Every once in a while, we meet someone who leaves an indelible impression upon us. For me, as an avid student of local history, that person was Lucille Strath.
When I commenced volunteering at Christ Church Community Museum in Lakefield several years ago, I had the good fortune of meeting Lucille. Her wealth of knowledge about the pioneer and literary heritage of Lakefield was apparent right away. She seemed to know the genealogical and historical background of the Strickland, Moodie and Traill families, among others, all names synonymous with this area, practically by heart. Not only that, but Lucille was enthusiastic, passionate and seemingly happy to talk for hours about any aspect of local history. A “quick question” phone call often led to a conversation lasting well over an hour.
Lucille loved a challenge and would tackle even the most difficult enquiries with the utmost diligence. For instance, we once received an email from a person in Australia who had spent decades investigating a long lost ancestor whom he believed had emigrated to Canada from England in the mid nineteenth century. Lucille got right on the case; her research confirmed that the ancestor in question, Walter Blagdon Hale, had come to this area, died here and was interred in the Christ Church cemetery. The family in Australia were very pleased that she had helped them solve this mystery. Another time, she was contacted by an architectural historian in Port Hope who was working on research for an article on Kivas Tully, who happened to be the architect responsible for the construction of Christ Church in Lakefield. Lucille was able to provide considerable detail that the researcher had been unable to locate.
In 2019, Lucille Strath wrote a wonderful and very touching little booklet about the four small crosses in our churchyard cemetery marking the graves of the four Bowker children who all died tragic deaths. Her book “The Spirit Lives” brought these children and their families to life. Lucille even tracked down Bowker descendants in England to supplement her research.
During the early stages of our recent masonry project at Christ Church Community Museum, an Indigenous projectile artifact was discovered. Lucille immediately took responsibility for the important find, consulting with experts from the Curve Lake Cultural Centre for advice and guidance. With the appropriate permissions, she arranged to have the artifact displayed in our museum, respectfully with sweetgrass and tobacco. At the end of the summer season, the artifact was handed over to knowledge keepers at Curve Lake First Nation, where it rightfully belonged.
Lucille was always a valued resource when it came time to prepare our exhibits at the museum for the summer visitor season. Her own expertise and knowledge were supplemented by her many valuable contacts at Trent University Library and Archives, Trent Valley Archives and the Peterborough Museum. She was actively involved with the management and operation of CCCM for over 25 years. In addition to that, Lucille was a strong supporter of the Lakefield Literary Festival. Up until just recently, she was still adjudicating the student essay competition. She was also a member of Probus and a parishioner at the Lakefield United Church.
Sadly, Barbara Lucille Strath, age 86, passed away, too soon, on December 26, 2023 after a brief illness. But for me, her memory lives on as I continue to be inspired by her enthusiasm and love for the rich heritage that makes Lakefield so special.
Rest in peace, my friend.
