Item T0800:0001 - 0002 - Mabel Davis, Bea Hamilton and Ina Hamilton : interview

CALL NUMBER: T0800:0001 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-10-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In this interview, three sisters -- Mrs. Mabel Davis, Miss Bea Hamilton and Miss Ina Hamilton -- recall growing up on Saltspring Island. Mrs. Davis begins by describing the family's move to; Fulford Harbour; Saltspring Island in 1897; the trip and the new landscape. Her memories include the Indians fishing and bird hunting; the forest; rumrunners in the 1920s; the arrival of the CP navigation boat at Fulford Harbour; dockside politics; boats. Her father, William J.L. Hamilton, introduced broom to the island. She tells of his Irish background; his twelve children; his arrival in British Columbia. The Hamilton family settled in Oak Bay, Vancouver Island, during the 1890s. She discusses this community, as well as: incidents concerning the Bowker's bull; the island social life; Fulford Harbour; and an incident with a cougar. TRACK 2: This portion of the interview begins with reminiscences by Miss Ina Hamilton and anecdotes about Fulford Harbour. Miss Bea Hamilton continue;s the interview with recollections of her deaf siblings; growing up and politeness; Kanakas (Hawaiians) including William Norkin; social life and domestic details; cordial relations with the Indians; ;hotels in Fulford Harbour; collecting the mail on Billy, a horse; her childhood; more information on the Kanakas who settled in the area; the Catholic Church in Fulford, built about 1880; St. Mary's Anglican Church; Reverend Austin Wilson.;

CALL NUMBER: T0800:0002 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-10-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Miss Bea Hamilton continues this tape with an anecdote about Reverend Austin Wilson. Early Saltspring settlers are discussed, including the Shaw family; Henry Wright Bullock; the Fullers; the Wilsons; the Akerman family; and the Maxwell family. Mrs. Davis recalls more on the early settlers; Kanakas; roads on Salt Spring and the dangers of early trave; the Ruckle family; Mr. Bullock; manners; social life and customs; dances and other social events. Miss Bea Hamilton discusses the Kanakas; the naming of the Hamilton house "Dromore"; and a journey to Victoria or Sidney. [TRACK 2: blank.]