Golden Leaves

Attic Books Verified independent store

→

Eloise A. Skimings was born in Goderich, Ontario on May 2, 1836 and died April 7, 1921 in Clinton. Never marrying, she spent her life in Goderich living with her brother William. S he taught music and was a principal at Goderich Model School as well as being a columnist for the Clinton News-Record. As this book indicates, she was also a poet, although the volume also includes poems by another brother, Lt. Richard Skimings (1846-69). She often wrote poems in honour of VIPs who visited Goderich. Eloise became known as the "Poetess of Lake Huron" and was one of Goderich's best-known citizens. She and Richard are both buried in Goderich's Maitland Cemetery. "Golden Leaves" contains memorial poems to the deceased, lines written to various friends, and poems which mark specific occasions such as "Easter," "October," "Wedding Bells," "Christmas Morn," "Canada's Farewell to Louise and Lorne," etc. Richard preferred to write about Lake Huron, the River Maitland, a Southern Soldier, and other less personal subjects. He received an award at age 15 from the headmaster of Goderich High School for the best poem on the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada: "H.R. H. Albert Edward." Show more