Matt and Margaret Hemmingsen had five children throughout the 1910s.1 They named them for heritage and after those with whom they had shared significant hardship. These names were worn in honor through more idyllic family times, by siblings who formed deep abiding friendships. With glorious childhoods stretching through the 1920s, they matured into the depression … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen 1876-1967: The 100 Years Since His Margaret Was Born.
Category: Hemmingsen: Vancouver Island & Logging
Matt Hemmingsen: Chemainus; Fathering, Logging, Prospecting -1912
FAMILY MATTERS Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) and his dear wife, Maggie, concluded 1911 by moving down the Strait of Georgia through the Salish Sea, from the Comox Valley to the town of Chemainus. Lovely Gulf Islands would continue to bejewel their view. For now, Chemainus would be home while he logged at Cowichan Lake. This year, … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen: Chemainus; Fathering, Logging, Prospecting -1912
Memoirs of Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967): The Old Man’s Needlepoint
DEAR SISTER, MARIE OLSDATTER HEMMINGSEN (1880-1899) Sometimes a story is held back because it seems factually unfinished, say, a resting place is still unknown. Perhaps it seems too lean; the person demised young, had no children and no career. All along, a rich tale was already told, to be absorbed and told anew. Our dear … Continue reading Memoirs of Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967): The Old Man’s Needlepoint
Memoirs of Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967): His Postcard – 1911
PREVIEW We have told the story of Matt's years around 1911 twice: once as he made innovations in West Coast logging and again through an oil painting on maple burl that depicted his unique logging operation. This recently received postcard tells his 1911 tale through a deeply personal lens. PREVIOUSLY Past posts took Matt Hemmingsen … Continue reading Memoirs of Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967): His Postcard – 1911
Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: So was Agnes Alexander at the wedding?
The wedding was that of Matt Hemmingsen to the best girl in the world; Margaret Alexander.1 It had taken place in the beautiful Comox Valley on 2 June 1910. It was that same quiet affair which had earlier prompted the question “was Ed Hemmingsen at the wedding?”2 We thought not, but being able to actually qualify … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: So was Agnes Alexander at the wedding?
Miss Denham (1879-1978)
Miss Denham belonged in Granny’s kitchen, just as much as Granny herself. Indeed, she held position at our dining table. We imagine her still, its linen laid, pushing the swing door to pass through the butler pantry and emerge in the kitchen. No one hides kitchen from dining anymore. Pity, for the reverse trip brought … Continue reading Miss Denham (1879-1978)
Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: His Innovations in West Coast Logging 1907-1911
Photo © Sean Hemmingsen 2020 Our Tsolum River post featured Matt Hemmingsen using hands-on expertize that he had gained during river drives in Wisconsin, to correct an epic logjam in British Columbia. That was 1907. Our last post enlarged a segment of photo left, to describe a "log trough" system he developed around 1910. It greatly … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: His Innovations in West Coast Logging 1907-1911
Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Oil Painting on Maple Burl; Logging 1912, Cowichan Lake
Look closely at the tall spar, center left, to see its fine network of wires. We shall enlarge a portion of the picture to explain the logging operation that is underway - Cowichan Lake. Oil on Maple Burl ca 1912, artist unknown. Photo © Sean Hemmingsen 2020 Matt Hemmingsen's memoirs left off in 1910, with … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Oil Painting on Maple Burl; Logging 1912, Cowichan Lake
Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Comox Valley; Sunny Days Ahead!
"On June 2, 1910, I married Margaret Naysmith Alexander, the best girl in the world." - The Memoirs of Mathias Hemmingsen - Victoria B.C. ca 1956.1 COME ALONG ON A STROLL WITH THEM ... ... in beautiful Comox Valley. Our feet will be comforted in crunch of wee twigs, on soft mossy carpet along our … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Comox Valley; Sunny Days Ahead!
Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Lake Cowichan Float-home; Democrat Wagon for Old Logging Horse Billie
Our last post of Memoirs saw Humbird-Weyerhaeuser continue Matt Hemmingsen's employment despite his taking an extended "family leave"; quite the unusual accommodation for 1907. He repaid such patience by clearing the company's long standing logjam on British Columbia's Tsolum River. Shortly thereafter, he quit the job on-the-spot, on account of a horse. Humbird had called … Continue reading Matt Hemmingsen (1876-1967) Memoirs: Lake Cowichan Float-home; Democrat Wagon for Old Logging Horse Billie
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