Editorially speaking…
“On this bright sunny day, May 13, 2025, the work commenced on our special project for 2025...”
So begins the latest issue of the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria’s newsletter. The special project referred to is the restoration of the grave of Edna Farnsworth, the subject of this week’s Chronicles.
As can be seen in the photo, Edna’s grave had sunk into the soft ground in Ross Bay Cemetery. Restoration has begun after the Society raised $7000 to restore it. The fancy and expensive red granite stone bears a simple inscription: “In loving remembrance. Died: Victoria, BC. Age: 19 years.” Many have wondered over the years who paid for it. —www.findagrave.com
Ravenstone Conservation was commissioned to undertake “the delicate task” of straightening and stabilizing monument and removing other elements for cleaning and conservation.
First, the headstone had to be removed, its components set aside while the grave itself was levelled off and the original brick topping replaced. —Old Cemeteries Society
Denied the love of the man she wanted and shunned by society, Edna’s sister and coworkers cared for her then, and the Old Cemeteries Society cares for her now.
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Oops!
There’s so much in the current news that has historical roots or relevance that I can’t keep up; sometimes, I drop the ball altogether. How could I have not acknowledged, in the first week of May, the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe?
Canadians celebrating V-E Day, 80 years ago. —valourcanada.ca
Me, the guy who has written the Remembrance Day edition of the Cowichan Valley Citizen for 25 years as well as 100s of newspaper and magazine articles, and online posts—even a book—about Canada’s wartime role, at home and abroad.
I hope readers were more attuned to the news and reflected on one of the most momentous moments in Canadian history.
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Speaking of which, Canadian Tire has purchased the Hudson’s Bay Co. provenance—the name, coat of arms and trademarks, including the legendary “stripes,” for $30 million. According to a press release, Canadian Tire will “become the home of iconic Canadian brands and other intellectual property”.
The agreement is still subject to court approval as the HBC is in bankruptcy proceedings, but CT expressed confidence that the sale will be completed this summer.
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Finally for today, if I haven’t reported this already, attendance at the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney has doubled since the arrival of the Martin Mars water bomber.
History boring, you say?
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