Karen Wand, from Gananoque, has given us a small book for an island bookshelf that is very special – it provides research and a fascinating review of another Gananoque woman’s life.
Now, let’s go back to our book and explain why it is special. First, it was slightly problematic because the author Karen, who is known to many as a researcher of Gananoque’s history, was not well and decided, as she says, “there were things that I needed to do.”
One such thing was to delve into Ms. Agnes Maule Machar’s history in a way that was anything but a dry regurgitation of facts.
Afternoon Tea, with Agnes Maule Machar was an idea Karen attributes to her mother. In fact, the first entry says it all.
"Living next door to Agnes M. Machar's summer home in Gananoque, Ontario, we had many occasions to talk about this fascinating lady. My mother often remarked how nice it would have been to get together with Mc Machar for afternoon tea. What would we have talked about?"
Yes, that was also Karen's question . . . As it turns out, in the 27 entries on 20 pages, many individuals and journalists from 100 years ago answered the question in delightful ways. We can display the following photographs to explain precisely what I mean.
What is next? Where is the book?
I am one of Karen Wand's fans and look forward to whatever comes our way. You too, can purchase one of the limited printings (100 books). Karen says, "there are some at the Humane Society, but what's been really interesting about this Susie, is people want a book, and have invited me to join them for tea!"
It is an important endeavour and the book is meant to raise funds for two important causes, The Gananoque & District Humane Society and Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust (TWILT). A big shout out goes to Dennis O'Connor who sponsored the book.
In closing, I thank Karen for her “stick-to-it-ness.” She is still collecting Gananoque history and of course, I thank her most sincerely for sharing her mother’s question: “What would it have been like to get together with Miss Machar for afternoon tea.”
Enjoy,
By Susan W. Smith
Gananoque Humane Society; 85 HIGHWAY 32, RR#1 Gananoque, ON, K7G; 2V3, (613) 382-1512; Shelter open by appointment only. Operating hours: Daily 9am to 5 pm. Phone calls will only be answered/returned between 11am and 4pm.
Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust: P.O. Box 135, Athens, ON, K0E 1B0; Tel: (613) 659-4590; Email: info@tiwlt.ca.
O'Connor Gallery: 130 King Street East, Gananoque, ON, Canada, K7G 1G2, (343) 363-6844; Facebook.
The Puzzle of Agnes Maule Machar, by Heather Chitty, February, 2015, Thousand Islands Life.
You can contact Karen Wand at:
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 8, August 2024, Book review, People
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