Fonds consists of 49 original photographs from the Michael Manson family, mostly from the early 20th century (1898-1928). The photographs depict the Manson family, logging and farming on Hernando and Cortes Islands, Michael and Jane Manson's Golden Wedding anniversary, and Florence McKay's 90th birthday celebration. The photographs were originally in an album with handwritten captions along with newspaper articles about Michael Manson, Jane Manson and Florence McKay.
Florence Manson McKay was born Jan. 21, 1900 to Michael and Jane Manson. Michael Manson was the first person to pre-empt land on Cortes Island, a quarter section on Gunflint Lake (present-day Linnaea Farm). Florence married Ervin McKay in 1918. They moved to Hernando Island in 1921 and Ervin worked with extended family members logging there and on Cortes Island. Florence and Ervin had two children: Etta (b. 1918) and Hazel (b. 1920). In 1929 the McKays took over Michael Manson's original pre-emption on Gunflint Lake, where they farmed until retiring in 1950. They moved to Courtenay, turning the farm over to daughter Hazel and her husband Ken Hansen. Florence was widowed in 1978 and returned to Cortes to live with Ken and Hazel, who had sold the farm but kept 16 acres to live on. Florence passed away in 1995.
Custodial History
Florence McKay gathered the photographs and her daughter, Hazel Hansen, compiled the album and wrote the captions. The album was donated to CIMAS by Hazel's son, Albert Hansen, in 2004.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of 49 original photographs from the Michael Manson family, mostly from the early 20th century (1898-1928). The photographs depict the Manson family, logging and farming on Hernando and Cortes Islands, Michael and Jane Manson's Golden Wedding anniversary, and Florence McKay's 90th birthday celebration. The photographs were originally in an album with handwritten captions along with newspaper articles about Michael Manson, Jane Manson and Florence McKay.
Michael and John Manson's parents, John and Margaret Manson, and some of their children.
Back row, L to R: Barbara and Margaret.
Centre row, L to R: John Manson, Margaret Manson and Robina.
Front row, L to R: John and William.
Michael and John Manson's parents, John and Margaret Manson, and some of their children.
Back row, L to R: Barbara and Margaret.
Centre row, L to R: John Manson, Margaret Manson and Robina.
Front row, L to R: John and William.
Portrait of Michael and Jane Manson and their children.
Back row, L to R: Robina, Michael Manson, Wilfred,Ethel.
Centre row, L to R: Margaret, Hazel, Jane Manson.
Front row, L to R: Florence, Gwendoline, Flossie.
Robina and Ethel, and Florence and Flossie were sets of twins.
Portrait of Michael and Jane Manson and their children.
Back row, L to R: Robina, Michael Manson, Wilfred,Ethel.
Centre row, L to R: Margaret, Hazel, Jane Manson.
Front row, L to R: Florence, Gwendoline, Flossie.
Robina and Ethel, and Florence and Flossie were sets of twins.
Michael Manson with four of his daughters standing with forest in the background (same background as photograph 2004.001.005).
L to R: Ethel, Mike Manson with his hand on shoulder of Flossie, Gwen, Hazel
Michael Manson with four of his daughters standing with forest in the background (same background as photograph 2004.001.005).
L to R: Ethel, Mike Manson with his hand on shoulder of Flossie, Gwen, Hazel
Rose (L) in overalls and her cousin Florence standing with a dog standing by trees at the John Manson home, Sunny Brae farm.
Rose was the daughter of John and Margaret Manson; Florence was the daughter of Michael and Jane Manson.
Rose (L) in overalls and her cousin Florence standing with a dog standing by trees at the John Manson home, Sunny Brae farm.
Rose was the daughter of John and Margaret Manson; Florence was the daughter of Michael and Jane Manson.
Feeding the hens. Children, L - R: Etta McKay, Dorothy Manson (smallest), Hazel McKay. Florence McKay is in the shadows on the porch of the small "house on the hill" at Stag Bay, Hernando Island. This is the house originally built by George Freeman ca. 1915.
Feeding the hens. Children, L - R: Etta McKay, Dorothy Manson (smallest), Hazel McKay. Florence McKay is in the shadows on the porch of the small "house on the hill" at Stag Bay, Hernando Island. This is the house originally built by George Freeman ca. 1915.
Florence and Rose Manson, cousins, posing in the limbs of a blossoming cherry tree at Sunny Brae farm. John Manson's first house and a picket fence are in the background. Florence was the daughter of Michael and Jane Manson; Rose was the daughter of John and Margaret Manson.
Florence and Rose Manson, cousins, posing in the limbs of a blossoming cherry tree at Sunny Brae farm. John Manson's first house and a picket fence are in the background. Florence was the daughter of Michael and Jane Manson; Rose was the daughter of John and Margaret Manson.
