Gwen Tuinman

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Pioneer Christmas and New Years

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What better way for an author to brush up against the hardships and daily lives of pioneers, than to participate in a living history event? Before the snow flew this winter, I visited Pickering Museum Village to experience Christmas and New Years traditions as celebrated by some of the earliest settlers in our region. History was brought to life throughout the village by museum staff, volunteers, and a group of performers known as The Backwoods Players.
Continue reading “Pioneer Christmas and New Years” →

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Irish Methodist Ties to Bermuda’s History

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In mid March, I found myself wandering along the cobblestone streets of  historic Bermudian village of St. George’s. When my husband had suggested weeks earlier that we visit Bermuda, I endorsed the idea with zeal.  Admittedly, I knew little about the country except for the association with blue sky, warm temperatures and a salty ocean breeze.  I was completely unaware of Bermuda’s Irish connection. Continue reading “Irish Methodist Ties to Bermuda’s History” →

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Missionaries and the Klondike Gold Rush

Presbyterian missionaries enroute to Klondike

A few days ago, I naively set off to research missionary activity during the Klondike Gold Rush without appreciation for how sprawling the topic was.  I had expected to unearth a few quaint tales of starry-eyed young ladies stepping down from atop wagon benches, their hearts aflame and a bible tucked beneath their arms. Instead, I read about reverends, mission schools, reindeer importing, hospitals and nurses. The presence of faiths like Russian Orthodox and Quaker took me by surprise. Continue reading “Missionaries and the Klondike Gold Rush” →

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Curating Wonder — The Fireplace

Fireplace group Wildwood Continue reading “Curating Wonder — The Fireplace” →

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Curating Wonder — Old Fashioned Christmas

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Soapy Smith: Gangster in the Klondike

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I don’t always remember names but I remembered this one:  Soapy Smith. About a year ago, I read borrowed a copy of The Klondike Quest by Pierre Berton. The book belongs to my mother in law and carries great sentimental value as it was a gift from her sister who moved to the Yukon several years ago.

(Please enjoy this Wellspring Podcast of Soapy Smith: Gangster in the Klondike.)

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Standing by the Millpond

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Travel ignites my imagination. Whether venturing off to a destination far away, or one closer to home, a change of scenery and a new experience leads me to a new writing idea. My recent weekend trip to a small town, a few hours drive from my own, was no exception. Continue reading “Standing by the Millpond” →

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Curating Wonder — Canadian Nurses: WWI

62dbc87501cdbc8b8850c7a57e619e51 Continue reading “Curating Wonder — Canadian Nurses: WWI” →

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Postal Service for Pioneers in Canada

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In my trek through Canada’s postal history, I’ve discovered a colourful array of similarly delightful details– dogsled, horse carts, penny farthings, and telegraphs. They all provided that glimpse into yesteryear that I enjoy reading about. Continue reading “Postal Service for Pioneers in Canada” →

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