Week 18 - Lizzie Sinclair Morcom

Lizzie Sinclair Morcom (1898 - 1988)

Elizabeth was sixth born in a family of eight to James Sinclair and Elizabeth Henry in 1898.  She was educated at Bankburn School near the family farm and lived at home until her marriage to a neighbour farmer, Jack Morcom in 1930.  Her siblings include Nellie, Jean and Alexander from previous weeks on this blog, as well as my grandmother Mary.  Lizzie is always easy to spot in family photos as she was the only one who wore glasses. Luckily for me, she was a "saver" and many of her old photos, letters, and postcards continue to help me tell her family's stories with this blog.  

Lizzie with her stepbrother Jimmie Henry.

Lizzie on the right with  (I think) her sister-in-law Jessie Henry Sinclair on the left.

I am so glad that she saved the letter below that was written to Lizzie from her future father in law, to welcome her to the Morcom family after she and Jack had made a "young folks agreement".  My favourite sentence is

Of course, we are getting old & cranky you may find it hard to bear with us at times, you are looking to the front and we have to cast glances behind us, some of those glances may be with great regret, but there are others full of real happiness which makes up a great deal.

The following clip from the Oak River Post was found on Roots-Web:

12/25/1930 MORCOM - SINCLAIR
A quiet wedding was solemnized in Brandon on Tuesday, (Dec. 16) when Lizzie, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James SINCLAIR, became the bride of John MORCOM, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. I. MORCOM, both of Oak River, Man.
The bride was given in marriage by her brother, W. SINCLAIR, and Miss Jessie HENRY was in attendance. W. H. MORCOM, eldest brother of the bride-groom, acted as best man. Following the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. MORCOM left for Winnipeg, Man., where they will be the guest of the groom's cousin, Mr. P. F. ROUSE, 128 Emily St. Later they will return to Oak River, Man.

----Winnipeg Tribune.

After she was married, Lizzie was active in community life being president of the Busy Bee Red Cross group which was active during WWII. She was also a volunteer with Hospital Aid, 4-H, and the Agricultural Society. Being a director of arts and fancy work for the Oak River Fair was a long time calling. Lizzie showed her crafts at all the surrounding fairs in the summer while Jack showed his horses.  She was also an active member of the Oak River United Church. She decorated many wedding cakes, did embroidery and other fancy work and knit heavy "Mary Maxim siwash" sweaters like they are wearing in the picture below with Mrs. Percy Rouse between them.

Lizzie was known for her flowers and the greenhouse she operated for many years.  She and Jack moved off the farm into  the town of Oak River in 1965 and she continued to be involved in her hobbies.  Lizzie was a recipient of The Order of the Crocus in 1967 for her contribution to thee welfare and development of Canada. 

  

I remember as a kid when my sisters and I played in their basement while the adults visited upstairs by playing on a swing hanging from the floor joists.  What fun to swing in any weather, even if there was a cement floor underneath!  It certainly would not pass safety regulations today and especially when you twist up the swing! 

Aunt Lizzie died at age 90 in 1988 and Uncle Jack had died five years earlier.  They are buried in the Oak River Cemetery and their memory lives on through their nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as in the community that they helped in so many ways.