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My interest in compiling Gertrude Fraser's life history
began through our friendship. My husband and I were fortunate to
be her neighbors. She was unfailingly friendly, and as her husband's
secretary Muriel Smith recalls, lovely to be around.
My new friend and I got to know each other through
front yard chats. I enjoyed her stories about her life, the people
she knew, and what Quesnel used to be like. Her sharp memory for
people and details was interesting and striking. A few years ago,
I asked her if anyone had approached her about recording her life
story. She said that a couple of people had talked with her about
it, but that nothing had gone ahead. Unfortunately, one of the people
who had expressed interest in recording her story had passed away.
When the Living Landscapes project was announced, I thought it would
be a great opportunity to compile her story.
Gertrude was funny, mischievous at times,
and unfailing gracious. During our conversations, she occasionally
expressed thoughts
in a manner that I found puzzling. Probably because of the large
difference in our ages and since I had not had much contact with
people of her generation, I sometimes found myself thinking, "Is
she for real?" I believe that Gertrude was genuine and truly
a gracious lady of her era.
Talking with Gertrude about her life, and especially
her earlier work as a nurse, I was impressed with her intelligence
and straightforward attitude. She had a curious mind, and I think
must have been a great nurse. Her daughter told me that she feels
that in another era, her mother would have been a great doctor.
I have no doubt that if she chose to do that, she would have made
a fine physician.
I am grateful to the Royal British Columbia Museum
for working with everyday people like me to take part in recording
the social history of our area. I know that the Living Landscapes
weekend in Quesnel in May 2002 made Gertrude extremely happy, although
it wore her out too. She was 90 at the time, and tried to greet
everyone who visited our booth.
Assisting Gertrude in giving two talks about her life
during the event was fun and rewarding. I did the introduction and
a brief section, but she delivered the larger portion of the talk.
She enjoyed it very much, and made jokes for the audience in her
magnetic way. I believe she charmed all of those who had not known
her before the event.
We set up a display with photos and
documents from her life. We also included some of her personal
things that I suppose
one might call "artifacts," although it seems strange
to call things that Gertrude had in her house artifacts. One item
was a copy of a letter from Dr. G. R. Baker of Quesnel, recommending
that Gertrude's Saskatchewan nursing license be recognized in British
Columbia. We also displayed her nursing uniform and a Nisga'a carving
given to Alex during the celebration commemorating the opening
of
the bridge crossing the Nisga'a River. A lovely crystal pitcher
and glasses, part of a set given to Alex and Gertrude by Dr. Baker,
were also included in the collection gathered for the weekend.
Unfortunately, Gertrude was not well enough to join
me for the Prince George Living Landscapes event last October, and
I missed her. I know that I was not able to do as good a presentation
alone as we did together. Mrs. Fraser was a lovely person, and I
feel lucky to have been her friend and neighbor and to have been
able to put together this legacy to her life.
Nancy Lilienweiss
February 2003
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