Accession Number

2009.019.026a-h

Description

A handwritten letter by Flora Alexandrina Macdonald (Mrs. Gavin Burns). The paper is yellowed and brittle with some tears and loss.

Narrative

This letter describes the June 22, 1910 wedding of Joan Olive Bryden (1887-1959) to Alastair Douglas Macdonald (1874-1948), the author's brother. The majority of the description relates to the wedding reception that took place at Dalzellowlie, the residence of the bride's father, John Cowper Bryden.  

Other Dunsmuir family members mentioned in the letter include: the bride, her husband Alastair Douglas Macdonald (aka Douglas); the bride's brothers John William Bryden and Robert Dunsmuir Bryden (who are referred to as new brothers-in-law); Mary Jean Dunsmuir (aka Mrs. Henry Croft); Mrs. James Dunsmuir and daughters Byrdie, Maye, Marion, and Bessie. Their friend Alice Pooley is mentioned.

History of Use

The intended recipient of this letter is undetermined. At some point it became the property of Joan Olive Bryden, who used it at her North Saanich farm, Duntulm. It was then owned by Elizabeth Mary Katherine Macdonald, the first of three daughters born to Alastair Douglas Macdonald and Joan Olive Bryden. She used it in Victoria, BC. Her son gave it to The Castle Society in 2009. 

Date

June 28 1910

Dimensions

25.5 x 20.5 cm

Material

Paper

Country of Origin

Canada