WP2058 WPG - VIEW AT ARMSTRONG'S POINT

POSTCARD

Date: Posted August 29, 1908 from Richard to Mrs. Wm Craig, Gibbland Farm, Abbotsford, Quebec

Publisher / Photographer: Russell Lang & Co. #A. 700

Notation: I have had this card for at least three years without paying any attention to it. I was quite startled as I began cataloguing it for this entry on Ipernity.

I was first of all surprised that there was an Abbotsford in Quebec and a bit intrigued by the "Gibbland Farm" that was part of the address. Searching the internet, I discovered that Mr. William Craig, the addressee's husband was the owner of Gibbland Farm - a well-renowned fruit farm which had been formerly owned by his father (and was later passed on to his own son, Geoffrey).

While doing that research, I came upon a reference that startled me. Mr. and Mrs. William Craig were the parents of Miss Catherine Isabelle Craig - a young woman who married an Anglican priest and missionary who spent most of his life at York Factory in Manitoba - Richard Faries. I had learned about Richard a few years ago when I acquired a collection of several of his personal real photo postcards from York Factory and other locations in Manitoba.

I was stunned when I realized that this postcard itself was written by Richard to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Craig. In fact, this postcard was sent only 18 days after his wedding day - August 11, 1908.

Richard's message reads; "Dearest Mother Last night we were out to see some friends of mine & I was proud to introduce my wife to them. They are all in love with her, and I think that I am a very lucky fellow to get such a noble girl. No one knows it better than I do, & I am sure I shall try to prove that I am worthy of my sweet Isabelle's love.

We had a fine walk yesterday thro. St. John's Park. It was lovely and restful out there.

With much love, your affectionate Richard"

Richard and Isabelle had quite a love story - and their love stood the test of time. They ministered together in York Factory and other northern communities of Manitoba and Ontario until Isabelle died in 1951, at which time Richard retired, moved to Toronto then to Ft. William (Thunder Bay) where he died in 1964.

I was equally surprised to find another card in my collection from Richard to his new father-in-law! Please see: www.ipernity.com/doc/567275/40998960

Further information on Richard Faries can be found at: www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/faries_r.shtml
and at: www.thunderbaymuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Richard-Faries-fonds.pdf

Further information on William Craig can be found at: www.mocavo.com/Proceedings-of-the-American-Pomological-Society-1911-Volume-Volume-32-1911/665491/37