

Gwen Tuinman
Gwen Tuinman is a novelist, born and raised in rural southern Ontario. Fascinated by the landscape of human tenacity, she writes about people navigating the social restrictions of their era. Her storytelling is influenced by an interest in bygone days. As a mentor, she helps women writers to shed emotional armour so they can reclaim their self-expression, dream bigger and learn to guide themselves through new creative risks. Gwen lives in the Kawartha Lakes region with her husband. Her forthcoming novel will be published in the spring of 2024 by Random House Canada.
September 3, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Gwen, these are terrific photos.
September 4, 2017 at 9:02 am
Thank you, Brett. I never tire is searching for these images. Every face holds so much interest. The last photo is the most impacting, I think. Such a disparity between the hopeful demeanour of the young teacher and the emotions of her students.
September 4, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Gwen, yes, that last image struck me the same way.
September 4, 2017 at 7:47 am
Those must have been austere school days! But I’m sure they had their fun and worthwhile moments too.
September 4, 2017 at 9:09 am
I’m sure you’re right on that account. A simpler time. My own grandmother road a pony to school. In my first rural grade school, we reached through a fence to pet cows. We even ice skates at lunch recess. Rules prohibit that now!