) Finch, who died 30 years ago, I am posting a familiar picture of my paternal grandparents. The photo- taken to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary – is easily the photo I most often associate with Grandma and Grandpa Finch.
As a child, I remember this photo being prominently displayed in the dining room at their house in Harrisburg (in Brant County) along with pictures of each of their children’s families – my aunts and uncles and cousins…and me too, of course. I used to always like looking at everyone in those pictures whenever we would visit.
Grandma died unexpectedly on December 20, 1993. It made for a rather sad Christmas, and I recall the somewhat sombre sound of the odd Christmas song being played at the funeral home in Brantford during her public viewing. I still have the present I bought for my grandmother for Christmas that year (oven mitts and a pot holder); I’ve kept them all these years.
RIP.
Finding your ancestors in the newspaper is exciting. It can give you a glimpse into their lives and adds to their story. I came across this piece originally published in the Hamilton Spectator on December 10, 1857 (Source: The Hamilton Spectator, December 10, 1857, page 7.)
Here, my third great grandfather James C. Finch is listed amongst other men of Haldimand County as supporters of Ranald McKinnon, requesting him to run in the upcoming provincial election. The Haldimand riding was ultimately won by William Lyon Mackenzie of rebel fame.
Ranald McKinnon is considered the “founder” of Caledonia and his name is still prominent in the area. By seeing James C. Finch’s name on the list supporting McKinnon, who was a conservative, I can now make the reasonable assumption that my third great grandfather had conservative political leanings, as well.
Here are three generations: My great-grandfather Earl Power in the centre with his daughter Rose (my Nan) on his left and his granddaughter Gladys (my aunt) on his right.
It looks to me that the picture was taken at my grandparents’ home in Oyster Pond. The photo is dated January 1969, which was one year after my great-grandmother Alice (Baker) Power died.
This is one of only a handful of photos I’ve seen of Earl Power. It’s certainly the best one quality-wise. And, I’m amazed at how much my Nan looks like my Mom in this photo.