Accession Number

2011.006b

Description

One framed black and white photograph of 5 people in a very old open-top car with right-hand drive. The wheels have wooden spokes. The photograph was taken near the southwest corner of Craigdarroch Castle. The car is decorated with white flowers. James K. Nesbitt, wearing black horn-rimmed glasses stands outside the car, his left foot on the running board. The driver is Victoria Mayor Percy Scurrah and beside him is Mrs. Scurrah, her hat decorated in flowers. Standing in the rear seat area are Mrs. Frank Baylis and Mrs. Hershel Smith in Victorian costumes holding parasols. In the background are the south and west façades of Craigdarroch Castle. Writing on the mat indicates that the photograph was taken in August, 1961.

Narrative

James Knight Nesbitt was the founding President of the Society for the Preservation and Maintenance of Craigdarroch Castle (later re-named Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society). Around the time that this photograph was taken, Mr. Nesbitt was working closely with Mayor Scurrah to promote the Castle and to install exterior floodlighting at Craigdarroch.

This photograph was given in memory of the donor's mother, the late Joan C. Dale, who was a Director and very active supporter and of The Castle Society for many years. 

The photograph was collected to present the history of The Castle Society at Craigdarroch Castle. 

History of Use

This photograph was first owned by Mayor Percy Scurrah and displayed at his house at 19 King George Terrace, Victoria, B.C. The donor's mother later bought the house and displayed this picture near the base of its interior staircase. Craigdarroch's curator saw it there in the mid 1980's and expressed interest in some day acquiring it for the museum. 

Date

August 1961

Dimensions

23.5 x 19 cm

Support

Paper

Technique

Printed

Inscription

Mayor and Mrs. Percy B. Scurrah Visit Craigdarroch Castle
August  1961
 

Country of Origin

Canada