sticker, seal

Object

Accession Number
2014.014.013.002b-bii
Description
One red wax seal attached to a scroll by white and black braided cord. It is contained inside a black metal case with the badge of the order decorating its lid (an eight-pointed Maltese Cross with two lions passant guardant and two unicorns passant embellishing the four angles).
Narrative
This illuminated scroll names Mary Jean Croft (nee Dunsmuir, aka Mrs. Henry Croft, 1862-1928), a Lady of Grace in the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The honor is related to her charitable work for the Order (including personal gifts of money). It was presented to Mary in an enameled metal tube containing receipts and associated letters from Evelyn Cecil (1st Baron Rockley), the Order’s Secretary General, and an explanatory letter from Hon. F.S. Barnard, Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, dated May 30, 1917. 

Mary Jean Dunsmuir was active in other charitable work in Victoria, including the Imperial Order Daughters of The Empire (I.O.D.E). She was also a founding member of the Alexandra Club, Victoria’s first club for women. This scroll and its associated documentation illustrate the philanthropic role played by a Dunsmuir family member in Victoria Society and the sentimental feelings for her within the Bryden family, from whom this object was collected.

An unrelated newspaper clipping is among the papers – it is from the August 9, 1944 issue of The London Times showing the Roll of Honor listing Mary Croft’s sister’s son’s son, Canadian Infantry Captain J.T. Bryden as being killed in action. Because Mary Croft died in 1928, it is likely that her nephew, John William Bryden (1869-1953), placed this clipping into the tube for safekeeping and remembrance. 
 
History of Use
This object was used by Mary Jean Dunsmuir (Mrs. Henry Croft) at her Esquimalt house named Mount Adelaide until her death in 1928. It was then inherited by her sister Elizabeth's son, John William Bryden (1869-1953) of Royston, BC. It was then inherited by his son, the late Gerald Robert Bryden (1913-1992), also of Royston, B.C. It was acquired from his daughter in 2013.
 
Date
1917
Dimensions
2 x 6 cm
Material
Wax; Metal

Related person/business/organization
Mary Jean Dunsmuir (owner)
Related Association
Mt. Adelaide (was used in)