Wow, I can't believe it is over a decade since I first thought I would try my hand at blogging. Not too successful I would say 😁

I have been practising writing short stories about various ancestors. I read today on https://discovergenealogy.blogspot.com/2024/05/leaving-past-to-future-5-publishing.html that bogging might be a great place to put short stories. So here I am. . . again!

George Stanley Blake marries Ida Beatrice Pixley - 1885

Although we do not know how George and Ida met, we can speculate that they may have met at a church function or through friends. The two main villages, Sydenham and Harrowsmith, in their respective Loughborough and Portland Townships were only 6km (~3.7 miles) distance apart, less than an hour by horse or 1¼ hour walk. Another theory is perhaps they met at a party. The strict courtship rules of Victorian Canada were lessening in 1880s in Canada making, so it possible as a young woman, Ida, may have attended local parties without her parents. In an undated newspaper clipping found in the Sydenham Women's Institute, "The Loughborough Collection," we learn:

“Surprise Party at Sydenham

On Friday last between thirty and forty couples assembled at Lawn Terrace, the farm residence of George Blake, one of our esteemed young bachelors, for the purpose of spending a pleasant time. On leaving the village, the boys gave vent to their feelings by displaying their vocal talents, which Prof. Davy has of late been trying to cultivate. About eight o'clock, dancing commenced and was kept up with very little intermission during the evening. Those not employed in tripping the light fantastic enjoyed in other amusements.

At midnight a sumptuous repast was served, to which the party did ample justice. The cravings of the inner man being satisfied the program was resumed and continued until early dawn, when the young folks departed for their respective homes, hoping that it would not be the last merry-making together. Hanley's Orchestra furnished the music.”

Although the newspaper clipping was undated, we can assume the party happened between 1881 when George bought the property and 1885 when he married Ida. 

We do know that the Blake and Pixley families were probably well-known to each other, maybe even close family friends. Both families had lived in the area, since at least 1819 when they were enumerated in the Census of Loughborough/Portland Townships. 

The directories of the area in 1885, do not indicate any photographers in villages of Harrowsmith or Sydenham. Consequently, the wedding photo of the couple was most likely taken at a photography studio in Kingston, the nearest city at 25km from Sydenham village in Loughborough. In a posed wedding photo, we see a slight built man with dark hair, parted on the left side, with a slightly receding hairline. He is sporting a large mustache, which was common to the era. His eyes are close set and appear to be brown. George was wearing a dark-coloured three-piece Sack (or business) suit, which appears to be made from wool. The notched collar on the narrow lapel of the four-button jacket is detailed with piping. With the top cloth-covered button engaged, his shirt is almost hidden. We only see the cloth-covered button vest at his waist. In keeping with era, it is most likely, George is wearing a loose shirt with detached collars and cuffs.  His trousers would have been held up by suspenders because belt loops did not become common until the 1920s. Although difficult to determine, it appears he is wearing a knotted tie. Finally, George is wearing standard lace-up ankle boots, which were common men’s footwear for decades. George’s suit was practical and probably would have served him many years. 

Ida appears to also have dark hair done in a updo, sporting wavy bangs. She has a rather squarish face with nicely shaped lips and a shapely full figure. Ida’s wedding outfit was typical of the 1880s with its bustle and cinched waist. It appears to be two pieces made with a heavier fabric with its ability to hold the pleats. The bodice appears to be a cuirass due to its tight, armour-like fit.  The Dictionary of Fashion History (2010) defines a cuirass bodice as: “a sheath-like bodice that fit tightly over the hips producing a long-line dress silhouette.” The bodice would have been well-boned to hold it shape without wrinkles or creases. The bodice sleeves were tight with cuffs, matched by throat scarf. The skirt, which featured a low bustle was embellished with front draping and side and bottom pleats. The 1880s are reflected in the length of the dress, a few inches off the floor unlike dresses in the previous decade that had swept the floor. This overall style of dress allowed the women more freedom of movement than the fashions of the previous decades. Note fabric was a darker colour, which was more functional as it wouldn’t need to be washed as often.  Unlike modern brides’ dresses, Ida’s dress would be used for many functions for years to come, often with modifications to bring to make it more up to date. 

I hope to blog on a more regular basis from hence forth. Have a great May Day long weekend from here in Cloverdale, British Columbia.