Portrait of Mary Ellen Crysler, albumen print (tinted)- original print is 45 x 36cm. William Notman & Son Studio, 1895
Toronto. We have the Black Creek Pioneer Village here while similar attractions exist elsewhere in our province like the village near Morrisburg.
So what has this to do with photography? Well, some works of photographer and studio owner, William Notman, (famous around Montreal and beyond) are housed in the Upper Canada Village (UCV). The UCV with its archives has some photographic items, like the one at left of Ms Crysler.
In issue 21-4, Ev published an article by Jack Schecter titled, “Upper Canada Village Reference Library and Archives Photograph Collection”. Jack begins his article, “The Upper Canada Village Reference library and Archives near Morrisburg, Ont. is a little-known resource centre which contains modern and antiquarian books. manuscripts and photographs from the 19th and 20th century.
“It is part of Upper Canada Village, a living history site containing about 40 buildings representing a typical small rural community of eastern Ontario in the 1860’s. The library is used by our staff of costumed interpreters to research primary and secondary sources to answer questions from the public and ensure absolute authenticity on our site.
“The inquiries received by the library are varied- what goods were sold in the general store, what type of clothing did women wear in the 1860’s, details on the Battle of Crysler’s Farm and many others.
“The library is also used by historical researchers. museum workers, authors, students. genealogists and others interested in the social and economic history of eastern Ontario.
“One of the distinctive sights in the library is an interpreter in historic costume with a researcher in modern clothing examining documents or using the library computer.
To read the rest of this article and more, go to the member-free DVD. The issue 21-4 pdf has this and the other articles from January 1996. To join, see the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above (cheque) and at right (credit card and PayPal). Email Lilianne (member@phsc.ca) if you have questions. Please indicate if your membership is NEW or a RENEWAL. Thanks.
