happiness

A History in Photos 8 (FGK 165)

Grandpa riding in the Stampede Parade. I believe he’s riding Toots who absolutely terrified me as a child. Not only was she gigantic but she was fiercely protective of my horse and one time charged me and chased me away while I was out alone in the field catching my horse – I would have been maybe 6 or so. I just remember flaring nostrils and legs coming at me, and then she stopped inches away from me, put her head to my face and snorted loudly. I booked it back home crying. Got very little sympathy too haha

Phyllis Strutt 1942. She is a relative of Grandmas on the Brown side I believe

Percy and Edna Copithorne home and pets. On the left you can see the lean to kitchen grandma described in her memories.

Think of the quality of cameras back in the day and then consider how close the photographer must have been to these bears.

We are about to discover the answer to the age old question “does a bear poop in the woods?”

happiness

A History in Photos 6 (FGK 163)

The oil well going up behind the barn – 1952.

Jean McKenzie-Grieves and son in the summer of 1945. She was grandma’s best friend from Cochrane who moved to Innisfail. And it was just while going through these photos at my uncle and aunt’s place that I realized that since mom’s middle name was Jean that she was named after grandma’s best friend.

Jumping Pound riders on cattle round up.

happiness

A History in Photos 3 (FGK 160)

Last night I received a wonderful gift, and my uncle spent hours (literally hours – I think over 3) going through my photos with me and a couple of cousins, and writing down who was in every one of them. Not only did he remember an incredible number of people, but he was able to name many of the animals in the photos as well. I am grateful and it will certainly make sharing these memories more accurate. Again though, if anyone is able to recognize anyone who is unnamed please pass that information on to me (or any good stories associated with the photos).

Additionally, I am looking for a local (Calgary area) recommendation for someone who does high quality scanning of old photos. I want to publish these in a book for the family to share and enjoy and my scanner is not of a good enough quality. Thank you in advance for anyone who has any suggestions.

Uncle Marshall down the hill at what is now Kumlins (Jack Copithorne’s)

Uncle Marshall said “if anyone tries to tell you I don’t know about turkeys, here’s proof that I know what I’m talking about”

Left to Right: Sheila Copithorne, (Back) Clarence Buckley, Anne Copithorne, Marshall Copithorne, Harvey Buckley, Kenny Copithorne, Richard Copithorne.

Grandma and Grandpa in front of the barn

happiness

A History in Photos 2 (FGK 159)

Fortunately Grandma wrote on the back of most of today’s photos – except this top one which I absolutely love and the one with the group of people. Enjoy!!

I would never have guessed this was Grandma – but I love it!!! I’m also guessing this is what we called “Grandma’s secret gate” when we were kids as it was hidden in the hedge of trees that were planted to block out the highway noise.

Jumping Pound Stampede 1923. Clem Gardner pick-up man

Percy Copithorne riding the ram with his mother and Aunt Ada Wills and brother George in the background. Note there were no treated fence posts of baled hay. Circa 1905. Photo taken by Sam Copithorne.

It’s weird to me that they scribbled out all the actual information about the photo and titled it “ride ‘em cowboy” but fortunately Grandma had written the information on the back as well including who took the photo.

happiness

A History In Photos 1 (FGK 158)

I am starting a series called “A History in Photos”. I found this box of old photos of Grandma’s in my closet a couple of years ago. Some of them are labeled and some are not, so some days we will get to play “who are these people?” And hopefully y’all can help me out. I will experiment with some better lighting- the photos are in better shape than the scanning shows. Anyway, here we go!!

Edited to add: it seems taking a photo works better than scanning the photos so I’ve included those. And I’ve had some help from a cousin deciphering grandma’s handwriting which is greatly appreciated!!

CPR Station about 1913. Left to right: Mr Alex McEwen, other man is Charlie McGill (I think). Written on the side: you are welcome to use this picture if you wish.

Ladies Group 1909-10. Left to right Front row: Mrs Alec(?) Mortimer, Mrs McBain, Mrs Peyto, Mrs M McNamee Back row: Mrs McEwen, Mrs Grummit(?), Mrs Foster, Mrs Christanson, unknown, Mrs White (later became Mrs Chas Grayson) Mrs Campbell. Front row: baby Earl Mortimer, girl is Cathie McNamee, boy is Kenneth Campbell

I can’t make this out well enough – if anyone else can I appreciate that!! *Edit: Reme and Mrs Claston, Ruth Claston, Mrs Marion McEwen-Barkley, Marg (Mary?) McBain, Mr Laird (teachers)

Harvest Festival, St. Andrews Presbyterian church Cochrane 1911

Louise Copithorne (Mrs Chas Copithorne) I didn’t know her but I think she’s absolutely stunning. I found her grave online: Louise Caroling *Tempany*Copithorne
BIRTH
1909
DEATH
1979 (aged 69–70)

happiness

Grandma and Grandpa’s 25th and other photos (FGK 155)

Today is the first of an on and off series I’ll call “who are the people in these photos?” Usually Grandma was really good about writing on the back of photos, but I’ve got a bunch that are unmarked. So – anyone who remembers and knows who these people are, please let me know!! This envelope of photos was in with her hospital letters, but the ones that are dated are from the late 50s, and I think when she was in Florida finishing high school.