Dec 6, 2025. The Archives, Glencoe – Donation and provenance provided by Kathleen Scott, great grand daughter, St. Thomas, Ontario. Received by Mary Simpson and Norm McGill.
This collection of items belonged to the McAlpine and Smith families of 3528 Oil Field Road, near Glencoe, Ontario. At the center of the family story is the marriage of Rebecca Smith and Alexander McAlpine, who were married on April 12, 1899. Their illustrated marriage certificate, preserved inside Alexander’s family Bible, is one of the key artifacts in this collection.
Rebecca and Alexander lived on the family farm on Oil Field Road. After Alexander’s death, the property was eventually purchased by Jim Schieman, and the McAlpine family maintained a warm friendship with the Schieman family for many years afterward. Several items in the collection reflect this long community connection.
Also included are photographs and records connected with the Zavitz, Schieman, and Peters families, who were neighbours and later stewards of the original McAlpine farm. A wedding photo of Peter Schieman’s son is part of this grouping.
These artifacts—Bibles, hymnals, books, and photographs—together illuminate more than a century of rural family life in Southwest Middlesex, documenting marriages, migration, faith, work, and community connections passed down through generations. Thank you Heather for entrusting these treasures to the Glencoe & District Historical Society.
Among the heirlooms is “Smiley’s New and Complete Guide for Housekeepers,” published in London, Ontario. This book belonged to Mary McAlpine, daughter of Alexander and Rebecca. Also preserved is Alexander McAlpine’s Bible, dated September 1844, which contains the original wedding certificate from 1899. A small New Testament, likely belonging to Mary as a child, is also included, along with Seth Parker’s hymnal, probably used at Kilmartin Church, where the family worshipped.
Mary (McAlpine) later married Fred Howson, and raised a daughter at 320 Cheapside Street, London, Ontario, for the remainder of their lives. Their daughter Elizabeth Anne, whose married name was Anne Griffin, passed away in September 2025.
Mary’s brother, Russell McAlpine, also grew up on the family farm. He later became a mechanic in London during the 1930s. Like many small businesses during the Depression, his shop struggled, and sadly Russell died at only 32 years old.
The beautiful blue Jacquard coverlet with ‘Mary McAlpine’ woven into the coverlet with bright red wool was probably used by Heather’s grandmother in the horse and buggy or sleigh.
The family photo album contains images of both the Smith and McAlpine/MacCallum branches. Identified individuals include:
- Christopher MacCallum and his wife Catherine Smith
- Flora May McLachin, and Mrs. Stuart (née Nesbitt)
- A baby portrait of a McLachlan child photographed by William Quatermass of Alvinston
- A young man in hockey gear, 1917, photographed by Quatermass
- A historic photograph of the Glencoe Post Office
- A young Betty Parsons, pictured as a Highland dancer at a McAlpine picnic
- A portrait of Susan Smith, likely Rebecca’s sister, noted for strong family resemblance.
