Keepsakes, souvenirs, memory books. Our need to mark and remember significant moments and events with something tangible is central to the sentimentality in all of us.
The Victorians developed a unique - some might say creepy - way to commemorate our personal milestones.
During the 1850s to '70s, a custom developed to make a decorative wreath from the hair of a friend or relative. It was considered a good keepsake of love and friendship and was similar in nature to the much older custom of putting a lock of hair in a locket. It is important to mention that many of these wreaths are called "mourning wreaths" and were crafted from hair from the body of a loved one who had died. It was not always thus; just as often, hair was used from babies, brides, grooms and baptisms to mark the more celebratory aspects of life.
The skill required to craft these pieces of art was extraordinary. The human hair was twisted, sewed or crocheted around a wire to create intricate patterns. These patterns and designs were well documented in the ladies' magazines of the day. (Yes, it was the women who created these works of art since it was the women's best handiwork or fancy work that decorated houses.)
The flowers were then arranged in the shape of a horse-shoe, with the upper end open to symbolize the ascent to heaven as well as good luck. The finished piece was placed in shadow box frame. The hair flowers range in colour and it is evident that the hair comes from many people.
Mackin House Museum is lucky to have a beautiful example of hair art. The Gamache family hair wreath was donated to the Museum more than 20 years ago and hangs prominently over our 1896 piano in the vintage parlour.
Rene Gamache came to Maillardville in 1926 when he was 13 and went to work at Fraser Mills when he was 15, staying there until his retirement in 1973. A lock of his hair is in the picture along with locks from his siblings and parents.
The wreath was started in 1906 but there is no clear record of when it was completed. We believe it spans three generations of this pioneer family.
One of our favourite questions to ask visitors to the museum is: "What do you think this picture is made of?" Most often, people reply "pinecones."
Come take a look for yourself. It really isn't creepy. It is, rather, a beautifully-wrought tribute to a family.
Your History is a column in which, once a month, representatives of the Tri-Cities' three heritage groups writes about local history. Jill Cook is executive director of the Coquitlam Heritage Society.
