1

Mabel Elise Harrer
Circa 1863
Heidelburg, Germany
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Kathy Noel

2

Although Elise came to Canada with them Percy rarely mentioned her in his diaries. Elise was a quiet lady who continuously worked to see that everything was in order.
During ten years in Manitoba she only got to leave the farm twice, to travel to Brandon to have land purchased in her name, and when Edwy took her for a day to visit Dico. It was after her death on November 2nd 1903 when she succumbed to ongoing illnesses did Percy mention his first love, in his diary he wrote;
"My memory keeps going backwards and forwards over the 41 years of changes and vicissitudes through which we have traveled together. On every side too here, I see a thousand things to tell me of her work and doings - and how steadily and quietly she laboured for the general good."
Elsie was remembered for her quiet and enduring qualities that were appreciated by the children - who nicknamed her 'Huckey'. She was constantly knitting socks and mitts trying to keep the family equipped with such necessities for the Manitoba winters.

3

Elise's Headstone in the St. Albans Cemetery
20th Century
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Alistair Abell
Sipiweske Museum

4

Elise was the first to be laid to rest in the small cemetery on the homestead. Stuart made a small cement headstone, unmarked; no dates, no name. Each year thereafter Percy would record the anniversary of her birthday and death. Her death was one of the few times he wrote about her in his diary:

"My memory keeps going backwards and forwards over the 41 years of changes and vicissitudes through which we have traveled together. On every side too here, I see a thousand things to tell me of her work and doings - and how steadily and quietly she laboured for the general good."

5

Vane Family Tree
20th Century
South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Criddle/Vane Homestead Heritage Committee

6

Percy registered the girls born to Elise as daughters of Percy Vane and Elise Vane {formerly Harrer}.
On the boys birth certificates they were registered to Percy Criddle and Elise Criddle.

7

Minnie and Isabel
Circa 1950
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Kathy Noel

8

Minnie was already 15 and Isabel aged 14 upon their arrival in Manitoba. The two girls were sent in search of jobs in Wawanesa or Brandon with instructions to forward half of their wages back to the family. The two girls returned to St. Albans occasionally for events such as Christmas or New Years.

9

Minnie Vane
Circa 1893
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Kathy Noel

10

After many years of working in Wawanesa and Brandon, Minnie married Mr. James Brandon in 1902.

11

Minnie (Vane) Brandon and Family
Circa 1910
Kenton, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

12

They had a family of seven, Wesley, Percy, Mary, Mabel, Alice, Gordon and Minnie.

13

Isabel ( Belle Vane) Knight
Circa 1890
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

14

Isabel was the youngest of the Vane girls and upon turning fiftenn spent many years working between Brandon and Wawanesa. She became better known as 'Dido' or 'Dico' and held the responsibility of milking the cows and producing the butter and cream.