Anna Matthews
@relativelyhistoric.bsky.social
Family historian, anti-fascist, pet-lover. Canadian-American. 🇨🇦 Elbows up!
Last night I found some newsreels from WW2 that included a visit by a General Vanier to my grandfather's unit. If you blink you miss him, but I still watched it at least ten times. (He's on your right, in the helmet). Here they're watching a bomb disposal demonstration. #genealogy
November 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Last night I found some newsreels from WW2 that included a visit by a General Vanier to my grandfather's unit. If you blink you miss him, but I still watched it at least ten times. (He's on your right, in the helmet). Here they're watching a bomb disposal demonstration. #genealogy
#31DaysofGraves Day 30 - Colour
Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec in winter, summer and fall. I have many relatives and ancestors buried here, some I knew in life, most who lived before I was born. My grandmother was born on a farm here that my cousins still own and operate. 🐄🍁
Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec in winter, summer and fall. I have many relatives and ancestors buried here, some I knew in life, most who lived before I was born. My grandmother was born on a farm here that my cousins still own and operate. 🐄🍁
October 30, 2025 at 9:13 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 30 - Colour
Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec in winter, summer and fall. I have many relatives and ancestors buried here, some I knew in life, most who lived before I was born. My grandmother was born on a farm here that my cousins still own and operate. 🐄🍁
Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec in winter, summer and fall. I have many relatives and ancestors buried here, some I knew in life, most who lived before I was born. My grandmother was born on a farm here that my cousins still own and operate. 🐄🍁
#31DaysofGraves Day 29-Occupation
Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after President Harding died in office. His headstone does not say he was president, but it does contain the Presidential seal. My father took this undated photo in the late 40s-early 50s.
Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after President Harding died in office. His headstone does not say he was president, but it does contain the Presidential seal. My father took this undated photo in the late 40s-early 50s.
October 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 29-Occupation
Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after President Harding died in office. His headstone does not say he was president, but it does contain the Presidential seal. My father took this undated photo in the late 40s-early 50s.
Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after President Harding died in office. His headstone does not say he was president, but it does contain the Presidential seal. My father took this undated photo in the late 40s-early 50s.
#31DaysofGraves Day 27-Tree
My dad took these photos sometime in the 50s at Old Rock Landing Cemetery in Hadam, Connecticut on a day when he was out snapping photos of the fall foliage. He took one full headstone photo, allowing me to identify the cemetery.
My dad took these photos sometime in the 50s at Old Rock Landing Cemetery in Hadam, Connecticut on a day when he was out snapping photos of the fall foliage. He took one full headstone photo, allowing me to identify the cemetery.
October 27, 2025 at 12:48 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 27-Tree
My dad took these photos sometime in the 50s at Old Rock Landing Cemetery in Hadam, Connecticut on a day when he was out snapping photos of the fall foliage. He took one full headstone photo, allowing me to identify the cemetery.
My dad took these photos sometime in the 50s at Old Rock Landing Cemetery in Hadam, Connecticut on a day when he was out snapping photos of the fall foliage. He took one full headstone photo, allowing me to identify the cemetery.
#31DaysofGraves Day 25-Graveside Ornament.
While we waited for his headstone, my stepmother marked my father's grave with the 2nd anchor from their old boat. Even after the stone was placed, she decided it should stay.
In 2016, after his beloved Cubbies finally won the World Series again, I 1/2
While we waited for his headstone, my stepmother marked my father's grave with the 2nd anchor from their old boat. Even after the stone was placed, she decided it should stay.
In 2016, after his beloved Cubbies finally won the World Series again, I 1/2
October 25, 2025 at 3:28 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 25-Graveside Ornament.
While we waited for his headstone, my stepmother marked my father's grave with the 2nd anchor from their old boat. Even after the stone was placed, she decided it should stay.
In 2016, after his beloved Cubbies finally won the World Series again, I 1/2
While we waited for his headstone, my stepmother marked my father's grave with the 2nd anchor from their old boat. Even after the stone was placed, she decided it should stay.
In 2016, after his beloved Cubbies finally won the World Series again, I 1/2
#31DaysofGraves Day 24-Unusual Animal
Or in my case, just animal. I'll be on the lookout for something more unusual on my next cemetery visit, though. And I've been inspired to visit my local pet cemetery.
I photographed this headstone for Find a Grave in 2017, not for an open request, but 1/2
Or in my case, just animal. I'll be on the lookout for something more unusual on my next cemetery visit, though. And I've been inspired to visit my local pet cemetery.
I photographed this headstone for Find a Grave in 2017, not for an open request, but 1/2
October 24, 2025 at 2:39 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 24-Unusual Animal
Or in my case, just animal. I'll be on the lookout for something more unusual on my next cemetery visit, though. And I've been inspired to visit my local pet cemetery.
I photographed this headstone for Find a Grave in 2017, not for an open request, but 1/2
Or in my case, just animal. I'll be on the lookout for something more unusual on my next cemetery visit, though. And I've been inspired to visit my local pet cemetery.
I photographed this headstone for Find a Grave in 2017, not for an open request, but 1/2
#31DaysofGraves Day 23-Cross
Evergreen Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ.
I snapped this photo on my first genealogy road trip. I spotted the stone on our way out of the cemetery and was so struck by it that I stopped the car and went back to take the picture.
Evergreen Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ.
I snapped this photo on my first genealogy road trip. I spotted the stone on our way out of the cemetery and was so struck by it that I stopped the car and went back to take the picture.
October 23, 2025 at 12:33 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 23-Cross
Evergreen Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ.
I snapped this photo on my first genealogy road trip. I spotted the stone on our way out of the cemetery and was so struck by it that I stopped the car and went back to take the picture.
Evergreen Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ.
I snapped this photo on my first genealogy road trip. I spotted the stone on our way out of the cemetery and was so struck by it that I stopped the car and went back to take the picture.
#31DaysofGraves Day 22 - Landscape
Lakeview Cemetery in North Hatley, Que. was once the Bean Burying Ground; land set aside by the person who first cleared and farmed it, my 4th great-grandfather, Moses Bean. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Lakeview Cemetery in North Hatley, Que. was once the Bean Burying Ground; land set aside by the person who first cleared and farmed it, my 4th great-grandfather, Moses Bean. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
October 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 22 - Landscape
Lakeview Cemetery in North Hatley, Que. was once the Bean Burying Ground; land set aside by the person who first cleared and farmed it, my 4th great-grandfather, Moses Bean. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Lakeview Cemetery in North Hatley, Que. was once the Bean Burying Ground; land set aside by the person who first cleared and farmed it, my 4th great-grandfather, Moses Bean. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
#31DaysofGraves Day 19-Social Group
In 1890, 3 young Swedish women set out for America in search of a better life. First stop was Illinois where the 2 sisters in the group had family. A little while later, at the request of a childhood sweetheart, they travelled to Connecticut, where they would 1/2
In 1890, 3 young Swedish women set out for America in search of a better life. First stop was Illinois where the 2 sisters in the group had family. A little while later, at the request of a childhood sweetheart, they travelled to Connecticut, where they would 1/2
October 19, 2025 at 6:21 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 19-Social Group
In 1890, 3 young Swedish women set out for America in search of a better life. First stop was Illinois where the 2 sisters in the group had family. A little while later, at the request of a childhood sweetheart, they travelled to Connecticut, where they would 1/2
In 1890, 3 young Swedish women set out for America in search of a better life. First stop was Illinois where the 2 sisters in the group had family. A little while later, at the request of a childhood sweetheart, they travelled to Connecticut, where they would 1/2
#31DaysofGraves Day 15-Damaged
The headstone of my Great-grandmother's brother, Frank Dension Bean, who died just before his 5th birthday.
He is the only member of his family buried in this church yard.
My mother & I visited this cemetery in 2014 and were sad to see beer cans atop some of the 1/2
The headstone of my Great-grandmother's brother, Frank Dension Bean, who died just before his 5th birthday.
He is the only member of his family buried in this church yard.
My mother & I visited this cemetery in 2014 and were sad to see beer cans atop some of the 1/2
October 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 15-Damaged
The headstone of my Great-grandmother's brother, Frank Dension Bean, who died just before his 5th birthday.
He is the only member of his family buried in this church yard.
My mother & I visited this cemetery in 2014 and were sad to see beer cans atop some of the 1/2
The headstone of my Great-grandmother's brother, Frank Dension Bean, who died just before his 5th birthday.
He is the only member of his family buried in this church yard.
My mother & I visited this cemetery in 2014 and were sad to see beer cans atop some of the 1/2
#31DaysofGraves Day 6 - Gender
Since I don't have anything for today's theme, this is the footstone and plot stone of my Great Uncle Herbert Austin Smith, born on this day in 1895 and resting at St. John's Cemetery in Thetford Mines, Quebec.
Since I don't have anything for today's theme, this is the footstone and plot stone of my Great Uncle Herbert Austin Smith, born on this day in 1895 and resting at St. John's Cemetery in Thetford Mines, Quebec.
October 13, 2025 at 3:10 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 6 - Gender
Since I don't have anything for today's theme, this is the footstone and plot stone of my Great Uncle Herbert Austin Smith, born on this day in 1895 and resting at St. John's Cemetery in Thetford Mines, Quebec.
Since I don't have anything for today's theme, this is the footstone and plot stone of my Great Uncle Herbert Austin Smith, born on this day in 1895 and resting at St. John's Cemetery in Thetford Mines, Quebec.
My Canadian mother's cousin emailed me about coming to the US to see her. I told her that she should not come here. They are both in their late 80s and my mother can't make the trip there. It breaks my heart that they likely will not see each other again. #FDT
October 11, 2025 at 8:40 PM
My Canadian mother's cousin emailed me about coming to the US to see her. I told her that she should not come here. They are both in their late 80s and my mother can't make the trip there. It breaks my heart that they likely will not see each other again. #FDT
#31daysofgraves Day 11-Military
L/Cpl Lawrence Nimmo Dean, Perth Regiment, Canadian Army, was killed in action in Nijmegen, Holland, less than 6 weeks before V.E. day and was buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. He was my grandmother's baby brother. My mother and grandmother were able to 1/2
L/Cpl Lawrence Nimmo Dean, Perth Regiment, Canadian Army, was killed in action in Nijmegen, Holland, less than 6 weeks before V.E. day and was buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. He was my grandmother's baby brother. My mother and grandmother were able to 1/2
October 11, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#31daysofgraves Day 11-Military
L/Cpl Lawrence Nimmo Dean, Perth Regiment, Canadian Army, was killed in action in Nijmegen, Holland, less than 6 weeks before V.E. day and was buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. He was my grandmother's baby brother. My mother and grandmother were able to 1/2
L/Cpl Lawrence Nimmo Dean, Perth Regiment, Canadian Army, was killed in action in Nijmegen, Holland, less than 6 weeks before V.E. day and was buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. He was my grandmother's baby brother. My mother and grandmother were able to 1/2
#31daysofgraves Day 10- Urn
The headstone of my partner's 2nd great-grandmother, Winifred Coughlin & other family at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Calvary has the largest number of burials of any cemetery in the United States at about 3 million.
This headstone provided the hometown of Winifred 1/2
The headstone of my partner's 2nd great-grandmother, Winifred Coughlin & other family at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Calvary has the largest number of burials of any cemetery in the United States at about 3 million.
This headstone provided the hometown of Winifred 1/2
October 11, 2025 at 4:07 AM
#31daysofgraves Day 10- Urn
The headstone of my partner's 2nd great-grandmother, Winifred Coughlin & other family at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Calvary has the largest number of burials of any cemetery in the United States at about 3 million.
This headstone provided the hometown of Winifred 1/2
The headstone of my partner's 2nd great-grandmother, Winifred Coughlin & other family at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Calvary has the largest number of burials of any cemetery in the United States at about 3 million.
This headstone provided the hometown of Winifred 1/2
#31daysofgraves Day 9 - Hand
This is the headstone of my 1st cousin, 3x removed, Alice Maude Dean. She is buried at Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec with her parents and sister. Her epitaph, from a hymn, reads: "God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring HAND;
1/2
This is the headstone of my 1st cousin, 3x removed, Alice Maude Dean. She is buried at Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec with her parents and sister. Her epitaph, from a hymn, reads: "God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring HAND;
1/2
October 10, 2025 at 12:38 AM
#31daysofgraves Day 9 - Hand
This is the headstone of my 1st cousin, 3x removed, Alice Maude Dean. She is buried at Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec with her parents and sister. Her epitaph, from a hymn, reads: "God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring HAND;
1/2
This is the headstone of my 1st cousin, 3x removed, Alice Maude Dean. She is buried at Reedsville Cemetery in North Hatley, Quebec with her parents and sister. Her epitaph, from a hymn, reads: "God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring HAND;
1/2
#31DaysofGraves Day 7 - Not listed on the stone but buried in this grave at Mount St. Mary Cemetery in Flushing, Queens, NY are at least 3 children of Giuseppe and Maria Scalise; ANGELo, ANGELina and Tomas. Their sister Tessie was my partner's grandmother.
October 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
#31DaysofGraves Day 7 - Not listed on the stone but buried in this grave at Mount St. Mary Cemetery in Flushing, Queens, NY are at least 3 children of Giuseppe and Maria Scalise; ANGELo, ANGELina and Tomas. Their sister Tessie was my partner's grandmother.
Excuse me????
From a 1931 issue of the Sherbrooke Daily Record via BAnQ (Bibliothèque et Archives national du Québec).
#snakeoil #oldnewspapers #genealogy #Quebec
From a 1931 issue of the Sherbrooke Daily Record via BAnQ (Bibliothèque et Archives national du Québec).
#snakeoil #oldnewspapers #genealogy #Quebec
September 30, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Excuse me????
From a 1931 issue of the Sherbrooke Daily Record via BAnQ (Bibliothèque et Archives national du Québec).
#snakeoil #oldnewspapers #genealogy #Quebec
From a 1931 issue of the Sherbrooke Daily Record via BAnQ (Bibliothèque et Archives national du Québec).
#snakeoil #oldnewspapers #genealogy #Quebec
@northwellhealth.bsky.social urgent care is trying to charge me $154 for this splint. A hunk of tin and an ace wrap! A brace from the drug store was $20.
No way. Northwell. Absolutely not!
No way. Northwell. Absolutely not!
September 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
@northwellhealth.bsky.social urgent care is trying to charge me $154 for this splint. A hunk of tin and an ace wrap! A brace from the drug store was $20.
No way. Northwell. Absolutely not!
No way. Northwell. Absolutely not!
and looking up types of needlework like Mountmellick, named for a town in Ireland, and Hardanger embroidery (Norwegian).
One article gave me so much added information about time and place. Some of those apple varieties were specifically created for colder climates because you ate what you grew or
One article gave me so much added information about time and place. Some of those apple varieties were specifically created for colder climates because you ate what you grew or
September 14, 2025 at 2:16 AM
and looking up types of needlework like Mountmellick, named for a town in Ireland, and Hardanger embroidery (Norwegian).
One article gave me so much added information about time and place. Some of those apple varieties were specifically created for colder climates because you ate what you grew or
One article gave me so much added information about time and place. Some of those apple varieties were specifically created for colder climates because you ate what you grew or
August 6, 2025 at 12:43 AM
This handwriting is going to give me a headache! One of those times when you finally find a record & understand immediately why it was harder to find than most #Quebec church records. Even once I had an approx. date fm a marriage contract, I only knew it was the correct entry from the signatures!
August 1, 2025 at 9:40 PM
This handwriting is going to give me a headache! One of those times when you finally find a record & understand immediately why it was harder to find than most #Quebec church records. Even once I had an approx. date fm a marriage contract, I only knew it was the correct entry from the signatures!