NEW BOOK “DOWN PETTICOAT LANE” NOW OFF THE PRESS
Mary MacKay has just published her sixth book in a series about the lives of early Colonsay settlers in the Paisley/ Elderslie/Arran/ Saugeen area of Bruce County, Ontario. The proceeds from the sale of these books has gone to the restoration of Rusk's Cemetery where many of the Colonsay immigrants are buried. The restoration will be completed June 2004.
“Down Petticoat Lane” is the story of Kate McEachern Darroch and her neighbours, the Smiths, McNeills, McArthurs ,McLeans, McDonalds and Galbraiths who were pioneer settlers in the area.
Kate's father, Archie McEachern left Colonsay when he was young and went to Prince Edward Island. When Kate was only three, Archie and his family came to Ontario to join his Mother , brothers and sisters who had emigrated directly from Colonsay.
Kate's husband, Charles Darroch, also went to Prince Edward Island before joining other Colonsay families in this part of Ontario.
From the day of her marriage in 1872, Kate Darroch’s life was full of surprises and tragedies, clouded by an extremely reclusive husband and enriched by the neighbours who helped her. Her four children gave her a purpose in life and her friends gave her the will to live. It will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your lips. The experiences of the women in this small pioneer settlement will keep you spell bound.
"Down Petticoat Lane" is a narrative and not intended to be a genealogy, however readers with an interest in any family chronicled in the book could contact the author at jms.mackay@bmts.com
Other books in this series still available are :
Book III “Tatters In My Life” tells the very unusual story of Kirsty McCalder who left behind her husband and small daughter in Mariposa Township and came to Concession 1 Arran Township with her brother Donald Galbraith. The fact that she was pregnant when she came and that her husband signed an agreement and sent her money every year until 1894 adds to the puzzle. You must read the book to find the answer.
Book IV “I Think We’ll Go Too” is the story of Flora McNeill, her children and grandchildren and the many lives she touched as a pioneer in Prince Edward Island and Elderslie Township. Widowed eight years after settling on Concession 13, Elderslie Township, her indomitable spirit sustained her through difficult times for ninety-three years. Of her sixty-one grandchildren, only six remained on Ontario and only one of them has descendants living in Elderslie today.
Book V “The Scooptown Diary”. The diary of Hugh Blue opens the window and allows the reader to peek into the lives of the families of Hugh and Angus Blue and their four sisters who came with their spouses and divided a one hundred acre farm into five small units and lived there the rest of their days, clearing the land and raising their families.
Book VI “Down Petticoat Lane"
The books are available from the author for $12 each plus $2 postage or $40 for the set. Mail requests may be sent to
Mary MacKay
Box 16,
Paisley ON
N0G 2N0