Millie Gamble Road honours beloved Tryon teacher
As a result of the re-alignment of the Trans-Canada highway in Tryon, a portion of the old highway has been renamed Millie Gamble Road.
Born in Alberton in 1887, Gamble began teaching school in Tryon in 1904 at the age of 17; not an uncommon occurrence at that time.
While visiting her uncle in Truro, Gamble was given a Ray No. 1 camera that with all its component parts, which would have had the substantial retail value of between $57 and $69.
As a result, she embraced photography as a hobby. Until 1919 when she left for Winnipeg to study nursing, Gamble photographed virtually everything about life in and around Tryon. She also became the community’s portrait photographer, especially for parents who wanted photos of their children. Gamble even built a darkroom in her pantry to process the ever-expanding number of prints.
Gamble returned to P.E.I. in 1922, where she worked as a nurse until 1949. She died in 1986, just after her 99th birthday and was buried in the Tryon People’s Cemetery.
In recent times, Gambles photographs were featured in the exhibition, Rediscovery: Canadian Women Photographers 1841 - 1941, and in Canadian academic journals by Laura Jones. During 1998-99, Millie Gamble: Island Photographer, by Gil McElroy, was featured at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and Museum. Copies of the photographs were purchased by a family member and donated to the North Tryon Historical Association, where they remain on display at the Tryon Baptist Church. The originals and negatives are held in the Public Archives and Records Office of P.E.I. We acknowledge our sources, the Tryon and Area Historical Society.
The Bonshaw Ceilidh is Jan. 31, 2-4 p.m. (storm date, Feb. 7). Performers include Diane Adams Roche, Joyce Arsenault, Vicki and Brendan Griffin, Herb MacDonald, Phil Pineau, Tony the Troubador and a surprise guest or two, with open stage time.
Entry is by donation. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the Bonshaw Hall. For information, call 902675-4093. The next ceilidh is Feb. 27.
South shore members of Spay Aid P.E.I. have another bottle drive fundraiser underway, through to April 20. Call for bottle pickup or save and donate the money from bottle deposits. For information, call Sheila at 902675-4347.
Come on out to the South Shore United Church (Route 10, Tryon), on Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. for a Concert of Love Songs: inspirational music with Phase II and Friends, Keila Glydon and Jeanie Campbell. Admission is adults, $10. For tickets, call 902-8552885, 902-658-2324 or 902-6582863.
The South Shore Arts Council has a series of workshops scheduled: a laughter workshop with Anne Putnam, Feb. 6 (storm date, Feb. 7) and Ukrainian egg painting, March 19, with Sylvia Ridgway as well as a tiny booklet family heirloom. For information, call 902-675-4282
Merry Pop-Ins has PD days in February, with the themes of Game Show Galore & Fun N Fitness. Call 902-388-6250.
Healing sessions continue at the South Shore United Church (Route 10, Tryon) on Thursdays in February. For information, call 902-658-2863.
The Crapaud Curling Club is hosting a funspiel, Feb. 26 and 27. Call 902-658-2626 / 902-6582212.
The Victoria Historical Association (VHA) has enjoyed a funfilled year celebrating 100 years of local memories, with a special focus on the Victoria Theatre. The VHA encourages membership from everyone, both within and beyond village borders. Admission is $10, including VHA newsletters.
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce met Jan. 26. Members enjoyed an informative presentation by guest speaker Hannah Bell of the P.E.I. Business Women’s Association.
The next meeting is at the Crapaud Town Hall, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Speaker Blair Corkum will give a presentation on the timely topic of personal and business tax tips.